bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of renal medullary three-dimensional architecture on oxygen transport
Authors: Fry Brendan C. , Edwards Aurélie , Sgouralis Ioannis , Layton Anita T.
Published: June 2014

We have developed a highly detailed mathematical model of solute transport in the renal medulla of the rat kidney to study the impact of the structured organization of nephrons and vessels revealed in anatomic studies. The model represents the arrangement of tubules around a vascular bundle in the outer medulla and around a collecting duct cluster in the upper inner medulla. Model simulations yield marked gradients in intrabundle and interbundle interstitial fluid oxygen tension (Po2), NaCl concentration, and osmolality in the outer medulla, owing to the vigorous active reabsorption of NaCl by the thick ascending limbs. In the inner medulla, where the thin ascending limbs do not mediate significant active NaCl transport, interstitial fluid composition becomes much more homogeneous with respect to NaCl, urea, and osmolality. Nonetheless, a substantial Po2 gradient remains, owing to the relatively high oxygen demand of the inner medullary collecting ducts. Perhaps more importantly, the model predicts that in the absence of the three-dimensional medullary architecture, oxygen delivery to the inner medulla would drastically decrease, with the terminal inner medulla nearly completely deprived of oxygen. Thus model results suggest that the functional role of the three-dimensional medullary architecture may be to preserve oxygen delivery to the papilla. Additionally, a simulation that represents low medullary blood flow suggests that the separation of thick limbs from the vascular bundles substantially increases the risk of the segments to hypoxic injury. When nephrons and vessels are more homogeneously distributed, luminal Po2 in the thick ascending limb of superficial nephrons increases by 66% in the inner stripe. Furthermore, simulations predict that owing to the Bohr effect, the presumed greater acidity of blood in the interbundle regions, where thick ascending limbs are located, relative to that in the vascular bundles, facilitates the delivery of O2 to support the high metabolic requirements of the thick limbs and raises NaCl reabsorption.
Assessment of renal functional maturation and injury in preterm neonates during the first month of life
Authors: Gubhaju Lina , Sutherland Megan R. , Horne Rosemary S. C. , Medhurst Alison , Kent Alison L. , Ramsden Andrew , Moore Lynette , Singh Gurmeet , Hoy Wendy E. , Black M. Jane
Published: June 2014

Worldwide, approximately 10% of neonates are born preterm. The majority of preterm neonates are born when the kidneys are still developing; therefore, during the early postnatal period renal function is likely reflective of renal immaturity and/or injury. This study evaluated glomerular and tubular function and urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL; a marker of renal injury) in preterm neonates during the first month of life. Preterm and term infants were recruited from Monash Newborn (neonatal intensive care unit at Monash Medical Centre) and Jesse McPherson Private Hospital, respectively. Infants were grouped according to gestational age at birth: ≤28 wk ( n = 33), 29–31 wk ( n = 44), 32–36 wk ( n = 32), and term (≥37 wk ( n = 22)). Measures of glomerular and tubular function were assessed on postnatal days 3–7, 14, 21, and 28. Glomerular and tubular function was significantly affected by gestational age at birth, as well as by postnatal age. By postnatal day 28, creatinine clearance remained significantly lower among preterm neonates compared with term infants; however, sodium excretion was not significantly different. Pathological proteinuria and high urinary NGAL levels were observed in a number of neonates, which may be indicative of renal injury; however, there was no correlation between the two markers. Findings suggest that neonatal renal function is predominantly influenced by renal maturity, and there was high capacity for postnatal tubular maturation among preterm neonates. There is insufficient evidence to suggest that urinary NGAL is a useful marker of renal injury in the preterm neonate.
Biting intentions modulate digastric reflex responses to sudden unloading of the jaw
Authors: Johansson Anders S. , Pruszynski J. Andrew , Edin Benoni B. , Westberg Karl-Gunnar
Published: June 2014

Reflex responses in jaw-opening muscles can be evoked when a brittle object cracks between the teeth and suddenly unloads the jaw. We hypothesized that this reflex response is flexible and, as such, is modulated according to the instructed goal of biting through an object. Study participants performed two different biting tasks when holding a peanut half stacked on a chocolate piece between their incisors. In one task, they were asked to split the peanut half only (single-split task), and in the other task, they were asked to split both the peanut and the chocolate in one action (double-split task). In both tasks, the peanut split evoked a jaw-opening muscle response, quantified from electromyogram (EMG) recordings of the digastric muscle in a window 20–60 ms following peanut split. Consistent with our hypothesis, we found that the jaw-opening muscle response in the single-split trials was about twice the size of the jaw-opening muscle response in the double-split trials. A linear model that predicted the jaw-opening muscle response on a single-trial basis indicated that task settings played a significant role in this modulation but also that the presplit digastric muscle activity contributed to the modulation. These findings demonstrate that, like reflex responses to mechanical perturbations in limb muscles, reflex responses in jaw muscles not only show gain-scaling but also are modulated by subject intent.
Computation of object approach by a system of visual motion-sensitive neurons in the crabNeohelice
Authors: Oliva Damián , Tomsic Daniel
Published: June 2014

