bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stellate Cell Activation and Imbalanced Expression of TGF-β1/TGF-β3 in Acute Autoimmune Liver Lesions Induced by ConA in Mice
Authors: Wang Liyun , Tu Lei , Zhang Jinping , Xu Keshu , Qian Wei
Published: January 2017

Objective. To study the pathogenic feature of liver injury, activation of hepatic stellate cells, and dynamic expression of TGF-β1/TGF-β3 to reveal their role in liver injury induced by ConA.Methods. Mice were randomly divided into control group and ConA treatment group. ConA (20 mg/kg) was injected through vena caudalis in ConA treatment group; the controls received the same volume of saline injection. After injection for 2 h, 8 h, 24 h, and 48 h, animals were terminated. Blood, liver, and spleen were harvested. Liver function and histopathology were studied.α-SMA, vimentin, TGF-β1, and TGF-β3 were detected.Results. After ConA injection, liver damage started to increase. Expression ofα-SMA, vimentin, TGF-β1, and TGF-β3 was significantly enhanced; all above indicators reached peak at 8 h; but from 24 h after ConA injection, TGF-β3 expression began to decline, while the TGF-β1/TGF-β3 ratio at 48 h was significantly lower than control.Conclusion. (1) Autoimmune liver injury induced by ConA showed time-based features, in which the most serious liver lesions happened at 8 h after ConA injection. (2) Early activation of HSC and imbalance expression of TGF-β1 and TGF-β3 existed in ConA-induced acute autoimmune liver injury, which may be associated with liver dysfunction and the mechanisms of progression to fibrosis.
Study on the Depth, Rate, Shape, and Strength of Pulse with Cardiovascular Simulator
Authors: Lee Ju-Yeon , Jang Min , Shin Sang-Hoon
Published: January 2017

Pulse diagnosis is important in oriental medicine. The purpose of this study is explaining the mechanisms of pulse with a cardiovascular simulator. The simulator is comprised of the pulse generating part, the vessel part, and the measurement part. The pulse generating part was composed of motor, slider‐crank mechanism, and piston pump. The vessel part, which was composed with the aorta and a radial artery, was fabricated with silicon to implement pulse wave propagation. The pulse parameters, such as the depth, rate, shape, and strength, were simulated. With changing the mean pressure, the floating pulse and the sunken pulse were generated. The change of heart rate generated the slow pulse and the rapid pulse. The control of the superposition time of the reflected wave generated the string‐like pulse and the slippery pulse. With changing the pulse pressure, the vacuous pulse and the replete pulse were generated. The generated pulses showed good agreements with the typical pulses.
Antiproteinase 3 Positive Eosinophilic Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis Presenting with Heart Failure and Intraventricular Thrombosis
Authors: Zhu Dan , Luo Yiming , Liu Xiangyuan , Zu Lingyun
Published: January 2017

Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) is a rare systemic vasculitis commonly with cardiac complications. We describe a case of anti-PR3 ANCA-positive EGPA complicated by congestive heart failure and intraventricular thrombosis. Interestingly, the thrombus was resolved rapidly with steroid and cyclophosphamide in the setting of interrupted anticoagulation. To the best of our knowledge, we report the first case of anti-PR3 positive EGPA with extensive cardiac involvement. Our patient had overlapping features with previously studied ANCA-positive and ANCA-negative EGPA cases. We also hypothesize that the thrombogenic potential of eosinophils may play a central role in thrombogenesis in EGPA and aggressive immunosuppressive therapy remains the cornerstone of treatment, and the addition of anticoagulation therapy in the setting of thrombus formation and also very high risk of bleeding needs to be considered cautiously.
Planning Solid Waste Collection with Robust Optimization: Location-Allocation, Receptacle Type, and Service Frequency
Authors: Nikouei Mehr Maryam , McGarvey Ronald G.
Published: January 2017

Consider the problem faced by a purchaser of solid waste management services, who needs to identify waste collection points, the assignment of waste generation points to waste collection points, and the type and number of receptacles utilized at each collection point. Receptacles whose collection schedule is specified in advance are charged a fixed fee according to the number of times the receptacle is serviced (emptied) per week. For other receptacles, the purchaser pays a fee comprised of a fixed service charge, plus a variable cost that is assessed on a per-ton-removed basis. We develop a mathematical programming model to minimize the costs that the purchaser pays to the waste management provider, subject to a level of service that is sufficient to collect all of the purchaser’s required waste. Examining historical data from the University of Missouri, we observed significant variability in the amount of waste serviced for nonscheduled receptacles. Because this variability has a significant impact on cost, we modified our model using robust optimization techniques to address the observed uncertainty. Our model’s highly robust solution, while slightly more expensive than the nonrobust solution in the most-optimistic scenario, significantly outperforms the nonrobust solution for all other potential scenarios.
Improving Power System Stability with Gramian Matrix-Based Optimal Setting of a Single Series FACTS Device: Feasibility Study in Vietnamese Power System
Authors: Van Dai Le , Duc Tung Doan , Le Thang Dong Tran , Cao Quyen Le
Published: January 2017

