bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Use of Functional Genomics in Conjunction with Metabolomics forMycobacterium tuberculosisResearch
Authors: Swanepoel Conrad C. , Loots Du Toit
Published: March 2014

Tuberculosis (TB), caused byMycobacterium tuberculosis, is a fatal infectious disease, resulting in 1.4 million deaths globally per annum. Over the past three decades, genomic studies have been conducted in an attempt to elucidate the functionality of the genome of the pathogen. However, many aspects of this complex genome remain largely unexplored, as approaches like genomics, proteomics, and transcriptomics have failed to characterize them successfully. In turn, metabolomics, which is relatively new to the “omics” revolution, has shown great potential for investigating biological systems or their modifications. Furthermore, when these data are interpreted in combination with previously acquired genomics, proteomics and transcriptomics data, using what is termed a systems biology approach, a more holistic understanding of these systems can be achieved. In this review we discuss how metabolomics has contributed so far to characterizing TB, with emphasis on the resulting improved elucidation ofM. tuberculosisin terms of (1) metabolism, (2) growth and replication, (3) pathogenicity, and (4) drug resistance, from the perspective of systems biology.
Problem Based Learning in Nursing Education
Authors: Zhang Weihua
Published: March 2014

Background. McMaster University first introduced Problem Based Learning (PBL) in the mid 1960s. However, measuring the relationship between PBL for undergraduate nursing programs and students test performance has not yet been assessed in the USA. Purpose. The main purpose of this paper is to describe the effectiveness of PBL on senior student test performance on content related to PBL in a BSN program. Diabetes mellitus and renal insufficiency were taught by traditional lecture format in the previous years. This was the first year we taught this content by the problem based learning method. Method. Historical control group was used to compare the test performances between the PBL groups and the traditional group using Student’s t-test. Result. The mean of diabetes mellitus related questions missed by the PBL group was less than the traditional group (t = 4.51, and P=.00). The mean of renal insufficiency related questions missed by the PBL group was more than the traditional group (t=-6.44, and P=.00). Discussion. This study produced inconclusive findings. Factors that could be attributed to their performance will be discussed.
Decomposition Analysis of Void Reactivity Coefficient for Innovative and Modified BWR Assemblies
Authors: Slavickas Andrius , Pabarčius Raimondas , Tonkūnas Aurimas , Stankūnas Gediminas
Published: March 2014

The decomposition analysis of void reactivity coefficient for innovative BWR assemblies is presented in this paper. The innovative assemblies were loaded with high enrichment UO2and MOX fuels. Additionally the impact of the moderation enhancement on the void reactivity coefficient through a full fuel burnup discharge interval was investigated for the innovative assembly with MOX fuel. For the numerical analysis the TRITON functional module of SCALE code with ENDF/B-VI cross section library was applied. The obtained results indicate the influence of the most important isotopes to the void reactivity behaviour over a fuel burnup interval of 70 GWd/t for both UO2and MOX fuels. From the neutronic safety concern positive void reactivity coefficient values are observed for MOX fuel at the beginning of the fuel irradiation cycle. For extra-moderated assembly designs, implementing 8 and 12 water holes, the neutron spectrum softening is achieved and consequently the lower void reactivity values. Variations in void reactivity coefficient values are explained by fulfilled decomposition analysis based on neutrons absorption reactions for separate isotopes.
Venus Flytrap Seedlings Show Growth-Related Prey Size Specificity
Authors: Hatcher Christopher R. , Hart Adam G.
Published: March 2014

Venus flytrap (Dionaea muscipula) has had a conservation status of vulnerable since the 1970s. Little research has focussed on the ecology and even less has examined its juvenile stages. For the first time, reliance on invertebrate prey for growth was assessed in seedling Venus flytrap by systematic elimination of invertebrates from the growing environment. Prey were experimentally removed from a subset of Venus flytrap seedlings within a laboratory environment. The amount of growth was measured by measuring trap midrib length as a function of overall growth as well as prey spectrum. There was significantly lower growth in prey-eliminated plants than those utilising prey. This finding, although initially unsurprising, is actually contrary to the consensus that seedlings (traps < 5 mm) do not catch prey. Furthermore, flytrap was shown to have prey specificity at its different growth stages; the dominant prey size for seedlings did not trigger mature traps. Seedlings are capturing and utilising prey for nutrients to increase their overall trap size. These novel findings show Venus flytrap to have a much more complex evolutionary ecology than previously thought.
Essential Functional Modules for Pathogenic and Defensive Mechanisms inCandida albicansInfections
Authors: Wang Yu-Chao , Tsai I-Chun , Lin Che , Hsieh Wen-Ping , Lan Chung-Yu , Chuang Yung-Jen , Chen Bor-Sen
Published: March 2014

The clinical and biological significance of the study of fungal pathogenCandida albicans(C. albicans) has markedly increased. However, the explicit pathogenic and invasive mechanisms of such host-pathogen interactions have not yet been fully elucidated. Therefore, the essential functional modules involved inC. albicans-zebrafish interactions were investigated in this study. Adopting a systems biology approach, the early-stage and late-stage protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks for bothC. albicansand zebrafish were constructed. By comparing PPI networks at the early and late stages of the infection process, several critical functional modules were identified in both pathogenic and defensive mechanisms. Functional modules inC. albicans, like those involved in hyphal morphogenesis, ion and small molecule transport, protein secretion, and shifts in carbon utilization, were seen to play important roles in pathogen invasion and damage caused to host cells. Moreover, the functional modules in zebrafish, such as those involved in immune response, apoptosis mechanisms, ion transport, protein secretion, and hemostasis-related processes, were found to be significant as defensive mechanisms duringC. albicansinfection. The essential functional modules thus determined could provide insights into the molecular mechanisms of host-pathogen interactions during the infection process and thereby devise potential therapeutic strategies to treatC. albicansinfection.
TNF Blocking Therapies and Immunomonitoring in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Altwegg Romain , Vincent Thierry
Published: March 2014

