bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interleukin‐10 reduces scar formation in both animal and human cutaneous wounds: Results of two preclinical and phase II randomized control studies
Authors: Kieran Ingrid , Knock Amanda , Bush James , So Karen , Metcalfe Anthony , Hobson Rosalind , Mason Tracey , O'Kane Sharon , Ferguson Mark
Published: April 2013

Cutaneous scarring affects up to 100 million people per annum. There is no effective scar reducing/preventing therapeutic developed to date. Interleukin (IL)‐10 is an anti‐inflammatory and antifibrotic cytokine. In the embryo it is important for scarless wound repair. We investigated the effect on wound healing and scarring of a double deletion of the IL‐10 and IL‐4 genes in a knockout (KO) mouse model, and also the effect of exogenous addition of recombinant human (rh) IL‐10 into rat and human cutaneous incisions. Mouse study: Two incisions were made on the dorsal skin of 20 double IL‐4/IL‐10 KO mice and 20 wild‐type (WT) controls. Rat study: Three concentrations of rhIL‐10 were investigated. Four incisions were made on the dorsal skin of 30 rats. Each rat received two concentrations. Each incision receiving a concentration of rhIL‐10 was matched with a control incision, which received either placebo or standard care. Human study: Eight concentrations of rhIL‐10 were investigated. Four incisions were made on each arm of 175 healthy volunteers. Four incisions received four different concentrations, which were matched with four control incisions that received either standard care or placebo. KO mice healed with poor scar histology and increased inflammation. rhIL‐10–treated rat incisions healed with decreased inflammation, better scar histology, and better macroscopic scar appearance. rhIL‐10–treated human incisions at low concentrations healed with better macroscopic scar appearance and less red scars. IL‐10 is an important cytokine in wound healing and its suppression of inflammation and scarring is demonstrated in mice and rats with a translational effect in humans.
Nitric oxide levels in wound fluid may reflect the healing trajectory
Authors: Bernatchez Stéphanie F. , Menon Vinod , Stoffel Joseph , Walters Shelley‐Ann H. , Lindroos William E. , Crossland Mary C. , Shawler Lisa G. , Crossland Stephen P. , Boykin Joseph V.
Published: April 2013

We analyzed nitric oxide metabolites (nitrate and nitrite, NOx) and other biomarkers in human wound fluids and correlated these markers with wound healing status (progressing or worsening) based on patient's wound history. Samples were collected pre‐ and postcleansing from patients with wounds of various etiologies and analyzed for NOx, matrix metalloproteinase activity, and elastase activity. A laboratory method was developed to analyze NOx which can detect at least 5 μM in samples as small as 10 μL. A nitrate‐free sample collection device was identified to match the sensitivity of this new assay (most “nitrate‐free” products tested contained nitrate levels higher than this detection limit when extracted in such a small volume). The correlation between pre‐ and postcleansing biomarker values, and the diagnostic potential of the biomarkers to wound progress were analyzed. Fifty wounds provided samples that were suitable for NOx analysis. The pre‐ and postcleansing values for NOx showed good correlation (r = 0.72); the correlation was not very strong for matrix metalloproteinase and elastase. Data analysis showed that NOx represents the best metabolite to discriminate between worsening and progressing wounds, and suggested that a two cut point diagnostic test using NOx is better than a single cut point test to identify progressing from worsening wounds.
Comparative wound healing—Are the small animal veterinarian's clinical patients an improved translational model for human wound healing research?
Authors: Volk Susan W. , Bohling Mark W.
Published: April 2013

Despite intensive research efforts into understanding the pathophysiology of both chronic wounds and scar formation, and the development of wound care strategies to target both healing extremes, problematic wounds in human health care remain a formidable challenge. Although valuable fundamental information regarding the pathophysiology of problematic wounds can be gained from in vitro investigations and in vivo studies performed in laboratory animal models, the lack of concordance with human pathophysiology has been cited as a major impediment to translational research in human wound care. Therefore, the identification of superior clinical models for both chronic wounds and scarring disorders should be a high priority for scientists who work in the field of human wound healing research. To be successful, translational wound healing research should function as an intellectual ecosystem in which information flows from basic science researchers using in vitro and in vivo models to clinicians and back again from the clinical investigators to the basic scientists. Integral to the efficiency of this process is the incorporation of models which can accurately predict clinical success. The aim of this review is to describe the potential advantages and limitations of using clinical companion animals (primarily dogs and cats) as translational models for cutaneous wound healing research by describing comparative aspects of wound healing in these species, common acute and chronic cutaneous wounds in clinical canine and feline patients, and the infrastructure that currently exists in veterinary medicine which may facilitate translational studies and simultaneously benefit both veterinary and human wound care patients.
The use of a polylactide‐based copolymer as a temporary skin substitute in deep dermal burns: 1‐year follow‐up results of a prospective clinical noninferiority trial
Authors: Selig Harald F. , Keck Maike , Lumenta David B. , Mittlböck Martina , Kamolz Lars P.
Published: April 2013