The Vietnamese power system has experienced instabilities due to the effect of increase in peak load demand or contingency grid faults; hence, using flexible alternating-current transmission systems (FACTS) devices is a best choice for improving the stability margins. Among the FACTS devices, the thyristor-controlled series capacitor (TCSC) is a series connected FACTS device widely used in power systems. However, in practice, its influence and ability depend on setting. For solving the problem, this paper proposes a relevant method for optimal setting of a single TCSC for the purpose of damping the power system oscillations. This proposed method is developed from the combination between the energy method and Hankel-norm approximation approach based on the controllability Gramian matrix considering the Lyapunov equation to search for a number of feasible locations on the small-signal stability analysis. The transient stability analysis is used to compare and determine appropriate settings through various simulation cases. The effectiveness of the proposed method is confirmed by the simulation results based on the power system simulation engineering (PSS/E) and MATLAB programs. The obtained results show that the proposed method can apply to immediately solve the difficulties encountering in the Vietnamese power system.
Evaluation of the Sanitary Conditions of Head Meat, Esophagus, Diaphragm Meat, and Boning Scrap Processing
Authors: Santos Elis Caroline Celestina dos , Neto Adelino Cunha , Silva Castro Vinicius , Carvalho Ricardo Cesar Tavares , Figueiredo Eduardo Eustáquio de Souza
Published: January 2017

Enterobacteriaceae, coliforms, and Escherichia coli counts are important hygiene indicators and may be pathogenic. Thus, the aim of the present study was to determine microbiological contamination in head meat, the esophagus, diaphragm, and boning scraps and evaluate the hygienic conditions of the processing of these products. The Petrifilm® (3M) method for determining Enterobacteriaceae, total coliforms, and E. coli was applied for 104 samples. APHA, European Union, PAHO/WHO, and Brazil/MAPA recommendations were followed. Bleeding and skinning knives were contaminated with E. coli (61.5%). Regarding the meat cuts, 30.76% samples from head meat, the esophagus and the boning flap showed the presence of E. coli in counts up to 2 log CFU/g, while 15.3% of the diaphragm samples showed up to 1.85 log CFU/g. The analyzed comminuted meat was, therefore, shown to be contaminated with E. coli during processing, indicating that end-products from this raw material can offer biological risks.
Investigation on Surface Roughness of Inconel 718 in Photochemical Machining
Authors: Misal Nitin D. , Sadaiah Mudigonda
Published: January 2017

The present work is focused on estimating the optimal machining parameters required for photochemical machining (PCM) of an Inconel 718 and effects of these parameters on surface topology. An experimental analysis was carried out to identify optimal values of parameters using ferric chloride (FeCl3) as an etchant. The parameters considered in this analysis are concentration of etchant, etching time, and etchant temperature. The experimental analysis shows that etching performance as well as surface topology improved by appropriate selection of etching process parameters. Temperature of the etchant found to be dominant parameter in the PCM of Inconel 718 for surface roughness. At optimal etching conditions, surface roughness was found to be 0.201 μm.
Influence of Hydrophilic Polymers on theβFactor in Weibull Equation Applied to the Release Kinetics of a Biologically Active Complex ofAesculus hippocastanum
Authors: Kobryń Justyna , Sowa Sandra , Gasztych Monika , Dryś Andrzej , Musiał Witold
Published: January 2017

Triterpenoid saponins complex of biological origin, escin, exhibits significant clinical activity in chronic venous insufficiency, skin inflammation, epidermal abrasions, allergic dermatitis, and acute impact injuries, especially in topical application. The aim of the study is the comparison of various hydrogel formulations, as carriers for a horse chestnut seed extract (EH). Methylcellulose (MC), two polyacrylic acid derivatives (PA1 and PA2), and polyacrylate crosspolymer 11 (PC-11) were employed. The release rates of EH were examined and a comparison with the Weibull model equation was performed. Application of MC as the carrier in the hydrogel preparation resulted in fast release rate of EH, whereas in the case of the hydrogel composed with PC-11 the release was rather prolonged. Applied Weibull function adhered best to the experimental data. Due to the evaluated shape parameterβ, in the Weibull equation, the systems under study released the active compound according to the Fickian diffusion.
Exploring Complexity of Deliberate Self-Poisoning through Network Analysis
Authors: Kalankesh Leila R. , Farahbakhsh Mostafa , Fein Rebecca A. , Moftian Nazila , Nasiry Zahra
Published: January 2017

The purpose of this research was to examine the complexity of circumstances that result in deliberate self-poisoning cases. For the purposes of this paper, the cases were patients that presented for care and were admitted to the specialty hospital in Northwest of Iran. The research examined the problems preceding deliberate self-poisoning and the interrelations among them by applying network analysis methods. The network was scored for degrees of centrality and betweenness centrality. Structural analysis of network also was conducted using block modelling. The results showed that family conflicts had the highest score for degree of centrality among women, while the highest score for degree of centrality among men belonged to those dealing with drug addiction. Analysis for degree of betweenness centrality revealed that drug addiction had the highest score among men, whereas the highest score for women on betweenness centrality was related to physical illness. Structural analysis of the network showed differences in role that various problems played in intentional self-poisoning. The findings from this research can be used by public health authorities to create prevention programs that address the problems leading to deliberate self-poisoning.
Nano-CL-20/HMX Cocrystal Explosive for Significantly Reduced Mechanical Sensitivity
Authors: An Chongwei , Li Hequn , Ye Baoyun , Wang Jingyu
Published: January 2017