Since their appearance in the armamentarium for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) more than a decade ago, antitumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors have demonstrated beneficial activity in induction and maintenance of clinical remission, mucosal healing, improvement in quality of life, and reduction in surgeries and hospitalizations. However, more than one-third of patients present primary resistance, and another one-third become resistant over time. One of the main factors associated with loss of response is the immunogenicity of anti-TNF biologics leading to the production of antidrug antibodies (ADAbs) accelerating their clearance. In this review we present the current state of the literature on the place of TNF and its blockage in the treatment of patients with IBD and discuss the usefulness of serum trough levels and ADAb monitoring in the optimization of anti-TNF therapies.
Effects of Forging Stream Line on Tensile Strength Using FEM Simulation
Authors: Shih Ching-Wei , Tzou Gow-Yi , Chang Kao-Hua
Published: March 2014

Because bolt usages always have the requirement of tensile strength, with a view to reach the requirement of tensile strength, the material property or forming method and dies design can be used to obtain it. The study aims at the forming method and dies design to perform the multistage analysis of bolt to realize the effect of forging stream line continuity on tensile strength. The study uses Simufact-FEM software to do the multistage forming simulation to modify the dies design and forming method. The amount of broken forging stream line can be used to identify whether the bolt is good or not. From the comparison of realistic forging product, the results can verify the acceptance of FEM simulation.
Using Fuzzy Multiple Criteria Decision-Making Approach for Assessing the Risk of Railway Reconstruction Project in Taiwan
Authors: Lu Shih-Tong , Yu Shih-Heng , Chang Dong-Shang
Published: March 2014

This study investigates the risk factors in railway reconstruction project through complete literature reviews on construction project risks and scrutinizing experiences and challenges of railway reconstructions in Taiwan. Based on the identified risk factors, an assessing framework based on the fuzzy multicriteria decision-making (fuzzy MCDM) approach to help construction agencies build awareness of the critical risk factors on the execution of railway reconstruction project, measure the impact and occurrence likelihood for these risk factors. Subjectivity, uncertainty and vagueness within the assessment process are dealt with using linguistic variables parameterized by trapezoid fuzzy numbers. By multiplying the degree of impact and the occurrence likelihood of risk factors, estimated severity values of each identified risk factor are determined. Based on the assessment results, the construction agencies were informed of what risks should be noticed and what they should do to avoid the risks. That is, it enables construction agencies of railway reconstruction to plan the appropriate risk responses/strategies to increase the opportunity of project success and effectiveness.
Effect of Educational Intervention on Adverse Drug Reporting by Physicians: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Bisht Manisha , Singh Shruti , Dhasmana D. C.
Published: March 2014

In India, the pharmacovigilance program is still in its infancy. National Pharmacovigilance Program of India was started for facilitating the pharmacovigilance activities. The ADR reporting rate is still below satisfactory in India. This cross-sectional questionnaire based study was carried out in a tertiary care teaching hospital in Uttarakhand, which is a peripheral ADR monitoring centre to assess the level of knowledge, attitude, and the practices of pharmacovigilance among the doctors and to compare it with the group of doctors attending educational CME for improving awareness of pharmacovigilance. The most important revelation of this study was that although adequate knowledge and the right attitude about adverse drug reaction reporting were instigated in the doctors after the educational intervention, the practice was still neglectful in both groups, emphasizing the need to design the strategies to develop adverse drug reaction reporting culture.
The Robust and Modulated Biomarker Network Elicited by thePlasmodium vivaxInfection Is Mainly Mediated by the IL-6/IL-10 Axis and Is Associated with the Parasite Load
Authors: Guimarães da Costa Allyson , do Valle Antonelli Lis Ribeiro , Augusto Carvalho Costa Pedro , Paulo Diniz Pimentel João , Garcia Nadja Pinto , Monteiro Tarragô Andréa , Socorro Lopes dos Santos Maria do Perpétuo , Nogueira Paulo Afonso , Hekcmann Maria Izabel Ovellar , Sadahiro Aya , Teixeira-Carvalho Andréa , Martins-Filho Olindo Assis , Malheiro Adriana
Published: March 2014

Background. Recent studies have shown that the inflammatory process, including the biomarker production, and the intense activation of innate immune responses are greater in the malaria caused byPlasmodium vivaxthan other species. Here, we examined the levels of serum biomarkers and their interaction during acute malaria.Material and Methods. Blood samples were collected fromP. vivax-infected patients at admission and from healthy donors. Levels of serum biomarkers were measured by Cytometric Bead Assay or ELISA.Results.P. vivaxinfection triggered the production of both inflammatory and regulatory biomarkers. Levels of IL-6, CXCL-8, IFN-γ, IL-5, and IL-10 were higher inP. vivax-infected patients than in healthy donors. On the other hand, malaria patients produced lower levels of TNF-α, IL-12p70, and IL-2 than healthy individuals. While the levels of IL-10 and IL-6 were found independent on the number of malaria episodes, higher levels of these cytokines were seen in patients with higher parasite load.Conclusion. A mixed pattern of proinflammatory and regulatory biomarkers is produced inP. vivaxmalaria. Analysis of biomarker network suggests that IL-10 and IL-6 are a robust axis in malaria patients and that this interaction seems to be associated with the parasite load.
Characterization of the Protective HIV-1 CTL Epitopes and the Corresponding HLA Class I Alleles: A Step towards Designing CTL Based HIV-1 Vaccine
Authors: Chakraborty Sajib , Rahman Taibur , Chakravorty Rajib
Published: March 2014