Similar to most visual animals, crabs perform proper avoidance responses to objects directly approaching them. The monostratified lobula giant neurons of type 1 (MLG1) of crabs constitute an ensemble of 14–16 bilateral pairs of motion-detecting neurons projecting from the lobula (third optic neuropile) to the midbrain, with receptive fields that are distributed over the extensive visual field of the animal's eye. Considering the crab Neohelice (previously Chasmagnathus) granulata, here we describe the response of these neurons to looming stimuli that simulate objects approaching the animal on a collision course. We found that the peak firing time of MLG1 acts as an angular threshold detector signaling, with a delay of δ = 35 ms, the time at which an object reaches a fixed angular threshold of 49°. Using in vivo intracellular recordings, we detected the existence of excitatory and inhibitory synaptic currents that shape the neural response. Other functional features identified in the MLG1 neurons were phasic responses at the beginning of the approach, a relation between the stimulus angular velocity and the excitation delay, and a mapping between membrane potential and firing frequency. Using this information, we propose a biophysical model of the mechanisms that regulate the encoding of looming stimuli. Furthermore, we found that the parameter encoded by the MLG1 firing frequency during the approach is the stimulus angular velocity. The proposed model fits the experimental results and predicts the neural response to a qualitatively different stimulus. Based on these and previous results, we propose that the MLG1 neuron system acts as a directional coding system for collision avoidance.
Metallurgical Mechanism and Optical Properties of CuSnZnSSe Powders Using a 2‐Step Sintering Process
Authors: Liu Tai-Hsiang , Hung Fei-Yi , Lui Truan-Sheng , Chen Kuan-Jen
Published: June 2014

Cu2SnZn(S + Se)4 is an excellent absorber material for solar cells. This study obtained Cu2SnZn(S + Se)4 powders through solid state reaction by the ball milling and sintering processes from elemental Cu, Zn, Sn, S, and Se without using either polluting chemicals or expensive vacuum facilities. Ratios of S/S + Se in CuSnZnSSe were controlled from 0 to 1. The results showed that the 2‐step sintering process (400°C for 12 hrs and then 700°C for 1 hr) was able to stabilize the composition and structure of the CuSnZnSSe powders. The crystallized intensity of the CuSnZnS matrix decreased with increasing the Se content. Raising the Se content restrained the SnS phase and reduced the resistance of the absorber layer. In addition, Raman data confirmed that Se caused a Raman shift in the CuSnZnSSe matrix and enhanced the optical properties of the CuSnZnSSe powders. For the interface of CuSnZnSSe film and Mo substrate, Mo could diffuse into CuSnZnSSe matrix after 200°C annealing. The interface thermal diffusion of CuSnZnSSe/ZnS improved the effects of stack to enhance the stability of structure.
Older Women’s Sexual Desire Problems: Biopsychosocial Factors Impacting Them and Barriers to Their Clinical Assessment
Authors: Maciel Michelle , Laganà Luciana
Published: June 2014

Sexual desire is a major component of sexuality at any age, and inhibited desire is one of the main sexual dysfunctions reported by older women. Nonetheless, in medical settings, for a variety of reasons discussed herein, its assessment—as well as the assessment of older women’s sexual health in general—is typically avoided or conducted by asking a single sex question. In this paper, we have reviewed the literature (most of which is preliminary in nature) regarding the main psychosocial and health factors that could impact older women’s sexual desire, as well as potential obstacles to the assessment and treatment of this geriatric sexual issue. It is certainly advisable that medical care providers who are uncomfortable discussing older women’s sexual concerns be prepared to make appropriate referrals to clinicians who possess the proper training to accurately assess and treat sexual challenges (and female sexual interest problems in particular) in this neglected patient population.
Insights on Accident Information and System Operations during Fukushima Events
Authors: Kim Man Cheol
Published: June 2014

As part of the development of an integrated perspective on lessons learned from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear accident, this paper highlights lessons learned and implications relating to the accident information and system operational aspects during the events. Our analysis clearly indicates that the plant was neither designed nor prepared to withstand such an unexpected event, which included a complete loss of electrical power sources for a long period. The author focused on the accident information and system operational aspects of the Fukushima event, including lack of information, provision of wrong information, operator performance in life-threatening environments, and improvisation given lack of procedures and training. Suggestions for further improvement of the nuclear plant safety are then made with respect to preparation for beyond design basis events, provision of reliable essential information to operators, development of guidelines/procedures, training of operators, and development of operator support systems with consideration of severe accidents caused by unexpected events. It is hoped that the lessons learned from the accident will significantly contribute to the enhancement of nuclear plant safety.
Image-Based Three-Dimensional Analysis to Characterize the Texture of Porous Scaffolds
Authors: Massai Diana , Pennella Francesco , Gentile Piergiorgio , Gallo Diego , Ciardelli Gianluca , Bignardi Cristina , Audenino Alberto , Morbiducci Umberto
Published: June 2014

