bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Peripheral Blood WT1 Expression Predicts Relapse in AML Patients Undergoing Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation
Authors: Malagola Michele , Skert Cristina , Ruggeri Giuseppina , Turra Alessandro , Ribolla Rossella , Cancelli Valeria , Cattina Federica , Alghisi Elisa , Bernardi Simona , Perucca Simone , Di Palma Andrea , Borlenghi Erika , Pagani Chiara , Rossi Giuseppe , Caimi Luigi , Russo Domenico
Published: August 2014

To evaluate if WT1 expression may predict relapse after allo-SCT, we analyzed WT1 levels on peripheral blood (PB) and bone marrow (BM) before and after allo-SCT in 24 AML patients with WT1 overexpression at diagnosis. Five copies of WT1/ABL × 104from PB were identified as the threshold value that correlated with relapse after allo-SCT. The same correlation was not identified when WT1 expression was assessed from bone marrow (BM). Eight out of 11 (73%) patients with a pre-allo-SCT PB-WT1 ≥ 5 and 4/13 (31%) patients with a pre-allo-SCT PB-WT1 < 5 relapsed, respectively (P= 0.04). The incidence of relapse was higher in patients with PB-WT1 ≥ 5 measured after allo-SCT, at the 3rd (56% versus 38%;P= 0.43) and at the 6th month (71% versus 20%;P= 0.03). Patients with pretransplant PB-WT1 < 5 had significantly better 2-year OS and LFS than patients with a PB-WT1 ≥ 5 (81% versus 0% and 63% versus 20%) (P= 0.02). Our data suggest the usefulness of WT1 monitoring from PB to predict the relapse in allotransplanted AML patients and to modulate the intensity of conditioning and/or the posttransplant immunosuppression in an attempt to reduce the posttransplant relapse risk.
Dual Wavelength Spectrophotometric Method for Simultaneous Estimation of Atorvastatin Calcium and Felodipine from Tablet Dosage Form
Authors: Jadhav Namdeo R. , Kambar Ramesh S. , Nadaf Sameer J.
Published: August 2014

Atorvastatin calcium (ATR) and felodipine (FEL) are beneficial in combination for elderly people in management of hypertension and atherosclerosis. Aim of present study is to develop simple, accurate, and precise method for simultaneous quantitative estimation of ATR and FEL from combined tablet dosage form. Method involves simultaneous equation, using acetonitrile—double distilled water (70 : 30)—common solvent showing absorption maxima at 245 and 268 nm. Calibration curves determination for both drugs has been carried out in 0.1 N HCl, phosphate buffer pH 6.8, and acetonitrile (ACN)—water (70 : 30 V/V). Linearity range was observed in the concentration range of 2 to 12 µg/mL for FEL and 20 to 100 µg/mL for ATR. Percent concentration estimated for ATR and FEL was 100.12 ± 1.03 and 99.98 ± 0.98, respectively. The method was found to be simple, economical, accurate and precise and can be used for quantitative estimation of ATR and FEL.
Cardioprotection against Ischemia/Reperfusion by Licochalcone B in Isolated Rat Hearts
Authors: Han Jichun , Wang Dong , Yu Bacui , Wang Yanming , Ren Huanhuan , Zhang Bo , Wang Yonghua , Zheng Qiusheng
Published: August 2014

The generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is a major cause of heart injury induced by ischemia-reperfusion. The left ventricular developed pressure (LVDP) and the maximum up/down rate of left ventricular pressure (±dp/dtmax⁡) were documented by a physiological recorder. Myocardial infarct size was estimated macroscopically using 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining. Coronary effluent was analyzed for lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and creatine kinase (CK) release to assess the degree of cardiac injury. The levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-8 (IL-8), tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were analyzed to determine the inflammation status of the myocardial tissue. Cardiomyocyte apoptosis analysis was performed using the In Situ Cell Death Detection Kit, POD. Accordingly, licochalcone B pretreatment improved the heart rate (HR), increased LVDP, and decreased CK and LDH levels in coronary flow. SOD level and GSH/GSSG ratio increased, whereas the levels of MDA, TNF-α, and CRP and activities of IL-8 and IL-6 decreased in licochalcone B-treated groups. The infarct size and cell apoptosis in hearts from licochalcone B-treated group were lower than those in hearts from the I/R control group. Therefore, the cardioprotective effects of licochalcone B may be attributed to its antioxidant, antiapoptotic, and anti-inflammatory activities.
Investigation of TASS/SMR Capability to Predict a Natural Circulation in the Test Facility for an Integral Reactor
Authors: Chung Young-Jong , Lim Sung-Won , Bae Kyoo-Hwan
Published: August 2014

System-integrated modular advanced reactor (SMART) is a small-sized advanced integral type pressurized water reactor (PWR) with a rated thermal power of 330 MW. It can produce 100 MW of electricity or 90 MW of electricity and 40,000 ton of desalinated water concurrently, which is sufficient for 100,000 residents. The design features contributing to safety enhancement are basically inherent safety improvement and passive safety features. TASS/SMR code was developed for an analysis of design based events and accidents in an integral type reactor reflecting the characteristics of the SMART design. The main purpose of the code is to analyze all relevant phenomena and processes. The code should be validated using experimental data in order to confirm prediction capability. TASS/SMR predicts well the overall thermal-hydraulic behavior under various natural circulation conditions at the experimental test facility for an integral reactor. A pressure loss should be provided a function of Reynolds number at low velocity conditions in order to simulate the mass flow rate well under natural circulations.
Mixed Boundary Value Problem on Hypersurfaces
Authors: DuDuchava R. , Tsaava M. , Tsutsunava T.
Published: August 2014