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) possesses a major threat to the human life largely due to the unavailability of an efficacious vaccine and poor access to the antiretroviral drugs against this deadly virus. High mutation rate in the viral genome underlying the antigenic variability of the viral proteome is the major hindrance as far as the antibody based vaccine development is concerned. Although the exact mechanism by which CTL epitopes and the restricting HLA alleles mediate their action towards slow disease progression is still not clear, the important CTL restricted epitopes for controlling viral infections can be utilized in future vaccine design. This study was designed for the characterization the HIV-1 optimal CTL epitopes and their corresponding HLA alleles. CTL epitope cluster distribution analysis revealed only two HIV-1 proteins, namely, Nef and Gag, which have significant cluster forming capacity. We have found the role of specific HLA supertypes such as HLA B*07, HLA B*58, and HLA A*03 in selecting the hydrophobic and conserved amino acid positions within Nef and Gag proteins, to be presented as epitopes. The analyses revealed that the clusters of optimal epitopes for Nef and p24 proteins of HIV-1 could potentially serve as a source of vaccine.
Hyaluronate Targeted Solid Lipid Nanoparticles of Etoposide: Optimization and In Vitro Characterization
Authors: Varshosaz Jaleh , Mohammadi Ghalaei Parviz , Hassanzadeh Farshid
Published: March 2014

The aim of the present study was preparation of hyaluronan (HA) targeted solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) of etoposide. SLNs were prepared by an emulsification‐solvent evaporation method and physically coated with HA. Four variables, including the ratio of cetyl alcohol to cationic lipid, cationic lipid type (stearylamine (SA) or dodecylamine (DDA)), lipid to HA ratio, and organic to aqueous phase ratio, were studied in an irregular fraction factorial design. Four responses, including particle size, zeta potential, drug loading, and 24‐hour release efficiency percent, were measured for each formulation and then the optimization was carried out. The percent of HA coated on the SLNs was calculated by CHN elemental analysis which was shown to be about 55.89%. The cationic lipid type and the ratio of cetyl alcohol to cationic lipid had the highest influence on particle size and zeta potential, respectively. The highest effects of the ratio of lipid to HA and the organic to aqueous phase ratio were on the drug loading efficiency of SLNs. The optimized formulation of SLNs was obtained by SA, the equal proportion of cetyl alcohol and cationic lipid, the ratio of 1.5 for lipid to HA, and 10% of organic phase to aqueous phase.
EZH2 Silencing with RNA Interference Induces G2/M Arrest in Human Lung Cancer CellsIn Vitro
Authors: Xia Hui , Zhang Wen , Li Yingjie , Guo Nannan , Yu Changhai
Published: March 2014

Nonsmall-cell lung cancer has a high mortality rate and poor prognosis. In the present study, we silenced EZH2 and explored the consequent cell cycle changes. The expression of cell-cycle-related proteins, including p53, p21, Cdc2, and cyclin B1, was detected with western blotting, and the cell cycle distribution was determined with flow cytometry. Inhibition of EZH2 expression changed the cell cycle distribution, in particular inducing G2/M arrest. Expression of Cdc2 and cyclin B1 was significantly decreased in A549 and HTB-56 cells after EZH2-siRNA treatment. In addition, p53 expression was increased by 21% and 18%, and p21 expression was increased by 31% and 23%, in A549 and HTB-56 cells, respectively, in the presence of EZH2-siRNA. This study clearly demonstrates that modulation of EZH2 expression with siRNA affects the cell cycle and the expression levels of p53 and p21, thereby changing cyclin B1 and Cdc2 expression and inducing G2/M arrest. These results may explain the observed antitumor activity of EZH2 silencing. Such explorations of the molecular mechanism of EZH2 will help us develop novel approaches to the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of nonsmall-cell lung cancer.
Effects of Surfactants on High Regularity of 3D Porous Nickel for Zn2+ Adsorption Application
Authors: Guo Xiaogang , Li Xueming , Zheng Yonghong , Lai Chuan , Li Wulin , Luo Binbin , Zhang Daixiong
Published: March 2014

Three‐dimensional porous nickel (3D‐PN) film with large specific surface area (As) and high porosity has been successfully prepared by hydrogen bubble dynamic template (HBDT) method. This work presents the effects of PEG 10000 and 1,4‐butynediol as new additive combination on surface morphology of the PN film. Meanwhile, the application of 3D‐PN in Zn2+ adsorption was preliminarily investigated in the paper. The surface area is determined as large as 166.7 cm2/mg and the porosity is 0.762 when the concentration of PEG 10000 and 1,4‐butynediol was 0.3 g/100 mL and 0.1 g/100 mL, respectively. The adsorption capacity (Qt and Q (%)) of PN for Zn2+ is observed to be 9.145 mg/g and 0.691 for Zn(NO3)2·6H2O. The morphology and the microstructure, the product formation, the As the concentration of the metal ions were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X‐ray powder diffraction (XRD), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS), respectively.
The Efficacy of Optimism: Benefit Finding in the Treatment of Diabetes in Iranian Patients
Authors: Karimi Moonaghi Hossein , Namdar Areshtanab Hossein , Jouybari Leila
Published: March 2014

