bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Monte Carlo Study of Holding Forces for Tank Cars on Grades
Authors: Alexy J. Karl , Jeong David Y. , González Francisco
Published: November 2013

This paper describes a numerical procedure to examine the holding forces needed to secure a cut of railroad tank cars staged on a grade during loading and unloading operations. Holding forces are created by applying emergency brake systems and blocking (or chocking) wheels. Moreover, the holding force to secure the cut of cars must be greater than or equal to the gravitational component of force acting on the cars that is parallel to the grade. Engineering statics are applied to examine the forces acting on the individual cars resting on an inclined plane. An equation to calculate holding force is developed that includes two types of factors: constants (i.e. nonrandom or deterministic factors) and probabilistic variables (i.e. factors with inherent uncertainty or randomness). The numerical procedure applies Monte Carlo simulation techniques to study the uncertainties in the engineering analysis. The Monte Carlo approach is well suited to study the uncertainties and inherent variability associated with some of these factors. The factors assumed to be deterministic in this procedure are: steepness of the grade, total number of cars on the grade, number of cars with hand brakes applied, number of chocked wheels, and weight of the tank cars. The factors treated as random variables are: tension in the hand brake chain, mechanical efficiency in the linkages of the brake system, coefficient of friction between the brake pad and the wheel, and the coefficient of friction between the chocks and the rail. Probability distributions are assumed for each of the random variables. In addition, a probabilistic sensitivity analysis is conducted to examine the relative effect of the random variables on the reliability of the braking system to secure the cut of tank cars on a grade.
Transforming the Non-Recycled Plastics of New York City to Synthetic Oil
Authors: Tsiamis Demetra A. , Themelis Nickolas J.
Published: November 2013

New York City (NYC) annually generates an estimated 750,000 short tons of municipal plastic waste (MPW), 84% of which is landfilled. This study examined the potential of using NYC’s non-recycled plastics (NRP) as feedstock for three pyrolysis processes developed in North America: the P2O process of JBI Inc., the Agilyx process, and the Climax Global Energy process. All three processes decompose plastic waste by heating to a temperature range of 300–500°C by means of an external energy source. The P2O process requires the least amount of electricity per ton of MPW because it uses the gas product of pyrolysis to heat the continuous flow reactor. The P2O technology appears to be suitable for application in NYC and is discussed in detail in this paper.
HIV prevalence and related risk behaviours among female sex workers in Iran: results of the national biobehavioural survey, 2010
Authors: Sajadi Leily , Mirzazadeh Ali , Navadeh Soodabeh , Osooli Mehdi , Khajehkazemi Razieh , Gouya Mohammad Mehdi , Fahimfar Noushin , Zamani Omid , Haghdoost Ali-Akbar
Published: November 2013

Objectives

To determine the prevalence of HIV and related behavioural risks among Iranian female sex workers (FSW) via the first national biobehavioural surveillance survey.

Methods

In 2010, 1005 FSW were approached and 872 recruited using facility-based sampling from 21 sites in 14 cities in Iran. We collected dried blood samples and conducted face-to-face interviews using a standardised questionnaire. Data were weighted based on the response rate and adjusted for the clustering effect of the sampling site. Adjustment was performed by weighting based on the sampling fraction of each site using a prior estimate of its total size of the FSW population.

Results

The prevalence of HIV infection (95% CI) was 4.5% (2.4 to 8.3) overall, 4.8% (2.2 to 9.8) among those who had reported a history of drug use and 11.2% (5.4 to 21.5) among those who had a history of injection drug use. The frequencies of condom use in the last sexual act with paying clients and non-paying partners were 57.1% and 36.3%, respectively. Any drug use was reported by 73.8% of participants, and among this subgroup, 20.5% had a history of injection drug use.

