bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Abatement of trichloroethylene using DBD plasma
Authors: Vesali-Naseh M. , Xu S. , Xu L. , Khodadadi A. , Mortazavi Y. , Ostrikov K.
Published: August 2014

Dielectric barrier discharge plasma was used to oxidize trichloroethylene (TCE) in 21% of O 2 in carriers of N 2 and He . The degradation products of TCE were analyzed using gas chromatography mass spectrometry. TCE was decomposed completely at optimum energy density of 260 and 300 J/l for He and N 2, respectively and its conversion followed zero order reaction. The TCE removal efficiency is decreased in humid air due to interception of reactive intermediates by OH radicals.
Accounting for biological aggregation in heating and imaging of magnetic nanoparticles
Authors: Etheridge Michael L. , Hurley Katie R. , Zhang Jinjin , Jeon Seongho , Ring Hattie L. , Hogan Christopher , Haynes Christy L. , Garwood Michael , Bischof John C.
Published: August 2014

Aggregation is a known consequence of nanoparticle use in biology and medicine; however, nanoparticle characterization is typically performed under the pretext of well-dispersed, aqueous conditions. Here, we systematically characterize the effects of aggregation on the alternating magnetic field induced heating and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging performance of iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) in non-ideal biological systems. Specifically, the behavior of IONP aggregates composed of ~ 10 nm primary particles, but with aggregate hydrodynamic sizes ranging from 50 nm to 700 nm, was characterized in phosphate buffered saline and fetal bovine serum suspensions, as well as in gels and cells. We demonstrate up to a 50% reduction in heating, linked to the extent of aggregation. To quantify aggregate morphology, we used a combination of hydrodynamic radii distribution, intrinsic viscosity, and electron microscopy measurements to describe the aggregates as quasifractal entities with fractal dimensions in the 1.8–2.0 range. Importantly, we are able to correlate the observed decrease in magnetic field induced heating with a corresponding decrease in longitudinal relaxation rate (R1) in MR imaging, irrespective of the extent of aggregation. Finally, we show in vivo proof-of-principle use of this powerful new imaging method, providing a critical tool for predicting heating in clinical cancer hyperthermia.
Petroleum column-height controls in the western Hammerfest Basin, Barents Sea
Authors: Hermanrud Christian , Halkjelsvik Malene Eikås , Kristiansen Kine , Bernal Asdrúbal , Strömbäck Anna Christiana
Published: August 2014

Hydrocarbon leakage is a major exploration challenge in the western Hammerfest Basin. Most exploration failures in the area have been attributed to leakage; hydrocarbon-bearing traps are rarely filled to their structural capacity, and almost all traps have hydrocarbon shows down to their structural spillpoint or below.

We have investigated to what extent the hydrocarbon column heights can be explained by vertical leakage along faults or at fault intersections. For the fields that we evaluated we observe that: (a) all dry structures have fault intersections at top reservoir level up dip of the well position: (b) the only structure where no faults intersect at top reservoir level is the only structure that is clearly filled to structural spillpoint; and (c) all fluid contacts in underfilled structures broadly coincide with the position of intersecting faults. The underfilled structures have less than two fault intersections up dip and above the gas-bearing reservoir. We suggest that vertical leakage at fault intersections has exerted a main control on the position of the gas–water contacts in the western Hammerfest Basin, and therefore that hydrocarbon column-height predictions can be improved by addressing the positions of such intersections at the top reservoir surface.
The interpretation of amplitude changes in 4D seismic data arising from gas exsolution and dissolution
Authors: Falahat Reza , Obidegwu Dennis , Shams Asghar , MacBeth Colin
Published: August 2014

This study examines the four-dimensional (4D) seismic signatures from multiple seismic surveys shot during gas exsolution and dissolution in a producing hydrocarbon reservoir, and focuses in particular on what reservoir information may be extracted from their analysis. To aid in this process, hydrocarbon gas properties and behaviour are studied, and their relationship to the fluid-flow physics is understood using numerical simulation. This knowledge is then applied to interpret the seismic response of a turbidite field in the UK Continental Shelf (UKCS). It is concluded that for a repeat seismic survey shot 6 months or more after a pressure change above or below bubble point (as in our field case), the gas-saturation distribution during either exsolution or dissolution exists in two fixed saturation conditions defined by the critical and the maximum possible gas saturation. Awareness of this condition facilitates an interpretation of the data from our field example, which has surveys repeated at intervals of 12–24 months, to obtain an estimate of the critical gas saturation of between 0.6 and 4.0%. These low values are consistent with a range of measurements from laboratory and numerical studies in the open literature. Our critical gas-saturation estimate is also in qualitative agreement with the solution gas–oil ratios estimated in a material balance exercise using our data. It is not found possible to quantify the maximum gas saturation using the 4D seismic data alone, despite the advantage of having multiple surveys, owing to the insensitivity of the seismic amplitudes to the magnitude of this gas saturation. Assessment of the residual gas saturation left behind after secondary gas-cap contraction during the dissolution phase suggests that small values of less than a few per cent may be appropriate. The results are masked to some extent by an underlying water flood. It is believed that the methodology and approach used in this study may be readily generalized to other moderate- to high-permeability oil reservoirs, and used as input in simulation model updating.
Denotational Semantics with Nominal Scott Domains
Authors: Lösch Steffen , Pitts Andrew M.
Published: August 2014

When defining computations over syntax as data, one often runs into tedious issues concerning
α
-equivalence and semantically correct manipulations of binding constructs. Here we study a semantic framework in which these issues can be dealt with automatically by the programming language. We take the user-friendly “nominal” approach in which bound objects are named. In particular, we develop a version of Scott domains within nominal sets and define two programming languages whose denotational semantics are based on those domains. The first language,
λν
-PCF, is an extension of Plotkin’s PCF with names that can be swapped, tested for equality and locally scoped; although simple, it already exposes most of the semantic subtleties of our approach. The second language, PNA, extends the first with name abstraction and concretion so that it can be used for metaprogramming over syntax with binders.

