bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of canola meal derived from Brassica juncea and Brassica napus on rumen fermentation and nutrient digestibility by feedlot heifers fed finishing diets
Authors: Nair J. , Penner G.B. , Yu P. , (Bart) Lardner H.A. , McAllister T.A. , Damiran D. , McKinnon J.J.
Published: June 2016

Five yearling heifers (387 ± 6.5 kg) were utilized in a 5 × 5 Latin square to evaluate the substitution of canola meal (CM) derived from Brassica (B.) napus and B.juncea seed for barley grain on feed intake and nutrient utilization. The control diet (CONTROL) consisted of 88.3% barley grain, 4.4% barley silage, and 7.3% supplement [dry matter (DM) basis]. The four CM treatments included 10% and 20% B.napus or B.juncea meal, with CM replacing barley grain. Dry matter intake was not affected (P > 0.05) by treatment. Total duration and area under rumen pH 5.8, 5.5, and 5.2 increased (P < 0.05) with greater inclusion of CM, regardless of type. Cattle fed 20% CM had elevated rumen ammonia-N concentration and urinary N excretion. Cattle fed B. juncea meal exhibited greater (P < 0.05) apparent nutrient digestibility compared with those fed B. napus meal. In conclusion, meal derived from B. napus or B. juncea can be used to replace barley grain at levels up to 20% (DM) in finishing diets without compromising rumen fermentation or total tract nutrient digestibility. However, animal performance and possible economic benefits need to be balanced against the increasing N excretion resulting from over-feeding protein to cattle.
Design of cold recycled mixes with asphalt emulsion and portland cement
Authors: Bessa Iuri S. , Almeida Letícia R. , Vasconcelos Kamilla L. , Bernucci Liedi L.B.
Published: June 2016

Recycling techniques are important tools for rehabilitation of old and deteriorated asphalt pavements. The production of cold recycled mixes using reclaimed asphalt pavement as aggregates provides economic benefits as it decreases transportation costs, energy consumption, and gas emissions. Despite that, there is no internationally accepted methodology to design this type of mix. The present research evaluated the design of cold recycled mixes through different compaction methods and varying asphalt emulsion and cement contents. Different curing temperatures and periods were analyzed to propose a faster and more practical method for mix design in the laboratory. Mechanical tests performed indicated that specimens compacted by the Marshall hammer provide similar results when varying asphalt emulsion and cement contents, while the Proctor hammer compaction was able to better capture the influence of these materials. The temperature of 60 °C associated with shorter curing time is believed to be good for design purposes.
Discriminative Feature Selection Based on Imbalance SVDD for Fault Detection of Semiconductor Manufacturing Processes
Authors: Wang Jian , Feng Jian , Han Zhiyan
Published: June 2016

Feature selection has become a key step of fault detection. Unfortunately, the class imbalance in the modern semiconductor industry makes feature selection quite challenging. This paper analyzes the challenges and indicates the limitations of the traditional supervised and unsupervised feature selection methods. To cope with the limitations, a new feature selection method named imbalanced support vector data description-radius-recursive feature selection (ISVDD-radius-RFE) is proposed. When selecting features, the ISVDD-radius-RFE has three advantages: (1) ISVDD-radius-RFE is designed to find the most representative feature by finding the real shape of normal samples. (2) ISVDD-radius-RFE can represent the real shape of normal samples more correctly by introducing the discriminant information from fault samples. (3) ISVDD-radius-RFE is optimized for fault detection where the imbalance data is common. The kernel ISVDD-radius-RFE is also described in this paper. The proposed method is demonstrated through its application in the banana set and SECOM dataset. The experimental results confirm ISVDD-radius-RFE and kernel ISVDD-radius-RFE improve the performance of fault detection.
A numerical approach for solving nonlinear fractional Volterra–Fredholm integro-differential equations with mixed boundary conditions
Authors: Sahu P. K. , Ray S. Saha
Published: July 2016

In this paper, a numerical approximation based on Legendre wavelets has been developed to solve nonlinear fractional Volterra–Fredholm integro-differential equations. Legendre wavelets are generated by dilation and translation of Legendre polynomials. The properties of the Legendre wavelets are presented in the paper. The proposed wavelet method transforms the integral equations to a system of nonlinear algebraic equations and this algebraic system has been solved numerically by Newton’s method. Convergence analysis of the proposed method has been discussed in this paper. Some examples have been illustrated to show the applicability and accuracy of the present method.
DECIDING TO DISCOVER ENTREPRENEURIAL OPPORTUNITIES: A MULTI-LEVEL INVESTIGATION BASED ON INFORMATIONAL ECONOMICS AND RESOURCE DEPENDENCE THEORY
Authors: QIAN SHANSHAN , MA DALONG , MIAO CHAO
Published: June 2016

Under what circumstance do entrepreneurs decide to discover entrepreneurial opportunities to start new businesses? Informational economics suggests when entrepreneurs possess prior specific knowledge, they decide to discover opportunities. This paper contributes to informational economics perspective by taking resource dependence theory into consideration. Utilizing a conjoint experiment and a multilevel analysis of 66 student entrepreneurs, we found that students’ prior specific knowledge significantly influences students’ decision to discover opportunities. Further, we found that power imbalance moderates the relationship between prior specific knowledge and students’ decisions to discover opportunities. Our paper has theoretical implications and practical implications for entrepreneurs, educators and policy makers.
ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND THE INFORMAL ECONOMY: AN EMPIRICAL ANALYSIS
Authors: PETROVA KAMELIIA
Published: June 2016

