bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Virus-associated apoptosis of blood neutrophils as a risk factor for invasive meningococcal disease
Authors: Smith Harry , Rogers Sharon L , Smith Helen V , Gillis David , Siskind Victor , Smith Judith A
Published: June 2013

Aims

To quantify a range of haematological indicators of viral infection (leucocyte apoptosis, cytopenia of normal lymphocytes, reactive lymphocyte increase, neutropenia) in patients with recent onset invasive meningococcal disease (IMD), with a view to test the association of viral infection with IMD and identify possible haematological risk factors for its development.

Subjects and methods

88 patients with recent onset IMD, classified on clinical severity as fatal (n=14), septic shock survived (n=26) and no shock (n=48), and 50 healthy controls were studied. Blood film microscopy and leucocyte counts were used to quantify the virus-associated indicators. Cocci-containing neutrophils were also quantified.

Results

All viral parameters were significantly more frequent or higher in patients than controls, with leucocyte apoptosis found only in the patients. A significant gradient in accord with clinical severity was found for neutrophil and lymphocyte apoptosis, neutropenia and cocci-containing neutrophils. Crucially, apoptotic neutrophils did not contain cocci, and cocci-containing neutrophils were not apoptotic.

Conclusions

The correlation between magnitude of neutrophil apoptosis and severity of IMD suggests a cause–effect relationship. We propose that neutrophil apoptosis is more likely a facilitator rather than an effect of IMD for these reasons: (1) apoptotic neutrophils did not contain cocci and cocci-containing neutrophils were not apoptotic, (2) leucocyte apoptosis is a recognised viral effect and (3)Neisseria meningitidisis incapable of producing a Panton–Valentine type leucocidin. The lymphocyte apoptosis which accompanies neutrophil death may contribute to risk by impairing the generation of microbicidal antibody. Leucocyte apoptosis is a morphological expression of viral immunosuppression and, we suggest, is a likely contributor to a range of viral effects.
Five new Telamonia species (Cortinarius, Agaricales) from western North America
Authors: Niskanen Tuula , Liimatainen Kare , Ammirati Joseph F.
Published: June 2013

Five new Cortinarius species in subgenus Telamonia are described from western North America: Cortinarius alboambitus Niskanen, Liimat. & Ammirati sp. nov., Cortinarius brunneovernus Niskanen, Liimat. & Ammirati sp. nov., Cortinarius fructuodorus Niskanen, Liimat. & Ammirati sp. nov., Cortinarius nauseosouraceus Niskanen, Liimat. & Ammirati sp. nov., and Cortinarius politus Niskanen, Liimat. & Ammirati sp. nov. Phylogenetic relationships of the species were inferred by analysis of ITS and rpb2. The placement of C. brunneovernus in sect. Brunnei, C. fructuodotus in sect. Telamonia, and C. nauseosouraceus in sect. Cinnabarini/Uracei/Colymbadini is strongly supported. Cortinarius alboambitus grouped with species in the clade Furvolaesi with a support of 0.83 posterior probabilities, and C. politus with the species in sect. Boulderenses with 0.67 posterior probabilities. The descriptions of these species are presented and a comparison with similar species is provided.
Population dynamics of stage-structured sequential hermaphrodites
Authors: Fujiwara Masami , Zhou Can
Published: June 2013

The population dynamics of sequential hermaphrodites were investigated using three-stage matrix population models. A simple hermaphrodite model with density-dependent reproduction exhibited monotonic asymptotic growth or decline depending on parameter values. After incorporating density-dependent survival and sex change, the model was parameterized for red grouper (Epinephelus morio), which exhibit protogynous life history, and the model was used to investigate the effects of fishing mortality on offspring production and population density. The sensitivity of offspring production to fishing mortality was less when sex change depended on the relative density of female to male (ratio-dependent sex change) or male density alone compared with either female density alone or no density dependence. Although strong ratio-dependent sex change also resulted in less sensitivity of equilibrium abundance to fishing mortality, it caused the population to fluctuate chaotically. This suggests that the strength and type of density dependence on sex change affect reproductive output, equilibrium abundance, and the types of dynamics exhibited.
Strong anthropogenic signals in historic forest fire regime: a detailed spatiotemporal case study from south-central Norway
Authors: Storaunet Ken Olaf , Rolstad Jørund , Toeneiet Målfrid , Blanck Ylva-li
Published: June 2013

To better understand the historic range of variability in the fire regime of Fennoscandian boreal forests we cross-dated 736 fire scars of remnant Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) wood samples in a 3.6 km2 section of the Trillemarka-Rollagsfjell Reserve of south-central Norway. Using a kernel range application in GIS we spatially delineated 57 individual forest fires between 1350 and the present. We found a strong anthropogenic signal in the fire regime from 1600 and onwards: (i) infrequent variably sized fires prior to 1600 shifted to frequent fires gradually decreasing in size during the 1600s and 1700s, with only a few small fires after 1800; (ii) time intervals between fires and the hazard of burning showed substantial differences pre- and post-1600; (iii) fire seasonality changed from late- to early-season fires from the 1626 fire and onwards; and (iv) fire severity decreased gradually over time. Written sources corroborated our results, narrating a history where anthropogenic forest fires and slash-and-burn cultivation expanded with the increasing population from the late 1500s. Concurrently, timber resources increased in value, gradually forcing slash-and-burn cultivators to abandon fires on forest land. Our results strengthen and expand previous Fennoscandian findings on the anthropogenic influence of historic fire regimes.
Spatial distribution of tree species in a species-rich subtropical mountain forest in central China
Authors: Guo Yili , Lu Junmeng , Franklin Scott B. , Wang Qinggang , Xu Yaozhan , Zhang Kuihan , Bao Dachuan , Qiao Xiujuan , Huang Handong , Lu Zhijun , Jiang Mingxi
Published: June 2013