The purpose of the present paper is to investigate the mixed Dirichlet-Neumann boundary value problems for the anisotropic Laplace-Beltrami equationdivC(A∇Cφ)=fon a smooth hypersurfaceCwith the boundaryΓ=∂CinRn.A(x)is ann×nbounded measurable positive definite matrix function. The boundary is decomposed into two nonintersecting connected partsΓ=ΓD∪ΓNand onΓDthe Dirichlet boundary conditions are prescribed, while onΓNthe Neumann conditions. The unique solvability of the mixed BVP is proved, based upon the Green formulae and Lax-Milgram Lemma. Further, the existence of the fundamental solution todivS(A∇S)is proved, which is interpreted as the invertibility of this operator in the settingHp,#s(S)→Hp,#s-2(S), whereHp,#s(S)is a subspace of the Bessel potential space and consists of functions with mean value zero.
Econometric Analysis of Landscape Preferences in Canterbury, New Zealand
Authors: Brown P. , Mortimer C.
Published: August 2014

The landscape of rural Canterbury, New Zealand, has evolved from tussock grasslands to one of the most productive dairying areas in the world. While these changes represent a boon for Canterbury’s economy, the visual impact of land-use change has been dramatic. In this paper, we evaluate which changes to the Canterbury landscape have been most pronounced, how people react to those changes, which aspects of the rural landscape are of greatest importance to both urban and rural residents of Canterbury, and whether cost-effective means of mitigating visual changes to the landscape exist. We find that the majority of Cantabrians hold unfavourable views of recent changes to the landscape—particularly with regard to dairying—a finding that is consistent across both urban and rural survey respondents. Using a visual assessment study with cross-classified random effect, we find that dairy cows, irrigators, and silage bales significantly reduce viewers’ subjective evaluations of landscapes while shelterbelts dramatically increase their subjective evaluations. Moreover, native New Zealand shelterbelts are preferred to exotic shelterbelts, but both are preferred to having no shelterbelts, suggesting that the negative visual impacts of dairy farming may be ameliorated by intensified tree planting.
The Present Status of the Management of Colon and Rectal Cancer in Nigeria
Authors: Irabor David O. , Afuwape O. Oludolapo , Ayandipo Omobolaji O.
Published: August 2014

Aim. To demonstrate the possibility of the uniqueness of colorectal cancer (CRC) in the native Nigerian by looking at the different facets of the challenges that management of this disease presents in a tertiary-care hospital in Ibadan, Nigeria.Method. A cohort study starting in 2009 where patients were seen in the out-patient’s clinic. All patients who presented with features suggestive of colon or rectal cancer were studied. Biopsies were performed to confirm CRC (especially rectal cancer); patients were then booked for admission and subsequent operation. Patients were excluded if the histopathology of a resected or biopsied mass turned out to be noncancerous or inflammatory. Demographic data like age and sex were recorded. The type of operation done, findings at surgery, and the histopathology of the resected specimen were all recorded. The time taken for the pathology department to process the biopsy and resected specimens was also recorded.Results. 120 patients with CRC were seen over the study period of 5 years (2009–2013) giving an average of 24 patients per annum. The male : female ratio was 1 : 1.14. 86 (71.7%) patients had rectal cancer while the remaining 34 (28.3%) had colon cancer. Most of the colon cancer cases were in the 51–60 age group. The rectum : colon ratio was 2.5 : 1.31% of the patients were 40 years and below. 37% of those with rectal cancer were 40 years and below. 50% of resected specimens were Duke’s B and above. 45% of patients had tumors with unfavorable grade or biology (mucinous 21.7%, signet ring 8.3%, and poorly differentiated 15%). Only 24% of patients below 40 years and 41% of those above 40 years with confirmed rectal carcinoma presented for operation.Conclusion. Advanced tumors at presentation may not always be as a result of late presentation. Unusual aggressiveness of the tumors may lead to rapid progression of the disease. Increasing incidence in younger patients makes abdominoperineal excision of the rectum difficult for such patients to accept.
Chicken Collagen from Law Market Value By-Products as an Alternate Source
Authors: Munasinghe Kumudini A. , Schwarz Jurgen G. , Nyame Anthony K.
Published: August 2014

There has been much interest in investigating possible means of making collagen from underutilized chicken by-products and it will lead to an alternate source of collagen for use in various industries such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, biomedical materials, and the food industry. The objective of this research was to find methods to extract collagen from chicken skins and bones to compare the corresponding yield differences and analyze their properties. Collagen extracted by acetic acid, citric acid, alkali, one-step acetic acid and pepsin, and two-step acetic acid and pepsin extraction procedures was compared. Complete randomized design, Student’st-test, and Tukey’s test were used to analyze the samples(P<0.05). The recovered dry weights for the skin extractions were 6.1, 6.2, 5, 38.7, and 40.4% and those of bone extractions were 4.4, 4.1, 4.1, 19.1, and 20.6%, respectively. Protein, fat, and inorganic material contents of collagen preparations for skin were 62.7%, 1.5%, and 0.7% and for bone were 30.4%, 1.4%, and 0.7%, respectively. This study indicates that chicken by-products have high potential use as an alternate source of collagen.

