bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF EUROPEAN HAKE RESOURCE: BIOECONOMIC PERSPECTIVE
Authors: CHAKRABORTY KUNAL , CHAKRABORTY MILON , KAR T. K.
Published: April 2014

This paper deals with the surplus production models of Verhulst-Schaefer and Gompertz-Fox that are applied to the European Hake fishery to develop static as well as dynamic frameworks to investigate the sustainability properties of the stock, optimal utilization of the resource and the management of the fishery. To illustrate the approach through which long-run sustainability can achieve an optimum exploitation of the fishery, a conventional economic model is combined with a biological population growth model to develop a deterministic bioeconomic model. The parameters of the bioeconomic model are estimated using empirical data of catch and effort of the European Hake fishery. Standard reference points are analyzed and tax policies are introduced to attain the standard reference points. In order to achieve maximum profit from the fishery, optimal steady state solutions are determined for separate discount rates.
EFFECT OF Al DOPING CONCENTRATION ON MICROSTRUCTURE, PHOTOELECTRIC PROPERTIES AND DOPED MECHANISM OF AZO FILMS
Authors: XU YING , CAI YANQING , HOU LINYAN , MA PENGHUA
Published: April 2014

Al doped ZnO (AZO) thin films were deposited on a glass substrate by atmospheric pressure chemical vapor deposition (APCVD) method. Effect of Al doping concentration on microstructure, photoelectric properties and doped mechanism of AZO thin films were investigated. The analysis results revealed that the structural properties of the films possessed crystalline structure with a preferred (002) orientation. The best crystallization quality and minimum electrical resistivity was obtained at 5 at.% Al doped films and the minimum resistivity was 6.6 × 10-4 Ω ⋅ cm. Uniform granular grains were observed on the surface of AZO films, and the average optical transmittance was above 80% in the visible range. The doped mechanism of AZO films was analyzed as follows. With Al doping in ZnO films, AlZn substitute and Ali interstice were produced, which decreased the resistivity of films. While after the limit value and with the continuing increase of Al doping concentration, free electrons were consumed and the resistivity of films increased.
THE ADSORPTION OF BiIII/Pt NANOCOMPOSITES AT PLATINUM ELECTRODE WITH HIGHLY ENHANCED ELECTROCATALYSIS TOWARD GLUCOSE
Authors: YANG ZHUOYUAN , MIAO YUQING , WANG TIANRUI , XIAO MINGSHU , LIANG XIAOCAI , YANG YANG , LI WEIWEI
Published: April 2014

In this paper, we first fabricated a nanoPt modified platinum electrode. Then through a simple method, the electrode surface was introduced with a submonolayer of bismuth that acted as an effective promoter. Cyclic voltammetry and other characterizations were employed. The obtained Bi III / nanoPt / Pt electrode exhibited two greatly increased oxidation peaks at negative and positive potential areas, respectively. The signals were far larger than that of platinum electrode because of the large true surface area of nanoparticles and the catalysis of bismuth adsorbed on platinum. In the presence of bismuth, the platinum active sites could combine with more OH - from bismuth hydroxyl to form a new active site for the oxidation of glucose. The prepared Bi III / nanoPt / Pt electrode given high sensitivity and excellent linearship to glucose detection and showed the potential application in the areas of electrocatalysis or electroanalysis.
Canonical forms of positive braids
Authors: Ali Usman , Berceanu Barbu
Published: April 2014

Direct consequences of the form of Gröbner–Shirshov basis for the monoid of positive braids are given: canonical forms for positive braids and square-free braids, computation of the exponent of a positive braid, of the initial set and of the longest initial route, divisibility properties and other related results.
On a spectral sequence for the cohomology of a nilpotent Lie algebra
Authors: del Barco Viviana
Published: April 2014

Given a nilpotent Lie algebra 𝔫 we construct a spectral sequence which is derived from a filtration of its Chevalley–Eilenberg differential complex and converges to the Lie algebra cohomology of 𝔫. The limit of this spectral sequence gives a grading for the Lie algebra cohomology, except for the cohomology groups of degree 0, 1, dim 𝔫 - 1 and dim 𝔫 as we shall prove. We describe the spectral sequence associated to a nilpotent Lie algebra which is a direct sum of two ideals, one of them of dimension one, in terms of the spectral sequence of the co-dimension one ideal. Also, we compute the spectral sequence corresponding to each real nilpotent Lie algebra of dimension less than or equal to six.
On left-symmetric conformal bialgebras
Authors: Hong Yanyong , Li Fang
Published: April 2014

The notion of left-symmetric bialgebra was introduced in [C. M. Bai, Left-symmetric bialgebra and an analogue of the classical Yang–Baxter equation, Commun. Contemp. Math. 10(2) (2008) 221–260] which is equivalent to a parakähler Lie algebra which is the Lie algebra of a Lie group G with a G-invariant parakähler structure. In this paper, we study a conformal analog of left-symmetric bialgebras. The notions of left-symmetric conformal coalgebra and bialgebra are introduced. Moreover, the constructions of matched pairs of Lie conformal algebras and left-symmetric conformal algebras are presented. We show that a finite left-symmetric conformal bialgebra which is free as a ℂ[∂]-module is equivalent to a parakähler Lie conformal algebra. We also obtain a conformal analog of the S-equation (see [C. M. Bai, Left-symmetric bialgebras and an analogue of the classical Yang–Baxter equation, Commun. Contemp. Math. 10(2) (2008) 221–260]), and give a construction of the conformal symplectic double.
10 years for the Journal of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology (2003–2013) — A retrospective
Authors: Eisenhaber Frank , Sherman Westley Arthur
Published: April 2014

