bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental and Numerical Investigations of Textile Hybrid Composites Subjected to Low Velocity Impact Loadings
Authors: Chandekar Gautam S. , Kelkar Ajit D.
Published: February 2014

In the present study experimental and numerical investigations were carried out to predict the low velocity impact response of four symmetric configurations: 10 ply E Glass, 10 ply AS4 Carbon, and two Hybrid combinations with 1 and 2 outer plies of E Glass and 8 and 6 inner plies of Carbon. All numerical investigations were performed using commercial finite element software, LS-DYNA. The test coupons were manufactured using the low cost Heated Vacuum Assisted Resin Transfer Molding (H-VARTM©) technique. Low velocity impact testing was carried out using an Instron Dynatup 8250 impact testing machine. Standard 6 × 6 Boeing fixture was used for all impact experiments. Impact experiments were performed over progressive damage, that is, from incipient damage till complete failure of the laminate in six successive impact energy levels for each configuration. The simulation results for the impact loading were compared with the experimental results. For both nonhybrid configurations, it was observed that the simulated results were in good agreement with the experimental results, whereas, for hybrid configurations, the simulated impact response was softer than the experimental response. Maximum impact load carrying capacity was also compared for all four configurations based on their areal density. It was observed that Hybrid262 configuration has superior impact load to areal density ratio.
Functional MRI Study of Working Memory Impairment in Patients with Symptomatic Carotid Artery Disease
Authors: Zheng Shasha , Zhang Miao , Wang Xiaoyi , Ma Qingfeng , Shu Hua , Lu Jie , Li Kuncheng
Published: February 2014

The neuropsychological tests in patients with internal carotid artery (ICA) demonstrated cognitive deficits associated with frontal lobe dysfunction, but the pathophysiological mechanism of memory impairment is not fully understood. This study evaluated relationship between degree of ICA stenosis and frontal activations induced by working memory (WM) task using fMRI. The fMRI data of 21 patients with unilateral ICA stenosis (left/right, 11/10) and 21 controls were analyzed. In comparison with controls, ICA patients demonstrated significant activations in middle frontal gyrus (MFG) bilaterally, particularly in left MFG. In right ICA stenosis, there was slightly less MFG activation than that of controls. Importantly, lower MFG activity was associated with higher stenosis of ipsilateral ICA. For left ICA stenosis, weaker activation in left MFG was negatively correlated with degree of stenosis. Similarly, for right ICA stenosis, there was a significant negative correlation between right ICA stenosis and weaker activation of right MFG. Cognitive impairments in ICA stenosis were associated with frontal lobe dysfunctions. Left ICA stenosis had worse WM impairments than right ICA stenosis, which was affected by the degree of stenosis.
A Robust Asymptotically Based Modeling Approach for Two-Phase Flows
Authors: Awad M. M. , Muzychka Y. S.
Published: February 2014

A simple semitheoretical method for calculating two-phase frictional pressure gradient in horizontal circular pipes using asymptotic analysis to develop a robust compact model is presented. Two-phase frictional pressure gradient is expressed in terms of the asymptotic single-phase frictional pressure gradients for liquid and gas flowing alone. The proposed model can be transformed into either a two-phase frictional multiplier for liquid flowing alone (ϕl2) or two-phase frictional multiplier for gas flowing alone (ϕg2) as a function of the Lockhart-Martinelli parameter, X. Single-phase friction factors are calculated using the Churchill model which allows for prediction over the full range of laminar-transition-turbulent regions and allows for pipe roughness effects. The proposed model is compared against published data to show the asymptotic behavior. Comparison with other existing correlations for two-phase frictional pressure gradient such as the Chisholm correlation, the Friedel correlation, and the Müller-Steinhagen and Heck correlation, is also presented. Comparison with experimental data for both ϕland ϕlversus X is also presented. At the end of the paper, the present asymptotic model is also extended to minichannels and microchannels.
The Physiopathological Role of IL-33: New Highlights in Bone Biology and a Proposed Role in Periodontal Disease
Authors: Cordero da Luz Felipe Andrés , Lima Oliveira Ana Paula , Borges Daniella , Cristina Brígido Paula , Barbosa Silva Marcelo José
Published: February 2014

Interleukin-33 (IL-33) is a recently described member of the IL-1 family. IL-33 acts as an alarmin, chemoattractant, and nuclear factor. ST2, a member of the Toll-like receptor/IL-1R superfamily, the receptor of IL-33, triggers a plethora of downstream effectors and leads the activation of NFK-B, leading the expression of several genes. IL-33 and ST2 are expressed in the majority of cell types, and the IL-33/ST2 axis has a role in immune response, bone homeostasis, and osteoclastogenesis. Several studies show opposite roles of IL-33 in osteoclastogenesis and the implication in bone biology. Few works studied the role of IL-33 in periodontal disease, but we hypothesize a possible role of IL-33 in periodontal disease and bone loss.
Surface-Based Regional Homogeneity in First-Episode, Drug-Naïve Major Depression: A Resting-State fMRI Study
Authors: Li Hui-Jie , Cao Xiao-Hua , Zhu Xing-Ting , Zhang Ai-Xia , Hou Xiao-Hui , Xu Yong , Zuo Xi-Nian , Zhang Ke-Rang
Published: February 2014