The aim of the present study is to characterize the microstructure of composite scaffolds for bone tissue regeneration containing different ratios of chitosan/gelatin blend and bioactive glasses. Starting from realistic 3D models of the scaffolds reconstructed from micro-CT images, the level of heterogeneity of scaffold architecture is evaluated performing a lacunarity analysis. The results demonstrate that the presence of the bioactive glass component affects not only macroscopic features such as porosity, but mainly scaffold microarchitecture giving rise to structural heterogeneity, which could have an impact on the local cell-scaffold interaction and scaffold performances. The adopted approach allows to investigate the scale-dependent pore distribution within the scaffold and the related structural heterogeneity features, providing a comprehensive characterization of the scaffold texture.
A New Three-Oscillator Model for the Heart System in the Case of Time Delay and Designing Appropriate Controller for Its Synchronization
Authors: Nazari Siroos , Heydari Aghileh , Tavakoli Mahboobeh , Khaligh Javad
Published: June 2014

If the SA and AV oscillators are not synchronized, it may arise some kinds of blocking arrhythmias in the system of heart. In this paper, in order to examine the heart system more precisely, we apply the three-oscillator model of the heart system, and to prevent arrhythmias, perform the following steps. Firstly, we add a voltage with rang a1 and ω frequency to SA node. Then, we use delay time factor in oscillators and finally the appropriate control is designed. In this paper, we have explained how simulating and curing these arrhythmias are possible by designing a three-oscillator system for heart in the state of delay and without delay and by applying an appropriate control. In the end, we present the simulation results.
A Social Diffusion Model with an Application on Election Simulation
Authors: Lou Jing-Kai , Wang Fu-Min , Tsai Chin-Hua , Hung San-Chuan , Kung Perng-Hwa , Lin Shou-De , Chen Kuan-Ta , Lei Chin-Laung
Published: June 2014

Issues about opinion diffusion have been studied for decades. It has so far no empirical approach to model the interflow and formation of crowd’s opinion in elections due to two reasons. First, unlike the spread of information or flu, individuals have their intrinsic attitudes to election candidates in advance. Second, opinions are generally simply assumed as single values in most diffusion models. However, in this case, an opinion should represent preference toward multiple candidates. Previously done models thus may not intuitively interpret such scenario. This work is to design a diffusion model which is capable of managing the aforementioned scenario. To demonstrate the usefulness of our model, we simulate the diffusion on the network built based on a publicly available bibliography dataset. We compare the proposed model with other well-known models such as independent cascade. It turns out that our model consistently outperforms other models. We additionally investigate electoral issues with our model simulator.
Application of Reinforcement Learning in Cognitive Radio Networks: Models and Algorithms
Authors: Yau Kok-Lim Alvin , Poh Geong-Sen , Chien Su Fong , Al-Rawi Hasan A. A.
Published: June 2014

Cognitive radio (CR) enables unlicensed users to exploit the underutilized spectrum in licensed spectrum whilst minimizing interference to licensed users. Reinforcement learning (RL), which is an artificial intelligence approach, has been applied to enable each unlicensed user to observe and carry out optimal actions for performance enhancement in a wide range of schemes in CR, such as dynamic channel selection and channel sensing. This paper presents new discussions of RL in the context of CR networks. It provides an extensive review on how most schemes have been approached using the traditional and enhanced RL algorithms through state, action, and reward representations. Examples of the enhancements on RL, which do not appear in the traditional RL approach, are rules and cooperative learning. This paper also reviews performance enhancements brought about by the RL algorithms and open issues. This paper aims to establish a foundation in order to spark new research interests in this area. Our discussion has been presented in a tutorial manner so that it is comprehensive to readers outside the specialty of RL and CR.
Lithium Chloride Suppresses Colorectal Cancer Cell Survival and Proliferation through ROS/GSK-3β/NF-κB Signaling Pathway
Authors: Li Huili , Huang Kun , Liu Xinghua , Liu Jinlin , Lu Xiaoming , Tao Kaixiong , Wang Guobin , Wang Jiliang
Published: June 2014

Glycogen synthase kinase-3β(GSK-3β), a serine/threonine protein kinase, has been regarded as a potential therapeutic target for multiple human cancers. In addition, oxidative stress is closely related to all aspects of cancer. We sought to determine the biological function of lithium, one kind of GSK-3βinhibitors, in the process of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in colorectal cancer. In this study, we analyzed the cell apoptosis and proliferation by cell viability, EdU, and flow cytometry assays through administration of LiCl. We used polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting to establish the effect of GSK-3βinhibition on the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathway. Results showed administration of LiCl increased apoptosis and the level of ROS in colorectal cancer cells. Furthermore, the underlying mechanisms could be mediated by the reduction of NF-κB expression and NF-κB-mediated transcription. Taken together, our results demonstrated that therapeutic targeting of ROS/GSK-3β/NF-κB pathways may be an effective way for colorectal cancer intervention, although further preclinical and clinical testing are desirable.
Posterior AD-Type Pathology: Cognitive Subtypes Emerging from a Cluster Analysis
Authors: Cappa Antonella , Ciccarelli Nicoletta , Baldonero Eleonora , Martelli Marialuisa , Silveri Maria Caterina
Published: June 2014

