bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
RT-WiFi
Authors: Wei Yi-Hung , Leng Quan , Han Song , Mok Aloysius K. , Zhang Wenlong , Tomizuka Masayoshi , Li Tianji , Malone David , Leith Douglas
Published: September 2013

Due to their enhanced mobility and reduced configuration and maintenance cost, wireless control systems (WCSs) are widely used in process and vibration control systems, on medical devices, unmanned vehicles and robotics. However, most literatures in WCSs focus on monitoring and low speed control, and less effort has been made on high speed WCSs. It is because most existing wireless communication protocols cannot provide real-time and reliable communication links with preferable high speed by taking energy saving into consideration.
Real-time fault tolerant deployment and configuration framework for cyber physical systems
Authors: Pradhan Subhav , Gokhale Aniruddha , Otte William R. , Karsai Gabor
Published: September 2013

This paper describes ongoing work on making the deployment and configuration functionality for cyber physical systems reliable and tolerant to failures, while also supporting predictable and incremental online redeployment and reconfiguration of application functionality. Our work is currently designed and evaluated in the context of a system of fractionated spacecrafts, which is a representative CPS system.
Functional effects of Cx50 mutations associated with congenital cataracts
Authors: Rubinos Clio , Villone Krista , Mhaske Pallavi V. , White Thomas W. , Srinivas Miduturu
Published: September 2013

Mutations in connexin50 (Cx50) cause dominant cataracts in both humans and mice. The exact mechanisms by which mutations cause these variable phenotypes are poorly understood. We have examined the functional properties of gap junctions made by three Cx50 mutations, V44E, D47N, and V79L, expressed in mammalian cell lines. V44E trafficked to the plasma membrane properly and formed gap junctional plaques. However, the mutant did not form functional gap junctions when expressed alone, or with wild-type (WT) Cx46 and Cx50, indicating that V44E is a dominant negative inhibitor of WT connexin function. In contrast, D47N subunits did not localize to junctional plaques or form functional homotypic gap junctions; however, mixed expression of D47N and WT subunits of either Cx50 or Cx46 resulted in functional intercellular channels, with high levels of coupling. Single-channel studies indicated that D47N formed heteromeric channels with WT Cx46 with unique properties. Unlike either V44E or D47N, V79L formed functional homotypic intercellular channels. However, the mutation caused an alteration in voltage gating and a dramatic reduction in the single-channel open probability, resulting in much lower levels of conductance in cells expressing V79L alone, or together with WT connexin subunits. Thus, each mutation produced distinct changes in the properties of junctional coupling. V44E failed to form intercellular channels in any configuration, D47N formed only heteromeric channels with WT connexins, and V79L formed homotypic and heteromeric channels with altered properties. These results suggest that unique interactions between mutant and wild-type lens connexins might underlie the development of various cataract phenotypes in humans.
Ontogeny of muscle bioenergetics in Adélie penguin chicks (Pygoscelis adeliae)
Authors: Fongy Anaïs , Romestaing Caroline , Blanc Coralie , Lacoste-Garanger Nicolas , Rouanet Jean-Louis , Raccurt Mireille , Duchamp Claude
Published: September 2013

The ontogeny of pectoralis muscle bioenergetics was studied in growing Adélie penguin chicks during the first month after hatching and compared with adults using permeabilized fibers and isolated mitochondria. With pyruvate-malate-succinate or palmitoyl-carnitine as substrates, permeabilized fiber respiration markedly increased during chick growth (3-fold) and further rose in adults (1.4-fold). Several markers of muscle fiber oxidative activity (cytochrome oxidase, citrate synthase, hydroxyl-acyl-CoA dehydrogenase) increased 6- to 19-fold with age together with large rises in intermyofibrillar (IMF) and subsarcolemmal (SS) mitochondrial content (3- to 5-fold) and oxidative activities (1.5- to 2.4-fold). The proportion of IMF relative to SS mitochondria increased with chick age but markedly dropped in adults. Differences in oxidative activity between mitochondrial fractions were reduced in adults compared with hatched chicks. Extrapolation of mitochondrial to muscle respirations revealed similar figures with isolated mitochondria and permeabilized fibers with carbohydrate-derived but not with lipid-derived substrates, suggesting diffusion limitations of lipid substrates with permeabilized fibers. Two immunoreactive fusion proteins, mitofusin 2 (Mfn2) and optic atrophy 1 (OPA1), were detected by Western blots on mitochondrial extracts and their relative abundance increased with age. Muscle fiber respiration was positively related with Mfn2 and OPA1 relative abundance. Present data showed by two complementary techniques large ontogenic increases in muscle oxidative activity that may enable birds to face thermal emancipation and growth in childhood and marine life in adulthood. The concomitant rise in mitochondrial fusion protein abundance suggests a role of mitochondrial networks in the skeletal muscle processes of bioenergetics that enable penguins to overcome harsh environmental constraints.
Effects of temperature acclimation on Pacific bluefin tuna (Thunnus orientalis) cardiac transcriptome
Authors: Jayasundara Nishad , Gardner Luke D. , Block Barbara A.
Published: September 2013