Background.Previous volume-based regional homogeneity (ReHo) studies neglected the intersubject variability in cortical folding patterns. Recently, surface-based ReHo was developed to reduce the intersubject variability and to increase statistical power. The present study used this novel surface-based ReHo approach to explore the brain functional activity differences between first-episode, drug-naïve MDD patients and healthy controls.Methods.Thirty-three first-episode, drug-naïve MDD patients and 32 healthy controls participated in structural and resting-state fMRI scans. MDD patients were rated with a 17-item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression prior to the scan.Results.In comparison with the healthy controls, MDD patients showed reduced surface-based ReHo in the left insula. There was no increase in surface-based ReHo in MDD patients. The surface-based ReHo value in the left insula was not significantly correlated with the clinical information or the depressive scores in the MDD group.Conclusions.The decreased surface-based ReHo in the left insula in MDD may lead to the abnormal top-down cortical-limbic regulation of emotional and cognitive information. The surface-based ReHo may be a useful index to explore the pathophysiological mechanism of MDD.
The(G′/G)-Expansion Method and Its Application for Higher-Order Equations of KdV (III)
Authors: Yang Huizhang , Li Wei , Yang Biyu
Published: February 2014

New exact traveling wave solutions of a higher-order KdV equation type are studied by the(G′/G)-expansion method, whereG=G(ξ)satisfies a second-order linear differential equation. The traveling wave solutions are expressed by the hyperbolic functions, the trigonometric functions, and the rational functions. The property of this method is that it is quite simple and understandable.
Generalized Contraction and Invariant Approximation Results on Nonconvex Subsets of Normed Spaces
Authors: Abbas Mujahid , Ali Basit , Romaguera Salvador
Published: February 2014

Wardowski (2012) introduced a new type of contractive mapping and proved a fixed point result in complete metric spaces as a generalization of Banach contraction principle. In this paper, we introduce a notion of generalizedF-contraction mappings which is used to prove a fixed point result for generalized nonexpansive mappings on star-shaped subsets of normed linear spaces. Some theorems on invariant approximations in normed linear spaces are also deduced. Our results extend, unify, and generalize comparable results in the literature.
Ex Vivo Expansion of Functional Human UCB-HSCs/HPCs by Coculture with AFT024-hkirreCells
Authors: Khan Muti ur Rehman , Ali Ijaz , Jiao Wei , Wang Yun , Masood Saima , Yousaf Muhammad Zubair , Javaid Aqeel , Ahmad Shafique , Feng Meifu
Published: February 2014

Kiaa1867 (human Kirre, hKirre) has a critical role in brain development and/or maintenance of the glomerular slit diaphragm in kidneys. Murine homolog of this gene, mKirre expressed in OP9 and AFT024 cells could support hematopoietic stem cells/hematopoietic progenitor cells (HSC/HPC) expansion in vitro. HKirre is also expressed in human FBMOB-hTERT cell line and fetal liver fibroblast-like cells but its function has remained unclear. In this paper, we cloned a hKirre gene from human fetal liver fibroblast-like cells and established a stably overexpressing hKirre-AFT024 cell line. Resultant cells could promote self-renewal and ex vivo expansion of HSCs/HPCs significantly higher than AFT024-control cells transformed with mock plasmid. The Expanded human umbilical cord blood (hUCB) CD34+cells retained the capacity of multipotent differentiation as long as 8 weeks and successfully repopulated the bone marrow of sublethally irradiated NOD/SCID mice, which demonstrated the expansion of long-term primitive transplantable HSCs/HPCs. Importantly, hkirre could upregulate the expressions of Wnt-5A, BMP4, and SDF-1 and downregulate TGF-βwith other hematopoietic growth factors. By SDS-PAGE and Western Blot analysis, a ~89 kDa protein in total lysate of AFT024-hKirre was identified. Supernatants from AFT024-hkirre could also support CD34+CD38−cells expansion. These results demonstrated that the AFT024-hKirre cells have the ability to efficiently expand HSCs/HPCs.
Convergence of Solutions to a Certain Vector Differential Equation of Third Order
Authors: Tunç Cemil , Gözen Melek
Published: February 2014

We give some sufficient conditions to guarantee convergence of solutions to a nonlinear vector differential equation of third order. We prove a new result on the convergence of solutions. An example is given to illustrate the theoretical analysis made in this paper. Our result improves and generalizes some earlier results in the literature.
Use of Autologous Mesenchymal Stem Cells Derived from Bone Marrow for the Treatment of Naturally Injured Spinal Cord in Dogs
Authors: Penha Euler Moraes , Meira Cássio Santana , Guimarães Elisalva Teixeira , Mendonça Marcus Vinícius Pinheiro , Gravely Faye Alice , Pinheiro Cláudia Maria Bahia , Pinheiro Taiana Maria Bahia , Barrouin-Melo Stella Maria , Ribeiro-dos-Santos Ricardo , Soares Milena Botelho Pereira
Published: February 2014

