bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of Microclimate Modelling and Onsite Survey in Planning Practice Related to an Urban Micro-Environment
Authors: Égerházi Lilla Andrea , Kovács Attila , Unger János
Published: September 2013

Numerical simulations of human thermal comfort conditions were carried out by means of the urban microclimate model ENVI-met in a popular children’s playground located in Szeged, Hungary. Bioclimatic conditions were quantified by the Physiologically Equivalent Temperature (PET). Based on the PET values, thermal stress maps were created in two different periods of typical summer and autumn days. The study aims to reveal the seasonal and diurnal spatial patterns of the simulated thermal conditions and thus the degree of heat stress in different parts of the playground. Furthermore, we analysed the momentary spatial distributions of the visitors triggered by the microclimatic conditions of the area. According to the simulation, remarkable differences in the thermal conditions were found depending on the sun elevation and the resulting shaded conditions as well as the radiation of the heated surfaces. The spatial distribution of the visitors seems to be highly influenced by the patterns of the thermal conditions but the location and the preference of the children’s playground equipment also affects it. In order to reveal the possible causes of the people’s behaviour, an onsite questionnaire survey was conducted on their opinions and possible modification requirements related to the design of the playground.
Effect of Electroacupuncture Intervention on Expression of CGRP, SP, COX-1, and PGE2 of Dorsal Portion of the Cervical Spinal Cord in Rats with Neck-Incision Pain
Authors: Qiao Li-na , Wang Jun-ying , Yang Yong-sheng , Chen Shu-ping , Gao Yong-hui , Zhang Jian-liang , Liu Jun-ling
Published: September 2013

The present study was aimed to determine if cervicospinal substance P (SP) and its neurokinin-1 receptor (NK-1R), calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1), and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) were involved in electroacupuncture (EA) analgesia in neck-incision pain rats. EA intervention was applied to bilateral Futu (LI18), Hegu (LI4)-Neiguan (PC6), and Zusanli (ST36)-Yanglingquan (GB34) for 30 min. Cervicospinal SP and CGRP immunoactivity was detected by immunofluorescence technique, NK-1R and COX-1 protein and mRNA expression levels were determined using Western blot and real-time PCR, respectively, and PGE2 content was measured using ELISA. Outcomes indicated that EA of EA-LI18 and LI4-PC6 (not ST36-GB34) significantly suppressed neck-incision induced decrease of thermal pain threshold (P<0.05). EA stimulation of LI18 and LI4-PC6 markedly inhibited neck-incision induced upregulation of SP and CGRP immunoactivity, NK-1 R and COX-1 mRNA and protein expression levels, as well as the increase of PGE2 content in the dorsal cervicospinal cord (P<0.05). These findings showed that LI18 and LI4-PC6 EA stimulation-induced downregulation of SP, CGRP, NK-1R, COX-1, and PGE2 levels in the dorsal cervicospinal cord may contribute to their effects in relieving neck-incision pain. This study highlights the targets of EA intervention for reducing post-thyroid-surgery pain for the first time.
Common Variant ofFTOGene, rs9939609, and Obesity in Pakistani Females
Authors: Shahid Adeela , Rana Sobia , Saeed Shahid , Imran Muhammad , Afzal Nasir , Mahmood Saqib
Published: September 2013

Numerous studies confirmed the association ofFTO(fat mass and obesity associated gene) common variant, rs9939609, with obesity in European populations. However, studies in Asian populations revealed conflicting results. We examined the association of rs9939609 variant ofFTOgene with obesity and obesity-related anthropometric and metabolic parameters in Pakistani population. Body weight, height, waist circumference, hip circumference, and blood pressure (BP) were measured. BMI and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) were calculated. Levels of fasting blood glucose (FBG), insulin, leptin, and leptin receptors were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was calculated. The results showed association ofFTOgene, rs9939609, with obesity in females (>18 years of age).FTOminor allele increased the risk of obesity by 2.8 times (95% CI = 1.3–6.0) in females. This allele showed association with body weight, BMI, waist circumference, hip circumference, WHR, BP, plasma FBG levels, HOMA-IR, plasma insulin levels, and plasma leptin levels. In conclusion,FTOgene, rs9939609, is associated with BMI and risk of obesity in adult Pakistani females. Association of rs9939609 variant with higher FBG, plasma insulin, and leptin levels indicates that this polymorphism may disturb the metabolism in adult females and predispose them to obesity and type 2 diabetes. However, the above-mentioned findings were not seen in children or males.
A Fourier Series-Neural Network Based Real-Time Compensation Approach for Geometric and Thermal Errors of CNC Milling Machines
Authors: Wang Wei , Zhang Yi , Fan Kaiguo , Yang Jianguo
Published: September 2013

In order to improve the accuracy and efficiency of the real-time error compensation, a Fourier Series-Neural Network (FS-NN) based compensation methodology is developed to reduce the thermally induced geometric errors of CNC milling machines under varying conditions. Firstly, an error model is presented based on the principle of Fourier series with fast calculation and higher precision, which is regarded as the error base of original geometric errors. Secondly, the relationships between the slopes related to different error curves and the temperatures of key thermal points are figured out by using neural networks when concerning thermal effects. Then, a combined error model is established which is suitable for reducing axis positioning errors at any thermal status. Finally, a real-time dynamic error compensation system is developed featuring automatic error modeling and multiaxis synchronous compensation. The experimental results prove that the proposed methodology has satisfactory modeling accuracy and robustness to frequently changing working conditions.
Surfactant Sensitized Calix[4]arenes Fluorescence Quenching Method for Speciation of Cr(VI)/Cr(III) in Water Samples
Authors: Wang Wenjun , Zhu Xiashi , Yan Chaoguo
Published: September 2013