Deep dermal burns can be covered with different kind of materials and techniques; one of them is a polylactide‐based temporary skin substitute. The aim of this study was to intraindividually compare its 1‐year outcome with the results obtained by use of autologous skin grafts in patients suffering from deep dermal burns. A prospective noninferiority trial was designed in order to assess skin quality and scar formation by use of subjective (Vancouver Scar Scale; Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale) and objective (noninvasive cutometry) burn scar assessment tools. All items of the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale, except vascularity, were found to be noninferior in the areas covered with the temporary skin substitute vs. autologous skin. Results of objective scar evaluation showed comparable viscoelastic parameters without reaching noninferiority. Overall, the outcome of deep dermal burns covered with a polylactide‐based temporary skin substitute revealed satisfactory results in terms of scar formation and skin quality as compared with autologous skin. This paper supports its use in deep dermal burns, where autologous skin donor sites require either to be reserved for coverage of full‐thickness skin defects in severe burns or to be saved for reduction of additional morbidity in selected patient collectives.
Endothelial necrosis at 1 hour postburn predicts progression of tissue injury
Authors: Hirth Douglas , McClain Steve A. , Singer Adam J. , Clark Richard A. F.
Published: April 2013

Burn injury progression has not been well characterized at the cellular level. To define burn injury progression in terms of cell death, histopathologic spatiotemporal relationships of cellular necrosis and apoptosis were investigated in a validated porcine model of vertical burn injury progression. Cell necrosis was identified by high mobility group box 1 protein and apoptosis by Caspase 3a staining of tissue samples taken 1 hour, 24 hours, and 7 days postburn. Level of endothelial cell necrosis at 1 hour was predictive of level of apoptosis at 24 hours (Pearson's r = 0.87) and of level of tissue necrosis at 7 days (Pearson's r = 0.87). Furthermore, endothelial cell necrosis was deeper than interstitial cell necrosis at 1 hour (p < 0.001). Endothelial cell necrosis at 1 hour divided the zone of injury progression (Jackson's zone of stasis) into an upper subzone with necrotic endothelial cells and initially viable adnexal and interstitial cells at 1 hour that progressed to necrosis by 24 hours and a lower zone with initially viable endothelial cells at 1 hour but necrosis and apoptosis of all cell types by 24 hours. Importantly, this spatiotemporal series of events and rapid progression resembles myocardial infarction and stroke and implicates mechanisms of these injuries, ischemia, ischemia reperfusion, and programmed cell death in burn progression.
Taxonomic validity of species groups in the genus Akodon (Rodentia, Cricetidae)
Authors: Coyner Brandi S. , Braun Janet K. , Mares Michael A. , Van Den Bussche Ronald A.
Published: April 2013

In an effort to evaluate the four Akodon species groups, phylogenetic relationships among individuals of the genus Akodon, selected from throughout South America, were examined using cytochrome b and a concatenated data set consisting of data from cytochrome b, exon 6 of the dentin matrix protein 1 and the nuclear intron thyrotropin. Both the cytochrome b data set and the combined data set were analysed under maximum parsimony, maximum likelihood and Bayesian criteria. Like previous studies, a monophyletic Akodon clade was recovered. Monophyly of the boliviensis and cursor groups was supported, and the two form a strongly supported sister relationship. Akodon azarae is basal to and forms a monophyletic group with the boliviensis + cursor clade, resolving the placement of A. azarae but leaving it unassignable to a current Akodon species group. The aerosus and varius groups are paraphyletic as four members of the varius group (A. glaucinus, A. simulator, A. tartareus and A. varius) fall within the aerosus group. Akodon lindberghi is formally placed in the cursor group. Akodon caenosus is recognized as a species distinct of A. lutescens, A. orientalis is recognized as a species distinct of A. orophilus, and A. aerosus, A. baliolus and A. surdus are recognized as three separate species. Based upon chronophylogenetic analysis, the initial divergence within Akodon likely began during the late Pliocene and ancestors of the four extant species groups (aerosus, boliviensis, cursor and dolores) appeared around the Pleistocene–Pliocene boundary or shortly thereafter.
Human Subjects Protection and Research on Terrorism and Conflict
Authors: Jackson Brian A. , Bikson Tora K. , Gunn Patrick P.
Published: April 2013

A recent court case calls into question the ability to protect human subjects in research on terrorism and conflict.
More High-Tech Visas, More STEM Education Funds
Authors: Malakoff David , Mervis Jeffrey
Published: April 2013

A bipartisan group of U.S. senators unveiled an overhaul to the nation's immigration policies that hopes to create new funding streams to strengthen STEM education.
In Quest for Synchrotron, Brazil Tests Homespun Ingenuity a Second Time
Authors: Wade Lizzie
Published: April 2013

Early next month, scientists will break ground on Sirius, a synchrotron x-ray source whose energy and brightness will rival those of the best machines in the world.
Following the Males' Trail, 1.5 Million Years Later
Authors: Balter Michael
Published: April 2013

A team described 1.5-million-year-old footprints of at least six individuals walking together across the sand at Ileret, Kenya. Coupled with experiments with living people, the researchers concluded that the size and direction of the prints suggest a party of males out hunting or on patrol, an example of male coalitionary behavior also seen in chimpanzees.
Structure and Immunogenicity of the Rough-Type Lipopolysaccharide from the Periodontal Pathogen Tannerella forsythia
Authors: Posch Gerald , Andrukhov Oleh , Vinogradov Evgeny , Lindner Buko , Messner Paul , Holst Otto , Schäffer Christina
Published: April 2013