Little is known about the mechanisms underpinning thermal plasticity of vertebrate hearts. Bluefin tuna hearts offer a unique model to investigate processes underlying thermal acclimation. Their hearts, while supporting an endothermic physiology, operate at ambient temperature, and are presented with a thermal challenge when migrating to different thermal regimes. Here, we examined the molecular responses in atrial and ventricular tissues of Pacific bluefin tuna acclimated to 14°C, 20°C, and 25°C. Quantitative PCR studies showed an increase in sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ATPase gene expression with cold acclimation and an induction of Na+/Ca2+-exchanger gene at both cold and warm temperatures. These data provide evidence for thermal plasticity of excitation-contraction coupling gene expression in bluefin tunas and indicate an increased capacity for internal Ca2+storage in cardiac myocytes at 14°C. Transcriptomic analysis showed profound changes in cardiac tissues with acclimation. A principal component analysis revealed that temperature effect was greatest on gene expression in warm-acclimated atrium. Overall data showed an increase in cardiac energy metabolism at 14°C, potentially compensating for cold temperature to optimize bluefin tuna performance in colder oceans. In contrast, metabolic enzyme activity and gene expression data suggest a decrease in ATP production at 25°C. Expression of genes involved in protein turnover and molecular chaperones was also decreased at 25°C. Expression of genes involved in oxidative stress response and programmed cell death suggest an increase in oxidative damage and apoptosis at 25°C, particularly in the atrium. These findings provide insights into molecular processes that may characterize cardiac phenotypes at upper thermal limits of teleosts.
Shivering and tachycardic responses to external cooling in mice are substantially suppressed by TRPV1 activation but not by TRPM8 inhibition
Authors: Feketa Viktor V. , Balasubramanian Adithya , Flores Christopher M. , Player Mark R. , Marrelli Sean P.
Published: September 2013

Mild decrease of core temperature (32–34°C), also known as therapeutic hypothermia, is a highly effective strategy of neuroprotection from ischemia and holds significant promise in the treatment of stroke. However, induction of hypothermia in conscious stroke patients is complicated by cold-defensive responses, such as shivering and tachycardia. Although multiple thermoregulatory responses may be altered by modulators of thermosensitive ion channels, TRPM8 (transient receptor potential melastatin 8) and TRPV1 (TRP vanilloid 1), it is unknown whether these agents affect cold-induced shivering and tachycardia. The current study aimed to determine the effects of TRPM8 inhibition and TRPV1 activation on the shivering and tachycardic responses to external cooling. Conscious mice were treated with TRPM8 inhibitor compound 5 or TRPV1 agonist dihydrocapsaicin (DHC) and exposed to cooling at 10°C. Shivering was measured by electromyography using implanted electrodes in back muscles, tachycardic response by electrocardiography, and core temperature by wireless transmitters in the abdominal cavity. The role of TRPM8 was further determined using TRPM8 KO mice. TRPM8 ablation had no effect on total electromyographic muscle activity (vehicle: 24.0 ± 1.8; compound 5: 23.8 ± 2.0; TRPM8 KO: 19.7 ± 1.9 V·s/min), tachycardia (ΔHR = 124 ± 31; 121 ± 13; 121 ± 31 beats/min) and drop in core temperature (−3.6 ± 0.1; −3.4 ± 0.4; −3.6 ± 0.5°C) during cold exposure. TRPV1 activation substantially suppressed muscle activity (vehicle: 25.6 ± 3.0 vs. DHC: 5.1 ± 2.0 V·s/min), tachycardia (ΔHR = 204 ± 25 vs. 3 ± 35 beats/min) and produced a profound drop in core temperature (−2.2 ± 0.6 vs. −8.9 ± 0.6°C). In conclusion, external cooling-induced shivering and tachycardia are suppressed by TRPV1 activation, but not by TRPM8 inhibition. This suggests that TRPV1 agonists may be combined with external physical cooling to achieve more rapid and effective hypothermia.
Neocortical pathological high-frequency oscillations are associated with frequency-dependent alterations in functional network topology
Authors: Ibrahim George M. , Anderson Ryan , Akiyama Tomoyuki , Ochi Ayako , Otsubo Hiroshi , Singh-Cadieux Gabrielle , Donner Elizabeth , Rutka James T. , Snead O. Carter , Doesburg Sam M.
Published: September 2013

Synchronization of neural oscillations is thought to integrate distributed neural populations into functional cell assemblies. Epilepsy is widely regarded as a disorder of neural synchrony. Knowledge is scant, however, regarding whether ictal changes in synchrony involving epileptogenic cortex are expressed similarly across various frequency ranges. Cortical regions involved in epileptic networks also exhibit pathological high-frequency oscillations (pHFOs, >80 Hz), which are increasingly utilized as biomarkers of epileptogenic tissue. It is uncertain how pHFO amplitudes are related to epileptic network connectivity. By calculating phase-locking values among intracranial electrodes implanted in children with intractable epilepsy, we constructed ictal connectivity networks and performed graph theoretical analysis to characterize their network properties at distinct frequency bands. Ictal data from 17 children were analyzed with a hierarchical mixed-effects model adjusting for patient-level covariates. Epileptogenic cortex was defined in two ways: 1) a hypothesis-driven method using the visually defined seizure-onset zone and 2) a data-agnostic method using the high-frequency amplitude of each electrode. Epileptogenic cortex exhibited a logarithmic decrease in interregional functional connectivity at high frequencies (>30 Hz) during seizure initiation and propagation but not at termination. At slower frequencies, conversely, epileptogenic cortex expressed a relative increase in functional connectivity. Our findings suggest that pHFOs reflect epileptogenic network interactions, yielding theoretical support for their utility in the presurgical evaluation of intractable epilepsy. The view that abnormal network synchronization plays a critical role in ictogenesis and seizure dynamics is supported by the observation that functional isolation of epileptogenic cortex at high frequencies is absent at seizure termination.
Design and Implementation of the Prevention System of Molds Growth Using Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Choi Shin-Hyeong
Published: September 2013