The use of stem cells in injury repair has been extensively investigated. Here, we examined the therapeutic effects of autologous bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) transplantation in four dogs with natural traumatic spinal cord injuries. MSC were culturedin vitro, and proliferation rate and cell viability were evaluated. Cell suspensions were prepared and surgically administered into the spinal cord. The animals were clinically evaluated and examined by nuclear magnetic resonance. Ten days after the surgical procedure and MSC transplantation, we observed a progressive recovery of the panniculus reflex and diminished superficial and deep pain response, although there were still low proprioceptive reflexes in addition to a hyperreflex in the ataxic hind limb movement responses. Each dog demonstrated an improvement in these gains over time. Conscious reflex recovery occurred simultaneously with moderate improvement in intestine and urinary bladder functions in two of the four dogs. By the 18th month of clinical monitoring, we observed a remarkable clinical amelioration accompanied by improved movement, in three of the four dogs. However, no clinical gain was associated with alterations in magnetic resonance imaging. Our results indicate that MSC are potential candidates for the stem cell therapy following spinal cord injury.
Possibility of Detection of Exomoons with Inclined Orbits Orbiting Pulsar Planets Using the Time-of-Arrival Analysis
Authors: Pasqua Antonio , Assaf Khudhair A.
Published: February 2014

The perturbation caused by planet-moon binarity on the time-of-arrival (TOA) signal of a pulsar with an orbiting planet is derived for the case of the orbit of the planet-moon system inclined of an angleαwith respect to the plane of the orbit of the planet-moon barycenter around the pulsar. We also consider both the orbits of the moon and the planet-moon barycenter as circular. The signal consists of three sinusoids with frequency, respectively, of(2np−3nb),(2np−nb), and(2np−3nb), wherenpandnbare, respectively, the mean motions of the planet and moon around their barycenter and the planet-moon system around the host, respectively. The amplitude of the signal is equal to the fractionsin⁡I[9(Mp/Mm)/16(Mp+Mm)2][r/R]5(5 sin⁡2α/3−2sin⁡α/3−2 cos⁡2α/9)of the system crossing timeR/c, whereMpandMmare, respectively, the mass of the planet and the mass of the moon,ris their orbital separation,Ris the distance between the host pulsar and planet-moon barycenter,Iis the inclination of the orbital plane of the planet, andcis the speed of light.
Evaluation of Parameterization Schemes in the WRF Model for Estimation of Mixing Height
Authors: Shrivastava R. , Dash S. K. , Oza R. B. , Sharma D. N.
Published: February 2014

This paper deals with the evaluation of parameterization schemes in the WRF model for estimation of mixing height. Numerical experiments were performed using various combinations of parameterization schemes and the results were compared with the mixing height estimated using the radiosonde observations taken by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) at Mangalore site for selected days of the warm and cold season in the years 2004–2007. The results indicate that there is a large variation in the mixing heights estimated by the model using various combinations of parameterization schemes. It was seen that the physics option consisting of Mellor Yamada Janjic (Eta) as the PBL scheme, Monin Obukhov Janjic (Eta) as the surface layer scheme, and Noah land surface model performs reasonably well in reproducing the observed mixing height at this site for both the seasons as compared to the other combinations tested. This study also showed that the choice of the land surface model can have a significant impact on the simulation of mixing height by a prognostic model.
Structural Holes in Directed Fuzzy Social Networks
Authors: Hu Renjie , Zhang Guangyu
Published: February 2014

The structural holes have been a key issue in fuzzy social network analysis. For undirected fuzzy social networks where edges are just present or absent undirected fuzzy relation and have no more information attached, many structural holes measures have been presented, such as key fuzzy structural holes, general fuzzy structural holes, strong fuzzy structural holes, and weak fuzzy structural holes. There has been a growing need to design structural holes measures for directed fuzzy social networks, because directed fuzzy social networks where edges are attached by directed fuzzy relation would contain rich information. In this paper, we extend structural holes theory to directed fuzzy social network and propose the algorithm of unidirectional fuzzy structural holes and bidirectional fuzzy structural holes, which unveil more structural information of directed fuzzy social networks. Furthermore, we investigate the validness of the algorithm by illustrating this method to a case calledG-Y Research Teamand obtain reliable results, which provide strong evidences of the new measure’s utility.
Gas Bubbles Expansion and Physical Dependences in Aluminum Electrolysis Cell: From Micro- to Macroscales Using Lattice Boltzmann Method
Authors: Diop Mouhamadou , Gagnon Frédérick , Min Li , Fafard Mario
Published: February 2014

This paper illustrates the results obtained from two-dimensional numerical simulations of multiple gas bubbles growing under buoyancy and electromagnetic forces in a quiescent incompressible fluid. A lattice Boltzmann method for two-phase immiscible fluids with large density difference is proposed. The difficulty in the treatment of large density difference is resolved by using nine-velocity particles. The method can be applied to simulate fluid with the density ratio up to 1000. To show the efficiency of the method, we apply the method to the simulation of bubbles formation, growth, coalescence, and flows. The effects of the density ratio and the initial bubbles configuration on the flow field induced by growing bubbles and on the evolution of bubbles shape during their coalescence are investigated. The interdependencies between gas bubbles and gas rate dissolved in fluid are also simulated.
Nuclear Nox4-Derived Reactive Oxygen Species in Myelodysplastic Syndromes
Authors: Guida Marianna , Maraldi Tullia , Beretti Francesca , Follo Matilde Y. , Manzoli Lucia , De Pol Anto
Published: February 2014