Conclusions

The prevalence of HIV was considerable among FSW particularly those who had a history of drug injection. A combination of prevention efforts addressing unsafe sex and injection are needed to prevent further transmission of HIV infection.
Cover type, environmental characteristics, and conservation of terrestrial gastropod diversity in boreal mixedwood forests
Authors: Abele Suzanne E. , Macdonald S. Ellen , Spence John R.
Published: November 2013

Terrestrial gastropods are important decomposers, herbivores, and prey items in forest systems and constitute a poorly understood element of forest biodiversity in Canada. We sampled terrestrial gastropod assemblages in northwestern Alberta, Canada, using board traps and forest floor sampling to examine their association with forest composition, structure, and environment (forest floor depth and moisture, coarse woody debris, understory vegetation cover) in four boreal mixedwood cover types: broadleaf (deciduous) dominated (DDOM), broadleaf (deciduous) dominated with coniferous understory (DDOMU), mixed conifer and broadleaf (MX), and conifer dominated (CDOM). The highest total gastropod abundance and richness occurred in the DDOM cover type. Furthermore, DDOM assemblages accumulated species more quickly (with sampling effort) and supported more gastropod species at higher levels of dominance than found in other cover types. The mix of coniferous and broadleaved trees influenced gastropod distributions within stands; however, associations observed between gastropod species and tree species differed among cover types, suggesting complex ecological contingency. For example, conifer basal area was an important driver of gastropod assemblage in DDOM and DDOMU forests, whereas broadleaf basal area was the most important driver in the CDOM forest type. We conclude that tree species mixture at a variety of scales sustains diversity of gastropod assemblages and that this understanding is significant for conservation of this taxon on mixedwood boreal forest landscapes.
Abundance and composition of denitrifiers in response toSpartina alterniflorainvasion in estuarine sediment
Authors: Zhang Qiufang , Peng Jingjing , Chen Qian , Yang Xiaoru , Hong Youwei , Su Jianqiang
Published: November 2013

Nitrite reduction is regulated by nitrite reductase encoded by nirK and nirS genes. This study aimed to investigate the abundance and composition of nirK- and nirS-containing denitrifiers in response to Spartina alterniflora invasion at the Jiulong River estuary, China. The sediment samples (depth: 0–5.0 and 5.1–20 cm) were collected from 3 vegetation zones, 1 dominated by the exotic plant S. alterniflora, 1 dominated by the native plant Kandelia candel, and 1 dominated by the native plant Cyperus malaccensis, and from an unvegetated flat zone. nirK- and nirS-containing denitrifier population sizes were lower in the invaded and nonvegetated zones than in those dominated by native K. candel and C. malaccensis, which were impacted by depth – vegetation species interaction. The ratios of nirS to nirK abundance ranged from 42.10 to 677.27, with the lowest ratio found for the upper layer in the invaded zone. The nirK-containing denitrifier compositions showed a 35% similarity between invaded zone and others. Most of the sequences of nirK genes recovered from the S. alterniflora zone were specific and distinct from those of nirK genes recovered from other vegetation types; nirS genes in the invaded zone were highly divergent. These results reveal that S. alterniflora invasion has a significant effect on the abundance and composition of both nirK- and nirS-containing denitrifiers, and nirS-containing denitrifiers were less responsive to invasion than nirK-containing denitrifiers.
The Legal and Political Legacy of Jeremy Bentham
Authors: Schofield Philip
Published: November 2013

The study of Jeremy Bentham (1748–1832), the English legal philosopher and reformer, is being transformed by the appearance of volumes in the new authoritative edition of The Collected Works of Jeremy Bentham. Following revisionist studies in the 1980s and 1990s that reasserted Bentham's credentials as a key figure in the emergence of the liberal tradition, more recent work has explored an increasingly varied range of topics from the perspective of an increasing variety of disciplines, including literary studies, sociology, and history of political thought, as well as law and philosophy. The view of Bentham as a crude authoritarian behaviorist is no longer tenable, and Bentham's place as a major philosopher with relevance for the twenty-first century is being increasingly recognized.
Immune Modulation in Cancer with Antibodies
Authors: Page David B. , Postow Michael A. , Callahan Margaret K. , Allison James P. , Wolchok Jedd D.
Published: November 2013

