bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fast Macropore Etching via Large Current and High HF Concentration on p-Type Silicon
Authors: Ge Daohan , Ren Naifei , Wang Quan
Published: April 2014

Etching rate of macropores silicon is important to the application of porous silicon for massive production. In this study, we demonstrate a fast macropore etching on p-type silicon. HF-containing electrolytes were modified with organic solvent, dimethylformamide (DMF), and 1-2 μm macropores with nice quality were fast produced on p-type silicon substrate. The effects of HF concentration and current densities on the macropore etching rate have been investigated. By applying large current densities and HF concentration, an etching rate as high as 1900 μm/h (approx 32 μm/min) was achieved in our work, along with rather straight and smooth sidewalls.
Compositional Characterization of Inclusion/Matrix Boundaries and Relation to Pit Initiation at MnS in Stainless Steel
Authors: Tohjoh Masayuki , Muto Izumi , Chiba Aya , Sugawara Yu , Hara Nobuyoshi
Published: April 2014

Compositional characterization of inclusion/matrix boundaries and relation to pit initiation at MnS in stainless steel were investigated by microelectrochemical measurements. In 0.1 M NaCl solution, N-containing 304L stainless steel (0.12 mass% N), MnS dissolution did not occurred. The thin-film layer was found at MnS/steel boundaries. Cr and C accumulated in the thin-film layer. The transpassive dissolution potential of Cr is considered to be more positive than dissolution potential of MnS. Since MnS was covered with the thin-film layer, it is thought that MnS did not dissolve. MnS inclusions have the solubility of Cr, so that (Mn, Cr)S was formed in the solidification process. It is thought that when Cr diffuse from (Mn, Cr)S to steel matrix during heat-treatments, the thin-film layer is formed. About C, since there is almost no signal of C in inclusions before polarization, C is considered to be accumulated in the thin-film layer during the corrosion.
The Effect of Potential Scan Rate and Temperature at Aluminum Passive State in Borate Buffer Solutions
Authors: Minakova Tatiana , Kaluzhina Svetlana , Sokolov Yu. V.
Published: April 2014

The passivity process of aluminum in 0.2М Н3ВО3 + 0.05М Na2В4O7 (pH 8.4) solutions under different potential scan rate (4 - 100 mV/s) and temperature (20-70° С) was investigated. The obtained experimental results were interpreted according to modern theories of passive state, competitive adsorption and Pearson’s principle. The mechanism of passivity process of aluminum in the studied systems was suggested.
The Incorporation of Bovine Serum Albumin into a Polypyrrole Film in One Simple Step
Authors: Hamilton Anita , Breslin Carmel B.
Published: April 2014

The model protein, bovine serum albumin (BSA), was successfully incorporated into a polypyrrole film in one simple electropolymerisation step. The presence of BSA within the polymer was established using scanning electron microscopy, coupled with energy dispersive X-ray analysis; additionally, cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedence spectroscopy were utilised to investigate differences between the polymer films in the presence and absence of the BSA and to determine the capacitance of the polymers. It was found that the presence of BSA within polypyrrole reduces the electroactivity of the polymer and has a fibrous surface morphology compared to the characteristic cauliflower morphology of PPy-Cl.
Electrochemical Behavior of Organics Oxidation on Palladium-Based Nanocatalysts Synthesized from Bromide Anion Exchange
Authors: Holade Yaovi , Morais Claudia , Napporn Teko W. , Servat Karine , Kokoh Kouakou Boniface
Published: April 2014

Palladium-based and gold nanomaterials were synthesized by the so-called “Bromide Anion Exchange” method. This soft and clean synthetic route leads to well dispersed small nanoparticles on carbon support. Accordingly, these nanoscale structures have a high active surface area like 81 m2 g-1 for the 20 wt.% Pd/C electrocatalyst. The CO stripping experiments performed in alkaline medium have highlighted the dependence of the CO adsorption mode on palladium. When used as anode for glycerol or glucose electrooxidation in alkaline medium, they exhibit good activities. Moreover, the bimetallic catalysts showed an important improvement of the kinetics at lower potentials when compared to Pd/C. Some added value products like glycerate or glycolate have been detected by chromatographic analysis. These nanomaterials are promising electrodes in fuel or hybrid biofuel cell devices in a cogeneration of high value chemicals and energy process
Studies of Adiponitrile as an Electrochemical Solvent
Authors: Cheek Graham T.
Published: April 2014

The usefulness of adiponitrile (ADN) as a solvent for electrochemical studies has been investigated using several solutes. In the present work, tetraethylammonium tetrafluorborate ( TEA BF4 ) has been used as supporting electrolyte. Ferrocene undergoes reversible redox behavior in ADN/TEABF4, and the peak potential separation decreases markedly with increasing TEABF4 concentration. The ketone 9-fluorenone undergoes two successive one-electron redox processes; however, the second process is not completely reversible at 100 mV/s in ADN. This behavior can be explained by the effect of a proton transfer between the fluorenone dianion and ADN. This proton transfer is not as extensive in acetonitrile, suggesting that intramolecular interactions in the ADN anion enhance the acidity of ADN.
Electrooxidation of p-Chloroaniline at Gold Electrode
Authors: Haque Inam ul , Kirmani Ammara Hasnain , Tariq Muqaddas , Sadaf Shamaila
Published: April 2014

