bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Magnetic Force Microscopy Study of Zr2Co11‐Based Nanocrystalline Materials: Effect of Mo Addition
Authors: Yue Lanping , Jin Yunlong , Zhang Wenyong , Sellmyer David J.
Published: August 2015

The addition of Molybdenum was used to modify the nanostructure and enhance coercivity of rare‐earth‐free Zr2Co11‐based nanocrystalline permanent magnets. The effect of Mo addition on magnetic domain structures of melt spun nanocrystalline Zr16Co84-xMox (x = 0, 0.5, 1, 1.5, and 2.0) ribbons has been investigated. It was found that magnetic properties and local domain structures are strongly influenced by Mo doping. The coercivity of the samples increases with the increase in Mo content (x ≤ 1.5). The maximum energy product (BH) max increases with increasing x from 0.5 MGOe for x = 0 to a maximum value of 4.2 MGOe for x = 1.5. The smallest domain size with a relatively short magnetic correlation length of 128 nm and largest root‐mean‐square phase shift Φrms value of 0.66° are observed for the x = 1.5. The optimal Mo addition promotes magnetic domain structure refinement and thus leads to a significant increase in coercivity and energy product in this sample.
Research on Handoff Delay and Mobility Management Cost of Mobility Protocols in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Zhao A. Q. , Hu Y.
Published: August 2015

An appropriate network model and some suitable performance evaluation criterions including handoff delay and mobility management cost were proposed in this paper. And in this base the performance of Mobile IP protocol and various micromobility protocols was comprehensively compared and investigated. The research results show that the performance is mainly influenced by two factors which are route update methods of mobility support protocols and mobile network parameters. The route update time and mobility management cost of micromobility protocol are obviously shorter than that of Mobile IP. In all researched micromobility protocols, the route update method of Mobile IP Regional Registration protocol has the optimal performance.
Modifications of Human Subcutaneous ADMSC after PPARγActivation and Cold Exposition
Authors: Vargas Diana , Rosales Wendy , Lizcano Fernando
Published: August 2015

Mesenchymal stem cells are a diverse population of cells with a wide range of potential therapeutic applications. In particular, cells from adipose tissue have the distinction of being easily accessible and contain a lot of stem cells. ADMSCs can be induced to mature adipocyte and activate the energy expenditure upon treatment with total PPARγagonists. Additionally these cells may respond to cold by activating the thermogenic program. In the present study, we determined the effect of partial agonism of PPARγand temperature reduction on phenotype and metabolic activity of ADMSCs from human adipose subcutaneous tissue. We found that adipocytes differentiated with total and partial agonists of PPARγand exposed to 31°C are able to respond to cold significantly increasing the expression of thermogenic proteins such as UCP1, PGC1α, and CITED1, a marker of beige phenotype. Additionally, we found that adipocyte cells subjected to cold had a reduction in triglycerides and increased adiponectin levels. These data confirm the promising role of ADMSCs as a treatment for metabolic disorders since it is possible to induce them to mature adipocytes and modulate their phenotype toward a cell with high-energy expenditure and metabolic beneficial effect.
Study on a Mid-Temperature Trough Solar Collector with Multisurface Concentration
Authors: Li Zhengliang , Chen Mingxian , Meng Husheng , Chang Zehui , Zheng Hongfei
Published: August 2015

A new trough solar concentrator which is composed of multiple reflection surfaces is developed in this paper. The concentrator was analyzed firstly by using optical software. The variation curves of the collecting efficiency affected by tracking error and the deviation angle were given out. It is found that the deviation tolerance for the collector tracking system is about 8 degrees when the receiver is a 90 mm flat. The trough solar concentrators were tested under real weather conditions. The experiment results indicate that, the new solar concentrator was validated to have relative good collecting efficiency, which can be more than 45 percent when it operated in more 145°C. It also has the characteristics of rdust, wind, and snow resistance and low tracking precision requirements.
Multifunctional Analysis of CD4+T-Cell Response as Immune-Based Model for Tuberculosis Detection
Authors: Lichtner Miriam , Mascia Claudia , Sauzullo Ilaria , Mengoni Fabio , Vita Serena , Marocco Raffaella , Belvisi Valeria , Russo Gianluca , Vullo Vincenzo , Mastroianni Claudio M.
Published: August 2015

Mono- and multifunctional specific CD4+and CD8+T-cell responses were evaluated to improve the immune-based detection of active tuberculosis (TB) and latent infection (LTBI). We applied flow cytometry to investigate cytokines profile (IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-2) of T cells after stimulation with TB antigens in 28 TB-infected subjects (18 active TB and 10 LTBI) and 10 uninfected controls. Cytokines production by CD4+T cells at single-cell levels was higher in TB-infected subjects than uninfected controlsP<0.0001. Assigning to activated CD4+T cells, producing any of the three cytokines, a cut-off >0.45%, it was possible to differentiate TB-infected (>0.45%) by uninfected subjects (<0.45%). Among TB-infected subjects, the frequencies of multifunctional CD4+T cells, simultaneously producing all 3 cytokines, are lower in active TB than LTBI subjectsP=0.003. Thus, assigning to triple-positive CD4+T cells a cut-off <0.182%, TB-infected individuals could be classified as active TB subjects (<0.182%) or LTBI subjects (>0.182%). The magnitude of CD8+T-cell responses showed no differences between active TB and LTBI. Multifunctional CD4+T-cell responses could have the potential to identify at single time point subjects without TB infection and patients having active or latent TB.
Noncoding RNAs: Possible Players in the Development of Fluorosis
Authors: Daiwile Atul P. , Sivanesan Saravanadevi , Izzotti Alberto , Bafana Amit , Naoghare Pravin K. , Arrigo Patrizio , Purohit Hemant J. , Parmar Devendra , Kannan Krishnamurthi
Published: August 2015