Ipilimumab is the prototypical immunomodulatory antibody, approved by the FDA in 2011 for advanced melanoma on the basis of survival benefit. Since that time, we have made significant strides in optimizing this therapy: we have characterized the spectrum of immune-related adverse events and learned how to mitigate them with treatment algorithms, discovered potential biomarkers of activity, and identified the potential synergy between checkpoint modulation and other therapeutic modalities. Recent phase I trials have established the efficacy and safety of next-generation checkpoint agents, including PD-1 and PD-L1 inhibitors, across multiple tumor types. Much work lies ahead in developing these next-generation checkpoint agents, testing them in combination, and determining how to integrate them into the treatment paradigms of various tumor types.
Adult Genetic Risk Screening
Authors: Caskey C. Thomas , Gonzalez-Garay Manuel L. , Pereira Stacey , McGuire Amy L.
Published: November 2013

Recent advances in genetic analysis especially DNA sequencing technology open a new strategy for adult disease prevention by genetic screening. Physicians presently treat disease pathology with less emphasis on disease risk prevention/reduction. Genetic screening has reduced the incidence of untreatable childhood genetic diseases and improved the care of newborns. The opportunity exists to expand screening programs and reduce the incidence of adult onset diseases via genetic risk identification and disease intervention. This article outlines the approach, challenges, and benefits of such screening for adult genetic disease risks.
Synthetic Studies on Potent Marine Drugs: Synthesis and the Crystal Structure of 6‐tert‐butyl‐4‐phenyl‐4H‐chromene‐2‐carboxylic Acid
Authors: Li Hui-Jing , Wang Jun-Li , Wang Rui , Luo Dong-Hui , Wu Yan-Chao
Published: November 2013

4H‐Chromene‐2‐carboxylic acid ester derivatives of renieramycin M might be of use for the structural‐activity relationship studies of antitumor antibiotic tetrahydroisoquinoline natural products. Accordingly, 6‐tert‐butyl‐4‐phenyl‐4H‐chromene‐2‐carboxylic acid, one key intermediate, was synthesized via the condensation of (3E)‐2‐oxo‐4‐phenylbut‐3‐enoate methyl ester with 4‐tert‐butylphenol in the presence of AuCl3/3AgOTf (5 mol%), followed by cyclodehydration and aqueous hydrolysis. The product was unambiguously shown to the 4H‐chromene‐2‐carboxylic acid by spectroscopy and X‐ray crystallographic analysis. A packing diagram of the crystal structure shows that aromatic π‐stacking interactions and O–H⋯O hydrogen bond stabilize the structure in the solid.
The Strong Disjoint Blow-Up/Collapse Property
Authors: Salas Héctor N.
Published: November 2013

Let be a topological vector space, and let be the algebra of continuous linear operators on . The operators are disjoint hypercyclic if there is such that the orbit is dense in . Bès and Peris have shown that if satisfy the Disjoint Blow-up/Collapse property, then they are disjoint hypercyclic. In a recent paper Bès, Martin, and Sanders, among other things, have characterized disjoint hypercyclic -tuples of weighted shifts in terms of this property. We introduce the Strong Disjoint Blow-up/Collapse property and prove that if satisfy this new property, then they have a dense linear manifold of disjoint hypercyclic vectors. This allows us to give a partial affirmative answer to one of their questions.
Demethylation of Cancer/Testis Antigens and CpG ODN Stimulation Enhance Dendritic Cell and Cytotoxic T Lymphocyte Function in a Mouse Mammary Model
Authors: Sun Jun-Zhong , Gao Lei , Gao Li , Wang Wei , Du Nan , Yang Juan , Wan Ling , Liu Fang , Wang Li-li , Yu Li
Published: November 2013

Background. Cancer/testis antigens (CTAs) are ideal targets for cancer immunotherapy in virtue of their restricted expression profile in normal tissues. However, CTA-targeted immunotherapy has been rather disappointing clinical setting for CTAs are downregulated by cytosine-phosphate-guanosine (CpG) methylation in their promoter regions, so that tumor cells have low immunogenicity.Methods. We reinduced mouse CTA P1A through demethylation process and generated P1A-specific cytotoxic lymphocytes (CTLs) by immunizing BALB/c (H-2d) mice with dendritic cells pulsed with a P1A-specific peptide and CpG oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN) immune adjuvant.Results. We found that demethylation and CpG ODN immune adjuvant stimulation facilitated DC maturation and enhanced the allogenic capacity of P1A-specific CTLs against target cells bothin vitroandin vivo.Conclusions. Our results suggested that CTA induction and immune adjuvant stimulation is a feasible strategy in cancer immunotherapy.
Characterization of the Occult Hepatitis B Virus Variants Circulating among the Blood Donors from Eastern India
Authors: Biswas Avik , Panigrahi Rajesh , Chandra Partha Kumar , Banerjee Arup , Datta Sibnarayan , Pal Manisha , Chakraborty Subhashish , Bhattacharya Prasun , Chakrabarti Sekhar , Chakravarty Runu
Published: November 2013