The Journal of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology (JBCB) started publishing scientific articles in 2003. It has established itself as home for solid research articles in the field (~ 60 per year) that are surprisingly well cited. JBCB has an important function as alternative publishing channel in addition to other, bigger journals.
Fuzzy Sliding Mode Control of a Multi-DOF Parallel Robot in Rehabilitation Environment
Authors: Liu Quan , Liu Dong , Meng Wei , Zhou Zude , Ai Qingsong
Published: April 2014

Multi-degrees of freedom (DOF) parallel robot, due to its compact structure and high operation accuracy, is a promising candidate for medical rehabilitation devices. However, its controllability relating to the nonlinear characteristics challenges its interaction with human subjects during the rehabilitation process. In this paper, we investigated the control of a parallel robot system using fuzzy sliding mode control (FSMC) for constructing a simple controller in practical rehabilitation, where a fuzzy logic system was used as the additional compensator to the sliding mode controller (SMC) for performance enhancement and chattering elimination. The system stability is guaranteed by the Lyapunov stability theorem. Experiments were conducted on a lower limb rehabilitation robot, which was built based on kinematics and dynamics analysis of the 6-DOF Stewart platform. The experimental results showed that the position tracking precision of the proposed FSMC is sufficient in practical applications, while the velocity chattering had been effectively reduced in comparison with the conventional FSMC with parameters tuned by fuzzy systems.
The Nexus graviton: A quantum of Dark Energy and Dark Matter
Authors: Marongwe Stuart
Published: April 2014

In a recently published paper called Nexus: A quantum theory of space-time, gravity and the quantum vacuum by the above author, a plausible self-consistent quantum theory of space-time, gravity and the quantum vacuum is provided. In this current paper the author focuses primarily on the graviton as described in Nexus as a solution to the enigmatic phenomena of Dark Energy and Dark Matter as well as includes corrections to the first paper.
Asymptotics for rank moments of overpartitions
Authors: Mao Renrong
Published: April 2014

Bringmann, Mahlburg and Rhoades proved asymptotic formulas for all the even moments of the ranks and cranks of partitions with polynomial error terms. In this paper, motivated by their work, we apply the same method and obtain asymptotics for the two rank moments of overpartitions.
A REVIEW OF METAL OXIDE COMPOSITE ELECTRODE MATERIALS FOR ELECTROCHEMICAL CAPACITORS
Authors: HO M. Y. , KHIEW P. S. , ISA D. , TAN T. K. , CHIU W. S. , CHIA C. H.
Published: April 2014

With the emerging technology in the 21st century, which requires higher electrochemical performances, metal oxide composite electrodes in particular offer complementary properties of individual materials via the incorporation of both physical and chemical charge storage mechanism together in a single electrode. Numerous works reviewed herein have identified a wide variety of attractive metal oxide-based composite electrode material for symmetric and asymmetric electrochemical capacitors. The focus of the review is the detailed literature data and discussion regarding the electrochemical performance of various metal oxide composite electrodes fabricated from different configurations including binary and ternary composites. Additionally, projection of future development in hybrid capacitor coupling lithium metal oxides and carbonaceous materials are found to obtain significantly higher energy storage than currently available commercial electrochemical capacitors. This review describes the novel concept of lithium metal oxide electrode materials which are of value to researchers in developing high-energy and enhanced-cyclability electrochemical capacitors comparable to Li -ion batteries. In order to fully exploit the potential of metal oxide composite electrode materials, developing low cost, environment-friendly nanocomposite electrodes is certainly a research direction that should be extensively investigated in the future.
Glucotoxicity targets hepatic glucokinase in Zucker diabetic fatty rats, a model of type 2 diabetes associated with obesity
Authors: Ueta Kiichiro , O'Brien Tracy P. , McCoy Gregory A. , Kim Kuikwon , Healey Erin C. , Farmer Tiffany D. , Donahue E. Patrick , Condren Audree B. , Printz Richard L. , Shiota Masakazu
Published: April 2014

A loss of glucose effectiveness to suppress hepatic glucose production as well as increase hepatic glucose uptake and storage as glycogen is associated with a defective increase in glucose phosphorylation catalyzed by glucokinase (GK) in Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats. We extended these observations by investigating the role of persistent hyperglycemia (glucotoxicity) in the development of impaired hepatic GK activity in ZDF rats. We measured expression and localization of GK and GK regulatory protein (GKRP), translocation of GK, and hepatic glucose flux in response to a gastric mixed meal load (MMT) and hyperglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp after 1 or 6 wk of treatment with the sodium-glucose transporter 2 inhibitor (canaglifrozin) that was used to correct the persistent hyperglycemia of ZDF rats. Defective augmentation of glucose phosphorylation in response to a rise in plasma glucose in ZDF rats was associated with the coresidency of GKRP with GK in the cytoplasm in the midstage of diabetes, which was followed by a decrease in GK protein levels due to impaired posttranscriptional processing in the late stage of diabetes. Correcting hyperglycemia from the middle diabetic stage normalized the rate of glucose phosphorylation by maintaining GK protein levels, restoring normal nuclear residency of GK and GKRP under basal conditions and normalizing translocation of GK from the nucleus to the cytoplasm, with GKRP remaining in the nucleus in response to a rise in plasma glucose. This improved the liver's metabolic ability to respond to hyperglycemic hyperinsulinemia. Glucotoxicity is responsible for loss of glucose effectiveness and is associated with altered GK regulation in the ZDF rat.
Mice deleted for GPAT3 have reduced GPAT activity in white adipose tissue and altered energy and cholesterol homeostasis in diet-induced obesity
Authors: Cao Jingsong , Perez Sylvie , Goodwin Bryan , Lin Qingcong , Peng Haibing , Qadri Ariful , Zhou Yingjiang , Clark Ronald W. , Perreault Mylene , Tobin James F. , Gimeno Ruth E.
Published: April 2014

Glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferases (GPATs) catalyze the first step in the synthesis of glycerolipids and glycerophospholipids. Microsomal GPAT, the major GPAT activity, is encoded by at least two closely related genes, GPAT3 and GPAT4. To investigate the in vivo functions of GPAT3, we generated Gpat3-deficient ( Gpat3−/−) mice. Total GPAT activity in white adipose tissue of Gpat3−/−mice was reduced by 80%, suggesting that GPAT3 is the predominant GPAT in this tissue. In liver, GPAT3 deletion had no impact on total GPAT activity but resulted in a 30% reduction in N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive GPAT activity. The Gpat3−/−mice were viable and fertile and exhibited no obvious metabolic abnormalities on standard laboratory chow. However, when fed a high-fat diet, female Gpat3−/−mice showed decreased body weight gain and adiposity and increased energy expenditure. Increased energy expenditure was also observed in male Gpat3−/−mice, although it was not accompanied by a significant change in body weight. GPAT3 deficiency lowered fed, but not fasted, glucose levels and tended to improve glucose tolerance in diet-induced obese male and female mice. On a high-fat diet, Gpat3−/−mice had enlarged livers and displayed a dysregulation in cholesterol metabolism. These data establish GPAT3 as the primary GPAT in white adipose tissue and reveal an important role of the enzyme in regulating energy, glucose, and lipid homeostasis.
Contractile abnormalities of mouse muscles expressing hyperkalemic periodic paralysis mutant NaV1.4 channels do not correlate with Na+influx or channel content
Authors: Lucas Brooke , Ammar Tarek , Khogali Shiemaa , DeJong Danica , Barbalinardo Michael , Nishi Cameron , Hayward Lawrence J. , Renaud Jean-Marc
Published: April 2014

Hyperkalemic periodic paralysis (HyperKPP) is characterized by myotonic discharges that occur between episodic attacks of paralysis. Individuals with HyperKPP rarely suffer respiratory distress even though diaphragm muscle expresses the same defective Na+channel isoform (NaV1.4) that causes symptoms in limb muscles. We tested the hypothesis that the extent of the HyperKPP phenotype (low force generation and shift toward oxidative type I and IIA fibers) in muscle is a function of 1) the NaV1.4 channel content and 2) the Na+influx through the defective channels [i.e., the tetrodotoxin (TTX)-sensitive Na+influx]. We measured NaV1.4 channel protein content, TTX-sensitive Na+influx, force generation, and myosin isoform expression in four muscles from knock-in mice expressing a NaV1.4 isoform corresponding to the human M1592V mutant. The HyperKPP flexor digitorum brevis muscle showed no contractile abnormalities, which correlated well with its low NaV1.4 protein content and by far the lowest TTX-sensitive Na+influx. In contrast, diaphragm muscle expressing the HyperKPP mutant contained high levels of NaV1.4 protein and exhibited a TTX-sensitive Na+influx that was 22% higher compared with affected extensor digitorum longus (EDL) and soleus muscles. Surprisingly, despite this high burden of Na+influx, the contractility phenotype was very mild in mutant diaphragm compared with the robust abnormalities observed in EDL and soleus. This study provides evidence that HyperKPP phenotype does not depend solely on the NaV1.4 content or Na+influx and that the diaphragm does not depend solely on Na+-K+pumps to ameliorate the phenotype.
An Asp49 Phospholipase A2from Snake Venom Induces Cyclooxygenase-2 Expression and Prostaglandin E2Production via Activation of NF-κB, p38MAPK, and PKC in Macrophages
Authors: Moreira Vanessa , Lomonte Bruno , Vinolo Marco Aurélio Ramirez , Curi Rui , Gutiérrez José María , Teixeira Catarina
Published: April 2014

Phospholipases A2(PLA2) are key enzymes for production of lipid mediators. We previously demonstrated that a snake venom sPLA2named MT-III leads to prostaglandin (PG)E2biosynthesis in macrophages by inducing the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). Herein, we explored the molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways leading to these MT-III-induced effects. Results demonstrated that MT-III induced activation of the transcription factor NF-κB in isolated macrophages. By using NF-κB selective inhibitors, the involvement of this factor in MT-III-induced COX-2 expression and PGE2production was demonstrated. Moreover, MT-III-induced COX-2 protein expression and PGE2release were attenuated by pretreatment of macrophages with SB202190, and Ly294002, and H-7-dihydro compounds, indicating the involvement of p38MAPK, PI3K, and PKC pathways, respectively. Consistent with this, MT-III triggered early phosphorylation of p38MAPK, PI3K, and PKC. Furthermore, SB202190, H-7-dihydro, but not Ly294002 treatment, abrogated activation of NF-κB induced by MT-III. Altogether, these results show for the first time that the induction of COX-2 protein expression and PGE2release, which occur via NF-κB activation induced by the sPLA2-MT-III in macrophages, are modulated by p38MAPK and PKC, but not by PI3K signaling proteins.
A Damage Prognosis Method of Girder Structures Based on Wavelet Neural Networks
Authors: Zhong Rumian , Zong Zhouhong , Niu Jie , Yuan Sujing
Published: April 2014