Fluorosis is caused by excess of fluoride intake over a long period of time. Aberrant change in the Runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) mediated signaling cascade is one of the decisive steps during the pathogenesis of fluorosis. Up to date, role of fluoride on the epigenetic alterations is not studied. In the present study, global expression profiling of short noncoding RNAs, in particular miRNAs and snoRNAs, was carried out in sodium fluoride (NaF) treated human osteosarcoma (HOS) cells to understand their possible role in the development of fluorosis. qPCR and in silico hybridization revealed that miR-124 and miR-155 can be directly involved in the transcriptional regulation of Runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) and receptor activator of nuclear factorκ-B ligand (RANKL) genes. Compared to control, C/D box analysis revealed marked elevation in the number of UG dinucleotides and D-box sequences in NaF exposed HOS cells. Herein, we report miR-124 and miR-155 as the new possible players involved in the development of fluorosis. We show that the alterations in UG dinucleotides and D-box sequences of snoRNAs could be due to NaF exposure.
Complete Coefficient Criteria for Five-Dimensional Hopf Bifurcations, with an Application to Economic Dynamics
Authors: Douskos Christos , Markellos Panagiotis
Published: August 2015

Paper presents a complete mathematical characterization of coefficient criteria for five-dimensional Hopf bifurcations and an example of the application of these criteria to a model of economic dynamics. The application illustrates that the proposed criteria are practical and useful in determining the existence or nonexistence of Hopf bifurcations of five-dimensional dynamical systems in entire ranges of the system’s parameters.
Elevated Serum Levels of Soluble TNF Receptors and Adhesion Molecules Are Associated with Diabetic Retinopathy in Patients with Type‐1 Diabetes
Authors: Sharma Shruti , Purohit Sharad , Sharma Ashok , Hopkins Diane , Steed Leigh , Bode Bruce , Anderson Stephen W. , Caldwell Ruth , She Jin-Xiong
Published: August 2015

Aims. To examine the association of the serum levels of TNF receptors, adhesion molecules, and inflammatory mediators with diabetic retinopathy (DR) in T1D patients. Methods. Using the multiplex immunoassay, we measured serum levels of eight proteins in 678 T1D subjects aged 20–75 years. Comparisons were made between 482 T1D patients with no complications and 196 T1D patients with DR. Results. The levels of sTNFR‐I, sTNFR‐II, CRP, SAA, sgp130, sIL6R, sVCAM1, and sICAM1 were significantly higher in the T1D patients with DR as compared to T1D patients with no complications. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed significant association for five proteins after adjustment for age, sex, and disease duration (sTNFR‐I: OR = 1.57, sgp130: OR = 1.43, sVCAM1: OR = 1.27, sICAM1: OR = 1.42, and CRP: OR = 1.15). Conditional logistic regression on matched paired data revealed that subjects in the top quartile for sTNFR‐I (OR = 2.13), sTNFR‐II (OR = 1.66), sgp130 (OR = 1.82), sIL6R (OR = 1.75), sVCAM1 (OR = 1.98), sICAM1 (OR = 2.23), CRP (OR = 2.40) and SAA (OR = 2.03), had the highest odds of having DR. Conclusions. The circulating markers of inflammation, endothelial injury, and TNF signaling are significantly associated with DR in patients with T1D. TNFR‐I and TNFR‐II receptors are highly correlated, but DR associated more strongly with TNFR‐I in these patients.
Phosphatase and Tensin Homologue: Novel Regulation by Developmental Signaling
Authors: Jerde Travis J.
Published: August 2015

Phosphatase and tensin homologue (PTEN) is a critical cell endogenous inhibitor of phosphoinositide signaling in mammalian cells. PTEN dephosphorylates phosphoinositide trisphosphate (PIP3), and by so doing PTEN has the function of negative regulation of Akt, thereby inhibiting this key intracellular signal transduction pathway. In numerous cell types, PTEN loss-of-function mutations result in unopposed Akt signaling, producing numerous effects on cells. Numerous reports exist regarding mutations in PTEN leading to unregulated Akt and human disease, most notably cancer. However, less is commonly known about nonmutational regulation of PTEN. This review focuses on an emerging literature on the regulation of PTEN at the transcriptional, posttranscriptional, translational, and posttranslational levels. Specifically, a focus is placed on the role developmental signaling pathways play in PTEN regulation; this includes insulin-like growth factor, NOTCH, transforming growth factor, bone morphogenetic protein, wnt, and hedgehog signaling. The regulation of PTEN by developmental mediators affects critical biological processes including neuronal and organ development, stem cell maintenance, cell cycle regulation, inflammation, response to hypoxia, repair and recovery, and cell death and survival. Perturbations of PTEN regulation consequently lead to human diseases such as cancer, chronic inflammatory syndromes, developmental abnormalities, diabetes, and neurodegeneration.
Big Data-Driven Based Real-Time Traffic Flow State Identification and Prediction
Authors: Lu Hua-pu , Sun Zhi-yuan , Qu Wen-cong
Published: August 2015