Spray drying method was used to prepare cocrystals of hexanitrohexaazaisowurtzitane (CL-20) and cyclotetramethylene tetranitramine (HMX). Raw materials and cocrystals were characterized using scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, Raman spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Impact and friction sensitivity of cocrystals were tested and analyzed. Results show that, after preparation by spray drying method, microparticles were spherical in shape and 0.5–5 µm in size. Particles formed aggregates of numerous tiny plate-like cocrystals, whereas CL-20/HMX cocrystals had thicknesses of below 100 nm. Cocrystals were formed by C–H⋯O bonding between –NO2 (CL-20) and –CH2– (HMX). Nanococrystal explosives exhibited drop height of 47.3 cm, and friction demonstrated explosion probability of 64%. Compared with raw HMX, cocrystals displayed significantly reduced mechanical sensitivity.
Spatial Variability and Relationship of Mangrove Soil Organic Matter to Organic Carbon
Authors: Chaikaew Pasicha , Chavanich Suchana
Published: January 2017

Degradation and destruction of mangrove forests in many regions have resulted in the alteration of carbon cycling. Objectives of this study were established to answer the question regarding how much soil organic carbon (SOC) is stored in wetland soils in part of the upper northeastern Gulf of Thailand and to what extent SOC is related to organic matter (OM). A total of 29 soil samples were collected in October 2015. Soil physiochemical analyses followed the standard protocol. Spatial distributions were estimated by a kriging method. Linear regression and coefficient were used to determine the suitable conversion factor for mangrove soils. The results showed that surface soil (0–5 cm) contained higher SOC content as compared to subsurface soil (5–10 cm). Considering a depth of 10 cm, this area had a high potential to sequester carbon with a mean ± standard deviation of5.59±2.24%. The spatial variability of OM and SOC revealed that organic matter and carbon decreased with the distance from upstream areas toward the gulf. Based on the assumption that OM is 50% SOC, the conversion factor of 2 is recommended for more accuracy rather than the conventional factor of 1.724.
Investigating the Lymphatic System by Dual-Color Elemental Mass Spectrometry Imaging
Authors: Niehoff Ann-Christin , Klasen Tim , Schmidt Rebecca , Palmes Daniel , Faber Cornelius , Karst Uwe , Hadrian Rebecca
Published: January 2017

Secondary lymphedema accompanied with strong restrictions in quality of life is still major side effects in cancer therapy. Therefore, dedicated diagnostic tools and further investigation of the lymphatic system are crucial to improve lymphedema therapy. In this pilot study, a method for quantitative analysis of the lymphatic system in a rat model by laser ablation (LA) with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry imaging (ICP-MSI) is presented. As a possible lymph marker, thulium(III)(1R,4R,7R,10R)-α,α′,α′′,α′′′-tetramethyl-1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7,10-tetraacetate (Tm-DOTMA) is introduced and compared to the clinically used magnetic resonance imaging contrast agent gadolinium(III)2,2′,2′′-(10-((2R,3S)-1,3,4-trihydroxybutan-2-yl)-1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7-triyl)triacetate (Gd-DO3A-butrol). Gadobutrol functioned as standard contrast media in MRI lymphangiography to detect lymphatic flow qualitatively. Thus, Tm-DOTMA was investigated as lymphatic marker to detect lymphatic flow quantitatively. Both contrast agents were successfully used to visualize the lymphatic flow in successive lymph nodes in LA-ICP-MS due to lower limits of detection compared to MRI. Furthermore, the distribution of contrast agents by multicolored imaging showed accumulation in specific areas (sectors) of the lymph nodes after application of contrast agents in different areas.
Fixed Full Arches Supported by Tapered Implants with Knife-Edge Thread Design and Nanostructured, Calcium-Incorporated Surface: A Short-Term Prospective Clinical Study
Authors: Bechara Soheil , Lukosiunas Algirdas , Dolcini Giorgio Andrea , Kubilius Ricardas
Published: January 2017

Purpose. To evaluate implant survival, peri-implant bone loss, and complications affecting fixed full-arch (FFA) restorations supported by implants with a knife-edge thread design and nanostructured, calcium-incorporated surface. Methods. Between January 2013 and December 2015, all patients referred for implant-supported FFA restorations were considered for enrollment in this study. All patients received implants with a knife-edge thread design and nanostructured calcium-incorporated surface (Anyridge®, Megagen, South Korea) were restored with FFA restorations and enrolled in a recall program. The final outcomes were implant survival, peri-implant bone loss, biologic/prosthetic complications, and “complication-free” survival of restorations. Results. Twenty-four patients were selected. Overall, 215 implants were inserted (130 maxilla, 85 mandible), 144 in extraction sockets and 71 in healed ridges. Thirty-six FFAs were delivered (21 maxilla, 15 mandible): 27 were immediately loaded and 9 were conventionally loaded. The follow-up ranged from 1 to 3 years. Two fixtures failed, yielding an implant survival rate of 95.9% (patient-based). A few complications were registered, for a “complication-free” survival of restorations of 88.9%. Conclusions. FFA restorations supported by implants with a knife-edge thread design and nanostructured, calcium-incorporated surface are successful in the short term, with high survival and low complication rates; long-term studies are needed to confirm these outcomes.
Pb(II) Removal Process in a Packed Column System with Xanthation-Modified Deoiled Allspice Husk
Authors: Palma-Anaya Efrain , Fall Cheikh , Torres-Blancas Teresa , Balderas-Hernández Patricia , Cruz-Olivares Julian , Barrera-Díaz Carlos E. , Roa-Morales Gabriela
Published: January 2017