The surfactant sensitized spectrofluorimetry for speciation of chromium (Cr(VI)/Cr(III)) was developed. The analytical procedure was that the fluorescence intensity of l4,10,16,22-tetramethoxyl resorcinarene carboxylic acid derivatives (TRCA) could be selectively quenched by Cr(VI) and the fluorescence quenching value (ΔF=FTRCA-FCr(VI)-TRCA) was increased in cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB). The main influence factors on the fluorescence quenching (ΔF) were investigated in detail. Under the optimal conditions, the linear range of calibration curve for the determination of Cr(VI) was 0.10~5.00 μg/mL, and the detection limit was 0.024 μg/mL with RSD=2.10% (c=1.0 μg/mL, n=3). The concentration of Cr(III) was calculated by subtracting Cr(VI) from the total chromium determined after oxidizing Cr(III) to Cr(VI). The preliminary sensitized mechanism was discussed with the inclusion constant (K) of TRCA-Cr(VI), the fluorescence quantum yield of TRCA, and IR spectra characterization. The method has been applied to the speciation analysis of Cr(VI)/Cr(III) in water samples.
A Novel Dual-Shorting Point PIFA (GSM850 to IMT-A) for Mobile Handsets
Authors: Li Pengcheng , Pan Jin , Yang Deqiang , Nie Pingzai
Published: September 2013

A novel planar inverted-F antenna (PIFA) with dual-shorting points is proposed for multiband mobile handsets. The antenna comprises a meandered strip, a feeding point, two shorting points, and a slotted ground plane. For bandwidth enhancement of DCS/PCS/UMTS/WLAN 11.b/LTE2300/2500 and IMT-Advanced (International Mobile Telecommunications-Advanced), the antenna applies a dual-shorting points design, which generates a multimode between 1707 and 2815 MHz. The proposed antenna has good impedance matching characteristics for GSM (824–960 MHz)/DCS (1710–1880 MHz)/PCS (1850–1990 MHz)/UMTS (1920–2170 MHz)/LTE (2300–2400 MHz, 2500–2690 MHz)/WLAN 11.b (2400–2480 MHz) and IMT-A (4200–4800 MHz). The measured radiation efficiencies of the proposed antenna were all higher than 60% in GSM850/900, DCS/PCS, UMTS, LTE2300/2500, and WLAN 802.11 b, and it is up to 86% in IMT-A.
Emergy Evaluation of a Production and Utilization Process of Irrigation Water in China
Authors: Chen Dan , Luo Zhao-Hui , Chen Jing , Kong Jun , She Dong-Li
Published: September 2013

Sustainability evaluation of the process of water abstraction, distribution, and use for irrigation can contribute to the policy of decision making in irrigation development. Emergy theory and method are used to evaluate a pumping irrigation district in China. A corresponding framework for its emergy evaluation is proposed. Its emergy evaluation shows that water is the major component of inputs into the irrigation water production and utilization systems (24.7% and 47.9% of the total inputs, resp.) and that the transformities of irrigation water and rice as the systems’ products (1.72E + 05 sej/J and 1.42E + 05 sej/J, resp.; sej/J = solar emjoules per joule) represent their different emergy efficiencies. The irrigated agriculture production subsystem has a higher sustainability than the irrigation water production subsystem and the integrated production system, according to several emergy indices: renewability ratio (%R), emergy yield ratio (EYR), emergy investment ratio (EIR), environmental load ratio (ELR), and environmental sustainability index (ESI). The results show that the performance of this irrigation district could be further improved by increasing the utilization efficiencies of the main inputs in both the production and utilization process of irrigation water.
Contact Analysis of a Dry Friction Clutch System
Authors: Abdullah Oday I. , Schlattmann Josef
Published: September 2013

The numerical simulation of the friction clutch system (pressure plate, clutch disc, and flywheel) during the full engagement period (assuming no slipping between contact surfaces) is carried out using finite element method. Two types of load condition considered affect on the clutch elements during the full engagement period are the contact pressure of diaphragm spring and the centrifugal force. The study of the pressure distribution between the contact surfaces and the factors affecting it is one of the fundamentals in the process of designing the friction clutch to obtain accurate estimation of the temperature distribution during the slipping period and the contact stresses during the full engagement period. The investigation covers the effect of the contact stiffness factor FKN on the pressure distribution between contact surfaces, stresses, and penetration. The penalty and augmented Lagrange algorithms have been used to obtain the pressure distribution between contact surfaces. ANSYS13 software has been used to perform the numerical calculation in this paper.
Simultaneous Detection of Different MicroRNA Types Using the ZIP-Code Array System
Authors: Weishaupt Sonja U. , Rupp Steffen , Lemuth Karin
Published: September 2013

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are important negative regulators of gene expression. Their implication in tumorigenesis is based on their dysregulation in many human cancer diseases. Interestingly, in tumor cells, an altered ratio of precursor and mature miRNA levels has been described. Consequently, differences in miRNA type levels have a high potential as biomarkers and comparative high-throughput-based detection might permit a more accurate characterization of subtypes, especially in the case of very heterogeneous tumor entities. Several molecular methods exist for the detection of mature and precursor miRNAs. DNA microarrays are predestinated as a high-throughput method for comprehensive miRNA detection in tumors. However, the simultaneous array-based detection of both these miRNA types is limited because the mature miRNA sequence is identically present in both forms. Here we present a ZIP-code DNA microarray-based system in combination with a novel labeling approach, which enables the simultaneous detection of precursor and mature miRNAs in one single experiment. Using synthetic miRNA templates, we demonstrate the specificity of the method for the different miRNA types, as well as the detection range up to four orders of magnitude. Moreover, mature and precursor miRNAs were detected and validated in human tumor cells.
Research on Formation of Microsatellite Communication with Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Wu Guoqiang , Bai Yuguang , Sun Zhaowei
Published: September 2013

