bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Role of Antiplatelets in Hypertension and Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Ajjan R. A. , Grant Peter J.
Published: April 2011

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the main cause of mortality and morbidity in patients with diabetes. Prevention of CVD in diabetes involves a multifactorial approach that aims to treat the cluster of risk factors including hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, obesity, hypertension, and hypercoagulation associated with this condition. Antiplatelets reduce the prothrombotic environment in diabetes, but complications of this therapeutic approach include a general risk of bleeding, specifically intracranial hemorrhage, the risk of which increases in the presence of hypertension. Current guidelines recommend the use of antiplatelet agents after tight control of blood pressure, which, in clinical practice, is not always possible. In this review, the evidence for antiplatelet use in diabetes with particular emphasis on patients with associated hypertension is examined. Safe levels of blood pressure with antiplatelet therapy, various studies, and general recommendations for diabetes patients, in light of current evidence, are explored. J Clin Hypertens (Greenwich). 2011;13:305–313. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Renin‐Angiotensin‐Aldosterone System in Diabetes and Hypertension
Authors: Hsueh Willa A. , Wyne Kathleen
Published: April 2011

Activation of the renin‐angiotensin‐aldosterone system (RAAS) is the primary etiologic event in the development of hypertension in people with diabetes mellitus. Modulation of the RAAS has been shown to slow the progression and even cause regression of the microvascular and macrovascular complications associated with diabetes mellitus. Early pharmacotherapy with agents that decrease RAAS activation in the adipose tissue have had a dramatic impact on the prevalence of diabetes related complications. Recent data show that preventing the development of “angry fat” can prevent not just hypertension but also type 2 diabetes mellitus and its associated complications. This review updates what is known about angry fat and the role of RAAS inhibition in preventing the metabolic sequelae of local RAAS activation. J Clin Hypertens (Greenwich). 2011;13:224–237. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Wet Compression Analysis Including Velocity Slip Effects
Authors: White A. J. , Meacock A. J.
Published: April 2011

Injection of water droplets into industrial gas turbines in order to boost power output is now common practice. The intention is usually to saturate and cool the intake air, especially in hot and dry climates, but in many cases, droplets carry over into the compressor and continue to evaporate. Evaporation within the compressor itself (often referred to as overspray) is also central to several advanced wet cycles, including the moist air turbine and the so-called TOP Humidified Air Turbine (TOPHAT) cycle. The resulting wet compression process affords a number of thermodynamic advantages, such as reduced compression work and increased mass flow rate and specific heat capacity of the turbine flow. Against these benefits, many of the compressor stages will operate at significantly off-design flow angles, thereby compromising aerodynamic performance. The calculations presented here entail coupling a mean-line compressor calculation method with droplet evaporation routines and a numerical method for estimating radial and circumferential slip velocities. The impingement of droplets onto blades and the various associated processes (including film evaporation) are also taken into account. The calculations allow for a polydispersion of droplet sizes and droplet temperature relaxation effects (i.e., the full droplet energy equation is solved rather than assuming that droplets adopt the wet-bulb temperature). The method is applied to a generic single-shaft 12-stage compressor. Results are presented for computed droplet trajectories, the overall effect on compressor characteristics (and how this depends on droplet size), and the effects of deposition and subsequent film evaporation. As with previously published wet compression calculations (with no velocity slip), it is found that pressure rise characteristics shift to higher mass flow and pressure ratio with increasing water injection rate and that aerodynamic efficiency falls due to the stages moving away from their design point. For droplet sizes typical of fog boosting, the overall effect of slip is to slightly increase the evaporative cooling effect through the enhanced heat and mass transfer rates.
Study of Laminar Forced Convection of Radiating Gas Over an Inclined Backward Facing Step Under Bleeding Condition Using the Blocked-Off Method
Authors: Ansari A. B. , Nassab S. A. Gandjalikhan
Published: April 2011

This paper presents a numerical investigation for laminar forced convection flow of a radiating gas over an inclined backward facing step in a horizontal duct subjected to bleeding condition. The fluid is treated as a gray, absorbing, emitting, and scattering medium. The two-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system is used to simulate flow over inclined surface by considering the blocked-off region in regular grid. The governing differential equations consisting the momentum and energy are solved numerically by the computational fluid dynamics techniques to obtain the velocity and temperature fields. Discretized forms of these equations are obtained by the finite volume method and solved using the SIMPLE algorithm. Since the gas is considered as a radiating medium, convection, conduction, and radiation heat transfer mechanisms take place simultaneously in the gas flow. For computation of the radiative term in the gas energy equation, the radiative transfer equation is solved numerically by the discrete ordinate method to find the radiative heat flux distribution inside the radiating medium. The effects of bleeding coefficient, inclination angle, optical thickness, albedo coefficient, and the radiation-conduction parameter on the flow and temperature distributions are carried out.
FABRICATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF NANOSTRUCTURED Al6061 ALLOY AND ITS AGING BEHAVIOR
Authors: HOSSEINI N. , KARIMZADEH F. , ABBASI M. H. , ENAYATI M. H.
Published: April 2011