Background. “Posterior shift” of the neuropathological changes of Alzheimer's disease (AD) produces a syndrome (posterior cortical atrophy) (PCA) dominated by high-level visual deficits.Objective. To explore in patients with AD-type pathology whether a data-driven analysis (cluster analysis) based on neuropsychological findings resulted in the emergence of different subgroups of patients; in particular to find out whether it was possible to identify patients with visuospatial deficits consistent with the hypothesis that PCA is a “dorsal stream” syndrome or, rather, whether there were subgroups of patients with different types of impairment within the high-level visual domain.Methods. 23 PCA and 16 DAT patients were studied. By a principal component analysis performed on a wide range of neuropsychological tasks, 15 variables were obtained that loaded onto five main factors (memory, language, perceptual, visuospatial, and calculation) which entered a hierarchical cluster analysis.Results. Four clusters of cognitive impairment emerged: visuospatial/perceptual, memory, perceptual/calculation, and language. Only in the first cluster a visuospatial deficit clearly emerged.Conclusions. AD pathology produces not only variants dominated by memory (DAT) and, to a lesser extent, visuospatial deficit (PCA), but also other distinct syndromic subtypes with disorders in visual perception and language which reflect a different vulnerability of specific functional networks.
Wnt Pathway Activation in Long Term Remnant Rat Model
Authors: Banon-Maneus E. , Rovira J. , Ramirez-Bajo M. J. , Moya-Rull D. , Hierro-Garcia N. , Takenaka S. , Diekmann F. , Eickelberg O. , Königshoff M. , Campistol J. M.
Published: June 2014

Progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is characterized by deposition of extracellular matrix. This is an irreversible process that leads to tubulointerstitial fibrosis and finally loss of kidney function. Wnt/β-catenin pathway was reported to be aberrantly activated in the progressive damage associated with chronic organ failure. Extensive renal ablation is an experimental model widely used to gain insight into the mechanisms responsible for the development of CKD, but it was not evaluated for Wnt/β-catenin pathway. This study aimed to elucidate if the rat 5/6 renal mass reduction model (RMR) is a good model for the Wnt/β-catenin activation and possible next modulation. RMR model was evaluated at 12 and 18 weeks after the surgery, when CKD is close to end-stage kidney disease demonstrated by molecular and histological studies. Wnt pathway components were analyzed at mRNA and protein level. Our results demonstrate that Wnt pathway is active by increase ofβ-catenin at mRNA level and nuclear translocation in tubular epithelium as well as some target genes. These results validate the RMR model for future modulation of Wnt pathway, starting at shorter time after the surgery.
Experimental Research on Passive Residual Heat Removal System of Chinese Advanced PWR
Authors: Wenbin Zhuo , Yanping Huang , Zejun Xiao , Chuanxin Peng , Sansan Lu
Published: June 2014

Passive residual heat removal system (PRHRS) for the secondary loop is one of the important features for Chinese advance pressurized water reactor (CAPWR). To prove the safety characteristics of CAPWR, serials of experiments have been done on special designed PRHRS test facility in the former stage. The test facility was built up following the scaling laws to preserve the similarity to CAPWR. A total of more than 300 tests have been performed on the test facility, including 90% steady state cases and 10% transient cases. A semiempirical model was generated for passive heat removal functions based on the experimental results of steady state cases. The dynamic capability characteristics and reliability of passive safety system for CAPWR were evidently proved by transient cases. A new simulation code, MISAP2.0, has been developed and calibrated by experimental results. It will be applied in future design evaluation and optimization works.
Energy Management Strategy Based on the Driving Cycle Model for Plugin Hybrid Electric Vehicles
Authors: Fu Xiaoling , Wang Huixuan , Cui Naxin , Zhang Chenghui
Published: June 2014

The energy management strategy (EMS) for a plugin hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) is proposed based on the driving cycle model and dynamic programming (DP) algorithm. A driving cycle model is constructed by collecting and processing the driving data of a certain school bus. The state of charge (SOC) profile can be obtained by the DP algorithm for the whole driving cycle. In order to optimize the energy management strategy in the hybrid power system, the optimal motor torque control sequence can be calculated using the DP algorithm for the segments between the traffic intersections. Compared with the traditional charge depleting-charge sustaining (CDCS) strategy, the test results on the ADVISOR platform show a significant improvement in fuel consumption using the EMS proposed in this paper.
New Čebyšev Type Inequalities and Applications for Functions of Self-Adjoint Operators on Complex Hilbert Spaces
Authors: Alomari Mohammad W.
Published: June 2014

Several new error bounds for the Čebyšev functional under various assumptions are proved. Applications for functions of self-adjoint operators on complex Hilbert spaces are provided as well.
Jatropha gossypiifolia L. (Euphorbiaceae): A Review of Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry, Pharmacology, and Toxicology of This Medicinal Plant
Authors: Félix-Silva Juliana , Giordani Raquel Brandt , Silva-Jr Arnóbio Antonio da , Zucolotto Silvana Maria , Fernandes-Pedrosa Matheus de Freitas
Published: June 2014