Corrigendum to “Chicken Collagen from Law Market Value By-Products as an Alternate Source”
Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Selected Natural Compounds Contained in a Dietary Supplement on Two Human Immortalized Keratinocyte Lines
Authors: Fasano Elena , Serini Simona , Mondella Nadia , Trombino Sonia , Celleno Leonardo , Lanza Paola , Cittadini Achille , Calviello Gabriella
Published: August 2014

Several advantages may derive from the use of dietary supplements containing multiple natural antioxidants and/or anti-inflammatory agents. At present, however, there is scarce information on the properties and potential of combined supplements. To fill the gap, the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities exerted by a combination of seven natural components (coenzyme Q10, krill oil, lipoic acid, resveratrol, grape seed oil,α-tocopherol, and selenium) contained in a dietary supplement used for the prevention of skin disorders were investigatedin vitro. Each component was administered, alone or in combination, to human keratinocytes, and the inhibition of Reactive Oxygen Species production and lipid peroxidation as well as the ability to reduce inflammatory cytokine secretion and to modulate Nuclear Factor-κB pathway was evaluated. The combination exhibited high antioxidant activity and in specific conditions the combination’s efficiency was higher than that of the most powerful components administered individually. Moreover, the combination showed remarkable anti-inflammatory properties. It reduced more efficiently than each component the secretion of Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1, a crucial cytokine for the development of chronic inflammation in skin, and inhibited Nuclear Factor-κB molecular pathway. Overall, our findings suggest that the combined formulation may have the potential to powerfully inhibit oxidative stress and inflammation at skin level.
Self-Ligating Brackets and Their Impact on Oral Health-Related Quality of Life in Chinese Adolescence Patients: A Longitudinal Prospective Study
Authors: Zhou Yu , Zheng MinLing , Lin Jiaqiang , Wang Yi , Ni Zhen Yu
Published: August 2014

Introduction. Although the associations between orthodontic and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQOL) have been explored, little research has been done to address the influence of brackets type on perceived OHRQOL. The aim of this study was to assess whether the levels of OHRQOL in Chinese adolescence patients were influenced by the type of brackets.Materials and Methods. One hundred fifty Chinese orthodontic adolescence patients completed the 14-item Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14, Chinese version) at five distinct intervals: after insertion of the fixed appliance at 1 week (T1), 1 month (T2), 3 months (T3), and 6 months (T4); and after treatment (T5).Results. Patients with self-ligating brackets were associated with less pain and discomfort at any intervals compared with conventional brackets, but no significant difference of overall OHIP-14 scores could be found between two groups. Moreover, in both groups, overall scores at T1 and T2 were significantly higher than the scores at any other intervals in both groups.Conclusions. The type of orthodontic appliance did not affect oral health-related quality of life in Chinese adolescence patients.
Synthesis of V2O5 Nanoflakes on PET Fiber as Visible-Light-Driven Photocatalysts for Degradation of RhB Dye
Authors: Chan Yim-Leng , Pung Swee-Yong , Sreekantan Srimala
Published: August 2014

The visible-light-driven semiconductor photocatalysts are the current research focus techniques used to decompose organic pollutants/compounds. The photodegradation efficiency of organic compounds by photocatalyst is expected to be better compared to UV-light-driven semiconductor photocatalysts technique since the major components of our solar energy are visible light (~44%). However, as most of the previous research work has been carried out using semiconductor photocatalysts in the form of powder, extra steps and costs are needed to remove this powder from the slurry to prevent secondary pollution. In this research work, we will explain our fabrication technique of V2O5 nanoflakes by growing radially on PET fibers. By utilizing the flexibility and high surface area of polymeric fibers as novel substrate for the growth of V2O5 nanoflakes, the Rhodamine B (RhB) could be degraded under visible light irradiation. The photodegradation of RhB solution by V2O5 nanoflakes followed the 1st order kinetic with a constant rate of 0.0065 min−1. The success of this research work indicates that V2O5 nanoflakes grown on PET fibre could be possibly used as organic waste water purifier under continuous flow condition. A photodegradation mechanism of V2O5 nanostructures to degrade RhB dye is proposed based on the energy diagram.
Psychometric Properties of the 8-Item English Arthritis Self-Efficacy Scale in a Diverse Sample
Authors: Wilcox Sara , Schoffman Danielle E. , Dowda Marsha , Sharpe Patricia A.
Published: August 2014

Arthritis self-efficacy is important for successful disease management. This study examined psychometric properties of the 8-item English version of the Arthritis Self-Efficacy Scale (ASES-8) and differences in ASES-8 scores across sample subgroups. In 401 participants with self-reported doctor-diagnosed arthritis, exploratory factor analysis and tests of internal consistency were conducted. Concurrent validity was examined by associating ASES-8 scores with disease-specific, psychosocial, functional, and behavioral measures expected to be related to arthritis self-efficacy. All analyses were conducted for the full sample and within subgroups (gender, race, age, education, and weight status). Exploratory factor analysis for the entire sample and in all 12 subgroups demonstrated a one factor solution (factor loadings: 0.61 to 0.89). Internal consistency was high for measures of Cronbach’s alpha (0.87 to 0.94), omega (0.87 to 0.93), and greatest lower bound (0.90 to 0.95). ASES-8 scores were significantly correlated with all measures assessed (P<0.05), demonstrating concurrent validity. Those with a high school education or greater had higher ASES-8 scores than those with less than a high school education (P<.001); no other subgroup differences were found. The ASES-8 is a valid and reliable tool to measure arthritis self-efficacy efficiently and thereby reduce participant burden in research studies.
Utilization of Brine Sludge in Nonstructural Building Components: A Sustainable Approach
Authors: Garg Mridul , Pundir Aakanksha
Published: August 2014