Tannerella forsythiais a Gram-negative anaerobic organism that inhabits subgingival plaque biofilms and is covered with a so far unique surface layer composed of two glycoproteins. It belongs to the so-called “red complex” of bacteria comprising species that are associated with periodontal disease. While the surface layer glycoprotein glycan structure had been elucidated recently and found to be a virulence factor, no structural data on the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) of this organism were available. In this study, theT. forsythiaLPS structure was partially elucidated by a combined mass spectrometry (MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) approach and initial experiments to characterize its immunostimulatory potential were performed. TheT. forsythiaLPS is a complex, rough-type LPS with a core region composed of one 3-deoxy-d-manno-oct-2-ulosonic acid (Kdo) residue, three mannose residues, and two glucosamine residues. MS analyses of O-deacylated LPS proved that, in addition, one phosphoethanolamine residue and most likely one galactose-phosphate residue were present, however, their positions could not be identified. Stimulation of human macrophages withT. forsythiaLPS resulted in the production of the proinflammatory cytokines interleukin-1 (IL-1), IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor alpha in a dose-dependent manner. The response toT. forsythiaLPS was observed only upon stimulation in the presence of fetal calf serum (FCS), whereas no cytokine production was observed in the absence of FCS. This finding suggests that the presence of certain additional cofactors is crucial for the immune response induced byT. forsythiaLPS.
Orchid Fleck Virus Structural Proteins N and P Form Intranuclear Viroplasm-Like Structures in the Absence of Viral Infection
Authors: Kondo Hideki , Chiba Sotaro , Andika Ida Bagus , Maruyama Kazuyuki , Tamada Tetsuo , Suzuki Nobuhiro
Published: April 2013

Orchid fleck virus (OFV) has a unique two-segmented negative-sense RNA genome that resembles that of plant nucleorhabdoviruses. In infected plant cells, OFV and nucleorhabdoviruses induce an intranuclear electron-lucent viroplasm that is believed to be the site for virus replication. In this study, we investigated the molecular mechanism by which OFV viroplasms are producedin vivo. Among OFV-encoded proteins, the nucleocapsid protein (N) and the putative phosphoprotein (P) were present in nuclear fractions of OFV-infectedNicotiana benthamianaplants. Transient coexpression of N and P, in the absence of virus infection, was shown to be sufficient for formation of an intranuclear viroplasm-like structure in plant cells. When expressed independently as a fluorescent protein fusion product in uninfected plant cells, N protein accumulated throughout the cell, while P protein accumulated in the nucleus. However, the N protein, when coexpressed with P, was recruited to a subnuclear region to induce a large viroplasm-like focus. Deletion and substitution mutagenesis demonstrated that the P protein contains a nuclear localization signal (NLS). Artificial nuclear targeting of the N-protein mutant was insufficient for formation of viroplasm-like structures in the absence of P. A bimolecular fluorescence complementation assay confirmed interactions between the N and P proteins within subnuclear viroplasm-like foci and interactions of two of theN. benthamianaimportin-α homologues with the P protein but not with the N protein. Taken together, our results suggest that viroplasm formation by OFV requires nuclear accumulation of both the N and P proteins, which is mediated by P-NLS, unlike nucleorhabdovirus viroplasm utilizing the NLS on protein N.
Basic Residues in the Matrix Domain and Multimerization Target Murine Leukemia Virus Gag to the Virological Synapse
Authors: Li Fei , Jin Jing , Herrmann Christin , Mothes Walther
Published: April 2013

Murine leukemia virus (MLV) can efficiently spread in tissue cultures by polarizing assembly to virological synapses. The viral envelope glycoprotein (Env) establishes cell-cell contacts and subsequently recruits Gag by a process that depends on its cytoplasmic tail. MLV Gag is recruited to virological synapses through the matrix domain (MA) (J. Jin, F. Li, and W. Mothes, J. Virol.
85:
7672–7682, 2011). However, how MA targets Gag to sites of cell-cell contact remains unknown. Here we report that basic residues within MA are critical for directing MLV Gag to virological synapses. Alternative membrane targeting domains (MTDs) containing multiple basic residues can efficiently substitute MA to direct polarized assembly. Similarly, mutations in the polybasic cluster of MA that disrupt Gag polarization can be rescued by N-terminal addition of MTDs containing basic residues. MTDs containing basic residues alone fail to be targeted to the virological synapse. Systematic deletion experiments reveal that domains within Gag known to mediate Gag multimerization are also required. Thus, our data predict the existence of a specific “acidic” interface at virological synapses that mediates the recruitment of MLV Gag via the basic cluster of MA and Gag multimerization.
Calmodulin activation of polo-like kinase 1 is required during mitotic entry
Authors: Dai Gu , Qian Yan , Chen Jie , Meng Fan-Li , Pan Fei-Yan , Shen Wei-Gan , Zhang Sheng-Zhou , Xue Bin , Li Chao-Jun
Published: April 2013

Polo-like kinase 1 (Plk1) is a conserved key regulator of the G2/M transition, but its upstream spatiotemporal regulators remain unknown. With the help of immunofluorescence, co-immunoprecipitation, and glutathione S-transferase (GST) pull-down assay, we found that calmodulin (CaM) is one such regulatory molecule that associates with Plk1 from G2to metaphase. More importantly, this interaction results in considerable stimulation of Plk1 kinase activity leading to hyperphosphorylation of Cdc25C. Our results provide new insight into the role of CaM as an upstream regulator of Plk1 activation during mitotic entry.
Three-dimensional displacement analysis of slopes subjected to seismic loads
Authors: Nadukuru Srinivasa S. , Michalowski Radoslaw L.
Published: April 2013