Jatropha gossypiifolia L. (Euphorbiaceae), widely known as “bellyache bush,” is a medicinal plant largely used throughout Africa and America. Several human and veterinary uses in traditional medicine are described for different parts and preparations based on this plant. However, critical reviews discussing emphatically its medicinal value are missing. This review aims to provide an up‐to‐date overview of the traditional uses, as well as the phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicity data of J. gossypiifolia species, in view of discussing its medicinal value and potential application in complementary and alternative medicine. Pharmacological studies have demonstrated significant action of different extracts and/or isolated compounds as antimicrobial, anti‐inflammatory, antidiarrheal, antihypertensive, and anticancer agents, among others, supporting some of its popular uses. No clinical trial has been detected to date. Further studies are necessary to assay important folk uses, as well as to find new bioactive molecules with pharmacological relevance based on the popular claims. Toxicological studies associated with phytochemical analysis are important to understand the eventual toxic effects that could reduce its medicinal value. The present review provides insights for future research aiming for both ethnopharmacological validation of its popular use and its exploration as a new source of herbal drugs and/or bioactive natural products.
Fixation of a Periprosthetic Intertrochanteric Hip Fracture below a Birmingham Hip Resurfacing
Authors: Macdonald J. , Robinson A. , Brown I.
Published: June 2014

This case report involves a 56-year-old female (Mrs X) with a traumatic intertrochanteric hip fracture with subtrochanteric extension below a previous Birmingham hip resurfacing. Periprosthetic fractures following hip resurfacing are usually subcapital and treated with a revision or conservative management. We present an unusual surgical problem with an interesting solution stabilising the fracture using a proximal femoral locking compression plate (LCP). Eight months following surgery the patient is able to walk pain free and there is good fixation and stability.
Nanotechnology-Applied Curcumin for Different Diseases Therapy
Authors: Ghalandarlaki Negar , Alizadeh Ali Mohammad , Ashkani-Esfahani Soheil
Published: June 2014

Curcumin is a lipophilic molecule with an active ingredient in the herbal remedy and dietary spice turmeric. It is used by different folks for treatment of many diseases. Recent studies have discussed poor bioavailability of curcumin because of poor absorption, rapid metabolism, and rapid systemic elimination. Nanotechnology is an emerging field that is potentially changing the way we can treat diseases through drug delivery with curcumin. The recent investigations established several approaches to improve the bioavailability, to increase the plasma concentration, and to enhance the cellular permeability processes of curcumin. Several types of nanoparticles have been found to be suitable for the encapsulation or loading of curcumin to improve its therapeutic effects in different diseases. Nanoparticles such as liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, micelles, nanogels, niosomes, cyclodextrins, dendrimers, silvers, and solid lipids are emerging as one of the useful alternatives that have been shown to deliver therapeutic concentrations of curcumin. This review shows that curcumin’s therapeutic effects may increase to some extent in the presence of nanotechnology. The presented board of evidence focuses on the valuable special effects of curcumin on different diseases and candidates it for future clinical studies in the realm of these diseases.
Drying Kinetics and Rehydration Characteristics of Convective Hot-Air Dried White Button Mushroom Slices
Authors: Doymaz İbrahim
Published: June 2014

The effect of pretreatment (0.5% citric acid solution) and drying air temperature (40, 50, 60, and 70°C) on drying characteristics of button mushroom slices was investigated in a cabinet dryer. The experimental results show that the drying temperature and pretreatment have significant effects on the moisture removal from mushroom. In addition, rehydration ratio of pretreated samples was higher than that of control ones. Four kinds of classical model were used to obtain moisture data and the logarithmic model was the best for representation of mushroom drying. The values of effective moisture diffusivity were found to range between1.70×10-10and7.12×10-10 m2/s over the temperature range studied. The activation energy was found to be 35.04 and 37.21 kJ/mol for control and pretreated samples, respectively.
Real‐Time Forecast of Tourists Distribution Based on the Improved k‐Means Method
Authors: Ren Peiyu , Liao Zhixue , Ge Peng
Published: June 2014

Tourist distribution, a vector to reflect the tourist number of every scenic spot in a certain period of time, serves as the foundation for a scenic spots manager to make a schedule scheme. In this paper, a forecast model is offered to forecast tourist distribution. First of all, based on the analysis of changing mechanism of tourist distribution, it is believed that the possibility
for a scenic spot to have the same tourist distribution next time is high. To conduct this forecast, we just need to research on the similar tourist distributions of which time and tourist scale are close. Considering that it is time‐consuming, an improved K‐means cluster method is put forward to classify the historical data into several clusters so that little time will be needed to search for the most similar historical data. In the end, the case study of Jiuzhai Valley is adopted to illustrate the effectiveness of this forecast model.
Transient Cooling of Waxy Crude Oil in a Floating Roof Tank
Authors: Zhao Jian , Liu Yang , Wei LiXin , Dong Hang
Published: June 2014

The transient cooling of waxy crude oil stored in a floating roof tank located in alpine region is studied by means of numerical simulation, accomplished with a two-dimensional model in cylindrical coordinates with the finite volumes method. The typical evolution of transient natural convection and temperature distribution is investigated which can be divided into four stages. For the transient natural convection, it is concluded as the formation, expansion, degradation, and vanishing stage, along with it is the evolution of temperature field regarded as the local cooling, integral cooling, the thermal stratification, and heat conduction course. Special attention is given to the solidified process of waxy oil and its influence on the cooling process of crude oil. Moreover, the effect of tank size, the temperature gradient between oil and ambient, viscosity, and Cp of waxy crude oil on the cooling rate is investigated. The main characteristic of cooling process obtained from numerical results shows a good agreement with the temperature test results from a large floating tank in the oil depot.
Oral Manifestation of Autosomal Recessive Congenital Ichthyosis in a 2-Year-Old Patient
Authors: Ramar Kavitha , Annamalai Sankar , Hariharavel V. P. , Aravindhan R. , Ganesh C. , Ieshwaryah K.
Published: June 2014