The characterization and influence of brine sludge on the properties of cement-fly ash-sludge binders are presented. The reaction products formed during the hydration of binder provide an interlocking framework to physically encapsulate the waste particles and are responsible for the development of strength. The utilization of brine sludge in making paver blocks and bricks and the effect of sludge concentration on the engineering properties of these products are also discussed. These results clearly exhibited that brine sludge up to 35 and 25% can safely be utilized for making paver blocks and bricks, respectively. The leachability studies confirm that the metals ions and impurities in the sludge are substantially fixed in the matrix and do not readily leach from there. The utilization of brine sludge in construction materials could serve as an alternative solution to disposal and reduce pollution.
Valorization and Miscellaneous Prospects of WasteMusa balbisianaColla Pseudostem
Authors: Gogoi Krishna , Phukan Mayur Mausoom , Dutta Nipu , Pradeep Singh Salam , Sedai Pitambar , Kumar Konwar Bolin , Maji Tarun Kumar
Published: August 2014

Resourceful utilization of the enormous quantum of agrowastes generated via agricultural practices can be supportive in waste management, environmental upgradation, and subsequent material and energy recovery. In this regard, the present study aimed at highlighting waste banana (Musa balbisianaColla) pseudostem (an agrowaste) as a potential bio-based feedstock with miscellaneous applications. The pseudostem was characterized by carbon, nitrogen, and hydrogen (CHN) analysis, thermogravimetric-differential thermal analysis (TGDTA), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin were estimated as a part of biochemical characterization. Total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay, and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) were carried out as a part of antioxidant characterization. The waste banana pseudostem biomass (WBPB) was also tried successfully as a natural filler in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) polymer composite. Thermal properties and water uptake test of the WBPB polymer composite were accessed as a part of composite characterization. The pseudostem had calorific value (15.22 MJ/kg), high holocellulose (58.67%), high free radical scavenging potential (69.9%), and a low ash content (6.8%). Additionally, the WBPB polymer composite showed improved water resistance and thermostability. The study suggests feasibility of WBPB as a prospective bioenergy feedstock, primary antioxidant source, and reinforcing agent in polymer composites.
Free Vibration Analysis of Patch Repaired Plates with a Through Crack byp-Convergent Layerwise Element
Authors: Ahn Jae S. , Yang Seung H. , Woo Kwang S.
Published: August 2014

The high-order layerwise element models have been used for damaged plates and shells in the presence of singularities such as crack, cutout, and delamination. In this study, the extension of a proposed finite element model has been tested for free vibration analysis of composite laminated systems. For the elements, three-dimensional displacement fields can be captured by layer-by-layer representation. For the elements, higher-order shape functions are derived by combination of one- and two-dimensional shape functions based on higher-order Lobatto shape functions, not using pure higher-order three-dimensional shape functions. The present model can relieve difficulty of aspect ratios in modeling very thin thickness of bonding layer. For verification of the model, natural frequencies and corresponding mode shapes are calculated and then compared with reference values for uncracked and cracked plates. Also, the vibration characteristics of one-sided patch repaired plates with a through internal crack are investigated with respect to variation of crack length, size and thickness of patch, and shear modulus of adhesive, respectively.
Validated HPLC Method for Quantification of Pregabalin in Human Plasma Using 1-Fluoro-2,4-dinitrobenzene as Derivatization Agent
Authors: Ahmadkhaniha Reza , Mottaghi Siavash , Zargarpoor Mohammad , Souri Effat
Published: August 2014

In this study, a sensitive, simple, and reliable HPLC method for quantification of pregabalin in human plasma was developed and validated. 1-Fluoro-2,4-dinitrobenzene was used as precolumn derivatization agent. For chromatography, an analytical reversed phase (C18) column and a mixture of Na2HPO410 mM (pH 8.0)—methanol (35 : 65 v/v) were used as stationary and mobile phase, respectively. Detection was performed using a UV detector tuned at 360 nm. The linearity of the method was tested over the concentration range 1–4500 ng/mL in 500 μL of human plasma and satisfactory results were obtained (r2> 0.999). The method showed good precision and accuracy in terms of within—between days relative standard deviations and percent deviation from nominated values (in the range of 4.3–12.7% and 2.6–8.0%, resp.). The limit of quantification of the method was found to be 1 ng/mL which is better than previously reported method and indicates its potential application for sensitive bioanalysis.
Inhibition of Corneal Neovascularization by Topical and Subconjunctival Tigecycline
Authors: Goktas Sertan , Erdogan Ender , Sakarya Rabia , Sakarya Yasar , Yılmaz Mustafa , Ozcimen Muammer , Unlukal Nejat , Alpfidan Ismail , Tas Fatih , Erdogan Erkan , Bukus Abdulkadir , Ivacık Ismail Senol
Published: August 2014