The present paper is focused on fabrication, characterization, and aging behavior of nanostructured Al 6061 alloy prepared by mechanical milling. The milling was performed on Al 6061 in a planetary ball mill under argon atmosphere for various times up to 30 h. Isothermal heat treatment was then carried out on 30 h milled powder at different temperatures up to 550°C. The structural evolution of milled and annealed powders was studied by X-ray diffraction, SEM observation, and hardness measurements. The results showed that the final milled product was an Al – Mg – Si supersaturated solid solution having a grain size of 35 nm and a microhardness of 157 HV. Additionally, Mg 2 Si precipitation between 250 and 300°C led to an increase in hardness with the peak-aging hardness value of 207 HV after heat treatment at 300°C for 2 h. Above this temperature, due to the dissolution of the precipitates and grain growth, the hardness values decreased to 130 HV after heat treatment at 550°C for 3 h.
A TWO-COMPONENT FLUID MIXTURE OF THE HARD SPHEROCYLINDERS
Authors: MORADI M. , KHORDAD R.
Published: April 2011

We study a classical fluid mixture of nonspherical molecules. The components of the mixture are two kinds of the hard spherocylinders with different shape anisotropies L/D. Two different approaches are used to calculate the direct correlation functions (DCF) of this kind of fluids. First, we use a formalism based on the weighted density functional theory (WDFT), introduced by Chamoux and Perera [ J. Chem. Phys.104, 1493 (1996)]. Second, we describe a general approach solving the Percus–Yevick (PY) and the hypernetted chain integral equation numerically for the fluid mixtures of hard nonspherical particles. In the second approach, the pair, total, and DCF of binary molecular fluid mixtures can be calculated simultaneously whereas in the WDFT, the pair and the total correlation functions are calculated indirectly. The obtained correlation functions are compared using these two methods. The pressure of the fluid mixture is also calculated using the Fourier zero components of the DCFs and compared with the Monte Carlo simulation. Finally, the large and small shape anisotropy, are considered and the results are compared with the binary fluid mixture of hard ellipsoids and hard spheres. The results are fairly in agreement.
BROWNIAN DYNAMICS SIMULATIONS OF A DOUBLE-END ANCHORED POLYMER UNDER A PERIODIC OSCILLATORY FORCE
Authors: ZHANG QIYI , LI KEREN , TANG HAIYAN
Published: April 2011

We present results of the dynamics of a single polymer, anchored at both ends and subjected to a periodic oscillatory force at a middle segment. Via Brownian dynamics simulations, the influences of the periodicity of the forcing on the shape of the orbit in the position-force plane have been investigated for flexible and semiflexible polymer. The shape of the orbit exhibits in the form of hysteresis cycle or a single curve.
A STATISTICAL DYNAMIC APPROACH TO STRUCTURAL EVOLUTION OF COMPLEX CAPITAL MARKET SYSTEMS
Authors: SHAO XIAO , CHAI LI H.
Published: April 2011

As an important part of modern financial systems, capital market has played a crucial role on diverse social resource allocations and economical exchanges. Beyond traditional models and/or theories based on neoclassical economics, considering capital markets as typical complex open systems, this paper attempts to develop a new approach to overcome some shortcomings of the available researches. By defining the generalized entropy of capital market systems, a theoretical model and nonlinear dynamic equation on the operations of capital market are proposed from statistical dynamic perspectives. The US security market from 1995 to 2001 is then simulated and analyzed as a typical case. Some instructive results are discussed and summarized.
A METHOD TO CONSTRUCT WEIERSTRASS ELLIPTIC FUNCTION SOLUTION FOR NONLINEAR EQUATIONS
Authors: SHI LIANG-MA , ZHANG LING-FENG , MENG HAO , ZHAO HONG-WEI , ZHOU SHI-PING
Published: April 2011

A method for constructing the solutions of nonlinear evolution equations by using the Weierstrass elliptic function and its first-order derivative was presented. This technique was then applied to Burgers and Klein–Gordon equations which showed its efficiency and validality for exactly some solving nonlinear evolution equations.
SHOCK HUGONIOT RELATION OF UNREACTED HETEROGENEOUS EXPLOSIVES
Authors: FU HUA , LI TAO , TAN DUO-WANG , ZHAO FENG
Published: April 2011

There is a continuing interest in determining the characteristics of unreacted plastic bonded explosives (PBXs). In this work, a Particle Velocity Comparing Method to determine the unreacted Hugoniot of heterogeneous explosive using magnetic particle velocity gauge is described. The Hugoniot for the PBXs has been measured using flyer driven by planar wave lens. A superposition principle considering unreacted explosives as composite and porous materials is presented, the unreacted Hugoniot of explosives is calculated, and the results of calculation are compared with the experiment results.
ELECTRICAL PROPERTIES OF LiCoVO4 CERAMICS
Authors: RAM MOTI
Published: April 2011

Solution-based chemical method was used to prepare the compound LiCoVO 4. Compound formation was checked by X-ray diffraction (XRD) study and it revealed a cubic unit cell structure with lattice parameter: a = 8.2840 (3) Å. Complex impedance result shows bulk contribution to electrical properties up to 225°C, grain boundary effects for all T ≥ 250° C , and evidence of temperature-dependent electrical relaxation phenomena in the material. The values of activation energy were determined from the Arrhenius plot of DC conductivity versus 103/T and were equal to ~0.09 eV at 50–200°C and ~0.48 eV at 200–350°C. Complex modulus study indicates non-Debye type (polydispersive) conductivity relaxation in the compound.
QUANTUM CORRECTIONS TO CONDUCTIVITY FOR SEMICONDUCTORS WITH VARIOUS STRUCTURES
Authors: ALAVI S. A. , TATAR A.
Published: April 2011

