bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
THE RELATION BETWEEN THE MODEL OF A CRYSTAL WITH DEFECTS AND PLEBANSKI'S THEORY OF GRAVITY
Authors: BENNETT D. L. , DAS C. R. , LAPERASHVILI L. V. , NIELSEN H. B.
Published: May 2013

In the present investigation, we show that there exists a close analogy of geometry of space–time in general relativity (GR) with a structure of defects in a crystal. We present the relation between the Kleinert's model of a crystal with defects and Plebanski's theory of gravity. We have considered the translational defects — dislocations and the rotational defects — disclinations — in the three- and four-dimensional crystals. The four-dimensional crystalline defects present the Riemann–Cartan space–time which has an additional geometric property — "torsion" — connected with dislocations. The world crystal is a model for the gravitation which has a new type of gauge symmetry: the Einstein's gravitation has a zero torsion as a special gauge, while a zero connection is another equivalent gauge with nonzero torsion which corresponds to the Einstein's theory of "teleparallelism". Any intermediate choice of the gauge with nonzero connection [Formula: see text] is also allowed. In the present investigation, we show that in the Plebanski formulation the phase of gravity with torsion is equivalent to the ordinary or topological gravity, and we can exclude a torsion as a separate dynamical variable.
STRESS FACTOR AND FAILURE ANALYSIS OF CONSTANT FRACTION DISCRIMINATOR USING DESIGN OF EXPERIMENTS
Authors: THADURI ADITHYA , VERMA A. K. , GOPIKA V. , GOPINATH RAJESH , KUMAR UDAY
Published: May 2013

Reliability prediction using traditional approaches were implemented at earlier stages of electronics. But due to advancements in science and technology, the above models are outdated. The alternative approach, physics of failure provides exhaustive information on basic failure phenomenon with failure mechanisms, failure modes and failure analysis becomes prominent because this method depends on factors like materials, processes, technology, etc., of the component. Constant fraction discriminators which is important component in NFMS needs to study failure characteristics and this paper provides this information on failure characteristics using physics of failure approach. Apart from that, the combined physics of failure approach with the statistical methods such as design of experiments, accelerated testing and failure distribution models to quantify time to failure of this electronic component by radiation and temperature as stress parameters. The SEM analysis of the component is carried out by decapsulating the samples and studied the impact of stress parameters on the device layout.
OPTIMAL PRICE AND RELEASE TIME OF A SOFTWARE UNDER WARRANTY
Authors: KAPUR P. K. , YAMADA SHIGERU , AGGARWAL ANU G. , SHRIVASTAVA AVINASH KUMAR
Published: May 2013

The time of domination has ended. Competition is "in". To get prolonged huge profit in highly competitive markets, firms need some effective tools and techniques. An instrument for competitive advantage in such prevailing cut throat environment is product differentiation. The general differentiation factors can be the product or service offerings through the value added services or offerings through product extensions and one of the most important differentiating factors amongst all is product warranty. Warranty is seller assurance to a buyer that a product will carry out as stated and this promise works as a confidence for the buyer in purchasing the product. But servicing a warranty engages additional costs to the manufacturer and this has an effect on the profit levels. Warranty cost may be reduced by providing higher reliable product. The conflict existing in the context of software reliability, warranty period and selling price need to be considered jointly. In this paper, we develop an optimization model to determine the optimal price, time to stop testing under a given warranty period with constraint on reliability and sales of the software product so as to maximize the profit. Numerical examples have been done to illustrate the proposed model.
ON COHOMOLOGICAL DECOMPOSITION OF BALANCED MANIFOLDS
Authors: LATORRE ADELA , UGARTE LUIS , OTAL ANTONIO , VILLACAMPA RAQUEL
Published: May 2013

We study complex-pure-and-fullness at the first stage on compact complex nilmanifolds M of complex dimension 3, with special attention to the case of existence of a balanced Hermitian metric on M.
Cooperative effect of E2 and FGF2 on lactotroph proliferation triggered by signaling initiated at the plasma membrane
Authors: Sosa Liliana del V. , Gutiérrez Silvina , Petiti Juan P. , Vaca Alicia M. , De Paul Ana L. , Torres Alicia I.
Published: May 2013

In the present work, we investigated the effect of 17β-estradiol (E2) and basic fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) on the lactotroph cell-proliferative response and the related membrane-initiated signaling pathway. Anterior pituitary mixed-cell cultures of random, cycling 3-mo-old female rats were treated with 10 nM E2, E2 membrane-impermeable conjugated BSA (E2-BSA), PPT (ERα agonist), and DPN (ERβ agonist) alone or combined with FGF2 (10 ng/ml) for 30 min or 4 h. Although our results showed that the uptake of BrdU into the nucleus of lactotrophs was not modified by E2 or FGF2 alone, a significant increase in the lactotroph uptake of BrdU was observed after E2/FGF2 coincubation, with this effect being mimicked by PPT/FGF2. These proliferative effects were blocked by ICI 182,780 or PD-98059. The involvement of membrane ER in the proliferative response of prolactin cells induced by the steroid and FGF2 coincubation was confirmed using E2-BSA, and the association between ERα and FGF receptor was observed after E2/FGF2 treatment by immunoprecipitation. A significant increase in the ERK1/2 expression was noted after E2, E2-BSA, PPT, and FGF2 alone, which was more noticeable after E2-BSA/FGF2, E2/FGF2, or PPT/FGF2 treatments. This study provides evidence that E2 and FGF2 exert a cooperative effect on the lactotroph proliferation principally by signaling initiated at the plasma membrane triggering a genomic effect mediated by MEK/ERK1/2, a common signaling pathway, that finally regulates the lactotroph population, thus contributing to pituitary plasticity.
Overexpression of intraislet ghrelin enhances β-cell proliferation after streptozotocin-induced β-cell injury in mice
Authors: Bando Mika , Iwakura Hiroshi , Ariyasu Hiroyuki , Koyama Hiroyuki , Hosoda Kiminori , Adachi Souichi , Nakao Kazuwa , Kangawa Kenji , Akamizu Takashi
Published: May 2013