A role for intracellular ROS production has been recently implicated in the pathogenesis and progression of a wide variety of neoplasias. ROS sources, such as NAD(P)H oxidase (Nox) complexes, are frequently activated in AML (acute myeloid leukemia) blasts and strongly contribute to their proliferation, survival, and drug resistance. Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) comprise a heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by ineffective hematopoiesis, with an increased propensity to develop AML. The molecular basis for MDS progression is unknown, but a key element in MDS disease progression is the genomic instability. NADPH oxidases are now recognized to have specific subcellular localizations, this targeting to specific compartments for localized ROS production. Local Nox-dependent ROS production in the nucleus may contribute to the regulation of redox-dependent cell growth, differentiation, senescence, DNA damage, and apoptosis. We observed that Nox1, 2, and 4 isoforms and p22phox and Rac1 subunits are expressed in MDS/AML cell lines and MDS samples, also in the nuclear fractions. Interestingly, Nox4 interacts with ERK and Akt1 within nuclear speckle domain, suggesting that Nox4 could be involved in regulating gene expression and splicing factor activity. These data contribute to the elucidation of the molecular mechanisms used by nuclear ROS to drive MDS evolution to AML.
Improvement of Orange II Photobleaching by Moderate Ga3+ Doping of Titania and Detrimental Effect of Structural Disorder on Ga Overloading
Authors: Štengl Václav , Henych Jiří , Slušná Michaela , Grygar Tomáš Matys , Velická Jana , Kormunda Martin
Published: February 2014

Highly photoactive Ga3+‐doped anatase modification of titania was prepared by homogeneous hydrolysis of aqueous solutions mixture of titanium oxo‐sulphate TiOSO4 and gallium(III) nitrate with urea. Incorporation of Ga3+ into the anatase lattice has a clear positive effect on the photocatalytic activity under UV and Vis light irradiation up to a certain extent of Ga. Ga3+ doping decreased the size of the crystallites, increased surface area, and affected texture of the samples. Higher amount of gallium leads to the formation of a nondiffractive phase, probably photocatalytically inactive. The titania sample with 2.18 wt.% Ge3+ had the highest activity during the photocatalysed degradation in the UV and visible light regions; the total bleaching of dye Orange II was achieved within 29 minutes. Ga concentration larger than 5% (up to 15%) significantly inhibited the growth of the anatase crystal domains which formed the nondiffractive phase content and led to remarkable worsening of the photobleaching efficiency.
Deregulation of Annexin-A1 and Galectin-1 Expression in Precancerous Gastric Lesions: Intestinal Metaplasia and Gastric Ulcer
Authors: Rossi Ana Flávia Teixeira , Duarte Márcia Cristina , Poltronieri Ayla Blanco , Valsechi Marina Curado , Jorge Yvana Cristina , de-Santi Neto Dalísio , Rahal Paula , Oliani Sonia Maria , Silva Ana Elizabete
Published: February 2014

Objective.Annexin-A1 (ANXA1/AnxA1) and galectin-1 (LGALS1/Gal-1) are mediators that play an important role in the inflammatory response and are also associated with carcinogenesis. We investigated mRNA and protein expression in precancerous gastric lesions that participate in the progression cascade to gastric cancer, such as intestinal metaplasia (IM) and gastric ulcer (GU).Methods.Quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) and immunohistochemical techniques were used to analyze the relative quantification levels (RQ) ofANXA1andLGALS1mRNA and protein expression, respectively.Results.Increased relative expression levels ofANXA1were found in 100% of cases, both in IM (meanRQ=6.22±0.06) and in GU (meanRQ=6.69±0.10). However, theLGALS1presented basal expression in both groups (IM: meanRQ=0.35±0.07; GU: meanRQ=0.69±0.09). Immunohistochemistry revealed significant positive staining for both the AnxA1 and Gal-1 proteins in the epithelial nucleus and cytoplasm as well as in the stroma of the IM and GU groups (P<0.05) but absence or low immunorectivity in normal mucosa.Conclusion. Our results bring an important contribution by evidencing that both the AnxA1 and Gal-1 anti-inflammatory proteins are deregulated in precancerous gastric lesions, suggesting their involvement in the early stages of gastric carcinogenesis, possibly due to an inflammatory process in the gastric mucosa.
Existence Theorems ofε-Cone Saddle Points for Vector-Valued Mappings
Authors: Chen Tao
Published: February 2014

A new existence result ofε-vector equilibrium problem is first obtained. Then, by using the existence theorem ofε-vector equilibrium problem, a weaklyε-cone saddle point theorem is also obtained for vector-valued mappings.
A Case of Postsurgical Necrotizing Fasciitis Invading the Rectus Abdominis Muscle and Review of the Literature
Authors: Carbonetti Francesco , Cremona Antonio , Guidi Marco , Carusi Valentina
Published: February 2014

Necrotizing fasciitis is a life-threatening, soft tissue infection and an early diagnosis is needed to permit a prompt surgical and medical intervention. Due to the high fatal potential of the disease complications, the radiologist should distinguish necrotizing fasciitis from the most common soft tissue infections, in order to permit a prompt surgical and medical treatment. We present a case of a wide necrotizing fasciitis who presented at our emergency department and we also provide the basic tools, through a review of the literature, for the general radiologist to distinguish, with computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, necrotizing fasciitis from the most common infections that could present during our routine practice.
Platelet-Rich Plasma Supplemented Revascularization of an Immature Tooth Associated with a Periapical Lesion in a 40-Year-Old Man
Authors: Jadhav Ganesh Ranganath , Shah Naseem , Logani Ajay
Published: February 2014