For the formation of three microsatellites which fly in the same orbit and perform three‐dimensional solid mapping for terra, this paper proposes an optimizing design method of space circular formation order based on improved generic algorithm and provides an intersatellite direct spread spectrum communication system. The calculating equation of LEO formation flying satellite intersatellite links is guided by the special requirements of formation‐flying microsatellite intersatellite links, and the transmitter power is also confirmed throughout the simulation. The method of space circular formation order optimizing design based on improved generic algorithm is given, and it can keep formation order steady for a long time under various absorb impetus. The intersatellite direct spread spectrum communication system is also provided. It can be found that, when the distance is 1 km and the data rate is 1 Mbps, the input wave matches preferably with the output wave. And LDPC code can improve the communication performance. The correct capability of (512, 256) LDPC code is better than (2, 1, 7) convolution code, distinctively. The design system can satisfy the communication requirements of microsatellites. So, the presented method provides a significant theory foundation for formation‐flying and intersatellite communication.
Geotechnical Characteristics and Stability Analysis of Rock‐Soil Aggregate Slope at the Gushui Hydropower Station, Southwest China
Authors: Zhou Jia-wen , Shi Chong , Xu Fu-gang
Published: September 2013

Two important features of the high slopes at Gushui Hydropower Station are layered accumulations (rock‐soil aggregate) and multilevel toppling failures of plate rock masses; the Gendakan slope is selected for case study in this paper. Geological processes of the layered accumulation of rock and soil particles are carried out by the movement of water flow; the main reasons for the toppling failure of plate rock masses are the increasing weight of the upper rock‐soil aggregate and mountain erosion by river water. Indoor triaxial compression test results show that, the cohesion and friction angle of the rock‐soil aggregate decreased with the increasing water content; the cohesion and the friction angle for natural rock‐soil aggregate are 57.7 kPa and 31.3° and 26.1 kPa and 29.1° for saturated rock‐soil aggregate, respectively. The deformation and failure mechanism of the rock‐soil aggregate slope is a progressive process, and local landslides will occur step by step. Three‐dimensional limit equilibrium analysis results show that the minimum safety factor of Gendakan slope is 0.953 when the rock‐soil aggregate is saturated, and small scale of landslide will happen at the lower slope.
Eupafolin and Ethyl Acetate Fraction ofKalanchoe gracilisStem Extract Show Potent Antiviral Activities against Enterovirus 71 and Coxsackievirus A16
Authors: Wang Ching-Ying , Huang Shun-Chueh , Lai Zhen-Rung , Ho Yu-Ling , Jou Yu-Jen , Kung Szu-Hao , Zhang Yongjun , Chang Yuan-Shiun , Lin Cheng-Wen
Published: September 2013

Enterovirus 71 (EV71) and coxsackievirus A16 (CoxA16) are main pathogens of hand-foot-and-mouth disease, occasionally causing aseptic meningitis and encephalitis in tropical and subtropical regions.Kalanchoe gracilis,Da-Huan-Hun, is a Chinese folk medicine for treating pain and inflammation, exhibiting antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Our prior report (2012) citedK. gracilisleaf extract as moderately active against EV71 and CoxA16. This study further rates antienteroviral potential ofK. gracilisstem (KGS) extract to identify potent antiviral fractions and components. The extract moderately inhibits viral cytopathicity and virus yield, as well asin vitroreplication of EV71 (IC50= 75.18 μg/mL) and CoxA16 (IC50= 81.41 μg/mL). Ethyl acetate (EA) fraction of KGS extract showed greater antiviral activity than that ofn-butanol or aqueous fraction: IC50values of 4.21 μg/mL against EV71 and 9.08 μg/mL against CoxA16. HPLC analysis, UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy, and plaque reduction assay indicate that eupafolin is a vital component of EA fraction showing potent activity against EV71 (IC50= 1.39 μM) and CoxA16 (IC50= 5.24 μM). Eupafolin specifically lessened virus-induced upregulation of IL-6 and RANTES by inhibiting virus-induced ERK1/2, AP-1, and STAT3 signals. Anti-enteroviral potency of KGS EA fraction and eupafolin shows the clinical potential against EV71 and CoxA16 infection.
Characterization of WO3Thin Films Grown on Silicon by HFMOD
Authors: Díaz-Reyes Joel , Castillo-Ojeda Roberto , Galván-Arellano Miguel , Zaca-Moran Orlando
Published: September 2013