Seismic excitation is among the many possible factors contributing to slope failures. Typical design of slopes and analyses of existing slopes are carried out assuming plane strain mechanisms of deformation, and replacing the seismic loading with a uniformly distributed static force. A three-dimensional (3D) analysis of slopes is described in this paper, based on the kinematic theorem of limit analysis. Critical acceleration is calculated for 3D slope failures, and an analysis of a rotating block is executed to develop a solution for displacements of slopes subjected to seismic shaking. The emphasis is more on applying the displacement analysis to a 3D collapse pattern, and less on the choice of ground motion records suitable for the 3D failure analysis of slopes. The analysis is applicable to slopes for which the geometry of the failure pattern is physically confined, as for instance, in the case of excavations. A 3D failure pattern is then expected, and the results of calculations are given for a reasonable range of the width-to-slope-height ratios. The method is illustrated with practical examples.
Uplift soil–pipe interaction in granular soil
Authors: Jung Jai K. , O’Rourke Thomas D. , Olson Nathaniel A.
Published: April 2013

Soil–pipeline interaction for uplift in granular soil is evaluated by means of a two-dimensional, finite element (FE) continuum model with a Mohr–Coulomb (MC) yield surface for peak strength, a strain-softening relationship tied to critical void conditions, and an equivalent modulus that is consistent with soil deformation at maximum uplift resistance. The model accounts for soil migration beneath the pipe through FE mesh adjustment coordinated with upward pipe displacement. A systematic comparison of model results with multiple full-scale test measurements of pipe in dry sand show excellent agreement both with respect to maximum force and force–displacement relationships, including post-peak performance. The relationship between peak upward force and pipe depth is developed for various sand densities, all of which show maximum force at a depth-to-diameter ratio of 30. Hyperbolic and bilinear models for vertical upward force versus displacement are presented. The analytical approach described in this paper benefits from its adaptation to MC strength selection available in many commercial software packages.
Influence of geosynthetic encasement on the performance of stone columns floating in soft clay
Authors: Dash Sujit Kumar , Bora Mukul Chandra
Published: April 2013

This paper investigates the influence of geosynthetic encasement on the performance of stone columns floating in soft clay. It was found that with unencased columns the bearing capacity improvement is about 3.5 fold, but with geogrid encasement the improvement increases to 5 fold, where 60% of the column length is encased. With full-length encasement (i.e., 100%), the improvement is only about 3 fold. It is therefore evident that partially encased floating columns are superior to the fully encased ones. In contrast, with end-bearing stone columns, full-length encasement is reported to have exhibited better performance improvement than the partially encased ones. In the former case (floating columns), it is the bulge formation at a deeper depth that enhances the bearing capacity, while in the latter case (end-bearing columns), it is the stiffening effect of the encasement that enables the column to transmit the surcharge pressure onto the competent strata below.
ENTRANCE EFFECTS OF THERMAL CREEP ON FLUID HEATING IN RECTANGULAR MICROCHANNELS
Authors: AMIRI-JAGHARGH ALI , NIAZMAND HAMID , RENKSIZBULUT METIN
Published: April 2013

The effects of thermal creep on the development of gaseous fluid flow and heat transfer in rectangular microchannels with constant wall temperature are investigated in the slip-flow regime. Thermal creep arises from tangential temperature gradients, which may be significant in the entrance region of channels, and affects the velocity and temperature fields particularly in low Reynolds number flows. In the present work, the Navier–Stokes and energy equations coupled with velocity-slip and temperature-jump conditions applied at the channel walls are solved numerically using a control-volume technique. Despite the constant wall temperature, tangential temperature gradients form in the gas layer adjacent to the wall due to the temperature-jump condition. The effects of slip/jump and thermal creep on the flow patterns and parameters are studied in detail for a wide range of channel aspect ratios and, Knudsen and Reynolds numbers. Furthermore, the effects of variable properties on velocity-slip and, friction and heat transfer coefficients are also examined.
THE GRIDPIX DETECTOR: HISTORY AND PERSPECTIVE
Authors: VAN DER GRAAF HARRY , AARNINK TOM , AARTS ARNO , VAN BAKEL NIELS , BERBEE EDWARD , BERKIEN AD , VAN BEUZEKOM MARTIN , BOSMA MARTEN , CAMPBELL MICHAEL , CHEFDEVILLE MAX , COLAS PAUL , COLIJN AUKE-PIETER , FORNAINI ALESSANDRO , FRANSEN MARTIN , GIGANON ARNAUD , GIOMATARIS IOANNIS , GOTINK WIM , DE GROOT NICOLO , HARTJES FRED , VAN DER HEIJDEN BAS , HESSEY NIGEL , JANSWEIJER PETER , KONIG ADRIAAN , KOPPERT WILCO , LLOPART XAVI , DE NOOIJ LUCIE , VAN DER PUTTEN SIPHO , RÖVEKAMP JOOP , SALM CORA , BELLO D. SAN SEGUNDO , SCHMITZ JURRIAAN , SMITS SANDER , TIMMERMANS JAN , VERKOOIJEN HANS , VISSCHERS JAN , VISSER JAN , WIJNEN THEI , WYRSCH NICOLAS
Published: April 2013