Inferring the processes underlying the spatial distribution patterns of tree species is fundamental for understanding species coexistence. Here, we examined spatial distribution patterns of woody plants by using the univariate pair correlation function to quantify spatial patterns of species in a fullly mapped 25 ha subtropical plot in China. We analyzed the relationships between the species attributes and spatial distribution patterns of 137 tree species with at least one individual per hectare. The results showed that aggregated distributions were the dominant pattern for species in the Badagongshan subtropical forests, and that the percentage of significantly aggregated species decreased with increasing spatial scales. Rare species were more aggregated than intermediate and abundant species, but they were more easily influenced by habitat heterogeneity. Also, there was significantly negative relationship between species abundance and species aggregation intensity. The aggregation intensity showed negative relationships to species mean diameter at breast height (DBH) and maximum DBH, i.e., species became more regularly spaced as species stature increased. Species functional traits (e.g., growth form and phenological guild) also had obvious effects on the spatial patterns of species. However, spatial patterns of tree species were not related to the dispersal mode. Our results partially conformed to the prediction that species’ attributes influenced species’ spatial patterns following similar laws, even after controlling for the effects of habitat heterogeneity. Consequently, species attributes (species abundance, mean DBH, maximal DBH, growth form, phenological guild, etc.) and habitat heterogeneity may primarily contribute to spatial patterns and species coexistence in natural forests.
Holographic, new agegraphic, and ghost dark energy models in fractal cosmology
Authors: Karami K. , Jamil Mubasher , Ghaffari S. , Fahimi K. , Myrzakulov R.
Published: June 2013

We investigate the holographic, new agegraphic, and ghost dark energy models in the framework of fractal cosmology. We consider a fractal flat Friedmann–Robertson–Walker universe filled with dark energy and matter. We obtain the deceleration and equation of state parameters of the selected dark energy models in the ultraviolet regime and discuss their implications in the early universe.
APPLICATION OF MINIMAX DISTRIBUTION FREE PROCEDURE AND CHEBYSHEV APPROACH IN MIXED INVENTORY MODEL INVOLVING REDUCIBLE LEAD-TIME AND SETUP COST WITH IMPRECISE DEMAND
Authors: YADAV DHARMENDRA , SINGH S. R. , KUMARI RACHNA
Published: June 2013

In this paper, we extend Lin [Lin, YJ (2008). Minimax distribution free procedure with backorder price discount. International Journal of Production Economics, 111, 118–128] model by fuzzifying the demand rate, based on triangular fuzzy number to increase its applicability and solve the problem by using an alternative approach i.e., Chebyshev approach. We prove the concavity and convexity of the estimate of total variable cost per unit time in fuzzy sense. To compare the expected annual cost of proposed model, defuzzification is performed by two different methods namely signed distance and centroid method. We provide a solution procedure to find the optimal values of lead-time, the order quantity and the backorder price discount by using minimax distribution free procedure and Chebyshev approach. Through numerical example it is shown that there is a significant saving in cost due to crashing cost to reduce the lead-time and the setup cost. We also compare our results with Cheng et al. [Cheng, TL, CK Huang and KC Chen (2004). Inventory model involving lead-time and setup cost as decision variables. Journal of Statistics and Management Systems, 7, 131–141] model and show that Ben-Daya and Raouf's [Ben-Daya, M and A Raouf (1994). Inventory model involving lead-time as a decision variable. Journal of the Operational Research Society, 45, 579–582] model is the special case of our proposed model.
COORDINATION MECHANISM COMBINING SUPPLY CHAIN OPTIMIZATION AND RULE IN EXCHANGE
Authors: ZHAO JINSHI , HUO JIAZHEN
Published: June 2013

There are two kinds of option pricing. The option pricing in exchange follows the Black–Scholes rule but does not consider the optimizing of supply chain. The traditional supply chain option contract can optimize supply chain but does not meet the Black–Scholes rule. We integrate the assumption of above two kinds of option pricing, and design a model to combine the Black–Scholes rule and traditional option contract of optimizing in a supplier-led supply chain. Our combined model can guide the enterprises to write or buy option considering both option pricing rule in financial market and the optimization of supply chain. Then we simulate and verify the model in Zinc industry of China. It is proved that our option pricing model is equalized and optimal to supply chain and consistent with Black–Scholes rule.
RARE BARYONIC DECAYS Λb → Λl+l- IN THE TTM MODEL
Authors: WEN YAN-LI , YUE CHONG-XING , ZHANG JIAO
Published: June 2013

In the framework of the top triangle moose model, we analyze the rare decays Λb → Λl+l-(l = e, μ, τ) by using the form factors calculated in full QCD. We calculate the contributions of the new particles predicted by this model to observables, such as the branching ratios, forward–backward asymmetry (A FB ) and polarizations related these decay processes. We find that, in wide range of the parameter space, the values of the branching ratios are enhanced by one order of magnitude comparing to the standard model predictions. This model can also produce significant corrections to A FB , normal polarization PN and transversal polarization PT.
Financial Distress Risk and the Hedging of Foreign Currency Exposure
Authors: Boyer M. Martin , Marin Monica
Published: June 2013