Previously, we reported that exogenous administration of ghrelin ameliorates glucose metabolism in a neonate streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rat model through enhancement of β-cell proliferation. However, it was not clear whether the observed β-cell proliferation was a direct or indirect effect (e.g., via orexigenic or growth hormone-stimulated pathways) of ghrelin activity. Here, we aimed to investigate whether ghrelin directly impacts β-cell proliferation after STZ-induced injury in mice. Seven-week-old male rat insulin II promoter-ghrelin internal ribosomal sequence ghrelin O-acyltransferase transgenic (RIP-GG Tg) mice, which have elevated pancreatic ghrelin levels, but only minor changes in plasma ghrelin levels when fed a medium-chain triglyceride-rich diet, were treated with STZ. Then, serum insulin, pancreatic insulin mRNA expression, and islet histology were evaluated. We found that the serum insulin levels, but not blood glucose levels, of RIP-GG Tg mice were significantly ameliorated 14 days post-STZ treatment. Pancreatic insulin mRNA expression was significantly elevated in RIP-GG Tg mice, and β-cell numbers in islets were increased. Furthermore, the number of phospho-histone H3+ or Ki67+ proliferating β-cells was significantly elevated in RIP-GG Tg mice, whereas the apoptotic indexes within the islets, as determined by TUNEL assay, were not changed. These results indicate that ghrelin can directly stimulate β-cell proliferation in vivo after β-cell injury even without its orexigenic or GH-stimulating activities, although it did not have enough impact to normalize the glucose tolerance in adult mice.
Thyroid hormone receptor-β agonists prevent hepatic steatosis in fat-fed rats but impair insulin sensitivity via discrete pathways
Authors: Vatner Daniel F. , Weismann Dirk , Beddow Sara A. , Kumashiro Naoki , Erion Derek M. , Liao Xiao-Hui , Grover Gary J. , Webb Paul , Phillips Kevin J. , Weiss Roy E. , Bogan Jonathan S. , Baxter John , Shulman Gerald I. , Samuel Varman T.
Published: May 2013

Liver-specific thyroid hormone receptor-β (TRβ)-specific agonists are potent lipid-lowering drugs that also hold promise for treating nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and hepatic insulin resistance. We investigated the effect of two TRβ agonists (GC-1 and KB-2115) in high-fat-fed male Sprague-Dawley rats treated for 10 days. GC-1 treatment reduced hepatic triglyceride content by 75%, but the rats developed fasting hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia, attributable to increased endogenous glucose production (EGP) and diminished hepatic insulin sensitivity. GC-1 also increased white adipose tissue lipolysis; the resulting increase in glycerol flux may have contributed to the increase in EGP. KB-2115, a more TRβ- and liver-specific thyromimetic, also prevented hepatic steatosis but did not induce fasting hyperglycemia, increase basal EGP rate, or diminish hepatic insulin sensitivity. Surprisingly, insulin-stimulated peripheral glucose disposal was diminished because of a decrease in insulin-stimulated skeletal muscle glucose uptake. Skeletal muscle insulin signaling was unaffected. Instead, KB-2115 treatment was associated with a decrease in GLUT4 protein content. Thus, although both GC-1 and KB-2115 potently treat hepatic steatosis in fat-fed rats, they each worsen insulin action via specific and discrete mechanisms. The development of future TRβ agonists must consider the potential adverse effects on insulin sensitivity.
TWEAK prevents TNF-α-induced insulin resistance through PP2A activation in human adipocytes
Authors: Vázquez-Carballo Ana , Ceperuelo-Mallafré Victòria , Chacón Matilde R. , Maymó-Masip Elsa , Lorenzo Margarita , Porras Almudena , Vendrell Joan , Fernández-Veledo Sonia
Published: May 2013