Objective. To investigate the effects of topical and subconjunctival tigecycline on the prevention of corneal neovascularization.Materials and Methods. Following chemical burn, thirty-two rats were treated daily with topical instillation of 1 mg/mL tigecycline (group 1) or subconjunctival instillation of 1 mg/mL tigecycline (group 3) for 7 days. Control rats received topical (group 2) or subconjunctival (group 4) 0.9% saline. Digital photographs of the cornea were taken on the eighth day after treatment and analyzed to determine the percentage area of the cornea covered by neovascularization. Corneal sections were analyzed histopathologically.Results. The median percentages of corneal neovascularization in groups 1 and 3 were 48% (95% confidence interval (CI), 44.2–55.8%) and 33.5% (95% CI, 26.6–39.2%), respectively. The median percentages of corneal neovascularization of groups 1 and 3 were significantly lower than that of the control group (P=0.03andP<0.001, resp.). Histologic examination of samples from groups 1 and 3 showed lower vascularity than that of control groups.Conclusion. Topical and subconjunctival administration of tigecycline seems to be showing promising therapeutic effects on the prevention of corneal neovascularization. Furthermore, subconjunctival administration of tigecycline is more potent than topical administration in the inhibition of corneal neovascularization.
Wettability Effects on Capillary Pressure, Relative Permeability, and Irredcucible Saturation Using Porous Plate
Authors: Falode Olugbenga , Manuel Edo
Published: August 2014

An understanding of the mechanisms by which oil is displaced from porous media requires the knowledge of the role of wettability and capillary forces in the displacement process. The determination of representative capillary pressure (Pc) data and wettability index of a reservoir rock is needed for the prediction of the fluids distribution in the reservoir: the initial water saturation and the volume of reserves. This study shows how wettability alteration of an initially water-wet reservoir rock to oil-wet affects the properties that govern multiphase flow in porous media, that is, capillary pressure, relative permeability, and irreducible saturation. Initial water-wet reservoir core samples with porosities ranging from 23 to 33%, absolute air permeability of 50 to 233 md, and initial brine saturation of 63 to 87% were first tested as water-wet samples under air-brine system. This yielded irreducible wetting phase saturation of 19 to 21%. The samples were later tested after modifying their wettability to oil-wet using a surfactant obtained from glycerophtalic paint; and the results yielded irreducible wetting phase saturation of 25 to 34%. From the results of these experiments, changing the wettability of the samples to oil-wet improved the recovery of the wetting phase.
Electron Donor-Acceptor Interaction of 8-Hydroxyquinoline with Citric Acid in Different Solvents: Spectroscopic Studies
Authors: Jado Demelash , Siraj Khalid , Meka Nathan
Published: August 2014

Charge transfer complex formation between 8-hydroxyquinoline as the electron donor and citric acid as the electron acceptor has been studied spectrophotometrically in ethanol and methanol solvents at room temperature. Absorption band due to charge transfer complex formation was observed near 320 and 325 nm in ethanol and methanol, respectively. The stoichiometric ratio of the complex has been found 3 : 1 by using Job’s and conductometric titration methods. Benesi-Hildebrand equation has been applied to estimate the formation constant and molecular extinction coefficient. It was found that the value of formation constant was larger in ethanol than in methanol. The physical parameters, ionization potential, and standard free energy change of the formed complex were determined and evaluated in the ethanol and methanol solvents.
Numerical Simulation Procedure for Modeling TGO Crack Propagation and TGO Growth in Thermal Barrier Coatings upon Thermal-Mechanical Cycling
Authors: Jun Ding , Xia Huang , Song Chen , E-Chuan Yang
Published: August 2014

This paper reports a numerical simulation procedure to model crack propagation in TGO layer and TGO growth near a surface groove in metal substrate upon multiple thermal-mechanical cycles. The material property change method is employed to model TGO formation cycle by cycle, and the creep properties for constituent materials are also incorporated. Two columns of repeated nodes are placed along the interface of the potential crack, and these nodes are bonded together as one node at a geometrical location. In terms of critical crack opening displacement criterion, onset of crack propagation in TGO layer has been determined by finite element analyses in comparison with that without predefined crack. Then, according to the results from the previous analyses, the input values for the critical failure parameters for the subsequent analyses can be decided. The robust capabilities of restart analysis in ABAQUS help to implement the overall simulation for TGO crack propagation. The comparison of the TGO final deformation profile between numerical and experimental observation shows a good agreement indicating the correctness and effectiveness of the present procedure, which can guide the prediction of the failure in TGO for the future design and optimization for TBC system.
Cobalt(II) and Manganese(II) Complexes of Novel Schiff Bases, Synthesis, Charcterization, and Thermal, Antimicrobial, Electronic, and Catalytic Features
Authors: Bal Selma , Bal Sedat Salih
Published: August 2014

Carbazoles containing two new Schiff bases (Z,Z)-N,N′-bis[(9-ethyl-9H-carbazole-3-yl)methylene]propane-1,3 diamine (L1) and (Z,Z)-N,N′-bis[(9-ethyl-9H-carbazole-3-yl)methylene]-2,2-dimethylpropane-1,3-diamine (L2) and their Co(II) and Mn(II) complexes were synthesized and characterized using various spectroscopic methods and thermal analysis, which gave high thermal stability results for the ligands and their cobalt complexes. The title compounds were examined for their antimicrobial and antifungal activities, which resulted in high activity values for the ligands and their manganese complexes. Oxidation reactions carried out on styrene and cyclohexene revealed that the complex compounds were the most effective catalysts for styrene oxidation, giving good selectivities than those of cyclohexene oxidation. Electronic features of the synthesized compounds were also reported within this work.
Inequalities for the Minimum Eigenvalue of Doubly Strictly Diagonally DominantM-Matrices
Authors: Xu Ming , Li Suhua , Li Chaoqian
Published: August 2014

LetAbe a doubly strictly diagonally dominantM-matrix. Inequalities on upper and lower bounds for the entries of the inverse ofAare given. And some new inequalities on the lower bound for the minimal eigenvalue ofAand the corresponding eigenvector are presented to establish an upper bound for theL1-norm of the solutionx(t)for the linear differential systemdx/dt=-Ax(t),x(0)=x0>0.
A Blood Pressure Monitoring Method for Stroke Management
Authors: Ma Heather Ting
Published: August 2014