For both languages, we prove a full abstraction result for nominal Scott domains analogous to Plotkin’s classic result about PCF and conventional Scott domains: two program phrases have the same observable operational behaviour in all contexts if and only if they denote equal elements of the nominal Scott domain model. This is the first full abstraction result we know of for languages combining higher-order functions with some form of locally scoped names which uses a domain theory based on ordinary extensional functions, rather than using the more intensional approach of game semantics.

To obtain full abstraction, we need to add two functionals, one for existential quantification over names and one for “definite description” over names. Only adding one of them is not enough, as we give counter-examples to full abstraction in both cases.
Random Slicing
Authors: Miranda Alberto , Effert Sascha , Kang Yangwook , Miller Ethan L. , Popov Ivan , Brinkmann Andre , Friedetzky Tom , Cortes Toni
Published: August 2014

The ever-growing amount of data requires highly scalable storage solutions. The most flexible approach is to use storage pools that can be expanded and scaled down by adding or removing storage devices. To make this approach usable, it is necessary to provide a solution to locate data items in such a dynamic environment. This article presents and evaluates the Random Slicing strategy, which incorporates lessons learned from table-based, rule-based, and pseudo-randomized hashing strategies and is able to provide a simple and efficient strategy that scales up to handle exascale data. Random Slicing keeps a small table with information about previous storage system insert and remove operations, drastically reducing the required amount of randomness while delivering a perfect load distribution.
Role of capsaicin-sensitive peripheral sensory neurons in anorexic responses to intravenous infusions of cholecystokinin, peptide YY-(3–36), and glucagon-like peptide-1 in rats
Authors: Reidelberger Roger , Haver Alvin , Anders Krista , Apenteng Bettye
Published: August 2014

Cholecystokinin (CCK)-induced suppression of feeding is mediated by vagal sensory neurons that are destroyed by the neurotoxin capsaicin (CAP). Here we determined whether CAP-sensitive neurons mediate anorexic responses to intravenous infusions of gut hormones peptide YY-(3–36) [PYY-(3–36)] and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). Rats received three intraperitoneal injections of CAP or vehicle (VEH) in 24 h. After recovery, non-food-deprived rats received at dark onset a 3-h intravenous infusion of CCK-8 (5, 17 pmol·kg−1·min−1), PYY-(3–36) (5, 17, 50 pmol·kg−1·min−1), or GLP-1 (17, 50 pmol·kg−1·min−1). CCK-8 was much less effective in reducing food intake in CAP vs. VEH rats. CCK-8 at 5 and 17 pmol·kg−1·min−1 reduced food intake during the 3-h infusion period by 39 and 71% in VEH rats and 7 and 18% in CAP rats. In contrast, PYY-(3–36) and GLP-1 were similarly effective in reducing food intake in VEH and CAP rats. PYY-(3–36) at 5, 17, and 50 pmol·kg−1·min−1 reduced food intake during the 3-h infusion period by 15, 33, and 70% in VEH rats and 13, 30, and 33% in CAP rats. GLP-1 at 17 and 50 pmol·kg−1·min−1 reduced food intake during the 3-h infusion period by 48 and 60% in VEH rats and 30 and 52% in CAP rats. These results suggest that anorexic responses to PYY-(3–36) and GLP-1 are not primarily mediated by the CAP-sensitive peripheral sensory neurons (presumably vagal) that mediate CCK-8-induced anorexia.
Stimulation of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor through exendin-4 preserves myocardial performance and prevents cardiac remodeling in infarcted myocardium
Authors: DeNicola Megan , Du Jianfeng , Wang Zhengke , Yano Naohiro , Zhang Ling , Wang Yigang , Qin Gangjian , Zhuang Shougang , Zhao Ting C.
Published: August 2014