Ichthyosis is a heterogeneous family of hereditary keratinisation disorders mostly characterized by variable erythema of the whole body and different scaling patterns. Although these disorders affect tissues of epidermal origin, there is little evidence regarding the oral and dental manifestations of Lamellar Ichthyosis. A case report of early childhood caries in lamellar ichthyosis is presented and the dental consideration and management is discussed in this paper.
The Homomorphisms and Operations of Rough Groups
Authors: Li Fei , Zhang Zhenliang
Published: June 2014

Based on the light relation between a normal subgroup and a complete congruence relation of a group, we consider the homomorphism problem of rough groups and rough quotient groups and investigate their operational properties. Some new results are obtained.
A New Theory to Forecast the Price of Nonrenewable Energy Resources with Mass and Energy-Capital Conservation Equations
Authors: Gori Fabio
Published: June 2014

The mass and energy-capital conservation equations are employed to study the time evolution of mass and price of nonrenewable energy resources, extracted and sold to the market, in case of no-accumulation and no-depletion, that is, when the resources are extracted and sold to the market at the same mass flow rate. The Hotelling rule for nonrenewable resources, that is, an exponential increase of the price at the rate of the current interest multiplied the time, is shown to be a special case of the general energy-capital conservation equation when the mass flow rate of extracted resources is unity. The mass and energy-capital conservation equations are solved jointly to investigate the time evolution of the extracted resources.
Binding of the Bi (III) Complex of Naringin withβ-Cyclodextrin/Calf Thymus DNA: Absorption and Fluorescence Characteristics
Authors: Yousuf Sameena , Enoch Israel V. Muthu Vijayan
Published: June 2014

Naringin-Bi (III) complex (Narb) was prepared and analysed by UV-Visible absorption and fluorescence measurements. The inclusion complex of Narb withβ-Cyclodextrin (β-CD) was characterized by the UV-Visible absorption, Infrared, scanning dlectron microscopic, and X-ray diffractometric techniques. The stoichiometry of the inclusion complex of Narb withβ-CD was 1 : 1 with a binding constant of 5.18 × 102mol−1dm3. The interaction of Narb with Calf Thymus DNA (ctDNA) was investigated in the presence and the absence ofβ-CD. The binding constants for the interaction of Narb with ctDNA in the absence and the presence ofβ-CD were 1.29 × 105mol−1dm3and 6.89 × 104mol−1dm3, respectively. The Stern-Volmer constants for the interaction of Narb with ctDNA in the absence and the presence ofβ-CD were 1.25 × 104mol−1dm3and 5.10 × 103mol−1dm3, respectively. The lowering of the binding affinity and theKsvwere observed for the interaction of Narb with ctDNA in the presence ofβ-CD.
Iminoflavones Combat 1,2-Dimethyl Hydrazine-Induced Aberrant Crypt Foci Development in Colon Cancer
Authors: Prasad V. Ganga , Kawade Shishir , Jayashree B. S. , Reddy Neetinkumar D. , Francis Albi , Nayak Pawan G. , Kishore Anoop , Nandakumar K. , Rao C. Mallikarjuna , Shenoy Rekha R.
Published: June 2014

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the antitumor potential of iminoflavones inin vitroandin vivoanticancer models. Preliminary screening in various cancer cell lines revealed four potential iminoflavones out of which IMF-8 was taken based on its activity against colon cancer cells. This was further confirmed by observing the nuclear changes in the cells by AO/EB and Hoechst 33342 staining studies.In vivoactivity was assessed by dimethyl hydrazine-(DMH-) induced colon cancer model in rats. Animals were administered DMH (20 mg/kg, b.w. for 10 weeks and 30 mg/kg b.w.,i.p.for 10 weeks) and were supplemented with (IMF-8) iminoflavone-8 (200 mg/kg,p.o.for 14 days). Results showed that DMH induced 100% aberrant crypt foci (ACF) and polyps which were significantly reduced in the IMF-8 treated group. IMF-8 significantly increased the catalase and GSH levels whereas it reduced the TNF-αand IL-6 levels markedly which suggests the antioxidative and anti-inflammatory actions of flavonoids present in IMF-8. The histopathological images of the IMF-8 treated colon showed no signs of mucosal crypt abscess. These findings suggest that the semi-synthetic iminoflavones, IMF-8, effectively inhibit DMH-induced ACFs and colonic crypts by alleviating the oxidative stress and suppressing the inflammation.
An Elastic‐Viscoplastic Model for Time‐Dependent Behavior of Soft Clay and Its Application on Rheological Consolidation
Authors: Li Jinzhu , Wang Wenjun , Zhu Yijun , Xu Haofeng , Xie Xinyu
Published: June 2014