We examine the use of foreign currency hedging instruments by US manufacturing firms during 1996–2004, and assess their impact on the firms' risk of financial distress. We derive measures of financial distress using the Black–Scholes–Merton option pricing model and find that the use of foreign currency hedging instruments reduces the firms' financial distress. The main findings are confirmed when examining alternate measures of foreign currency exposure, econometric specifications or measures of financial distress.
Taxonomic diversity of Eocene Antarctic penguins: a changing picture
Authors: Jadwiszczak Piotr
Published: June 2013

Eocene Antarctic penguins, at least 10 species in six genera, are known only from the La Meseta Formation, Seymour Island, Antarctic Peninsula. They are most numerous (in terms of individuals, body sizes and taxa) in Late Eocene strata. Specimens from three species and phylogenetic analysis presented in this work shed new light on the systematics and evolution of Antarctic Sphenisciformes. The earliest reported bones of giant penguins from the genus
Anthropornis
set the conservative estimate of its divergence time at
c
. 53 Ma (Early Eocene). They also document the oldest known appearance of quite a high diversity of Sphenisciformes; altogether, three morphotypes (differing in size) have been found within the same sampling locality. A newly described, relatively small and intriguingly elongated, tarsometatarsus from the Late Eocene of the La Meseta Formation, belonging to another genus of large-sized Antarctic penguins (
Palaeeudyptes
), suggests the possible existence of an unnamed species within this long-established genus. The phylogenetic analysis based on tarsometatarsal features shows that the relationship between ‘
Archaeospheniscus
’
wimani
and three species of
Delphinornis
(all of them co-existed during the Late Eocene time period) does not appear to be close enough to justify merging them into a single genus (as was recently postulated).

Supplementary material:

An annotated data matrix used for the phylogenetic analysis is available at
www.geolsoc.org.uk/SUP18599
High Temperature Mass Spectrometric Study of the Gaseous Gallium Oxyacid Salts
Authors: Lopatin S. I. , Shugurov S. M.
Published: June 2013

A number of gaseous gallium oxyacid salts have been identified by Knudsen effusion mass spectrometry by vaporizing Ga2O3 and mixtures Ga2O3 + B2O3 from molybdenum and tungsten cells. The stability of gaseous species Ga2MoO4, Ga2WO4, Ga2Mo2O7, Ga2W2O7, GaBO2, and (GaBO2)2 was deduced from the measurements. On the basis of equilibrium constants measured for gas-phase reactions, the standard formation and atomization enthalpies were determined. In the isocationic series of gaseous oxyacid salts, the atomization enthalpies of salts are linear function of the atomization enthalpies of the gaseous anion-forming oxides. The atomization enthalpies of gaseous gallium salts determined in this work were used to plot the function for the isocationic series of gaseous gallium salts.
Alkali Halide Work Function Determination by Knudsen Effusion Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Dunaev A. M. , Kudin L. S. , Butman Mikhail F. , Motalov V. B.
Published: June 2013

A new approach to determine the work function for ionic crystals by Knudsen Effusion Mass Spectrometry was suggested. The method was successfully tested on the alkali halide metals MX (M = Na, K, Rb, Cs; X = F, Cl, Br, I).
Investigation of Coal Slags and Related Oxide Systems by KEMS
Authors: Ryś-Matejczuk M. , Bencze L. , Peter R. , Willenborg W. , Müller M.
Published: June 2013

Alkali release and behaviour of coal slags are among the main problems in the high temperature coal conversion processes. Therefore, the thermodynamic properties of slags and the related synthetic oxide systems are important. This article gives several examples of vaporisation investigations on coal slags and synthetic oxide systems by KEMS performed in our lab in the recent years.
Degradation Mechanism of SOFC Cathodes under CrO3 and SO2 Impurity Exposures
Authors: Horita Teruhisa , Cho Do-Hyung , Wang Fangfang , Nishi Mina , Shimonosono Taro , Kishimoto Haruo , Yamaji Katsuhiko , Brito Manuel E. , Yokokawa Harumi
Published: June 2013

The effects of Cr-and S-impurities on the cathode performances were examined at the mixed ionic-electronic conducting La0.6Sr0.4Co0.2Fe0.8O3 (LSCF) cathode. Under exposures to CrO3 and SO2, the cathode performance decreased drastically by forming SrCrO4 and SrSO4 at the LSCF grain surfaces and electrochemical active sites. The main degradation factors of LSCF cathode was the decrease of surface reaction rates by the impurities. The Sr-diffusion and depletion in the LSCF structures can affect the cathode performance degradation. Relatively large amounts of Sr were depleted in the LSCF grains under CrO3 exposures by forming a thick SrCrO4 at the Pt-mesh/LSCF cathode interfaces, while small amounts of Sr-depletion in the LSCF grains under SO2 exposures.
Optimum GHSV for the Catalytic Combustor of an 1.1 kW Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) System
Authors: Lee Seokbae , Ahn Gangsub , Kim Kiseok
Published: June 2013

The flue gas which resulted from oxidation of the fuel flow in the SOFC stack was burnt off in the catalytic combustor under the operating condition acquired by the process simulation. Conversion of the combustible components in the stack flue gas was experimentally measured at four different GHSVs in a tubular reactor packed with base-metal catalyst pellets. Optimum GHSV of 6,990 hr-1 in the catalytic combustor was determined on the basis of reactor performance including pressure drop, carbon monoxide slip, and conversion of the combustible components.
Antares DLR-H2 – Flying Test Bed for Development of Aircraft Fuel Cell Systems
Authors: Rathke P. , Kallo Josef , Schirmer J. , Stephan T. , Waiblinger W. , Weiss-Ungethüm J.
Published: June 2013