We study the magnetic field dependences of the conductivity in heavily doped, strongly disordered 2D quantum well structures within wide conductivity and temperature ranges. We show that the exact analytical expression derived in our previous paper [S. A. Alavi and S. Rouhani, Phys. Lett. A320, 327 (2004)], is in better agreement with the existing equation, i.e., Hikami et al. expression [ Prog. Theor. Phys.63, 707 (1980)] and Littman and Schmid expression [J. Low Temp. Phys.69, 131 (1987)], with the experimental data even in low magnetic field for which the diffusion approximation is valid. On the other hand from theoretical point of view we observe that our equation is also rich because it establishes a strong relationship between quantum corrections to the conductivity and the quantum symmetry Suq(2). It is shown that the quantum corrections to the conductivity is the trace of Green function made by a generator of Suq(2) algebra. Using this fact we show that the quantum corrections to the conductivity can be expressed as a sum of an infinite number of Feynman diagrams.
DESIGN AND REALIZATION OF MULTI-WING CHAOTIC ATTRACTORS VIA SWITCHING CONTROL
Authors: ZHANG CHAO-XIA , YU SI-MIN , ZHANG YUN
Published: April 2011

In this paper, a novel approach for generating multi-wing chaotic attractors via switching control is proposed. By using a switching controller, multi-wing chaotic attractors can be generated from a double-wing system. The presented method is different from that of classical multi-scroll chaotic attractors generated by odd-symmetric multi-segment linear functions from Chua system. Furthermore, the basic dynamical behaviors, including equilibrium points, maximum Lyapunov exponents and bifurcations, are further investigated. An improved module-based unified circuit is designed for realizing 4, 6, 8 and 10-wing chaotic attractors, and the experimental result is also demonstrated, which is consistent with the numerical simulation.
CHERN–SIMONS THEORY OF FRACTIONAL QUANTUM HALL EFFECT IN (PSEUDO) MASSLESS DIRAC ELECTRONS
Authors: ZENG HUABI
Published: April 2011

We derive the effective-field theory from the microscopic Hamiltonian of interacting two-dimensional (pseudo) Dirac electrons by performing a statistic gauge transformation. The quantized Hall conductance are expected to be σxy=e2/h(2k-1) where k is arbitrary integer. There are also topological excitations which have fractional charge and obey fractional statistics.
THE APPLICATION AND CHARACTERISTICS OF THE COHERENT ENTANGLED STATE |β, x〉
Authors: ZHANG YUN-HAI , XU XING-LEI , XU SHI-MIN , LI HONG-QI
Published: April 2011

The coherent entangled state |β, x〉 is proposed in Fock space, which exhibits both the properties of the coherent and entangled states. The |β, x〉 makes up a new quantum mechanical representation, and the completeness relation of |β, x〉 is proved by virtue of the technique of integral within an ordered product of operators. The corresponding Schmidt decomposition of |β, x〉 is investigated. Furthermore, a feasible experimental scheme of |β, x〉 is presented, and generalized P-representation is constructed in the coherent entangled state |β, x〉.
MAGNETIC BEHAVIOR OF FUNCTIONALLY MODIFIED SPINEL Ni0.4Ca0.6Fe2O4 NANOFERRITE
Authors: PRASAD ARUN S. , DHAWAN M. S. , DOLIA S. N. , SAMARIYA ARVIND , REDDY V. R. , SINGHAL R. K. , PREDEEP P.
Published: April 2011

The editorial board discovered that the data points in several sections of the Mossbauer spectra as given in Figs. 3(a) and 3(b) are exactly identical. This is impossible and nonphysical for the measurement of two different samples (or for that matter not even for the same sample!). The only conclusion we can draw from this figure is that some of the data is fabricated. As a result, the results and conclusions as described in the paper are unacceptable. This article is retracted from its publication in Int. J. Mod. Phys. B.
NANOINDENTATION SIMULATION ON MECHANICAL BEHAVIOR OF NANOCRYSTALLINENi
Authors: TANG QIHENG , YANG TIANYONG
Published: April 2011

The indentation simulation of the nanocrystalline Ni is carried out by molecular dynamics technique (MD) to study the mechanical behavior at nanometer scales. The sphere indenter is used, and simulation sample with three grains and two grain boundaries is adopted. The strength of nanocrystalline is studied as indenter is set at grain boundary and grain, respectively. Some defects such as dislocations or slipping deformation are observed. It is found that dislocations are emitted from the grain boundary or the sample surface. The temperature distribution of local region around indenter is analyzed and it can explain our MD simulation results.
SIZE DEPENDENCE OF INTERBAND TRANSITIONS INAlNANOPARTICLE
Authors: PENG YAJING , YIN XUEFEI , DING WEIQIANG
Published: April 2011

The interband transition onset frequency of nanoaluminum is found to approximately, linearly decrease as reducing aluminum diameter in the 25–100 nm range. This linear relation is indicated to originate mostly from increased inner strain of nanoparticle caused by the small size effect. This relation realizes to introduce the size dependence of interband transitions into the metallic dielectric function and has its important application in the laser ignition of nanoenergetic materials.
THE SUBWORD REVERSING METHOD
Authors: DEHORNOY PATRICK
Published: April 2011

We summarize the main known results involving subword reversing, a method of semigroup theory for constructing van Kampen diagrams by referring to a preferred direction. In good cases, the method provides a powerful tool for investigating presented (semi)groups. In particular, it leads to cancellativity and embeddability criteria for monoids and to efficient solutions for the word problem of monoids and groups of fractions.