We have demonstrated that GLP-1 improved myocardial functional recovery in acute myocardial ischemic injury. However, whether stimulation of the GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R) with exendin-4, a selective GLP-1R agonist, could initiate a protective effect in the heart remains to be determined. Mouse myocardial infarction (MI) was created by ligation of the left descending artery. After 48 h of MI, animals were divided into the following groups ( n = 5–7/group): 1) sham (animals that underwent thoracotomy without ligation), 2) MI [animals that underwent MI and received a daily dose of intraperitoneal injection (ip) of saline]; and 3) MI + exendin-4 [infarcted mice that received injections of exendin-4 (0.1 mg/kg ip)]. Two weeks later, cardiac function was assessed by echocardiography and an isovolumetrically perfused heart. Compared with control MI hearts, stimulation of GLP-1R improved cardiac function, which was associated with attenuation of myocardial hypertrophy, the mitigation of interstitial fibrosis, and an increase in survival rate in post-MI hearts. Furthermore, H9c2 cardiomyoblasts were preconditioned with exendin-4 at a dose of 100 nmol/l and then subjected to hydrogen peroxide exposure at concentrations of 50 and 100 μmol/l. The exendin-4 treatment decreased lactate dehydrogenase leakage and increased cell survival. Notably, this event was also associated with the reduction of cleaved caspase-3 and caspase-9 and attenuation of reactive oxygen species production. Exendin-4 treatments improved mitochondrial respiration and suppressed the opening of mitochondrial permeability transition pore and protected mitochondria function. Our results indicate that GLP-1R serves as a novel approach to eliciting cardioprotection and mitigating oxidative stress-induced injury.
Differential effects of c-Src and c-Yes on the endocytic vesicle-mediated trafficking events at the Sertoli cell blood-testis barrier: an in vitro study
Authors: Xiao Xiang , Mruk Dolores D. , Wong Elissa W. P. , Lee Will M. , Han Daishu , Wong Chris K. C. , Cheng C. Yan
Published: August 2014

The blood-testis barrier (BTB) is one of the tightest blood-tissue barriers in the mammalian body. However, it undergoes cyclic restructuring during the epithelial cycle of spermatogenesis in which the “old” BTB located above the preleptotene spermatocytes being transported across the immunological barrier is “disassembled,” whereas the “new” BTB found behind these germ cells is rapidly “reassembled,” i.e., mediated by endocytic vesicle-mediated protein trafficking events. Thus, the immunological barrier is maintained when preleptotene spermatocytes connected in clones via intercellular bridges are transported across the BTB. Yet the underlying mechanism(s) in particular the involving regulatory molecules that coordinate these events remains unknown. We hypothesized that c-Src and c-Yes might work in contrasting roles in endocytic vesicle-mediated trafficking, serving as molecular switches, to effectively disassemble and reassemble the old and the new BTB, respectively, to facilitate preleptotene spermatocyte transport across the BTB. Following siRNA-mediated specific knockdown of c-Src or c-Yes in Sertoli cells, we utilized biochemical assays to assess the changes in protein endocytosis, recycling, degradation and phagocytosis. c-Yes was found to promote endocytosed integral membrane BTB proteins to the pathway of transcytosis and recycling so that internalized proteins could be effectively used to assemble new BTB from the disassembling old BTB, whereas c-Src promotes endocytosed Sertoli cell BTB proteins to endosome-mediated protein degradation for the degeneration of the old BTB. By using fluorescence beads mimicking apoptotic germ cells, Sertoli cells were found to engulf beads via c-Src-mediated phagocytosis. A hypothetical model that serves as the framework for future investigation is thus proposed.
Partial blockade of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors improves the counterregulatory response to hypoglycemia in recurrently hypoglycemic rats
Authors: LaGamma Edmund F. , Kirtok Necla , Chan Owen , Nankova Bistra B.
Published: August 2014

Recurrent exposure to hypoglycemia can impair the normal counterregulatory hormonal responses that guard against hypoglycemia, leading to hypoglycemia unawareness. This pathological condition known as hypoglycemia-associated autonomic failure (HAAF) is the main adverse consequence that prevents individuals with type 1 diabetes mellitus from attaining the long-term health benefits of tight glycemic control. The underlying molecular mechanisms responsible for the progressive loss of the epinephrine response to subsequent bouts of hypoglycemia, a hallmark sign of HAAF, are largely unknown. Normally, hypoglycemia triggers both the release and biosynthesis of epinephrine through activation of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR) on the adrenal glands. We hypothesize that excessive cholinergic stimulation may contribute to impaired counterregulation. Here, we tested whether administration of the nAChR partial agonist cytisine to reduce postganglionic synaptic activity can preserve the counterregulatory hormone responses in an animal model of HAAF. Compared with nicotine, cytisine has limited efficacy to activate nAChRs and stimulate epinephrine release and synthesis. We evaluated adrenal catecholamine production and secretion in nondiabetic rats subjected to two daily episodes of hypoglycemia for 3 days, followed by a hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemic clamp on day 4. Recurrent hypoglycemia decreased epinephrine responses, and this was associated with suppressed TH mRNA induction (a measure of adrenal catecholamine synthetic capacity). Treatment with cytisine improved glucagon responses as well as epinephrine release and production in recurrently hypoglycemic animals. These data suggest that pharmacological manipulation of ganglionic nAChRs may be promising as a translational adjunctive therapy to avoid HAAF in type 1 diabetes mellitus.
Hepatic portal vein denervation impairs oral glucose tolerance but not exenatide’s effect on glycemia
Authors: Ionut Viorica , Castro Ana Valeria B. , Woolcott Orison O. , Stefanovski Darko , Iyer Malini S. , Broussard Josiane L. , Burch Miguel , Elazary Ram , Kolka Cathryn M. , Mkrtchyan Hasmik , Bediako Isaac Asare , Bergman Richard N.
Published: August 2014