With the rapid development of urban informatization, the era of big data is coming. To satisfy the demand of traffic congestion early warning, this paper studies the method of real-time traffic flow state identification and prediction based on big data-driven theory. Traffic big data holds several characteristics, such as temporal correlation, spatial correlation, historical correlation, and multistate. Traffic flow state quantification, the basis of traffic flow state identification, is achieved by a SAGA-FCM (simulated annealing genetic algorithm based fuzzyc-means) based traffic clustering model. Considering simple calculation and predictive accuracy, a bilevel optimization model for regional traffic flow correlation analysis is established to predict traffic flow parameters based on temporal-spatial-historical correlation. A two-stage model for correction coefficients optimization is put forward to simplify the bilevel optimization model. The first stage model is built to calculate the number of temporal-spatial-historical correlation variables. The second stage model is present to calculate basic model formulation of regional traffic flow correlation. A case study based on a real-world road network in Beijing, China, is implemented to test the efficiency and applicability of the proposed modeling and computing methods.
Study of Antioxidant Effectiveness of Kraft Lignin in HDPE
Authors: Piña I. , Ysambertt F. , Perez D. , Lopez K.
Published: August 2015

Polymers are subject to oxidative degradation during all steps of their useful cycle. This degradative process is prevented using stabilizers like antioxidant of the type sterically hindered phenols or amines. Lignin, due to the presence of phenolic groups in their structure, can present characteristic as antioxidant agent, in a similar way to the additives used in polymers. Therefore, in this work, the antioxidant capacity of the lignin in a sample of polyethylene is studied. For this reason, in this paper, a method based on nonisothermal differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) to evaluate this property is used. The samples studied were subjected to heat treatment at different scan rates and in presence of oxygen to promote thermooxidation of the material. The antioxidant capacity of different formulations of lignin and additives in the polymer resin was determined from the temperature of onset of oxidation (Ti) at different heating rates and adjusting Arrhenius model prediction. The results indicate that the procedure can predict the antioxidant capacity of antioxidant additives in HDPE with good reproducibility and accuracy, according to the Arrhenius model prediction.
Deterministic and Probabilistic Investigation on Multiple Crack Interactions in a Semi-Infinite Domain
Authors: Kim Eui-Keun , Choi Habeun , Park Kyoungsoo , Kang Won-Hee
Published: August 2015

The investigation of multiple crack interactions in fracture mechanics is important to predict the safety and reliability of structures. This study aims to investigate the interactions of multiple parallel cracks in a semi-infinite domain in both deterministic and probabilistic ways by using an automated finite element modeling procedure and the Monte Carlo simulation. The stress intensity factor is considered as an indicator of failure and accurately evaluated by using the domain integral technique. The variation of the stress intensity factor according to the position, the length, and the number of cracks is demonstrated. In a probabilistic investigation, the effects of the number of cracks, the random distribution of the crack lengths, and the crack interactions to the failure probability are studied for a semi-infinite domain. The stress redistribution among multiple cracks, the effect of unevenly distributed crack lengths, and the combined effect of crack length uncertainties and a crack shielding effect have been examined.
A Facile Strategy for the Functionalization of Boron Nitride Nanotubes with Pd Nanoparticles
Authors: Yu Yuanlie , Chen Hua , Liu Yun
Published: August 2015

A facile in situ fabrication of palladium nanoparticles decorated boron nitride nanotubes (Pd‐BNNTs) is described. The decoration of BNNTs was carried out by the self‐regulated reduction of palladium chloride (PdCl2) with the aid of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS). During the preparation process, the surfactant SDS plays a dual role: it aids the dispersibility of BNNTs and produces the reductant of CH3(CH2)10CH2OH. Then the CH3(CH2)10CH2OH can reduce Pd2+ to form Pd nanoparticles on the surface of BNNSs. The as‐prepared Pd‐BNNTs were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray energy dispersive spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The results show that the Pd nanocrystalline particles can be deposited onto the BNNTs surface via this simple route. This approach constitutes a basis for the assembly and integration of nanoscale materials onto BNNTs and puts a light on the potential application of the BNNTs in electronic, catalysis, and hydrogen storage fields.
Response to Infliximab in Crohn’s Disease: Genetic Analysis Supporting Expression Profile
Authors: Medrano Luz María , Taxonera Carlos , González-Artacho Cristina , Pascual Virginia , Gómez-García María , Barreiro-de Acosta Manuel , Pérez-Calle José L. , Bermejo Fernando , López-Sanromán Antonio , Martín Arranz Dolores , Gisbert Javier P. , Mendoza Juan Luis , Martín Javier , Núñez Concepción , Urcelay Elena
Published: August 2015

Substantial proportion of Crohn’s disease (CD) patients shows no response or a limited response to treatment with infliximab (IFX) and to identify biomarkers of response would be of great clinical and economic benefit. The expression profile of five genes (S100A8-S100A9, G0S2, TNFAIP6, and IL11) reportedly predicted response to IFX and we aimed at investigating their etiologic role through genetic association analysis. Patients with active CD (350) who received at least three induction doses of IFX were included and classified according to IFX response. A tagging strategy was used to select genetic polymorphisms that cover the variability present in the chromosomal regions encoding the identified genes with altered expression. Following genotyping, differences between responders and nonresponders to IFX were observed in haplotypes of the studied regions: S100A8‐S100A9 (rs11205276 *G/rs3014866 *C/rs724781 *C/rs3006488 *A; P = 0.05); G0S2 (rs4844486 *A/rs1473683 *T; P = 0.15); TNFAIP6 (rs11677200 *C/rs2342910 *A/rs3755480 *G/rs10432475 *A; P = 0.10); and IL11 (rs1126760 *C/rs1042506 *G; P = 0.07). These differences were amplified in patients with colonic and ileocolonic location for all but the TNFAIP6 haplotype, which evidenced significant difference in ileal CD patients. Our results support the role of the reported expression signature as predictive of anti‐TNF outcome in CD patients and suggest an etiological role of those top‐five genes in the IFX response pathway.
Immunosuppressive Drugs Affect High-Mannose/Hybrid N-Glycans on Human Allostimulated Leukocytes
Authors: Pocheć Ewa , Bocian Katarzyna , Ząbczyńska Marta , Korczak-Kowalska Grażyna , Lityńska Anna
Published: August 2015