The text includes some new results about mixed reversing (combination of left- and right-reversings) and about the combinatorial distance of braids.
ON UNIFORM DECISION PROBLEMS AND ABSTRACT PROPERTIES OF SMALL OVERLAP MONOIDS
Authors: KAMBITES MARK
Published: April 2011

We study the way in which the abstract structure of a small overlap monoid is reflected in, and may be algorithmically deduced from, a small overlap presentation. We show that every C(2) monoid admits an essentially canonical C(2) presentation; by counting canonical presentations we obtain asymptotic estimates for the number of non-isomorphic monoids admitting a-generator, k-relation presentations of a given length. We demonstrate an algorithm to transform an arbitrary presentation for a C(m) monoid (m at least 2) into a canonical C(m) presentation, and a solution to the isomorphism problem for C(2) presentations. We also find a simple combinatorial condition on a C(4) presentation which is necessary and sufficient for the monoid presented to be left cancellative. We apply this to obtain algorithms to decide if a given C(4) monoid is left cancellative, right cancellative or cancellative, and to show that cancellativity properties are asymptotically visible in the sense of generic-case complexity.
Thermal Stability Studies of CdSSe/ZnS Quantum Dots in GaN/Quantum Dots/GaN Wafer Bonded System
Authors: Li Y. , Giles A. , Stokes E.
Published: April 2011

Wafer bonding technology is applied to the GaN/quantum dots/GaN system, where CdSSe/ZnS core/shell Quantum Dots serve as both the active layer and the binding layer. Photoluminescence is observed from quantum dots following wafer bonding at various temperatures under ultra high vacuum conditions. Temperature dependences of bond strength and photoluminescence properties are characterized. Annealing at elevated temperature to form wafer bonds degrades photoluminescence intensity and slightly blue shifts the emission wavelength. Transmission Electron Microscopy is used to study the physical properties of vacuum annealed QDs, in which enlargement of QD particle size is observed.
The Role of CT-Based Attenuation Correction and Collimator Blurring Correction in Striatal Spect Quantification
Authors: Warwick J. M. , Rubow S. , du Toit M. , Beetge E. , Carey P. , Dupont P.
Published: April 2011

Purpose. Striatal single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging of the dopaminergic system is becoming increasingly used for clinical and research studies. The question about the value of nonuniform attenuation correction has become more relevant with the increasing availability of hybrid SPECT-CT scanners. In this study, the value of nonuniform attenuation correction and correction for collimator blurring were determined using both phantom data and patient data. Methods. SPECT imaging was performed using 7 anthropomorphic phantom measurements, and 14 patient studies using [I-123]-FP-CIT (DATSCAN). SPECT reconstruction was performed using uniform and nonuniform attenuation correction and collimator blurring corrections. Recovery values (phantom data) or average-specific uptake ratios (patient data) for the different reconstructions were compared at similar noise levels. Results. For the phantom data, improved recovery was found with nonuniform attenuation correction and collimator blurring corrections, with further improvement when performed together. However, for patient data the highest average specific uptake ratio was obtained using collimator blurring correction without nonuniform attenuation correction, probably due to subtle SPECT-CT misregistration. Conclusions. This study suggests that an optimal brain SPECT reconstruction (in terms of the lowest bias) in patients would include a correction for collimator blurring and uniform attenuation correction.
On the Absolute Sum of ChromaticPolynomial Coefficient of Graphs
Authors: Chen Shubo
Published: April 2011

The absolute sum of chromatic polynomial coefficient of forest, q‐tree, unicyclic graphs, and quasiwheel graphs, are determined in this paper.
A Case of Severe Bronchial Asthma Controlled with Tacrolimus
Authors: Taniguchi Hirokazu , Tokui Kotaro , Iwata Yasuhiro , Abo Hitoshi , Izumi Saburo
Published: April 2011

Background. The control of severe bronchial asthma, such as corticosteroid-resistant asthma, is difficult. It is also possible that immunosuppressive agents would be effective for bronchial asthma.Case Summary. A 55-year-old Japanese female presented with severe bronchial asthma controlled with tacrolimus. She had been diagnosed with bronchial asthma during childhood. Her asthma worsened, and a chest radiograph showed atelectasis of the left lung. Bronchoscopy revealed the left main bronchus to be obstructed with viscous sputum consisting of 82% neutrophils and no eosinophils. The atelectasis did not improve with corticosteroid treatment, but was ameliorated by administration of tacrolimus.Discussion. This patient had severe asthma due to neutrophilic inflammation of the airways. Tacrolimus is effective for treating severe asthma, for example, in corticosteroid-resistant cases.
Can Breast Self-Examination Continue to Be Touted Justifiably as an Optional Practice?
Authors: Fancher T. T. , Palesty J. A. , Paszkowiak J. J. , Kiran R. P. , Malkan A. D. , Dudrick S. J.
Published: April 2011