The present research dealt with lead removal using modified Pimenta dioica L. Merrill as biosorbent in a batch and in continuous flow column systems, respectively. The allspice husk residues were modified first with a treatment through the xanthation reaction. For the adsorption tests, the atomic adsorption spectrophotometry method was used to determine the lead concentrations in the liquid samples. In the kinetic batch study (10 mg of sorbent in 10 mL of 25 mg L−1 lead solution), the removal efficiency was 99% (adsorption capacity of 25.8 mg g−1). The kinetic data followed the pseudo-second-order model. The adsorption isotherm was fitted to the Freundlich model, where constants were Kf and 1/n (8.06 mg(1-1/n) g−1 L1/n and 0.52), corresponding to adsorption capacities of 8 and 62 mg g−1, at liquid equilibrium concentration of 1 and 50 mg L−1, respectively. In the continuous flow systems where lead solution of 50 mg L−1 was treated in 2 columns of 5 cm (4.45 g) and 10 cm (9.07 g) bed heights, the dynamic adsorption capacity obtained by fitting the Thomas model was 29.114 mg g−1 and 45.322 mg g−1, respectively.
Alveolar Ridge Split Technique Using Piezosurgery with Specially Designed Tips
Authors: Moro Alessandro , Gasparini Giulio , Foresta Enrico , Saponaro Gianmarco , Falchi Marco , Cardarelli Lorenzo , De Angelis Paolo , Forcione Mario , Garagiola Umberto , D’Amato Giuseppe , Pelo Sandro
Published: January 2017

The treatment of patients with atrophic ridge who need prosthetic rehabilitation is a common problem in oral and maxillofacial surgery. Among the various techniques introduced for the expansion of alveolar ridges with a horizontal bone deficit is the alveolar ridge split technique. The aim of this article is to give a description of some new tips that have been specifically designed for the treatment of atrophic ridges with transversal bone deficit. A two-step piezosurgical split technique is also described, based on specific osteotomies of the vestibular cortex and the use of a mandibular ramus graft as interpositional graft. A total of 15 patients were treated with the proposed new tips by our department. All the expanded areas were successful in providing an adequate width and height to insert implants according to the prosthetic plan and the proposed tips allowed obtaining the most from the alveolar ridge split technique and piezosurgery. These tips have made alveolar ridge split technique simple, safe, and effective for the treatment of horizontal and vertical bone defects. Furthermore the proposed piezosurgical split technique allows obtaining horizontal and vertical bone augmentation.
Existence and Uniqueness of Solutions for BVP of Nonlinear Fractional Differential Equation
Authors: Su Cheng-Min , Sun Jian-Ping , Zhao Ya-Hong
Published: January 2017

In this paper, we study the existence and uniqueness of solutions for the following boundary value problem of nonlinear fractional differential equation: D0+qCut=ft,ut,  t∈0,1, u0=u′′0=0,  D0+σ1Cu1=λI0+σ2u1, where 2<q<3, 0<σ1≤1, σ2>0, and λ≠Γ2+σ2/Γ2-σ1. The main tools used are nonlinear alternative of Leray-Schauder type and Banach contraction principle.
Comparing Intravenous Insertion Instructional Methods with Haptic Simulators
Authors: McWilliams Lenora A. , Malecha Ann
Published: January 2017

Objective. The objective of this review was to compare traditional intravenous (IV) insertion instructional methods with the use of haptic IV simulators. Design. An integrative research design was used to analyze the current literature. Data Sources. A search was conducted using key words intravenous (IV) insertion or cannulation or venipuncture and simulation from 2000 to 2015 in the English language. The databases included Academic Search Complete, CINAHL Complete, Education Resource Information Center, and Medline. Review Methods. Whittemore and Knafl’s (2005) strategies were used to critique the articles for themes and similarities. Results. Comparisons of outcomes between traditional IV instructional methods and the use of haptic IV simulators continue to show various results. Positive results indicate that the use of the haptic IV simulator decreases both band constriction and total procedure time. While students are satisfied with practicing on the haptic simulators, they still desire faculty involvement. Conclusion. Combining the haptic IV simulator with practical experience on the IV arm may be the best practice for learning IV insertion. Research employing active learning strategies while using a haptic IV simulator during the learning process may reduce cost and faculty time.
Novel Mutations and Mutation Combinations ofTMPRSS3Cause Various Phenotypes in One Chinese Family with Autosomal Recessive Hearing Impairment
Authors: Gao Xue , Yuan Yong-Yi , Wang Guo-Jian , Xu Jin-Cao , Su Yu , Lin Xi , Dai Pu
Published: January 2017