Visceral fat is strongly associated with insulin resistance. Obesity-associated adipose tissue inflammation and inflammatory cytokine production are considered key mediators of insulin signaling inhibition. TWEAK is a relatively new member of the TNF cytokine superfamily, which can exist as full length membrane-associated (mTWEAK) and soluble (sTWEAK) isoforms. Although TWEAK has been shown to have important functions in chronic inflammatory diseases its physiological role in adipose tissue remains unresolved. In this study, we explore the molecular mechanisms involved in the modulation of TNF-α-induced effects on insulin sensitivity by sTWEAK in a human visceral adipose cell line and also in primary human adipocytes obtained from visceral fat depots. Our data reveal that sTWEAK ameliorates TNF-α-induced insulin resistance on glucose uptake, GLUT4 translocation and insulin signaling without affecting other metabolic effects of TNF-α such as lipolysis or apoptotis. Co-immunoprecipitation experiments in adipose cells revealed that pretreatment with sTWEAK specifically inhibits TRAF2 association with TNFR1, but not with TNFR2, which mediates insulin resistance. However, sTWEAK does not affect other downstream molecules activated by TNF-α, such as TAK1. Rather, sTWEAK abolishes the stimulatory effect of TNF-α on JNK1/2, which is directly involved in the development of insulin resistance. This is associated with an increase in PP2A activity upon sTWEAK treatment. Silencing of the PP2A catalytic subunit gene overcomes the dephosphorylation effect of sTWEAK on JNK1/2, pointing to PP2A as a relevant mediator of sTWEAK-induced JNK inactivation. Overall, our data reveal a protective role of TWEAK in glucose homeostasis and identify PP2A as a new driver in the modulation of TNF-α signaling by sTWEAK.
Gender-specific role of HDAC11 in kidney ischemia- and reperfusion-induced PAI-1 expression and injury
Authors: Kim Jee In , Jung Kyong-Jin , Jang Hee-Seong , Park Kwon Moo
Published: May 2013

Male gender and the male hormone testosterone increase susceptibility to kidney ischemia and reperfusion (I/R) injury, which is associated with inflammatory responses. Possible involvement of histone deacetylase (HDAC) in inflammatory responses has been suggested. We investigated the gender-specific role of HDACs in plasminogen activator inhibitor type-1 (PAI-1) expression and I/R injury. PAI-1 inhibition protected the kidney from I/R-induced inflammation and functional loss. Among HDACs, only HDAC11 negatively regulated PAI-1 expression in I/R-subjected kidney gender specifically and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated mouse monocytes/macrophages. HDAC11 gene silencing increased PAI-1 expression. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assay confirmed binding of HDAC11 to the promoter region of PAI-1 and then release by I/R insult or LPS treatment. I/R-induced HDAC11 release was inhibited by orchiectomy and reversed by dihydrotestosterone treatment. Release of HDAC11 increased acetylation of histone H3. In conclusion, male gender and male hormones accelerate I/R-induced decreases in expression and binding of HDAC11, resulting in an increase in PAI-1 expression. These data provide important insight into gender dimorphism offering HDAC11 as a novel target for I/R injury.
Modeling Forced Flow Chemical Vapor Infiltration Fabrication of SiC-SiC Composites for Advanced Nuclear Reactors
Authors: Deck Christian P. , Khalifa H. E. , Sammuli B. , Back C. A.
Published: May 2013

Silicon carbide fiber/silicon carbide matrix (SiC-SiC) composites exhibit remarkable material properties, including high temperature strength and stability under irradiation. These qualities have made SiC-SiC composites extremely desirable for use in advanced nuclear reactor concepts, where higher operating temperatures and longer lives require performance improvements over conventional metal alloys. However, fabrication efficiency advances need to be achieved. SiC composites are typically produced using chemical vapor infiltration (CVI), where gas phase precursors flow into the fiber preform and react to form a solid SiC matrix. Forced flow CVI utilizes a pressure gradient to more effectively transport reactants into the composite, reducing fabrication time. The fabrication parameters must be well understood to ensure that the resulting composite has a high density and good performance. To help optimize this process, a computer model was developed. This model simulates the transport of the SiC precursors, the deposition of SiC matrix on the fiber surfaces, and the effects of byproducts on the process. Critical process parameters, such as the temperature and reactant concentration, were simulated to identify infiltration conditions which maximize composite density while minimizing the fabrication time.
Low-Level Laser-Accelerated Peripheral Nerve Regeneration within a Reinforced Nerve Conduit across a Large Gap of the Transected Sciatic Nerve in Rats
Authors: Shen Chiung-Chyi , Yang Yi-Chin , Huang Tsung-Bin , Chan Shiuh-Chuan , Liu Bai-Shuan
Published: May 2013

This study proposed a novel combination of neural regeneration techniques for the repair of damaged peripheral nerves. A biodegradable nerve conduit containing genipin-cross-linked gelatin was annexed using beta-tricalcium phosphate (TCP) ceramic particles (genipin-gelatin-TCP, GGT) to bridge the transection of a 15 mm sciatic nerve in rats. Two trigger points were irradiated transcutaneously using 660 nm of gallium-aluminum arsenide phosphide (GaAlAsP) via laser diodes for 2 min daily over 10 consecutive days. Walking track analysis showed a significant improvement in sciatic functional index (SFI)(P<0.01)and pronounced improvement in the toe spreading ability of rats undergoing laser stimulation. Electrophysiological measurements (peak amplitude and area) illustrated by compound muscle action potential (CMAP) curves demonstrated that laser stimulation significantly improved nerve function and reduced muscular atrophy. Histomorphometric assessments revealed that laser stimulation accelerated nerve regeneration over a larger area of neural tissue, resulting in axons of greater diameter and myelin sheaths of greater thickness than that observed in rats treated with nerve conduits alone. Motor function, electrophysiological reactions, muscular reinnervation, and histomorphometric assessments all demonstrate that the proposed therapy accelerated the repair of transected peripheral nerves bridged using a GGT nerve conduit.
Influence of the Constitutive Flow Law in FEM Simulation of the Radial Forging Process
Authors: Pantalé Olivier , Gueye Babacar
Published: May 2013