N-glycosylation plays an important role in the majority of physiological and pathological processes occurring in the immune system. Alteration of the type and abundance of glycans is an element of lymphocyte differentiation; it is also common in the development of immune-mediated inflammatory diseases. The N-glycosylation process is very sensitive to different environmental agents, among them the pharmacological environment of immunosuppressive drugs. Some results show that high-mannose oligosaccharides have the ability to suppress different stages of the immune response. We evaluated the effects of cyclosporin A (CsA) and rapamycin (Rapa) on high-mannose/hybrid-type glycosylation in human leukocytes activated in a two-way mixed leukocyte reaction (MLR). CsA significantly reduced the number of leukocytes covered by high-mannose/hybrid N-glycans, and the synergistic action of CsA and Rapa led to an increase of these structures on the remaining leukocytes. This is the first study indicating thatβ1 andβ3 integrins bearing high-mannose/hybrid structures are affected by Rapa and CsA. Rapa taken separately and together with CsA changed the expression ofβ1 andβ3 integrins and, by regulating the protein amount, increased the oligomannose/hybrid-type N-glycosylation on the leukocyte surface. We suggest that the changes in the glycosylation profile of leukocytes may promote the development of tolerance in transplantation.
Vaccination with an Attenuated Ferritin Mutant Protects Mice against VirulentMycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Subbian Selvakumar , Pandey Ruchi , Soteropoulos Patricia , Rodriguez G. Marcela
Published: August 2015

Mycobacterium tuberculosisthe causative agent of tuberculosis affects millions of people worldwide. New tools for treatment and prevention of tuberculosis are urgently needed. We previously showed that a ferritin (bfrB) mutant ofM. tuberculosishas altered iron homeostasis and increased sensitivity to antibiotics and to microbicidal effectors produced by activated macrophages. Most importantly,M. tuberculosislacking BfrB is strongly attenuated in mice, especially, during the chronic phase of infection. In this study, we examined whether immunization with abfrBmutant could confer protection against subsequent infection with virulentM. tuberculosisin a mouse model. The results show that the protection elicited by immunization with thebfrBmutant is comparable to BCG vaccination with respect to reduction of bacterial burden. However, significant distinctions in the disease pathology and host genome-wide lung transcriptome suggest improved containment of Mtb infection in animals vaccinated with thebfrBmutant, compared to BCG. We found that downmodulation of inflammatory response and enhanced fibrosis, compared to BCG vaccination, is associated with the protective response elicited by thebfrBmutant.
Considerable Variation of Antibacterial Activity of Cu Nanoparticles Suspensions Depending on the Storage Time, Dispersive Medium, and Particle Sizes
Authors: Zakharova Olga V. , Godymchuk Anna Yu. , Gusev Alexander A. , Gulchenko Svyatoslav I. , Vasyukova Inna A. , Kuznetsov Denis V.
Published: August 2015

Suspensions of Cu nanoparticles are promising for creating the new class of alternative antimicrobial products. In this study we examined copper nanoparticles of various sizes obtained by the method of wire electric explosion: nanopowder average size 50 nm (Cu 50) and 100 nm (Cu 100). The paper presents the complex study of the influence of physicochemical properties such as particle size and concentration of the freshly prepared and 24-hour suspensions of Cu nanoparticles in distilled water and physiological solution upon their toxicity to bacteriaE. coliM-17. Ionic solution of Cu2+and sodium dichloroisocyanurate was used for comparison study. It has been shown that decrease in the nanoparticle size leads to changes in the correlation between toxicity and concentration as toxicity peaks are observed at low concentrations (0.0001⋯0.01 mg/L). It has been observed that antibacterial properties of Cu 50 nanoparticle suspensions are ceased after 24-hour storage, while for Cu 100 suspensions no correlation between antibacterial properties and storage time has been noted. Cu 100 nanoparticle suspensions at 10 mg/L concentration display higher toxicity at substituting physiological solution for water than Cu 50 suspensions. Dependence of the toxicity on the mean particle aggregates size in suspension was not revealed.
Modeling Mixed Bicycle Traffic Flow: A Comparative Study on the Cellular Automata Approach
Authors: Zhou Dan , Jin Sheng , Ma Dongfang , Wang Dianhai
Published: August 2015