We studied the effect of annealing temperature on the physical properties of WO3thin films using different experimental techniques. WO3has been prepared by hot-filament metal oxide deposition (HFMOD). The films, chemical stoichiometry was determined by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The monoclinic single-phase nature of the as-deposited films, structure was changed to triclinic structure by annealing them at higher temperatures than 400°C, which has been determined by the X-ray diffraction analysis. By Raman scattering is confirmed the change of crystalline phase, of monoclinic to triclinic, since that lattice vibrational modes of as-deposited WO3and annealed at 500°C present clearly differences. WO3band gap energy can be varied from 2.92 to 3.15 eV by annealing WO3from 0 to 500°C as was obtained by transmittance measurements. The photoluminescence response of the as-deposited film presents three radiative transitions observed at 2.85, 2.41, and 2.04 eV that could be associated with oxygen vacancies; the first one is shifted to higher energies as the annealing temperature is increased due to the change of crystalline phase of the WO3.
Modeling the Structural-Thermal-Electrical Coupling in an Electrostatically Actuated MEMS Switch and Its Impact on the Switch Stability
Authors: Ouakad Hassen M. , Younis Mohammad I.
Published: September 2013

Modeling and analysis for the static behavior and collapse instabilities of a MEMS cantilever switch subjected to both electrical and thermal loadings are presented. The thermal loading forces can be as a result of a huge amount of switching contact of the microswitch. The model considers the microbeam as a continuous medium and the electric force as a nonlinear function of displacement and accounts for its fringing-field effect. The electric force is assumed to be distributed over specific lengths underneath the microbeam. A boundary-value solver is used to study the collapse instability, which brings the microbeam from its unstuck configuration to touch the substrate and gets stuck in the so-called pinned configuration. We have found negligible influence of the temperature on the static stability of the switch. We then investigate the effect of the thermal heating due to the current flow on the cantilever switch while it is in the on position (adhered position). We also found slight effect on the static stability of the switch.
Rational Formations of a Metro Train Improve Its Efficiencies of Both Traction Energy Utilization and Passenger Transport
Authors: Feng Xuesong , Liu Haidong , Zhang Hanxiao , Wang Baoshan , Sun Qipeng
Published: September 2013

Based on simulations of passenger transports of two representative types of metro trains in China, this study analyzes efficiencies of energy consumption and passenger transport of a metro train in the effect of its target speed, formation scale (FS) (i.e., length and mass of the formation), relative traction capacity (RTC) (i.e., ratio of the motoring cars to all its cars), and so forth. It is found that increasing energy cost efficiency of a metro train with decreasing its target speed is evidently accelerated with reducing its RTC below 0.50 at the expense of obviously lowering its passenger transport efficiency. Moreover, if the passenger capacity of the train is sufficiently utilized, increasing its FS for the same RTC is easy to have its passenger transport efficiency improved significantly even for a meanwhile much decreased target speed with consuming energy less intensively. Therefore, metro trains in peak hours may take comparatively big FSs, relatively high target speeds, and RTCs over 0.50 to meet usually urgent and large-scale travel demands in such time. In contrast, trains in nonpeak hours ought to have small FSs, relatively low target speeds, and RTCs smaller than 0.50 for mainly avoiding energy waste.
SOCS3 Expression Correlates with Severity of Inflammation, Expression of Proinflammatory Cytokines, and Activation of STAT3 and p38 MAPK in LPS-Induced InflammationIn Vivo
Authors: Chaves de Souza João Antônio , Nogueira Andressa Vilas Boas , Chaves de Souza Pedro Paulo , Kim Yeon Jung , Silva Lobo Caroline , Pimentel Lopes de Oliveira Guilherme José , Cirelli Joni Augusto , Garlet Gustavo Pompermaier , Rossa Carlos
Published: September 2013

SOCS3 is an inducible endogenous negative regulator of JAK/STAT pathway, which is relevant in inflammatory conditions. We used a model of LPS-induced periodontal disease in rats to correlate SOCS3 expression with the inflammatory status.In vitrowe used a murine macrophage cell line to assess the physical interaction between SOCS3 and STAT3 by coimmunoprecipitation. 30 ug of LPS fromEscherichia coliwere injected in the gingival tissues on the palatal aspect of first molars of the animals 3x/week for up to 4 weeks. Control animals were injected with the vehicle (PBS). The rats were sacrificed at 7, 15, and 30 days. Inflammation and gene expression were assessed by stereometric analysis, immunohistochemistry, RT-qPCR, and western blot. LPS injections increased inflammation, paralleled by an upregulation of SOCS3, of the proinflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-αand increased phosphorylation of STAT3 and p38 MAPK. SOCS3 expression accompanied the severity of inflammation and the expression of proinflammatory cytokines, as well as the activation status of STAT3 and p38 MAPK. LPS stimulation in a macrophage cell linein vitroinduced transient STAT3 activation, which was inversely correlated with a dynamic physical interaction with SOCS3, suggesting that this may be a mechanism for SOCS3 regulatory function.
Adsorption of Eu(III) on oMWCNTs: Effects of pH, Ionic Strength, Solid‐Liquid Ratio and Water‐Soluble Fullerene
Authors: Liu P. , Wang J. , Qi W. , Li Zh. , Bi JJ. , Wu WS.
Published: September 2013

The influences of pH, ionic strength, solid‐liquid ratio, , and C60(OH)n on Eu(III) adsorption onto the oxidation multiwalled carbon nanotubes (oMWCNTs) were studied by using batch technique. The dynamic process showed that the adsorption of Eu(III) onto oMWCNTs could be in equilibrium for about 17 h and matched the quasi‐second‐order kinetics model. The sorption process was influenced strongly by pH changes and ionic strength. In the pH range of 1.0 to 4.0, the adsorption ratio increased with the increasing of pH values, then the adsorption of Eu(III) was almost saturated in the pH range of 4.0 to 10.0, and the adsorption ratio reached about 90%. The adsorption ratio decreased with the increasing of ionic strength. could promote the adsorption process obviously, but C60(OH)n competed with Eu(III) for the adsorption sites, thus leading to the reducing of Eu(III) adsorption onto oMWCNTs. In the presence of or C60(OH)n, the adsorption of Eu(III) onto oMWCNTs could be affected obviously by solid‐liquid ratio and the initial concentration of Eu(III).
Reliability-Based Marginal Cost Pricing Problem Case with Both Demand Uncertainty and Travelers’ Perception Errors
Authors: Zhong Shaopeng , Zhang Lihui , Bushell Max
Published: August 2013