Radial forging is a widely used forming process for manufacturing hollow products in transport industry. As the deformation of the workpiece, during the process, is a consequence of a large number of high-speed strokes, the Johnson-Cook constitutive law (taking into account the strain rate) seems to be well adapted for representing the material behavior even if the process is performed under cold conditions. But numerous contributions concerning radial forging analysis, in the literature, are based on a simple elastic-plastic formulation. As far as we know, this assumption has yet not been validated for the radial forging process. Because of the importance of the flow law in the effectiveness of the model, our purpose in this paper is to analyze the influence of the use of an elastic-viscoplastic formulation instead of an elastic-plastic one for modeling the cold radial forging process. In this paper we have selected two different laws for the simulations: the Johnson-Cook and the Ludwik ones, and we have compared the results in terms of forging force, product's thickness, strains, stresses, and CPU time. For the presented study we use an AISI 4140 steel, and we denote a fairly good agreement between the results obtained using both laws.
The Split Common Fixed Point Problem for -Strictly Pseudononspreading Mappings
Authors: Cao Shubo
Published: May 2013

We introduce and analyze the viscosity approximation algorithm for solving the split common fixed point problem for the strictly pseudononspreading mappings in Hilbert spaces. Our results improve and develop previously discussed feasibility problems and related results.
Genome Microscale Heterogeneity among Wild Potatoes Revealed by Diversity Arrays Technology Marker Sequences
Authors: Traini Alessandra , Iorizzo Massimo , Mann Harpartap , Bradeen James M. , Carputo Domenico , Frusciante Luigi , Chiusano Maria Luisa
Published: May 2013

Tuber-bearing potato species possess several genes that can be exploited to improve the genetic background of the cultivated potatoSolanum tuberosum. Among them,S. bulbocastanumandS. commersoniiare well known for their strong resistance to environmental stresses. However, scant information is available for these species in terms of genome organization, gene function, and regulatory networks. Consequently, genomic tools to assist breeding are meager, and efficient exploitation of these species has been limited so far. In this paper, we employed the reference genome sequences from cultivated potato and tomato and a collection of sequences of 1,423 potato Diversity Arrays Technology (DArT) markers that show polymorphic representation across the genomes ofS. bulbocastanumand/orS. commersoniigenotypes. Our results highlighted microscale genome sequence heterogeneity that may play a significant role in functional and structural divergence between related species. Our analytical approach provides knowledge of genome structural and sequence variability that could not be detected by transcriptome and proteome approaches.
An Approach for Model Reduction of Biochemical Networks
Authors: Liu Yen-Chang , Lin Chun-Liang , Chuang Chia-Hua
Published: May 2013

Biochemical networks are not only complex but also extremely large. The dynamic biological model of great complexity resulting in a large number of parameters is a main difficulty for optimization and control processes. In practice, it is highly desirable to further simplify the structure of biological models for the sake of reducing computational cost or simplification for the task of system analysis. This paper considers the S-system model used for describing the response of biochemical networks. By introducing the technique of singular value decomposition (SVD), we are able to identify the major state variables and parameters and eliminate unimportant metabolites and the corresponding signal transduction pathways. The model reduction by multiobjective analysis integrates the criteria of reactive weight, sensitivity, and flux analyses to obtain a reduced model in a systematic way. The resultant model is closed to the original model in performance but with a simpler structure. Representative numerical examples are illustrated to prove feasibility of the proposed method.
H∞-Based Pinning Synchronization of General Complex Dynamical Networks with Coupling Delays
Authors: Du Bowen , Ma Dianfu
Published: May 2013

This paper investigates the synchronization of complex dynamical networks with coupling delays and external disturbances by applying local feedback injections to a small fraction of nodes in the whole network. Based onH∞control theory, some delay-independent and -dependent synchronization criteria with a prescribedH∞disturbances attenuation index are derived for such controlled networks in terms of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs), which guarantee that by placing a small number of feedback controllers on some nodes, the whole network can be pinned to reach network synchronization. A simulation example is included to validate the theoretical results.
Genetic and Functional Profiling of Crohn's Disease: Autophagy Mechanism and Susceptibility to Infectious Diseases
Authors: Marcuzzi Annalisa , Bianco Anna Monica , Girardelli Martina , Tommasini Alberto , Martelossi Stefano , Monasta Lorenzo , Crovella Sergio
Published: May 2013

Crohn's disease is a complex disease in which genome, microbiome, and environment interact to produce the immunological background of the disease. Disease in childhood is more extensive and characterized by a rapid progression, leading to severe repercussions in the course of the disorder. Several genetic variations have been associated with an increased risk of developing the disease and most of these are also implicated in other autoimmune disorders. The gut has many tiers of defense against incursion by luminal microbes, including the epithelial barrier and the innate and adaptive immune responses. Moreover, recent evidence shows that bacterial and viral infections, as well as inflammasome genes and genes involved in the autophagy process, are implicated in Crohn's disease pathogenesis. The aim of this review is to establish how much the diagnostic system can improve, thus increasing the success of Crohn's disease diagnosis. The major expectation for the near future is to be able to anticipate the possible consequences of the disease already in childhood, thus preventing associated complications, and to choose the best treatment for each patient.
A Sacral Mass in a Newborn: A Variant of Type II Diastematomyelia with Triple Splitting of the Cord
Authors: Shatla Emad Sadek , Bedair El Said M. A. , Soliman Ashraf
Published: May 2013