Simulation, as a powerful tool for evaluating transportation systems, has been widely used in transportation planning, management, and operations. Most of the simulation models are focused on motorized vehicles, and the modeling of nonmotorized vehicles is ignored. The cellular automata (CA) model is a very important simulation approach and is widely used for motorized vehicle traffic. The Nagel-Schreckenberg (NS) CA model and the multivalue CA (M-CA) model are two categories of CA model that have been used in previous studies on bicycle traffic flow. This paper improves on these two CA models and also compares their characteristics. It introduces a two-lane NS CA model and M-CA model for both regular bicycles (RBs) and electric bicycles (EBs). In the research for this paper, many cases, featuring different values for the slowing down probability, lane-changing probability, and proportion of EBs, were simulated, while the fundamental diagrams and capacities of the proposed models were analyzed and compared between the two models. Field data were collected for the evaluation of the two models. The results show that the M-CA model exhibits more stable performance than the two-lane NS model and provides results that are closer to real bicycle traffic.
Discovering Congested Routes Using Vehicle Trajectories in Road Networks
Authors: Bok Kyoung Soo , Li He , Lim Jong Tae , Yoo Jae Soo
Published: August 2015

The popular route recommendation and traffic monitoring over the road networks have become important in the location-based services. The schemes to find out the congested routes were proposed by considering the number of vehicles in a road segment. However, the existing schemes do not consider the features of each road segment such as width, length, and direction in a road network. Furthermore, the existing schemes fail to consider the average moving speed of vehicles. Therefore, they can detect the incorrect density routes. To overcome such problems, we propose a new discovering scheme of congested routes through the analysis of vehicle trajectories in a road network. The proposed scheme divides each road into segments with different width and length in a road network. And then, the congested road segment is detected through the saturation degree of the road segment and the average moving speed of vehicles in the road segment. Finally, we compute the final congested routes by using a clustering scheme. The experimental results have shown that the proposed scheme can efficiently discover the congested routes in the different directions of the roads.
Systematic Review of Adverse Effects: A Further Step towards Modernization of Acupuncture in China
Authors: Wu Junyi , Hu Yanmei , Zhu Yin , Yin Ping , Litscher Gerhard , Xu Shifen
Published: August 2015

As a further step towards the modernization of acupuncture, the objective of this review was to figure out the frequency and severity of adverse complications and events in acupuncture treatment reported from 1980 to 2013 in China. All first-hand case reports of acupuncture-related complications and adverse events that could be identified in the scientific literature were reviewed and classified according to the type of complication and adverse event, circumstance of the event, and long-term patient outcome. The selected case reports were published between 1980 and 2013 in 3 databases. Relevant papers were collected and analyzed by 2 reviewers. Over the 33 years, 182 incidents were identified in 133 relevant papers. Internal organ, tissue, or nerve injury is the main complications of acupuncture especially for pneumothorax and central nervous system injury. Adverse effects also included syncope, infections, hemorrhage, allergy, burn, aphonia, hysteria, cough, thirst, fever, somnolence, and broken needles. Qualifying training of acupuncturists should be systemized and the clinical acupuncture operations should be standardized in order to effectively prevent the occurrence of acupuncture accidents, enhance the influence of acupuncture, and further popularize acupuncture to the rest of the world.
Effects Comparison of Different Resilience Enhancing Strategies for Municipal Water Distribution Network: A Multidimensional Approach
Authors: Zhao Xudong , Chen Zhilong , Gong Huadong
Published: August 2015

Water distribution network (WDN) is critical to the city service, economic rehabilitation, public health, and safety. Reconstructing the WDN to improve its resilience in seismic disaster is an important and ongoing issue. Although a considerable body of research has examined the effects of different reconstruction strategies on seismic resistance, it is still hard for decision-makers to choose optimal resilience enhancing strategy. Taking the pipeline ductile retrofitting and network meshed expansion as demonstration, we proposed a feasible framework to contrast the resilience enhancing effects of two reconstruction strategies—units retrofitting strategy and network optimization strategy—in technical and organizational dimension. We also developed a new performance response function (PRF) which is based on network equilibrium theory to conduct the effects comparison in integrated technical and organizational dimension. Through the case study of municipal WDN in Lianyungang, China, the comparison results were thoroughly shown and the holistic decision-making support was provided.
HLA Haplotypes and Genotypes Frequencies in Brazilian Chronic Periodontitis Patients
Authors: Sippert Emília Ângela , Silva Cléverson de Oliveira e , Ayo Christiane Maria , Marques Silvia Barbosa Dutra , Visentainer Jeane Eliete Laguila , Sell Ana Maria
Published: August 2015

Human leukocyte antigens (HLA) have a pivotal role in immune response and may be involved in antigen recognition of periodontal pathogens. However, the associations of HLA with chronic periodontitis (CP) have not been previously studied in the Brazilian population. In an attempt to clarify the issue of genetic predisposition to CP, we examined the distribution of HLA alleles, genotypes, and haplotypes in patients from Southern Brazil. One hundred and eight CP patients and 151 healthy and unrelated controls with age‐, gender‐, and ethnicity‐matched were HLA investigated by polymerase chain reaction with sequence specific oligonucleotides. To exclude smoking as a predisposing factor, statistical analyses were performed in the total sample and in nonsmoking individuals. The significant results showed a positive association of the A∗02/HLA‐B∗40 haplotype with CP (total samples: 4.2% versus 0%, Pc = 0.03; nonsmokers: 4.3% versus 0%, Pc = 0.23) and a lower frequency of HLA‐B∗15/HLA‐DRB1∗11 haplotype in CP compared to controls (total samples: 0.0% versus 4.3%, Pc = 0.04; nonsmokers: 0 versus 5.1%, Pc = 1.0). In conclusion, the HLA‐A∗02/B∗40 haplotype may contribute to the development of CP, while HLA‐B∗15/DRB1∗11 haplotype might indicate resistance to disease among Brazilians.
Infrared Spectroscopic Characterization of Photoluminescent Polymer Nanocomposites
Authors: Gipson Kyle , Stevens Kathryn , Brown Phil , Ballato John
Published: August 2015