The hepatoportal area is an important glucohomeostatic metabolic sensor, sensing hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia, and hormones such as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). We have reported previously that activation of hepatoportal sensors by intraportal infusion of glucose and GLP-1 or by subcutaneous administration of GLP-1 receptor activator exenatide and of intraportal glucose improved glycemia independent of corresponding changes in pancreatic hormones. It is not clear whether this effect is mediated via the portal vein (PV) or by direct action on the liver itself. To test whether receptors in the PV mediate exenatide's beneficial effect on glucose tolerance, we performed 1) paired oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTT) with and without exenatide and 2) intravenous glucose tolerance tests before and after PV denervation in canines. Denervation of the portal vein affected oral glucose tolerance; post-denervation (POST-DEN) OGTT glucose and insulin AUC were 50% higher than before denervation ( P = 0.01). However, portal denervation did not impair exenatide's effect to improve oral glucose tolerance (exenatide effect: 48 ± 12 mmol·l−1·min before vs. 64 ± 26 mmol·l−1·min after, P = 0.67). There were no changes in insulin sensitivity or secretion during IVGTTs. Portal vein sensing might play a role in controlling oral glucose tolerance during physiological conditions but not in pharmacological activation of GLP-1 receptors by exenatide.
The effect of estrogen on bone requires ERα in nonhematopoietic cells but is enhanced by ERα in hematopoietic cells
Authors: Henning Petra , Ohlsson Claes , Engdahl Cecilia , Farman Helen , Windahl Sara H. , Carlsten Hans , Lagerquist Marie K.
Published: August 2014

The effects of estrogen on bone are mediated mainly via estrogen receptor (ER)α. ERα in osteoclasts (hematopoietic origin) is involved in the trabecular bone-sparing effects of estrogen, but conflicting data are reported on the role of ERα in osteoblast lineage cells (nonhematopoietic origin) for bone metabolism. Because Cre-mediated cell-specific gene inactivation used in previous studies might be confounded by nonspecific and/or incomplete cell-specific ERα deletion, we herein used an alternative approach to determine the relative importance of ERα in hematopoietic (HC) and nonhematopoietic cells (NHC) for bone mass. Chimeric mice with selective inactivation of ERα in HC or NHC were created by bone marrow transplantations of wild-type (WT) and ERα-knockout (ERα−/−) mice. Estradiol treatment increased both trabecular and cortical bone mass in ovariectomized WT/WT (defined as recipient/donor) and WT/ERα−/−mice but not in ERα−/−/WT or ERα−/−/ERα−/−mice. However, estradiol effects on both bone compartments were reduced (∼50%) in WT/ERα−/−mice compared with WT/WT mice. The effects of estradiol on fat mass and B lymphopoiesis required ERα specifically in NHC and HC, respectively. In conclusion, ERα in NHC is required for the effects of estrogen on both trabecular and cortical bone, but these effects are enhanced by ERα in HC.
Short-Term Diet and Moderate Exercise in Young Overweight Men Modulate Cardiocyte and Hepatocarcinoma Survival by Oxidative Stress
Authors: Monda Marcellino , Messina Giovanni , Scognamiglio Ilaria , Lombardi Angela , Martin Giuseppe A. , Sperlongano Pasquale , Porcelli Marina , Caraglia Michele , Stiuso Paola
Published: August 2014

The present study was designed to evaluate the effects of diet lifestyle on extending lifespan and reducing liver cancer risk. Young overweight men(n=20), without metabolic syndrome, were placed in a 3-week residential program on a low-fat diet and moderate aerobic exercise. In each subject, pre- and postintervention fasting blood were collected for evaluating levels of serum lipids, and oxidative stress markers. Using subject sera and cardiomyocyte (H9C2) culture systems, we measured heat shock protein 27 and 90 expression, lipid accumulation, and oxidative stress marker levels. After 3-weeks of diet, significant reductions(P<0.05)in body mass index, serum lipids and lipid ratios, and oxidative markers were recorded.In vitro, we observed that the addition of postintervention sera increased H9C2 cell number and reduced HSP27 and 90 expression, mitochondrial superoxide anion, and lipid accumulation with a parallel increase in nitric oxide (NO) production (allP<0.01). At the same time, postintervention sera decreased human liver hepatocellular carcinoma cell line (HepG-2) proliferation, lipid accumulation, oxidative stress, and extracellular-signal-regulated kinases (ERK1/2) activity. Lifestyle modification in young overweight men, without metabolic syndrome, could ameliorate cardiocyte survival and reduce hepatocellular carcinoma cell proliferation.
Optimization and Analysis of Centrifugal Pump considering Fluid-Structure Interaction
Authors: Zhang Yu , Hu Sanbao , Zhang Yunqing , Chen Liping
Published: August 2014

This paper presents the optimization of vibrations of centrifugal pump considering fluid-structure interaction (FSI). A set of centrifugal pumps with various blade shapes were studied using FSI method, in order to investigate the transient vibration performance. The Kriging model, based on the results of the FSI simulations, was established to approximate the relationship between the geometrical parameters of pump impeller and the root mean square (RMS) values of the displacement response at the pump bearing block. Hence, multi-island genetic algorithm (MIGA) has been implemented to minimize the RMS value of the impeller displacement. A prototype of centrifugal pump has been manufactured and an experimental validation of the optimization results has been carried out. The comparison among results of Kriging surrogate model, FSI simulation, and experimental test showed a good consistency of the three approaches. Finally, the transient mechanical behavior of pump impeller has been investigated using FSI method based on the optimized geometry parameters of pump impeller.
Detection of Moving Objects with Fuzzy Color Coherence Vector
Authors: Qiao Yu-Long , Yuan Kai-Long , Song Chun-Yan , Xiang Xue-Zhi
Published: August 2014