Ultrasonographic (US) evaluation of spinal anomalies is limited. MRI is increasingly being used in the diagnosis of spinal anomalies. MRI has been able to show clearly the detailed anatomy of this rare case of type II diastematomyelia with triple splitting of the cord.
A Differential Algebraic Method to Approximate Nonsmooth Mechanical Systems by Ordinary Differential Equations
Authors: Xiong Xiaogang , Kikuuwe Ryo , Yamamoto Motoji
Published: May 2013

Nonsmooth mechanical systems, which are mechanical systems involving dry friction and rigid unilateral contact, are usually described as differential inclusions (DIs), that is, differential equations involving discontinuities. Those DIs may be approximated by ordinary differential equations (ODEs) by simply smoothing the discontinuities. Such approximations, however, can produce unrealistic behaviors because the discontinuous natures of the original DIs are lost. This paper presents a new algebraic procedure to approximate DIs describing nonsmooth mechanical systems by ODEs with preserving the discontinuities. The procedure is based on the fact that the DIs can be approximated by differential algebraic inclusions (DAIs), and thus they can be equivalently rewritten as ODEs. The procedure is illustrated by some examples of nonsmooth mechanical systems with simulation results obtained by the fourth-order Runge-Kutta method.
Does the Volume and Localization of Intracerebral Hematoma Affect Short-Term Prognosis of Patients with Intracerebral Hemorrhage?
Authors: Salihović Denisa , Smajlović Dževdet , Ibrahimagić Omer Ć.
Published: May 2013

The aim of this study was to determine whether volume and localization of intracerebral hematoma affects the six-month prognosis of patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Patients and Methods. The study included 75 patients with ICH of both sex and all age groups. ICH, based on CT scan findings, was divided in the following groups: lobar, subcortical, infratentorial, intraventricular haemorrhage and multiple hematomas. Volume of intracerebral hematoma was calculated according to formula . Intracerebral hematomas, according to the volume, are divided in three groups (0–29 mL, 30–60 mL, and >60 mL). Results. The highest mortality rate was recorded in the group with multiple hematomas (41%), while the lowest in infratentorial (12.8%). The best six-month survival was in patients with a volume up to 29 mL, 30 of them (64%) survived. The highest mortality rate was recorded in patients with the hematoma volume >60 mL (85%). Kaplan-Meier’s analysis showed that there was statistical significance between the size of the hematoma and the six-month survival (). More than half of patients (61.1%) who survived 6 months after ICH were functionally independent (Rankin scale ≤2). Conclusion The volume of hematoma significantly affects six-month prognosis in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage, while localization does not.
Fossilized Teeth as a New Robust and Reproducible Standard for Polarization-Sensitive Optical Coherence Tomography
Authors: Vercollone Christopher , Liu Bin , Brezinski Mark E.
Published: May 2013

A clinical need exists for a cheap and efficient standard for polarization sensitive optical coherence tomography (PS-OCT). We utilize prehistoric fossilized teeth from the Megalodon shark and European horse as an unconventional, yet robust standard. Given their easy accessibility and the microstructural consistency conferred by the process of fossilization, they provide a means of calibration to reduce error from sources such as catheter bending and temperature changes. We tested the maximum difference in birefringence values in each tooth and found the fossilized teeth to be fast and repeatable. The results were compared to measurements from bovine meniscus, tendon, and destroyed tendon, which were verified with histology.
Magnet-Retained Facial Prosthesis Combined with Maxillary Obturator
Authors: Hatami Mahnaz , Badrian Hamid , Samanipoor Siamak , Goiato Marcelo Coelho
Published: May 2013

Prosthetic rehabilitation of the midfacial defects has always perplexed prosthodontists. These defects lead to functional and esthetic deficiencies. The purpose of this clinical case report was the presentation of the prosthetic rehabilitation of an extraoral-intraoral defect using two-piece prosthesis magnetically connected. This prosthesis has dramatically improved the patient’s speech, mastication, swallowing, and esthetic.
Synthesis and Characterization of Stable and Binder‐Free Electrodes of TiO2 Nanofibers for Li‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Tammawat Phontip , Meethong Nonglak
Published: May 2013

An electrospinning technique was used to fabricate TiO2 nanofibers for use as binder‐free electrodes for lithium‐ion batteries. The as‐electrospun nanofibers were calcined at 400–1,000°C and characterized using X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). SEM and TEM images showed that the fibers have an average diameter of ~100 nm and are composed of nanocrystallites and grains, which grow in size as the calcination temperature increases. The electrochemical properties of the nanofibers were evaluated using galvanostatic cycling and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The TiO2 nanofibers calcined at 400°C showed higher electronic conductivity, higher discharge capacity, and better cycling performance than the nanofibers calcined at 600, 800, and 1,000°C. The TiO2 nanofibers calcined at 400°C delivered an initial reversible capacity of 325 mAh·g−1 approaching their theoretical value at 0.1 C rate and over 175 mAh·g−1 at 0.3 C rate with limited capacity fading and Coulombic efficiency between 96 and 100%.
An Engineered Arginase FC Protein Inhibits Tumor GrowthIn VitroandIn Vivo
Authors: Li Lihua , Wang Yan , Chen Jun , Cheng Bi , Hu Jiehua , Zhou Yuehua , Gao Xin , Gao Liucun , Mei Xifan , Sun Meiyan , Zhang Zhuomei , Song Haifeng
Published: May 2013