Autosomal recessive hearing impairment with postlingual onset is rare. Exceptions are caused by mutations in theTMPRSS3gene, which can lead to prelingual (DFNB10) as well as postlingual deafness (DFNB8).TMPRSS3mutations can be classified as mild or severe, and the phenotype is dependent on the combination ofTMPRSS3mutations. The combination of two severe mutations leads to profound hearing impairment with a prelingual onset, whereas severe mutations in combination with milderTMPRSS3mutations lead to a milder phenotype with postlingual onset. We characterized a Chinese family (number FH1523) with not only prelingual but also postlingual hearing impairment. Three mutations inTMPRSS3, one novel mutation c.36delC [p.(Phe13Serfs⁎12)], and two previously reported pathogenic mutations, c.916G>A (p.Ala306Thr) and c.316C>T (p.Arg106Cys), were identified. Compound heterozygous mutations of p.(Phe13Serfs⁎12) and p.Ala306Thr manifest as prelingual, profound hearing impairment in the patient (IV: 1), whereas the combination of p.Arg106Cys and p.Ala306Thr manifests as postlingual, milder hearing impairment in the patient (II: 2, II: 3, II: 5), suggesting that p.Arg106Cys mutation has a milder effect than p.(Phe13Serfs⁎12). We concluded that different combinations ofTMPRSS3mutations led to different hearing impairment phenotypes (DFNB8/DFNB10) in this family.
Multiple Linear Regression for Reconstruction of Gene Regulatory Networks in Solving Cascade Error Problems
Authors: Salleh Faridah Hani Mohamed , Zainudin Suhaila , Arif Shereena M.
Published: January 2017

Gene regulatory network (GRN) reconstruction is the process of identifying regulatory gene interactions from experimental data through computational analysis. One of the main reasons for the reduced performance of previous GRN methods had been inaccurate prediction of cascade motifs. Cascade error is defined as the wrong prediction of cascade motifs, where an indirect interaction is misinterpreted as a direct interaction. Despite the active research on various GRN prediction methods, the discussion on specific methods to solve problems related to cascade errors is still lacking. In fact, the experiments conducted by the past studies were not specifically geared towards proving the ability of GRN prediction methods in avoiding the occurrences of cascade errors. Hence, this research aims to propose Multiple Linear Regression (MLR) to infer GRN from gene expression data and to avoid wrongly inferring of an indirect interaction (A → B → C) as a direct interaction (A → C). Since the number of observations of the real experiment datasets was far less than the number of predictors, some predictors were eliminated by extracting the random subnetworks from global interaction networks via an established extraction method. In addition, the experiment was extended to assess the effectiveness of MLR in dealing with cascade error by using a novel experimental procedure that had been proposed in this work. The experiment revealed that the number of cascade errors had been very minimal. Apart from that, the Belsley collinearity test proved that multicollinearity did affect the datasets used in this experiment greatly. All the tested subnetworks obtained satisfactory results, with AUROC values above 0.5.
Imaging the Abdominal Manifestations of Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Gillespie C. D. , O’Reilly M. K. , Allen G. N. , McDermott S. , Chan V. O. , Ridge C. A.
Published: January 2017

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a multisystem disease with a range of abdominal manifestations including those involving the liver, pancreas, and kidneys. Recent advances in management of the respiratory complications of the disease has led to a greater life expectancy in patients with CF. Subsequently, there is increasing focus on the impact of abdominal disease on quality of life and survival. Liver cirrhosis is the most important extrapulmonary cause of death in CF, yet significant challenges remain in the diagnosis of CF related liver disease. The capacity to predict those patients at risk of developing cirrhosis remains a significant challenge. We review representative abdominal imaging findings in patients with CF selected from the records of two academic health centres, with a view to increasing familiarity with the abdominal manifestations of the disease. We review their presentation and expected imaging findings, with a focus on the challenges facing diagnosis of the hepatic manifestations of the disease. An increased familiarity with these abdominal manifestations will facilitate timely diagnosis and management, which is paramount to further improving outcomes for patients with cystic fibrosis.
Anticancer Effects of Salvia miltiorrhiza Alcohol Extract on Oral Squamous Carcinoma Cells
Authors: Wang Wen-Hung , Hsuan Kuo-Yu , Chu Ling-Ya , Lee Chia-Ying , Tyan Yu-Chang , Chen Zong-Shiow , Tsai Wan-Chi
Published: January 2017

Researchers have reported significant effects from Danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza) in terms of inhibiting tumor cell proliferation and promoting apoptosis in breast cancer, hepatocellular carcinomas, promyelocytic leukemia, and clear cell ovary carcinomas. Here we report our data indicating that Danshen extracts, especially alcohol extract, significantly inhibited the proliferation of the human oral squamous carcinoma (OSCC) cell lines HSC‐3 and OC‐2. We also observed that Danshen alcohol extract activated the caspase‐3 apoptosis executor by impeding members of the inhibitor of apoptosis (IAP) family, but not by regulating the Bcl‐2‐triggered mitochondrial pathway in OSCC cells. Our data also indicate that the extract exerted promising effects in vivo, with HSC‐3 tumor xenograft growth being suppressed by 40% and 69% following treatment with Danshen alcohol extract at 50 and 100 mg/kg, respectively, for 34 days. Combined, our results indicate appreciable anticancer activity and significant potential for Danshen alcohol extract as a natural antioxidant and herbal human oral cancer chemopreventive drug.
Antioxidant Properties and Cardioprotective Mechanism of Malaysian Propolis in Rats
Authors: Ahmed Romana , Tanvir E. M. , Hossen Md. Sakib , Afroz Rizwana , Ahmmed Istiyak , Rumpa Nur-E-Noushin , Paul Sudip , Gan Siew Hua , Sulaiman Siti Amrah , Khalil Md. Ibrahim
Published: February 2017