Organicallycoated inorganic nanoparticles were synthesized to produce photoluminescent nanocomposites based on a polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) matrix. The nanoparticles comprised organic ligands (acetylsalicylic acid, ASA, and 2-picolinic acid, PA) attached to the lanthanum trifluoride (LaF3) host crystals that were doped with optically active terbium III (Tb3+) and synthesized using solution-based methods. The ligands were employed to functionalize the surface of Tb3+:LaF3nanocrystals to aid in dispersing the nanoparticles. In order to confirm the presence of the constituents within the inorganic-organic system, the nanoparticles were characterized by infrared spectroscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Absorption peaks observed from infrared spectroscopy for all the polymer nanocomposites loaded with organic surface treated nanocrystals exhibited peaks that were not present in undoped PMMA but were characteristic of the dopant and the ligand.
Endogenous Generation and Signaling Actions of Omega-3 Fatty Acid Electrophilic Derivatives
Authors: Cipollina Chiara
Published: August 2015

Dietary omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are beneficial for a number of conditions ranging from cardiovascular disease to chronic airways disorders, neurodegeneration, and cancer. Growing evidence has shown that bioactive oxygenated derivatives are responsible for transducing these salutary effects. Electrophilic oxo-derivatives of omega-3 PUFAs represent a class of oxidized derivatives that can be generated via enzymatic and nonenzymatic pathways. Inflammation and oxidative stress favor the formation of these signaling species to promote the resolution of inflammation within a fine autoregulatory loop. Endogenous generation of electrophilic oxo-derivatives of omega-3 PUFAs has been observed inin vitroandex vivohuman models and dietary supplementation of omega-3 PUFAs has been reported to increase their formation. Due to the presence of anα,β-unsaturated ketone moiety, these compounds covalently and reversibly react with nucleophilic residues on target proteins triggering the activation of cytoprotective pathways, including the Nrf2 antioxidant response, the heat shock response, and the peroxisome proliferator activated receptorγ(PPARγ) and suppressing the NF-κB proinflammatory pathway. The endogenous nature of electrophilic oxo-derivatives of omega-3 PUFAs combined with their ability to simultaneously activate multiple cytoprotective pathways has made these compounds attractive for the development of new therapies for the treatment of chronic disorders and acute events characterized by inflammation and oxidative stress.
Mesenchymal Stem Cells for Cardiac Regenerative Therapy: Optimization of Cell Differentiation Strategy
Authors: Shen Han , Wang Ying , Zhang Zhiwei , Yang Junjie , Hu Shijun , Shen Zhenya
Published: August 2015

With the high mortality rate, coronary heart disease (CHD) has currently become a major life-threatening disease. The main pathological change of myocardial infarction (MI) is the induction of myocardial necrosis in infarction area which finally causes heart failure. Conventional treatments cannot regenerate the functional cell efficiently. Recent researches suggest that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are able to differentiate into multiple lineages, including cardiomyocyte-like cells in vitro and in vivo, and they have been used for the treatment of MI to repair the injured myocardium and improve cardiac function. In this review, we will focus on the recent progress on MSCs derived cardiomyocytes for cardiac regeneration after MI.
Pollution Problem in River Kabul: Accumulation Estimates of Heavy Metals in Native Fish Species
Authors: Ahmad Habib , Yousafzai Ali Muhammad , Siraj Muhammad , Ahmad Rashid , Ahmad Israr , Nadeem Muhammad Shahid , Ahmad Waqar , Akbar Nazia , Muhammad Khushi
Published: August 2015

The contamination of aquatic systems with heavy metals is affecting the fish population and hence results in a decline of productivity rate. River Kabul is a transcountry river originating at Paghman province in Afghanistan and inters in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan and it is the major source of irrigation and more than 54 fish species have been reported in the river. Present study aimed at the estimation of heavy metals load in the fish living in River Kabul. Heavy metals including chromium, nickel, copper, zinc, cadmium, and lead were determined through atomic absorption spectrophotometer after tissue digestion by adopting standard procedures. Concentrations of these metals were recorded in muscles and liver of five native fish species, namely,Wallago attu,Aorichthys seenghala,Cyprinus carpio,Labeo dyocheilus, andOmpok bimaculatus. The concentrations of chromium, nickel, copper, zinc, and lead were higher in both of the tissues, whereas the concentration of cadmium was comparatively low. However, the concentration of metals was exceeding the RDA (Recommended Dietary Allowance of USA) limits. Hence, continuous fish consumption may create health problems for the consumers. The results of the present study are alarming and suggest implementing environmental laws and initiation of a biomonitoring program of the river.
Configuration Transitions of Free Circular DNA System Induced by Nicks
Authors: Ji Chao , Zhang Lingyun , Wang Pengye
Published: August 2015

Nicks have important functions in the biological functions of DNA‐mediated systems. However, the configuration transitions of DNA molecules induced by the presence of nicks have not been quantitatively investigated. This study aims to analyze the configuration transitions of free circular DNA system induced by nicks. Using atomic force microscopy, two configuration states were observed in the free circular DNA system with different nick numbers. To understand the transmission of torsional energy among DNA base pairs, we defined the effective length and nicking angle. In the free DNA system, a torsional energy of 233 bp can be completely released by nicks. Based on the experimental and quantitative results, we propose a physical mechanism to explain the configuration transitions of the free circular DNA system induced by nicks. This study and the presented method are very useful in understanding the physical mechanism of nicks in DNA‐mediated systems.
Environmental Epigenetics: Crossroad between Public Health, Lifestyle, and Cancer Prevention
Authors: Romani Massimo , Pistillo Maria Pia , Banelli Barbara
Published: August 2015