Electrochemical oxidation of p-chloroaniline in 0.1 M sodium perchlorate in pure acetonitrile was studied on gold surface using cyclic and normal pulse voltammetry. Mechanistic interpretation of the voltammetric results is outlined in terms of peak (or half wave) potential dependence on scan rate and concentration of p-chloroaniline.
The Electrolytic Dissociation of 1,3-Cyclopentanedicarboxylic Acids
Authors: Kvaratskhelia Elene , Kvaratskhelia Ramaz , Kurtanidze Rusudan
Published: April 2014

The dissociation parameters for the dilute (0.0001-0.01M) solutions of cis and trans-1,3-cyclopentanedicarboxylic acids were calculated with the aid of the original accurate and empirical equations suggested by authors for cases of electrolytic dissociation of weak multibasic organic acids with the effect of “overlapping” equilibria. The equations for determination the regions of predominance of various charged and uncharged forms of these acids were also suggested.
Adsorption of Methylene Orange on Embedding Carbon Nanotubes Sodium Alginate /Chitosan Gel Beads
Authors: Tsai Fang-Chang , Chiang Tai-Chin , Ma Ning , Shi Jing-Jing , Yue Xia , Tsai Lung-Chang , Jiang Tao , Su Shuenn-Kung
Published: April 2014

This study focused on the carboxylation method on multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) structure and property. The applicability of a novel adsorbent, the SA/MWCNT-CTS composite were obtained by controlling the reaction conditions. The SA/MWCNT-CTS composite was applied to the absorption of methyl orange (MO) from simulated dye wastewater .Adsorption dynamics and thermodynamics of SA/MWCNT-CTS microspheres were examined by UV-visible spectroscopy, and the associated adsorption mechanism was preliminarily investigated. Changes in the absorbance, throw ratio, conductivity, and the pH value of MO solution of MO solution during adsorption by SA/MWCNT-CTS microspheres were also studied. Results showed that the prepared SA/MWCNT-CTS microspheres retained excellent inherent chemical stability and had strong MO adsorption capacity. CS contains many hydroxyl groups, which are involved in the adsorption of organic dye. The adsorption process had a negative value of free energy change (∆G0); therefore, the process was a spontaneous reaction. At lower MO equilibrium concentrations, the SA/MWCNT-CTS microspheres had a greater capacity for adsorption.
Overexpression of TRB3 in muscle alters muscle fiber type and improves exercise capacity in mice
Authors: An Ding , Lessard Sarah J. , Toyoda Taro , Lee Min-Young , Koh Ho-Jin , Qi Ling , Hirshman Michael F. , Goodyear Laurie J.
Published: April 2014

Increasing evidence suggests that TRB3, a mammalian homolog of Drosophila tribbles, plays an important role in cell growth, differentiation, and metabolism. In the liver, TRB3 binds and inhibits Akt activity, whereas in adipocytes, TRB3 upregulates fatty acid oxidation. In cultured muscle cells, TRB3 has been identified as a potential regulator of insulin signaling. However, little is known about the function and regulation of TRB3 in skeletal muscle in vivo. In the current study, we found that 4 wk of voluntary wheel running (6.6 ± 0.4 km/day) increased TRB3 mRNA by 1.6-fold and protein by 2.5-fold in the triceps muscle. Consistent with this finding, muscle-specific transgenic mice that overexpress TRB3 (TG) had a pronounced increase in exercise capacity compared with wild-type (WT) littermates (TG: 1,535 ± 283; WT: 644 ± 67 joules). The increase in exercise capacity in TRB3 TG mice was not associated with changes in glucose uptake or glycogen levels; however, these mice displayed a dramatic shift toward a more oxidative/fatigue-resistant (type I/IIA) muscle fiber type, including threefold more type I fibers in soleus muscles. Skeletal muscle from TRB3 TG mice had significantly decreased PPARα expression, twofold higher levels of miR208b and miR499, and corresponding increases in the myosin heavy chain isoforms Myh7 and Myb7b, which encode these microRNAs. These findings suggest that TRB3 regulates muscle fiber type via a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α (PPAR-α)-regulated miR499/miR208b pathway, revealing a novel function for TRB3 in the regulation of skeletal muscle fiber type and exercise capacity.
Stability Analysis of a Population Model with Maturation Delay and Ricker Birth Function
Authors: Zheng Chongwu , Zhang Fengqin , Li Jianquan
Published: April 2014

A single species population model is investigated, where the discrete maturation delay and the Ricker birth function are incorporated. The threshold determining the global stability of the trivial equilibrium and the existence of the positive equilibrium is obtained. The necessary and sufficient conditions ensuring the local asymptotical stability of the positive equilibrium are given by applying the Pontryagin's method. The effect of all the parameter values on the local stability of the positive equilibrium is analyzed. The obtained results show the existence of stability switch and provide a method of computing maturation times at which the stability switch occurs. Numerical simulations illustrate that chaos may occur for the model, and the associated parameter bifurcation diagrams are given for certain values of the parameters.
Simulation of Electron Energy Spectra of a Biased Paracentric Hemispherical Deflection Analyzer as a Function of Entry Bias: Effects of Misalignments
Authors: Sise O.
Published: April 2014

