Abstract: Liposome plays an important role in medical and
pharmaceutical science as e.g. nano scale drug carriers. Liposomes
are vesicles of varying size consisting of a spherical lipid bilayer and
an aqueous inner compartment. Magnet-driven liposome used for the
targeted delivery of drugs to organs and tissues. These liposome
preparations contain encapsulated drug components and finely
dispersed magnetic particles.
Liposomes are vesicles of varying size consisting of a spherical
lipid bilayer and an aqueous inner compartment that are generated in
vitro. These are useful in terms of biocompatibility, biodegradability,
and low toxicity, and can control biodistribution by changing the size,
lipid composition, and physical characteristics. Furthermore,
liposomes can entrap both hydrophobic and hydrophilic drugs and are
able to continuously release the entrapped substrate, thus being useful
drug carriers. Magnetic liposomes (MLs) are phospholipid vesicles
that encapsulate magneticor paramagnetic nanoparticles. They are
applied as contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
The biological synthesis of nanoparticles using plant extracts plays
an important role in the field of nanotechnology. Green-synthesized
magnetite nanoparticles-protein hybrid has been produced by treating
Iron (III) / Iron (II) chloride with the leaf extract of Datura inoxia.
The phytochemicals present in the leaf extracts act as a reducing as
well stabilizing agents preventing agglomeration, which include
flavonoids, phenolic compounds, cardiac glycosides, proteins and
sugars.
The magnetite nanoparticles-protein hybrid has been trapped
inside the aqueous core of the liposome prepared by reversed phase
evaporation (REV) method using oleic and linoleic acid which has
been shown to be driven under magnetic field confirming the
formation magnetic liposome (ML). Chemical characterization of
stealth magnetic liposome has been performed by breaking the
liposome and release of magnetic nanoparticles. The presence iron
has been confirmed by colour complex formation with KSCN and
UV-Vis study using spectrophotometer Cary 60, Agilent.
This magnet driven liposome using nanoparticles-protein hybrid
can be a smart vesicles for the targeted drug delivery.
Abstract: GRF, Growth regulating factor, genes encode a novel
class of plant-specific transcription factors. The GRF proteins play a
role in the regulation of cell numbers in young and growing tissues
and may act as transcription activations in growth and development
of plants. Identification of GRF genes and their expression are
important in plants to performance of the growth and development of
various organs. In this study, to better understanding the structural
and functional differences of GRFs family, 45 GRF proteins
sequences in A. thaliana, Z. mays, O. sativa, B. napus, B. rapa, H.
vulgare and S. bicolor, have been collected and analyzed through
bioinformatics data mining. As a result, in secondary structure of
GRFs, the number of alpha helices was more than beta sheets and in
all of them QLQ domains were completely in the biggest alpha helix.
In all GRFs, QLQ and WRC domains were completely protected
except in AtGRF9. These proteins have no trans-membrane domain
and due to have nuclear localization signals act in nuclear and they
are component of unstable proteins in the test tube.
Abstract: Fritillaria oranensis (Liliaceae) was described in 1874
by pomel from Algeria. Plant samples have been collected from the
mount of Tessala (Sidi-Bel-Abbes). The morphological features of
various organs of the plant are described in detail. In the
morphological part of the study, features of various organs of the
plants such as stem and leaf were determined and illustrated.
Ecological studies provide information about the physical and
chemical structure of soil types in Tessala Mountain. The aim of this
original investigation is to put forth ecological and anatomical
features of these species for the first time, but at the same time given
detailed account of the morphological characteristics of the stem and
leaf of Fritillaria oranensis.
Abstract: The study aimed to collect morphological data of
secretory structures that contribute to taxonomy of Indigofera. Detail
features of trichomes occurrence in vegetative and reproductive
organs of Indigofera wightii Grah. ex Wigh & Arn., a species
traditionally used as source of indigo to dye “Thaisongdam” clothing
were investigated. Examination through light microscopy and
scanning electrom microscopy were done. Non secretory, T-shaped
trichomes appeared throughout surfaces of stems, leaves, flowers and
fruits. Secretory or glandular trichomes occurred in two types; one
has big cylindrical head and short peduncle, distributed on adaxial
surface of sepals and around the pedicel, whereas another possesses
smaller cylindrical head but long peduncle. The latter was found on
apical surface of immature pods. No phenolic and lipophilic
compounds were detected from these glands.