In 2003, the revised American Cancer Society guidelines recommended that breast self-examination (BSE) be optional. Of 822 women diagnosed with breast cancer in our hospital from 1994 to 2004, sixty four (7.7%) were 40 years of age or younger. Forty four (68.7%) of these young women discovered their breast cancers on BSE, 17 (18%) by mammography, and 3 (4.7%) by clinical breast examination by medical professionals. Of 758 women over 40 years of age diagnosed with breast cancer, 382 (49%) discovered their cancer by mammography, 278 (39%) by BSE, and 98 (14%) by a clinical breast examination. Lymph node metastases in the older women was one-half that in the younger women (21% versus 42%), and a higher percentage of younger women presented with more advanced disease. In response to increasing breast cancer in young women under 41 years of age, encouragement of proper breast self-examination is warranted and should be advocated.
Excellent Prognosis in a Subset of Patients with Ewing Sarcoma Identified at Diagnosis by CD56 Using Flow Cytometry
Authors: Ash Shifra , Luria Drorit , Cohen Ian J. , Goshen Yacov , Toledano Helen , Issakov Josephine , Yaniv Isaac , Avigad Smadar
Published: April 2011

Purpose: Ewing sarcoma (ES) is considered a systemic disease with the majority of patients harboring micrometastases at diagnosis. Multiparameter flow cytometry (MPFC) was used to detect ES cells in bone marrow (BM) of ES patients at diagnosis and to evaluate the prognostic significance of CD56 expression in BM samples.

Experimental Design: BM samples from 46 ES patients, 6 tumor aspirates, 2 ES cell lines, and 10 control BM samples were analyzed by MPFC. ES cells were identified by the combination of CD45−/CD90+/CD99+. CD56 was evaluated on these cells by a cutoff of 22%.

Results: BM samples obtained from all patients at diagnosis were found to be positive for micrometastatic tumor cells assessed by CD99+/CD90+/CD45− expression. A total of 60% of the BM samples harbored high CD56 expression. There was a highly significant correlation between CD56 expression and progression-free survival (PFS; 69% in low/negative expression versus 30% in high expression groups, P = 0.024). In patients with localized nonpelvic disease, those expressing low/negative CD56 had 100% PFS versus 40% in the high expressing group (P = 0.02). By Cox regression analysis, CD56 was found to be an independent prognostic marker with an 11-fold increased risk for relapse in patients with localized disease (P = 0.006).

Conclusion: All samples contained cells that are positive for the CD99+/CD90+/CD45− combination at diagnosis, indicating that ES is a systemic disease. CD56 expression could be used to reveal ES patients with excellent prognosis or patients predisposed to relapse, thus improving treatment stratification and implementation of personalized therapy. Clin Cancer Res; 17(9); 2900–7. ©2011 AACR.
Endocytosis of Resveratrol via Lipid Rafts and Activation of Downstream Signaling Pathways in Cancer Cells
Authors: Colin Didier , Limagne Emeric , Jeanningros Sylvie , Jacquel Arnaud , Lizard Gérard , Athias Anne , Gambert Philippe , Hichami Aziz , Latruffe Norbert , Solary Eric , Delmas Dominique
Published: April 2011

trans-Resveratrol has been proposed to prevent tumor growth and to sensitize cancer cells to anticancer agents. Polyphenol entry into the cells has remained poorly understood. Here, we show that [3H]-resveratrol enters colon cancer cells (SW480, SW620, HT29) and leukemia U937 cells through a monensin (5–20 μmol/L) -sensitive process that suggests clathrin-independent endocytosis. Uptake of the molecule can be prevented by methyl-β-cyclodextrin (2–12 mg/mL), nystatin (12 ng/mL), and filipin (1 μg/mL), which all disrupt plasma membrane lipid rafts. Accordingly, radiolabeled resveratrol accumulates in sphingomyelin- and cholesterol-enriched cell fractions. Interestingly, extracellular signal–regulated kinases (ERK), c-Jun NH2-terminal kinases (JNK), and Akt also accumulate in lipid rafts on resveratrol exposure (IC50 at 48 h ≈ 30 μmol/L in SW480 and U937 cells). In these rafts also, resveratrol promotes the recruitment, by the integrin αVβ3 (revealed by coimmunoprecipitation with an anti-integrin αVβ3 antibody), of signaling molecules that include the FAK (focal adhesion kinase), Fyn, Grb2, Ras, and SOS proteins. Resveratrol-induced activation of downstream signaling pathways and caspase-dependent apoptosis is prevented by endocytosis inhibitors, lipid raft–disrupting molecules, and the integrin antagonist peptide arginine-glycine-aspartate (500 nmol/L). Altogether, these data show the role played by lipid rafts in resveratrol endocytosis and activation of downstream pathways leading to cell death. Cancer Prev Res; 4(7); 1095–106. ©2011 AACR.
Does Curcumin Protect against Renal Dysfunction following Reversible Unilateral Ureteric Obstruction in the Rat?
Authors: Hammad F.T. , Lubbad L.
Published: April 2011