This paper presents an empirical study investigating the effect of entrepreneurship on the incidence of informal employment. It builds upon economic models exploring the determinants of informal economy by analyzing the role played by institutions and policies and their effect on the informal sector. Among policies examined are payroll and severance taxes, labor and product market regulations, unemployment benefits, firing and hiring costs, enforcement of financial contracts and financial costs. The empirical analysis is based on a panel data approach. The main result of the paper supports the view that the informal sector is an “unregulated micro-entrepreneurial sector.” The findings suggest that differences in the level of entrepreneurial activities across developing countries are associated with variance in the incidence of informal employment, and that entrepreneurship has a positive effect on the informal sector. The incidence of informal employment is strongly affected by the public perception of government performance, role, accountability and effectiveness, as well as labor market and business regulations.
Taiwan as a Catalyst for a Sino-American Conflict
Authors: COPPER John F
Published: June 2016

Taiwan has long been a source of conflict between China and the United States. It has just held a critical election, won by the Democratic Progressive Party that stands for Taiwan’s independence. China is undergoing profound changes in its economy and politics. The United States is seriously at odds with China on a number of issues. All of this adds up to a China-US confrontation or worse.
China’s “Militarisation” in the South China Sea: Three Target Audiences
Authors: KUIK Cheng-Chwee
Published: June 2016

If “militarisation” is defined as an act of deploying military assets to pursue wider strategic ends, then all players of the South China Sea disputes have engaged in some forms of militarisation. China’s militarisation reflect three layers of target audiences: the United States (the main target), regional countries (the secondary target) and its domestic audience. Beijing’s growing anxieties over US rebalancing and the arbitration ruling have paradoxically pushed it to accelerate its “militarisation” activities.
The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank and China’s Role in Regional Economic Governance
Authors: XING Yuqing
Published: June 2016

The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) is the first multinational development bank initiated and led by China. It will challenge the dominance of the World Bank and Asian Development Bank in financing regional infrastructure projects, transforming US-led unipolar to multipolar global economic governance. China aims to achieve its diplomatic, economic and political objectives through the AIIB, such as facilitating “One Belt, One Road” strategy and steering regional cooperation and integration.
China’s Stock Market Turmoil: Lessons and Implications
Authors: WAN Jing
Published: June 2016

Several factors contributed to China’s market crash in 2015. One was the use of leverage trading. This includes both official margin trading as well as trading through various unofficial channels. The other was the introduction of the stock index future. Commercial banks were heavily involved in stock trading in this crash, mainly through providing leverages. The latest stock market fluctuations have taught the Chinese government several valuable lessons.
Collaborative Archaeologies and Descendant Communities
Authors: Colwell Chip
Published: June 2016

In the 1970s, public archaeology, a major theme in anthropology, sought to articulate the field's new orientation toward engaging the nonprofessional, general public, particularly in the realm of cultural resource management (CRM). Over the decades that followed, this approach evolved to focus increasingly on ways to connect archaeological heritage to different kinds of publics. Through this work, among the most important publics that emerged were groups who claimed descent from the ancient peoples archaeologists studied. By the end of the 1990s, a significant branch of archaeological practice had shifted toward new theories and methods for directly and meaningfully engaging descendant communities. This article focuses on how in the United States, and beyond, research with Native peoples in particular has created a rich dialogue about such wide-ranging themes as ethics, collaboration, indigeneity, and multivocality. Although critiques have emerged, the increasingly active role of descendant communities has fundamentally shifted the way museums present culture and contributed to community development, tribal heritage management programs, social justice, and the advancement of the CRM industry. Descendant communities have helped to fundamentally transform archaeology into a science that is driven by an ethical engagement with key publics invested in the interpretation and management of the material past.
Cytoplasmic Streaming in the Drosophila Oocyte
Authors: Quinlan Margot E.
Published: June 2016

Objects are commonly moved within the cell by either passive diffusion or active directed transport. A third possibility is advection, in which objects within the cytoplasm are moved with the flow of the cytoplasm. Bulk movement of the cytoplasm, or streaming, as required for advection, is more common in large cells than in small cells. For example, streaming is observed in elongated plant cells and the oocytes of several species. In the Drosophila oocyte, two stages of streaming are observed: relatively slow streaming during mid-oogenesis and streaming that is approximately ten times faster during late oogenesis. These flows are implicated in two processes: polarity establishment and mixing. In this review, I discuss the underlying mechanism of streaming, how slow and fast streaming are differentiated, and what we know about the physiological roles of the two types of streaming.
Strolling Toward New Concepts
Authors: Ito Koreaki
Published: June 2016