The performance of a biased paracentric hemispherical deflection analyzer (HDA), including fringing fields and their effect on focusing and energy resolution, is investigated using numerical methods. Electron energy spectra are calculated for three entry positionsR0=84 mm, 100 mm, and 112 mm and compared with the recent experimental measurements. In both experiment and calculation, the two different paracentric entry positionsR0=84 mm andR0=112 mm, on either side of the mean radius of 100 mm, are found to have a base energy resolution of about two times better than the conventional centric entry positionR0=100 mm. In order to explain the discrepancies (6–30%) between the simulated and the experimental resolutions the focusing characteristics are further investigated for different displacements of the input lens (ΔR0) with respect to the entry positionR0and the tilted input beam axis byαshiftin the dispersive direction. We have found that the blame does not in fact lie with the theory and we have shown that the input lens may have been misaligned in the experiment. Slight misalignments affect both the true energy resolution measurement and the transmission of the beam.
Cationic Bioactive Peptide from the Seeds of Benincasa hispida
Authors: Sharma Sunayana , Verma Hirday Narain , Sharma Nilesh Kumar
Published: April 2014

A designated bioactive peptide “Hispidalin” purified from the seeds of Benincasa hispida, which is a medicinal plant, belongs to Cucurbitaceae family. Purification was achieved by using a procedure consisting of extraction from potassium phosphate buffer followed by FPLC and HPLC steps. Based on amino acid residue, this peptide is amphipathic and basic with one net positive charge having isoelectric pH 8.1. This peptide is without sulphur containing amino acid suggesting its extended conformation lacking double bond secondary structure. The results obtained from MALDI-TOF suggested that Hispidalin is of molecular mass 5.7 KDa with 49 amino acid residues and confirmed SDS-PAGE resolved ∼6.0 KDa protein band. This novel and unknown peptide “Hispidalin” showed broad and potent inhibitory effects against various human bacterial and fungal pathogens; its growth inhibition was significantly comparable with commercial antibacterial and antifungal drugs. The Hispidalin at 40 μg/mL concentration exhibited 70.8% DPPH free radical-scavenging activity and 69.5% lipid peroxide inhibition. Thus, in the present study, Hispidalin demonstrated remarkable antimicrobial and antioxidant potentials from the seeds of B. hispida.
Activity Exerted by a Testosterone Derivative on Myocardial Injury Using an Ischemia/Reperfusion Model
Authors: Lauro Figueroa-Valverde , Francisco Díaz-Cedillo , Elodia García-Cervera , Eduardo Pool-Gómez , Maria López-Ramos , Marcela Rosas-Nexticapa , Lenin Hau-Heredia , Betty Sarabia-Alcocer , Monica Velázquez-Sarabia Betty
Published: April 2014

Some reports indicate that several steroid derivatives have activity at cardiovascular level; nevertheless, there is scarce information about the activity exerted by the testosterone derivatives on cardiac injury caused by ischemia/reperfusion (I/R). Analyzing these data, in this study, a new testosterone derivative was synthetized with the objective of evaluating its effect on myocardial injury using an ischemia/reperfusion model. In addition, perfusion pressure and coronary resistance were evaluated in isolated rat hearts using the Langendorff technique. Additionally, molecular mechanism involved in the activity exerted by the testosterone derivative on perfusion pressure and coronary resistance was evaluated by measuring left ventricular pressure in the absence or presence of the following compounds: flutamide, prazosin, metoprolol, nifedipine, indomethacin, and PINANE TXA2. The results showed that the testosterone derivative significantly increasesP=0.05the perfusion pressure and coronary resistance in isolated heart. Other data indicate that the testosterone derivative increases left ventricular pressure in a dose-dependent manner (0.001–100 nM); however, this phenomenon was significantly inhibitedP=0.06by indomethacin and PINANE-TXA2  P=0.05at a dose of 1 nM. In conclusion, these data suggest that testosterone derivative induces changes in the left ventricular pressure levels through thromboxane receptor activation.
New Insights into the Steen Solution Properties: Breakthrough in Antioxidant Effects via NOX2 Downregulation
Authors: Carnevale Roberto , Biondi-Zoccai Giuseppe , Peruzzi Mariangela , De Falco Elena , Chimenti Isotta , Venuta Federico , Anile Marco , Diso Daniele , Cavarretta Elena , Marullo Antonino G. M. , Sartini Patrizio , Pignatelli Pasquale , Violi Francesco , Frati Giacomo
Published: April 2014

Ex vivo lung perfusion (EVLP) allows perfusion and reconditioning of retrieved lungs for organ transplantation. The Steen solution is specifically designed for this procedure but the mechanism through which it elicits its activity is still to be fully clarified. We speculated that Steen solution may encompass antioxidant properties allowing a reestablishment of pulmonary tissue homeostasis. Blood samples from 10 healthy volunteers were recruited. Platelets and white cells were incubated with Steen solution or buffer solution as control and stimulated with suitable agonists. Reactive oxidant species (ROS), soluble NOX2 (sNOX2-derived peptide), a marker of NADPH oxidase activation,p47phoxtranslocation to cell membrane and isoprostanes production, as marker of oxidative stress, and nitric oxide (NO), a powerful vasodilator and antioxidant molecule, were measured upon cell stimulation. The Steen solution significantly inhibitedp47phoxtranslocation and NOX2 activation in platelets and white cells. Consistent with this finding was the reduction of oxidative stress as documented by a significantly lowered formation of ROS and isoprostanes by both platelets and white cells. Finally, cell incubation with Steen solution resulted in enhanced generation of NO. Herewith, we provide the first evidence that Steen solution possesses antioxidant properties via downregulation of NADPH oxidase activity and enhanced production of NO.
Atmospheric Environment Fabrication of Composite Films by Ethanol Catalytic Combustion and Its Use as Counter Electrodes for Dye-Sensitized Soar Cells
Authors: Zou Xiaoping , Wei Cuiliu
Published: April 2014