Fuel cell systems provide a zero-emission and low noise solution for on-board power generation in aircraft. To assure safe and reliable fuel cell operation in aircraft, system testing has to be conducted under realistic operating conditions. On the one hand these conditions can hardly be simulated in laboratory; on the other hand evaluation of the systems with a wide-body aircraft like an Airbus A320 is inflexible, time and cost consuming. Therefore the aerodyne Antares DLR-H2 has been developed as a flying test bed to provide a system carrier for time and cost effective airborne fuel cell system testing. In this presentation the test platform Antares DLR-H2 will be described with the new fuel cell system generation and latest results, comprising laboratory measurements (fuel consumption, power output) and insights on the system design, especially focusing on the concept of direct hybridization, allowing a simple and therefore reliable possibility of coupling fuel cells and batteries.
Ceacam1 deletion causes vascular alterations in large vessels
Authors: Najjar Sonia M. , Ledford Kelly J. , Abdallah Simon L. , Paus Alexander , Russo Lucia , Kaw Meenakshi K. , Ramakrishnan Sadeesh K. , Muturi Harrison T. , Raphael Christian K. , Lester Sumona Ghosh , Heinrich Garrett , Pierre Sandrine V. , Benndorf Ralf , Kleff Veronika , Jaffa Ayad A. , Lévy Emile , Vazquez Guillermo , Goldberg Ira J. , Beauchemin Nicole , Scalia Rosario , Ergün Süleyman
Published: June 2013

Carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 1 (CEACAM1) promotes hepatic insulin clearance and endothelial survival. However, its role in the morphology of macrovessels remains unknown. Mice lacking Ceacam1 ( Cc1−/−) exhibit hyperinsulinemia, which causes insulin resistance and fatty liver. With increasing evidence of an association among hyperinsulinemia, fatty liver disease, and atherosclerosis, we investigated whether Cc1−/− exhibited vascular lesions in atherogenic-prone aortae. Histological analysis revealed impaired endothelial integrity with restricted fat deposition and aortic plaque-like lesions in Cc1−/− aortae, likely owing to their limited lipidemia. Immunohistochemical analysis indicated macrophage deposition, and in vitro studies showed increased leukocyte adhesion to aortic wall, mediated in part by elevation in vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 levels. Basal aortic eNOS protein and NO content were reduced, in parallel with reduced Akt/eNOS and Akt/Foxo1 phosphorylation. Ligand-induced vasorelaxation was compromised in aortic rings. Increased NADPH oxidase activity and plasma 8-isoprostane levels revealed oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation in Cc1−/− aortae. siRNA-mediated CEACAM1 knockdown in bovine aortic endothelial cells adversely affected insulin's stimulation of IRS-1/PI 3-kinase/Akt/eNOS activation by increasing IRS-1 binding to SHP2 phosphatase. This demonstrates that CEACAM1 regulates both endothelial cell autonomous and nonautonomous mechanisms involved in vascular morphology and NO production in aortae. Systemic factors such as hyperinsulinemia could contribute to the pathogenesis of these vascular abnormalities. Cc1−/− mice provide a first in vivo demonstration of distinct CEACAM1-dependent hepatic insulin clearance linking hepatic to macrovascular abnormalities.
Microarray analysis of active cardiac remodeling genes in a familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy mouse model rescued by a phospholamban knockout
Authors: Rajan Sudarsan , Pena James R. , Jegga Anil G. , Aronow Bruce J. , Wolska Beata M. , Wieczorek David F.
Published: June 2013

Familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (FHC) is a disease characterized by ventricular hypertrophy, fibrosis, and aberrant systolic and/or diastolic function. Our laboratories have previously developed two mouse models that affect cardiac performance. One mouse model encodes an FHC-associated mutation in α-tropomyosin: Glu → Gly at amino acid 180, designated as Tm180. These mice display a phenotype that is characteristic of FHC, including severe cardiac hypertrophy with fibrosis and impaired physiological performance. The other model was a gene knockout of phospholamban (PLN KO), a regulator of calcium uptake in the sarcoplasmic reticulum of cardiomyocytes; these hearts exhibit hypercontractility with no pathological abnormalities. Previous work in our laboratories shows that when mice were genetically crossed between the PLN KO and Tm180, the progeny (PLN KO/Tm180) display a rescued hypertrophic phenotype with improved morphology and cardiac function. To understand the changes in gene expression that occur in these models undergoing cardiac remodeling (Tm180, PLN KO, PLN KO/Tm180, and nontransgenic control mice), we conducted microarray analyses of left ventricular tissue at 4 and 12 mo of age. Expression profiling reveals that 1,187 genes changed expression in direct response to the three genetic models. With these 1,187 genes, 11 clusters emerged showing normalization of transcript expression in the PLN KO/Tm180 hearts. In addition, 62 transcripts are highly involved in suppression of the hypertrophic phenotype. Confirmation of the microarray analysis was conducted by quantitative RT-PCR. These results provide insight into genes that alter expression during cardiac remodeling and are active during modulation of the cardiomyopathic phenotype.
A novel genetic locus modulates infarct volume independently of the extent of collateral circulation
Authors: Chu Pei-Lun , Keum Sehoon , Marchuk Douglas A.
Published: June 2013