The incidence of diabetes mellitus is on the rise around the world. Middle Eastern countries will be facing a vast increase in the number of diabetes mellitus cases by 2030. Diagnosis of a chronic disease such as diabetes mellitus can be a shocking and life-altering event. Conversely, a diagnosis of a chronic illness can also offer the patient opportunities to change unhealthy behaviors such as poor diet, smoking, and lack of exercise, making them healthier than before their diagnosis. This is referred to as “benefit finding”. This study reveals the many benefit findings of Iranian patients who have been diagnosed with diabetes mellitus and illustrates how benefit finding can be an integral part of long-term patient care.
Evaluation on Genotoxicity and Teratogenicity of Aqueous Extract fromCyclocarya paliurusLeaves
Authors: Deng Lihong , Lei Jiandu , He Jing , Liu Jing , Wang Luying , Zhang Rui , Liu Xinhua , Liu Yun
Published: March 2014

Tremendous attentions have been attracted to the foods labeled with natural, green, organic, and nuisanceless conception of healthy diet. Therefore, it is of great significance to establish relative defining guidance for safe assessment of botanicals.Cyclocarya paliurus(Batal.) Iljinsk (family Cyclocaryaceae), called sweet tea tree, is a well-known edible and medicinal plant, which has been widely used in China as drug formulation for the treatment of hypertension and diabetes. Despite its benefits, no reports have been described on the safe assessment ofC. paliurusleaves aqueous extract. In this study, we have conducted the genotoxicity assay (including Ames test, bone marrow polychromatic erythrocyte micronucleus test, and sperm abnormality test in mice) and traditional teratogenicity assay in rats (maternal toxicity, embryo toxicity, and teratogenicity test) to assess the genetic and teratogenic safety of aqueous extracts fromC. paliurusleaves. Results of each assay show that the highest dose ofC. paliurusleaves aqueous extract is considered relatively nonmutagenic and nonteratogenic, revealing thatC. paliurusleaves possess safety and quality as a functional additional ingredient in food.
Film Coating of Nifedipine Extended Release Pellets in a Fluid Bed Coater with a Wurster Insert
Authors: de Souza Luciane Franquelin Gomes , Nitz Marcello , Taranto Osvaldir Pereira
Published: March 2014

The objective of this work was to study the coating process of nifedipine extended release pellets using Opadry and Opadry II, in a fluid bed coater with a Wurster insert. The coating process was studied using a complete experimental design of two factors at two levels for each polymer. The variables studied were the inlet air temperature and the coating suspension flow rate. The agglomerate fraction and coating efficiency were the analyzed response variables. The air temperature was the variable that most influenced the coating efficiency for both polymers. In addition, a study of the dissolution profiles of coated and uncoated pellets using 0.5% sodium lauryl sulfate in simulated gastric fluid without enzymes (pH 1.2) was conducted. The results showed a prolonged release profile for the coated and uncoated pellets that was very similar to the standards established by the U.S. Pharmacopoeia. The drug content and the release profiles were not significantly affected by storage at 40°C and 75% relative humidity. However, when exposed to direct sunlight and fluorescent light (light from fluorescent bulbs), the coated pellets lost only 5% of the drug content, while the uncoated ones lost more than 35%; furthermore, the dissolution profile of the uncoated pellets was faster.
Intuitionistic Fuzzy Subbialgebras and Duality
Authors: Chen Wenjuan , Davvaz Bijan
Published: March 2014

We investigate connections between bialgebras and Atanassov’s intuitionistic fuzzy sets. Firstly we define an intuitionistic fuzzy subbialgebra of a bialgebra with an intuitionistic fuzzy subalgebra structure and also with an intuitionistic fuzzy subcoalgebra structure. Secondly we investigate the related properties of intuitionistic fuzzy subbialgebras. Finally we prove that the dual of an intuitionistic fuzzy strong subbialgebra is an intuitionistic fuzzy strong subbialgebra.
Does rTMS Alter Neurocognitive Functioning in Patients with Panic Disorder/Agoraphobia? An fNIRS-Based Investigation of Prefrontal Activation during a Cognitive Task and Its Modulation via Sham-Controlled rTMS
Authors: Deppermann Saskia , Vennewald Nadja , Diemer Julia , Sickinger Stephanie , Haeussinger Florian B. , Notzon Swantje , Laeger Inga , Arolt Volker , Ehlis Ann-Christine , Zwanzger Peter , Fallgatter Andreas J.
Published: March 2014