In 2000, the requirements for a large TPC for experiments at a new linear collider were formulated. Both the GEM and Micromegas gas amplification systems had matured, such that they could be practically applied. With the Medipix chip, a pixel-segmented anode readout became possible, offering an unprecedented level of granularity and sensitivity. The single electron sensitive device is a digital detector capable to record and transfer all information of the primary ionization, provided that it can be made discharge proof.
MICROMEGAS FOR NEUTRON DETECTION AND IMAGING
Authors: BELLONI F. , GUNSING F. , PAPAEVANGELOU T.
Published: April 2013

Micromegas-based detectors are used in a wide variety of neutron experiments. Their fast response meets the needs of time-of-flight facilities in terms of time resolution. The possibility of constructing low mass Micromegas detectors makes them appropriate for beam imaging and monitoring without affecting the beam quality or inducing background in parallel measurements. The good particle discrimination capability allows using Micromegas for neutron induced fission and (n, α) cross-section measurements. Their high radiation resistance make them suitable for working as flux monitors in the core of fission nuclear reactors as well as in the proximity of fusion chambers. New studies underlined the possibility of performing neutron computed tomography (CT) with Micromegas as neutron detectors, but also of exploiting its performances in experiments of fundamental nuclear physics.
MICROMEGAS IN THE RARE EVENT SEARCHES FIELD
Authors: IRASTORZA IGOR G. , FERRER-RIBAS ESTHER , DAFNI THEOPISTI
Published: April 2013

The Micromegas detectors have been gaining importance as reliable options in their implementation to Time Projection Chambers (TPCs) in experiments searching for Rare Events mainly due to their demonstrated good performance regarding low background levels, energy and time resolution, gain and stability of operation. In the present paper, we will briefly review the latest developments carried out within the T-REX project of detector R&D, and the performance achieved in the context of several experiments: the CAST solar axion search experiment, the NEXT experiment of double beta decay and the MIMAC dark matter directional search.
STUDY OF AMBIGUITIES OF QCD PREDICTIONS AT JET PRODUCTION IN PROTON–PROTON COLLISIONS AT NEXT-TO-LEADING ORDER
Authors: POSOLDA PETR
Published: April 2013

The dependence of inclusive one jet differential cross-section on the renormalization and factorization scale is studied. The choice when both scales μr, μfare set equal to jet transversal momentum is taken as a referential point and within a region around this choice, the inclusive one jet differential cross-section is calculated at next-to-leading order. Following the principle of minimal sensitivity (PMS), the region of local stability with respect to both scales is searched for. It is shown that it is well approximated by particular choice [Formula: see text] for total energies 7000 and 14,000 GeV.
ENERGY HARVESTING IN PIEZOELASTIC SYSTEMS DRIVEN BY RANDOM EXCITATIONS
Authors: BOROWIEC M. , LITAK G. , Friswell M. I. , Ali S. F. , Adhikari S. , Lees A. W. , Bilgen O.
Published: April 2013

The inverted elastic beam is proposed as an energy harvester. The beam has a tip mass and piezoelectric layers which transduce the bending strains induced by the stochastic horizontal displacement into electrical charge. The efficiency of this nonlinear device is analyzed, focusing on the region of stochastic resonance where the beam motion has a large amplitude. Increasing the noise level allows the motion of the beam system to escape from single well oscillations and thus generate more power.
THE STABILITY AND FREE VIBRATIONS OF A COLUMN SUBJECTED TO A CONSERVATIVE LOAD GENERATED BY A HEAD WITH A PARABOLIC CONTOUR
Authors: TOMSKI LECH , UZNY SEBASTIAN
Published: April 2013

The boundary value problem concerning the free vibrations of a slender system subjected to a specific load has been formulated and solved in this work. Heads with parabolic contour have been used to realize the specific load for the first time. The boundary value problem has been formulated using Hamilton's principle. The critical load and the characteristic curves in the plane load–natural frequency have been determined on the basis of the kinetic criterion of stability. Numerical calculations have been assigned to different values of the parameters of the considered system for which the parabolic parameter and the parameter of the roller radius are ranked. The roller is the head of the receiving load. The accuracy of the mathematical model was confirmed on the basis of experimental research based on frequency and modal analysis.
FREE VIBRATIONS OF COMBINED HEMISPHERICAL–CYLINDRICAL SHELLS OF REVOLUTION WITH A TOP OPENING
Authors: KANG JAE-HOON
Published: April 2013

A three-dimensional (3D) method of analysis is presented for determining the free vibration frequencies of joined hemispherical–cylindrical shells of revolution with a top opening. Unlike conventional shell theories, which are mathematically two-dimensional (2D), the present method is based upon the 3D dynamic equations of elasticity. Displacement components ur, uθ and uz in the radial, circumferential, and axial directions, respectively, are taken to be periodic in θ and in time, and algebraic polynomials in the r and z directions. Potential (strain) and kinetic energies of the joined shells are formulated, and the Ritz method is used to solve the eigenvalue problem, thus yielding upper bound values of the frequencies by minimizing the frequencies. As the degree of the polynomials is increased, frequencies converge to the exact values. Convergence to four-digit exactitude is demonstrated for the first five frequencies. Natural frequencies are presented for different boundary conditions. The frequencies from the present 3D method are compared with those from 2D thin shell theories.
Barriers of Knowledge Sharing Among Employees: The Case of Commercial Bank of Ethiopia
Authors: Assefa Temtim , Garfield Monica , Meshesha Million
Published: April 2013