Propolis contains high concentrations of polyphenols, flavonoids, tannins, ascorbic acid, and reducing sugars and proteins. Malaysian Propolis (MP) has been reported to exhibit high 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical‐scavenging activity and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) values. Herein, we report the antioxidant properties and cardioprotective properties of MP in isoproterenol‐ (ISO‐) induced myocardial infarction in rats. Male Wistar rats (n = 32) were pretreated orally with an ethanol extract of MP (100 mg/kg/day) for 30 consecutive days. Subcutaneous injection of ISO (85 mg/kg in saline) for two consecutive days caused a significant increase in serum cardiac marker enzymes and cardiac troponin I levels and altered serum lipid profiles. In addition significantly increased lipid peroxides and decreased activities of cellular antioxidant defense enzymes were observed in the myocardium. However, pretreatment of ischemic rats with MP ameliorated the biochemical parameters, indicating the protective effect of MP against ISO‐induced ischemia in rats. Histopathological findings obtained for the myocardium further confirmed the biochemical findings. It is concluded that MP exhibits cardioprotective activity against ISO‐induced oxidative stress through its direct cytotoxic radical‐scavenging activities. It is also plausible that MP contributed to endogenous antioxidant enzyme activity via inhibition of lipid peroxidation.
Enhancing Ductility of 1045 Nanoeutectic Steel Prepared by Aluminothermic Reaction through Annealing at 873 K
Authors: Li Zhengning , Wei Fuan , La Peiqing , Wang Hongding , Wei Yupeng
Published: January 2017

The 1045 steel with lamellar spacing of pearlite in nanometer was prepared by aluminothermic reaction casting and annealed at 873 K (600°C) with different time. Microstructures of steels were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and transmission electron microscope (TEM). Tensile properties of the steels were measured. The results showed that the lamellar spacing of the pearlite increased with the annealing time. It was found that the microstructure of steels consisted of nanocrystalline-ferrite matrix and laminar pearlite phase. The average grain sizes of the ferrite were 26.9, 27.0, 26.1, and 34.9 nm for the cast steel and samples annealed for 2, 4, and 6 h, respectively. As the annealing time increased, the volume fraction of the pearlite almost remained constant, while the laminar spacing of pearlite increased from 146 to 300 nm. The tensile and yield strength varied slightly; the elongation obviously improved. After annealing for 4 h, the elongation increased to be 33%, which was the reported highest value for the steel up to now and about twice of the conventional 1045 steel.
Translation and Validation of Modified Dental Anxiety Scale: The Nepali Version
Authors: Giri Jamal , Pokharel Prabhat Ranjan , Gyawali Rajesh , Bhattarai Bhushan
Published: January 2017

Introduction. For proper management of anxious dental patients it is imperative to assess their levels of dental anxiety before treatment. Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS) is the most commonly used questionnaire to assess dental anxiety. But a Nepali version of MDAS is still lacking. Hence, the objective of this study was to develop a reliable and valid Nepali version of MDAS. Materials and Methods. The English version of the MDAS was translated into Nepali following a forward and backward translation process. Following pretesting and cognitive interviewing a final version of Nepali questionnaire was obtained. One hundred and fifty patients attending Department of Orthodontics completed the Nepali version of MDAS questionnaire at their convenience. Also, patients were asked to rate their overall anxiety on a 100 mm visual analog scale (VAS). A test-retest of the questionnaire was performed with 30 patients after 2 weeks. Results. Cronbach’s alpha value of the Nepali version of MDAS was 0.775. The Intraclass Correlation Coefficient between test and retest was 0.872. Spearman’s correlation coefficient between the total MDAS score and VAS score was 0.838. Conclusion. The translated Nepali version of MDAS is a reliable and valid instrument to measure the dental anxiety of Nepali patients.
A Frequency-Tracking and Impedance-Matching Combined System for Robust Wireless Power Transfer
Authors: Luo Yanting , Yang Yongmin , Chen Suiyu , Wen Xisen
Published: January 2017

One of the greatest challenges to power embedded devices using magnetically coupled resonant wireless power transfer (WPT) system is that the amount of power delivered to the load is very sensitive to load impedance variations. Previous adaptive impedance-matching (IM) technologies have drawbacks because adding IM networks, relay coils, or other compensating components in the receiver-side will significantly increase the receiver size. In this paper, a novel frequency-tracking and impedance-matching combined system is proposed to improve the robustness of wireless power transfer for embedded devices. The characteristics of the improved WPT system are investigated theoretically based on the two-port network model. Simulation and experimental studies are carried out to validate the proposed system. The results suggest that the frequency-tracking and impedance-matching combined WPT system can quickly find the best matching points and maintain high power transmission efficiency and output power when the load impedance changes.
Can the Diagnostics of Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex Lesions Be Improved by MRI-Based Soft-Tissue Reconstruction? An Imaging-Based Workup and Case Presentation
Authors: Hammer Niels , Hirschfeld Ulrich , Strunz Hendrik , Werner Michael , Wolfskämpf Thomas , Löffler Sabine
Published: January 2017