Abstract: The objective is to identify the contributions from the introduction of the computerized system deal within the Accounting Department of Brazilian Navy Financial Directorship and its possible effects on the budgetary and financial harvest of Brazilian Navy. The relevance lies in the fact that the management process is responsible for the continuous improvement of organizational performance through higher levels of quality in their activities. Improvements in organizational processes have direct effects on crops cost, quality, reliability, flexibility and speed. The method of study of this research is the case study. The choice of case study attended, among other demands, a need for greater flexibility to study processes related to a computerized system. The sources of evidence were used literature, documentary and direct observation. Direct observation was made by monitoring the implementation of the computerized system in the Division of Management Analysis. The main findings of the study point to the fact that the computerized system may contribute significantly to the standardization of information. There was improvement of internal processes in the division of management analysis, made possible the consolidation of a standard management and performance analysis that contribute to global homogeneity in the treatment of information essential to the process of decision making. This study has limitations related to the fact the search result be subject exclusively to the case studied, and it is impossible to generalize to other organs of government.
Abstract: This action research accentuates the outcome of a development in English pronunciation, using principles of phonetics for English major students at Loei Rajabhat University. The research is split into 5 separate modules: 1) Organs of Speech and How to Produce Sounds, 2) Monopthongs, 3) Diphthongs, 4) Consonant sounds, and 5) Suprasegmental Features. Each module followed a 4 step action research process, 1) Planning, 2) Acting, 3) Observing, and 4) Reflecting. The research targeted 2nd year students who were majoring in English Education at Loei Rajabhat University during the academic year of 2011. A mixed methodology employing both quantitative and qualitative research was used, which put theory into action, taking segmental features up to suprasegmental features. Multiple tools were employed which included the following documents: pre-test and post-test papers, evaluation and assessment papers, group work assessment forms, a presentation grading form, an observation of participants form and a participant self-reflection form.
All 5 modules for the target group showed that results from the post-tests were higher than those of the pre-tests, with 0.01 statistical significance. All target groups attained results ranging from low to moderate and from moderate to high performance. The participants who attained low to moderate results had to re-sit the second round. During the first development stage, participants attended classes with group participation, in which they addressed planning through mutual co-operation and sharing of responsibility. Analytic induction of strong points for this operation illustrated that learner cognition, comprehension, application, and group practices were all present whereas the participants with weak results could be attributed to biological differences, differences in life and learning, or individual differences in responsiveness and self-discipline.
Participants who were required to be re-treated in Spiral 2 received the same treatment again. Results of tests from the 5 modules after the 2nd treatment were that the participants attained higher scores than those attained in the pre-test. Their assessment and development stages also showed improved results. They showed greater confidence at participating in activities, produced higher quality work, and correctly followed instructions for each activity. Analytic induction of strong and weak points for this operation remains the same as for Spiral 1, though there were improvements to problems which existed prior to undertaking the second treatment.
Abstract: Bacteria flora of Clarias gariepinus collected from two natural habitats namely Owena River (freshwater) and Igbokoda lagoon (brackish water) were examined using standard microbiological procedures. Thirteen bacterial species were identified. The result indicated that from the identified bacteria isolated, Vibrio sp, Proteus sp. Shigella sp. and E. coli were present in both habitats (fresh and brackish waters). Others were habitat-selective such as Salmonella sp., Pseudomonas sp, Enterococcus sp, Staphylococcus sp. that were found only in freshwater habitat. While Branhamella sp, Streptococcus sp. and Micrococcus sp. were found in brackish water habitat. Bacteria load from Owena river (freshwater) was found to be the highest load recorded at 6.21 x 104cfu. T-test analysis also revealed that there was a marked significant difference between bacterial load in guts of sampled Clarias from fresh water and brackish water habitats.