In the mouse model of permanent, middle cerebral artery occlusion, infarct volume varies widely across inbred strains but generally is inversely correlated with collateral vessel number. However, we also observed certain mouse strains that share similar collateral vessel anatomy but exhibit significantly different infarct volume. To identify genetic factors determining infarct volume in a collateral vessel-independent manner, we performed quantitative trait locus analysis on a F2 cross between C57BL/6J and C3H/HeJ strains. We mapped four novel loci ( Civq4 through Civq7) that modulate infarct volume. Civq4, on chromosome 8, is the strongest locus (logarithm of the odds 9.8) that contributes 21% of the phenotypic variance of infarct volume in the cross. The Civq4 and Civq6 loci represent transgressive B6 alleles that render animals susceptible to larger infarcts. Based on genomic sequence and microarray analyses, we propose candidate genes for the Civq4 locus. By selecting inbred strains with similar collateral vessel anatomy but that vary significantly in infarct volume, we have mapped four loci determining infarct volume in a mouse model of ischemic stroke. Two of the loci appear to modulate infarct volume through a collateral vessel-independent mechanism. Based on strain-specific sequence variants and differences in transcript levels, Msr1 and Mtmr7 appear to be strong candidate genes for Civq4. Identifying the underlying genetic factors of these loci will elucidate the genetic architecture response to cerebral ischemia, shed new light on disease mechanisms of ischemic stroke, and identify potential therapeutic targets for clinical applications.
On Full-Tensor Permeabilities of Porous Media from Numerical Solutions of the Navier-Stokes Equation
Authors: Wang Yi , Sun Shuyu , Yu Bo
Published: June 2013

A numerical method is proposed to compute full-tensor permeability of porous media without artificial simplification. Navier-Stokes (N-S) equation and Darcy's law are combined to design these numerical experiments. This method can successfully detect the permeability values in principle directions of the porous media and the anisotropic degrees. It is found that the same configuration of porous media may possess isotropic features at lower Reynolds numbers while manifesting anisotropic features at higher Reynolds numbers due to the nonlinearity from convection. Anisotropy becomes pronounced especially when convection is dominant.
Distributed Consensus for Discrete-Time Directed Networks of Multiagents with Time-Delays and Random Communication Links
Authors: Liu Yurong , Karimi Hamid Reza , Liu Xiaohui
Published: June 2013

This paper is concerned with the leader-following consensus problem in mean-square for a class of discrete-time multiagent systems. The multiagent systems under consideration are the directed and contain arbitrary discrete time-delays. The communication links are assumed to be time-varying and stochastic. It is also assumed that some agents in the network are well informed and act as leaders, and the others are followers. By introducing novel Lyapunov functionals and employing some new analytical techniques, sufficient conditions are derived to guarantee the leader-following consensus in mean-square for the concerned multiagent systems, so that all the agents are steered to an anticipated state target. A numerical example is presented to illustrate the main results.
A Pressure-Stabilized Lagrange-Galerkin Method in a Parallel Domain Decomposition System
Authors: Yao Qinghe , Zhu Qingyong
Published: June 2013

A pressure-stabilized Lagrange-Galerkin method is implemented in a parallel domain decomposition system in this work, and the new stabilization strategy is proved to be effective for large Reynolds number and Rayleigh number simulations. The symmetry of the stiffness matrix enables the interface problems of the linear system to be solved by the preconditioned conjugate method, and an incomplete balanced domain preconditioner is applied to the flow-thermal coupled problems. The methodology shows good parallel efficiency and high numerical scalability, and the new solver is validated by comparing with exact solutions and available benchmark results. It occupies less memory than classical product-type solvers; furthermore, it is capable of solving problems of over 30 million degrees of freedom within one day on a PC cluster of 80 cores.
CFD Simulation of Heat Transfer and Friction Factor Augmentation in a Circular Tube Fitted with Elliptic-Cut Twisted Tape Inserts
Authors: Salman Sami D. , Kadhum Abdul Amir H. , Takriff Mohd S. , Mohamad Abu Bakar
Published: June 2013

This paper presents the application of a mathematical model for simulation of the swirling flow in a tube induced by elliptic-cut and classical twist tape inserts. Effects of the twist ratio (y=2.93, 3.91, and 4.89) and cut depth (w=0.4, 0.8, and 1.4 cm) on heat transfer enhancement (Nu) and friction factor (f) in laminar flow are numerically investigated. The simulation is carried out using commercial CFD package (FLUENT-6.3.26) to grasp the physical behaviour of the thermal and fluid flows of a constant heat-fluxed tube fitted with elliptic-cut twist tape in the laminar flow regime for the Reynolds number ranging from 200 to 2100. The simulated results matched the literature correlations of plain tube for validation with 8% variation for Nusselt number and 10% for friction factor. The results show that the heat transfer rate and friction factor in the tube equipped with elliptic-cut twist tape (ECT) are significantly higher than those fitted with classical twist tape (CTT). Moreover the results also reveal that the Nusselt number and the friction factor in the tube with elliptic-cut twisted tape (ECT) increase with decreasing twist ratios (y) and cut depths (w).
A New Circuit Model for Spin-Torque Oscillator Including Perpendicular Torque of Magnetic Tunnel Junction
Authors: Lim Hyein , Ahn Sora , Kim Miryeon , Lee Seungjun , Shin Hyungsoon
Published: June 2013