Based on the basic theory of wavelet neural networks and finite element model updating method, a basic framework of damage prognosis method is proposed in this paper. Firstly, a damaged I‐steel beam model testing is used to verify the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed damage prognosis method. The results show that the predicted results of the damage prognosis method and the measured results are very well consistent, and the maximum error is less than 5%. Furthermore, Xinyihe Bridge in the Beijing‐Shanghai Highway is selected as the engineering background, and the damage prognosis is conducted based on the data from the structural health monitoring system. The results show that the traffic volume will increase and seasonal differences will decrease in the next year and a half. The displacement has a slight increase and seasonal characters in the critical section of mid span, but the strain will increase distinctly. The analysis results indicate that the proposed method can be applied to the damage prognosis of girder bridge structures and has the potential for the bridge health monitoring and safety prognosis.
Protection Effect of Zhen‐Wu‐Tang on Adriamycin‐Induced Nephrotic Syndrome via Inhibiting Oxidative Lesions and Inflammation Damage
Authors: Liang Chun-ling , Wu Jun-biao , Lai Jie-mei , Ye Shu-fang , Lin Jin , Ouyang Hui , Zhan Janis Ya-xian , Zhou Jiu-yao
Published: April 2014

Zhen‐wu‐tang (ZWT), a well‐known formula in China, is widely used to treat chronic kidney diseases. However, very little information on ZWT’s mechanism of action is currently available. In this study, we investigated the possible protective role and underlying mechanism of ZWT on nephrotic syndrome (NS) induced by Adriamycin (intravenous injection, 6.0 mg/kg) in rats using biochemical and histopathological approaches. ZWT decreased urine protein excretion and the serum levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, blood urea nitrogen, and creatinine significantly in diseased rats. A decrease in plasma levels of total protein and albumin was also recorded in nephropathic rats. Pathological results show an improved pathological state and recovering glomerular structure in ZWT treatment groups. ZWT decreased renal IL‐8 level but increased renal IL‐4 level. In addition, rats subjected to ZWT exhibited less IgG deposition in glomerulus compared with model group. RT‐PCR results showed that ZWT decreased the mRNA expression of NF‐κB p65 and increased the mRNA expression of IκB. Furthermore, ZWT reduced the level of MDA and increased SOD activity. These results demonstrated that ZWT ameliorated Adriamycin‐induced NS in rats possibly by inhibiting Adriamycin‐induced inflammation damage, enhancing body’s antioxidant capacity, thereby protecting glomerulus from injury.
Expressions of ABCG2, CD133, and Podoplanin in Salivary Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma
Authors: Li Wuwei , Tamamura Ryo , Wang Bo , Liu Qigui , Liu Han , Liu Tingjiao , Katase Naoki , Xiao Jing , Nagatsuka Hitoshi
Published: April 2014

Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) is one of the most common salivary gland malignant tumors with a high risk of recurrence and metastasis. Current studies on cancer stem cells (CSCs) have verified that CSCs are the driving force behind tumor initiation and progression, suggesting that new cancer therapies may be established by effectively targeting and killing the CSCs. The primary goal of this study is to investigate the expression patterns of ABCG2, CD133, and podoplanin in ACC of minor salivary glands by immunohistochemistry analysis. We found that ABCG2 was weakly expressed in normal looking salivary gland tissues. A significant upregulation of ABCG2 expression in ACC was observed with a similar expression pattern of Ki-67. CD133 was detected in apical membrane of epithelial cells and podoplanin was expressed positively in myoepithelial cells of both normal looking tissue and ACC. However, no significant difference was found of the expression pattern of CD133 and podoplanin between normal looking tissues and ACC. Our observations suggest that CSCs may exist in quiescent cells with ABCG2 positive staining, which are surrounded by cells with positive expression of ABCG2 and Ki-67 in ACC, and costaining with ABCG2 and Ki-67 may help predict the location of CSCs.
Skin Necrosis Associated with Thromboprophylaxis after Total Knee Replacement
Authors: Karuppiah S. V. , Johnstone A. J.
Published: April 2014

Thromboprophylaxis are routinely given to prevent venous thromboembolism (VTE) in patients after total hip and knee replacement surgeries. Low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) (fractioned heparin) is effective in the prevention and treatment of VTE. The predicable effect of LMWH has popularized it for routine clinical use. Although LMWH has lesser complication rate, compared to unfractioned heparin (UFH), sporadic clinical complication has been reported. We report a rare case of skin necrosis secondary to use of LMWH tinzaparin used for routine thromboprophylaxis after total knee replacement.
Improvement of Interior Ballistic Performance Utilizing Particle Swarm Optimization
Authors: El Sadek Hazem , Zhang Xiaobing , Rashad Mahmoud , Cheng Cheng
Published: April 2014

This paper investigates the interior ballistic propelling charge design using the optimization methods to select the optimum charge design and to improve the interior ballistic performance. The propelling charge consists of a mixture propellant of seven‐perforated granular propellant and one‐hole tubular propellant. The genetic algorithms and some other evolutionary algorithms have complex evolution operators such as crossover, mutation, encoding, and decoding. These evolution operators have a bad performance represented in convergence speed and accuracy of the solution. Hence, the particle swarm optimization technique is developed. It is carried out in conjunction with interior ballistic lumped‐parameter model with the mixture propellant. This technique is applied to both single‐objective and multiobjective problems. In the single‐objective problem, the optimization results are compared with genetic algorithm and the experimental results. The particle swarm optimization introduces a better performance of solution quality and convergence speed. In the multiobjective problem, the feasible region provides a set of available choices to the charge’s designer. Hence, a linear analysis method is adopted to give an appropriate set of the weight coefficients for the objective functions. The results of particle swarm optimization improved the interior ballistic performance and provided a modern direction for interior ballistic propelling charge design of guided projectile.
Spatial Variations in Concentration, Compositions of Glomalin Related Soil Protein in Poplar Plantations in Northeastern China, and Possible Relations with Soil Physicochemical Properties
Authors: Wang Qiong , Wu Yan , Wang Wenjie , Zhong Zhaoliang , Pei Zhongxue , Ren Jie , Wang Huimei , Zu Yuangang
Published: April 2014