To describe the time‐dependent behavior of soft clay, this paper extended one‐dimensional Nishihara model to three‐dimensional stress state based on the framework of Perzyna’s overstress theory and modified cam‐clay model. The yield criterion of modified cam‐clay model was used to describe the plastic properties of soft clay, and the overstress theory was used to describe the strain rate effect. Triaxial rheological tests were carried out on Ningbo soft clay and the rheological characteristics were studied. Based on laboratory results, the parameters of proposed model were determined by curve fitting, which show that this model is suitable for the rheological characteristics of Ningbo soft clay. The analysis of parameters shows that, the value of parameters changes slightly with different deviatoric stress when the confining pressure was constant, but changes notably with the increase of confining pressure. A user material subroutine of the proposed constitutive mode was coded on the platform of the FEM software ABAQUS and verified by triaxial compression of soil column. A plain strain problem was computed to analyze the rheological consolidation properties of soft clay, in which the rheological effect and the finite strain effect were considered.
A Pilot Study Evaluating the Contribution ofSLC19A1(RFC-1) 80G>A Polymorphism to Alzheimer’s Disease in Italian Caucasians
Authors: Coppedè Fabio , Tannorella Pierpaola , Tognoni Gloria , Bagnoli Silvia , Bongioanni Paolo , Nacmias Benedetta , Siciliano Gabriele , Sorbi Sandro , Bonuccelli Ubaldo , Migliore Lucia
Published: June 2014

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disorder and the primary form of dementia in the elderly. Polymorphisms of genes involved in folate metabolism have been frequently suggested as risk factors for sporadic AD. A common c.80G>A polymorphism (rs1051266) in the gene coding for the reduced folate carrier (SLC19A1gene, commonly known asRFC-1gene) was investigated as AD risk factor in Asian populations, yielding conflicting results. We screened a Caucasian population of Italian origin composed of 192 sporadic AD patients and 186 healthy matched controls, for the presence of theRFC-1c.80G>A polymorphism, and searched for correlation with circulating levels of folate, homocysteine, and vitamin B12. No difference in the distribution of allele and genotype frequencies was observed between AD patients and controls. No correlation was observed among the genotypes generated by theRFC-1c.80G>A polymorphism and circulating levels of folate, homocysteine, and vitamin B12 either in the whole cohort of subjects or after stratification into clinical subtypes. Present results do not support a role for theRFC-1c.80G>A polymorphism as independent risk factor for sporadic AD in Italian Caucasians.
A Secure Cooperative Spectrum Sensing Scheme in Mobile Cognitive Radio Networks
Authors: Du Jun , Guo Daoxing , Zhang Bangning , Shang Ligang
Published: June 2014

The reliability of cooperative spectrum sensing (CSS) can be severely degraded by the falsified spectrum sensing reports provided by malicious secondary users (SUs). However, in existing works, the problem of secure CSS in mobile cognitive radio networks (CRNs) has not been well considered yet. The detection of abnormal sensing reports in existing works does not evaluate both sensing reports and locations of SUs simultaneously. And the mobility pattern of all SUs is assumed to be similar, which is impractical in real mobile CRNs. In this paper, spatial correlation of the received signal strength among SUs is exploited to get the evidence whether the received signal strength is consistent with the location from where it is generated. And Dempster-Shafer theory is used to filter out abnormal reports by combining the evidence collected from the spatial correlation algorithm in each sensing period. To mitigate the adverse effects caused by the SUs’ mobility pattern, a fusion scheme based on SUs’ reputation is proposed. In comparison to the existing schemes, simulation results demonstrate that the proposed secure CSS scheme improves the primary user detection rate by 10% at false alarm rate of 0.1 when the mobility pattern of the SUs is different.
Defining Biological Networks for Noise Buffering and Signaling Sensitivity Using Approximate Bayesian Computation
Authors: Wang Shuqiang , Shen Yanyan , Shi Changhong , Wang Tao , Wei Zhiming , Li Hanxiong
Published: June 2014

Reliable information processing in cells requires high sensitivity to changes in the input signal but low sensitivity to random fluctuations in the transmitted signal. There are often many alternative biological circuits qualifying for this biological function. Distinguishing theses biological models and finding the most suitable one are essential, as such model ranking, by experimental evidence, will help to judge the support of the working hypotheses forming each model. Here, we employ the approximate Bayesian computation (ABC) method based on sequential Monte Carlo (SMC) to search for biological circuits that can maintain signaling sensitivity while minimizing noise propagation, focusing on cases where the noise is characterized by rapid fluctuations. By systematically analyzing three-component circuits, we rank these biological circuits and identify three-basic-biological-motif buffering noise while maintaining sensitivity to long-term changes in input signals. We discuss in detail a particular implementation in control of nutrient homeostasis in yeast. The principal component analysis of the posterior provides insight into the nature of the reaction between nodes.
Erythrophagocytosis inEntamoeba histolyticaandEntamoeba dispar: A Comparative Study
Authors: Talamás-Lara Daniel , Chávez-Munguía Bibiana , González-Robles Arturo , Talamás-Rohana Patricia , Salazar-Villatoro Lizbeth , Durán-Díaz Ángel , Martínez-Palomo Adolfo
Published: June 2014