Background subtraction is a popular method for detecting foreground that is widely adopted as the fundamental processing for advanced applications such as tracking and surveillance. Color coherence vector (CCV) includes both the color distribution information (histogram) and the local spatial relationship information of colors. So it overcomes the weakness of the conventional color histogram for the representation of an object. In this paper, we introduce a fuzzy color coherence vector (FCCV) based background subtraction method. After applying the fuzzy c‐means clustering to color coherence subvectors and color incoherence subvectors, we develop a region‐based fuzzy statistical feature for each pixel based on the fuzzy membership matrices. The features are extracted from consecutive frames to build the background model and detect the moving objects. The experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Intra-Articular Polyacrylamide Hydrogel Injections Are Not Innocent
Authors: Tonbul Murat , Adas Mujdat , Bekmezci Taner , Kara Ahmet Duran
Published: August 2014

Osteoarthritis is a chronic disorder characterized by joint cartilage degeneration with concomitant changes in the synovium and subchondral bone metabolism. Many conservative treatment modalities, one of which is intra-articular injections, have been described for the treatment of this disorder. Traditionally, hyaluranic acid and corticosteroids are the agents that have been used for this purpose. Recently, polyacrylamide hydrogels are being used widely. Biocompatibility, nonbioabsorbability, and anti-infectious effect obtained by silver addition made polyacrylamide hydrogels more popular. In this paper, we present a case and the method of our management, in whom host tissue reaction (foreign body granuloma, edema, inflammation, and redness induration) has been observed, as the first and unique adverse effect reported in the literature.
Effect of Ultimate pH on Postmortem Myofibrillar Protein Degradation and Meat Quality Characteristics of Chinese Yellow Crossbreed Cattle
Authors: Li Peng , Wang Tiantian , Mao Yanwei , Zhang Yimin , Niu Lebao , Liang Rongrong , Zhu Lixian , Luo Xin
Published: August 2014

This paper describes the complex effects of postmortem ultimate pH (pHu) on Chinese Yellow crossbreed cattle quality during postmortem ageing and provides an explanation of how pHu affects beef tenderness. High pHu beef had the highest initial tenderness (P<0.05) compared with other groups at 1 day postmortem. Intermediate and low pHu beef had similar initial WBSF at 1 day postmortem, but intermediate pHu beef had slower tenderization rate than low pHu beef (P<0.05). Purge loss, cooking loss,L*,a*, andb*values decreased with increasing pHu during ageing (P<0.05). Myofibril fragmentation index (MFI) was higher in high pHu beef than intermediate and low pHu beef throughout ageing (P<0.05). Protein degradation studies found that desmin and troponin-T appeared degraded within 0.5 h postmortem for high and low pHu beef, compared to >2 days for intermediate pHu beef. Overall, Chinese Yellow crossbred cattle tenderness is related to pHu, which may be affected by proteolytic enzymatic activity. Therefore, pHu may be used to predict beef tenderness and other quality characteristics during postmortem ageing. To achieve consistent tenderness, different ageing times should be used, depending on pHu.
Comparing the Effects of Dietary Flaxseed and Omega-3 Fatty Acids Supplement on Cyclical Mastalgia in Iranian Women: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Vaziri Farideh , Zamani Lari Mansooreh , Samsami Dehaghani Alamtaj , Salehi Mousa , Sadeghpour Hossein , Akbarzadeh Marzieh , Zare Najaf
Published: August 2014

Considering the negative side effects of chemical drugs, there is a great need for effective alternative treatment strategies to manage cyclical mastalgia. Therefore, this study aimed at comparing the effects of flaxseed diet and omega-3 fatty acids supplement on treatment of cyclical mastalgia. In this study, 61, 60, and 60 women, respectively, received flaxseed as bread, omega-3 fatty acids as pearl, and wheat bread as their diet for two menstrual cycles. At the baseline cycle and end of both interventional cycles, intensity of mastalgia was measured using visual analogue scale. Analysis of covariance showed a significant difference among the three groups regarding the mean intensity of cyclical mastalgia in the first and second cycles of the interventions (P<0.001). Also, repeated measures analysis of covariance with adjustment of two variables of age and mastalgia intensity of the baseline cycle demonstrated that flaxseed bread was more effective compared to omega-3 and wheat bread (P<0.001). The results of this study demonstrated that flaxseed bread diet was an effective approach in decreasing cyclical mastalgia and could be prescribed to women as a simple treatment with few complications.
Clinicotherapeutic Potential of Leptin in Alzheimer’s Disease and Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Munshi Soumyabrata , Khemka Vineet Kumar , Banerjee Kalpita , Chakrabarti Sasanka
Published: August 2014

Chronic neurodegenerative diseases are a group of devastating neurological disorders that result in significant morbidity and mortality in the elderly population worldwide. Recent researches have shown some interesting associations of the classical antiobesity hormone leptin with two most important neurodegenerative diseases—Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD). Although several clinical studies have found the procognitive and memory-enhancing role of this peptide hormone in leptin-deficient patients, surprisingly it has not been used in any clinical trials involving patients with developing or full-blown neurodegenerative conditions. This review article is an attempt to bring together the existing information about the clinical associations of leptin with AD and PD. It starts with the basic understanding of leptin action in the brain and its derangements in these diseases and eventually discusses the potential of this hormone as a neuroprotective agent in clinical scenario.
Thermochemical Equilibrium Model of Synthetic Natural Gas Production from Coal Gasification Using Aspen Plus
Authors: Barrera Rolando , Salazar Carlos , Pérez Juan F.
Published: August 2014