Commercial banks are one of the main engines that enhance the economic growth of the country by managing financial transactions. Banks process and use information to run their business. Knowledge is one of the strategic resources that commercial banks use to increase their internal efficiency and to operate competitively. Knowledge-sharing barriers hinder the smooth flow of knowledge among employees which often results in negative consequences such as customer dissatisfaction, low employee learning and poor service quality. This research identified complex individual, organisational and technological factors that affect knowledge sharing and puts forward interventions that can improve the culture of knowledge sharing in an organisation. The research also revealed that although organisations put much emphasis on the development of a technological infrastructure as a means to develop their knowledge management, it is the organisational and individual factors that may prove to be more important in improving organisational knowledge management. This research has a theoretical contribution for the generalisability of existing knowledge sharing theory across different socioeconomic contexts, in particular in Ethiopia.
A NEWLY MODIFIED VARIATIONAL ITERATION METHOD FOR SOLVING NONLINEAR DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
Authors: MOLLIQ R. YULITA , NOORANI M. S. M.
Published: April 2013

This paper presents a new reliable modification of the variational iteration method (MoVIM). An enlarged interval of convergence region of series solutions is obtained by inserting a nonzero auxiliary parameter (ℏ) into the correction functional of variational iteration method. Approximate analytical solutions for some examples of nonlinear problems are obtained using variational iteration method. Comparison with the exact solution, Runge–Kutta method 4, and also another modified variational iteration method has shown that MoVIM is an accurate method for solving nonlinear problems.
APPLICATION OF INVERSE BROYDEN'S METHOD FOR COMPUTATIONAL ANALYSIS OF HYDROGEN CONTRIBUTION TO THE NEAR-NEUTRAL PH STRESS CORROSION CRACKING
Authors: TELICHEV IGOR , VINOGRADOV OLEG
Published: April 2013

An Inverse Broyden's Method was applied in the context of a molecular statics approach for the analysis of the contribution of hydrogen to the near-neutral pH stress corrosion cracking. A 3D crystal structure was tested numerically. It is shown that the Inverse Broyden's Method provides a computationally efficient technique to evaluate the effect of hydrogen on the material degradation. Simulation results demonstrated that atoms of hydrogen placed near the crack tip produced a strong effect on deformation and crack propagation in bcc iron leading to a 15–20% loss in a residual strength of numerically tested samples.
GENETIC ALGORITHM BASED SIMULATION–OPTIMIZATION FOR FIGHTING WILDFIRES
Authors: HOMCHAUDHURI BAISRAVAN , KUMAR MANISH , COHEN KELLY
Published: April 2013

Wildfire is one of the most significant disturbances responsible for reshaping the terrain and changing the ecosystem of a particular region. Its detrimental effects on environment as well as human lives and properties, and growing trend in terms of frequency and intensity of wildfires over the last decade have necessitated the development of efficient forest fire management techniques. During the last three decades, Forest Fire Decision Support Systems (FFDSS) have been developed to help in the decision-making processes during forest fires by providing necessary information on fire detection, their status and behavior, and other aspects of forest fires. However, most of these decision support systems lack the capability of developing intelligent fire suppression strategies based upon current status and predicted behavior of forest fire. This paper presents an approach for development of efficient fireline building strategies via intelligent resource allocation. A Genetic Algorithm based approach has been proposed in this paper for resource allocation and optimum fireline building that minimizes the total damage due to wildland fires. The approach is based on a simulation–optimization technique in which the Genetic Algorithm uses advanced forest fire propagation models based upon Huygens principles for evaluation of cost index of its solutions. Both homogeneous and heterogeneous environmental conditions have been considered. Uncertainties in weather conditions as well as imperfect knowledge about exact vegetation and topographical conditions make exact prediction of wildfires very difficult. The paper incorporates Monte-Carlo simulations to develop robust strategies in uncertain conditions. Extensive simulations demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach in efficient resource allocation for fighting complex wildfires in uncertain and dynamic conditions.
SHAPE ESTIMATION OF A CAVITY BY INVERSE APPLICATION OF THE BOUNDARY ELEMENTS 2D ELASTOSTATICS PROBLEM
Authors: DASHTI-ARDAKANI MOHSEN , KHODADAD MAHMUD
Published: April 2013

The boundary elements method (BEM), manipulated genetic algorithm (MGA), conjugate gradient method (CGM), and cubic spline interpolation (CSI) are implemented to identify the shape of a cavity located inside a 2D solid body using displacements measured from a biaxial tension test. A fitness function which is defined as the squared differences between the computed and measured displacements is minimized. The BEM is used to solve the direct 2D elastostatics problem for the boundary displacements. The MGA is used as a robust explorer to find the best circular initial guess needed by the CGM to achieve convergence. The CSI is finally employed to draw the best curve through the points found by the CGM which depict the boundary of the cavity. Several example problems with different shapes of the cavity such as elliptic, pear, heart and egg shaped are solved. The effects of the size of cavity and measurement errors on the estimation process are investigated.
THE STRATEGY OF THE TECHNOLOGY INDUSTRY FOR OUTSOURCING PUBLIC RELATIONS: THE CASE OF TAIWANESE CORPORATIONS
Authors: CHEN MING-CHIA , SHEN MING-JIAN , WENG CALVIN S.
Published: April 2013