Concentration of Glomalin Related Soil Protein is reportedly close related to soil functions, but few data is available for GRSP compositional variations and function related to soil properties. In this paper, soils from 0–20 cm, 20–40 cm, 40–60 cm, 60–80 cm, and 80–100 cm layers were collected in 72 poplar shelterbelts in Songnen Plain (6 regions) for implementing this data shortage. GRSP mainly consists of stretching of O–H, N–H, C–H, C=O, COO–, C–O, and Si–O–Si and bending of C–H and O–H. It has seven fluorescent substances of tyrosine-like protein, tryptophan-like protein, fulvic acid-like, humic acid-like, soluble microbial byproduct-like, nitrobenzoxadiazole-like, and calcofluor white-like, with characteristic X-ray diffraction peak at 2θ= 19.8° and 129.3 nm grain size as well as 1.08% low crystallinity. Large spatial variations (intersite and intrasite down profile) were found in either GRSP concentration or these compositional traits. Regression analysis clearly manifested that soil pH should be responsible for these variations. However, negative relations between soil bulk density and GRSP quantity were observed, but not its compositional traits. These basic data in poplar shelterbelt forests are good for understanding the underlying mechanism of GRSP in soil functional maintenance.
An Exact Solution for a Boundary Value Problem with Application in Fluid Mechanics and Comparison with the Regular Perturbation Solution
Authors: Ebaid Abdelhalim , Khaled S. M.
Published: April 2014

The exact solution for any physical model is of great importance in the applied science. Such exact solution leads to the correct physical interpretation and it is also useful in validating the approximate analytical or numerical methods. The exact solution for the peristaltic transport of a Jeffrey fluid with variable viscosity through a porous medium in an asymmetric channel has been achieved. The main advantage of such exact solution is the avoidance of any kind of restrictions on the viscosity parameterα, unlike the previous study in which the restrictionα≪ 1 has been put to achieve the requirements of the regular perturbation method. Hence, various plots have been introduced for the exact effects of the viscosity parameter, Daray’s number, porosity, amplitude ratio, Jeffrey fluid parameter, and the amplitudes of the waves on the pressure rise and the axial velocity. These exact effects have been discussed and further compared with those approximately obtained in the literature by using the regular perturbation method. The comparisons reveal that remarkable differences have been detected between the current exact results and those approximately obtained in the literature for the axial velocity profile and the pressure rise.
Efficient Underwater RSS Value to Distance Inversion Using the Lambert Function
Authors: Hosseini Majid , Chizari Hassan , Poston Tim , Salleh Mazleena Bt. , Abdullah Abdul Hanan
Published: April 2014

There are many applications for using wireless sensor networks (WSN) in ocean science; however, identifying the exact location of a sensor by itself (localization) is still a challenging problem, where global positioning system (GPS) devices are not applicable underwater. Precise distance measurement between two sensors is a tool of localization and received signal strength (RSS), reflecting transmission loss (TL) phenomena, is widely used in terrestrial WSNs for that matter. Underwater acoustic sensor networks have not been used (UASN), due to the complexity of the TL function. In this paper, we addressed these problems by expressing underwater TL via the Lambert W function, for accurate distance inversion by the Halley method, and compared this to Newton‐Raphson inversion. Mathematical proof, MATLAB simulation, and real device implementation demonstrate the accuracy and efficiency of the proposed equation in distance calculation, with fewer iterations, computation stability for short and long distances, and remarkably short processing time. Then, the sensitivities of Lambert W function and Newton‐Raphson inversion to alteration in TL were examined. The simulation results showed that Lambert W function is more stable to errors than Newton‐Raphson inversion. Finally, with a likelihood method, it was shown that RSS is a practical tool for distance measurement in UASN.
Effect of Healing Time on Bone-Implant Contact of Orthodontic Micro-Implants: A Histologic Study
Authors: Ramazanzadeh Barat Ali , Fatemi Kazem , Dehghani Mahboobe , Mohtasham Nooshin , Jahanbin Arezoo , Sadeghian Hamed
Published: April 2014

Objectives. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of immediate and delayed loading of orthodontic micro-implants on bone-implant contact. Materials and Methods. Sixty four micro-implants were implanted in dog's jaw bone. The micro-implants were divided into loaded and unloaded (control) groups. The control group had two subgroups: four and eight weeks being implanted. The loaded group had two subgroups of immediate loading and delayed (after four weeks healing) loading. Loaded samples were subjected to 200g load for four weeks. After sacrificing the animals micro-implants and surrounding tissues were observed histologically. Bone-implant contact ratios (BIC) were calculated and different groups' results were compared by three-way ANOVA. Results. Mean survival rate was 96.7% in general. Survival rates were 96.7%, 94.4% and 100% for control, immediate and delayed loaded groups, respectively. BIC values were not significantly different in loaded and control groups, immediate and delayed loading groups, and pressure and tension sides. Mandibular micro-implants had significantly higher BIC than maxillary ones in immediate loading, 4-weeks control, and 8-weeks control groups (P = 0.021, P = 0.009, P = 0.003, resp.). Conclusion Immediate or delayed loading of micro-implants in dog did not cause significant difference in Bone-implant contact which could be concluded that healing time had not significant effect on micro-implant stability.
Modulation Instability, Breathers, and Bound Solitons in an Erbium-Doped Fiber System with Higher-Order Effects
Authors: Guo Rui , Hao Hui-Qin , Gu Xiao-Song
Published: April 2014