Due to the advances in memory and processing capacity of embedded systems, wireless communications, and size of the devices, many researchers are growing more and more interested in wireless sensor networks (WSN). WSN have a large number of nodes with a sensor board, and wireless communication board, and have been applied to many fields. Summer is the season when much personal and property damage arises from various natural disasters such as the heat being reminiscent of subtropical climate and flooding from heavy rain due to global warming. This unusual temperature affects our lives much besides causing natural disasters. Recently, many problems have occurred with respect to hygiene and beauty of view especially due to growing of various molds in the residential environment. In the heat of summer, the damages from molds become serious due to the effect of temperature and humidity according to seasonal characteristics. In this paper, we build a wireless sensor network with some sensors such as temperature and humidity. And then we design and implement the prevention system of molds growth which can predict and prevent molds production in indoor environment.
Two-Level Minimally Invasive Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion: Surgical Technique and Illustrative Cases
Authors: Petteys Rory J. , Rhee Jay , Voyadzis Jean-Marc
Published: September 2013

Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) is a common procedure performed by spine surgeons. The indications for TLIF include back pain and radiculopathy as a consequence of canal or foraminal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, spondylolisthesis, or deformity. Minimally invasive techniques (MIS) have proven to be effective for single-level TLIF and are associated with less blood loss, fewer wound complications and infections, faster recovery, and decreased hospital cost. To date, there is very little data on 2-level MIS TLIF. We present our technique for 2-level MIS TLIF with case illustrations and a review of the literature.
Relationship between Testicular Volume and Conventional or Nonconventional Sperm Parameters
Authors: Condorelli Rosita , Calogero Aldo E. , La Vignera Sandro
Published: September 2013

Background. Reduced testicular volume (TV) (<12 cm3) is associated with lower testicular function. Several studies explored the conventional sperm parameters (concentration, motility, and morphology) and the endocrine function (gonadotropins and testosterone serum concentrations) in the patients with reduction of TV. No other parameters have been examined.Aim. This study aims at evaluating some biofunctional sperm parameters by flow cytometry in the semen of men with reduced TV compared with that of subjects with normal TV.Methods. 78 patients without primary scrotal disease were submitted to ultrasound evaluation of the testis. They were divided into two groups according to testicular volume: A Group, including 40 patients with normal testicular volume (TV > 15 cm3) and B Group, including 38 patients with reduced testicular volume (TV ≤ 12 cm3). All patients underwent serum hormone concentration, conventional and biofunctional (flow cytometry) sperm parameters evaluation.Results. With regard to biofunctional sperm parameters, all values (mitochondrial membrane potential, phosphatidylserine externalization, chromatin compactness, and DNA fragmentation) were strongly negatively correlated with testicular volume ().Conclusions. This study for the first time in the literature states that the biofunctional sperm parameters worsen and with near linear correlation, with decreasing testicular volume.
Why Is ABI Effective in Detecting Vascular Stenosis? Investigation Based on Multibranch Hemodynamic Model
Authors: Li Xiaoyun , Wang Ling , Zhang Chi , Li Shuyu , Pu Fang , Fan Yubo , Li Deyu
Published: September 2013

The ankle‐brachial index (ABI), defined as the ratio of systolic pressure in the ankle arteries and that in the brachial artery, was a useful noninvasive method to detect arterial stenoses. There had been a lot of researches about clinical regularities of ABI; however, mechanism studies were less addressed. For the purpose of a better understanding of the correlation between vascular stenoses and ABI, a computational model for simulating blood pressure and flow propagation in various arterial stenosis circumstances was developed with a detailed compartmental description of the heart and main arteries. Particular attention was paid to the analysis of effects of vascular stenoses in different large‐sized arteries on ABI in theory. Moreover, the variation of ABI during the increase of the stenosis severity was also studied. Results showed that stenoses in lower limb arteries, as well as, brachial artery, caused different variations of blood pressure in ankle and brachial arteries, resulting in a significant change of ABI. Furthermore, the variation of ABI became faster when the severity of the stenosis increased, validating that ABI was more sensitive to severe stenoses than to mild/moderate ones. All these in findings revealed the reason why ABI was an effective index for detecting stenoses, especially in lower limb arteries.
Full Factorial Experimental Design Analysis of Reactive Dye Removal by Carbon Adsorption
Authors: Özbay N. , Yargıç A. Ş. , Yarbay-Şahin R. Z. , Önal E.
Published: September 2013