Introduction. The triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) provides both mobility and stability of the radiocarpal joint. TFCC lesions are difficult to diagnose due to the complex anatomy. The standard treatment for TFCC lesions is arthroscopy, posing surgery-related risks onto the patients. This feasibility study aimed at developing a workup for soft-tissue reconstruction using clinical imaging, to verify these results in retrospective patient data.Methods. Microcomputed tomography (μ-CT), 3 T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and plastination were used to visualize the TFCC in cadaveric specimens applying segmentation-based 3D reconstruction. This approach further trialed the MRI dataset of a patient with minor radiological TFCC alterations but persistent pain.Results. TFCC reconstruction was impossible usingμ-CT only but feasible using MRI, resulting in an appreciation of its substructures, as seen in the plastinates. Applying this approach allowed for visualizing a Palmer 2C lesion in a patient, confirming ex postum the arthroscopy findings, being markedly different from MRI (Palmer 1B).Discussion. This preliminary study showed that image-based TFCC reconstruction may help to identify pathologies invisible in standard MRI. The combined approach ofμ-CT, MRI, and plastination allowed for a three-dimensional appreciation of the TFCC. Image quality and time expenditure limit the approach’s usefulness as a diagnostic tool.
Multiresonant Frequency Piezoelectric Energy Harvesters Integrated with High Sensitivity Piezoelectric Accelerometer for Bridge Health Monitoring Applications
Authors: Bhaskaran Prathish Raaja , Rathnam Joseph Daniel , Koilmani Sumangala , Subramanian Kavitha
Published: January 2017

Wireless Structural Health Monitoring (WSHM) is a less expensive but efficient mode of health monitoring. However, it needs frequent change of batteries since remote WSHM consumes large power. The best scientific solution to this problem is to employ energy harvesters integrated along with the vibration sensors in the same substrate so that the battery is recharged by the energy harvested during vibrations caused by the passing vehicles in bridges. In this work, an attempt has been made to design an energy harvester and a micro accelerometer integrated chip. Civil structures have low natural frequencies and therefore low bandwidth design is adopted to maximize the harvested energy and accelerometer sensitivity. The other special feature of the proposed design is its ability to provide further increase in energy harvesting by the parallel operation of an array of energy harvesters with closely spaced natural frequencies. The studies show that the natural frequencies of the harvesters should be less than that of the structure in healthy condition. Simulation studies conducted on these devices show that it is possible to harvest a maximum power of 2.283 mW/g. The integrated micro accelerometer is also capable of giving a sensitivity of 27.67 V/g with appreciable improvement in other performance indices.
Chaos Control and Synchronization via Switched Output Control Strategy
Authors: Luo Runzi , Su Haipeng , Zeng Yanhui
Published: January 2017

This paper investigates the control and synchronization of a class of chaotic systems with switched output which is assumed to be switched between the first and the second state variables of chaotic system. Some novel and yet simple criteria for the control and synchronization of a class of chaotic systems are proposed via the switched output. The generalized Lorenz chaotic system is taken as an example to show the feasibility and efficiency of theoretical results.
A 7 μW Offset- and Temperature-Compensated pH-to-Digital Converter
Authors: Heidary Shalmany Saleh , Merz Matthias , Fekri Ali , Chang Zu-yao , Hoofman Romano J. O. M. , Pertijs Michiel A. P.
Published: January 2017

This paper demonstrates a micropower offset- and temperature-compensated smart pH sensor, intended for use in battery-powered RFID systems that monitor the quality of perishable products. Low operation power is essential in such systems to enable autonomous logging of environmental parameters, such as the pH level, over extended periods of time using only a small, low-cost battery. The pH-sensing element in this work is an ion-sensitive extended-gate field-effect transistor (EGFET), which is incorporated in a low-power sensor front-end. The front-end outputs a pH-dependent voltage, which is then digitized by means of a co-integrated incremental delta-sigma ADC. To compensate for the offset and temperature cross-sensitivity of the EGFET, a compensation scheme using a calibration process and a temperature sensor has been devised. A prototype chip has been realized in a 0.16 μm CMOS process. It occupies 0.35 × 3.9 mm2 of die area and draws only 4 μA from a 1.8 V supply. Two different types of custom packaging have been used for measurement purposes. The pH sensor achieves a linearity of better than ±0.1 for pH values ranging from 4 to 10. The calibration and compensation scheme reduces errors due to temperature cross-sensitivity to less than ±0.1 in the temperature range of 6°C to 25°C.
Application of a Microstructure-Based ISV Plasticity Damage Model to Study Penetration Mechanics of Metals and Validation through Penetration Study of Aluminum
Authors: Dou Yangqing , Liu Yucheng , Hammi Youssef , Whittington Wilburn
Published: January 2017

A developed microstructure-based internal state variable (ISV) plasticity damage model is for the first time used for simulating penetration mechanics of aluminum to find out its penetration properties. The ISV damage model tries to explain the interplay between physics at different length scales that governs the failure and damage mechanisms of materials by linking the macroscopic failure and damage behavior of the materials with their micromechanical performance, such as void nucleation, growth, and coalescence. Within the continuum modeling framework, microstructural features of materials are represented using a set of ISVs, and rate equations are employed to depict damage history and evolution of the materials. For experimental calibration of this damage model, compression, tension, and torsion straining conditions are considered to distinguish damage evolutions under different stress states. To demonstrate the reliability of the presented ISV model, that model is applied for studying penetration mechanics of aluminum and the numerical results are validated by comparing with simulation results yielded from the Johnson-Cook model as well as analytical results calculated from an existing theoretical model.
Vehicle Routing Problems with Fuel Consumption and Stochastic Travel Speeds
Authors: Feng Yanling , Zhang Ren-Qian , Jia Guozhu
Published: January 2017