Aims: To investigate the effect of curcumin on the alterations in renal functional parameters following reversible unilateral ureteric obstruction in the rat. Methods: Wistar rats underwent reversible left ureteric obstruction for 72 h. The group Cm (n = 7) received oral curcumin (200 mg/kg/day), whereas the Vx group (n = 8) had only a vehicle. Results: Ureteric obstruction caused a significant increase in the serum tumour necrosis factor α in both groups. However, the postobstruction level in the Cm group was significantly lower than in the Vx group. In the Vx group, the glomerular filtration rate, renal blood flow, urine volume and urinary sodium excretion in the left obstructed kidney were significantly lower than those in the right kidney, but the fractional excretion of sodium was comparable in the 2 groups. The left kidney in the Cm group behaved similar to that in the Vx group. Moreover, there was no difference in any variable when comparing the right and left kidneys among the groups. Conclusion: Curcumin appears to have no significant protective effect on the haemodynamic or tubular glomerular functions when measured as early as 3 days following reversible ureteric obstruction despite the amelioration in some of the indicators of renal injury.
Population Genetic Screening for Alpha1-Antitrypsin Deficiency in a High-Prevalence Area
Authors: Corda Luciano , Medicina Daniela , La Piana Giuseppe Emanuele , Bertella Enrica , Moretti Giovanni , Bianchi Luca , Pinelli Valentina , Savoldi Gianfranco , Baiardi Paola , Facchetti Fabio , Gatta Nuccia , Annesi-Maesano Isabella , Balbi Bruno
Published: April 2011

Background: Current guidelines for α1-antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) state that adult population screening should only be done in high-risk areas. Up-to-date genetic methods are always recommended. Objectives: To determine the prevalence of AATD in a suspected high-risk area by population screening, applying new genetic analyses and comparing the prevalence of liver and lung abnormalities in subjects with or without AATD. Methods: Adult residents of Pezzaze, a village in an Italian alpine valley, voluntarily participated in the screening, and were examined for: nephelometric α1-antitrypsin (AAT) serum level, DNA analysis (mutagenic polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism tests for Z and S AATD causative mutations, and denaturing high-performance liquid chromatography and/or direct gene sequencing if needed), serum aspartate and alanine transaminases, a respiratory questionnaire and the Medical Research Council dyspnea index scale. The prevalence of AATD was compared with that expected in Italy (Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium), and transaminases and the prevalence of respiratory symptoms were compared between study groups. Results: Of 1,353 residents, 817 (60.4%) participated; 67 (8.2%) had low AAT serum levels (<90 mg/dl); 118 were carriers of AATD-associated alleles, 4 (0.5%) homozygotes or compound heterozygotes (1 Z, 1 S, 2 ZPbrescia), 114 (14%) heterozygotes (46 Z, 52 S, 9 Pbrescia, 4 Mwurzburg, 2 I, 1 Plowell). The prevalence and frequency of all AATD-related alleles was higher than expected for Italy (p < 0.001). There were no differences in symptoms of respiratory disease and transaminases between individuals with normal and low serum AAT. Conclusion: The screening design is one of the main strengths of this study. The large number of mostly asymptomatic individuals with AATD identified suggests that in high-risk areas adult population screening programs employing the latest genetic methods are feasible. Early recognition of individuals at risk means primary or secondary prevention measures can be taken.
Angiotensin II Receptor Blocker, Losartan, Ameliorates Gentamicin-Induced Oxidative Stress and Nephrotoxicity in Rats
Authors: Heeba Gehan H.
Published: April 2011

Background/Aims: This study investigates the ameliorative effect of concurrent and pretreatment with angiotensin II receptor blocker, losartan (LOS), against gentamicin (GEN)-induced renal damage. Methods: Rats were divided into five groups: control, LOS group (10 mg/kg/day for 7 days), GEN group (100 mg/kg/day for 7 days), GEN + LOS pretreated group (treated with LOS for 7 days followed by 7 days of GEN), and GEN + LOS concurrently treated group (simultaneously treated with GEN and LOS for 7 days). Results: Concurrent treatment with LOS significantly reduced urine volume, microalbuminuria, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine levels elevated by GEN administration. Also, LOS significantly attenuated GEN-induced increase in malondialdehyde and decrease in reduced glutathione, and catalase and superoxide dismutase activities in renal cortical homogenates. Additionally, histopathological examination and scoring showed that LOS markedly ameliorated GEN-induced renal tubular damage. Conversely, pretreatment with LOS produced no significant changes in urine volume, microalbuminuria, BUN and serum creatinine with little changes in the oxidative stress parameters when compared with the GEN-treated group. Conclusion: Concurrent treatment with LOS has produced marked amelioration in biochemical indices and oxidative stress parameters against GEN-induced nephrotoxicity. Accordingly, LOS can be considered a feasible antihypertensive drug for hypertensive patients simultaneously treated with GEN.
Evaluation of the Possible Impact of a Care Network for Stroke and Transient Ischemic Attack on Rates of Recurrence
Authors: Raffe Florie , Jacquin Agnès , Milleret Olivier , Durier Jérôme , Sauze Damien , Peyron Christine , Osseby Guy Victor , Menassa Michaël , Hervieu Marie , Pelissier Fanny , Routhier Pierre , Beis Jean-Noel , Giroud Maurice , Béjot Yannick
Published: April 2011

We aimed to demonstrate that a stroke network is able to reduce the proportion of recurrent cerebrovascular events. In 2003, we set up a care network with the aim to reduce the proportion of stroke recurrence. For the statistical analysis, recurrent cerebrovascular events observed from 1985 to 2002 within the population of Dijon made it possible to model trends using Poisson logistic regression. From 1985 to 2002, we recorded 172 recurrent cerebrovascular events which were used to model trends before the creation of the care network. Within the period 2003–2007, we observed 162 recurrent cerebrovascular events compared with 196.7 expected cerebrovascular events with a significant standardized incidence rate of 0.82 (0.70–0.96; p = 0.01). After eliminating the role of some environmental factors, the possible hypothesis for the fall in recurrent stokes is probably the positive effect of the stroke care network.
Corneal Hysteresis in Normal Subjects and in Patients with Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma and Pseudoexfoliation Glaucoma
Authors: Ayala Marcelo
Published: April 2011