The objective of this study was to investigate the removal of Remazol Yellow dye from aqueous solutions by adsorption on activated carbon prepared by chemical activation of sunflower seed cake. It was found that the carbon content of biomass increases up to 65.12% after activation and carbonization processes. The maximum percentage dye removal was obtained as 82.12% with 0.4 g/50 mL adsorbent dosage at 313 K. The Langmuir model showed the best fit with equilibrium isotherm data. The interactions were evaluated with respect to both pseudo‐first‐order and pseudo‐second‐order reaction kinetics. The adsorption process was found to follow the pseudo‐second‐order model. To optimize the operating conditions, the effects of pH, adsorbent dosage, and initial dye concentration were investigated by full factorial experimental design method; adsorbent dosage was found as the most significant factor with P = 0.02 lower than 95% confidence level. The obtained results are very promising since (i) the utilization of sunflower seed cake activated carbon (SSCAC) played a critical role in the adsorption of dye; (ii) sunflower seed cake was an intriguing, low‐cost, and easily available material. It can be an alternative adsorbent precursor for more expensive adsorbents used for Remazol Yellow (RY) removal.
RUNX Family Participates in the Regulation of p53-Dependent DNA Damage Response
Authors: Ozaki Toshinori , Nakagawara Akira , Nagase Hiroki
Published: September 2013

A proper DNA damage response (DDR), which monitors and maintains the genomic integrity, has been considered to be a critical barrier against genetic alterations to prevent tumor initiation and progression. The representative tumor suppressor p53 plays an important role in the regulation of DNA damage response. When cells receive DNA damage, p53 is quickly activated and induces cell cycle arrest and/or apoptotic cell death through transactivating its target genes implicated in the promotion of cell cycle arrest and/or apoptotic cell death such asp21WAF1,BAX, andPUMA. Accumulating evidence strongly suggests that DNA damage-mediated activation as well as induction of p53 is regulated by posttranslational modifications and also by protein-protein interaction. Loss of p53 activity confers growth advantage and ensures survival in cancer cells by inhibiting apoptotic response required for tumor suppression. RUNX family, which is composed of RUNX1, RUNX2, and RUNX3, is a sequence-specific transcription factor and is closely involved in a variety of cellular processes including development, differentiation, and/or tumorigenesis. In this review, we describe a background of p53 and a functional collaboration between p53 and RUNX family in response to DNA damage.
Exploratory Investigation of Chitosan as Mordant for Eco-Friendly Antibacterial Printing of Cotton with Natural Dyes
Authors: Teli M. D. , Sheikh Javed , Shastrakar Pragati
Published: September 2013

Although a lot of antibacterial finishes are available for cotton, the user safety and durability of the finish are always the important issues. Some of the natural dyes are known to possess antibacterial properties; however, most of them are nonsubstantive. Hence, they are used in conjunction with eco-friendly natural mordants. Although metallic mordants are effective, they are environmentally pollutants, hence not desirable. In the current work, the novel natural mordant like chitosan with different concentrations (10% and 20% of weight of fiber) was applied on cotton and fabric was printed with natural dyes such as catechu, turmeric, and marigold using screen printing method. All the three dyes were used in powder form in print paste with different concentrations (1%, 5%, and 10%) and guar gum was used as thickener. The printed samples using chitosan as a mordant showed the equivalent color values to that of prints obtained using alum as a mordant. The printed fabric showed excellent antibacterial activity against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. The method may be considered suitable for eco-friendly printing and antibacterial finishing of textile materials.
Low-Temperature (10°C) Anaerobic Digestion of Dilute Dairy Wastewater in an EGSB Bioreactor: Microbial Community Structure, Population Dynamics, and Kinetics of Methanogenic Populations
Authors: Bialek Katarzyna , Cysneiros Denise , O’Flaherty Vincent
Published: September 2013

The feasibility of anaerobic digestion of dairy wastewater at 10°C was investigated in a high height : diameter ratio EGSB reactor. Stable performance was observed at an applied organic loading rate (OLR) of 0.5–2 kg COD m−3 d−1with chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal efficiencies above 85%. When applied OLR increased to values above 2 kg COD m−3 d−1, biotreatment efficiency deteriorated, with methanogenesis being the rate-limiting step. The bioreactor recovered quickly (3 days) after reduction of the OLR. qPCR results showed a reduction in the abundance of hydrogenotrophic methanogenicMethanomicrobialesandMethanobacterialesthroughout the steady state period followed by a sharp increase in their numbers (111-fold) after the load shock. Specific methanogenic activity and maximum substrate utilising rate (Amax) of the biomass at the end of trial indicated increased activity and preference towards hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis, which correlated well with the increased abundance of hydrogenotrophic methanogens.AcetoclasticMethanosaetaspp. remained at stable levels throughout the trial. However, increased apparent half-saturation constant (Km) at the end of the trial indicated a decrease in the specific substrate affinity for acetate of the sludge, suggesting thatMethanosaetaspp., which have high substrate affinity, started to be outcompeted in the reactor.
Snake Envenomation Causing Distant Tracheal Myonecrosis
Authors: Khimani Amina , Mcnierney Afton , Surani Sara , Surani Salim
Published: September 2013