For more than four decades now, I have been studying how genetic information is transformed into protein-based cellular functions. This has included investigations into the mechanisms supporting cellular localization of proteins, disulfide bond formation, quality control of membranes, and translation. I tried to extract new principles and concepts that are universal among living organisms from our observations of Escherichia coli. While I wanted to distill complex phenomena into basic principles, I also tried not to overlook any serendipitous observations. In the first part of this article, I describe personal experiences during my studies of the Sec pathway, which have centered on the SecY translocon. In the second part, I summarize my views of the recent revival of translation studies, which has given rise to the concept that nonuniform polypeptide chain elongation is relevant for the subsequent fates of newly synthesized proteins. Our studies of a class of regulatory nascent polypeptides advance this concept by showing that the dynamic behaviors of the extraribosomal part of the nascent chain affect the ongoing translation process. Vibrant and regulated molecular interactions involving the ribosome, mRNA, and nascent polypeptidyl-tRNA are based, at least partly, on their autonomously interacting properties.
The Power of Asymmetry: Architecture and Assembly of the Gram-Negative Outer Membrane Lipid Bilayer
Authors: Henderson Jeremy C. , Zimmerman Shawn M. , Crofts Alexander A. , Boll Joseph M. , Kuhns Lisa G. , Herrera Carmen M. , Trent M. Stephen
Published: June 2016

Determining the chemical composition of biological materials is paramount to the study of natural phenomena. Here, we describe the composition of model gram-negative outer membranes, focusing on the predominant assembly, an asymmetrical bilayer of lipid molecules. We also give an overview of lipid biosynthetic pathways and molecular mechanisms that organize this material into the outer membrane bilayer. An emphasis is placed on the potential of these pathways as targets for antibiotic development. We discuss deviations in composition, through bacterial cell surface remodeling, and alternative modalities to the asymmetric lipid bilayer. Outer membrane lipid alterations of current microbiological interest, such as lipid structures found in commensal bacteria, are emphasized. Additionally, outer membrane components could potentially be engineered to develop vaccine platforms. Observations related to composition and assembly of gram-negative outer membranes will continue to generate novel discoveries, broaden biotechnologies, and reveal profound mysteries to compel future research.
Reduced ATGL-mediated lipolysis attenuates β-adrenergic-induced AMPK signaling, but not the induction of PKA-targeted genes, in adipocytes and adipose tissue
Authors: MacPherson Rebecca E. K. , Dragos Steven M. , Ramos Sofhia , Sutton Charles , Frendo-Cumbo Scott , Castellani Laura , Watt Matthew J. , Perry Christopher G. R. , Mutch David M. , Wright David C.
Published: June 2016

5′-AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is activated as a consequence of lipolysis and has been shown to play a role in regulation of adipose tissue mitochondrial content. Conversely, the inhibition of lipolysis has been reported to potentiate the induction of protein kinase A (PKA)-targeted genes involved in the regulation of oxidative metabolism. The purpose of the current study was to address these apparent discrepancies and to more fully examine the relationship between lipolysis, AMPK, and the β-adrenergic-mediated regulation of gene expression. In 3T3-L1 adipocytes, the adipose tissue triglyceride lipase (ATGL) inhibitor ATGListatin attenuated the Thr172 phosphorylation of AMPK by a β3-adrenergic agonist (CL 316,243) independent of changes in PKA signaling. Similarly, CL 316,243-induced increases in the Thr172 phosphorylation of AMPK were reduced in adipose tissue from whole body ATGL-deficient mice. Despite reductions in the activation of AMPK, the induction of PKA-targeted genes was intact or, in some cases, increased. Similarly, markers of mitochondrial content and respiration were increased in adipose tissue from ATGL knockout mice independent of changes in the Thr172 phosphorylation of AMPK. Taken together, our data provide evidence that AMPK is not required for the regulation of adipose tissue oxidative capacity in conditions of reduced fatty acid release.
Ventricular stimulus site influences dynamic dispersion of repolarization in the intact human heart
Authors: Srinivasan Neil T. , Orini Michele , Simon Ron B. , Providência Rui , Khan Fakhar Z. , Segal Oliver R. , Babu Girish G. , Bradley Richard , Rowland Edward , Ahsan Syed , Chow Anthony W. , Lowe Martin D. , Taggart Peter , Lambiase Pier D.
Published: July 2016

The spatial variation in restitution properties in relation to varying stimulus site is poorly defined. This study aimed to investigate the effect of varying stimulus site on apicobasal and transmural activation time (AT), action potential duration (APD) and repolarization time (RT) during restitution studies in the intact human heart. Ten patients with structurally normal hearts, undergoing clinical electrophysiology studies, were enrolled. Decapolar catheters were placed apex to base in the endocardial right ventricle (RVendo) and left ventricle (LVendo), and an LV branch of the coronary sinus (LVepi) for transmural recording. S1–S2 restitution protocols were performed pacing RVendo apex, LVendo base, and LVepi base. Overall, 725 restitution curves were analyzed, 74% of slopes had a maximum slope of activation recovery interval (ARI) restitution ( Smax) > 1 ( P < 0.001); mean Smax = 1.76. APD was shorter in the LVepi compared with LVendo, regardless of pacing site (30-ms difference during RVendo pacing, 25-ms during LVendo, and 48-ms during LVepi; 50th quantile, P < 0.01). Basal LVepi pacing resulted in a significant transmural gradient of RT (77 ms, 50th quantile: P < 0.01), due to loss of negative transmural AT-APD coupling (mean slope 0.63 ± 0.3). No significant transmural gradient in RT was demonstrated during endocardial RV or LV pacing, with preserved negative transmural AT-APD coupling (mean slope −1.36 ± 1.9 and −0.71 ± 0.4, respectively). Steep ARI restitution slopes predominate in the normal ventricle and dynamic ARI; RT gradients exist that are modulated by the site of activation. Epicardial stimulation to initiate ventricular activation promotes significant transmural gradients of repolarization that could be proarrhythmic.
Regulation of fetal liver growth in a model of diet restriction in the pregnant rat
Authors: Boylan Joan M. , Sanders Jennifer A. , Gruppuso Philip A.
Published: June 2016