Objectives. Neurobiologically, panic disorder (PD) is supposed to be characterised by cerebral hypofrontality. Via functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), we investigated whether prefrontal hypoactivity during cognitive tasks in PD-patients compared to healthy controls (HC) could be replicated. As intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) modulates cortical activity, we furthermore investigated its ability to normalise prefrontal activation.Methods. Forty-four PD-patients, randomised to sham or verum group, received 15 iTBS-sessions above the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) in addition to psychoeducation. Before first and after last iTBS-treatment, cortical activity during a verbal fluency task was assessed via fNIRS and compared to the results of 23 HC.Results. At baseline, PD-patients showed hypofrontality including the DLPFC, which differed significantly from activation patterns of HC. However, verum iTBS did not augment prefrontal fNIRS activation. Solely after sham iTBS, a significant increase of measured fNIRS activation in the left inferior frontal gyrus (IFG) during the phonological task was found.Conclusion. Our results support findings that PD is characterised by prefrontal hypoactivation during cognitive performance. However, verum iTBS as an “add-on” to psychoeducation did not augment prefrontal activity. Instead we only found increased fNIRS activation in the left IFG after sham iTBS application. Possible reasons including task-related psychophysiological arousal are discussed.
Seismic Stability of Subsea Tunnels Subjected to Seepage
Authors: Cheng Xuansheng , Ren Yi , Du Xiuli , Zhang Yida
Published: March 2014

Strength reduction method and ADINA software are adopted to study the stability of submarine tunnel structures subjected to seepage and earthquake under different seawater depths and overlying rock strata thicknesses. First, the excess pore water pressure in the rock mass is eliminated through consolidation calculation. Second, dynamic time-history analysis is performed by inputting the seismic wave to obtain the maximum horizontal displacement at the model top. Finally, static analysis is conducted by inputting the gravity and the lateral border node horizontal displacement when the horizontal displacement is the largest on the top border. The safety factor of a subsea tunnel structure subjected to seepage and earthquake is obtained by continuously reducing the shear strength parameters until the calculation is not convergent. The results show that the plastic zone initially appears at a small scope on the arch feet close to the lining structure and at both sides of the vault. Moreover, the safety factor decreases with increasing seawater depth and overlying rock strata thickness. With increasing seawater depth and overlying rock strata thickness, maximum main stress, effective stress, and maximum displacement increase, whereas displacement amplitude slightly decreases.
Context-Aware and Locality-Constrained Coding for Image Categorization
Authors: Xiao Wenhua , Wang Bin , Liu Yu , Bao Weidong , Zhang Maojun
Published: March 2014

Improving the coding strategy for BOF (Bag-of-Features) based feature design has drawn increasing attention in recent image categorization works. However, the ambiguity in coding procedure still impedes its further development. In this paper, we introduce a context-aware and locality-constrained Coding (CALC) approach with context information for describing objects in a discriminative way. It is generally achieved by learning a word-to-word cooccurrence prior to imposing context information over locality-constrained coding. Firstly, the local context of each category is evaluated by learning a word-to-word cooccurrence matrix representing the spatial distribution of local features in neighbor region. Then, the learned cooccurrence matrix is used for measuring the context distance between local features and code words. Finally, a coding strategy simultaneously considers locality in feature space and context space, while introducing the weight of feature is proposed. This novel coding strategy not only semantically preserves the information in coding, but also has the ability to alleviate the noise distortion of each class. Extensive experiments on several available datasets (Scene-15, Caltech101, and Caltech256) are conducted to validate the superiority of our algorithm by comparing it with baselines and recent published methods. Experimental results show that our method significantly improves the performance of baselines and achieves comparable and even better performance with the state of the arts.
Assessment on Time‐Varying Thermal Loading of Engineering Structures Based on a New Solar Radiation Model
Authors: Chen Bo , Sun Yu-zhou , Wang Gan-jun , Duan Ling-yan
Published: March 2014

This paper aims to carry out the condition assessment on solar radiation model and thermal loading of bridges. A modification factor is developed to change the distribution of solar intensities during a whole day. In addition, a new solar radiation model for civil engineering structures is proposed to consider the shelter effects induced by cloud, mountains, and surrounding structures. The heat transfer analysis of bridge components is conducted to calculate the temperature distributions based on the proposed new solar radiation model. By assuming that the temperature along the bridge longitudinal direction is constant, one typical bridge segment is specially studied. Fine finite element models of deck plates and corrugate sheets are constructed to examine the temperature distributions and thermal loading of bridge components. The feasibility and validity of the proposed solar radiation model are investigated through detailed numerical simulation and parametric study. The numerical results are compared with the field measurement data obtained from the long‐term monitoring system of the bridge and they shows a very good agreement in terms of temperature distribution in different time instants and in different seasons. The real application verifies effectiveness and validity of the proposed solar radiation and heat transfer analysis.
Effect of Chronic Exposure to Prometryne on Oxidative Stress and Antioxidant Response in Red Swamp Crayfish (Procambarus clarkii)
Authors: Stará Alžběta , Kouba Antonín , Velíšek Josef
Published: March 2014

The aim of the study was to investigate effects of the triazine herbicide prometryne on red swamp crayfish on the basis of oxidative stress, antioxidant indices in hepatopancreas and muscle, and histopathology of hepatopancreas. Crayfish were exposed to prometryne concentrations of 0.51 μg L−1, 0.144 mg L−1, and 1.144 mg L−1for 11 and 25 days. Indices of oxidative stress (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS)), and antioxidant parameters (superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione reductase (GR)) in crayfish muscle and hepatopancreas were measured. Chronic exposure to prometryne did not showed the impact of oxidative damage to cells. Changes activity of the antioxidant enzymes SOD, CAT, and GR were observed in all tested concentrations to prometryne for 11 and 25 days (P<0.01) as compared with the control group. We did not see any differences in histopatological examination to hepatopancreas. Prolonged exposure of prometryne did not result in oxidative damage to cell lipids and proteins, but it led to changes in antioxidant activity in crayfish tissues. Changes in antioxidant systems were also observed in the environmental prometryne concentration of 0.51 μg L−1. The results suggest that antioxidant responses may have potential as biomarkers for monitoring residual triazine herbicides in aquatic environments.
Experimental Study of the Al-Mg-Sr Phase Diagram at 400°C
Authors: Kevorkov D. , Medraj M. , Aljarrah M. , Li Jian , Essadiqi E. , Chartrand P. , Fuerst C.
Published: March 2014