A previous study from West Bengal documented very high rate of occult HBV infection (OBI) among the HBsAg negative blood donors. This study was aimed to characterize the OBI strains circulating among the blood donors and to estimate the risk associated with the prevailing viral variants/mutants. Blood samples from 2195 voluntary blood donors were included in the study. HBsAg, HBeAg, anti‐HBc, and anti‐HBs statuses of the samples were done by ELISA based detection. PCR amplification and sequencing were done to determine HBV genotypes, basal core promoter (BCP), and precore (Pre‐C) mutations. Among the study samples, 268 were anti‐HBc positive/HBsAg negative, among which 65 (24.25%) were HBV DNA positive. Phylogenetic analysis revealed the presence of HBV/D (87.23%), HBV/A (8.51%), and HBV/C (4.26%) (P < 0.0001).
HBV/D3 (65.85%) was the significantly prevalent subgenotype over HBV/D2 (26.83%) and HBV/D1 (7.31%) (P = 0.0003). Considerable prevalence of differential BCP (1752C, 1753C, 1762T/1764A, 1753C+1762T/1764A, 1773C, and 1814C) and reverse transcriptase (rt) gene (rtI91L, rtL93P, rtS106C, rtR110G, rtN118T, rtS119T, rtY126H, rtG127W/R, rtC136R, and rtY158H) mutations was identified. Association of specific HBV subgenotypes with OBI was interesting and needs further study. Clinically relevant mutations were prevalent among the OBI strains which are of serious concern.
Exploring Different Virtual Screening Strategies for Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors
Authors: Mishra Nibha , Basu Arijit
Published: November 2013

The virtual screening problems associated with acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors were explored using multiple shape, and structure-based modeling strategies. The employed strategies include molecular docking, similarity search, and pharmacophore modeling. A subset from directory of useful decoys (DUD) related to AChE inhibitors was considered, which consists of 105 known inhibitors and 3732 decoys. Statistical quality of the models was evaluated by enrichment factor (EF) metrics and receiver operating curve (ROC) analysis. The results revealed that electrostatic similarity search protocol using EON (ET_combo) outperformed all other protocols with outstanding enrichment of>95% in top 1% and 2% of the dataset with an AUC of 0.958. Satisfactory performance was also observed for shape-based similarity search protocol using ROCS and PHASE. In contrast, the molecular docking protocol performed poorly with enrichment factors<30% in all cases. The shape- and electrostatic-based similarity search protocol emerged as a plausible solution for virtual screening of AChE inhibitors.
Acacia sieberianaEffects on Soil Properties and Plant Diversity in Songa Pastures, Rwanda
Authors: Mugunga C. P. , Mugumo D. T.
Published: November 2013

Effects ofA. sieberianatrees on soil properties and plant diversity were investigated in Songa pastures, Rwanda. Tree characteristics and crown architecture ofA. sieberianawere studied. Soil properties were assessed and plants were identified under and away from tree crowns. Counts of individual plants/species were done only under tree crowns. Nitrogen, P, and K were analysed in the soil, grass, andA. sieberianaleaves. Plant diversity was determined using Simpson's diversity index. Data were subjected to ANOVA. Soil organic carbon (SOC), cation exchange capacity (CEC), Ca2+, N and pH, and plant diversity were higher in soils under tree canopies than in open areas. Tree leaves were significantly richer in N and poorer in P and K as compared to grasses. Tree crowns grew wider and horizontal and developed intertwined secondary branching, reducing light intensity to as low as 38% under tree canopies compared to the open pasture. At 3 trees/ha stocking,A. sieberianatrees shaded 0.18 ha and herbaceous plants and grasses unpalatable to livestock dominated under tree canopies. A tradeoff ofA. sieberianatree value versus the loss of palatable grass due to tree presence needs to be assessed to decide whether the trees should be included in pastures and if yes, the apporpriate stocking identified.
Idiopathic Calcinosis Cutis over Elbow in a 12-Year Old Child
Authors: Venkatesh Gupta S. K. , Balaga Ramana Rao , Banik Suman Kumar
Published: November 2013