Limited nutrient availability is a cause of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), a condition that has important implications for the well being of the offspring. Using the established IUGR model of maternal fasting in the rat, we investigated mechanisms that control gene expression and mRNA translation in late-gestation fetal liver. Maternal fasting for 48 h during the last one-third of gestation was associated with a 10–15% reduction in fetal body weight and a disproportionate one-third reduction in total fetal liver protein. The fetal liver transcriptome showed only subtle changes consistent with reduced cell proliferation and enhanced differentiation in IUGR. Effects on the transcriptome could not be attributed to specific transcription factors. We purified translating polysomes to profile the population of mRNAs undergoing active translation. Microarray analysis of the fetal liver translatome indicated a global reduction of translation. The only targeted effect was enhanced translation of mitochondrial ribosomal proteins in IUGR, consistent with enhanced mitochondrial biogenesis. There was no evidence for attenuated signaling through the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). Western blot analysis showed no changes in fetal liver mTOR signaling. However, eukaryotic initiation factor 2α (eIF2α) phosphorylation was increased in livers from IUGR fetuses, consistent with a role in global translation control. Our data indicate that IUGR-associated changes in hepatic gene expression and mRNA translation likely involve a network of complex regulatory mechanisms, some of which are novel and distinct from those that mediate the response of the liver to nutrient restriction in the adult rat.
High-mobility group box 1 inhibits HCO3−absorption in the medullary thick ascending limb through RAGE-Rho-ROCK-mediated inhibition of basolateral Na+/H+exchange
Authors: Watts Bruns A. , George Thampi , Badalamenti Andrew , Good David W.
Published: June 2016

High-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) is a nuclear protein released extracellularly in response to infection or injury, where it activates immune responses and contributes to the pathogenesis of kidney dysfunction in sepsis and sterile inflammatory disorders. Recently, we demonstrated that HMGB1 inhibits HCO3−absorption in perfused rat medullary thick ascending limbs (MTAL) through a basolateral receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE)-dependent pathway that is additive to Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)-ERK-mediated inhibition by LPS (Good DW, George T, Watts BA III. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 309: F720–F730, 2015). Here, we examined signaling and transport mechanisms that mediate inhibition by HMGB1. Inhibition of HCO3−absorption by HMGB1 was eliminated by the Rho-associated kinase (ROCK) inhibitor Y27632 and by a specific inhibitor of Rho, the major upstream activator of ROCK. HMGB1 increased RhoA and ROCK1 activity. HMGB1-induced ROCK1 activation was eliminated by the RAGE antagonist FPS-ZM1 and by inhibition of Rho. The Rho and ROCK inhibitors had no effect on inhibition of HCO3−absorption by bath LPS. Inhibition of HCO3−absorption by HMGB1 was eliminated by bath amiloride, 0 Na+bath, and the F-actin stabilizer jasplakinolide, three conditions that selectively prevent inhibition of MTAL HCO3−absorption mediated through NHE1. HMGB1 decreased basolateral Na+/H+exchange activity through activation of ROCK. We conclude that HMGB1 inhibits HCO3−absorption in the MTAL through a RAGE-RhoA-ROCK1 signaling pathway coupled to inhibition of NHE1. The HMGB1-RAGE-RhoA-ROCK1 pathway thus represents a potential target to attenuate MTAL dysfunction during sepsis and other inflammatory disorders. HMGB1 and LPS inhibit HCO3−absorption through different receptor signaling and transport mechanisms, which enables these pathogenic mediators to act directly and independently to impair MTAL function.
Regional activation within the vastus medialis in stimulated and voluntary contractions
Authors: Gallina Alessio , Ivanova Tanya D. , Garland S. Jayne
Published: July 2016

This study examined the contribution of muscle fiber orientation at different knee angles to regional activation identified with high-density surface electromyography (HDsEMG). Monopolar HDsEMG signals were collected using a grid of 13 × 5 electrodes placed over the vastus medialis (VM). Intramuscular electrical stimulation was used to selectively activate two regions within VM. The distribution of EMG responses to stimulation was obtained by calculating the amplitude of the compound action potential for each channel; the position of the peak amplitude was tracked across knee angles to describe shifts of the active muscle regions under the electrodes. In a separate experiment, regional activation was investigated in 10 knee flexion-extension movements against a fixed resistance. Intramuscular stimulation of different VM regions resulted in clear differences in amplitude distribution along the columns of the electrode grid ( P < 0.001); changes in knee angle resulted in consistent shifts along the rows ( P < 0.01) and negligible shifts along the columns of the electrode grid. Regional VM activation was identified in dynamic movement, with distal shifts of the EMG distribution in the eccentric phase of the movement ( P < 0.05) and at more flexed knee angles ( P < 0.05). HDsEMG was used to describe regional activation across the VM that was not attributable to anatomic factors. Changes in muscle fiber orientation associated with knee joint angle mainly influence the amplitude distribution along the fiber direction. Future studies are needed to understand possible functional roles for regional activation within the VM in dynamic tasks.
Structural and Biological Assessment of Zinc Doped Hydroxyapatite Nanoparticles
Authors: Popa Cristina Liana , Deniaud Aurélien , Michaud-Soret Isabelle , Guégan Régis , Motelica-Heino Mikael , Predoi Daniela
Published: June 2016