The composite films which consist of amorphous carbon, carbon nanotube, and iron nanoparticles were prepared by ethanol catalytic combustion in atmospheric environment. The as-prepared composite films have good electrocatalytic activity and high conductivity which is due to their particular structure. The efficiency of the composite films based dye-sensitized soar cells (DSSCs) is closed to that of the Pt based one. Most importantly, the DSSC employing the composite films presents a higher FF than those of Pt based solar cell. In addition, it is a simple method for mass production of composite films counter electrode (CE) which is expected to reduce the cost of fabricating DSSCs.
Production and Cytotoxicity of Extracellular Insoluble and Droplets of Soluble Melanin byStreptomyces lusitanusDMZ-3
Authors: Madhusudhan D. N. , Mazhari Bi Bi Zainab , Dastager Syed G. , Agsar Dayanand
Published: April 2014

AStreptomyces lusitanusDMZ-3 strain with potential to synthesize both insoluble and soluble melanins was detected. Melanins are quite distinguished based on their solubility for varied biotechnological applications. The present investigation reveals the enhanced production of insoluble and soluble melanins in tyrosine medium by a single culture.Streptomyces lusitanusDMZ-3 was characterized by 16S rRNA gene analysis. An enhanced production of 5.29 g/L insoluble melanin was achieved in a submerged bioprocess following response surface methodology. Combined interactive effect of temperature (50°C), pH (8.5), tyrosine (2.0 g/L), and beef extract (0.5 g/L) were found to be critical variables for enhanced production in central composite design analysis. An optimized indigenous slant culture system was an innovative approach for the successful production (264 mg/L) of pure soluble melanin from the droplets formed on the surface of the culture. Both insoluble and soluble melanins were confirmed and characterized by Chemical, reactions, UV, FTIR, and TLC analysis. First time, cytotoxic study of melanin using brine shrimps was reported. Maximum cytotoxic activity of soluble melanin was Lc50-0.40 µg/mL and insoluble melanin was Lc50-0.80 µg/mL.
Joint Power and Multiple Access Control for Wireless Mesh Network with Rose Projection Method
Authors: Tang Meiqin , Shang Lili , Xin Yalin , Liu Xiaohua , Wei Xinjiang
Published: April 2014

This paper investigates the utility maximization problem for the downlink of the multi-interface multichannel wireless mesh network with orthogonal frequency division multiple access. A cross-layer joint power and multiple access control algorithm are proposed. Rosen projection matrix is combined with Solodov projection techniques to build a three-memory gradient Rosen projection method, which is applied to solve this optimization problem. The convergence analysis is given and simulations show that the proposed solution achieves significant throughput compared with existing approaches.
Evaluation of a Crataegus‐Based Multiherb Formula for Dyslipidemia: A Randomized, Double‐Blind, Placebo‐Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Hu Miao , Zeng Weiwei , Tomlinson Brian
Published: April 2014

Background. We for the first time examined the effects of a multiherb formula containing Crataegus pinnatifida (1 g daily), Alisma orientalis, Stigma maydis, Ganoderma lucidum, Polygonum multiflorum, and Morus alba on plasma lipid and glucose levels in Chinese patients with dyslipidemia. Methods. In this randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study, 42 patients were randomized at a ratio of 1 : 1 to receive the herbal formula or placebo for 12 weeks and 40 patients completed the study. Lipid profiles, glucose, glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), and laboratory safety parameters were performed before and after treatment. Results. The difference in the changes in low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) levels between placebo and active treatment (−9%) was significantly (P < 0.05) better with active treatment. HbA1c levels significantly decreased by −3.9% in the active treatment group, but the change was not significantly different from that with placebo (−1.1%) (P = 0.098). There were no apparent adverse effects or changes in laboratory safety parameters with either treatment. Conclusions. The multiherb formula had mild beneficial effects on plasma LDL‐C after 12‐weeks treatment in subjects with dyslipidemia without any noticeable adverse effects.
Bioremediation of Waste Water Containing Hazardous Cadmium Ion with Ion Imprinted Interpenetrating Polymer Networks
Authors: Parameswaran Girija , Mathew Beena
Published: April 2014

A novel Cd(II) ion imprinted interpenetrating polymer network (Cd(II)IIP) was prepared by free radical polymerization using alginic acid and NNMBA-crosslinked polyacrylamide in presence of initiator potassium persulphate. Cd(II)IIP showed higher capacity and selectivity than the nonimprinted polymer (NIP). The sorption capacities of Cd(II)IIP and NIP for Cd(II) ions were 0.886 and 0.663 meqmole-1, respectively. Kinetics studies showed that the sorption process closely agreed with a pseudosecond-order model. The thermodynamic data suggest that the sorption is a spontaneous endothermic process. Equilibrium experiments showed very good fit with the Langmuir isotherm equation for the monolayer sorption process. Cd(II)IIP exhibited good reusability, and the sorption capacity of Cd(II)IIP was stable within the first 4 cycles without obvious decrease. Also Cd(II)IIP showed almost 100% removal efficiency for Cd(II) ions in real environmental water samples, indicating that Cd(II)IIP could have wide application prospects in Cd(II) ion removal.
An Energy Efficient Data Gathering in Dense Mobile Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Velmani R. , Kaarthick B.
Published: April 2014