Focusing on the first-best marginal cost pricing (MCP) in a stochastic network with both travel demand uncertainty and stochastic perception errors within the travelers’ route choice decision processes, this paper develops a perceived risk-based stochastic network marginal cost pricing (PRSN-MCP) model. Numerical examples based on an integrated method combining the moment analysis approach, the fitting distribution method, and the reliability measures are also provided to demonstrate the importance and properties of the proposed model. The main finding is that ignoring the effect of travel time reliability and travelers’ perception errors may significantly reduce the performance of the first-best MCP tolls, especially under high travelers’ confidence and network congestion levels. The analysis result could also enhance our understanding of (1) the effect of stochastic perception error (SPE) on the perceived travel time distribution and the components of road toll; (2) the effect of road toll on the actual travel time distribution and its reliability measures; (3) the effect of road toll on the total network travel time distribution and its statistics; and (4) the effect of travel demand level and the value of reliability (VoR) level on the components of road toll.
Theoretical Analysis and Experimental Study of Subgrade Moisture Variation and Underground Antidrainage Technique under Groundwater Fluctuations
Authors: Jie Liu , Yao Hailin , Chen Pan , Lu Zheng , Luo Xingwen
Published: September 2013

Groundwater is a main natural factor impacting the subgrade structure, and it plays a significant role in the stability of the subgrade. In this paper, the analytical solution of the subgrade moisture variations considering groundwater fluctuations is derived based on Richards’ equation. Laboratory subgrade model is built, and three working cases are performed in the model to study the capillary action of groundwater at different water tables. Two types of antidrainage materials are employed in the subgrade model, and their anti-drainage effects are discussed. Moreover, numerical calculation is conducted on the basis of subgrade model, and the calculate results are compared with the experimental measurements. The study results are shown. The agreement between the numerical and the experimental results is good. Capillary action is obvious when the groundwater table is rising. As the groundwater table is falling, the moisture decreases in the position of the subgrade near the water table and has no variations in the subgrade where far above the table. The anti-drainage effect of the sand cushion is associated with its thickness and material properties. New waterproofing and drainage material can prevent groundwater entering the subgrade effectively, and its anti-drainage effect is good.
Initial Antinoise Performance Analysis of Pupil Phase Diversity Based on Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Yang Huizhen , Li Yaoqiu
Published: September 2013

Pupil phase diversity (PPD) wavefront sensor is a new kind of phase-visualization methods, and the output signal of PPD represents the input pupil phase and shows a 1-1 mapping between the position of the wavefront error in the pupil and its position in the output signal. High-precisely wavefront measuring can be obtained under no noise by using appropriate phase restoration algorithm while performance of PPD under noise is unknown. We analyzed antinoise performance of PPD based on genetic algorithm (GA) through measuring the distorted wavefront under different noise level. Simulation results show that wavefront measuring is almost not affected by the existence of noise, which indicates that PPD based on GA can be used in applications with noise.
Increased Numbers of NK Cells, NKT-Like Cells, and NK Inhibitory Receptors in Peripheral Blood of Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Tang Ying , Li Xiaodan , Wang Man , Zou Qi , Zhao Shasha , Sun Bowen , Xu Lijun , Jiang Yanfang
Published: August 2013

T cells and B cells participate in the pathogenesis of COPD. Currently, NK cells and NKT cells have gained increasing attention. In the present study, 19 COPD patients and 12 healthy nonsmokers (HNS) were recruited, and their pulmonary function was assessed. The frequencies of CD3+T, CD4+T, CD8+T, B, NK, and NKT-like cells were determined using flow cytometry. The frequencies of spontaneous and inducible IFN-γ+or CD107a+NK and NKT-like cells as well as activating or inhibitory receptors were also detected. The potential association of lymphocyte subsets with disease severity was further analyzed. Significantly decreased numbers of CD3+and CD4+T cells, and the CD4+/CD8+ratio, but increased numbers of CD3−CD56+NK and CD3+CD56+NKT-like cells were observed in COPD patients compared to HNS. The frequencies of inducible IFN-γ-secreting NK and NKT-like cells were less in COPD patients. The frequencies of CD158a and CD158b on NK cells and CD158b on NKT-like cells were greater. The frequency of CD158b+NK cells was negatively correlated with FEV1% prediction and FEV1/FVC. Our data indicate that COPD patients have immune dysfunction, and higher frequencies of inhibitory NK cells and NKT-like cells may participate in the pathogenesis of COPD.
Adaptive Scheduling and Routing Scheme for Delay Guarantee in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Sun Yan , Chen Cong , Luo Hong
Published: August 2013