The Al-Mg-Sr system is experimentally studied at 400°C using EPMA and XRD techniques. It was determined that the intermetallic phases in the Al-Mg-Sr system have a tendency to form extended substitutional solid solutions. Two ternary phases were found in this system. Solubility limits of binary and ternary phases were determined and the phase equilibria among phases were established. The isothermal section of the Al-Mg-Sr system at 400°C has been constructed using results of the phase analysis and experimental literature data.
A Modified Conjugacy Condition and Related Nonlinear Conjugate Gradient Method
Authors: Yao Shengwei , Lu Xiwen , Qin Bin
Published: March 2014

The conjugate gradient (CG) method has played a special role in solving large‐scale nonlinear optimization problems due to the simplicity of their very low memory requirements. In this paper, we propose a new conjugacy condition which is similar to Dai‐Liao (2001). Based on this condition, the related nonlinear conjugate gradient method is given. With some mild conditions, the given method is globally convergent under the strong Wolfe‐Powell line search for general functions. The numerical experiments show that the proposed method is very robust and efficient.
Chronic Electromagnetic Exposure at Occupational Safety Level Does Not Affect the Metabolic Profile nor Cornea Healing after LASIK Surgery
Authors: Crouzier David , Dabouis Vincent , Gentilhomme Edgar , Vignal Rodolphe , Bourbon Fréderic , Fauvelle Florence , Debouzy Jean-Claude
Published: March 2014

LASIK eye surgery has become a very common practice for myopic people, especially those in the military. Sometimes undertaken by people who need to keep a specific medical aptitude, this surgery could be performed in secret from the hierarchy and from the institute medical staff. However, even though the eyes have been previously described as one of the most sensitive organs to electromagnetic fields in the human body, no data exist on the potential deleterious effects of electromagnetic fields on the healing eye. The consequences of chronic long-lasting radar exposures at power density, in accordance with the occupational safety standards (9.71 GHz, 50 W/m2), were investigated on cornea healing. The metabolic and clinical statuses after experimental LASIK keratotomy were assessed on the different eye segments in a New Zealand rabbit model. The analysis methods were performed after 5 months of exposure (1 hour/day, 3 times/week). Neither clinical or histological examinations, nor experimental data, such as light scattering,1H-NMR HRMAS metabolomics,13C-NMR spectra of lipidic extracts, and antioxidant status, evidenced significant modifications. It was concluded that withdrawing the medical aptitude of people working in electromagnetic field environments (i.e., radar operators in the navy) after eye surgery was not justified.
Robust Missing Traffic Flow Imputation Considering Nonnegativity and Road Capacity
Authors: Tan Huachun , Wu Yuankai , Cheng Bin , Wang Wuhong , Ran Bin
Published: March 2014

There are increasing concerns about missing traffic data in recent years. In this paper, a robust missing traffic flow data imputation approach based on matrix completion is proposed. In the proposed method, the similarity of traffic flow from day to day is exploited to impute missing data by the low‐rank hypothesis of constructed traffic flow matrix. And the physical limitation of road capacity and nonnegativity is also considered through the optimization process, which avoids the possibility of producing negative and overcapacity values. Moreover, the proposed algorithm can impute missing data and recover outlier in a unify framework. The experiment results show that the proposed method is more accurate, stable, and reasonable.
Swellings over the Limbs as the Earliest Feature in a Patient with Osteogenesis Imperfecta Type V
Authors: Al Kaissi Ali , Ganger Rudolf , Klaushofer Klaus , Grill Franz
Published: March 2014

Swellings over the upper and lower limbs were encountered in a one-year-old child. Skeletal survey showed a constellation of distinctive radiographic abnormalities of osteoporosis, hyperplastic callus and ossification of the interosseous membrane of the forearm, femora, and to lesser extent the tibiae. Neither wormian bones of the skull nor dentinogenesis imperfecta was present. Genetic tests revealed absence of mutation in COL1A1 or COL1A2 genes, respectively. The overall phenotypic features were consistent with the diagnosis of osteogenesis imperfecta type V (OI-V). The aim of this paper is to distinguish between swellings because of intrinsic bone disorders and these due to child physical abuse.
Dynamic Analyses of Urban Expressway Network with Mesoscopic Traffic Flow Model Integrated Variable Speed Limits
Authors: Li Shu-Bin , Fu Bai-Bai , Dang Wen-Xiu
Published: March 2014