Epigenetics provides the key to transform the genetic information into phenotype and because of its reversibility it is considered an ideal target for therapeutic interventions. This paper reviews the basic mechanisms of epigenetic control: DNA methylation, histone modifications, chromatin remodeling, and ncRNA expression and their role in disease development. We describe also the influence of the environment, lifestyle, nutritional habits, and the psychological influence on epigenetic marks and how these factors are related to cancer and other diseases development. Finally we discuss the potential use of natural epigenetic modifiers in the chemoprevention of cancer to link together public health, environment, and lifestyle.
A New Multichelating Acid System for High-Temperature Sandstone Reservoirs
Authors: Li Nianyin , Zhang Qian , Wang Yongqing , Liu Pingli , Zhao Liqiang
Published: August 2015

Sandstone reservoir acidizing is a complex and heterogeneous acid-rock reaction process. If improper acid treatment is implemented, further damage can be induced instead of removing the initial plug, particularly in high-temperature sandstone reservoirs. An efficient acid system is the key to successful acid treatment. High-temperature sandstone treatment with conventional mud acid system faces problems including high acid-rock reaction rate, short acid effective distance, susceptibility to secondary damage, and serious corrosion to pipelines. In this paper, a new multichelating acid system has been developed to overcome these shortcomings. The acid system is composed of ternary weak acid, organic phosphonic chelating agent, anionic polycarboxylic acid chelating dispersant, fluoride, and other assisted additives. Hydrogen ion slowly released by multistage ionization in ternary weak acid and organic phosphonic within the system decreases the concentration of HF to achieve retardation. Chelating agent and chelating dispersant within the system inhibited anodic and cathodic reaction, respectively, to protect the metal from corrosion, while chelating dispersant has great chelating ability on iron ions, restricting the depolarization reaction of ferric ion and metal. The synergic effect of chelating agent and chelating dispersant removes sulfate scale precipitation and inhibits or decreases potential precipitation such as CaF2, silica gel, and fluosilicate. Mechanisms of retardation, corrosion-inhibition, and scale-removing features have been discussed and evaluated with laboratory tests. Test results indicate that this novel acid system has good overall performance, addressing the technical problems and improving the acidizing effect as well for high-temperature sandstone.
Silymarin Accelerates Liver Regeneration after Partial Hepatectomy
Authors: Wu Jia-Ping , Tsai Chin-Chuan , Yeh Yu-Lan , Lin Yueh-Min , Lin Chien-Chung , Day Cecilia Hsuan , Shen Chia-Yao , Padma V. Vijaya , Pan Lung-Fa , Huang Chih-Yang
Published: August 2015

Partial hepatectomy (PHx) is a liver regeneration physiological response induced to maintain homeostasis. Liver regeneration evolved presumably to protect wild animals from catastrophic liver loss caused by toxins or tissue injury. Silymarin (Sm) ability to stimulate liver regeneration has been an object of curiosity for many years. Silymarin has been investigated for use as an antioxidant and anticarcinogen. However, its use as a supportive treatment for liver damage is elusive. In this study, we fed silymarin (Sm, 25 mg/kg) to male Sprague-Dawley rats for 7 weeks. Surgical 2/3 PHx was then conducted on the rats at 6 hrs, 24 hrs, and 72 hrs. Western blot and RT-PCR were conducted to detect the cell cycle activities and silymarin effects on hepatic regeneration. The results showed that silymarin enhanced liver regeneration by accelerating the cell cycle in PHx liver. Silymarin led to increased G1 phase (cyclin D1/pRb), S phase (cyclin E/E2F), G2 phase (cyclin B), and M phase (cyclin A) protein and mRNA at 6 hrs, 24 hrs, and 72 hrs PHx. HGF, TGFα, and TGFβ1 growth factor expressions were also enhanced. We suggest that silymarin plays a crucial role in accelerated liver regeneration after PHx.
Right Ventricular Dysfunction in Patients Experiencing Cardiotoxicity during Breast Cancer Therapy
Authors: Calleja Anna , Poulin Frédéric , Khorolsky Ciril , Shariat Masoud , Bedard Philippe L. , Amir Eitan , Rakowski Harry , McDonald Michael , Delgado Diego , Thavendiranathan Paaladinesh
Published: August 2015