We mainly investigate the generalized nonlinear Schrödinger-Maxwell-Bloch system which governs the propagation of optical solitons in nonlinear erbium-doped fibers with higher-order effects. We deduce Lax pair, analyze modulation instability conditions, construct the Darboux transformation, and derive the Akhmediev breathers, Ma-breathers, bound solitons, and two-breather solutions for this system. Considering the influences of higher-order effects, propagation properties of those solitons are discussed.
Development of Underwater Monitoring Wireless Sensor Network to Support Coral Reef Observation
Authors: Suzuki Tsuyoshi , Kato Kazuki , Makihara Emi , Kobayashi Takafumi , Kono Hitoshi , Sawai Kei , Kawabata Kuniaki , Takemura Fumiaki , Isomura Naoko , Yamashiro Hideyuki
Published: April 2014

We have been developing a wireless sensor network system to support coral ecological system survey activities. This paper studies the required functions of a wireless sensor node for gathering information on underwater environmental conditions. For this purpose, a prototype sensor node is developed to clarify necessary functions through a practical experiment. In this paper, the hardware configuration of a latest prototype of wireless sensor node is described. The design of this prototype was based on our previous experiments and the comments of coral reef researchers. We conducted practical field experiments to observe the coral reefs along the Okinawa coast in Japan by using the prototype. Moreover, a browsing system of gathered information by the sensor network is described. Finally, we discuss the experimental results and the required functions of the sensor node for the future research.
Second-Order Multiplier Iteration Based on a Class of Nonlinear Lagrangians
Authors: Ren Yong-Hong
Published: April 2014

Nonlinear Lagrangian algorithm plays an important role in solving constrained optimization problems. It is known that, under appropriate conditions, the sequence generated by the first-order multiplier iteration converges superlinearly. This paper aims at analyzing the second-order multiplier iteration based on a class of nonlinear Lagrangians for solving nonlinear programming problems with inequality constraints. It is suggested that the sequence generated by the second-order multiplier iteration converges superlinearly with order at least two if in addition the Hessians of functions involved in problem are Lipschitz continuous.
Multiple Positive Periodic Solutions for Two Kinds of Higher-Dimension Impulsive Differential Equations with Multiple Delays and Two Parameters
Authors: Luo Zhenguo
Published: April 2014

By applying the fixed point theorem, we derive some new criteria for the existence of multiple positive periodic solutions for two kinds of  n-dimension periodic impulsive functional differential equations with multiple delays and two parameters:xi′(t)=ai(t)xi(t)-λbi(t)fi(t,x(t),x(t-τ1(t)),…,x(t-τn(t)))), a.e.,t>0,t≠tk,k∈Z+,xi(tk+)-xi(tk-)=μcikxi(tk),i=1,2,…,n,k∈Z+,andxi′(t)=-ai(t)xi(t)+λbi(t)fi(t,x(t),x(t-τ1(t)),…,x(t-τn(t)))), a.e.,t>0,t≠tk,k∈Z+,xi(tk+)-xi(tk-)=μcikxi(tk),i=1,2,…,n,k∈Z+.As an application, we study some special cases of the previous systems, which have been studied extensively in the literature.
Chitosan and Its Derivatives Applied in Harvesting Microalgae for Biodiesel Production: An Outlook
Authors: Chen Guanyi , Zhao Liu , Qi Yun , Cui Yuan-Lu
Published: April 2014

Although oil‐accumulating microalgae are a promising feedstock for biodiesel production, large‐scale biodiesel production is not yet economically feasible. As harvesting accounts for an important part of total production cost, mass production of microalgae biodiesel requires an efficient low‐energy harvesting strategy so as to make biodiesel production economically attractive. Chitosan has emerged as a favorable flocculating agent in harvesting of microalgae. The aim of this paper is to review current research on the application of chitosan and chitosan‐derived materials for harvesting microalgae. This offers a starting point for future studies able to invalidate, confirm, or complete the actual findings and to improve knowledge in this field.
Early Monitoring Antiangiogenesis Treatment Response of Sunitinib in U87MG Tumor Xenograft by18F-FLT MicroPET/CT Imaging
Authors: Bao Xiao , Wang Ming-Wei , Zhang Yong-Ping , Zhang Ying-Jian
Published: April 2014

Aim. It was aimed to monitor early treatment response of Sunitinib in U87MG models mimicking glioblastoma multiforme by longitudinal18F-FLT microPET/CT imaging in this study.Methods. U87MG tumor mice were intragastrically injected with Sunitinib at a dose of 80 mg/kg for consecutive 7 days.18F-FLT microPET/CT scans were acquired on days 0, 1, 3, 7, and 13 after therapy. Tumor sizes and body weight were measured. Tumor samples were collected for immunohistochemical analysis of proliferation and microvessel density (MVD) with anti-Ki67 and anti-CD31, respectively.Results. The uptake ratios of tumor to the contralateral muscle (T/M) of18F-FLT in the Sunitinib group decreased from baseline to day 3 (T/M0= 2.98 ± 0.33; T/M3= 2.23 ± 0.36;P<0.001), reached the bottom on day 7 (T/M7= 1.96 ± 0.35;P<0.001), and then recovered on day 13. The T/M of18F-FLT uptake in the control group remained around 3.0. There was no difference for the tumor size between both groups until day 11.18F-FLT uptakes of tumor were correlated with Ki67 staining index and MVD.Conclusion. Early therapy response to Sunitinib could be predicted via18F-FLT PET, which will contribute to monitoring antiangiogenesis treatment.
Bone Formation in a Rat Tibial Defect Model Using Carboxymethyl Cellulose/BioC/Bone Morphogenic Protein-2 Hybrid Materials
Authors: Song Sang-Heon , Yun Young-Pil , Kim Hak-Jun , Park Kyeongsoon , Kim Sung Eun , Song Hae-Ryong
Published: April 2014