This study used qualitative methods to collect interview data from six technology companies and applied content analysis to interpret the data. The purpose was to describe the decision-making model in the outsourcing of public relations (PR) by technology corporations to PR agencies. Results indicated that during the process of outsourcing PR, complicated relationships existed among various concepts, and the relationships were more complex than linear relationships. Within the organization, the developmental stage of its PR, the target characteristics of its PR, accumulation of individual and organizational PR abilities, and its characteristics of performance evaluation all significantly influenced the planning, execution, assessment, and development of PR abilities. Factors external to the organization, such as different environmental demands and the characteristics of PR agencies, affected the viewpoints, selection criteria, and decision-making processes of organizations with regard to outsourcing PR. The individual abilities of organizational staff, accumulation of PR ability, and outsourcing characteristics were all important concepts that determined whether technology companies outsourced their PR management. Due to diversified environmental demands, conflicts may arise from the various demands placed on the organization.
PARAMETER-DEPENDENT CORNER OPERATORS
Authors: Rungrottheera W.
Published: April 2013

We perform a parameter-dependent pseudo-differential calculus of operators on a corner manifold and construct specific order reducing elements in the corresponding operator algebras.
THE GROUPS WHOSE SUBGROUPS ARE ALMOST ASCENDANT
Authors: Kurdachenko Leonid A. , Subbotin Igor Ya.
Published: April 2013

A subgroup H of a group G is called almost ascendant if H is ascendant in a subgroup K having finite index in G. We describe the structure of periodic groups whose subgroups are almost ascendant. The main result of this paper is following theorem. Let G be a periodic group whose subgroups are almost ascendant. Then G contains a normal finite subgroup K such that every subgroup of G/K is ascendant in G/K. In particular, G/K satisfies the normalizer condition.
A new nonscanning confocal microscopy module for functional voltage-sensitive dye and Ca2+ imaging of neuronal circuit activity
Authors: Tominaga Takashi , Tominaga Yoko
Published: April 2013

Recent advances in fluorescent confocal microscopy and voltage-sensitive and Ca2+ dyes have vastly improved our ability to image neuronal circuits. However, existing confocal systems are not fast enough or too noisy for many live-cell functional imaging studies. Here, we describe and demonstrate the function of a novel, nonscanning confocal microscopy module. The optics, which are designed to fit the standard camera port of the Olympus BX51WI epifluorescent microscope, achieve a high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) at high temporal resolution, making this configuration ideal for functional imaging of neuronal activities such as the voltage-sensitive dye (VSD) imaging. The optics employ fixed 100- × 100-pinhole arrays at the back focal plane (optical conjugation plane), above the tube lens of a usual upright microscope. The excitation light travels through these pinholes, and the fluorescence signal, emitted from subject, passes through corresponding pinholes before exciting the photodiodes of the imager: a 100- × 100-pixel metal-oxide semiconductor (MOS)-type pixel imager with each pixel corresponding to a single 100- × 100-μm photodiode. This design eliminated the need for a scanning device; therefore, acquisition rate of the imager (maximum rate of 10 kHz) is the only factor limiting acquisition speed. We tested the application of the system for VSD and Ca2+ imaging of evoked neuronal responses on electrical stimuli in rat hippocampal slices. The results indicate that, at least for these applications, the new microscope maintains a high SNR at image acquisition rates of ≤0.3 ms per frame.
Land Use Patch Generalization Based on Semantic Priority
Authors: Yang Jun , Kong Fanqiang , Xi Jianchao , Ge Quansheng , Li Xueming , Xie Peng
Published: April 2013

Land use patch generalization is the key technology to achieve multiscale representation. We research patches and achieve the following. (1) We establish a neighborhood analysis model by taking semantic similarity between features as the prerequisite and accounting for spatial topological relationships, retrieve the most neighboring patches of a feature using the model for data combination, and thus guarantee the area of various land types in patch combination. (2) We establish patch features using nodes at the intersection of separate feature buffers to fill the bridge area to achieve feature aggregation and effectively control nonbridge area deformation during feature aggregation. (3) We simplify the narrow zones by dividing them from the adjacent feature buffer area and then amalgamating them into the surrounding features. This effectively deletes narrow features and meets the area requirements, better generalizes land use features, and guarantees simple and attractive maps with appropriate loads. (4) We simplify the feature sidelines using the Douglas-Peucker algorithm to effectively eliminate nodes having little impact on overall shapes and characteristics. Here, we discuss the model and algorithm process in detail and provide experimental results of the actual data.
Age-Dependent Accumulation of 8-Oxoguanine in the DNA and RNA in Various Rat Tissues
Authors: Nie Ben , Gan Wei , Shi Fei , Hu Guo-Xin , Chen Lian-Guo , Hayakawa Hiroshi , Sekiguchi Mutsuo , Cai Jian-Ping
Published: April 2013