Blood pressure is one important risk factor for stroke prognosis. Therefore, continuous monitoring of blood pressure is crucial for preventing and predicting stroke. However, current blood pressure devices are mainly air-cuff based, which only can provide measurements intermittently. This study proposed a new blood pressure estimation method based on the pulse transit time to realize continuous monitoring. The proposed method integrated a linear model with a compensation algorithm. A calibration method was further developed to guarantee that the model was personalized for individuals. Variation and variability of pulse transit time were introduced to construct the compensation algorithm in the model. The proposed method was validated by the data collected from 30 healthy subjects, aged from 23 to 25 years old. By comparing the estimated value to the measurement from an oscillometry, the result showed that the mean error of the estimated blood pressure was-0.2±2.4 mmHg and0.5±3.9 mmHg for systolic and diastolic blood pressure, respectively. In addition, the estimation performance of the proposed model is better than the linear model, especially for the diastolic blood pressure. The results indicate that the proposed method has promising potential to realize continuous blood pressure measurement.
Applications of Schauder’s Fixed Point Theorem to Semipositone Singular Differential Equations
Authors: Cao Zhongwei , Yuan Chengjun , Li Xiuling
Published: August 2014

We study the existence of positive periodic solutions of second-order singular differential equations. The proof relies on Schauder’s fixed point theorem. Our results generalized and extended those results contained in the studies by Chu and Torres (2007) and Torres (2007) . In some suitable weak singularities, the existence of periodic solutions may help.
The Carbon Nanotube Fibers for Optoelectric Conversion and Energy Storage
Authors: Luo Yongfeng , Li Xi , Zhang Jianxiong , Liao Chunrong , Li Xianjun
Published: August 2014

This review summarizes recent studies on carbon nanotube (CNT) fibers for weavable device of optoelectric conversion and energy storage. The intrinsic properties of individual CNTs make the CNT fibers ideal candidates for optoelectric conversion and energy storage. Many potential applications such as solar cell, supercapacitor, and lithium ion battery have been envisaged. The recent advancement in CNT fibers for optoelectric conversion and energy storage and the current challenge including low energy conversion efficiency and low stability and future direction of the energy fiber have been finally summarized in this paper.
Coping Style and Quality of Life in Elderly Patients with Vision Disturbances
Authors: Oles Maria , Oles Piotr
Published: August 2014

Purpose.This study aims at evaluating coping style and quality of life in patients with glaucoma and cataract.Methods.The participants were patients (N=237, 130F; mean age: M = 67,8; SD = 9,5) with low vision caused by cataract(N=188)and glaucoma(N=49)who answered the Quality of Life Questionnaire (QOLQ) by Schalock and Keith. The participants were divided by means of cluster analysis (k-means) according to coping styles measured by CISS (Endler and Parker) into three groups: (1) high mobilization for coping, (2) task-oriented coping, and (3) low mobilization for coping.Results.In all the group, a general quality of life was moderately lowered; however, in task-oriented group it was relatively high. Moreover, task-oriented group had significantly lower level of anxiety (STAI), hopelessness (HS), and loneliness (UCLA LS-R) and higher level of self-esteem (SES) in comparison to the patients from high mobilization and low mobilization for coping.Conclusions.In an old age, adaptive coping with vision disturbances does not necessarily mean flexibility in combining all coping styles, but rather task-oriented coping and an ability to use social support. Extreme mobilization for coping seems not adaptive similarly like low mobilization for coping because it violates balance between environmental requirements and personal resources.
Ligusticum wallichii Extract Inhibited the Expression of IL‐1β after AMI in Rats
Authors: Yuan Zhuo , Zhang Junping , Yang Cui
Published: August 2014

This study investigated the effects of Ligusticum wallichii on IL‐1β expression in myocardium and central nervous system after AMI. AMI rat was administrated with Ligusticum wallichii extract. A series of assays were used to detect the effects of Ligusticum wallichii extract on infarct size, left ventricular ejection fraction, expression of TLR‐4, NF‐κB, and IL‐1β in myocardium, IL‐1β expression in serum and hypothalamus, and NPY expression in hypothalamus. We observed that Ligusticum wallichii extract improved the left ventricular ejection fraction and reduced infarct area enlargement after AMI, by inhibiting the expression of IL‐1β in myocardium, serum, and hypothalamus. Ligusticum wallichii extract reduced the expression of IL‐1β in myocardium by regulating TLR4‐NF‐κB signaling pathway and inhibited IL‐1β in hypothalamus by regulating NPY mRNA expression.
Synthesis and Molecular Structure of tert-Butyl 3-oxo-2-oxa-5-azabicyclo[2.2.2]octane-5-carboxylate
Authors: Moriguchi Tetsuji , Krishnamurthy Suvratha , Arai Toru , Matsumoto Taisuke , Araki Koji , Tsuge Akihiko , Nishino Norikazu
Published: August 2014