The production of synthetic or substitute natural gas (SNG) from coal is a process of interest in Colombia where the reserves-to-production ratio (R/P) for natural gas is expected to be between 7 and 10 years, while the R/P for coal is forecasted to be around 90 years. In this work, the process to produce SNG by means of coal-entrained flow gasifiers is modeled under thermochemical equilibrium with the Gibbs free energy approach. The model was developed using a complete and comprehensive Aspen Plus model. Two typical technologies used in entrained flow gasifiers such as coal dry and coal slurry are modeled and simulated. Emphasis is put on interactions between the fuel feeding technology and selected energy output parameters of coal-SNG process, that is, energy efficiencies, power, and SNG quality. It was found that coal rank does not significantly affect energy indicators such as cold gas, process, and global efficiencies. However, feeding technology clearly has an effect on the process due to the gasifying agent. Simulations results are compared against available technical data with good accuracy. Thus, the proposed model is considered as a versatile and useful computational tool to study and optimize the coal to SNG process.
Variation of Red Blood Cell Distribution Width and Mean Platelet Volume after Moderate Endurance Exercise
Authors: Lippi Giuseppe , Salvagno Gian Luca , Danese Elisa , Tarperi Cantor , Guidi Gian Cesare , Schena Federico
Published: August 2014

Although physical exercise strongly influences several laboratory parameters, data about the hematological changes after medium distance running are scarce. We studied 31 middle-trained athletes (mean training regimen217±32 min/week) who performed a 21.1 km, half-marathon run. Blood samples were collected before the run, at the end, and 3 and 20 hours thereafter. The complete blood count was performed on Advia 2120 and included red blood cell (RBC), reticulocyte, and platelet counts; hemoglobin; mean corpuscular volume (MCV); mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH); reticulocyte haemoglobin content (Ret CHR); RBC distribution width (RDW), mean platelet volume (MPV). No significant variations were observed for MCH and Ret CHR. The RBC, reticulocyte, and hemoglobin values modestly decreased after the run. The MCV significantly increased at the end of running but returned to baseline 3 hours thereafter. The RDW constantly increased, reaching a peak 20 hours after the run. The platelet count and MPV both increased after the run and returned to baseline 3 hours thereafter. These results may have implications for definition of reference ranges and antidoping testing, and may also contribute to explaining the relationship between endurance exercise and mortality, since previous studies reported that RDW and MPV may be significantly associated with cardiovascular disease.
Inhibitory and Acceleratory Effects of Inonotus obliquus on Tyrosinase Activity and Melanin Formation in B16 Melanoma Cells
Authors: Yan Zheng-Fei , Yang Yang , Tian Feng-Hua , Mao Xin-Xin , Li Yu , Li Chang-Tian
Published: August 2014

The aim of the present study is to preliminarily investigate the antimelanogenesis effect of Inonotus obliquus extracts by cell‐free mushroom tyrosinase assay. It was found that petroleum ether and n‐butanol extracts might contain unknown potential tyrosinase inhibitors, while its ethyl acetate extract might contain some unknown accelerators. Six compounds were isolated and their structures were identified by interpretation of NMR data and nicotinic acid was first discovered in Inonotus obliquus. In cells testing, betulin and trametenolic acid decreased tyrosinase activity and melanin content, while inotodiol and lanosterol significantly increased tyrosinase activity and melanin content, showing an AC⁡50 of 9.74 and 8.43 μM, respectively. Nicotinie acid, 3β,22,25‐trihydroxy‐lanosta‐8‐ene, had a little or no effect on tyrosinase. Betulin exhibited a mode of noncompetitive inhibition with a KI = KIS of 0.4 μM on tyrosinase activity showing an IC50 of 5.13 μM and being more effective than kojic acid (6.43 μM), and trametenolic acid exhibited a mode of mixed inhibition with a KI of 0.9 μM, KIS of 0.5 μM, and an IC50 of 7.25 μM. We proposed betulin and trametenolic acid as a new candidate of potent tyrosinase inhibitors and inotodiol and lanosterol as accelerators that could be used as therapeutic agent.
Strut Deformation in CFRP-Strengthened Reinforced Concrete Deep Beams
Authors: Panjehpour Mohammad , Chai Hwa Kian , Voo Yen Lei
Published: August 2014

Strut-and-tie model (STM) method evolved as one of the most useful designs for shear critical structures and discontinuity regions (D-regions). It provides widespread applications in the design of deep beams as recommended by many codes. The estimation of bottle-shaped strut dimensions, as a main constituent of STM, is essential in design calculations. The application of carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) as lightweight material with high tensile strength for strengthening D-regions is currently on the increase. However, the CFRP-strengthening of deep beam complicates the dimensions estimation of bottle-shaped strut. Therefore, this research aimed to investigate the effect of CFRP-strengthening on the deformation of RC strut in the design of deep beams. Two groups of specimens comprising six unstrengthened and six CFRP-strengthened RC deep beams with the shear span to the effective depth ratios (a/d) of 0.75, 1.00, 1.25, 1.50, 1.75, and 2.00 were constructed in this research. These beams were tested under four-point bending configuration. The deformation of struts was experimentally evaluated using the values of strain along and perpendicular to the strut centreline. The evaluation was made by the comparisons between unstrengthened and CFRP-strengthened struts regarding the widening and shortening. The key variables werea/dratio and applied load level.
Anticonvulsant and Antioxidant Effects ofTilia americanavar.mexicanaand Flavonoids Constituents in the Pentylenetetrazole-Induced Seizures
Authors: Cárdenas-Rodríguez Noemí , González-Trujano María Eva , Aguirre-Hernández Eva , Ruíz-García Matilde , Sampieri Aristides , Coballase-Urrutia Elvia , Carmona-Aparicio Liliana
Published: August 2014