Abstract: The nanotechnology offers some exciting possibilities in cancer treatment, including the possibility of destroying tumors with minimal damage to healthy tissue and organs by targeted drug delivery systems. Considerable achievements in investigations aimed at the use of ZnO nanoparticles and nanocontainers in diagnostics and antitumor therapy were described. However, there are substantial obstacles to the purposes to be achieved by the use of zinc oxide nanosize materials in antitumor therapy. Among the serious problems are the techniques of obtaining ZnO nanosize materials. The article presents a new vector delivery system for the known antitumor drug, doxorubicin in the form of polymeric (PEO, starch-NaCMC) hydrogels, in which nanosize ZnO film of a certain thickness are deposited directly on the drug surface on glass substrate by DC-magnetron sputtering of a zinc target. Anticancer activity in vitro and in vivo of those nanosize zinc oxide composites is shown.
Abstract: The environmental pollution by heavy metals became
more problematic nowadays. To solve the problem of Cadmium
accumulation in human organs which lead to dangerous effects on
human health, and to determine its concentration, the organic legand
1-phenyl-3-benzoyl-2-thiourea was used to extract the cadmium ions
from its solution. This legand as one of thiourea derivatives was
successfully synthesized. The legand was characterized by NMR and
CHN elemental analysis, and used to extract the cadmium from its
solutions by formation of a stable complex at neutral pH. The
complex was characterized by elemental analysis and melting point.
The concentrations of cadmium ions before and after the extraction
were determined by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS).
The data show the percentage of the extract was more than 98.7% of
the concentration of cadmium used in the study
Abstract: Radiation doses to tissues and organs were measured using the anthropomorphic phantom as an equivalent to the human body. When high-energy X-rays are externally applied to treat laryngeal cancer, the absorbed dose at the laryngeal lumen is lower than given dose because of air space, which it should pass through, before reaching the lesion. Specially, in case of high-energy X-rays, the loss of dose is considerable. Three-dimensional absorbed dose distributions have been computed for high-energy photon radiation therapy of laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancers, using a coaxial pair of opposing lateral beams in fixed positions. Treatment plans obtained under various conditions of irradiation.
Abstract: A total of 60 male mule ducks and 60 male Muscovy ducks were allotted into three groups (n = 20) to estimate the effects of overfeeding (two and four meals) versus ad libitum feeding on productive performance traits, foie gras production, internal organs, and blood parameters.
The results show that force-feeding four meals significantly increased (P < 0.01) body weight, weight gain, and gain percentage compared to force-feeding two meals. Both force-feeding regimes (two or four meals) induced significantly higher body weight, weight gain, gain percentage, and absolute carcass weight than ad libitum feeding; however, carcass percentage was significantly higher in ad libitum feeding. Mule ducks had significantly higher weight gain and weight gain percentages than Muscovy ducks.
Feed consumption per kilogram of foie gras and per kilogram weight gain was lower for the four-meal than for the two-meal forced feeding regime. Force-feeding four meals induced significantly higher liver weight and percentage (488.96 ± 25.78g, 7.82 ± 0.40%) than force-feeding two meals (381.98 ± 13.60g, 6.42 ± 0.21%). Moreover, feed conversion was significantly higher under forced feeding than under ad libitum feeding (77.65 ± 3.41g, 1.72 ± 0.05%; P < 0.01).
Forced feeding (two or four meals) increased all organ weights (intestine, proventriculus, heart, spleen, and pancreas) over ad libitum feeding weights, except for the gizzard; however intestinal and abdominal fat values were higher for four-meal forced feeding than for two-meal forced feeding.
Overfeeding did not change blood parameters significantly compared to ad libitum feeding; however, four-meal forced feeding improved the quality of foie gras since it significantly increased the percentage of grade A foie gras (62.5%) at the expense of grades B (33.33%) and C (4.17%) compared with the two-meal forced feeding.