Snakebites are often believed to be poisonous. However, this is not always the case. In fact, each bite differs from snake to snake, depending on if the snake is poisonous and if there is envenomation. Venom in pit viper snakebites is often associated with local necrosis. The abundant literature selections and research articles justify local myonecrosis due to envenomation, but there is not much in the literature regarding myonecrosis at a site distant from the snakebite. We hereby present a case of a 42-year-old man who was transferred to our emergency department after a rattlesnake bit him twice. The patient, besides developing local myonecrosis at the site of the snakebite, developed necrosis of the scrotum as well as tracheal pressure myonecrosis at the site of the endotracheal tube balloon. In this review, we will attempt to discuss the myonecrosis pathophysiology and management related to the rattle snakebite.
Structural, Nanomechanical, and Field Emission Properties of Amorphous Carbon Films Having Embedded Nanocrystallites Deposited by Filtered Anodic Jet Carbon Arc Technique
Authors: Tripathi R. K. , Panwar O. S. , Srivastava A. K. , Ishpal  , Kumar Mahesh , Chockalingam Sreekumar
Published: September 2013

This paper reports the effect of substrate bias on the structural, nanomechanical, and field emission properties of amorphous carbon films having embedded nanocrystallites (a-C:nc films) deposited by filtered anodic jet carbon arc technique. X-ray diffraction results exhibit predominantly an amorphous nature of the films. High-resolution transmission electron microscope images showed the amorphous nature of the films with nanocrystallites embedded in the amorphous matrix. Ultrafine nanograined microstructures with average grain size between 20 and 30 nm are observed throughout the film with a majority of the grains of single crystallites. A strong influence of substrate bias has been observed on the structural, nanomechanical, and field emission properties. Maximum nanohardness (H) of 58.3 GPa, elastic modulus (E) of 426.2 GPa, and H/E of 0.136 have been observed in a-C:nc films deposited at −60 V substrate bias which showed 82.6% sp3 content.
The Centroid of a Lie Triple Algebra
Authors: Liu Xiaohong , Chen Liangyun
Published: September 2013

General results on the centroids of Lie triple algebras are developed. Centroids of the tensor product of a Lie triple algebra and a unitary commutative associative algebra are studied. Furthermore, the centroid of the tensor product of a simple Lie triple algebra and a polynomial ring is completely determined.
Microglia Control Neuronal Network Excitability via BDNF Signalling
Authors: Ferrini Francesco , De Koninck Yves
Published: September 2013

Microglia-neuron interactions play a crucial role in several neurological disorders characterized by altered neural network excitability, such as epilepsy and neuropathic pain. While a series of potential messengers have been postulated as substrates of the communication between microglia and neurons, including cytokines, purines, prostaglandins, and nitric oxide, the specific links between messengers, microglia, neuronal networks, and diseases have remained elusive. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) released by microglia emerges as an exception in this riddle. Here, we review the current knowledge on the role played by microglial BDNF in controlling neuronal excitability by causing disinhibition. The efforts made by different laboratories during the last decade have collectively provided a robust mechanistic paradigm which elucidates the mechanisms involved in the synthesis and release of BDNF from microglia, the downstream TrkB-mediated signals in neurons, and the biophysical mechanism by which disinhibition occurs, via the downregulation of the K+-Cl−cotransporter KCC2, dysrupting Cl−homeostasis, and hence the strength ofGABAA- and glycine receptor-mediated inhibition. The resulting altered network activity appears to explain several features of the associated pathologies. Targeting the molecular players involved in this canonical signaling pathway may lead to novel therapeutic approach for ameliorating a wide array of neural dysfunctions.
Pleural Fluid Cytology of the Polymorphous Variant of EBV-Positive Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma: First Report and Distinction from a Reactive Process
Authors: Rooper Lisa , Gocke Christopher D. , Belchis Deborah A.
Published: September 2013

EBV-positive diffuse large B-cell lymphoma of the elderly is a newly described aggressive lymphoma predominantly affecting patients >50 years of age. Patients may present with nodal and/or extranodal involvement. The lung is one of the more common extranodal sites. The incidence of pleural fluid involvement is less well described. In one study by Oyama et al., pleural effusions were noted in nine percent of cases. Identification of pleural fluid involvement could be important as it may carry prognostic importance in staging (it typically occurs more often in cases with widespread disease), and it could be a relatively easy means of establishing a diagnosis in newly presenting cases. We report the first description of the pleural fluid cytology in a case of EBV-positive diffuse large B-cell lymphoma of the elderly.
Influence of Fe3O4 Nanoparticles on the Preparation of Aligned PLGA Electrospun Fibers Induced by Magnetic Field
Authors: Li Ping , Liu Chengguo , Song Yanhui , Niu Xufeng , Liu Haifeng , Fan Yubo
Published: September 2013

The magnetic electrospinning (MES) method has been applied to generate aligned nanofibers. But researchers have different viewpoints on the usage of magnetic particles in the polymeric solutions. In order to investigate the effect of magnetic particles in forming the ordered fibers, the poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) solutions with or without Fe3O4 nanoparticles were electrospun via MES. The fibers were compared at different voltages (13.5, 15.5, 17.5, and 19.5 kV) and flow rates (0.6, 0.9, 1.2, and 1.8 mL/h). It is shown that the well‐aligned fibers can be fabricated by both magnetic and nonmagnetic solutions. The doping of Fe3O4 nanoparticles can increase the aligned fibers in some degree, especially at high applied voltage and flow rate. The diameters of fibers electrospun by MES were smaller than those by conventional electrospinning, and the diameter of fibers by MES without magnet particles was the smallest.
Numerical Solution for IVP in Volterra Type Linear Integrodifferential Equations System
Authors: Ghomanjani F. , Kılıçman A. , Effati S.
Published: September 2013