In wireless sensor networks (WSNs), periodical sleeping scheme on sensor nodes is an effective way to save energy. However, it will hinder the capability of the network to provide real-time data reporting due to relay node being sleep. Motivated by this, we propose an adaptive scheduling and routing scheme for guaranteeing dynamic end-to-end delay requirement while minimizing the energy consumption. First of all, we utilize an optimal wake-up scheduling algorithm to achieve the initial wake-up schedules and routes and design an adaptive adjustment algorithm. When the end-to-end delay requirement of a region changes, our proposed adaptive adjustment algorithm can locally adjust the wake-up schedules or the routing tables of the nodes which are the nearest ones to the source node, so as to minimize energy consumption and the impact on other regions while guaranteeing the new end-to-end delay requirement of the region. Through experiments in a real wireless sensor network and extensive simulations, we can get that the proposed scheme can conserve at least 20% energy consumption comparing to other existing adjustment algorithms, and its performance approaches that of the optimal solution.
Hybrid Topological Derivative-Gradient Based Methods for Nondestructive Testing
Authors: Carpio A. , Rapún M.-L.
Published: September 2013

This paper is devoted to the reconstruction of objects buried in a medium and their material properties by hybrid topological derivative-gradient based methods. After illustrating the techniques in time-harmonic acoustic problems with different boundary conditions and in electrical impedance tomography problems with continuous Neumann conditions, we extend the hybrid method for a realistic model in tomography where the boundary conditions are given at a discrete set of electrodes.
Genesis Analysis of High‐Gamma Ray Sandstone Reservoir and Its Log Evaluation Techniques: A Case Study from the Junggar Basin, Northwest China
Authors: Wang Liang , Mao Zhiqiang , Sun Zhongchun , Luo Xingping , Song Yong , Liu Zhen
Published: September 2013

In the Junggar basin, northwest China, many high gamma‐ray (GR) sandstone reservoirs are found and routinely interpreted as mudstone non‐reservoirs, with negative implications for the exploration and exploitation of oil and gas. Then, the high GR sandstone reservoirs’ recognition principles, genesis, and log evaluation techniques are systematically studied. Studies show that the sandstone reservoirs with apparent shale content greater than 50% and GR value higher than 110API can be regarded as high GR sandstone reservoir. The high GR sandstone reservoir is mainly and directly caused by abnormally high uranium enrichment, but not the tuff, feldspar or clay mineral. Affected by formation’s high water sensitivity and poor borehole quality, the conventional logs can not recognize reservoir and evaluate the physical property of reservoirs. Then, the nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) logs is proposed and proved to be useful in reservoir recognition and physical property evaluation.
Bisdemethoxycurcumin Increases Sirt1 to Antagonizet-BHP-Induced Premature Senescence in WI38 Fibroblast Cells
Authors: Li Ying-Bo , Zhong Zhang-Feng , Chen Mei-Wan , Bao Jiao-Lin , Wu Guo-Sheng , Zhang Qing-Wen , Lee Simon Ming-Yuen , Hoi Pui-Man , Wang Yi-Tao
Published: September 2013

Curcuminoids are well known for their capabilities to combat risk factors that are associated with ageing and cellular senescence. Recent reports have demonstrated that curcuminoids can extend the lifespan of model organisms. However, the underlying mechanisms by which these polyphenic compounds exert these beneficial effects remain unknown. In this study,t-BHP-induced premature senescence model in human fibroblasts was chosen to explore the protective effects of a curcuminoid, bisdemethoxycurcumin (BDMC), on cellular senescence. The results demonstrated that BDMC attenuated oxidative stress-induced senescence-like features which include the induction of an enlarged cellular appearance, higher frequency of senescence-associatedβ-galactosidase staining activity, appearance of senescence-associated heterochromatic foci in nuclei, decrease in proliferation capability, and alteration in related molecules such as p16 and retinoblastoma protein. Notably, we found that BDMC treatment activated Sirt1/AMPK signaling pathway. Moreover, downregulating Sirt1 by the pharmacological inhibitor nicotianamine or small interfering RNA blocked BDMC-mediated protection againstt-BHP-mediated decrease in proliferation. These results suggested that BDMC preventedt-BHP-induced cellular senescence, and BDMC-induced Sirt1 may be a mechanism mediating its beneficial effects.
In VivoEvidence of Increased nNOS Activity in Acute MPTP Neurotoxicity: A Functional Pharmacological MRI Study
Authors: Siow Tiing Yee , Chen Chiao-Chi V. , Wan Nina , Chow Kai-Ping N. , Chang Chen
Published: August 2013

1-Methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) is a neurotoxin commonly used to produce an animal model of Parkinson’s disease. Previous studies have suggested a critical role for neuronal nitric oxide (NO) synthase- (nNOS-) derived NO in the pathogenesis of MPTP. However, NO activity is difficult to assessin vivodue to its extremely short biological half-life, and soin vivoevidence of NO involvement in MPTP neurotoxicity remains scarce. In the present study, we utilized flow-sensitive alternating inversion recovery sequences,in vivolocalized proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and diffusion-weighted imaging to, respectively, assess the hemodynamics, metabolism, and cytotoxicity induced by MPTP. The role of NO in MPTP toxicity was clarified further by administering a selective nNOS inhibitor, 7-nitroindazole (7-NI), intraperitoneally to some of the experimental animals prior to MPTP challenge. The transient increase in cerebral blood flow (CBF) in the cortex and striatum induced by systemic injection of MPTP was completely prevented by pretreatment with 7-NI. We provide the firstin vivoevidence of increased nNOS activity in acute MPTP-induced neurotoxicity. Although the observed CBF change may be independent of the toxicogenesis of MPTP, this transient hyperperfusion state may serve as an early indicator of neuroinflammation.
Safety Analysis against Tsunami Attacks at a Nuclear Power Plant Site
Authors: Seo Jeong-Wook , Lee Jin Woo , Cho Yong-Sik
Published: September 2013