Entamoeba histolyticais the causative agent of human intestinal and liver amebiasis. The extraordinary phagocytic activity ofE. histolyticatrophozoites has been accepted as one of the virulence mechanisms responsible for their invasive capacity. The recognition of the noninvasiveEntamoeba disparas a different species has raised the question as to whether the lack of pathogenic potential of this ameba correlates with a limited phagocytic capacity. We have therefore compared the process of erythrophagocytosis in both species by means of light and video microscopy, hemoglobin measurement, and the estimation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). In the present study, we confirmed thatE. disparhas lower erythrophagocytic capacity. We also observed by video microscopy a new event of erythrocyte opsonization-like in both species, being more characteristic inE. histolytica. Moreover,E. disparshowed a lower capacity to produce ROS compared with the invasive species and also showed a large population of amoebae that did not engulf any erythrocyte over time. Our results demonstrate thatE. histolyticahas a higher phagocytic capacity thanE. dispar, including a higher rate of production of ROS in the course of ingesting red blood cells.
An Iterated Local Search Algorithm for Estimating the Parameters of the Gamma/Gompertz Distribution
Authors: Afshar-Nadjafi Behrouz
Published: June 2014

Extensive research has been devoted to the estimation of the parameters of frequently used distributions. However, little attention has been paid to estimation of parameters of Gamma/Gompertz distribution, which is often encountered in customer lifetime and mortality risks distribution literature. This distribution has three parameters. In this paper, we proposed an algorithm for estimating the parameters of Gamma/Gompertz distribution based on maximum likelihood estimation method. Iterated local search (ILS) is proposed to maximize likelihood function. Finally, the proposed approach is computationally tested using some numerical examples and results are analyzed.
The Effectiveness of Acupuncture Compared to Loratadine in Patients Allergic to House Dust Mites
Authors: Hauswald Bettina , Dill Christina , Boxberger Jürgen , Kuhlisch Eberhard , Zahnert Thomas , Yarin Yury M.
Published: June 2014

Background. The aim of this work was to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of acupuncture and its impact on the immune system in comparison to loratadine in the treatment of persistent allergic rhinitis caused by house dust mites. Methods. In this study, 24 patients suffering from persistent allergic rhinitis induced by house dust mites were treated either with acupuncture (n=15) or with loratadine (n=9). The evaluation of the data was based on the subjective and the objective rhinoconjunctivitis symptom scores, specific and total IgE, and interleukins (IL-4, IL-10, and IFN-γ) as markers for the activity of Th1 or Th2 cells. Results. The treatments with acupuncture as well as with loratadine were considered effective in the patients’ subjective assessment, whereby the effect of the acupuncture tended to be assessed as more persistent after the end of treatment. A change in the specific or the total IgE was not detectable in either group. The interleukin profile showed the tendency of an increasing IL-10 value in the acupuncture group. The results of the study show that the effectiveness of acupuncture is comparable to that of loratadine. Conclusion. Acupuncture is a clinically effective form of therapy in the treatment of patients suffering from persistent allergic rhinitis. The results indicate the probability of an immunomodulatory effect.
Iterative Algorithms for New General Systems of Set-Valued Variational Inclusions Involving(A,η)-Maximal Relaxed Monotone Operators
Authors: Xiong Ting-jian , Lan Heng-you
Published: June 2014

We introduce and study a class of new general systems of set-valued variational inclusions involving(A,η)-maximal relaxed monotone operators in Hilbert spaces. By using the general resolvent operator technique associated with(A,η)-maximal relaxed monotone operators, we construct some new iterative algorithms for finding approximation solutions to the general system of set-valued variational inclusion problem and prove the convergence of this algorithm. Our results improve and extend some known results.
Improvement of Water Quality at Dongbin Harbor with Construction of an Inland Canal, Korea
Authors: Cho Yong-Sik
Published: June 2014

The behaviors of the water body of Dongbin Harbor located at Pohang City, Gyongpook Province, in Korea were numerically simulated in this study. A canal was planned to connect the harbor and the Hyeongsan River to improve water quality inside the harbor. The current system was first simulated by using a commercial program RMA2, with respect to both tidal currents and river flow. The progress inside the harbor from a supply of fresh water from the Hyeongsan River was then predicted by using RMA4. Both the present and future conditions (before and after construction of an inland canal) were taken into consideration in numerical simulations. It is concluded that the water quality inside the harbor can be improved considerably after construction of the canal.
The Review of GRACE Data Applications in Terrestrial Hydrology Monitoring
Authors: Jiang Dong , Wang Jianhua , Huang Yaohuan , Zhou Kang , Ding Xiangyi , Fu Jingying
Published: June 2014

The Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) satellite provides a new method for terrestrial hydrology research, which can be used for improving the monitoring result of the spatial and temporal changes of water cycle at large scale quickly. The paper presents a review of recent applications of GRACE data in terrestrial hydrology monitoring. Firstly, the scientific GRACE dataset is briefly introduced. Recently main applications of GRACE data in terrestrial hydrological monitoring at large scale, including terrestrial water storage change evaluation, hydrological components of groundwater and evapotranspiration (ET) retrieving, droughts analysis, and glacier response of global change, are described. Both advantages and limitations of GRACE data applications are then discussed. Recommendations for further research of the terrestrial water monitoring based on GRACE data are also proposed.