Conventional vehicle routing problems (VRP) always assume that the vehicle travel speed is fixed or time‐dependent on arcs. However, due to the uncertainty of weather, traffic conditions, and other random factors, it is not appropriate to set travel speeds to fixed constants in advance. Consequently, we propose a mathematic model for calculating expected fuel consumption and fixed vehicle cost where average speed is assumed to obey normal distribution on each arc which is more realistic than the existing model. For small‐scaled problems, we make a linear transformation and solve them by existing solver CPLEX, while, for large‐scaled problems, an improved simulated annealing (ISA) algorithm is constructed. Finally, instances from real road networks of England are performed with the ISA algorithm. Computational results show that our ISA algorithm performs well in a reasonable amount of time. We also find that when taking stochastic speeds into consideration, the fuel consumption is always larger than that with fixed speed model.
Dynamic Response of Parallel Hoisting System under Drive Deviation between Ropes with Time-Varying Length
Authors: Cao Guohua , Cai Xiang , Wang Naige , Peng Weihong , Li Jishun
Published: January 2017

The dynamic responses of parallel hoisting system with time-varying length and rigid guidance under drive deviation are investigated considering tension and torsion characteristics of the ropes. The variable-domain three-node elements of rope are employed and the corresponding differential algebraic equations (DAEs) are derived using Lagrange’s equations of the first kind. The slack situation of the rope is considered, and the dynamic equations which are systems of DAEs are transformed to ordinary differential equations (ODEs). The dynamic responses of tension, torsion, and acceleration are analyzed considering radius’ error of the drums, which indicates that the drive deviation between ropes can cause large influence on the tension difference and even cause one of the ropes to slack. However, the torsion of the corresponding rope is active. And unreasonable discordance between ropes should be controlled for the design and manufacture of drum on super deep parallel hoisting system.
Physical Layer Authentication Enhancement Using Maximum SNR Ratio Based Cooperative AF Relaying
Authors: Liu Jiazi , Wang Xianbin , Tang Helen
Published: January 2017

Physical layer authentication techniques developed in conventional macrocell wireless networks face challenges when applied in the future fifth-generation (5G) wireless communications, due to the deployment of dense small cells in a hierarchical network architecture. In this paper, we propose a novel physical layer authentication scheme by exploiting the advantages of amplify-and-forward (AF) cooperative relaying, which can increase the coverage and convergence of the heterogeneous networks. The essence of the proposed scheme is to select the best relay among multiple AF relays for cooperation between legitimate transmitter and intended receiver in the presence of a spoofer. To achieve this goal, two best relay selection schemes are developed by maximizing the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the legitimate link to the spoofing link at the destination and relays, respectively. In the sequel, we derive closed-form expressions for the outage probabilities of the effective SNR ratios at the destination. With the help of the best relay, a new test statistic is developed for making an authentication decision, based on normalized channel difference between adjacent end-to-end channel estimates at the destination. The performance of the proposed authentication scheme is compared with that in a direct transmission in terms of outage and spoofing detection.
Adaptive Active Noise Suppression Using Multiple Model Switching Strategy
Authors: Huang Quanzhen , Chen Suxia , Huang Mingming , Guo Zhuangzhi
Published: January 2017

Active noise suppression for applications where the system response varies with time is a difficult problem. The computation burden for the existing control algorithms with online identification is heavy and easy to cause control system instability. A new active noise control algorithm is proposed in this paper by employing multiple model switching strategy for secondary path varying. The computation is significantly reduced. Firstly, a noise control system modeling method is proposed for duct-like applications. Then a multiple model adaptive control algorithm is proposed with a new multiple model switching strategy based on filter-u least mean square (FULMS) algorithm. Finally, the proposed algorithm was implemented on Texas Instruments digital signal processor (DSP) TMS320F28335 and real time experiments were done to test the proposed algorithm and FULMS algorithm with online identification. Experimental verification tests show that the proposed algorithm is effective with good noise suppression performance.
Urinary Exosomal miR-193a Can Be a Potential Biomarker for the Diagnosis of Primary Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis in Children
Authors: Huang Zhibin , Zhang Yong , Zhou Jianhua , Zhang Yu
Published: January 2017

Background. Glomerular upregulation of miR-193a has been detected in primary focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) but not in other glomerular diseases. We aimed to isolate exosomes from urine of children with primary FSGS and to assess the diagnostic potential of urinary exosomal miR-193a for primary FSGS. Methods. The first morning urine samples were collected from children with primary FSGS (n=8) and minimal change disease (MCD, n=5). Isolated urinary exosomes were confirmed by electron microscopy and Western blotting. Urinary exosomal microRNA was extracted, and the expression levels of exosomal miR-193a were quantified by real-time PCR. The diagnosis value of urinary exosomal miR-193a levels for primary FSGS was evaluated by ROC analysis. Results. The isolated vesicles were qualitatively compatible with exosomes. The levels of urinary exosomal miR-193a were significantly higher in children with primary FSGS than those in children with MCD. Moreover, the area under the ROC for the diagnosis of primary FSGS using urinary exosomal miR-193a was 0.85. Conclusions. A significant increase in the levels of urinary exosomal miR-193a in primary FSGS patients compared to those in MCD ones was observed. This study suggests that urinary exosomal miR-193a may be a new noninvasive biomarker for the diagnosis of primary FSGS.