The compound tert-butyl 3-oxo-2-oxa-5-azabicyclo[2.2.2]octane-5-carboxylate was synthesized as a cyclic amino acid ester from the corresponding ethyl 2-amino-4-(2-oxiranyl)butanoate HCl salt via an intramolecular lactonization reaction and was characterized by using 1H NMR spectroscopy and high-resolution mass spectrometry. The product was then recrystallized from dichloromethane/diethyl ether and its structure was determined via single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The crystal was found to be of the monoclinic space group P21/c (no. 14) with a = 10.217(2) Å, b = 11.676(3) Å, c = 10.273(3) Å, β = 114.186(13)°, and Dcalc = 1.350 g/cm3 at 123 K. The compound has bicyclo[2.2.2]octane structure including a lactone moiety and a piperidine ring, and the two diastereomers of the molecules are present in a 1 : 1 ratio in the crystal.
OnCℵ-Fibrations in Bitopological Semigroups
Authors: Dawood Suliman ,   Kılıçman
Published: August 2014

We extend the path lifting property in homotopy theory for topological spaces to bitopological semigroups and we show and prove its role in theCℵ-fibration property. We give and prove the relationship between theCℵ-fibration property and an approximate fibration property. Furthermore, we study the pullback maps forCℵ-fibrations.
Analytical Modelling of Three‐Dimensional Squeezing Nanofluid Flow in a Rotating Channel on a Lower Stretching Porous Wall
Authors: Freidoonimehr Navid , Rostami Behnam , Rashidi Mohammad Mehdi , Momoniat Ebrahim
Published: August 2014

A coupled system of nonlinear ordinary differential equations that models the three‐dimensional flow of a nanofluid in a rotating channel on a lower permeable stretching porous wall is derived. The mathematical equations are derived from the Navier‐Stokes equations where the governing equations are normalized by suitable similarity transformations. The fluid in the rotating channel is water that contains different nanoparticles: silver, copper, copper oxide, titanium oxide, and aluminum oxide. The differential transform method (DTM) is employed to solve the coupled system of nonlinear ordinary differential equations. The effects of the following physical parameters on the flow are investigated: characteristic parameter of the flow, rotation parameter, the magnetic parameter, nanoparticle volume fraction, the suction parameter, and different types of nanoparticles. Results are illustrated graphically and discussed in detail.
Effects of Water Regime on the Structure of Roots and Stems of Durum Wheat (Triticum durum Desf.)
Authors: Labdelli Amina , Adda Ahmed , Halis Youcef , Soualem Samira
Published: August 2014

Yield improvement of durum wheat is considerably limited by the expression of environmental abiotic factors. Water deficits are one of these limiting factors. Plants develop various strategies to tolerate the effects of water deficit. Some of such mechanisms might occur in the root and stem systems. The present study aimed to investigate some anatomical traits contributing to the drought tolerance in the durum wheat. The anatomical variations of the meristem of roots and stems, as a response to water deficit, were evaluated. The results indicated that the enhancement of the intensity of water deficit was accompanied by profound structural changes in the piliferous zone of roots. Water deficit caused a significant decrease in the diameter of the newly formed adventitious roots, which can be explained by a reduction in the thickness of the cortical parenchyma, through the reduction of cell size. This action was usually a contrary effect in the principal adventitious roots. The study also showed that increasing the intensity of water deficit reduced the diameter of vessels in the primary xylem, thereby increasing the hydraulic resistance of roots and lowering the flow of sap.
Preparation of Mesoporous SnO2by Electrostatic Self-Assembly
Authors: Jing Yang , Yan Wang , Xiaowen Xu
Published: August 2014

We report a simple and scalable strategy to synthesize mesoporous SnO2with tin dioxide nanoparticles of 5-6 nm crystalline walls and 3-4 nm pore diameter with the assistance ofMo7O246-as templating agent at room temperature. The samples were characterized by XRD, TEM, UV-DRS, XPS, and BET. The product has a moderately high surface area of 132 m2 g−1and a narrow mesoporous structure with an average pore diameter of 3.5 nm. The photocatalytic activities of the mesoporous SnO2were evaluated by the degradation of methyl orange (MO) in aqueous solution under UV light irradiation.
Update on Anaplastic Thyroid Carcinoma: Morphological, Molecular, and Genetic Features of the Most Aggressive Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Ragazzi Moira , Ciarrocchi Alessia , Sancisi Valentina , Gandolfi Greta , Bisagni Alessandra , Piana Simonetta
Published: August 2014

Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) is the most aggressive form of thyroid cancer. It shows a wide spectrum of morphological presentations and the diagnosis could be challenging due to its high degree of dedifferentiation. Molecular and genetic features of ATC are widely heterogeneous as well and many efforts have been made to find a common profile in order to clarify its cancerogenetic process. A comprehensive review of the current literature is here performed, focusing on histopathological and genetic features.
Alzheimer’s Disease and HLA-A2: Linking Neurodegenerative to Immune Processes through an In Silico Approach
Authors: Cifuentes Ricardo A. , Murillo-Rojas Juan
Published: August 2014

There is a controversial relationship between HLA-A2 and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). It has been suggested a modifier effect on the risk that depends on genetic loadings. Thus, the aims of this study were to evaluate this relationship and to reveal genes associated with both concepts the HLA-A gene and AD. Consequently, we did first a classical systematic review and a meta-analysis of case-control studies. Next, by means of an in silico approach, we used experimental knowledge of protein-protein interactions to evaluate the top ranked genes shared by both concepts, previously found through text mining. The meta-analysis did not show a significant pooled OR (1.11, 95% CI: 0.98 to 1.24 in Caucasians), in spite of the fact that four of the included studies had a significant OR > 1 and none of them a significant OR < 1. In contrast, the in silico approach retrieved nonrandomly shared genes by both concepts (P= 0.02), which additionally encode truly interacting proteins. The network of proteins encoded byAPP, ICAM-1, ITGB2, ITGAL, SELP, SELL, IL2, IL1B, CD4, andCD8Alinked immune to neurodegenerative processes and highlighted the potential roles in AD pathogenesis of endothelial regulation, infectious diseases, specific antigen presentation, and HLA-A2 in maintaining synapses.
Monte Carlo Simulations of a Scanning System Based on a Panoramic X-Ray Tube with a Conical Anode
Authors: Sofiienko Andrii , Jarvis Chad , Voll Ådne
Published: August 2014