Tiliagenus is commonly used around the world for its central nervous system properties; it is prepared as tea and used as tranquilizing, anticonvulsant, and analgesic. In this study, anticonvulsant activity of theTilia americanavar.mexicanainflorescences and leaves was investigated by evaluating organic and aqueous extracts (100, 300, and 600 mg/kg, i.p.) and some flavonoids in the pentylenetetrazole-induced seizures in mice. Moreover, antioxidant effect of these extracts and flavonoids was examined in anin vitrostudy by using spectrophotometric technique. Significant activity was observed in the methanol extract from inflorescences. An HPLC analysis of the methanol extract from inflorescences and leaves ofTiliaallowed demonstrating the respective presence of some partial responsible flavonoid constituents: quercetin (20.09 ± 1.20 μg/mg and 3.39 ± 0.10 μg/mg), rutin (3.52 ± 0.21 μg/mg and 8.94 ± 0.45 μg/mg), and isoquercitrin (1.74 ± 0.01 μg/mg and 1.24 ± 0.13 μg/mg). In addition, significant but different antioxidant properties were obtained among the flavonoids and the extracts investigated. Our results provide evidence of the anticonvulsant activity ofTiliareinforcing its utility for central nervous system diseases whose mechanism of action might involve partial antioxidant effects due to the presence of flavonoids.
Determination of an Unknown Coefficient in the Third Order Pseudoparabolic Equation with Non-Self-Adjoint Boundary Conditions
Authors: Mehraliyev Yashar T. , Shafiyeva Gulshan Kh.
Published: August 2014

The solvability of the inverse boundary problem with an unknown coefficient dependent on time for the third order pseudoparabolic equation with non-self-adjoint boundary conditions is investigated in the present paper. Here we have introduced the definition of the classical solution of the considered inverse boundary value problem, which is reduced to the system of integral equations by the Fourier method. At first, the existence and uniqueness of the solution of the obtaining system of integral equations is proved by the method of contraction mappings; then the existence and uniqueness of the classical solution of the stated problem is proved.
Aromatic Amino Acid Mutagenesis at the Substrate Binding Pocket ofYarrowia lipolyticaLipase Lip2 Affects Its Activity and Thermostability
Authors: Wang Guilong , Liu Zimin , Xu Li , Yan Yunjun
Published: August 2014

The lipase2 fromYarrowia lipolytica(YLLip2) is a yeast lipase exhibiting high homologous to filamentous fungal lipase family. Though its crystal structure has been resolved, its structure-function relationship has rarely been reported. By contrast, there are two amino acid residues (V94 and I100) with significant difference in the substrate binding pocket of YLLip2; they were subjected to site-directed mutagenesis (SDM) to introduce aromatic amino acid mutations. Two mutants (V94W and I100F) were created. The enzymatic properties of the mutant lipases were detected and compared with the wild-type. The activities of mutant enzymes dropped to some extent towardsp-nitrophenyl palmitate (pNPC16) and their optimum temperature was 35°C, which was 5°C lower than that of the wild-type. However, the thermostability of I100F increased 22.44% after incubation for 1 h at 40°C and its optimum substrate shifted fromp-nitrophenyl laurate (pNPC12) top-nitrophenyl caprate (pNPC10). The above results demonstrated that the two substituted amino acid residuals have close relationship with such enzymatic properties as thermostability and substrate selectivity.
Research on Adaptive Neural Network Control System Based on Nonlinear U‐Model with Time‐Varying Delay
Authors: Xu Fengxia , Cheng Yao , Ren Hongliang , Wang Shili
Published: August 2014

U‐model can approximate a large class of smooth nonlinear time‐varying delay system to any accuracy by using time‐varying delay parameters polynomial. This paper proposes a new approach, namely, U‐model approach, to solving the problems of analysis and synthesis for nonlinear systems. Based on the idea of discrete‐time U‐model with time‐varying delay, the identification algorithm of adaptive neural network is given for the nonlinear model. Then, the controller is designed by using the Newton‐Raphson formula and the stability analysis is given for the closed‐loop nonlinear systems. Finally, illustrative examples are given to show the validity and applicability of the obtained results.
Nonlinear Electrical Conductivity Properties of Au Films Prepared by Sputtering
Authors: Meng Qingyun , Kang Yixin , Zhai Xiaoyu , Yin Ziwen , Yan Dongpeng
Published: August 2014