Urban congestion is a major and costly problem in many cities both in China and other countries. The purpose of building urban expressway is to alleviate the growing traffic pressure. In this paper, the mesoscopic traffic flow models are improved by variable speed limits strategy for the dynamic of vehicles on urban expressway network. The models include static queuing model, the velocity model, and the movement model of the vehicle. Moreover the method of the simulation is also proposed. So that we can get the corresponding variable speed limits values and aid traffic managers in making decisions to develop a network traffic flow control strategy. In the end, the elevated expressway of Jinan city is used as a simulation example. We investigated the performance of the transport system with averaged density, speed, and flow on link. We also analysed the dynamic of the traffic system on expressway network at different demand levels. The simulation results show that the models are feasible and effective and the variable speed limits strategy can successfully alleviate the traffic congestion in some extent. The operational efficiency of the transportation system is greatly improved.
Ficus deltoidea Jack: A Review on Its Phytochemical and Pharmacological Importance
Authors: Bunawan Hamidun , Amin Noriha Mat , Bunawan Siti Noraini , Baharum Syarul Nataqain , Mohd Noor Normah
Published: March 2014

Ficus deltoidea Jack (Moraceae) has had a long history of use in traditional medicine among the Malays to alleviate and heal ailments such as sores, wounds, and rheumatism and as an after‐birth tonic and an antidiabetic drug. Modern pharmacological studies demonstrated that this plant has a wide variety of beneficial attributes for human health. Despite its importance, a review of this species has not been published in the scientific literature to date. Here, we review and summarize the historic and current literature concerning the botany, traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacological effects, and toxicity of this wonder plant. This summary could be beneficial for future research aiming to exploit the therapeutic potential of this useful, medicinal species.
Present Status and Future Perspectives of the NEXT Experiment
Authors: Gómez Cadenas J. J. , Álvarez V. , Borges F. I. G. , Cárcel S. , Castel J. , Cebrián S. , Cervera A. , Conde C. A. N. , Dafni T. , Dias T. H. V. T. , Díaz J. , Egorov M. , Esteve R. , Evtoukhovitch P. , Fernandes L. M. P. , Ferrario P. , Ferreira A. L. , Freitas E. D. C. , Gehman V. M. , Gil A. , Goldschmidt A. , Gómez H. , González-Díaz D. , Gutiérrez R. M. , Hauptman J. , Hernando Morata J. A. , Herrera D. C. , Iguaz F. J. , Irastorza I. G. , Jinete M. A. , Labarga L. , Laing A. , Liubarsky I. , Lopes J. A. M. , Lorca D. , Losada M. , Luzón G. , Marí A. , Martín-Albo J. , Martínez A. , Miller T. , Moiseenko A. , Monrabal F. , Monserrate M. , Monteiro C. M. B. , Mora F. J. , Moutinho L. M. , Muñoz Vidal J. , Natal da Luz H. , Navarro G. , Nebot-Guinot M. , Nygren D. , Oliveira C. A. B. , Palma R. , Pérez Javier , Pérez-Aparicio J. L. , Renner J. , Ripoll L. , Rodríguez A. , Rodríguez J. , Santos F. P. , Santos J. M. F. dos , Seguí L. , Serra L. , Shuman D. , Simón A. , Sofka C. , Sorel M. , Toledo J. F. , Tomás A. , Torrent J. , Tsamalaidze Z. , Veloso J. F. C. A. , Villar J. A. , Webb R. , White J. , Yahlali N.
Published: March 2014

NEXT is an experiment dedicated to neutrinoless double beta decay searches in xenon. The detector is a TPC, holding 100 kg of high-pressure xenon enriched in the136Xe isotope. It is under construction in the Laboratorio Subterráneo de Canfranc in Spain, and it will begin operations in 2015. The NEXT detector concept provides an energy resolutionbetter than 1% FWHM and a topological signal that can be used to reduce the background. Furthermore, the NEXT technology can be extrapolated to a 1 ton-scale experiment.
Study of Effect of Salvianolic Acid B on Motor Function Recovery in Rats with Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Xun Chong , Hu Yang , Lu Ming , Wang Shouyu , Lv Decheng
Published: March 2014

In this study effect of salvianolic acid B was observed on motor function recovery of rats with spinal cord injury. 50 rats were selected and after inducing SCI their recovery under controlled conditions was studied using Sal B and PBS (as control). Both compounds were introduced intraperitoneally in respective groups of traumatic rats at the same time intervals for 28 days. It was observed that Sal B introduced at 5  mg/kg/day resulted in better motor function recovery. BBB score was recorded which increased significantly along with the reduction in cavity area observed by bright field microscopy of tissues, that is, from 1 to 10 and from0.20±0.05 mm2to0.10±0.03 mm2, in Sal B treated group, respectively, compared to PBS group. Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS software (SPSS, Chicago, IL, USA), values were expressed as mean ± SEM, andPvalue <0.01 was considered significant. Effect of Sal B on expression of NF-kB p65 and IkBαwas studied and OD values of densitometry of western blots were taken. MPO activity was also studied. It was observed that treatment of Sal B significantly reduced the expression of both compounds in Sal B treated group as compared to control group after 28 days of treatment.
Left Main Coronary Artery Compression following Melody Pulmonary Valve Implantation: Use of Impella Support as Rescue Therapy and Perioperative Challenges with ECMO
Authors: Wittwer Erica D. , Pulido Juan N. , Gillespie Shane M. , Cetta Frank , Dearani Joseph A.
Published: March 2014