Amidst of the growing impact of wireless sensor networks (WSNs) on real world applications, numerous schemes have been proposed for collecting data on multipath routing, tree, clustering, and cluster tree. Effectiveness of WSNs only depends on the data collection schemes. Existing methods cannot provide a guaranteed reliable network about mobility, traffic, and end-to-end connection, respectively. To mitigate such kind of problems, a simple and effective scheme is proposed, which is named as cluster independent data collection tree (CIDT). After the cluster head election and cluster formation, CIDT constructs a data collection tree (DCT) based on the cluster head location. In DCT, data collection node (DCN) does not participate in sensing, which is simply collecting the data packet from the cluster head and delivering it into sink. CIDT minimizes the energy exploitation, end-to-end delay and traffic of cluster head due to transfer of data with DCT. CIDT provides less complexity involved in creating a tree structure, which maintains the energy consumption of cluster head that helps to reduce the frequent cluster formation and maintain a cluster for considerable amount of time. The simulation results show that CIDT provides better QoS in terms of energy consumption, throughput, end-to-end delay, and network lifetime for mobility-based WSNs.
Optimization of a Centrifugal Boiler Circulating Pump's Casing Based on CFD and FEM Analyses
Authors: Zuo Zhigang , Liu Shuhong , Fan Yizhang , Wu Yulin
Published: April 2014

It is important to evaluate the economic efficiency of boiler circulating pumps in manufacturing process from the manufacturers' point of view. The possibility of optimizing the pump casing with respect to structural pressure integrity and hydraulic performance was discussed. CFD analyses of pump models with different pump casing sizes were firstly carried out for the hydraulic performance evaluation. The effects of the working temperature and the sealing ring on the hydraulic efficiency were discussed. A model with casing diameter of 0.875 D40 was selected for further analyses. FEM analyses were then carried out on different combinations of casing sizes, casing wall thickness, and materials, to evaluate its safety related to pressure integrity, with respect to both static and fatigue strength analyses. Two models with forging and cast materials were selected as final results.
Tribological Performance and Lubrication Mechanism of Alkylimidazolium Dialkyl Phosphates Ionic Liquids as Lubricants for Si3N4‐Ti3SiC2 Contacts
Authors: Wang Hai-zhong , Qiao Dan , Zhang Song-wei , Feng Da-peng , Lu Jin-jun
Published: April 2014

The tribological performance of Si3N4‐Ti3SiC2 contacts lubricated by alkylimidazolium dialkyl phosphates ionic liquids (ILs) was investigated using an Optimol SRV‐IV oscillating reciprocating friction and wear tester at room temperature (25°C) and 100°C. Glycerol and tributyl phosphate (TBP) were also selected as lubricants for Si3N4‐Ti3SiC2 contacts to study the tribological properties under the same experimental conditions for comparison. Results show that the alkylimidazolium dialkyl phosphates ILs were effective in reducing the friction and wear for Si3N4‐Ti3SiC2contacts, and their performance is superior to that of glycerol and TBP. The SEM/EDS and XPS results reveal that the excellent tribological endurance of alkylimidazolium dialkyl phosphates ILs is mainly attributed to the high load‐carrying capacity of the ILs and the formation of surface protective films consisting of TiO2, SiOx, titanium phosphate, amines, and nitrogen oxides by the tribochemical reactions.
New Type of Sturm-Liouville Problems in Associated Hilbert Spaces
Authors: Mukhtarov O. Sh. , Aydemir K.
Published: April 2014

We introduce a new type of discontinuous Sturm-Liouville problems, involving an abstract linear operator in equation. By suggesting own approaches we define some new Hilbert spaces to establish such properties as isomorphism, coerciveness, and maximal decreasing of resolvent operator with respect to spectral parameter. Then we find sufficient conditions for discreteness of the spectrum and examine asymptotic behaviour of eigenvalues. Obtained results are new even for continuous case, that is, without transmission conditions.
Present and Possible Therapies for Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Authors: Khan Muhammad , Agarwal Ketan , Loutfi Mohamed , Kamal Ahmed
Published: April 2014

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most common cause of blindness in the elderly population worldwide and is defined as a chronic, progressive disorder characterized by changes occurring within the macula reflective of the ageing process. At present, the prevalence of AMD is currently rising and is estimated to increase by a third by 2020. Although our understanding of the several components underpinning the pathogenesis of this condition has increased significantly, the treatment options for this condition remain substantially limited. In this review, we outline the existing arsenal of therapies available for AMD and discuss the additional role of further novel therapies currently under investigation for this debilitating disease.
Research of a New 6-Dof Force Feedback Hand Controller System
Authors: Gao Xin , Wang Yifan , Song Jingzhou , Jia Qingxuan , Sun Hanxu
Published: April 2014

The field of teleoperation with force telepresence has expanded its scope to include manipulation at different scales and in virtual worlds, and the key component of which is force feedback hand controller. This paper presents a novel force feedback hand controller system, including a 3-dof translational and 3-dof rotational hand controllers, respectively, to implement position and posture teleoperation of the robot end effector. The 3-dof translational hand controller adopts innovative three-axes decoupling structure based on the linear motor; the 3-dof rotational hand controller adopts serial mechanism based on three-axes intersecting at one point, improving its overall stiffness. Based on the kinematics, statics, and dynamics analyses for two platforms separately, the system applies big closed-loop force control method based on the zero force/torque, improving the feedback force/torque accuracy effectively. Experimental results show that self-developed 6-dof force feedback hand controller has good mechanical properties. The translational hand controller has the following advantages: simple kinematics solver, fast dynamic response, and better than 0.05 mm accuracy of three-axis end positioning, while the advantages of the rotational hand controller are wide turning space, larger than 1 Nm feedback, greater than 180 degrees of operating space of three axes, respectively, and high operation precision.
E-kRelation of Valence Band in Arbitrary Orientation/Typical Plane Uniaxially Strained
Authors: Chao Zhang , Da-Qing Xu , Shu-Lin Liu , Ning-Zhuang Liu
Published: April 2014