Arginine is a semiessential amino acid required for the growth of melanoma and hepatocellular carcinoma, and the enzymatic removal of arginine by pegylated arginine deiminase (ADI) or arginase is being tested clinically. Here, we report a genetically engineered arginase FC fusion protein exhibiting a prolonged half-life and enhanced efficacy. The use of this enzyme to treat different tumor lines both inhibited cell proliferation and impaired cellular migrationin vitroandin vivo. Our data reinforce the hypothesis that nutritional depletion is a key strategy for cancer treatment.
Fast and Near-Optimal Timing-Driven Cell Sizing under Cell Area and Leakage Power Constraints Using a Simplified Discrete Network Flow Algorithm
Authors: Ren Huan , Dutt Shantanu
Published: May 2013

We propose a timing-driven discrete cell-sizing algorithm that can address total cell size and/or leakage power constraints. We model cell sizing as a “discretized” mincost network flow problem, wherein available sizes of each cell are modeled as nodes. Flow passing through a node indicates the choice of the corresponding cell size, and the total flow cost reflects the timing objective function value corresponding to these choices. Compared to other discrete optimization methods for cell sizing, our method can obtain near-optimal solutions in a time-efficient manner. We tested our algorithm on ISCAS’85 benchmarks, and compared our results to those produced by an optimal dynamic programming- (DP-) based method. The results show that compared to the optimal method, the improvements to an initial sizing solution obtained by our method is only 1% (3%) worse when using a 180 nm (90 nm) library, while being 40–60 times faster. We also obtained results for ISPD’12 cell-sizing benchmarks, under leakage power constraint, and compared them to those of a state-of-the-art approximate DP method (optimal DP runs out of memory for the smallest of these circuits). Our results show that we are only 0.9% worse than the approximate DP method, while being more than twice as fast.
Water Absorption and Diffusion Characteristics of Nanohydroxyapatite (nHA) and Poly(hydroxybutyrate‐co‐hydroxyvalerate‐) Based Composite Tissue Engineering Scaffolds and Nonporous Thin Films
Authors: Sultana Naznin , Khan Tareef Hayat
Published: May 2013

Water uptake characteristics of poly(hydroxybutyrate‐co‐hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV‐) based composite tissue engineering (TE) scaffolds incorporating nanosized hydroxyapatite (nHA) have been investigated. The water absorption of these composite scaffolds obeyed the classical diffusion theory for the initial period of time. The diffusion coefficients of the composite scaffolds during the water absorption were much faster than those for the nonporous thin films, suggesting that the water uptake process depends on the presence of porosity and porous microstructure of the composite scaffolds. The incorporation of nHA increased the water uptake of both the composite scaffolds and thin films. It was also observed that the equilibrium uptake increased with the incorporation of nHA. This increase in the water uptake was largely due to the nHA particle aggregates in the microstructure of both composite scaffolds and thin films. The activation energy for diffusion was also determined using the Arrhenius equation for both porous scaffolds and thin films and the results suggested that the activation energy for scaffolds was lower than that for thin films.
Establishing an Efficient Way to Utilize the Drought Resistance Germplasm Population in Wheat
Authors: Wang Jiancheng , Guan Yajing , Wang Yang , Zhu Liwei , Wang Qitian , Hu Qijuan , Hu Jin
Published: May 2013

Drought resistance breeding provides a hopeful way to improve yield and quality of wheat in arid and semiarid regions. Constructing core collection is an efficient way to evaluate and utilize drought‐resistant germplasm resources in wheat. In the present research, 1,683 wheat varieties were divided into five germplasm groups (high resistant, HR; resistant, R; moderate resistant, MR; susceptible, S; and high susceptible, HS). The least distance stepwise sampling (LDSS) method was adopted to select core accessions. Six commonly used genetic distances (Euclidean distance, Euclid; Standardized Euclidean distance, Seuclid; Mahalanobis distance, Mahal; Manhattan distance, Manhat; Cosine distance, Cosine; and Correlation distance, Correlation) were used to assess genetic distances among accessions. Unweighted pair‐group average (UPGMA) method was used to perform hierarchical cluster analysis. Coincidence rate of range (CR) and variable rate of coefficient of variation (VR) were adopted to evaluate the representativeness of the core collection. A method for selecting the ideal constructing strategy was suggested in the present research. A wheat core collection for the drought resistance breeding programs was constructed by the strategy selected in the present research. The principal component analysis showed that the genetic diversity was well preserved in that core collection.
Large Eddy Simulation of Inertial Particle Preferential Dispersion in a Turbulent Flow over a Backward-Facing Step
Authors: Wang Bing , Zhang Huiqiang , Wang Xilin
Published: May 2013