Calcinosis cutis is an uncommon disorder caused by an abnormal deposit of calcium phosphate in the skin in various parts of the body. Four main types of calcinosis cutis have been recognized according to etiology: associated with localized or widespread tissue changes or damage (dystrophic calcification), that associated with an abnormal calcium and phosphorus metabolism (metastatic calcification), not associated with any tissue damage or demonstrable metabolic disorder (idiopathic calcification), andIatrogenic.Very few cases of idiopathic calcinosis cutis are reported in early childhood in the literature. We report one such case of idiopathic calcinosis cutis over elbow in a 12-year-old female child. Histological examinations of the lesions resected in this case reveal calcium deposits in the dermis, surrounded by foreign body giant cells. Idiopathic calcinosis cutis is a rare phenomenon and occurs in the absence of known tissue injury or systemic metabolic defect. It is important to delineate it from other calcification disorders for further plan of management. Medical therapy in calcinosis cutis is of limited benefit in pediatric age group and poses a challenging problem of postsurgical management.
Fuzzy Diagnostic System for Oleo‐Pneumatic Drive Mechanism of High‐Voltage Circuit Breakers
Authors: Nicolau Viorel
Published: November 2013

Many oil‐based high‐voltage circuit breakers are still in use in national power networks of developing countries, like those in Eastern Europe. Changing these breakers with new more reliable ones is not an easy task, due to their implementing costs. The acting device, called oleo‐pneumatic mechanism (MOP), presents the highest fault rate from all components of circuit breaker. Therefore, online predictive diagnosis and early detection of the MOP fault tendencies are very important for their good functioning state. In this paper, fuzzy logic approach is used for the diagnosis of MOP‐type drive mechanisms. Expert rules are generated to estimate the MOP functioning state, and a fuzzy system is proposed for predictive diagnosis. The fuzzy inputs give information about the number of starts and time of functioning per hour, in terms of short‐term components, and their mean values. Several fuzzy systems were generated, using different sets of membership functions and rule bases, and their output performances are studied. Simulation results are presented based on an input data set, which contains hourly records of operating points for a time horizon of five years. The fuzzy systems work well, making an early detection of the MOP fault tendencies.
Association of the Receptor for Advanced Glycation End Products Gene Polymorphisms and Circulating RAGE Levels with Diabetic Retinopathy in the Chinese Population
Authors: Yang Li , Wu Qunhong , Li Yuan , Fan Xiaohong , Hao Yanhua , Sun Hong , Cui Yu , Han Liyuan
Published: November 2013

Objectives. This study investigated the association between polymorphisms in the receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) gene and the susceptibility to diabetic retinopathy (DR) in a Chinese population and identified a correlation between serum-soluble RAGE (sRAGE) levels and DR risk.Materials and Methods. We enrolled 1040 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: 372 patients with DR and 668 without retinopathy (NDR). All polymorphisms were genotyped by time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Serum levels of sRAGE were assayed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. The interaction of SNPs was analyzed by multifactor dimensionality reduction (MDR).Results. The frequency of the SS genotype for the G82S polymorphism was 12.4% in the DR group and 6.6% in the NDR group; this difference was significant. G82S was associated with sRAGE levels. Specifically, after adjustments for age, sex, duration, and glucose metabolism, serum sRAGE levels were significantly higher in DR subjects with the S/S genotype than in NDR subjects in general. In the DR group, subjects with the G/S genotype had lower sRAGE levels than subjects with the G/G or S/S genotype (P<0.01). The best multilocus genetic interaction model was assessed using the MDR method; 2184A/G, 1704G/T, G82S, and −429T/C were identified.Conclusions. The findings suggest that the G82S polymorphism in theRAGEgene is associated with DR risk, and G82S was associated with circulating levels of sRAGE. The mechanism by which G82S polymorphism modulates the sRAGE levels remains to be elucidated.
The Effect of Hydrothermal Treatment on Silver Nanoparticles Stabilized by Chitosan and Its Possible Application to Produce Mesoporous Silver Powder
Authors: Viet Quang Dang , Hoai Chau Nguyen
Published: November 2013