The mortality percentage among Muscovy ducks during the forced feeding period was 22.5%, compared to 0% in mule ducks. Liver weight was highly significantly correlated with life weight after overfeeding and certain blood plasma traits.
Abstract: Takerbucht is the only cultivar of date palm known as being resistant to the bayoud disease, caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. albedinis (F.o.a.). In the aim to understand more about the defense mechanisms implied, we realized phytochemical analyses of this cultivar leaflets and roots and this, for the first time, using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS).The examination of our results shows that fifty-four molecules have been detected, fourteen of which are common to leaflets and roots. This study revealed also the organs' richness in derivatives fatty acids: both saturated and unsaturated are represented mainly by methyl esters of Hexadecanoic and 9,12,15-Octadecatrienoic acids. 1-Dodecanethiol, derivative Dodecanoic acid is only present in roots. It’s of great interest to note that the screening revealed the steroidal saponins abundance, among which Yamogenin acetate and Diosgenin, exclusively detected in Takerbucht. They may play an essential role, in the date palm resistance to the bayoud disease.
Abstract: Utilizing echoic intension and distribution from different organs and local details of human body, ultrasonic image can catch important medical pathological changes, which unfortunately may be affected by ultrasonic speckle noise. A feature preserving ultrasonic image denoising and edge enhancement scheme is put forth, which includes two terms: anisotropic diffusion and edge enhancement, controlled by the optimum smoothing time. In this scheme, the anisotropic diffusion is governed by the local coordinate transformation and the first and the second order normal derivatives of the image, while the edge enhancement is done by the hyperbolic tangent function. Experiments on real ultrasonic images indicate effective preservation of edges, local details and ultrasonic echoic bright strips on denoising by our scheme.
Abstract: This study examined the toxicological effects and
safety of polypeptide k isolated from the seeds of Momordica
charantia in laboratory rats. 30 male Sprague Dawley rats (12 weeks
old, bodyweight 180-200 g) were randomly divided into 3 groups
(1000 mg/kg, 500 mg and 0 mg/kg). Rats were acclimatized to
laboratory conditions for 7 days and at day 8 rats were dosed orally
with polypeptide k (in 2% DMSO/normal saline) and the controls
received the dosed vehicle only. Rats were then observed for 72
hours before sacrificed. Rats were anaesthetized by pentobarbital
(50 mg/kg ip) and 2-3.0 mL of blood was taken by cardiac puncture
and rats were scarified by anaesthetic overdose. Immediately, organs
(heart, lungs, liver, kidneys) were weigh and taken for histology.
Organ sections were then evaluated by a histopathologist. Serum
samples were assayed for liver functions (ALT and γ-GT) and kidney
functions (BUN and creatinine). All rats showed normal behavior
after the dosing and no statistical changes were observed in all blood
parameters and organ weight. Histological examinations revealed
normal organ structures. In conclusion, dosing of rats up to 1000
mg/kg did not have any effects on the rat behavior, liver or kidney
functions nor histology of the selected organs.
Abstract: The passive electrical properties of a tissue depends
on the intrinsic constituents and its structure, therefore by measuring
the complex electrical impedance of the tissue it might be possible to
obtain indicators of the tissue state or physiological activity [1].
Complete bio-impedance information relative to physiology and
pathology of a human body and functional states of the body tissue or
organs can be extracted by using a technique containing a fourelectrode
measurement setup. This work presents the estimation
measurement setup based on the four-electrode technique. First, the
complex impedance is estimated by three different estimation
techniques: Fourier, Sine Correlation and Digital De-convolution and
then estimation errors for the magnitude, phase, reactance and
resistance are calculated and analyzed for different levels of
disturbances in the observations. The absolute values of relative
errors are plotted and the graphical performance of each technique is
compared.