The present case report is the first of its kind that documents the successful outcome of “revascularization,” a regeneration-based treatment protocol in a mature adult patient. It belies the myth that “revascularization” should only be done in children and young, adolescent patients. The misconception that stem cells number as well as viability in older age group patients will not allow revascularization to be successful is also contradicted by this case. The paper highlights all the mechanisms that come into play and the enhancing of regenerative response by supplementation with platelet-rich plasma (PRP).
Modeling the Mechanical Properties of Functionalized Carbon Nanotubes and Their Composites: Design at the Atomic Level
Authors: Yang Qing-Sheng , Li Bing-Qi , He Xiao-Qiao , Mai Yiu-Wing
Published: February 2014

This investigation focuses on the design of functionalization configuration at the atomic level to determine the influence of atomic structure on the mechanical properties of functionalized carbon nanotubes (F-CNTs) and their composites. Tension and compressive buckling behaviors of different configurations of CNTs functionalized by H atoms are studied by a molecular dynamics (MD) method. It is shown that H-atom functionalization reduces Young’s modulus of CNTs, but Young’s modulus is not sensitive to the functionalization configuration. The configuration does, however, affect the tensile strength and critical buckling stress of CNTs. Further, the stress-strain relations of composites reinforced by nonfunctionalized and various functionalized CNTs are analyzed.
Sensitivity on the Dipole Moments of theτ-Neutrino ate+e-Colliders: ILC and CLIC
Authors: Gutiérrez-Rodríguez A.
Published: February 2014

We study the sensitivity on the anomalous magnetic and electric dipole moments of theτ-neutrino at a high-energy and high-luminosity linear electron positron collider, such as the ILC or CLIC, through the reactione+e-→νν̅γ. We obtain limits on the dipole moments at the future linear colliders energies. For integrated luminosities of 500 fb−1and center of mass energies between 0.5 and 3 TeV, the futuree+e-colliders may improve the existing limits by two or three orders of magnitude.
An ANP-Based Practical Quality Model for a Secure Embedded System with Sensor Network
Authors: Jeong Hwa-Young , Park Jong Hyuk , Jeong Young-Sik
Published: February 2014

The process of creating secure embedded systems with sensor network is highly challenging and complex, particularly from a technical viewpoint. A secure embedded system is used for a specific purpose and operation, and needs hardware-software codesign methodology. As such, there are many considerations in terms of system design when the system developer creates or constructs a secure embedded system with sensor network. However, there is a lack of research into quality models in the area of secure embedded systems in sensor network. This paper seeks to redress this issue by presenting a quality model for a secure embedded system with sensor network. Each quality for the secure embedded system is constructed according to DeLone and McLean's success information system, and has subcriteria according to their characteristics. The present research also focuses on making a quality model network which considers the correlation between the qualities' attributes.
Well-Posedness of MultiCriteria Network Equilibrium Problem
Authors: Zhang W. Y.
Published: February 2014

New notions ofϵ-equilibrium flow andξk0-ϵ-equilibrium flow of multicriteria network equilibrium problem are introduced; an equivalent relation between vectorϵ-equilibrium pattern flow andξk0-ϵ-equilibrium flow is established. Then, the well-posedness of multicriteria network equilibrium problem is discussed.
Abstract Functional Stochastic Evolution Equations Driven by Fractional Brownian Motion
Authors: McKibben Mark A. , Webster Micah
Published: February 2014

We investigate a class of abstract functional stochastic evolution equations driven by a fractional Brownian motion in a real separable Hilbert space. Global existence results concerning mild solutions are formulated under various growth and compactness conditions. Continuous dependence estimates and convergence results are also established. Analysis of three stochastic partial differential equations, including a second-order stochastic evolution equation arising in the modeling of wave phenomena and a nonlinear diffusion equation, is provided to illustrate the applicability of the general theory.
NMR‐Based Metabonomic Studies on Stomach Heat and Cold Syndromes and Intervention Effects of the Corresponding Formulas
Authors: Zou Zhongjie , Han Bin , Gong Mengjuan , Wang Shumei , Liang Shengwang
Published: February 2014

Zuojin Wan (ZJW) and Lizhong Wan (LZW) have been widely used in the treatment of Stomach heat and cold syndrome (SH and SC), respectively. In this study, a proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) based metabonomic approach was developed to profile SH and SC‐related metabolic perturbations in rat serum and to investigate the intervention effects of ZJW and LZW on the corresponding SH and SC. Compared to the conventional macroscopic and histopathological examinations, the metabonomic approach could enable discrimination between SH and SC based on serum metabolic profiles. Meanwhile, 17 and 15 potential biomarkers associated with SH and SC, respectively, which were mainly involved in gastric dysfunction and mucosal lesions, gut microbiotal activity, transmethylation, glucose and lipid metabolism, and amino acid metabolism, were identified. Furthermore, taking the potential biomarkers as drug targets, it was revealed that administration of ZJW and LZW could exclusively reverse the pathological process of SH and SC, respectively, through partially regulating the disturbed metabolic pathways. This work showed biological basis related to SH and SC at metabolic level and offered a new paradigm for better understanding and explanation of “Fang Zheng Dui Ying” principle in traditional Chinese medicine from a systemic view.
Construction of Interval Shannon Wavelet and Its Application in Solving Nonlinear Black‐Scholes Equation
Authors: Liu Liwei
Published: February 2014