Spin-torque oscillator (STO) is a promising new technology for the future RF oscillators, which is based on the spin-transfer torque (STT) effect in magnetic multilayered nanostructure. It is expected to provide a larger tunability, smaller size, lower power consumption, and higher level of integration than the semiconductor-based oscillators. In our previous work, a circuit-level model of the giant magnetoresistance (GMR) STO was proposed. In this paper, we present a physics-based circuit-level model of the magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ)-based STO. MTJ-STO model includes the effect of perpendicular torque that has been ignored in the GMR-STO model. The variations of three major characteristics, generation frequency, mean oscillation power, and generation linewidth of an MTJ-STO with respect to the amount of perpendicular torque, are investigated, and the results are applied to our model. The operation of the model was verified by HSPICE simulation, and the results show an excellent agreement with the experimental data. The results also prove that a full circuit-level simulation with MJT-STO devices can be made with our proposed model.
Metabolomic Analysis of Differential Changes in Metabolites during ATP Oscillations in Chondrogenesis
Authors: Kwon Hyuck Joon , Ohmiya Yoshihiro
Published: June 2013

Prechondrogenic condensation is a critical step for skeletal pattern formation. Recent studies reported that ATP oscillations play an essential role in prechondrogenic condensation. However, the molecular mechanism to underlie ATP oscillations remains poorly understood. In the present study, it was investigated how changes in metabolites are implicated in ATP oscillations during chondrogenesis by using capillary electrophoresis time-of-flight mass spectrometry (CE-TOF-MS). CE-TOF-MS detected 93 cationic and 109 anionic compounds derived from known metabolic pathways. 15 cationic and 18 anionic compounds revealed significant change between peak and trough of ATP oscillations. These results implicate that glycolysis, mitochondrial respiration and uronic acid pathway oscillate in phase with ATP oscillations, while PPRP and nucleotides synthesis pathways oscillate in antiphase with ATP oscillations. This suggests that the ATP-producing glycolysis and mitochondrial respiration oscillate in antiphase with the ATP-consuming PPRP/nucleotide synthesis pathway during chondrogenesis.
Collagen XVII: A Shared Antigen in Neurodermatological Interactions?
Authors: Seppänen Allan
Published: June 2013

Collagen XVII is a nonfibril-forming transmembrane collagen, which functions as both a matrix protein and a cell-surface receptor. It is particularly copious in the skin, where it is known to be a structural component of hemidesmosomes. In addition, collagen XVII has been found to be present in the central nervous system, thus offering an explanation for the statistical association between bullous pemphigoid, in which autoimmunity is directed against dermal collagen XVII, and neurological diseases. In support of the hypothesis that collagen XVII serves as a shared antigen mediating an immune response between skin and brain, research on animal and human tissue, as well as numerous epidemiological and case studies, is presented.
Factors Influencing Quality of Life for Disabled and Nondisabled Elderly Population: The Results of a Multiple Correspondence Analysis
Authors: Avolio M. , Montagnoli S. , Marino M. , Basso D. , Furia G. , Ricciardi W. , de Belvis A. G.
Published: June 2013

Objectives. The aim of our study is to examine the role of some factors (sociodemographic patterns, social relationship support, and trust in healthcare actors) on structure of quality of life among the Italian elderly population, by stratifying according to presence or absence of disability.Methods. Using data of the Italian National Institute of Statistics (ISTAT) survey, we obtained a sample of 25,183 Italian people aged 65+ years. Multiple Correspondence Analysis (MCA) was used to test such a relationship.Results. By applying the MCA between disabled and nondisabled elderly population, we identified three dimensions: “demographic structure and social contacts,” “social relationships,” “trust in the Italian National Health Services (INHS).” Furthermore, the difference in trust on the INHS and its actors was seen among disabled and non-disabled elderly population.Conclusions. Knowledge on the concept of quality of life and its application to the elderly population either with or without disability should make a difference in both people’s life and policies and practices affecting life. New domains, such as information and trusting relationships both within and towards the care network’s nodes, are likely to play an important role in this relationship.
BlueBerry Isolate, Pterostilbene, Functions as a Potential Anticancer Stem Cell Agent in Suppressing Irradiation-Mediated Enrichment of Hepatoma Stem Cells
Authors: Lee Chi-Ming , Su Yen-Hao , Huynh Thanh-Tuan , Lee Wei-Hwa , Chiou Jeng-Fong , Lin Yen-Kuang , Hsiao Michael , Wu Chih-Hsiung , Lin Yuh-Feng , Wu Alexander T. H. , Yeh Chi-Tai
Published: June 2013

For many malignancies, radiation therapy remains the second option only to surgery in terms of its curative potential. However, radiation-induced tumor cell death is limited by a number of factors, including the adverse response of the tumor microenvironment to the treatment and either intrinsic or acquired mechanisms of evasive resistance, and the existence of cancer stem cells (CSCs). In this study, we demonstrated that using different doses of irradiation led to the enrichment of CD133+Mahlavu cells using flow cytometric method. Subsequently, CD133+Mahlavu cells enriched by irradiation were characterized for their stemness gene expression, self-renewal, migration/invasion abilities, and radiation resistance. Having established irradiation-enriched CD133+Mahlavu cells with CSC properties, we evaluated a phytochemical, pterostilbene (PT), found abundantly in blueberries, against irradiation-enriched CSCs. It was shown that PT treatment dose-dependently reduced the enrichment of CD133+Mahlavu cells upon irradiation; PT treatment also prevented tumor sphere formation, reduced stemness gene expression, and suppressed invasion and migration abilities as well as increasing apoptosis of CD133+Mahlavu CSCs. Based on our experimental data, pterostilbene could be used to prevent the enrichment of CD133+hepatoma CSCs and should be considered for future clinical testing as a combined agent for HCC patients.
Reconsiderations on the Equivalence of Convergence between Mann and Ishikawa Iterations for Asymptotically Pseudocontractive Mappings
Authors: Sun Haizhen , Xue Zhiqun
Published: June 2013