Purpose: To identify differences in corneal hysteresis (CH) between primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), pseudoexfoliative glaucoma patients (PXSG) and a healthy control group. Methods: In this retrospective study, CH was measured with the Ocular Response Analyzer. 90 subjects were evaluated, 30 subjects in each group. One eye per subject was analyzed. Results: In normal eyes, POAG and PXSG, CH was 9.8 ± 1.6, 9.0 ± 1.9 and 8.0 ± 1.5 mm Hg, respectively. CH was significantly lower in PXSG patients than in POAG (p = 0.042) and normal patients (p = 0.0001), but no significance was found between the POAG and the normal group (p = 0.23). Conclusion: CH differs in the different groups and might be considered in glaucoma evaluation. Further studies with larger sample sizes are needed.
Dynamic and Thermodynamic Air–Sea Coupling Associated with the Indian Ocean Dipole Diagnosed from 23 WCRP CMIP3 Models*
Authors: Liu Lin , Yu Weidong , Li Tim
Published: April 2011

The performance of 23 World Climate Research Programme (WCRP) Coupled Model Intercomparison Project, phase 3 (CMIP3) models in the simulation of the Indian Ocean dipole (IOD) is evaluated, and the results show large diversity in the simulated IOD intensity. A detailed diagnosis is carried out to understand the role of the Bjerknes dynamic air–sea feedback and the thermodynamic air–sea coupling in shaping the different model behaviors. The Bjerknes feedback processes include the equatorial zonal wind response to SST, the thermocline response to the equatorial zonal wind, and the ocean subsurface temperature response to the thermocline variation. The thermodynamic feedback examined includes the wind–evaporation–SST and cloud–radiation–SST feedbacks. A combined Bjerknes and thermodynamic feedback intensity index is introduced. This index well reflects the simulated IOD strength contrast among the strong, moderate, and weak model groups. It gives a quantitative measure of the relative contribution of the dynamic and thermodynamic feedback processes.

The distinctive features in the dynamic and thermodynamic coupling strength are closely related to the mean state difference in the coupled models. A shallower (deeper) equatorial mean thermocline, a stronger (weaker) background vertical temperature gradient, and a greater (smaller) mean vertical upwelling velocity are found in the strong (weak) IOD simulation group. Thus, the mean state biases greatly affect the air–sea coupling strength on the interannual time scale. A number of models failed to simulate the observed positive wind–evaporation–SST feedback during the IOD developing phase. Analysis indicates that the bias arises from a greater contribution to the surface latent heat flux anomaly by the sea–air specific humidity difference than by the wind speed anomaly.
Heterogeneous Convective-Scale Background Error Covariances with the Inclusion of Hydrometeor Variables
Authors: Michel Yann , Auligné Thomas , Montmerle Thibaut
Published: April 2011

Convective-scale models used in NWP nowadays include detailed realistic parameterization for the representation of cloud and precipitation processes. Yet they still lack advanced data assimilation schemes able to efficiently use observations to initialize hydrometeor fields. This challenging task may benefit from a better understanding of the statistical structure of background errors in precipitating areas for both traditional and hydrometeor variables, which is the goal of this study. A special binning has been devised to compute separate background error covariance matrices for precipitating and nonprecipitating areas. This binning is based on bidimensional geographical masks defined by the vertical averaged rain content of the background error perturbations. The sample for computing the covariances is taken from an ensemble of short range forecasts run at 3-km resolution for the prediction of two specific cases of convective storms over the United States. The covariance matrices and associated diagnostics are built on the control variable transform formulation typical of variational data assimilation. The comparison especially highlights the strong coupling of specific humidity, cloud, and rain content with divergence. Shorter horizontal correlations have been obtained in precipitating areas. Vertical correlations mostly reflect the cloud vertical extension due to the convective processes. The statistics for hydrometeor variables show physically meaningful autocovariances and statistical couplings with other variables. Issues for data assimilation of radar reflectivity or more generally of observations linked to cloud and rain content with this kind of background error matrix formulation are thereon briefly discussed.
Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptors and Atherosclerosis
Authors: Soskić Sanja S. , Dobutović Branislava D. , Sudar Emina M. , Obradović Milan M. , Nikolić Dragana M. , Zarić Božidarka L. , Stojanović Srđan Đ. , Stokić Edita J. , Mikhailidis Dimitri P. , Isenović Esma R.
Published: April 2011

The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) represent the family of 3 nuclear receptor isoforms-PPARα, -γ, and -δ/β, which are encoded by different genes. As lipid sensors, they are primarily involved in regulation of lipid metabolism and subsequently in inflammation and atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis considers accumulation of the cells and extracellular matrix in the vessel wall leading to the formation of atherosclerotic plaque, atherothrombosis, and other vascular complications. Besides existence of natural ligands for PPARs, their more potent synthetic ligands are fibrates and thiazolidindiones. Future investigations should now focus on the mechanisms of PPARs activation, which might present new approaches involved in the antiatherosclerotic effects revealed in this review. In addition, in this review we are presenting latest data from recent performed clinical studies which have focus on novel approach to PPARs agonists as potential therapeutic agents in the treatment of complex disease such as atherosclerosis.
Reducing the Cognitive Complexity Associated With Standard Setting: A Comparison of the Single-Passage Bookmark and Yes/No Methods
Authors: Skaggs Gary , Hein Serge F.
Published: April 2011