Aggregation state of silver nanoparticles dispersed in an aqueous solution greatly varies with storage and treatment conditions. In this study, silver nanoparticles synthesized in chitosan solution by a chemical reduction method were hydrothermally treated at different temperatures. The variation in the aggregation state of silver nanoparticles in the solution was observed by UV-Vis spectroscopy and field emission transmission electron microscopy. Results indicated that a phase transition occurred while silver nanoparticles were hydrothermally treated for 5 h at 100 and 120∘C; however, they aggregated and completely precipitated at 150∘C. Mesoporous silver powder obtained by hydrothermal treatment at 150∘C was characterized by using X-ray diffraction technique, BET analyzer, and scanning electron spectroscope.
Ellagic Acid Reduces Adipogenesis through Inhibition of Differentiation-Prevention of the Induction of Rb Phosphorylation in 3T3-L1 Adipocytes
Authors: Wang Lifeng , Li Linlin , Ran Xinjian , Long Mei , Zhang Minfang , Tao Yicun , Luo Xin , Wang Ye , Ma Xiaoli , Halmurati Upur , Mao Xinmin , Ren Jun
Published: November 2013

Ellagic acid (EA) present in many fruits and nuts serves as antiproliferation, anti-inflammatory, and antitumorigenic properties. However, the effect of EA on preadipocytes adipogenesis and its mechanism(s) have not been elucidated. The present study was designed to examine the effect of EA on adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes and underlying mechanism(s) of action involved. Data show that EA administration decreased the accumulation of lipid droplets. The inhibition was diminished when the addition of EA was delayed to days 2–4 of differentiation. Clonal expansion was reduced in the presence of EA. FACS analysis showed that EA blocked the cell cycle at the G1/S transition. EdU incorporation also confirmed that EA refrained cell from entering S phase. Our data also revealed that the differentiation-induced protein expression of Cyclin A and phosphorylation of the retinoblastoma protein (Rb) were impaired by EA. Differentiation-dependent expression and DNA-binding ability of C/EBPαwere also inhibited by EA. Alterations in cell cycle-associated proteins may be important with respect to the antiadipogenic action of EA. In conclusion, EA is capable of inhibiting adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 adipocytes possibly through reduction of Cyclin A protein expression and Rb phosphorylation. With the blocking of G1/S phase transition, EA suppresses terminal differentiation and lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes.
Antioxidant, Antityrosinase, Anticholinesterase, and Nitric Oxide Inhibition Activities of Three Malaysian Macaranga Species
Authors: Mazlan Nor Aishah , Mediani Ahmed , Abas Faridah , Ahmad Syahida , Shaari Khozirah , Khamis Shamsul , Lajis N. H.
Published: November 2013

The methanol extracts of three Macaranga species (M. denticulata, M. pruinosa, and M. gigantea) were screened to evaluate their total phenolic contents and activities as cholinesterase inhibitors, nitric oxide (NO) production inhibitors, tyrosinase inhibitors, and antioxidants. The bark of M. denticulata showed the highest total phenolic content (2682 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/100 g) and free radical scavenging activity (IC50 = 0.063 mg/mL). All of the samples inhibited linoleic acid peroxidation by greater than 80%, with the leaves of M. gigantea exhibiting the highest inhibition of 92.21%. Most of the samples exhibited significant antioxidant potential. The bark of M. denticulata and the leaves of both M. pruinosa and M. gigantea exhibited greater than 50% tyrosinase inhibition, with the bark of M. denticulata having the highest percentage of inhibition (68.7%). The bark and leaves of M. denticulata exhibited greater than 50% inhibition (73.82% and 54.50%, resp.) of the acetylcholinesterase enzyme (AChE), while none of the samples showed any significant inhibition of butyrylcholinesterase (BChE). Only the bark of M. denticulata and M. gigantea displayed greater than 50% inhibition of nitric oxide production in cells (81.79% and 56.51%, resp.). These bioactivities indicate that some Macaranga spp. have therapeutic potential in medicinal research.
Convergence of a Generalized USOR Iterative Method for Augmented Systems
Authors: Bai Yu-Qin , Huang Ting-Zhu , Yu Miao-Miao
Published: November 2013