Uniaxial strain technology is an effective way to improve the performance of the small size CMOS devices, by which carrier mobility can be enhanced. TheE-krelation of the valence band in uniaxially strained Si is the theoretical basis for understanding and enhancing hole mobility. The solving procedure of the relation and its analytic expression were still lacking, and the compressive results of the valence band parameters in uniaxially strained Si were not found in the references. So, theE-krelation has been derived by taking strained Hamiltonian perturbation into account. And then the valence band parameters were obtained, including the energy levels at Γ point, the splitting energy, and hole effective masses. Our analytic models and quantized results will provide significant theoretical references for the understanding of the strained materials physics and its design.
Where Lies the Risk? An Ecological Approach to Understanding Child Mental Health Risk and Vulnerabilities in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Atilola Olayinka
Published: April 2014

Efforts at improving child-health and development initiatives in sub-Saharan Africa had focused on the physical health of children due to the neglect of child and adolescent mental health (CAMH) policy initiatives. A thorough and broad-based understanding of the prevalent child mental-health risk and vulnerability factors is needed to successfully articulate CAMH policies. In this discourse, we present a narrative on the child mental-health risk and vulnerability factors in sub-Saharan Africa. Through an ecological point of view, we identified widespread family poverty, poor availability and uptake of childcare resources, inadequate community and institutional childcare systems, and inadequate framework for social protection for vulnerable children as among the risk and vulnerability factors for CAMH in the region. Others are poor workplace policy/practice that does not support work-family life balance, poor legislative framework for child protection, and some harmful traditional practices. We conclude that an ecological approach shows that child mental-health risks are diverse and cut across different layers of the care environment. The approach also provides a broad and holistic template from which appropriate CAMH policy direction in sub-Saharan Africa can be understood.
A New Design for All-Normal Near Zero Dispersion Photonic Crystal Fiber with Selective Liquid Infiltration for Broadband Supercontinuum Generation at 1.55 μm
Authors: Maji Partha Sona , Roy Chaudhuri Partha
Published: April 2014

A new design of all-normal and near zero flattened dispersion based on all-silica photonic crystal fibers (PCFs) using selectively liquid infiltration technique has been proposed to realize smooth broadband supercontinuum generation (SCG). The investigation gives the details of the effect of different geometrical parameters along with the infiltrating liquids on the dispersion characteristics of the fiber. Numerical investigations establish a dispersion value of −0.48 ps/nm/km around the wavelength of 1.55 μm. The optimized design has been found to be suitable for SCG around the C band of wavelength with flat broadband wavelength band (375 nm bandwidth) and smooth spectrum with only a meter long of the PCF. The proposed structure also demonstrates good tunable properties that can help correct possible fabrication mismatch towards a better optimization design for various optical communication systems.
A Novel Improved ELM Algorithm for a Real Industrial Application
Authors: Zhang Hai-Gang , Zhang Sen , Yin Yi-Xin
Published: April 2014

It is well known that the feedforward neural networks meet numbers of difficulties in the applications because of its slow learning speed. The extreme learning machine (ELM) is a new single hidden layer feedforward neural network method aiming at improving the training speed. Nowadays ELM algorithm has received wide application with its good generalization performance under fast learning
speed. However, there are still several problems needed to be solved in ELM. In this paper, a new improved ELM algorithm named R‐ELM is proposed to handle the multicollinear problem appearing in calculation of the ELM algorithm. The proposed algorithm is employed in bearing fault detection using stator current monitoring. Simulative results show that R‐ELM algorithm has better stability and
generalization performance compared with the original ELM and the other neural network methods.
Treatment Comparison in Rheumatoid Arthritis: Head-to-Head Trials and Innovative Study Designs
Authors: Favalli Ennio Giulio , Bugatti Serena , Biggioggero Martina , Caporali Roberto
Published: April 2014

Over the last decades, the increasing knowledge in the area of rheumatoid arthritis has progressively expanded the arsenal of available drugs, especially with the introduction of novel targeted therapies such as biological disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). In this situation, rheumatologists are offered a wide range of treatment options, but on the other side the need for comparisons between available drugs becomes more and more crucial in order to better define the strategies for the choice and the optimal sequencing. Indirect comparisons or meta-analyses of data coming from different randomised controlled trials (RCTs) are not immune to conceptual and technical challenges and often provide inconsistent results. In this review we examine some of the possible evolutions of traditional RCTs, such as the inclusion of active comparators, aimed at individualising treatments in real-life conditions. Although head-to-head RCTs may be considered the best tool to directly compare the efficacy and safety of two different DMARDs, surprisingly only 20 studies with such design have been published in the last 25 years. Given the recent advent of the first RCTs truly comparing biological DMARDs, we also review the state of the art of head-to-head trials in RA.
Parametrically Excited Oscillations of Second-Order Functional Differential Equations and Application to Duffing Equations with Time Delay Feedback
Authors: Pašić Mervan
Published: April 2014