Our aim in this paper is to illustrate that the proof of main theorem of Rhoades and Şoltuz (2003) concerning the equivalence between the convergences of Ishikawa and Mann iterations for uniformlyL-Lipschitzian asymptotically pseudocontractive maps is incorrect and to provide its correct version.
Weighted Moments Estimators of the Parameters for the Extreme Value Distribution Based on the Multiply Type II Censored Sample
Authors: Wu Jong-Wuu , Chen Sheau-Chiann , Lee Wen-Chuan , Lai Heng-Yi
Published: June 2013

We propose the weighted moments estimators (WMEs) of the location and scale parameters for the extreme value distribution based on the multiply type II censored sample. Simulated mean squared errors (MSEs) of best linear unbiased estimator (BLUE) and exact MSEs of WMEs are compared to study the behavior of different estimation methods. The results show the best estimator among the WMEs and BLUE under different combinations of censoring schemes.
Incidental Radiographic Discovery of a Screw in a Primary Molar: An Unusual Case Report in a 6 Year Old Child
Authors: Katge Farhin , Mithiborwala Sajjad , Pammi Thejokrishna
Published: June 2013

Dentists often find foreign bodies in the primary dentition of children who habitually place objects in their mouths. The objects are frequently embedded in exposures that result from carious or traumatic lesions or from endodontic procedures that have been left open for drainage. Such bodies are often detected on routine radiographs and, less frequently, during clinical examination. We report a case of a 6-year-old boy who had inadvertently embedded a screw in his mandibular right first primary molar and had forgotten about it until it became symptomatic. The screw was impacted in the exposed pulp chamber due to a large carious lesion in the affected molar. This case report considers the possible medical and dental consequences of placing foreign bodies in the mouth.
Age-Related Hearing Loss in Mn-SOD Heterozygous Knockout Mice
Authors: Kinoshita Makoto , Sakamoto Takashi , Kashio Akinori , Shimizu Takahiko , Yamasoba Tatsuya
Published: June 2013

Age-related hearing loss (AHL) reduces the quality of life for many elderly individuals. Manganese superoxide dismutase (Mn-SOD), one of the antioxidant enzymes acting within the mitochondria, plays a crucial role in scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS). To determine whether reduction in Mn-SOD accelerates AHL, we evaluated auditory function in Mn-SOD heterozygous knockout (HET) mice and their littermate wild-type (WT) C57BL/6 mice by means of auditory brainstem response (ABR). Mean ABR thresholds were significantly increased at 16 months when compared to those at 4 months in both WT and HET mice, but they did not significantly differ between them at either age. The extent of hair cell loss, spiral ganglion cell density, and thickness of the stria vascularis also did not differ between WT and HET mice at either age. At 16 months, immunoreactivity of 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine was significantly greater in the SGC and SV in HET mice compared to WT mice, but that of 4-hydroxynonenal did not differ between them. These findings suggest that, although decrease of Mn-SOD by half may increase oxidative stress in the cochlea to some extent, it may not be sufficient to accelerate age-related cochlear damage under physiological aging process.
A Direct Investment Method of Closed Two-Piece Hollow Bulb Obturator
Authors: Deogade Suryakant C. , Mantri Sneha S. , Naitam Dinesh , Dube Gunjan , Gupta Pushkar , Dewangan Ashish
Published: June 2013

Maxillary defects occur due to surgical treatment of benign and malignant tumors, congenital malformation, and trauma. Prosthetic rehabilitation in such patients is influenced by the size and location of the defect. The most common of all intraoral defects are seen in the maxilla, in the form of an opening into the maxillary sinus and nasopharynx. These defects create disabilities in speech, deglutition, and mastication. The prosthesis which closes such an opening and recreates the functional separation of the oral cavity and sinus and nasal cavities is referred to as an obturator. Numerous techniques of hollow bulb fabrication have been mentioned in the literature from time to time. But there are only a few methods for bulb fabrication in two-piece obturator. This technique describes a direct investment method of waxed-up closed hollow bulb two-piece obturator.
Does the Site of Anterior Tracheal Puncture Affect the Success Rate of Retrograde Intubation? A Prospective, Manikin-Based Study
Authors: Harris Eric A. , Arheart Kristopher L. , Fischler Kenneth E.
Published: June 2013

Background.Retrograde intubation is useful for obtaining endotracheal access when direct laryngoscopy proves difficult. The technique is a practical option in the “cannot intubate / can ventilate” scenario. However, it is equally useful as an elective technique in awake patients with anticipated difficult airways. Many practitioners report difficulty successfully advancing the endotracheal tube due to anatomical obstructions and the acute angle of the anterograde guide. The purpose of this study was to test whether a more caudal tracheal puncture would increase the success rate.Methods.Twenty-four anesthesiology residents were randomly assigned to either a cricothyroid or a cricotracheal puncture group. Each was instructed how to perform the technique and then attempted it on a manikin at their assigned site. Data collection included whether the trachea was intubated, the number of attempts required, and the total time.Results.Both groups displayed a high degree of success. While the group assigned to the cricotracheal site required significantly more time to perform the procedure, they accomplished it in fewer attempts than the cricothyroid group.Conclusion.Retrograde intubation performed via a cricotracheal puncture site, while more time consuming, resulted in fewer attempts to advance the endotracheal tube and may reducein vivolaryngeal trauma.
Simultaneous Determination of Gallic Acid, Ellagic Acid, and Eugenol inSyzygium aromaticumand Verification of Chemical Antagonistic Effect by the Combination withCurcuma aromaticaUsing Regression Analysis
Authors: Kim Jung-Hoon , Seo Chang-Seob , Kim Seong-Sil , Ha Hyekyung
Published: June 2013