A method is proposed to determine the numerical solution of system of linear Volterra integrodifferential equations (IDEs) by using Bezier curves. The Bezier curves are chosen as piecewise polynomials of degreen, and Bezier curves are determined on[t0, tf ]by n+1control points. The efficiency and applicability of the presented method are illustrated by some numerical examples.
Shape-Free Finite Element Method: Another Way between Mesh and Mesh-Free Methods
Authors: Cen Song , Zhou Ming-Jue , Shang Yan
Published: September 2013

Performances of the conventional finite elements are closely related to the mesh quality. Once distorted elements are used, the accuracy of the numerical results may be very poor, or even the calculations have to stop due to various numerical problems. Recently, the author and his colleagues developed two kinds of finite element methods, named hybrid stress-function (HSF) and improved unsymmetric methods, respectively. The resulting plane element models possess excellent precision in both regular and severely distorted meshes and even perform very well under the situations in which other elements cannot work. So, they are calledshape-freefinite elements since their performances are independent to element shapes. These methods may open new ways for developing novel high-performance finite elements. Here, the thoughts, theories, and formulae of aboveshape-freefinite element methods were introduced, and the possibilities and difficulties for further developments were also discussed.
Clinical Significance of Preoperative Neutrophil Lymphocyte Ratio versus Platelet Lymphocyte Ratio in Patients with Small Cell Carcinoma of the Esophagus
Authors: Feng Ji-Feng , Huang Ying , Zhao Qiang , Chen Qi-Xun
Published: September 2013

Recent studies have shown that the presence of systemic inflammation correlates with poor survival in various of cancers. The aim of this study was to determine the prognostic values of neutrophil lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet lymphocyte ratio (PLR) in patients with small cell carcinoma of the esophagus (SCCE). Preoperative NLR and PLR were evaluated in 43 patients with SCCE from January 2001 to December 2010. The prognostic significance of both markers was then determined by both uni‐ and multivariate analytical methods. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were also plotted to verify the accuracy of NLR and PLR for survival prediction. Patients with PLR ≥150 had significantly poorer (relapse‐free survival) RFS and (overall survival) OS compared to patients with PLR <150. However, RFS or OS did not differ according to NLR categories (<3.5 and ≥3.5). The areas under the curve (AUC) indicated that PLR was superior to NLR as a predictive factor. The results of the present study conclude that PLR is superior to NLR as a predictive factor in patients with SCCE.
Physical Functioning, Perceived Disability, and Depressive Symptoms in Adults with Arthritis
Authors: Becofsky Katie , Baruth Meghan , Wilcox Sara
Published: September 2013

This study investigated how physical functioning and perceived disability are related to depressive symptoms in adults with arthritis (n=401). Participants self-reported depressive symptoms and disability. Objective measures of physical functioning included the 30-second chair stand test, 6-minute walk test, gait speed, balance, grip strength, and the seated reach test. Separate quantile regression models tested associations between each functional measure and depressive symptoms, controlling for age, gender, race, BMI, self-reported health status, and arthritis medication use. The association between perceived disability and depressive symptoms was also tested. Participants averaged56.3±10.7years; 85.8% were women; 64.3% were white. Lower distance in the 6-minute walk test, fewer chair stands, slower gait speed, and greater perceived disability were associated with greater depressive symptoms in unadjusted models (Ps<0.05). Fewer chair stands and greater perceived disability were associated with more depressive symptoms in adjusted models (Ps<0.05). Balance, grip strength, and seated reach were not related to depressive symptoms. The perception of being disabled was more strongly associated with depressive symptoms than reduced physical functioning. To reduce the risk of depression in arthritic populations, it may be critical to not only address physical symptoms but also to emphasize coping skills and arthritis self-efficacy.
Mathematical Analysis of Casson Fluid Model for Blood Rheology in Stenosed Narrow Arteries
Authors: Venkatesan J. , Sankar D. S. , Hemalatha K. , Yatim Yazariah
Published: September 2013

The flow of blood through a narrow artery with bell-shaped stenosis is investigated, treating blood as Casson fluid. Present results are compared with the results of the Herschel-Bulkley fluid model obtained by Misra and Shit (2006) for the same geometry. Resistance to flow and skin friction are normalized in two different ways such as (i) with respect to the same non-Newtonian fluid in a normal artery which gives the effect of a stenosis and (ii) with respect to the Newtonian fluid in the stenosed artery which spells out the non-Newtonian effects of the fluid. It is found that the resistance to flow and skin friction increase with the increase of maximum depth of the stenosis, but these flow quantities (when normalized with non-Newtonian fluid in normal artery) decrease with the increase of the yield stress, as obtained by Misra and Shit (2006). It is also noticed that the resistance to flow and skin friction increase (when normalized with Newtonian fluid in stenosed artery) with the increase of the yield stress.
Belief Revision in the GOAL Agent Programming Language
Authors: Spurkeland Johannes Svante , Jensen Andreas Schmidt , Villadsen Jørgen
Published: September 2013