We study oscillatory behaviour of a large class of second-order functional differential equations with three freedom real nonnegative parameters. According to a new oscillation criterion, we show that if at least one of these three parameters is large enough, then the main equation must be oscillatory. As an application, we study a class of Duffing type quasilinear equations with nonlinear time delayed feedback and their oscillations excited by the control gain parameter or amplitude of forcing term. Finally, some open questions and comments are given for the purpose of further study on this topic.
Determination of Phenol and Chlorophenols at Single-Wall Carbon Nanotubes/Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) Modified Glassy Carbon Electrode Using Flow Injection Amperometry
Authors: Negash Negussie , Alemu Hailemichael , Tessema Merid
Published: April 2014

Phenol and chlorophenols were investigated using single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) and poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) composite modified glassy carbon electrode (SWCNT/PEDOT/GCE) as a detector in flow injection system. Optimization of experimental variables such as the detection potential, flow rate, and pH of the carrier solution (0.1 M sodium acetate) for the determination of phenol (P), 4-chlorophenol (CP), 2,4-dichlorophenol (DCP), 2,4,6-trichlorophenol (TCP), and pentachlorophenol (PCP) were performed. Under these conditions, analytical parameters were calculated from the calibration curve of measured amperometric responses as a function of concentrations of phenol and chlorophenols. The designed electrode exhibited very good analytical performance. The designed electrode was tested with 20 repetitive injections of each analyte and showed good operational stability. The analytical performance of the SWCNT/PEDOT/GCE electrode under flow through conditions was tested and was found to be impressive. The electrode showed a wider dynamic range for the detection of phenol and chlorophenols with low limits of detection compared with other enzymatic and nonenzymatic sensors. These results suggest that the method is quite useful for the analysis and monitoring of phenols and chlorophenols.
Comparison of the Inhibitory Potential of Bavachalcone and Corylin against UDP‐Glucuronosyltransferases
Authors: Shan Lina , Yang Shuman , Zhang Gang , Zhou Dun , Qiu Zhenyu , Tian Lei , Yuan Hongxia , Feng Yujun , Shi Xianbao
Published: April 2014

Bavachalcone and corylin are two major bioactive compounds isolated from Psoralea corylifolia L., which has been widely used as traditional Chinese medicine for many years. As two antibiotic or anticancer drugs, bavachalcone and corylin are used in combination with other drugs; thus it is necessary to evaluate potential pharmacokinetic herb‐drug interactions (HDI) of the two bioactive compounds. The aim of the present study was to compare the effects of liver UDP‐glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) 1A1, UGT1A3, UGT1A7, UGT1A8, UGT 1A10, and UGT2B4 inhibited by bavachalcone and corylin. 4‐Methylumbelliferone (4‐MU) was used as a nonspecific “probe” substrate. Bavachalcone had stronger inhibition on UGT1A1 and UGT1A7 than corylin which did not inhibit UGT1A1, UGT1A3, UGT1A7, UGT1A8, UGT1A10, and UGT2B4. Data fitting using Dixon and Lineweaver‐Burk plots demonstrated the noncompetitive inhibition of bavachalcone against UGT1A1 and UGT1A7‐mediated 4‐MU glucuronidation reaction. The values of inhibition kinetic parameters (Ki) were 5.41 μM and 4.51 μM for UGT1A1 and UGT1A7, respectively. The results of present study suggested that there was a possibility of UGT1A1 and UGT1A7 inhibition‐based herb‐drug interaction associated with bavachalcone and provided the basis for further in vivo studies to investigate the HDI potential between bavachalcone and UGT substrates.
The Asymptotic Solutions for a Class of Nonlinear Singular Perturbed Differential Systems with Time delays
Authors: Xu Han , Jin Yinlai
Published: April 2014

We study a kind of vector singular perturbed delay-differential equations. By using the methods of boundary function and fractional steps, we construct the formula of asymptotic expansion and confirm the interior layer att=σ. Meanwhile, on the basis of functional analysis skill, the existence of the smooth solution and the uniform validity of the asymptotic expansion are proved.
Dual Targeting of Integrin αvβ3 and Matrix Metalloproteinase-2 for Optical Imaging of Tumors and Chemotherapeutic Delivery
Authors: Crisp Jessica L. , Savariar Elamprakash N. , Glasgow Heather L. , Ellies Lesley G. , Whitney Michael A. , Tsien Roger Y.
Published: April 2014

Activatable cell-penetrating peptides (ACPP) provide a general strategy for molecular targeting by exploiting the extracellular protease activities associated with disease. Previous work used a matrix metalloproteinase (MMP-2 and 9)-cleavable sequence in the ACPP to target contrast agents for tumor imaging and fluorescence-guided surgery. To improve specificity and sensitivity for MMP-2, an integrin αvβ3-binding domain, cyclic-RGD, was covalently linked to the ACPP. This co-targeting strategy relies on the interaction of MMP-2 with integrin αvβ3, which are known to associate via the hemopexin domain of MMP-2. In U87MG glioblastoma cells in culture, dual targeting greatly improved ACPP uptake compared with either MMP or integrin αvβ3 targeting alone. In vivo, dual-targeted ACPP treatment resulted in tumor contrast of 7.8 ± 1.6, a 10-fold higher tumor fluorescence compared with the negative control peptide, and increased probe penetration into the core of MDA-MB-231 tumors. This platform also significantly improved efficacy of the chemotherapeutic monomethylauristatin E (MMAE) in both MDA-MB-231 orthotopic human and syngeneic Py230 murine breast tumors. Treatment with cyclic-RGD-PLGC(Me)AG-MMAE-ACPP resulted in complete tumor regression in one quarter of MDA-MB-231 tumor–bearing mice, compared with no survival in the control groups. This rational mechanism for amplified delivery of imaging and potent chemotherapeutic agents avoids the use of antibodies and may be of considerable generality. Mol Cancer Ther; 13(6); 1514–25. ©2014 AACR.
Conserved Oncogenic Behavior of the FAM83 Family Regulates MAPK Signaling in Human Cancer
Authors: Cipriano Rocky , Miskimen Kristy L.S. , Bryson Benjamin L. , Foy Chase R. , Bartel Courtney A. , Jackson Mark W.
Published: April 2014