Metal‐based films with tunable electrical conductivity have played an important role in developing new types of electric devices for future application. In this work, a sputtering method was used to obtain Au films on silicon substrate in a hypobaric atmosphere. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) shows that the interspaces between the Au nanoparticles were highly uniform and orderly distributed, with the width of several nanometers at the surface. By measuring the I-V curves of the films with thickness less than 20 nm, the nonlinear behaviors of electrical resistivity became gradually obvious as the decrease of the film thickness. For example, upon the thickness reducing to 10 nm, remarkable discontinuous step phenomenon appeared. Moreover, a computational simulation was carried on the electrical conductivity of films under normal temperature based on the Coulomb blockade theory and scattering theory, in which the electric current was in the range from 0 to 1.5 × 10−5 A. The computational results were consistent well with the experimental observations, which confirm that the nonlinear and step phenomenon can be assigned to the Coulomb blockade effect when electrons transfer occurs in the interspaces between the nanoparticles.
A Swarm Random Walk Based Method for the Standard Cell Placement Problem
Authors: Altwaijry Najwa , Menai Mohamed El Bachir
Published: August 2014

The standard cell placement (SCP) problem is a well‐studied placement problem, as it is an important step in the VLSI design process.
In SCP, cells are placed on chip to optimize some objectives, such as
wirelength or area. The SCP problem is solved using mainly four basic
methods: simulated annealing, quadratic placement, min‐cut placement,
and force‐directed placement. These methods are adequate for small chip
sizes. Nowadays, chip sizes are very large, and hence, hybrid methods
are employed to solve the SCP problem instead of the original methods
by themselves. This paper presents a new hybrid method for the SCP
problem using a swarm intelligence‐based (SI) method, called SwarmRW
(swarm random walk), on top of a min‐cut based partitioner. The resulting placer, called sPL (swarm placer), was tested on the PEKU
benchmark suite and compared with several related placers. The obtained results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach and
show that sPL can achieve competitive performance.
A Study of an Architecture Design Learning Process Based on Social Learning, Course Teaching, Interaction, and Analogical Thinking
Authors: Wu Yun-Wu , Huang Chang-Fah , Weng Kuo-Hua
Published: August 2014

The students in the vocational education of architecture design in Taiwan often face many learning obstacles, such as no problem solving ability and lack of creativity. Therefore, this study used a social learning model as a learning strategy in the architecture design learning process to solve related learning difficulties. Firstly, this study used cognitive development teaching activities and a learning process based on analogical thinking and analogical reasoning to build the social learning model. Secondly, the social learning model of this study was implemented in the teaching of a required course of architecture design for 120 freshmen in China University of Technology. The questionnaire survey results were then statically analyzed and compared to measure the differences in the students’ knowledge about architecture designs before and after the teaching in this study. In this study, the social learning model is proven helpful in inspiring the students’ creativity by converting new knowledge of architecture design into schemas and hence retaining the new knowledge for future application. The social learning model can be applied in the teaching of architecture design in other schools, while more research can be conducted in the future to further confirm its feasibility to promote effective learning.
Effect of Simvastatin and Atorvastatin on Serum Vitamin D and Bone Mineral Density in Hypercholesterolemic Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Thabit Abrar , Alhifany Abdullah , Alsheikh Razan , Namnqani Sameh , Al-Mohammadi Ameen , Elmorsy Soha , Qari Mohammed , Ardawi Mohammed
Published: August 2014

Background. Besides lipid-lowering effect of statins, they have been shown to have nonlipid lowering effects, such as improving bone health. An improvement in bone mineral density (BMD) has been indicated in some studies after the use of statins, in addition to an increase in 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) level. The aim of this study is to explore the association between statins and bone health taking into consideration 25OHD level and BMD.Methods. This is a randomized, cross-sectional comparative study. Subjects were divided into two groups, hypercholesterolemic participants taking simvastatin or atorvastatin as the study group and a matched control group not taking statins. All participants were assessed for serum 25OHD and BMD at lumbar spine and femoral neck.Results. A total of 114 participants were included in the study, 57 participants in each group. Results of serum 25OHD showed no significant difference between study and control groups (P=0.47), while BMD results of lumbar spine and femoral neck showed significant difference (P=0.05and 0.03, resp.).Conclusion. Simvastatin and atorvastatin, at any dose for duration of more than one year, have no additive effect on 25OHD level but have a positive effect on the BMD.
Predicting Flash Point of Organosilicon Compounds Using Quantitative Structure Activity Relationship Approach
Authors: Chen Chen-Peng , Chen Chan-Cheng , Chen Hsu-Fang
Published: August 2014

The flash point (FP) of a compound is the primary property used in the assessment of fire hazards for flammable liquids and is amongst the crucial information that people handling flammable liquids must possess as far as industrial safety is concerned. In this work, the FPs of 236 organosilicon compounds were collected and used to construct a quantitative structure activity relationship (QSAR) model for predicting their FPs. The CODESSA PRO software was adopted to calculate the required molecular descriptors, and 350 molecular descriptors were developed for each compound. A modified stepwise regression algorithm was applied to choose descriptors that were highly correlated with the FP of organosilicon compounds. The proposed model was a linear regression model consisting of six descriptors. This 6-descriptor model gave anR2value of 0.9174,QLOO2value of 0.9106, andQ2value of 0.8989. The average fitting error and the average predictive error were found to be of 10.34 K and 11.22 K, respectively, and the average fitting error in percentage and the average predictive error in percentage were found to be of 3.30 and 3.60%, respectively. Compared with the known reproducibility of FP measurement using standard test method, these predicted results were of a satisfactory precision.