Several nuclear power plants are now under operation, and more plants will be built along the eastern coast of the Korean Peninsula. These nuclear power plant sites may be vulnerable to unexpected tsunami attacks. In this study, a coupled numerical model based on the shallow-water theory was employed to analyze the safety of the Uljin Nuclear Power Plant site against three historical and eleven virtual tsunami attacks. The numerical model consisted of a transoceanic propagation and an inundation model. Both models were discretized by the finite difference method. Maximum and minimum tsunami heights were estimated for the three historical and eleven virtual tsunamis. The obtained results showed that the Uljin Nuclear Power Plant site would be safe against the tsunami attacks included in this study.
miR-200b and miR-200c as Prognostic Factors and Mediators of Gastric Cancer Cell Progression
Authors: Tang Hailin , Deng Min , Tang Yunyun , Xie Xinhua , Guo Jiaoli , Kong Yanan , Ye Feng , Su Qi , Xie Xiaoming
Published: August 2013

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinicopathologic significance and potential role of miR-200b and miR-200c in the development and progression of gastric cancer.

Experimental Design: We examined miR-200b and miR-200c expression in 36 paired normal and stomach tumor specimens, as well as gastric cancer cell lines, by quantitative real-time PCR. In addition, miR-200b and miR-200c were detected by ISH using gastric cancer tissue microarrays, and the association between miR-200b and miR-200c levels and clinicopathologic factors and prognosis were analyzed. A luciferase assay was conducted for target evaluation. The functional effects of miR-200b and miR-200c on gastric cancer cells were validated by a cell proliferation assay and cell invasion and migration assays.

Results: miR-200b and miR-200c were downregulated in the gastric cancer specimens and cell lines tested. miR-200b and miR-200c levels were significantly correlated with the clinical stage, T stage, lymph node metastasis, and survival of patients. Ectopic expression of miR-200b and miR-200c impaired cell growth and invasion. In addition, when overexpressed, miR-200b and miR-200c commonly directly targeted DNMT3A, DNMT3B, and SP1 (a transactivator of the DNMT1 gene), which resulted in marked reduction of the expression of DNA methyltransferases DNMT1, DNMT3A, and DNMT3B at the protein level. This effect, in turn, led to a decrease in global DNA methylation and reexpression of p16, RASS1A1, and E-cadherin via promoter DNA hypomethylation.

Conclusion: Our findings suggest that miR-200b and miR-200c, as valuable markers of gastric cancer prognosis, may be a promising approach to human gastric cancer treatment. Clin Cancer Res; 19(20); 5602–12. ©2013 AACR.
Koch Institute Symposium on Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy
Authors: Drake Adam , Joshi Nikhil S. , Szeto Gregory L. , Zhu Eric F. , Eisen Herman N. , Irvine Darrell J.
Published: August 2013

The 12th annual summer symposium of The Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research at MIT was held in Cambridge, Massachusetts, on June 14, 2013. The symposium, entitled “Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy,” focused on recent advances in preclinical research in basic immunology and biomedical engineering and their clinical application in cancer therapies. The day-long gathering also provided a forum for discussion and potential collaborations between engineers and clinical investigators. The major topics presented included (i) enhancement of adoptive cell therapy by engineering to improve the ability and functionality of T cells against tumor cells; (ii) current therapies using protein and antibody therapeutics to modulate endogenous antitumor immunity; and (iii) new technologies to identify molecular targets and assess therapeutic efficacy, and devices to control and target drug delivery more effectively and efficiently. Cancer Immunol Res; 1(4); 217–22. ©2013 AACR.
Apoptotic Colonopathy under Immunosuppression: Mycophenolate-Related Effects and Beyond
Authors: Weber Achim , Marques-Maggio Ewerton
Published: September 2013

Background/Aims: Diarrhea developing in patients under immunosuppression has a variety of underlying causes. A broad spectrum of histological findings can be found in intestinal biopsies taken for the diagnostic workup of diarrhea including a pathologically increased proportion of epithelial cell apoptosis in the colon, for which the descriptive term ‘apoptotic colonopathy' was coined. In recent years, the immunosuppressive drug mycophenolate (mycophenolic acid, MPA) has been identified as a prototypical cause of apoptotic colonopathy, but other conditions may show similar or overlapping histological pictures. Methods: Cases of likely or possible MPA colonopathy (n = 18) were retrospectively identified from the archive files. Clinical information on patient history, clinical presentation and endoscopic findings were recorded. All cases were routinely processed, i.e. stained by hematoxylin and eosin (HE) stain, optionally supplemented by special histochemical and immune stains. Results and Conclusion: Histopathological hallmarks of MPA treatment-related changes in the colon mucosa are reviewed with respect to the major histopathological differential diagnoses including normal and near-normal findings, infectious diseases, graft-versus-host disease and inflammatory bowel diseases. Furthermore, the challenge of multiple concomitant pathologies while on MPA treatment, in particular infectious diseases, is discussed, and some open questions concerning the effects of MPA on colon pathology are pointed out.
Ischemic Volumes and Early Neurologic Deterioration in Acute Brainstem Infarctions with Hemoglobin A1c
Authors: Li Haiyan , Qiu Wei , Hu Biao , Kang Zhuang , Wu Ai-min , Dai Yongqiang , Lin Yinyao , Lu Zhengqi
Published: September 2013