Monte Carlo simulations were used to study photon production in a panoramic X-ray tube with a conical tungsten target to determine the optimal characteristics of the target shape and electron beam configuration. Several simulations were performed for accelerating potentials equal to 250 kV, 300 kV, and 500 kV with electron beams of various radii and anode sizes. The angular distribution of the photon intensity was analysed by numerical calculations for an assembly composed of an X-ray tube and an external collimator with a cylindrical hole to simulate a panoramic scanning system with an X-ray pencil beam.
The Relationship between Two Involutive SemigroupsSandSTIs Defined by a Left MultiplierT
Authors: Mohammadi S. M. , Laali J.
Published: August 2014

LetSbe a semigroup with a left multiplierTonS. There exists a new semigroupST, which depends onSandT, which has the same underlying space asS. We study the question of involutions onSTand a Banach algebraAT. We find a condition ofTunder whichSTand the second dualAT****admit an involution. We will show thatATisC*-algebra if and only ifT:AT→Ais an isometry, under mild conditions. Also,AisC*-algebra if and only if so isAT, under other minor conditions.
Stability for the Mixed Type of Quartic and Quadratic Functional Equations
Authors: Lee Young-Su , Kim Soomin , Kim Chaewon
Published: August 2014

We establish the general solutions of the following mixed type of quartic and quadratic functional equation:f(2x+y)+f(2x-y)=4f(x+y)+4f(x-y)+2f(2x)-8f(x)-6f(y). Moreover we prove the Hyers-Ulam-Rassias stability of this equation under the approximately quartic and the approximately quadratic conditions.
Synthesis, Characterization, and Crystal Structure Refinement of Lanthanum and Yttrium Substituted Polycrystalline 2M Type Zirconolite Phases: Ca1-xMxZrTi2O7(M = Y, La andx= 0.2)
Authors: Bohre Ashish , Avasthi Kalpana , Shrivastava O. P.
Published: August 2014

Solid phases of zirconolite-2M with composition Ca0.8M0.2ZrTi2O7(M = La, Y) have been synthesized through ceramic route and their structures refined to a satisfactory convergence using Rietveld analysis. Zirconolites crystallize in space group C2/c withZ= 8. The powder diffraction data of Ca0.8Y0.2ZrTi2O7(CZTY) and Ca0.8La0.2ZrTi2O7(CZTLa) have been subjected to General Structural Analysis System software to arrive at a satisfactory structure fit with Rp = 0.1128 and Rwp = 0.1805 for CZTY and Rp = 0.1178 and Rwp = 0.1874 for CZTLa, respectively. The unit cell parameters area= 10.1708 (6) Ǻ,b= 6.2711 (4), andc= 11.2779 (6) Ǻ for CZTY anda= 11.2548 (6) Ǻ,b= 6.2601 (4), and c=11.2606 (7) Ǻ for CZTLa. Calculated interatomic distances and bond angles are in good agreement with their standard values. Particle size along prominent reflecting planes calculated by Scherrer’s formula ranges between 67 and 107 nm. The polyhedral (CaO8, ZrO7, and TiO6/TiO5) distortions and valence calculation based on bond strength analysis have been reported. The compositions of the zirconolites were determined using energy dispersive X-ray (EDAX) analysis. Cation site occupancies were determined by applied compositional constraints which were found consistent with the expected zirconolite-2M cation site occupancies.
Reservoir Characterization during Underbalanced Drilling of Horizontal Wells Based on Real-Time Data Monitoring
Authors: Li Gao , Li Hongtao , Meng Yingfeng , Wei Na , Xu Chaoyang , Zhu Li , Tang Haibo
Published: August 2014

In this work, a methodology for characterizing reservoir pore pressure and permeability during underbalanced drilling of horizontal wells was presented. The methodology utilizes a transient multiphase wellbore flow model that is extended with a transient well influx analytical model during underbalanced drilling of horizontal wells. The effects of the density behavior of drilling fluid and wellbore heat transfer are considered in our wellbore flow model. Based on Kneissl’s methodology, an improved method with a different testing procedure was used to estimate the reservoir pore pressure by introducing fluctuations in the bottom hole pressure. To acquire timely basic data for reservoir characterization, a dedicated fully automated control real-time data monitoring system was established. The methodology is applied to a realistic case, and the results indicate that the estimated reservoir pore pressure and permeability fit well to the truth values from well test after drilling. The results also show that the real-time data monitoring system is operational and can provide accurate and complete data set in real time for reservoir characterization. The methodology can handle reservoir characterization during underbalanced drilling of horizontal wells.
On Iterated Entire Functions with (p,q)th Order
Authors: Datta Sanjib Kumar , Biswas Tanmay , Biswas Chinmay
Published: August 2014

We prove some results relating to the comparative growth properties of iterated entire functions using (p,q)th order ((p,q)th lower order).
A Local Classification of Some Special (α,β)-Metrics of Constant Flag Curvature
Authors: Zhu Hongmei
Published: August 2014

We classify some special Finsler metrics of constant flag curvature on a manifold of dimension n>2.