The aim of the current research work was to study the physicochemical and biological properties of synthesized zinc doped hydroxyapatite (ZnHAp) nanoparticles with Zn concentrationsxZn=0(HAp),xZn=0.07(7ZnHAp), andxZn=0.1(10ZnHAp) for potential use in biological applications. The morphology, size, compositions, and incorporation of zinc into hydroxyapatite were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman scattering, and X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS). In addition, the cytotoxicity of ZnHAp nanoparticles was tested on bothE. colibacteria and human hepatocarcinoma cell line HepG2. The results showed that ZnHAp nanoparticles (HAp, 7ZnHAp, and 10ZnHAp) have slightly elongated morphologies with average diameters between 25 nm and 18 nm. On the other hand, a uniform and homogeneous distribution of the constituent elements (calcium, phosphorus, zinc, and oxygen) in the ZnHAp powder was noticed. Besides, FTIR and Raman analyses confirmed the proper hydroxyapatite structure of the synthesized ZnHAp nanoparticles with the signature of phosphate, carbonate, and hydroxyl groups. Moreover, it can be concluded that Zn doping at the tested concentrations is not inducing a specific prokaryote or eukaryote toxicity in HAp compounds.
Deep Network Based on Stacked Orthogonal Convex Incremental ELM Autoencoders
Authors: Wang Chao , Wang Jianhui , Gu Shusheng
Published: June 2016

Extreme learning machine (ELM) as an emerging technology has recently attracted many researchers’ interest due to its fast learning speed and state-of-the-art generalization ability in the implementation. Meanwhile, the incremental extreme learning machine (I-ELM) based on incremental learning algorithm was proposed which outperforms many popular learning algorithms. However, the incremental algorithms with ELM do not recalculate the output weights of all the existing nodes when a new node is added and cannot obtain the least-squares solution of output weight vectors. In this paper, we propose orthogonal convex incremental learning machine (OCI-ELM) with Gram-Schmidt orthogonalization method and Barron’s convex optimization learning method to solve the nonconvex optimization problem and least-squares solution problem, and then we give the rigorous proofs in theory. Moreover, in this paper, we propose a deep architecture based on stacked OCI-ELM autoencoders according to stacked generalization philosophy for solving large and complex data problems. The experimental results verified with both UCI datasets and large datasets demonstrate that the deep network based on stacked OCI-ELM autoencoders (DOC-IELM-AEs) outperforms the other methods mentioned in the paper with better performance on regression and classification problems.
Data-Based Control for Humanoid Robots Using Support Vector Regression, Fuzzy Logic, and Cubature Kalman Filter
Authors: Wang Liyang , Chen Ming , Li Gai , Fan Yongqing
Published: June 2016

Time-varying external disturbances cause instability of humanoid robots or even tip robots over. In this work, a trapezoidal fuzzy least squares support vector regression- (TF-LSSVR-) based control system is proposed to learn the external disturbances and increase the zero-moment-point (ZMP) stability margin of humanoid robots. First, the humanoid states and the corresponding control torques of the joints for training the controller are collected by implementing simulation experiments. Secondly, a TF-LSSVR with a time-related trapezoidal fuzzy membership function (TFMF) is proposed to train the controller using the simulated data. Thirdly, the parameters of the proposed TF-LSSVR are updated using a cubature Kalman filter (CKF). Simulation results are provided. The proposed method is shown to be effective in learning and adapting occasional external disturbances and ensuring the stability margin of the robot.
Dynamic Behavior of Tied-Arch Bridges under the Action of Moving Loads
Authors: Lonetti Paolo , Pascuzzo Arturo , Davanzo Alessandro
Published: June 2016

The dynamic behavior of tied-arch bridges under the action of moving load is investigated. The main aim of the paper is to quantify, numerically, dynamic amplification factors of typical kinematic and stress design variables by means of a parametric study developed in terms of the structural characteristics of the bridge and moving loads. The basic formulation is developed by using a finite element approach, in which refined schematization is adopted to analyze the interaction between the bridge structure and moving loads. Moreover, in order to evaluate, numerically, the influence of coupling effects between bridge deformations and moving loads, the analysis focuses attention on usually neglected nonstandard terms in the inertial forces concerning both centripetal acceleration and Coriolis acceleration. Sensitivity analyses are proposed in terms of dynamic impact factors, in which the effects produced by the external mass of the moving system on the dynamic bridge behavior are evaluated.
Effect of the Volume Fraction of Jute Fiber on the Interlaminar Shear Stress and Tensile Behavior Characteristics of Hybrid Glass/Jute Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composite Bar for Concrete Structures
Authors: Park Chan-Gi
Published: June 2016

Hybrid glass/jute fiber reinforced polymer (HGJFRP) composite bars were manufactured for concrete structures, and their interlaminar shear stress and tensile performance were evaluated. HGJFRP composite bars were manufactured using a combination of pultrusion and braiding processes. Jute fiber was surface-treated with a silane coupling agent. The mixing ratio of the fiber to the vinyl ester used in the HGJFRP composite bars was 7 : 3. Jute fiber was used to replace glass fiber in proportions of 0, 30, 50, 70, and 100%. The interlaminar shear stress decreased as the proportion of jute fiber increased. Fractures appeared due to delamination between the surface-treated component and the main part of the HGJFRP composite bar. Tensile load-strain curves with 50% jute fiber exhibited linear behavior. With a jute fiber volume fraction of 70%, some plastic deformation occurred. A jute fiber mixing ratio of 100% resulted in a display of linear elastic brittle behavior from the fiber; however, when the surface of the fiber was coated with poly(vinyl acetate), following failure, the jute fiber exhibited partial load resistance. The tensile strength decreased as the jute fiber content increased; however, the tensile strength did not vary linearly with jute fiber content.
A Simple Fatigue Life Prediction Algorithm Using the Modified NASGRO Equation
Authors: Zhang Wei , Wang Qiang , Li Xiaoyang , He Jingjing
Published: June 2016