The objective of this study was to assess whether carboxymethyl cellulose- (CMC-) based hydrogel containing BioC (biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP); tricalcium phosphate (TCP) : hydroxyapatite (Hap) = 70 : 30) and bone morphogenic protein-2 (BMP-2) led to greater bone formation than CMC-based hydrogel containing BioC without BMP-2. In order to demonstrate bone formation at 4 and 8 weeks, plain radiographs, microcomputed tomography (micro-CT) evaluation, and histological studies were performed after implantation of all hybrid materials on an 8 mm defect of the right tibia in rats. The plain radiographs and micro-CT analyses revealed that CMC/BioC/BMP-2 (0.5 mg) led to much greater mineralization at 4 and 8 weeks than did CMC/BioC or CMC/Bio/BMP-2 (0.1 mg). Likewise, bone formation and bone remodeling studies revealed that CMC/BioC/BMP-2 (0.5 mg) led to a significantly greater amount of bone formation and bone remodeling at 4 and 8 weeks than did CMC/BioC or CMC/BioC/BMP-2 (0.1 mg). Histological studies revealed that mineralized bone tissue was present around the whole circumference of the defect site with CMC/BioC/BMP-2 (0.5 mg) but not with CMC/BioC or CMC/BioC/BMP-2 (0.1 mg) at 4 and 8 weeks. These results suggest that CMC/BioC/BMP-2 hybrid materials induced greater bone formation than CMC/BioC hybrid materials. Thus, CMC/BioC/BMP-2 hybrid materials may be used as an injectable substrate to regenerate bone defects.
Syntactic Comprehension in Patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Authors: Yoshizawa Kentarou , Yasuda Nao , Fukuda Michinari , Yukimoto Yumi , Ogino Mieko , Hata Wakana , Ishizaka Ikuyo , Higashikawa Mari
Published: April 2014

Recent neuropsychological studies of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) have demonstrated that some patients have aphasic symptoms, including impaired syntactic comprehension. However, it is not known if syntactic comprehension disorder is related to executive and visuospatial dysfunction. In this study, we evaluated syntactic comprehension using the Syntax Test for Aphasia (STA) auditory comprehension task, frontal executive function using the Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB), visuospatial function using Raven’s Coloured Progressive Matrices (RCPM), and dementia using the Hasegawa Dementia Scale-Revised (HDS-R) in 25 patients with ALS. Of the 25 patients, 18 (72%) had syntactic comprehension disorder (STA score < IV), nine (36%) had frontal executive dysfunction (FAB score < 14), six (24%) had visuospatial dysfunction (RCPM score < 24), and none had dementia (HDS-R score < 20). Nine of the 18 patients with syntactic comprehension disorder (50%) passed the FAB and RCPM. Although sample size was small, these patients had a low STA score but normal FAB and RCPM score. All patients with bulbar onset ALS had syntactic comprehension disorder. These results indicate that it might be necessary to assess syntactic comprehension in patients with bulbar onset ALS. The implications of these findings are discussed in relation to the pathological continuum of ALS.
The Interaction between Fuzzy Subsets and Groupoids
Authors: Shin Seung Joon , Kim Hee Sik , Neggers J.
Published: April 2014

We discuss properties of a class of real-valued functions on a setX2constructed as finite (real) linear combinations of functions denoted asX,*;μ, whereX,*is a groupoid (binary system) andμis a fuzzy subset ofXand whereX,*;μx,y≔μx*y-minμx,μy. Many properties, for example,μbeing a fuzzy subgroupoid ofX,*, can be restated as some properties ofX,*;μ. Thus, the context provided opens up ways to consider well-known concepts in a new light, with new ways to prove known results as well as to provide new questions and new results. Among these are identifications of many subsemigroups and left ideals ofBinX;□for example.
Strong Differential Subordinations Obtained with New Integral Operator Defined by Polylogarithm Function
Authors: AL-Shaqsi K.
Published: April 2014

By using the polylogarithm function, a new integral operator is introduced. Strong differential subordination and superordination properties are determined for some families of univalent functions in the open unit disk which are associated with new integral operator by investigating appropriate classes of admissible functions. New strong differential sandwich-type results are also obtained.
Sulfur/Gadolinium‐Codoped TiO2 Nanoparticles for Enhanced Visible‐Light Photocatalytic Performance
Authors: Agorku Eric S. , Mamba Bhekie B. , Pandey Avinash C. , Mishra Ajay K.
Published: April 2014