FAM83B (family with sequence similarity 83, member B) was recently identified as a novel oncogene involved in activating CRAF/MAPK signaling and driving epithelial cell transformation. FAM83B is one of eight members of a protein family (FAM83) characterized by a highly conserved domain of unknown function (DUF1669), which is necessary and sufficient to drive transformation. Here, it is demonstrated that additional FAM83 members also exhibit oncogenic properties and have significantly elevated levels of expression in multiple human tumor types using a TissueScan Cancer Survey Panel PCR array and database mining. Furthermore, modeling the observed tumor expression of FAM83A, FAM83C, FAM83D, or FAM83E promoted human mammary epithelial cell (HMEC) transformation, which correlated with the ability of each FAM83 member to bind CRAF (RAF1) and promote CRAF membrane localization. Conversely, ablation of FAM83A or FAM83D from breast cancer cells resulted in diminished MAPK signaling with marked suppression of growth in vitro and tumorigenicity in vivo. Importantly, each FAM83 member was determined to be elevated in at least one of 17 distinct tumor types examined, with FAM83A, FAM83B, and FAM83D most frequently overexpressed in several diverse tissue types. Finally, evidence suggests that elevated expression of FAM83 members is associated with elevated tumor grade and decreased overall survival.

Implications: FAM83 proteins represent a novel family of oncogenes suitable for the development of cancer therapies aimed at suppressing MAPK signaling. Mol Cancer Res; 12(8); 1156–65. ©2014 AACR.
p53 Modulates Hsp90 ATPase Activity and Regulates Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Signaling
Authors: Kochhar Amit , Kopelovich Levy , Sue Erika , Guttenplan Joseph B. , Herbert Brittney-Shea , Dannenberg Andrew J. , Subbaramaiah Kotha
Published: April 2014

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), a client protein of heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90), is a ligand-activated transcription factor that plays a role in polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH)-induced carcinogenesis. Tobacco smoke activates AhR signaling leading to increased transcription of CYP1A1 and CYP1B1, which encode proteins that convert PAHs to mutagens. Recently, p53 was found to regulate Hsp90 ATPase activity via effects on activator of Hsp90 ATPase (Aha1). It is possible, therefore, that AhR-dependent expression of CYP1A1 and CYP1B1 might be affected by p53 status. The main objective of this study was to determine whether p53 modulated AhR-dependent gene expression and PAH metabolism. Here, we show that silencing p53 led to elevated Aha1 levels, increased Hsp90 ATPase activity, and enhanced CYP1A1 and CYP1B1 expression. Overexpression of wild-type p53 suppressed levels of CYP1A1 and CYP1B1. The significance of Aha1 in mediating these p53-dependent effects was determined. Silencing of Aha1 led to reduced Hsp90 ATPase activity and downregulation of CYP1A1 and CYP1B1. In contrast, overexpressing Aha1 was associated with increased Hsp90 ATPase activity and elevated levels of CYP1A1 and CYP1B1. Using p53 heterozygous mutant epithelial cells from patients with Li–Fraumeni syndrome, we show that monoallelic mutation of p53 was associated with elevated levels of CYP1A1 and CYP1B1 under both basal conditions and following treatment with benzo[a]pyrene. Treatment with CP-31398, a p53 rescue compound, suppressed benzo[a]pyrene-mediated induction of CYP1A1 and CYP1B1 and the formation of DNA adducts. Collectively, our results suggest that p53 affects AhR-dependent gene expression, PAH metabolism, and possibly carcinogenesis. Cancer Prev Res; 7(6); 596–606. ©2014 AACR.
Prospective Urodynamic Model for Prediction of Urinary Incontinence after Robot-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy
Authors: Barnoiu Ovidiu-Spiru , Garcia Galisteo Emilio , Baron Lopez Francisco , Vozmediano Chicharro Raul , Soler Martinez Jorge , Del Rosal Samaniego Jose Maria , Machuca Santacruz Javier , Baena Gonzalez Victor
Published: April 2014

Objectives: To assess the preoperative urodynamic predictors of urinary incontinence (UI) 1 year after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) and to design a nomogram capable of predicting its occurrence. Materials and Methods: Our prospective study included 58 previously continent patients who underwent RARP, in most cases, bilateral nerve-sparing and bladder neck preservation. A urodynamic examination including a urethral pressure profile was performed preoperatively. Multivariate analysis was used to assess the predictors for the need to use 1 or more pads/day and a nomogram was constructed. Results: There was a 20.6% incidence of UI at 1 year after RARP. Bladder compliance, maximum urethral closure pressure and the development of bladder outlet obstruction, correlated well with the incidence of UI on the multivariate analysis (p = 0.043, 0.001, and 0.05, respectively). Conclusion: Bladder compliance <27.8 ml/cm H2O, maximum urethral closure pressure <50.3 cm H2O and the bladder outlet obstruction are independent urodynamic factors correlating with UI after RARP. The new nomogram can objectively predict a patient likelihood of requiring 1 or more pads/day 1 year after RARP with a good accuracy.