Interval wavelet numerical method for nonlinear PDEs can improve the calculation precision compared with the common wavelet. A new interval Shannon wavelet is constructed with the general variational principle. Compared with the existing interval wavelet, both the gradient and the smoothness near the boundary of the approximated function are taken into account. Using the new interval Shannon wavelet, a multiscale interpolation wavelet operator was constructed in this paper, which can transform the nonlinear partial differential equations into matrix differential equations; this can be solved by the coupling technique of the wavelet precise integration method (WPIM) and the variational iteration method (VIM). At last, the famous Black‐Scholes model is taken as an example to test this new method. The numerical results show that this method can decrease the boundary effect greatly and improve the numerical precision in the whole definition domain compared with Yan’s method.
An Efficient Sonochemical Synthesis of Novel Schiff’s Bases, Thiazolidine, and Pyrazolidine Incorporating 1,8-Naphthyridine Moiety and Their Cytotoxic Activity against HePG2 Cell Lines
Authors: Ahmed N. S. , Alfooty K. O. , Khalifah S. S.
Published: February 2014

Novel Schiff’s bases4a–e,5a,5b, and6, thiazolidine7a–d, and pyrazolidine8have been synthesized using the versatile synthon 4-hydroxy-2,7-dimethyl-1,8-naphthyridine1. Reactions carried out under ultrasound irradiation showed higher rates and yields than those done under silent conditions. The newly synthesized compounds were evaluated for HepG2 cell growth inhibition. The results obtained revealed that the tested compounds possess inhibitory effect on the growth of HepG2 liver cancer cells. The results were compared to doxorubicin as a reference drug (IC50: 0.04). Compounds4aand7bshowed the highest inhibition activity against the HepG2 cell line (IC50: 0.047 and 0.041 µM, resp.) among all the tested compounds.
An Experimental Study to Replace the Thoracic Descending Aorta for Pigs with a Self-Made Sutureless Blood Vessel
Authors: Song Fenglin , Zhou Wenwu , Tang Tao , Li Xiaobing , Wu Xiaoming , Yang Jinfu
Published: February 2014

To simplify the procedure of blood vessel replacement operation and shorten the vascular anastomosis time, we developed a special artificial blood vessel which can be connected to native blood vessels without suture. The self-made sutureless blood vessel (SMSBV) was made from two titanium connectors and a Gore-Tex graft. To investigate blood compatibility and histocompatibility of the SMSBV, we carried thoracic descending aorta replacement using either SMSBV or Gore-Tex, respectively, in pigs. The aortic clamp time and the operative blood loss in the experimental group (using SMSBV) were less than those in the control group (using Gore-Tex). The whole blood hematocrit, platelet count, plasma soluble P-selectin, plasma free hemoglobin, and interleukins 2, 6 at each time point were not different significantly between the two groups. Light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy examination showed there were layers of vascular smooth muscle cells and endothelial cells adhered in the inner wall of artificial blood vessel without any signs of thrombosis. Based on the result, we have drawn the conclusion that the application of SMSBV can significantly shorten the vascular anastomosis time, reduce operative blood loss, and show good blood and tissue compatibility.
Using Project Performance to Measure Effectiveness of Quality Management System Maintenance and Practices in Construction Industry
Authors: Leong Tiong Kung , Zakuan Norhayati , Mat Saman Muhamad Zameri , Ariff Mohd. Shoki Md. , Tan Choy Soon
Published: February 2014

This paper proposed seven existing and new performance indicators to measure the effectiveness of quality management system (QMS) maintenance and practices in construction industry. This research is carried out with a questionnaire based on QMS variables which are extracted from literature review and project performance indicators which are established from project management's theory. Data collected was analyzed using correlation and regression analysis. The findings indicate that client satisfaction and time variance have positive and significant relationship with QMS while other project performance indicators do not show significant results. Further studies can use the same project performance indicators to study the effectiveness of QMS in different sampling area to improve the generalizability of the findings.
Genotyping of HCV RNA Reveals That 3a Is the Most Prevalent Genotype in Mardan, Pakistan
Authors: Ali Sajid , Ahmad Ayaz , Khan Raham Sher , Khan Sanaullah , Hamayun Muhammad , Khan Sumera Afzal , Iqbal Amjad , Khan Abid Ali , Wadood Abdul , Ur Rahman Taj , Baig Ali Hydar
Published: February 2014

The clinical outcomes of patients infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) range from acute resolving hepatitis to chronic liver diseases such as liver cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma. Identification of the infecting virus genotype is indispensable for the exploration of many aspects of HCV infection, including epidemiology, pathogenesis, and response to antiviral therapy. 1419 individuals were screened for anti-HCV in this study, of which 166 (11.7%) were found reactive by ICT (Immunochromatographic test). These 166 anti-HCV positive and 26 normal individuals were further analyzed. RNA was extracted from serum and reverse-transcribed to cDNA and the core region of HCV genome was targeted and amplified by multiplex PCR. HCV RNA was detected in 121 individuals, of which 87 were male and 34 were female. Genotype 3a was the most prevalent among all the genotypes observed followed by 3b. Genotypes 1a, 2a, and 2b were found in 10.89%, 13.22%, and 6.61% patients, respectively. 25.41% of the HCV RNA positive samples were not typed. 6.05% of patients were found having mixed genotypes. These findings will not only help the physicians to prescribe more appropriate treatment for the HCV infection but will also draw the attention of health-related policy makers to devise strategies to curb the disease more effectively.
Nitric Oxide and Superoxide Anion Balance in Rats Exposed to Chronic and Long Term Intermittent Hypoxia
Authors: Siques Patricia , López de Pablo Ángel Luis , Brito Julio , Arribas Silvia M. , Flores Karen , Arriaza Karem , Naveas Nelson , González M. Carmen , Hoorntje Alexander , León-Velarde Fabiola , López M. Rosario
Published: February 2014