Agents in a multiagent system may in many cases find themselves in situations where inconsistencies arise. In order to properly deal with these, a good belief revision procedure is required. This paper illustrates the usefulness of such a procedure: a certain belief revision algorithm is considered in order to deal with inconsistencies and, particularly, the issue of inconsistencies, and belief revision is examined in relation to the GOAL agent programming language.
Thermal Comfort for Urban Parks in Subtropics: Understanding Visitor’s Perceptions, Behavior and Attendance
Authors: Lin Chuang-Hung , Lin Tzu-Ping , Hwang Ruey-Lung
Published: September 2013

The paper is an effort toward thermal comfort assessment for urban parks under the climatic conditions of Taiwan to help architects achieve better climatic design. Field interviews, observations, and micrometeorological measurements were conducted in this study. The WBGT was used as the thermophysiological index to investigate the effects of thermal conditions on visitor’s thermal perception and adaptive behavior in outdoor urban spaces. In this study, behavioral adaptations used by visitors as a means of achieving comfort were evaluated. Observational results showed that the overall attendance was influenced by sun and thermal conditions. There was a robust relationship between thermal sensation votes, as well as thermal acceptability, and thermal environment, in terms of WBGT. The upper and lower limits of 80% acceptability are 26°C WBGT and 20°C WBGT, respectively.
Ewing Sarcoma Protein: A Key Player in Human Cancer
Authors: Paronetto Maria Paola
Published: September 2013

The Ewing sarcoma protein (EWS) is a well-known player in cancer biology for the specific translocations occurring in sarcomas. The EWS-FLI1 gene fusion is the prototypical translocation that encodes the aberrant, chimeric transcription factor, which is a landmark of Ewing tumors. In all described Ewing sarcoma oncogenes, the EWS RNA binding domains are completely missing; thus RNA binding properties are not retained in the hybrid proteins. However, it is currently unknown whether the absence of EWS function in RNA metabolism plays a role in oncogenic transformation or if EWS plays a role by itself in cancer development besides its contribution to the translocation. In this regard, recent reports have highlighted an essential role for EWS in the regulation of DNA damage response (DDR), a process that counteracts genome stability and is often deregulated in cancer cells. The first part of this review will describe the structural features of EWS and its multiple roles in the regulation of gene expression, which are exerted by coordinating different steps in the synthesis and processing of pre-mRNAs. The second part will examine the role of EWS in the regulation of DDR- and cancer-related genes, with potential implications in cancer therapies. Finally, recent advances on the involvement of EWS in neuromuscular disorders will be discussed. Collectively, the information reviewed herein highlights the broad role of EWS in bridging different cellular processes and underlines the contribution of EWS to genome stability and proper cell-cycle progression in higher eukaryotic cells.
Inhibition of Cracks on the Surface of Cement Mortar Using Estabragh Fibers
Authors: Soleimani Tahereh , Merati Ali Akbar , Latifi Masoud , Ramezanianpor Ali Akbar
Published: September 2013

The influence of adding Estabragh fibers into the cement composites of mortar on surface cracks and mechanical properties of mortar has been studied at various fiber proportions of 0.25%, 0.5%, and 0.75%. The mortar shrinkage was evaluated by counting the number of cracks and measuring the width of cracks on the surface of mortar specimens. Although the Estabragh fibers loss their strength in an alkali environment of cement composites, the ability of Estabragh fibers to bridge on the microcracks in the mortar matrix causes a decrease in the number of cracks and in their width on the surface of the mortar samples in comparison with the plain mortar. However, considering the mechanical properties of specimens such as bending strength and compressive strength, among all fiber proportions, only the specimens with 0.25% of Estabragh fiber performed better in all respects compared to the physical and mechanical properties of reinforced cement composite of mortar. Consequently, by adding 0.25% of Estabragh fibers to the cement mortar, a remarkable inhibition in crack generation on fiber-containing cement composite of mortar is achieved.
Lack ofHXK2Induces Localization of Active Ras in Mitochondria and Triggers Apoptosis in the YeastSaccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Amigoni Loredana , Martegani Enzo , Colombo Sonia
Published: September 2013

We recently showed that activated Ras proteins are localized to the plasma membrane and in the nucleus in wild-type cells growing exponentially on glucose, while in thehxk2Δ strain they accumulated mainly in mitochondria. An aberrant accumulation of activated Ras in these organelles was previously reported and correlated to mitochondrial dysfunction, accumulation of ROS, and cell death. Here we show that addition of acetic acid to wild-type cells results in a rapid recruitment of Ras-GTP from the nucleus and the plasma membrane to the mitochondria, providing a further proof that Ras proteins might be involved in programmed cell death. Moreover, we show that Hxk2 protects against apoptosis inS. cerevisiae. In particular, cells lackingHXK2and showing a constitutive accumulation of activated Ras at the mitochondria are more sensitive to acetic-acid-induced programmed cell death compared to the wild type strain. Indeed, deletion ofHXK2causes an increase of apoptotic cells with several morphological and biochemical changes that are typical of apoptosis, including DNA fragmentation, externalization of phosphatidylserine, and ROS production. Finally, our results suggest that apoptosis induced by lack of Hxk2 may not require the activation of Yca1, the metacaspase homologue identified in yeast.
Biocompatible Bacterial Cellulose-Poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) Nanocomposite Films
Authors: Figueiredo Andrea G. P. R. , Figueiredo Ana R. P. , Alonso-Varona Ana , Fernandes Susana C. M. , Palomares Teodoro , Rubio-Azpeitia Eva , Barros-Timmons Ana , Silvestre Armando J. D. , Pascoal Neto Carlos , Freire Carmen S. R.
Published: September 2013