A simple fatigue life prediction algorithm using the modified NASGRO equation is proposed in this paper. The NASGRO equation is modified by introducing the concept of intrinsic effective threshold stress intensity factor (SIF) rangeΔKeffth. One advantage of the proposed method is that the complex growth behavior analysis of small cracks can be avoided, and then the fatigue life can be calculated by directly integrating the crack growth model from the initial defect size to the critical crack size. The fatigue limit and the intrinsic effective threshold SIF rangeΔKeffthare used to calculate the initial defect size or initial flaw size. The value ofΔKeffthis determined by extrapolating the crack propagation rate curves. Instead of using the fatigue limit determined by the fatigue strength at the specific fatigue life, the fatigue limit is selected based on the horizontal tendency of theS-Ncurve. The calculated fatigue lives are compared to the experimental data of two different alloys. The predictedS-Ncurves agree with the test data well. Besides, the prediction results are compared with that calculated using the FASTRAN code. Results indicate that the proposed life prediction algorithm is simple and efficient.
A Clinical Experimental Model to Evaluate Analgesic Effect of Remote Ischemic Preconditioning in Acute Postoperative Pain
Authors: Pereira Francisco Elano Carvalho , Mello Irene Lopes , Medeiros Pimenta Fernando Heladio de Oliveira , Costa Debora Maia , Wong Deysi Viviana Tenazoa , Fernandes Claudia Regina , Lima Junior Roberto César , Gomes Josenília M. Alves
Published: June 2016

This study aims to evaluate the viability of a clinical model of remote ischemic preconditioning (RIPC) and its analgesic effects. It is a prospective study with twenty (20) patients randomly divided into two groups: control group and RIPC group. The opioid analgesics consumption in the postoperative period, the presence of secondary mechanical hyperalgesia, the scores of postoperative pain by visual analog scale, and the plasma levels interleukins (IL-6) were evaluated. The tourniquet applying after spinal anesthetic block was safe, producing no pain for all patients in the tourniquet group. The total dose of morphine consumption in 24 hours was significantly lower in RIPC group than in the control group (p=0.0156). The intensity analysis of rest pain, pain during coughing and pain in deep breathing, showed that visual analogue scale (VAS) scores were significantly lower in RIPC group compared to the control group: p=0.0087, 0.0119, and 0.0015, respectively. There were no differences between groups in the analysis of presence or absence of mechanical hyperalgesia (p=0.0704) and in the serum levels of IL-6 dosage over time (p<0.0001). This clinical model of remote ischemic preconditioning promoted satisfactory analgesia in patients undergoing conventional cholecystectomy, without changing serum levels of IL-6.
Cross-Linkable Epoxidized Maleinated Castor Oil: A Renewable Resin Alternative to Unsaturated Polyesters
Authors: Şahin Yeşim Müge , Çaylı Gökhan , Çavuşoğlu Jesmi , Tekay Emre , Şen Sinan
Published: June 2016

As an alternative resin to conventional synthetic unsaturated polyesters (UPEs), epoxidized maleinated castor oil (EMACO) was synthesized in two steps. For this purpose, castor oil was reacted with maleic anhydride at 70°C to obtain maleinated castor oil (MACO). Then, epoxidation of MACO was carried out by using a mixture of formic acid and hydrogen peroxide at 0–5°C. Then, the free carboxyl groups of the synthesized EMACO were further reacted with free epoxide groups of EMACO at 90°C. At the end of the reaction, an unsaturated polyester precursor-prepolymer was obtained (P-EMACO). FTIR and1H NMR spectroscopic techniques were used to characterize the monomers synthesized. The P-EMACO was then mixed with styrene and cross-linked in the presence of AIBN at 50°C. Thermal and mechanical properties of the final cross-linked product were investigated by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) techniques. The degradation onset temperature of the material at which cross-linked X-EMACO loses 5% of its weight was found to be 209°C. Its dynamicTgand storage modulus at 25°C were determined as 72°C and 1.08 GPa, respectively. These results are higher than some of the different oil based polymers reported in the literature.
Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha Inhibits L-Type Ca2+Channels in Sensitized Guinea Pig Airway Smooth Muscle through ERK 1/2 Pathway
Authors: Reyes-García Jorge , Flores-Soto Edgar , Solís-Chagoyán Héctor , Sommer Bettina , Díaz-Hernández Verónica , García-Hernández Luz María , Montaño Luis M.
Published: June 2016

Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) is a potent proinflammatory cytokine that plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of asthma by inducing hyperresponsiveness and airway remodeling. TNF-αdiminishes the L-type voltage dependent Ca2+channel (L-VDCC) current in cardiac myocytes, an observation that seems paradoxical. In guinea pig sensitized tracheas KCl responses were lower than in control tissues. Serum from sensitized animals (Ser-S) induced the same phenomenon. In tracheal myocytes from nonsensitized (NS) and sensitized (S) guinea pigs, an L-VDCC current (ICa) was observed and diminished by Ser-S. The same decrease was detected in NS myocytes incubated with TNF-α, pointing out that this cytokine might be present in Ser-S. We observed that a small-molecule inhibitor of TNF-α(SMI-TNF) and a TNF-αreceptor 1 (TNFR1) antagonist (WP9QY) reversed ICa decrease induced by Ser-S in NS myocytes, confirming the former hypothesis. U0126 (a blocker of ERK 1/2 kinase) also reverted the decrease in ICa. Neither cycloheximide (a protein synthesis inhibitor) nor actinomycin D (a transcription inhibitor) showed any effect on the TNF-α-induced ICa reduction. We found thatCaV1.2andCaV1.3mRNA and proteins were expressed in tracheal myocytes and that sensitization did not modify them. In cardiac myocytes, ERK 1/2 phosphorylates two sites of the L-VDCC, augmenting or decreasing ICa; we postulate that, in guinea pig tracheal smooth muscle, TNF-αdiminishes ICa probably by phosphorylating the L-VDCC site that reduces its activity through the ERK1/2 MAP kinase pathway.
Midkine: A Novel Biomarker to Predict Malignancy in Patients with Nodular Thyroid Disease
Authors: Kuzu Fatih , Arpaci Dilek , Unal Mustafa , Altas Ayfer , Haytaoglu Gürkan , Can Murat , Barut Figen , Kokturk Furuzan , Ilikhan Sevil Uygun , Bayraktaroglu Taner
Published: June 2016

Background. Midkine (MK), a new heparin-binding growth factor, plays important roles in a variety of biological phenomena such as carcinogenesis, inflammation, and angiogenesis. In this study, we aimed to evaluate serum midkine (SMK) and nodular midkine (NMK) levels in patients with thyroid nodules to predict malignancy and whether there was any association between.Methods. A total of 105 patients (74 women, 31 men) with thyroid nodules were enrolled. The levels of SMK and NMK were measured. Any possible correlation between SMK, NMK, and biochemical, cytopathological, or radiological variables was investigated.Results. Both SMK and NMK were found to be higher in hypoechoic nodules with an irregular border and without a halo (p<0.05). Serum MK levels were significantly higher in nodules with microcalcifications than nodules with macrocalcification or without calcification (p=0.001). SMK levels were found to be correlated with NMK levels (SMK 0.63 ng/ml versus 1.04 ng/mL and NMK 0.55 ng/mL versus 0.55 ng/mL,r2=0.54,p<0.001).Conclusion. Both SMK and NMK can predict tumorigenesis of highly malignant/suspicious thyroid cytopathology and also well correlated with sonographic features of thyroid nodules. We suggest that MK levels may serve as an alternative biomarker, in conjunction with the cytopathological results in preoperative assessment of thyroid nodules.
Fuzzy Approach in Ranking of Banks according to Financial Performances
Authors: Jakšić Milena , Moljević Slaviša , Aleksić Aleksandar , Misita Mirjana , Arsovski Slavko , Tadić Danijela , Mimović Predrag
Published: June 2016

Evaluating bank performance on a yearly basis and making comparison among banks in certain time intervals provide an insight into general financial state of banks and their relative position with respect to the environment (creditors, investors, and stakeholders). The aim of this study is to propose a new fuzzy multicriteria model to evaluate banks respecting relative importance of financial performances and their values. The relative importance of each pair of financial performance groups is assessed linguistic expressions which are modeled by triangular fuzzy numbers. Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchical Process (FAHP) is applied to determine relative weights of the financial performances. In order to rank the treated banks, new model based on Fuzzy Technique for Order Performance by Similarity to Ideal Solution (FTOPSIS) is deployed. The proposed model is illustrated by an example giving real life data from 12 banks having 80% share of the Serbian market. In order to verify the proposed FTOPSIS different measures of separation are used. The presented solution enables the ranking of banks, gives an insight of bank’s state to stakeholders, and provides base for successful improvement in a field of strategy quality in bank business.
On the Computation of Degenerate Hopf Bifurcations forn-Dimensional Multiparameter Vector Fields
Authors: Markakis Michail P. , Douris Panagiotis S.
Published: June 2016

The restriction of ann-dimensional nonlinear parametric system on the center manifold is treated via a new proper symbolic form and analytical expressions of the involved quantities are obtained as functions of the parameters by lengthy algebraic manipulations combined with computer assisted calculations. Normal forms regarding degenerate Hopf bifurcations up to codimension 3, as well as the corresponding Lyapunov coefficients and bifurcation portraits, can be easily computed for any system under consideration.
Explicit Determinantal Representation Formulas ofW-Weighted Drazin Inverse Solutions of Some Matrix Equations over the Quaternion Skew Field
Authors: Kyrchei Ivan I.
Published: June 2016

By using determinantal representations of theW-weighted Drazin inverse previously obtained by the author within the framework of the theory of the column-row determinants, we get explicit formulas for determinantal representations of theW-weighted Drazin inverse solutions (analogs of Cramer’s rule) of the quaternion matrix equationsWAWX=D,XWBW=D, andW1AW1XW2BW2=D.
Rebound Effects Caused by Withdrawal of MET Kinase Inhibitor Are Quenched by a MET Therapeutic Antibody
Authors: Pupo Emanuela , Ducano Nadia , Lupo Barbara , Vigna Elisa , Avanzato Daniele , Perera Timothy , Trusolino Livio , Lanzetti Letizia , Comoglio Paolo M.
Published: July 2016