Aim: To investigate the association of hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) with acute diffusion-weighted imaging lesion volumes (DIV) and early neurologic deterioration (END) in brainstem infarctions (BSIs). Methods: 152 patients with acute BSIs were included in this study. The relationship between HbA1c and DIV quartiles was examined. Data considered potentially associated with HbA1c and END after admission and patients' symptomatic changes prior to admission were collected. Results: There was a significant correlation between HbA1c (%) and DIV (Spearman ρ = 0.201, p = 0.013). The median HbA1c (%) values for successive DIV quartiles (lowest to highest quartile) were as follows: 5.90, 6.35, 6.25, and 7.50 (p = 0.033). The incidence of diabetes mellitus had a significant association with DIV quartiles (p = 0.042). HbA1c was signiﬁcantly associated with symptomatic progression prior to admission (p = 0.015). 29 patients developed END after admission. Age, HbA1c, systolic blood pressure, and fibrinogen were signiﬁcantly associated with END. On logistic regression analysis, HbA1c and fibrinogen proved to be independent variables. Conclusions: HbA1c may be a possible predictor for ischemic severity, early deterioration of acute BSIs, and short-term prognosis. Long-term good glycemic control is very important in BSIs. Further studies are warranted to confirm these results.
Gene Expression Profiling in Peripheral White Blood Cells in Response to the Intake of Food with Different Glycemic Index Using a DNA Microarray
Authors: Kawakami Yuka , Yamanaka-Okumura Hisami , Sakuma Masae , Mori Yuka , Adachi Chisaki , Matsumoto Yukie , Sato Tadatoshi , Yamamoto Hironori , Taketani Yutaka , Katayama Takafumi , Takeda Eiji
Published: September 2013

Background/Aims: Transcriptomics technology in human nutrition intervention studies would allow for genome-wide screening of the effects of nutrients. We observed the time course of gene expression changes in peripheral white blood cells (WBC) to elucidate the metabolic changes in the postprandial state that are a reflection and a marker of whole body metabolic changes. Methods: In a randomized crossover study, 7 healthy subjects consumed test meals of glucose (GL), white rice (WR) and rolled barley (BAR), each containing 75 g of available carbohydrate, and water (WAT). Blood glucose, insulin and nonesterified fatty acid concentrations, as well as the subjective levels of fullness and hunger were measured. Microarray analysis of the WBC and the real-time PCR were examined during 360 min after the intake of the test meals. Results: The number of genes that changed more than 1.5-fold and the expression patterns in the time course were different between the GL, the WR and the BAR groups. Several genes involved in glycolysis and fatty acid β-oxidation were markedly changed after the intake of the GL, the WR and the BAR; however, these genes did not change at any time point in the WAT. Conclusions: Gene expression profiling in the WBC can reflect food-related metabolic changes, even in the postprandial state.
Serum Level of Desert Hedgehog Protein in Autism Spectrum Disorder: Preliminary Results
Authors: Bashir Shahid , Halepoto Dost Muhammad , Al-Ayadhi Laila
Published: September 2013

Objective: To investigate the role of desert hedgehog (Dhh) in a neurodevelopmental disorder known as autism. Subjects and Methods: This study was conducted at the Autism Research and Treatment Center, King Khalid University Hospital, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from October 2011 to May 2012. The serum levels of the Dhh protein in 57 patients recently diagnosed with autism and 37 age-matched healthy children were measured using ELISA. The Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) was used for the assessment of autistic severity. Results: The mean serum level of Dhh in patients with autism (1.38 ± 0.50 ng/ml) was significantly lower (p = 0.0003) than that of normal controls (1.73 ± 0.37 ng/ml). There was no significant relationship between the serum level of Dhh and the CARS score (p = 0.28), age (p = 0.51) or gender (p = 0.76). Conclusions: The Dhh serum level of patients with autism was lower than that of controls, probably indicating that the serum level of Dhh might be implicated in the physiology of autism. However, this finding should be treated with caution until further investigations are performed with larger populations.
Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate Inhibits IGF-I-Stimulated Lung Cancer Angiogenesis through Downregulation of HIF-1α and VEGF Expression
Authors: Li Xiangyong , Feng Yun , Liu Jinhua , Feng Xiaowei , Zhou Keyuan , Tang Xudong
Published: September 2013

Background/Aims: Numerous studies have shown that epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a polyphenol component extracted from green tea, can inhibit the growth and induce apoptosis of various types of human tumor cells. In this study, we evaluated the inhibitory effects of EGCG on the proangiogenic capabilities of A549 cells. Methods: A549 cells starved in serum-free culture medium for 24 h were pretreated with EGCG at various concentrations (0, 10, 25, 50, and 100 μmol/l) for 1 h, followed by the addition of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) at the final concentration of 40 ng/ml and continued culturing for an additional 16 h. The in vitro angiogenesis analyzing test kit with ECMatrix™ gel was used to detect the formation of capillary tube-like structures. The mRNA expression of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was determined by real-time PCR. The protein expression of HIF-1α and VEGF was detected by Western blotting and ELISA, respectively. Results: EGCG significantly inhibited the formation of capillary tube-like structures on the surface of ECMatrix induced by IGF-I both in vitro and in vivo and reduced the level of hemoglobin in Matrigel plugs. In addition, EGCG was shown to significantly inhibit the IGF-I-induced upregulation of HIF-1α protein expression. Meanwhile, EGCG at the concentration of 25 and 100 μmol/l exhibited obvious inhibitory effects on IGF-I-induced VEGF expression (p < 0.01). Conclusion: Our results suggest that EGCG has potent inhibitory effects on tumor angiogenesis induced by IGF-I in human non-small cell lung cancer cells, which may possibly contribute to the downregulation of HIF-1α and VEGF expression.