The purpose of this case is to describe the complex perioperative management of a 30-year-old woman with congenital heart disease and multiple resternotomies presenting with pulmonary homograft dysfunction and evaluation for percutaneous pulmonary valve replacement. Transvenous, transcatheter Melody valve placement caused left main coronary artery occlusion and cardiogenic shock. An Impella ventricular assist device (VAD) provided rescue therapy during operating room transport for valve removal and pulmonary homograft replacement. ECMO support was required following surgery. Several days later during an attempted ECMO wean, her hemodynamics deteriorated abruptly. Transesophageal and epicardial echocardiography identified pulmonary graft obstruction, requiring homograft revision due to large thrombosis. This case illustrates a role for Impella VAD as bridge to definitive procedure after left coronary occlusion and describes management of complex perioperative ECMO support challenges.
A Discretized Tikhonov Regularization Method for a Fractional Backward Heat Conduction Problem
Authors: Deng Zhi-Liang , Yang Xiao-Mei
Published: March 2014

We propose a numerical reconstruction method for solving a time-fractional backward heat conduction problem. Based on the idea of reproducing kernel approximation, we reconstruct the unknown initial heat distribution from a finite set of scattered measurements of transient temperature at a fixed final time. The standard Tikhonov regularization technique using the norm of reproducing the kernel Hilbert space as the penalty term is adopted to provide a stable solution when the measurement data contains noise. Numerical results indicate that the proposed method is efficient.
The Effects of Trimetazidine and Sildenafil on Bilateral Cavernosal Nerve Injury Induced Oxidative Damage and Cavernosal Fibrosis in Rats
Authors: Atilgan Dogan , Parlaktas Bekir S. , Uluocak Nihat , Erdemir Fikret , Markoc Fatma , Saylan Oguzhan , Erkorkmaz Unal
Published: March 2014

Aim. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of sildenafil and trimetazidine on bilateral cavernosal nerve injury-induced oxidative damage and fibrotic changes in cavernosal tissue in rat model.Material and Methods. A total of 32 male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 4 groups; each group consist 8 rats (control, BCI, BCI + TMZ, and BCI + sildenafil groups). Tissue superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), and protein carbonyl (PC) levels were determined biochemically and distribution of cavernosal fibrosis density among groups was performed histopathologically.Results. Tissue SOD levels in BCI group were significantly lower than the control group (P<0.05). Tissue MDA and PC levels in BCI group were significantly higher than the control group (P<0.05). TMZ and sildenafil administration significantly increased tissue SOD levels (P<0.05) and reduced tissue MDA and PC levels (P<0.05). Histologically, the degree of cavernosal fibrosis and collagen density was higher in BCI group in comparison to control, TMZ-treated, and sildenafil-treated groups.Conclusion. BCI caused oxidative damage and increased cavernosal fibrosis in rat penis. TMZ and sildenafil treatment decreased oxidative damage and reduced the degree of fibrosis in penile tissue due to BCI.
Shen Song Yang Xin Capsule Combined with Antiarrhythmic Drugs, a New Integrative Medicine Therapy, for the Treatment of Frequent Premature Ventricular Contractions (FPVC): A Meta‐Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Wang Jie , Li Jun , Feng Bo
Published: March 2014

Objective. To evaluate the beneficial and adverse effects of Shen Song Yang Xin Capsule (SSYX Capsule) combined with antiarrhythmic drugs for the treatment of frequent premature ventricular contractions (FPVC). Methods. Seven electronic databases were searched to retrieve any potential randomized controlled trials (RCTs) designed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of SSYX Capsule combined with Antiarrhythmic Drugs for FPVC reported in any language, with total effect for FPVC and number of ventricular premature contraction as the main outcome measure. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using criteria from the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Review of Interventions, Version 5.1.0, and analysed using RevMan 5.1.0 software. Results. Sixteen RCTs of SSYX Capsule were included. The methodological quality of the trials was generally evaluated as low. The results of meta‐analysis showed that SSYX Capsule combined with antiarrhythmic drugs was more effective in total effect for FPVC and number of ventricular premature contraction compared with Antiarrhythmic Drugs in patients with FPVC or FPVC complicated by other diseases. Ten of the trials reported adverse events, indicating that the safety of SSYX Capsule is still uncertain. Conclusions. There is some but weak evidence about SSYX Capsule combined with antiarrhythmic drugs appearing to be more effective in total effect for FPVC and number of ventricular premature contraction in patients with FPVC and its complications.
Cancer Stem-like Cells Derived from Chemoresistant Tumors Have a Unique Capacity to Prime Tumorigenic Myeloid Cells
Authors: Yamashina Tsunaki , Baghdadi Muhammad , Yoneda Akihiro , Kinoshita Ichiro , Suzu Shinya , Dosaka-Akita Hirotoshi , Jinushi Masahisa
Published: March 2014

Resistance to anticancer therapeutics greatly affects the phenotypic and functional properties of tumor cells, but how chemoresistance contributes to the tumorigenic activities of cancer stem-like cells remains unclear. In this study, we found that a characteristic of cancer stem-like cells from chemoresistant tumors (CSC-R) is the ability to produce a variety of proinflammatory cytokines and to generate M2-like immunoregulatory myeloid cells from CD14+ monocytes. Furthermore, we identified the IFN-regulated transcription factor IRF5 as a CSC-R–specific factor critical for promoting M-CSF production and generating tumorigenic myeloid cells. Importantly, myeloid cells primed with IRF5+ CSC-R facilitate the tumorigenic and stem cell activities of bulk tumors. Importantly, the activation of IRF5/M-CSF pathways in tumor cells were correlated with the number of tumor-associated CSF1 receptor+ M2 macrophages in patients with non–small lung cancer. Collectively, our findings show how chemoresistance affects the properties of CSCs in their niche microenvironments. Cancer Res; 74(10); 2698–709. ©2014 AACR.