Abstract: In order to answer the general question: “What does a simple agent with a limited life-time require for constructing a useful representation of the environment?" we propose a robot platform including the simplest probabilistic sensory and motor layers. Then we use the platform as a test-bed for evaluation of the navigational capabilities of the robot with different “brains". We claim that a protocognitive behavior is not a consequence of highly sophisticated sensory–motor organs but instead emerges through an increment of the internal complexity and reutilization of the minimal sensory information. We show that the most fundamental robot element, the short-time memory, is essential in obstacle avoidance. However, in the simplest conditions of no obstacles the straightforward memoryless robot is usually superior. We also demonstrate how a low level action planning, involving essentially nonlinear dynamics, provides a considerable gain to the robot performance dynamically changing the robot strategy. Still, however, for very short life time the brainless robot is superior. Accordingly we suggest that small organisms (or agents) with short life-time does not require complex brains and even can benefit from simple brain-like (reflex) structures. To some extend this may mean that controlling blocks of modern robots are too complicated comparative to their life-time and mechanical abilities.
Abstract: Organ motion, especially respiratory motion, is a technical challenge to radiation therapy planning and dosimetry. This motion induces displacements and deformation of the organ tissues within the irradiated region which need to be taken into account when simulating dose distribution during treatment. Finite element modeling (FEM) can provide a great insight into the mechanical behavior of the organs, since they are based on the biomechanical material properties, complex geometry of organs, and anatomical boundary conditions. In this paper we present an original approach that offers the possibility to combine image-based biomechanical models with particle transport simulations. We propose a new method to map material density information issued from CT images to deformable tetrahedral meshes. Based on the principle of mass conservation our method can correlate density variation of organ tissues with geometrical deformations during the different phases of the respiratory cycle. The first results are particularly encouraging, as local error quantification of density mapping on organ geometry and density variation with organ motion are performed to evaluate and validate our approach.
Abstract: Mushrooms are a group of fleshy macroscopic fungi.
They have been valued throughout the world as both edible and
medicine. They are highly nutritious with good amount of quality
proteins, vitamins and minerals. An edible mushroom, Calocybe
indica was selected to validate its nutritional and medicinal
properties. Since tissue damage in hyperglycemia has been related to
oxidative stress, we evaluated the enzymatic and non-enzymatic
antioxidant status in the serum, liver and kidney since they are the
target organs in diabetic complications. From the results, increased
oxidative stress and decreased antioxidants might be related to the
causation of diabetes mellitus. The treatment in the diabetic rats with
the Calocybe indica showed an increase in the antioxidant system
and decrease in the production of free radicals. The mushrooms
which contain antioxidant phytochemicals has potential free radical
scavenging capacity and hence can induce the antioxidant system in
the body significantly reduces the generated free radicals thereby
maintaining the normal levels of the antioxidants
Abstract: The autonomic nervous system has a regulatory
structure that helps people adapt to changes in their environment by
adjusting or modifying some functions in response to stress, and regulating involuntary function of human organs. The purpose of this
study was to investigate the effect of combined stimulation, both
far-infrared heating and chiropractic, on the autonomic nervous system
activities using thermal image and heart rate variability. Six healthy subjects participated in this test. We compared the before and after
autonomic nervous system activities through obtaining thermal image
and photoplethysmogram signal. The thermal images showed that the
combined stimulation changed subject-s body temperature more
highly and widely than before. The result of heart rate variability
indicated that LF/HF ratio decreased. We concluded that combined
stimulation activates autonomic nervous system, and expected other
possibilities of this combined stimulation.
Abstract: Liver segmentation is the first significant process for
liver diagnosis of the Computed Tomography. It segments the liver
structure from other abdominal organs. Sophisticated filtering techniques
are indispensable for a proper segmentation. In this paper, we
employ a 3D anisotropic diffusion as a preprocessing step. While
removing image noise, this technique preserve the significant parts
of the image, typically edges, lines or other details that are important
for the interpretation of the image. The segmentation task is done
by using thresholding with automatic threshold values selection and
finally the false liver region is eliminated using 3D connected component.
The result shows that by employing the 3D anisotropic filtering,
better liver segmentation results could be achieved eventhough simple
segmentation technique is used.