Zhang and Shang (2010) have presented the Uzawa-SOR (USOR) algorithm to solve augmented systems. In this paper, we establish a generalized Uzawa-SOR (GUSOR) method for solving augmented systems, which is the extension of the USOR method. We prove the convergence of the proposed method under suitable restrictions on the iteration parameters. Lastly, numerical experiments are carried out and experimental results show that our proposed method with appropriate parameters has faster convergence rate than the USOR method.
The Role of Clomipramine in Potentiating the Teratogenic Effects of Caffeine in Pregnant Rats: A Histopathological Study
Authors: Nikoui Vahid , Ostadhadi Sattar , Takzare Nasrin , Nabavi Seyyed Mohammad-Ali , Giorgi Mario , Bakhtiarian Azam
Published: November 2013

Since little is known about the teratogenic effects of clomipramine used concurrently with caffeine during the organogenesis period, the aim of this study was to test the teratogenic effects of a coadministration of caffeine and clomipramine on rat fetuses. We divided 42 pregnant rats into seven groups, randomly. The first group (control) received 0.5 mL of normal saline. Clomipramine was injected at 40 mg/kg and 80 mg/kg to the second and third groups, respectively. The fourth and fifth groups received caffeine in doses of 60 mg/kg and 120 mg/kg, respectively. The sixth group received a combination of 40 mg/kg clomipramine and 60 mg/kg caffeine, and the seventh group was given clomipramine and caffeine at 80 mg/kg and 120 mg/kg, respectively. The fetuses were removed on the 17th day of pregnancy and studied in terms of microscopic and macroscopic morphological features. Fetuses of rats receiving high doses of caffeine or combinations of caffeine and clomipramine showed a significant rate of cleft palate development, open eyelids, mortality, torsion anomalies, shrinkage of skin, and subcutaneous haemorrhage (P ≤ 0.001). This study concludes that caffeine in high doses or the simultaneous administration of caffeine and clomipramine leads to teratogenicity.
Emergent Biomarkers of Residual Cardiovascular Risk in Patients with Low HDL‐c and/or High Triglycerides and Average LDL‐c Concentrations: Focus on HDL Subpopulations, Oxidized LDL, Adiponectin, and Uric Acid
Authors: Mascarenhas-Melo Filipa , Palavra Filipe , Marado Daniela , Sereno José , Teixeira-Lemos Edite , Freitas Isabel , Isabel-Mendonça Maria , Pinto Rui , Teixeira Frederico , Reis Flávio
Published: November 2013

This study intended to determine the impact of HDL‐c and/or TGs levels on patients with average LDL‐c concentration, focusing on lipidic, oxidative, inflammatory, and angiogenic profiles. Patients with cardiovascular risk factors (n = 169) were divided into 4 subgroups, combining normal and low HDL‐c with normal and high TGs patients. The following data was analyzed: BP, BMI, waist circumference and serum glucose, Total‐c, TGs, LDL‐c, oxidized‐LDL, total HDL‐c and HDL subpopulations, paraoxonase‐1 (PON1) activity, hsCRP, uric acid, TNF‐α, adiponectin, VEGF, and iCAM1. The two populations with increased TGs levels, regardless of the normal or low HDL‐c, presented obesity and higher waist circumference, Total‐c, LDL‐c, Ox‐LDL, and uric acid. Adiponectin concentration was significantly lower and VEGF was higher in the population with cumulative low values of HDL‐c and high values of TGs, while HDL quality was reduced in the populations with impaired values of HDL‐c and/or TGs, viewed by reduced large and increased small HDL subfractions. In conclusion, in a population with cardiovascular risk factors, low HDL‐c and/or high TGs concentrations seem to be associated with a poor cardiometabolic profile, despite average LDL‐c levels. This condition, often called residual risk, is better evidenced by using both traditional and nontraditional CV biomarkers, including large and small HDL subfractions, Ox‐LDL, adiponectin, VEGF, and uric acid.
Lack of Significant Association between Plasma/Serum miR‐221 Expression and Poor Survival of Carcinoma: A Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Rong Min-hua , Dang Yi-wu , Chen Gang
Published: November 2013