A series of S/Gd3+‐codoped TiO2 photocatalysts were synthesized by a modified sol‐gel method. The materials were characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), UV‐visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM)/energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM)/energy‐dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). Laboratory experiments with Indigo Carmine chosen as a model for organic pollutants were used to evaluate the photocatalytic performance of S/Gd3+‐codoped TiO2 under visible‐light with varying concentrations of Gd3+ ions in the host material. XRD and Raman results confirmed the existence of anatase phase TiO2 with particle size ranging from 5 to 12 nm. Codoping has exerted a great influence on the optical responses along with red shift in the absorption edge. S/Gd3+‐codoped TiO2 showed significant visible‐light induced photocatalytic activity towards Indigo Carmine dye compared with S‐TiO2 or commercial TiO2. TiO2‐S/Gd3+ (0.6% Gd3+) degraded the dye (ka = 5.6 × 10−2 min−1) completely in 50 min.
An Efficient Numerical Approach for Solving Nonlinear Coupled Hyperbolic Partial Differential Equations with Nonlocal Conditions
Authors: Bhrawy A. H. , Alghamdi M. A. , Alaidarous Eman S.
Published: April 2014

One of the most important advantages of collocation method is the possibility of dealing with nonlinear partial differential equations (PDEs) as well as PDEs with variable coefficients. A numerical solution based on a Jacobi collocation method is extended to solve nonlinear coupled hyperbolic PDEs with variable coefficients subject to initial-boundary nonlocal conservation conditions. This approach, based on Jacobi polynomials and Gauss-Lobatto quadrature integration, reduces solving the nonlinear coupled hyperbolic PDEs with variable coefficients to a system of nonlinear ordinary differential equation which is far easier to solve. In fact, we deal with initial-boundary coupled hyperbolic PDEs with variable coefficients as well as initial-nonlocal conditions. Using triangular, soliton, and exponential-triangular solutions as exact solutions, the obtained results show that the proposed numerical algorithm is efficient and very accurate.
Knowledge about Health Effects of Cigarette Smoking and Quitting among Italian University Students: The Importance of Teaching Nicotine Dependence and Treatment in the Medical Curriculum
Authors: Grassi Maria Caterina , Baraldo Massimo , Chiamulera Christian , Culasso Franco , Raupach Tobias , Ferketich Amy K. , Patrono Carlo , Nencini Paolo
Published: April 2014

Aims of the study were to compare medical students (MS) to non-MS with respect to their knowledge of smoking and to investigate the effect of a short educational intervention on MS knowledge. MS(n=962)and students of architecture and law(n=229)were asked to complete a 60-item questionnaire addressing knowledge of smoking epidemiology and health effects (“Score 1”), and effectiveness of cessation treatments (“Score 2”). Upon completion of questionnaire, fourth year MS received a lecture on tobacco dependence. These students were asked to complete the same questionnaire one and two years later. Mean values for Score 1 were48.9±11.5% in MS and40.5±11.4% in non-MS (P<0.001;d=0.69). Respective values for Score 2 were48.1±10.8% and42.6±10.6%(P<0.001;d=0.50). Fifth year students who had attended the lecture in year 4 scored higher than students who had not attended the lecture. Significant differences were noted one but not two years after the educational intervention. In conclusion, MS know slightly more about smoking-related diseases and methods to achieve cessation than nonmedical students; a short educational intervention was associated with better knowledge one year later, but the effect was moderate and short-lived.
The Thoracic Shape of Hominoids
Authors: Chan Lap Ki
Published: April 2014

In hominoids, the broad thorax has been assumed to contribute to their dorsal scapular position. However, the dorsoventral diameter of their cranial thorax was found in one study to be longer in hominoids. There are insufficient data on thoracic shape to explain the relationship between broad thorax and dorsal scapular position. The current study presents data on multilevel cross-sectional shape and volume distribution in a range of primates. Biplanar radiographs of intact fluid-preserved cadavers were taken to measure the cross-sectional shape of ten equally spaced levels through the sternum (called decisternal levels) and the relative volume of the nine intervening thoracic segments. It was found that the cranial thorax of hominoids is larger and broader (except in the first two decisternal levels) than that of other primates. The cranial thorax of hominoids has a longer dorsoventral diameter because the increase in dorsoventral diameter caused by the increase in the volume of the cranial thorax overcompensates for the decrease caused by the broadening of the cranial thorax. The larger and broader cranial thorax in hominoids can be explained as a locomotor adaptation for scapular gliding and as a respiratory adaptation for reducing the effects of orthograde posture on ventilation-perfusion inequality.
Effects of Acupuncture Applied to Sanyinjiao with Different Stimuli on Uterine Contraction and Microcirculation in Rats with Dysmenorrhea of Cold Coagulation Syndrome
Authors: Hsu Wing-sze , Shen Xiao-yu , Yang Jia-min , Luo Li , Zhang Ling , Qi Dan-dan , Shen Song-xi , Zhu Shi-peng , Zhao Ya-fang , Ren Xiao-xuan , Guo Meng-wei , Li Xiao-hong , Ji Bo , Zhang Lu-fen , Zhu Jiang
Published: April 2014

In this study, we try to evaluate the effects of acupuncture stimulation with different amounts at Sanyinjiao (SP6) on uterine contraction and uterus microcirculation in rats with dysmenorrhea of cold coagulation syndrome and to explore whether there is direct relativity between “De qi” and needle stimulus intensity. Diestrus female rats were randomly divided into 4 groups, including saline control group, model control group, “A” stimulus group (with strong stimulus), and “B” stimulus group (with weak stimulus). We found that dysmenorrhea rats of the cold coagulation syndrome present a high intensity in uterine tension and high contraction of microvascular diameter. Acupuncture applied with two different stimuli could relieve the symptoms, but, compared with “B” stimulus, “A” stimulus leads to better outcomes on reducing uterine contraction and increasing diameter of uterine microvascular; moreover, hand manipulation during needling mediates the curative effect on the microvascular diameter. Our finding indicates that using thick needles and deep insertion with hand manipulation are more effective and achieve desired level of “De qi” in dysmenorrhea rats.