Judgmental standard setting methods have been criticized for the cognitive complexity of the judgment task that panelists are asked to complete. This study compared two methods designed to reduce this complexity: the yes/no method and the single-passage bookmark method. Two mock standard setting panel meetings were convened, one for each method, using experienced third-grade teachers as panelists. The methods produced very similar cut scores and they seemed to succeed in reducing the cognitive complexity of the judgment task. There was also evidence, however, that the participants in both groups experienced a great deal of difficulty in estimating item performance for borderline students and that they may have used contextual information associated with the judgmental task to estimate their cut scores.
Structural Stability of Composite Laminated Column Exposed to High Temperature or Fire
Authors: Anilturk Dilek , Chan Wen S.
Published: April 2011

Increasing use of composite materials in applications of aerospace and civil structures, their safety andreliability under high temperature andfire environments must be assured. This paper covers a study of structural integrity of composite structures that are exposedto fire or intense heat. The parameters that affect their critical buckling loads and the buckling strengths under these circumstances were investigated. It is shown that for a given material, increasing the ply thickness will increase the buckling strength of the laminate. It is also concluded that a symmetric lay-up of laminate exhibits a higher buckling strength than the one of an unsymmetric lay-up.
Approximate Analysis of the Buckling Behavior of Composites with Delamination
Authors: Shan Baoxiang , Pelegri Assimina A.
Published: April 2011

In this paper, we provide an insight into the governing mechanism of the uni-axial compressive bucklingof a delaminated composite. We propose an approximate method to analyze the bucklingbehavior as the first step to further investigate the effect of contact zone at the ends of a delamination. The agreement of the analytical results with experiments in critical values of relative axial displacement verifies our model and approach. The proposed method provides a simple and effective way to calculate the forces, moments and energy required for the processes of local and global buckling. Moreover, the effect of the thickness ratio, T/ h, on the total strain energy can be studied in a continuous range of values, while other methods investigate this parametric effect discretely. The effect of delamination length and position in the buckling behavior are also investigated. The analytical results compare favorably with results of similar, but more elaborate, studies.
Overall Elastic and Elastoplastic Behavior of a Partially Debonded Fiber-reinforced Composite
Authors: Zheng S. F. , Denda M. , Weng G. J.
Published: April 2011

In order to quantitatively evaluate the effect of partial debonding on the reduction of overall elastic moduli and overall elastoplastic strength of a fiber-reinforced composite, a combined homogenization and finite-element study is carried out to examine how the debonding angle affects these mechanical properties. In the development of the elastichomogenization theory, the relative strain concentration tensors of the interfacial cracks and fibers with respect to that of the matrix are first determined from Toya’s complex-variable solution [Toya, M. (1974). A Crack Along the Interface of a Circular Inclusion Embedded in an Infinite Solid, J. Mech. Phys. Solids., 22: 325–348.], and then the fibers, cracks, and matrix are assembled together to form the composite. Extension of the elastic formulation to the nonlinear elastoplastic behavior is accomplished through a secant-moduli approach in conjunction with a field-fluctuation method. The developed theory is intended primarily for conditions with low fiber concentration. The finite-element method makes use of the ANSYS program with a carefully constructed mesh near the crack tips. Both the homogenization and the finite-element calculations disclose significant effect of the debonding angle on the overall transverse Young’s modulus along the debonding direction, and on the plane-strain tensile bulk modulus of the composite. In the plastic range the transverse tensile stress–strain curves of the debonded composite are found to be significantly lowered due to the presence of the interfacial cracks.
Lamb Wave Evaluation of the Effects of Thermal-Mechanical Aging on Composite Stiffness
Authors: Seale Michael D. , Madaras Eric I.
Published: April 2011

Lamb wave methods offer a promising approach for evaluating damage in composite materials. The Lamb wave velocity is directly related to the material parameters, so an effective tool exists to monitor damage in composites by measuring the velocity of these waves. In this work, studies have been conducted which examine the effects of combined thermal and mechanical aging in thermoplastic composite samples using symmetric mode Lamb wave velocity measurements. From the velocity measurements, the in-plane stiffnesses, A11 and A22, are calculated. The samples examined include a baseline specimen with 0 hours, specimens which have been aged 3,500 and 5,000 hours, and one specimen with 1,000 hours of accelerated aging. The results of the Lamb wave measurements are compared to C-scans of the panels.
On the Linear Viscoelasticity of Thin-Walled Laminated Composite Beams
Authors: Qiao Pizhong , Barbero Ever J. , Davalos Julio F.
Published: April 2011

An analytical model to predict the linear viscoelastic behavior of thin-walled laminated fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) composite beams is presented. Using the correspondence principle, this new model integrates micro/macro-mechanics of composites and mechanics of thin-walled laminated beams to perform beam analyses in the Laplace or Carson domains. The analytical expressions for beam relaxation coefficients are obtained. Using a collocation method, the flexural creep behavior of beams in the time domain is numerically solved. Predictions by the present model are compared favorably with experimental data for glass fiber-reinforced plastic structural laminates under tension and a box-beam under bending. The influence of beam fiber architecture and fiber volume fraction on the linear viscoelastic response for a wide-flange beam is examined to show that this model can be efficiently used in the flexural creep analysis and design of FRP structural shapes.