The relationship between the oxidative damage of nucleic acids and aging of animals was investigated by analyzing the nucleic acids derived from various tissue specimens of naturally aged Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. For this purpose, we established an accurate and sensitive isotope-diluted LC-MS/MS method to determine the levels of 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-oxo-dGsn) in DNA and 8-oxo-7,8-dihydroguanosine (8-oxo-Gsn) in RNA. An age-dependent increase in oxidative DNA and RNA damage was observed in the various organs examined, including the brain, liver, kidneys, and testes. Similar increases in the 8-oxo-dGsn and 8-oxo-Gsn contents were observed in three parts of the brain, the hippocampus, cerebral cortex, and cerebellum, among which, the values for the hippocampus were always the highest. When the oxidized guanosine metabolites were quantified with urine, a similar age-dependent increase was observed for both 8-oxo-dGsn and 8-oxo-Gsn. However, unlike the results of nucleic acid samples derived from the tissues, the amount of 8-oxo-Gsn was significantly higher compared to that of 8-oxo-dGsn, probably reflecting the fact that RNA degradation occurs more frequently than DNA degradation. Our finding indicates that the amount of urinary 8-oxo-Gsn could be considered as a biomarker for the sensitive measurement of oxidative stress and aging.
Investigation of the Effect of Rice Wine on the Metabolites of the Main Components of Herbal Medicine in Rat Urine by Ultrahigh-Performance Liquid Chromatography-Quadrupole/Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry: A Case Study onCornus officinalis
Authors: Cao Gang , Cai Hao , Yue Xianke , Tu Sicong , Cai Baochang , Xu Zhiwei
Published: April 2013

Ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole/time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-QTOF/MS) was developed for rapid and sensitive analysis of the effect of rice wine on the metabolites of the main components of herbal medicine in rat urine. UsingCornus officinalisas a model of herbal medicine, the metabolite profiles of crude and processed (steaming the crude drug presteeped in rice wine)Cornus officinalisextracts in rat urine were investigated. The metabolites ofCornus officinaliswere identified by using dynamic adjustment of the fragmentor voltage to produce structure-relevant fragment ions. In this work, we identified the parent compounds and metabolites of crude and processedCornus officinalisin rats. In total, three parent compounds and seventeen new metabolites ofCornus officinaliswere found in rats. The contents of the parent compounds and metabolitesin vivovaried significantly after intragastric (i.g.) administration of aqueous extracts of crude and processedCornus officinalis. Data from this study suggests that UPLC-QTOF/MS could be used as a potential tool for uncovering the effects of excipients found in the metabolites of the main components of herbal medicine,in vivo, to predict and discover the processing mechanisms of herbal medicine.
Ameliorated Austenite Carbon Content Control in Austempered Ductile Irons by Support Vector Regression
Authors: Yang Chan-Yun , Chang Liou-Chun , Samani Hooman , Nakatsu Ryohei
Published: April 2013

Austempered ductile iron has emerged as a notable material in several engineering fields, including marine applications. The initial austenite carbon content after austenization transform but before austempering process for generating bainite matrix proved critical in controlling the resulted microstructure and thus mechanical properties. In this paper, support vector regression is employed in order to establish a relationship between the initial carbon concentration in the austenite with austenization temperature and alloy contents, thereby exercising improved control in the mechanical properties of the austempered ductile irons. Particularly, the paper emphasizes a methodology tailored to deal with a limited amount of available data with intrinsically contracted and skewed distribution. The collected information from a variety of data sources presents another challenge of highly uncertain variance. The authors present a hybrid model consisting of a procedure of a histogram equalizer and a procedure of a support-vector-machine (SVM-) based regression to gain a more robust relationship to respond to the challenges. The results show greatly improved accuracy of the proposed model in comparison to two former established methodologies. The sum squared error of the present model is less than one fifth of that of the two previous models.
A Review of Optoelectronic Oscillators for High Speed Signal Processing Applications
Authors: Devgan Paul
Published: April 2013

The Optoelectronic Oscillator (OEO) was first demonstrated in 1996 as a low phase noise RF source. Low phase noise RF sources have uses for multiple applications, ranging from analog to digital converters to radar to metrology. In the past sixteen years, the OEO has been shown to be useful for other signal processing applications. This paper will provide a background of the OEO’s principles of operation, as well as multiple examples of signal processing applications where the OEO can be used. The OEO can be applied to both analog and digital problems, providing new techniques to solve these challenges.
Concurrent Fault Diagnosis for Rotating Machinery Based on Vibration Sensors
Authors: Zhang Qing-Hua , Hu Qin , Sun Guoxi , Si Xiaosheng , Qin Aisong
Published: April 2013

Rotating machinery is widely used in modern industry. It is one of the most critical components in a variety of machinery and equipment. Along with the continuous development of science and technology, the structures of rotating machinery become of larger scale, of higher speed, and more complicated, which results in higher probability of concurrent failure in practice. It is important to enable reliable, safe, and efficient operation of large-scale and critical rotating machinery, which requires us to achieve accurate diagnosis of concurrent fault, for example, rolling bearing diagnosis, gearbox diagnosis, and compressor diagnosis. In this paper, to achieve concurrent fault diagnosis for rotating machinery, which cannot be accurately diagnosed by existing methods, we develop an integrated method using artificial immune algorithm and evidential theory.