MET oncogene amplification is emerging as a major mechanism of acquired resistance to EGFR-directed therapy in lung and colorectal cancers. Furthermore, MET amplification predicts responsiveness to MET inhibitors currently in clinical trials. Among the anti-MET drugs available, ATP-competitive small-molecule kinase inhibitors abrogate receptor autophosphorylation and downstream activation of ERK1/2 and AKT, resulting in cell-cycle arrest. However, this antiproliferative effect allows persistence of a pool of cancer cells that are quiescent but alive. Once the inhibition is removed, rebound activation of MET-driven cell proliferative pathways and tumor growth may occur, an adverse event observed frequently in clinical settings after drug discontinuation. Here we show that inhibitor withdrawal prompts receptor phosphorylation to levels higher than those displayed at steady-state and generates a rebound effect pushing quiescent cancer cells back into the cell cycle, both in vitro and in experimental tumor models in vivo. Mechanistically, we found that inhibitor treatment blocks MET endocytosis, causing a local increase in the number of receptors at the plasma membrane. Upon inhibitor washout, the receptor is readily rephosphorylated. The initial phosphorylation is not only increased but also prolonged in duration due to downmodulation of a phosphatase-mediated MET-negative feedback loop, which accompanies receptor internalization. Notably, treatment with a MET therapeutic antibody that induces proteolytic cleavage of the receptor at the cell surface substantially prevents this rebound effect, providing a rationale to combine or alternate these mechanistically different types of MET-targeted therapy. Cancer Res; 76(17); 5019–29. ©2016 AACR.
Imaging of Esophageal Lymph Node Metastases by Desorption Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Abbassi-Ghadi Nima , Golf Ottmar , Kumar Sacheen , Antonowicz Stefan , McKenzie James S. , Huang Juzheng , Strittmatter Nicole , Kudo Hiromi , Jones Emrys A. , Veselkov Kirill , Goldin Robert , Takats Zoltan , Hanna George B.
Published: July 2016

Histopathological assessment of lymph node metastases (LNM) depends on subjective analysis of cellular morphology with inter-/intraobserver variability. In this study, LNM from esophageal adenocarcinoma was objectively detected using desorption electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry imaging (DESI-MSI). Ninety lymph nodes (LN) and their primary tumor biopsies from 11 esophago-gastrectomy specimens were examined and analyzed by DESI-MSI. Images from mass spectrometry and corresponding histology were coregistered and analyzed using multivariate statistical tools. The MSIs revealed consistent lipidomic profiles of individual tissue types found within LNs. Spatial mapping of the profiles showed identical distribution patterns as per the tissue types in matched IHC images. Lipidomic profile comparisons of LNM versus the primary tumor revealed a close association in contrast to benign LN tissue types. This similarity was used for the objective prediction of LNM in mass spectrometry images utilizing the average lipidomic profile of esophageal adenocarcinoma. The multivariate statistical algorithm developed for LNM identification demonstrated a sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of 89.5%, 100%, 100%, and 97.2%, respectively, when compared with gold-standard IHC. DESI-MSI has the potential to be a diagnostic tool for perioperative identification of LNM and compares favorably with techniques currently used by histopathology experts. Cancer Res; 76(19); 5647–56. ©2016 AACR.
Long-Term Risk for Noncervical Anogenital Cancer in Women with Previously Diagnosed High-Grade Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia: A Danish Nationwide Cohort Study
Authors: Sand Freja Lærke , Munk Christian , Jensen Signe Marie , Svahn Malene Frøsig , Frederiksen Kirsten , Kjær Susanne K.
Published: June 2016

Background: High-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) is essential for developing high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN2 and CIN3) and has also been associated with noncervical anogenital cancers. However, limited knowledge exists about the long-term risk for anal, vulvar, and vaginal cancer following CIN2 or CIN3 diagnosis.

Methods: In a nationwide cohort study, we followed nearly 2.8 million women born in 1918–1990 who were recorded as living in Denmark between January 1, 1978 and December 31, 2012. The cohort was linked to multiple nationwide registers to obtain information on cancer diagnoses and confounders. Follow-up started when the women reached 18 years, date of immigration, or January 1978, and continued until emigration, death, December 31, 2012, or the date of first diagnosis of anogenital or rectal cancer.

Results: Women with a history of CIN2 or CIN3 had higher risks for subsequent anal, vulvar, and vaginal cancer than women with no such history. The relative risks were higher for CIN3 than CIN2. No excess risk was found for rectal cancer. Analyses in which time since first CIN3 was taken into account showed increased relative risks for anal [HR = 4.8; 95% confidence interval (CI), 3.3–7.0], vulvar (HR = 3.2; 95% CI, 2.0–5.3), and vaginal (HR = 5.5; 95% CI, 2.4–12.3) cancers ≥25 years after CIN3 diagnosis.

Conclusion: Women with a history of CIN2 or CIN3 have a long-term increased relative risk for developing anal, vulvar, and vaginal cancer due to an impaired ability to control a persistent HPV infection.

Impact: This finding adds to our understanding of the relation between HPV infection and noncervical anogenital cancer. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 25(7); 1090–7. ©2016 AACR.