Work at high altitude in shifts exposes humans to a new form of chronic intermittent hypoxia, with still unknown health consequences. We have established a rat model resembling this situation, which develops a milder form of right ventricular hypertrophy and pulmonary artery remodelling compared to continuous chronic exposure. We aimed to compare the alterations in pulmonary artery nitric oxide (NO) availability induced by these forms of hypoxia and the mechanisms implicated. Rats were exposed for 46 days to normoxia or hypobaric hypoxia, either continuous (CH) or intermittent (2 day shifts, CIH2x2), and assessed: NO and superoxide anion availability (fluorescent indicators and confocal microscopy); expression of phosphorylated endothelial NO synthase (eNOS), NADPH-oxidase (p22phox), and 3-nitrotyrosine (western blotting); and NADPH-oxidase location (immunohistochemistry). Compared to normoxia, (1) NO availability was reduced and superoxide anion was increased in both hypoxic groups, with a larger effect in CH, (2) eNOS expression was only reduced in CH, (3) NADPH-oxidase was similarly increased in both hypoxic groups, and (4) 3-nitrotyrosine was increased to a larger extent in CH. In conclusion, intermittent hypoxia reduces NO availability through superoxide anion destruction, without reducing its synthesis, while continuous hypoxia affects both, producing larger nitrosative damage which could be related to the more severe cardiovascular alterations.
Percutaneous Cement-Augmented Screws Fixation in the Fractures of the Aging Spine: Is It the Solution?
Authors: Pesenti Sébastien , Blondel Benjamin , Peltier Emilie , Adetchessi Tarek , Dufour Henry , Fuentes Stéphane
Published: February 2014

Introduction. Management of elderly patients with thoracolumbar fractures is still challenging due to frequent osteoporosis and risk of screws pull-out. The aim of this study was to evaluate results of a percutaneous-only procedure to treat these fragile patients using cement-augmented screws.Methods. 12 patients diagnosed with a thoracolumbar fracture associated with an important loss of bone stock were included in this prospective study. Surgical procedure included systematically a percutaneous osteosynthesis using cemented fenestrated screws. When necessary, additional anterior support was performed using a kyphoplasty procedure. Clinical and radiographic evaluations were performed using CT scan.Results. On the whole series, 15 fractures were diagnosed and 96 cemented screws were inserted. The difference between the pre- and postoperative vertebral kyphosis was statistically significant (12.9° versus 4.4°,P=0.0006). No extrapedicular screw was reported and one patient was diagnosed with a cement-related pulmonary embolism. During follow-up period, no infectious complications, implant failures, or pull-out screws were noticed.Discussion. Aging spine is becoming an increasing public health issue. Management of these patients requires specific attention due to the augmented risk of complications. Using percutaneous-only screws fixation with cemented screw provides satisfactory results. A rigorous technique is mandatory in order to achieve best outcomes.
Minimizing Energy Cost in Electric Arc Furnace Steel Making by Optimal Control Designs
Authors: Bai Er-wei
Published: February 2014

Production cost in steel industry is a challenge issue and energy optimization is an important part. This paper proposes an optimal control design aiming at minimizing the production cost of the electric arc furnace steel making. In particular, it is shown that with the structure of an electric arc furnace, the production cost which is a linear programming problem can be solved by the tools of linear quadratic regulation control design that not only provides an optimal solution but also is in a feedback form. Modeling and control designs are validated by the actual production data sets.
PRKRA Localizes to Nuage Structures and the Ectoplasmic Specialization and Tubulobulbar Complexes in Rat and Mouse Testis
Authors: Suzuki Junya , Yokota Sadaki
Published: February 2014

The cytoplasmic RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC) contains dsRNA binding proteins, including PRKRA, TRBP, and Dicer. RISC localizes to P-bodies. The nuage of the spermatogenic cells has function similar to the P-bodies. We study whether PRKRA localizes to nuage of spermatogenic cells of rat and mouse. PRKRA localized to four types of nuage structures, including aggregates of 60–90 nm particles, irregularly-shaped perinuclear granules, and intermitochondrial cement of pachytene spermatocytes, and chromatoid bodies of round spermatids. In addition, PRKRA is associated with dense material surrounding tubulobulbar complexes and with the ectoplasmic specialization. The results suggest that PRKRA functions in the nuage as an element of RNA silencing system and plays unknown role in the ectoplasmic specialization and at the tubulobulbar complexes of Sertoli cells attaching the head of late spermatids.
Obesity and Surgical Wound Healing: A Current Review
Authors: Pierpont Yvonne N. , Dinh Trish Phuong , Salas R. Emerick , Johnson Erika L. , Wright Terry G. , Robson Martin C. , Payne Wyatt G.
Published: February 2014