Large eddy simulation of inertial particle dispersion in a turbulent flow over a backward-facing step was performed. The numerical results of both instantaneous particle dispersion and two-phase velocity statistics were in good agreement with the experimental measurements. The analysis of preferential dispersion of inertial particles was then presented by a wavelets analysis method for decomposing the two-phase turbulence signal obtained by numerical simulations, showing that the inertial particle concentration is separation from the Gaussian random distribution with very strong intermittencies. The statistical PDF of vorticity seen by particles shows that the inertial particles tend to accumulate in low vorticity regions where ∇u: ∇u is larger than zero. The concentration distribution of particle preferential dispersion preserves the historical effects. The research conclusions are useful for further understanding the two-phase turbulence physics and establishing accurate engineering prediction models of particle dispersion.
Thin Film Polymer Composite Scintillators for Thermal Neutron Detection
Authors: Mabe Andrew N. , Auxier John D. , Urffer Matthew J. , Young Stephen A. , Penumadu Dayakar , Schweitzer George K. , Miller Laurence F.
Published: May 2013

Thin film polystyrene composite scintillators containing LiF6 and organic fluors have been fabricated and tested as thermal neutron detectors. Varying fluorescence emission intensities for different compositions are interpreted in terms of the Beer-Lambert law and indicate that the sensitivity of fluorescent sensors can be improved by incorporating transparent particles with refractive index different than that of the polymer matrix. Compositions and thicknesses were varied to optimize the fluorescence and thermal neutron response and to reduce gamma-ray sensitivity. Neutron detection efficiency and neutron/gamma-ray discrimination are reported herein as functions of composition and thickness. Gamma-ray sensitivity is affected largely by changing thickness and unaffected by the amount of LiF6 in the film. The best neutron/gamma-ray discrimination characteristics are obtained for film thicknesses in the range 25–150 μm.
Antiteratogenic Effects ofβ-Carotene in Cultured Mouse Embryos Exposed to Nicotine
Authors: Lin Chunmei , Yon Jung-Min , Jung A Young , Lee Jong Geol , Jung Ki Youn , Lee Beom Jun , Yun Young Won , Nam Sang-Yoon
Published: May 2013

After maternal intake, nicotine crosses the placental barrier and causes severe embryonic disorders and fetal death. In this study, we investigated whetherβ-carotene has a beneficial effect against nicotine-induced teratogenesis in mouse embryos (embryonic day 8.5) cultured for 48 h in a whole embryo culture system. Embryos exposed to nicotine (1 mM) exhibited severe morphological anomalies and apoptotic cell death, as well as increased levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and caspase 3 mRNAs, and lipid peroxidation. The levels of cytoplasmic superoxide dismutase (SOD), mitochondrial manganese-dependent SOD, cytosolic glutathione peroxidase (GPx), phospholipid hydroperoxide GPx, hypoxia inducible factor 1α, andBcl-xL mRNAs decreased, and SOD activity was reduced compared to the control group. However, whenβ-carotene (1×10−7or5×10−7μM)was present in cultures of embryos exposed to nicotine, these parameters improved significantly. These findings indicate thatβ-carotene effectively protects against nicotine-induced teratogenesis in mouse embryos through its antioxidative, antiapoptotic, and anti-inflammatory activities.
Modeling and Output Feedback Control of Networked Control Systems with Both Time Delays; and Packet Dropouts
Authors: Qiu Li , Luo Qin , Li Shanbin , Xu Bugong
Published: May 2013

This paper is concerned with the problem of modeling and output feedback controller design for a class of discrete-time networked control systems (NCSs) with time delays and packet dropouts. A Markovian jumping method is proposed to deal with random time delays and packet dropouts. Different from the previous studies on the issue, the characteristics of networked communication delays and packet dropouts can be truly reflected by the unified model; namely, both sensor-to-controller (S-C) and controller-to-actuator (C-A) time delays, and packet dropouts are modeled and their history behavior is described by multiple Markov chains. The resulting closed-loop system is described by a new Markovian jump linear system (MJLS) with Markov delays model. Based on Lyapunov stability theory and linear matrix inequality (LMI) method, sufficient conditions of the stochastic stability and output feedback controller design method for NCSs with random time delays and packet dropouts are presented. A numerical example is given to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Comparison of a Multiple Daily Insulin Injection Regimen (Glargine or Detemir Once Daily Plus Prandial Insulin Aspart) and Continuous Subcutaneous Insulin Infusion (Aspart) in Short-Term Intensive Insulin Therapy for Poorly Controlled Type 2 Diabetes Patients
Authors: Lv Wen-shan , Li Li , Wen Jun-ping , Pan Rong-fang , Sun Rui-xia , Wang Jing , Xian Yu-xin , Cao Cai-xia , Gao Yan-yan
Published: May 2013

Aims.To examine the potential differences between multiple daily injection (MDI) regimens based on new long-acting insulin analogues (glargine or detemir) plus prandial insulin aspart and continuous subcutaneous insulin aspart infusion (CSII) in patients with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes.Methods.Patients (n=119) with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes of a duration exceeding five years were randomly assigned into three groups: Group A treated with CSII using insulin aspart; Group B treated with glargine-based MDI and Group C treated with detemir-based MDI.Results.Good glycemic control was achieved by patients in Group A in a significantly shorter duration than patients in Groups B and C. Total daily insulin, basal insulin dose and dose per kg body weight in Group A were significantly less than those in Groups B and C. Daily blood glucose fluctuation in Group A was significantly less than that in Groups B and C. There were no differences between Groups B and C.Conclusions.Aspart-based CSII may achieve good blood glucose control with less insulin doses over a shorter period compared with glargine or detemir-based MDI. No differences between glargine- and detemir-based MDI were detected in poorly controlled subjects with type 2 diabetes.
Recent Advances as Materials of Functional Metal‐Organic Frameworks
Authors: Tong Xiao-Lan , Lin Hai-Lu , Xin Jian-Hua , Liu Fen , Li Min , Zhu Xia-Ping
Published: May 2013

Metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs), also known as hybrid inorganic‐organic materials, represent an emerging class of materials that have attracted the imagination of solid‐state chemists because MOFs combine unprecedented levels of porosity with a range of other functional properties that occur through the metal moiety and/or the organic ligand. The purpose of this critical review is to give a representative and comprehensive overview of the arising developments in the field of functional metal‐organic frameworks, including luminescence, magnetism, and porosity through presenting examples. This review will be of interest to researchers and synthetic chemists attempting to design multifunctional MOFs.
Maintenance Decision Based on Data Fusion of Aero Engines
Authors: Wang Huawei , Gao Jun , Liu Zhiyong
Published: May 2013

Maintenance has gained a great importance as a support function for ensuring aero engine reliability and availability. Cost-effectiveness and risk control are two basic criteria for accurate maintenance. Given that aero engines have much condition monitoring data, this paper presents a new condition-based maintenance decision system that employs data fusion for improving accuracy of reliability evaluation. Bayesian linear model has been applied, so that the performance degradation evaluation of aero engines could be realized. A reliability evaluation model has been presented based on gamma process, which achieves the accurate evaluation by information fusion. In reliability evaluation model, the shape parameter is estimated by the performance degradation evaluation result, and the scale parameter is estimated by failure, inspection, and repair information. What is more, with such reliability evaluation as input variables and by using particle swarm optimization (PSO), a stochastic optimization of maintenance decision for aircraft engines has been presented, in which the effectiveness and the accuracy are demonstrated by a numerical example.
Towards Brain-Computer Interface Control of a 6-Degree-of-Freedom Robotic Arm Using Dry EEG Electrodes
Authors: Astaras Alexander , Moustakas Nikolaos , Athanasiou Alkinoos , Gogoussis Aristides
Published: May 2013

Introduction. Development of a robotic arm that can be operated using an exoskeletal position sensing harness as well as a dry electrode brain-computer interface headset. Design priorities comprise an intuitive and immersive user interface, fast and smooth movement, portability, and cost minimization.Materials and Methods. A robotic arm prototype capable of moving along 6 degrees of freedom has been developed, along with an exoskeletal position sensing harness which was used to control it. Commercially available dry electrode BCI headsets were evaluated. A particular headset model has been selected and is currently being integrated into the hybrid system.Results and Discussion. The combined arm-harness system has been successfully tested and met its design targets for speed, smooth movement, and immersive control. Initial tests verify that an operator using the system can perform pick and place tasks following a rather short learning curve. Further evaluation experiments are planned for the integrated BCI-harness hybrid setup.Conclusions. It is possible to design a portable robotic arm interface comparable in size, dexterity, speed, and fluidity to the human arm at relatively low cost. The combined system achieved its design goals for intuitive and immersive robotic control and is currently being further developed into a hybrid BCI system for comparative experiments.
Dynamics of Numerics of Nonautonomous Equations with Periodic Solutions: Introducing the Numerical Floquet Theory
Authors: Khumalo Melusi
Published: May 2013

Nonautonomous systems with periodic solutions are encountered frequently in applications. In this paper, we will consider simple systems whose solutions are periodic with a known period. Their transformation under linearized collocation methods is investigated, using a technique called stroboscopic sampling, a discrete version of the well-known Poincaré map. It is shown that there is an inextricable relationship between AN stability (or BN stability) of the numerical methods and the correct qualitative behaviour of solutions.
Analytical Methodologies for the Determination of Endocrine Disrupting Compounds in Biological and Environmental Samples
Authors: Sosa-Ferrera Zoraida , Mahugo-Santana Cristina , Santana-Rodríguez José Juan
Published: May 2013

Endocrine-disruptor compounds (EDCs) can mimic natural hormones and produce adverse effects in the endocrine functions by interacting with estrogen receptors. EDCs include both natural and synthetic chemicals, such as hormones, personal care products, surfactants, and flame retardants, among others. EDCs are characterised by their ubiquitous presence at trace-level concentrations and their wide diversity. Since the discovery of the adverse effects of these pollutants on wildlife and human health, analytical methods have been developed for their qualitative and quantitative determination. In particular, mass-based analytical methods show excellent sensitivity and precision for their quantification. This paper reviews recently published analytical methodologies for the sample preparation and for the determination of these compounds in different environmental and biological matrices by liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. The various sample preparation techniques are compared and discussed. In addition, recent developments and advances in this field are presented.
Voltage-Mode Four-Phase Sinusoidal Generator and Its Useful Extensions
Authors: Maheshwari Sudhanshu
Published: May 2013

This paper introduces a new voltage-mode second-order sinusoidal generator circuit with four active elements and six passive elements, including grounded capacitors. The frequency and condition of oscillation can be independently controlled. The effect of active element’s nonidealities and parasitic effects is also studied; the proposed topology is good in absorbing several parasitic elements involved with the active elements. The circuit is advantageous for generating high frequency signals which is demonstrated for 25 MHz outputs. Several circuit extensions are also given which makes the new proposal useful for real circuit adoption. The proposed theory is validated through simulation results.