A series of bacterial cellulose-poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) nanocomposite films was prepared byin situradical polymerization of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA), using variable amounts of poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) as cross-linker. Thin films were obtained, and their physical, chemical, thermal, and mechanical properties were evaluated. The films showed improved translucency compared to BC and enhanced thermal stability and mechanical performance when compared to poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (PHEMA). Finally, BC/PHEMA nanocomposites proved to be nontoxic to human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs) and thus are pointed as potential dry dressings for biomedical applications.
A Puzzle of Hemolytic Anemia, Iron and Vitamin B12 Deficiencies in a 52-Year-Old Male
Authors: Prueksaritanond Suartcha , Barbaryan Aram , Mirrakhimov Aibek E. , Liana Palacci , Ali Alaa M. , Gilman Alan D.
Published: September 2013

A 52-year-old male with no significant past medical history reports increasing generalized fatigue and weakness for the past 2 weeks. Physical examination reveals jaundice and pallor without organomegaly or lymphadenopathy. His hemoglobin was 5.9 g/dL with a mean corpuscular volume of 87.1 fL and elevated red blood cell distribution width of 30.7%. His liver function test was normal except for elevated total bilirubin of 3.7 mg/dL. Serum LDH was 701 IU/L, and serum haptoglobin was undetectable. Further investigation revealed serum vitamin B12 of <30 pg/mL with elevated methylmalonic acid and homocysteine level. In addition, serum ferritin and transferrin saturation were low. The patient was diagnosed with hemolytic anemia secondary to vitamin B12 deficiency with concomitant iron deficiency anemia.
Different Impact of Pretransplant Anti-HLA Antibodies Detected by Luminex in Highly Sensitized Renal Transplanted Patients
Authors: Pérez-Flores Isabel , Santiago Jose Luis , Calvo-Romero Natividad , Barrientos-Guzmán Alberto , Sánchez-Fructuoso Ana Isabel
Published: September 2013

It is well know that anti-HLA antibodies are an important obstacle in kidney transplantation. Our aim was to study the clinical impact of pretransplant donor specific anti-HLA antibodies (HLA-DSA), in highly sensitized (HS) patients. We analyzed retrospectively the day-of-transplant sera by Luminex Single Antigen Assay (LSA) in HS patients, and the results were correlated with episodes of humoral and cellular rejection as well as with graft and patient survival. All HS subjects received the same induction therapy and rejection episodes were biopsy proven. Thirteen patients (56.5%) preformed HLA-DSA, and we observed higher incidence of acute rejection in aforementioned patients than in the pre-transplant negatives DSA recipients (77% versus 30%, ). The one-year graft survival was significantly reduced in positive pre-transplant HLA-DSA patients (60% versus 100%, Breslow). The positive predicted value of HLA-DSA in relation to rejection reached 100% if patients lost their previous graft in the first year after transplant. Among anti-HLA antibodies present in patients before transplant, HLA-DSA were significantly associated with high risk of acute humoral and cellular rejection and reduced graft survival in posttransplant outcome. The negative impact of these antibodies was even higher when patients suffered an early loss of the previous transplant.
Hyaluronan-Based Three-Dimensional Microenvironment Potently Induces Cardiovascular Progenitor Cell Populations
Authors: Gluck Jessica M. , Chyu Jennifer , Delman Connor , Heydarkhan-Hagvall Sepideh , MacLellan W. Robb , Shemin Richard J.
Published: September 2013

The relationship between stem cell niches in vivo and their surrounding microenvironment is still relatively unknown. Recent advances have indicated that extrinsic factors within the cardiovascular progenitor cell niche influence maintenance of a multipotent state as well as drive cell-fate decisions. We have previously shown the direct effects of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins and have now investigated the effects of dimension on the induction of a cardiovascular progenitor cell (CPC) population. We have shown here that the three-dimensionality of a hyaluronan-based hydrogel greatly induces a CPC population, as marked by Flk-1. We have compared the effects of a 3D microenvironment to those of conventional 2D cell culture practices and have found that the 3D microenvironment potently induces a progenitor cell state.
Design and Manufacturing of a High-Precision Sun Tracking System Based on Image Processing
Authors: Azizi Kianoosh , Ghaffari Ali
Published: September 2013

Concentration solar arrays require greater solar tracking precision than conventional photovoltaic arrays. This paper presents a high precision low cost dual axis sun tracking system based on image processing for concentration photovoltaic applications. An imaging device is designed according to the principle of pinhole imaging, making sun rays to be received on a screen through pinhole and to be a sun spot. The location of the spot is used to adjust the orientation of the solar panel. A fuzzy logic controller is developed to achieve this goal. A prototype was built, and experimental results have proven the good performance of the proposed system and low error of tracking. The operation of this system is independent of geographical location, initial calibration, and periodical regulations.