This study was designed to perform simultaneous determination of three reference compounds inSyzygium aromaticum(SA), gallic acid, ellagic acid, and eugenol, and to investigate the chemical antagonistic effect when combiningCurcuma aromatica(CA) with SA, based on chromatographic analysis. The values of LODs and LOQs were 0.01–0.11 μg/mL and 0.03–0.36 μg/mL, respectively. The intraday and interday precisions were <3.0 of RSD values, and the recovery was in the range of 92.19–103.24%, with RSD values <3.0%. Repeatability and stability were 0.38–0.73% and 0.49–2.24%, respectively. Compared with the content of reference and relative peaks in SA and SA combined with CA (SAC), the amounts of gallic acid and eugenol were increased, while that of ellagic acid was decreased in SAC (compared with SA), and most of peak areas in SA were reduced in SAC. Regression analysis of the relative peak areas between SA and SAC showedr2values >0.87, indicating a linear relationship between SA and SAC. These results demonstrate that the components contained in CA could affect the extraction of components of SA mainly in a decreasing manner. The antagonistic effect of CA on SA was verified by chemical analysis.
Anticorrosion Coating of Carbon Nanotube/Polytetrafluoroethylene Composite Film on the Stainless Steel Bipolar Plate for Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells
Authors: Show Yoshiyuki , Nakashima Toshimitsu , Fukami Yuta
Published: June 2013

Composite film of carbon nanotube (CNT) and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) was formed from dispersion fluids of CNT and PTFE. The composite film showed high electrical conductivity in the range of 0.1–13 S/cm and hydrophobic nature. This composite film was applied to stainless steel (SS) bipolar plates of the proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) as anticorrosion film. This coating decreased the contact resistance between the surface of the bipolar plate and the membrane electrode assembly (MEA) of the PEMFC. The output power of the fuel cell is increased by 1.6 times because the decrease in the contact resistance decreases the series resistance of the PEMFC. Moreover, the coating of this composite film protects the bipolar plate from the surface corrosion.
Serum Immunoglobulin Free Light Chain Assessment in IgG4-Related Disease
Authors: Grados Aurélie , Ebbo Mikael , Boucraut José , Vély Frédéric , Aucouturier Pierre , Rigolet Aude , Terrier Benjamin , Saadoun David , Ghillani-Dalbin Pascale , Costedoat-Chalumeau Nathalie , Harlé Jean Robert , Schleinitz Nicolas
Published: June 2013

Immunoglobulin free light chains are produced in excess during normal antibody synthesis. Their evaluation is commonly used in case of a monoclonal gammopathy. In polyclonal hypergammaglobulinemia related to the Sjögren syndrome or systemic lupus, erythematosus serum free light chain levels are increased and could correlate with disease activity. We show here that theκ() andλ() free light chains and theκ : λratio () are increased in sixteen patients with IgG4-related disease when compared to healthy controls. The increase ofκandλfree light chains probably reflects the marked polyclonal B cell activation of the disease. We could not assess in this small cohort of patients a significative correlation of serum free light chain levels and disease activity or extension.
Vascular Reactivity ConcerningOrthosiphon stamineusBenth-Mediated Antihypertensive in Aortic Rings of Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats
Authors: Manshor Nurul Maizan , Dewa Aidiahmad , Asmawi Mohd Zaini , Ismail Zhari , Razali Nadiah , Hassan Zurina
Published: June 2013

Orthosiphon stamineusBenth has been traditionally used to treat hypertension. The study aimed to investigate the vascular reactivity of water extract (WOS) and water : methanolic (1 : 1) extract (WMOS) ofOrthosiphon stamineusBenth and AT1receptors blocker in the mechanisms of antihypertensive mediated byα1-adrenergic receptor and EDNO and PGI2releases in the SHR aortic rings. SHR (230–280 g) were divided into four groups: control, WOS, WMOS, and losartan. After being fed orally for 14 days, the aorta was harvested and subjected to PE (10−9to 10−5 M) and ACh (10−9to 10−5 M) with and without L-NAME (100 µM) and indomethacin (10 µM), respectively. WOS, WMOS, and losartan significantly reduced the contractile responses to PE intact suggesting the importance of endothelium in vasorelaxation. Losartan significantly enhanced the ACh-induced vasorelaxation. L-NAME significantly inhibited the ACh-induced relaxation in all groups. Indomethacin enhanced ACh-induced vasorelaxation in WMOS. Collectively,Orthosiphon stamineusleaves extract reduced vasoconstriction responses by the alteration ofα1-adrenergic and AT1receptors activities. The involvement of EDNO releases was clearly observed in this plant. In WOS, PGI2releases might not participate in the ACh-induced vasorelaxation. However, in WMOS, enhancement of vasorelaxation possibly due to continuous release of PGI2.