Objective. The correlation between obesity and deficient wound healing has long been established. This review examines the current literature on the mechanisms involved in obesity-related perioperative morbidity.Methods. A literature search was performed using Medline, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Internet searches. Keywords used include obesity, wound healing, adipose healing, and bariatric and surgical complications.Results. Substantial evidence exists demonstrating that obesity is associated with a number of postoperative complications. Specifically in relation to wound healing, explanations include inherent anatomic features of adipose tissue, vascular insufficiencies, cellular and composition modifications, oxidative stress, alterations in immune mediators, and nutritional deficiencies. Most recently, advances made in the field of gene array have allowed researchers to determine a few plausible alterations and deficiencies in obese individuals that contribute to their increased risk of morbidity and mortality, especially wound complications.Conclusion. While the literature discusses how obesity may negatively affect health on various of medical fronts, there is yet to be a comprehensive study detailing all the mechanisms involved in obesity-related morbidities in their entirety. Improved knowledge and understanding of obesity-induced physiological, cellular, molecular, and chemical changes will facilitate better assessments of surgical risks and outcomes and create efficient treatment protocols for improved patient care of the obese patient population.
A Comparative Analysis of Synonymous Codon Usage Bias Pattern in Human Albumin Superfamily
Authors: Mirsafian Hoda , Mat Ripen Adiratna , Singh Aarti , Teo Phaik Hwan , Merican Amir Feisal , Mohamad Saharuddin Bin
Published: February 2014

Synonymous codon usage bias is an inevitable phenomenon in organismic taxa across the three domains of life. Though the frequency of codon usage is not equal across species and within genome in the same species, the phenomenon is non random and is tissue-specific. Several factors such as GC content, nucleotide distribution, protein hydropathy, protein secondary structure, and translational selection are reported to contribute to codon usage preference. The synonymous codon usage patterns can be helpful in revealing the expression pattern of genes as well as the evolutionary relationship between the sequences. In this study, synonymous codon usage bias patterns were determined for the evolutionarily close proteins of albumin superfamily, namely, albumin,α-fetoprotein, afamin, and vitamin D-binding protein. Our study demonstrated that the genes of the four albumin superfamily members have low GC content and high values of effective number of codons (ENC) suggesting high expressivity of these genes and less bias in codon usage preferences. This study also provided evidence that the albumin superfamily members are not subjected to mutational selection pressure.
Characteristics of Polyaniline Cobalt Supported Catalysts for Epoxidation Reactions
Authors: Kowalski Grzegorz , Pielichowski Jan , Grzesik Mirosław
Published: February 2014

A study of polyaniline (PANI) doping with various cobalt compounds, that is, cobalt(II) chloride, cobalt(II) acetate, and cobalt(II) salen, is presented. The catalysts were prepared by depositing cobalt compounds onto the polymer surface. PANI powders containing cobalt ions were obtained by one- or two-step method suspending PANI in the following acetonitrile/acetic acid solution or acetonitrile and then acetic acid solution. Moreover different ratios of Co(II) : PANI were studied. Catalysts obtained with both methods and at all ratios were investigated using various techniques including AAS and XPS spectroscopy. The optimum conditions for preparation of PANI/Co catalysts were established. Catalytic activity of polyaniline cobalt(II) supported catalysts was tested in dec-1-ene epoxidation with molecular oxygen at room temperature. The relationship between the amount of cobalt species, measured with both AAS and XPS techniques, and the activity of PANI-Co catalysts has been established.
Nonlinear Free Vibration Analysis of Axisymmetric Polar Orthotropic Circular Membranes under the Fixed Boundary Condition
Authors: Zheng Zhoulian , Guo Jianjun , Song Weiju , He Xiaoting , Lu Faming , Xie Chuanxi , Sun Junyi
Published: February 2014

This paper presents the nonlinear free vibration analysis of axisymmetric polar orthotropic circular membrane, based on the large deflection theory of membrane and the principle of virtual displacement. We have derived the governing equations of nonlinear free vibration of circular membrane and solved them by the Galerkin method and the Bessel function to obtain the generally exact formula of nonlinear vibration frequency of circular membrane with outer edges fixed. The formula could be degraded into the solution from small deflection vibration; thus, its correctness has been verified. Finally, the paper gives the computational examples and comparative analysis with the other solution. The frequency is enlarged with the increase of the initial displacement, and the larger the initial displacement is, the larger the effect on the frequency is, and vice versa. When the initial displacement approaches zero, the result is consistent with that obtained on the basis of the small deflection theory. Results obtained from this paper provide the accurate theory for the measurement of the pretension of polar orthotropic composite materials by frequency method and some theoretical basis for the research of the dynamic response of membrane structure.
Tailoring the Immune Response via Customization of Pathogen Gene Expression
Authors: Runco Lisa M. , Stauft Charles B. , Coleman J. Robert
Published: February 2014

The majority of studies focused on the construction and reengineering of bacterial pathogens have mainly relied on the knocking out of virulence factors or deletion/mutation of amino acid residues to then observe the microbe’s phenotype and the resulting effect on the host immune response. These knockout bacterial strains have also been proposed as vaccines to combat bacterial disease. Theoretically, knockout strains would be unable to cause disease since their virulence factors have been removed, yet they could induce a protective memory response. While knockout strains have been valuable tools to discern the role of virulence factors in host immunity and bacterial pathogenesis, they have been unable to yield clinically relevant vaccines. The advent of synthetic biology and enhanced user-directed gene customization has altered this binary process of knockout, followed by observation. Recent studies have shown that a researcher can now tailor and customize a given microbe’s gene expression to produce a desired immune response. In this commentary, we highlight these studies as a new avenue for controlling the inflammatory response as well as vaccine development.