Background. Right ventricular (RV) dysfunction during cancer therapy related cardiotoxicity and its prognostic implications have not been examined.Aim. We sought to determine the incidence and prognostic value of RV dysfunction at time of LV defined cardiotoxicity.Methods. We retrospectively identified 30 HER2+ female patients with breast cancer treated with trastuzumab (± anthracycline) who developed cardiotoxicity and had a diagnostic quality transthoracic echocardiography. LV ejection fraction (LVEF), RV fractional area change (RV FAC), and peak systolic longitudinal strain (for both LV and RV) were measured on echocardiograms at the time of cardiotoxicity and during follow-up. Thirty age balanced precancer therapy and HER2+ breast cancer patients were used as controls.Results. In the 30 patients with cardiotoxicity (mean ± SD age 54 ± 12 years) RV FAC was significantly lower (42 ± 7 versus 47 ± 6%,P=0.01) compared to controls. RV dysfunction defined by global longitudinal strain (GLS < −20.3%) was seen in 40% (n=12). During follow-up in 16 out of 30 patients (23 ± 15 months), there was persistent LV dysfunction (EF < 55%) in 69% (n=11). Concomitant RV dysfunction at the time of LV cardiotoxicity was associated with reduced recovery of LVEF during follow-up although this was not statistically significant.Conclusion. RV dysfunction at the time of LV cardiotoxicity is frequent in patients with breast cancer receiving trastuzumab therapy. Despite appropriate management, LV dysfunction persisted in the majority at follow-up. The prognostic value of RV dysfunction at the time of cardiotoxicity warrants further investigation.
A Complex Multiherbal Regimen Based on Ayurveda Medicine for the Management of Hepatic Cirrhosis Complicated by Ascites: Nonrandomized, Uncontrolled, Single Group, Open-Label Observational Clinical Study
Authors: Patel Manish V. , Patel Kalapi B. , Gupta Shivenarain , Michalsen Andreas , Stapelfeldt Elmar , Kessler Christian S.
Published: August 2015

Hepatic cirrhosis is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, especially if complicated by ascites. This chronic condition can be related to the classical disease entityjalodarain Traditional Indian Medicine (Ayurveda). The present paper aims to evaluate the general potential of Ayurvedic therapy for overall clinical outcomes in hepatic cirrhosis complicated by ascites (HCcA). In form of a nonrandomized, uncontrolled, single group, open-label observational clinical study, 56 patients fulfilling standardized diagnostic criteria for HCcA were observed during their treatment at the P. D. Patel Ayurveda Hospital, Nadiad, India. Based on Ayurvedic tradition, a standardized treatment protocol was developed and implemented, consisting of oral administration of single and compound herbal preparations combined with purificatory measures as well as dietary and lifestyle regimens. The outcomes were assessed by measuring liver functions through specific clinical features and laboratory parameters and by evaluating the Child-Pugh prognostic grade score. After 6 weeks of treatment and a follow-up period of 18 weeks, the outcomes showed statistically significant and clinically relevant improvements. Further larger and randomized trials on effectiveness, safety, and quality of the Ayurvedic approach in the treatment of HCcA are warranted to support these preliminary findings.
The Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics Investigation about Baicalin Effect and Baicalein on Mice U14 Cervical Cancer
Authors: Fu Zhanzhao , Di Ya , Gao Liming , Wu Jiandong , Shi Ming , Zheng Fulu
Published: August 2015

The experiment studies the effect of baicalin and baicalein on mice U14 cervical cancer and its pharmacokinetics in mice. By using different mouse models of cancer treatment program administered and uptake kinetics experiments, tissue distribution experiment, excretion, and metabolism in experimental experiments, we found that baicalin and baicalein can improve immunity and the ability of antioxidation and inhibit the growth of tumor. The absorption of intestinal drug takes place in intestinal tract. Tissue distribution was ideal. Because of the ideal drug distribution, the liver and kidney were protected. Drug was mainly excreted through the feces and bile excretion.
Phase Response Design of Recursive All-Pass Digital Filters Using a Modified PSO Algorithm
Authors: Chang Wei-Der
Published: August 2015

This paper develops a new design scheme for the phase response of an all-pass recursive digital filter. A variant of particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm will be utilized for solving this kind of filter design problem. It is here called the modified PSO (MPSO) algorithm in which another adjusting factor is more introduced in the velocity updating formula of the algorithm in order to improve the searching ability. In the proposed method, all of the designed filter coefficients are firstly collected to be a parameter vector and this vector is regarded as a particle of the algorithm. The MPSO with a modified velocity formula will force all particles into moving toward the optimal or near optimal solution by minimizing some defined objective function of the optimization problem. To show the effectiveness of the proposed method, two different kinds of linear phase response design examples are illustrated and the general PSO algorithm is compared as well. The obtained results show that the MPSO is superior to the general PSO for the phase response design of digital recursive all-pass filter.
Combination of Antiestrogens and Omega-3 Fatty Acids for Breast Cancer Prevention
Authors: Manni Andrea , El-Bayoumy Karam , Skibinski Christine G. , Thompson Henry J. , Santucci-Pereira Julia , Bidinotto Lucas Tadeu , Russo Jose
Published: August 2015

The molecular and biological heterogeneity of human breast cancer emphasizes the importance of a multitargeted approach for effective chemoprevention. Targeting the estrogen receptor pathway alone with the antiestrogens, Tamoxifen and Raloxifene reduces the incidence of estrogen receptor positive tumors but is ineffective against the development of hormone independent cancers. Our preclinical data indicate that the administration of omega-3 fatty acids potentiates the antitumor effects of Tamoxifen by inhibiting multiple proliferative and antiapoptotic pathways, several of which interact with estrogen receptor signaling. The complementarity in the mechanism of antitumor action of Tamoxifen and omega-3 fatty acids is well supported by our signaling, genomic, and proteomic studies. Furthermore, administration of omega-3 fatty acids allows the use of lower and, hence, likely less toxic doses of Tamoxifen. If these findings are supported in the clinical setting, the combination of omega-3 fatty acids and anteistrogens may emerge as a promising, effective, and safe chemopreventive strategy to be tested in a large multi-institutional trial using breast cancer incidence as the primary endpoint.