Background. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) exhibit altered expression levels in cancers, and they may play a potential role as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers of cancers. The aim of this meta‐analysis was to summarize recent advances in miR‐221 involvement in a variety of carcinomas and derive a more precise estimation of the relationship between circulating miR‐221 level and survival of cancer patients. Methods. We searched online PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library up to August 2013 to identify relevant studies. Data were collected from studies comparing survival in patients with various carcinomas with higher miR‐221 expression to those with lower levels. Pooled hazard ratios (HRs) of miR‐221 for survival were calculated. Results. There were 4 studies included in the meta‐analysis. The results of meta‐analysis suggested that no significant difference in poor overall survival between miR‐221 high and low groups (OR = 0.94, 95%, CI = 0.47–1.87, Z = 0.17, and P = 0.863).
Conclusions. The current meta‐analysis showed the equivalence of high and low plasma/serum miR‐221 expression for carcinomas in terms of survival.
Recent Highlights of Metabolomics in Chinese Medicine Syndrome Research
Authors: Zhang Ai-hua , Sun Hui , Qiu Shi , Wang Xi-jun
Published: November 2013

Chinese medicine syndrome (CMS, “ZHENG” in Chinese) is an understanding of the regularity of disease occurrence and development as well as a certain stage of a comprehensive response of patients with body condition. However, because of the complexity of CMS and the limitation of present investigation method, the research for deciphering the scientific basis and systematic features of CMS is difficult to go further. Metabolomics enables mapping of early biochemical changes in disease and hence provides an opportunity to develop predictive biomarkers. Moreover, its method and design resemble those of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) which focuses on human disease via the integrity of close relationship between body and syndromes. In the systemic context, metabolomics has a convergence with TCM syndrome; therefore it could provide useful tools for exploring essence of CMS disease, facilitating personalized TCM, and will help to in-depth understand CMS. The integration of the metabolomics and CMS aspects will give promise to bridge the gap between Chinese and Western medicine and help catch the traditional features of CMS. In this paper, particular attention will be paid to the past successes in applications of robust metabolomic approaches to contribute to low-molecular-weight metabolites (biomarkers) discovery in CMS research and development.
Genetic Mapping in Papillon-Lefèvre Syndrome: A Report of Two Cases
Authors: Thakare Kaustubh Suresh , Bhongade M. L. , Charde Pretti , Kale Shweta , Jaiswal Priyanka , Somnath B. K. , Pendor Sunil
Published: November 2013

Papillon-Lefevre syndrome (PLS) is a rare autosomal recessive heterogeneous trait which is characterized by erythematous palmoplantar hyperkeratosis, early-onset periodontitis, and associated calcification of dura mater. The etiology of PLS is multifactorial with genetic, immunological, and microbial factors playing a role in etiopathogenesis. Recently identified genetic defect in PLS has been mapped to chromosome 11q14–q21, which involves mutations of cathepsin C. This paper presents a report of 2 cases of Papillon-lefevre syndrome in which diagnosis is based on clinical presentation and genetic mapping.
The Use of Carbon Nanotubes to Reinforce 45S5 Bioglass-Based Scaffolds for Tissue Engineering Applications
Authors: Touri R. , Moztarzadeh F. , Sadeghian Z. , Bizari D. , Tahriri M. , Mozafari M.
Published: November 2013

Bioglass has been used for bone-filling material in bone tissue engineering, but its lean mechanical strength limits its applications in load-bearing positions. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs), with their high aspect ratio and excellent mechanical properties, have the potential to strengthen and toughen bioactive glass material without offsetting its bioactivity. Therefore, in this research, multiwall carbon nanotube (MWCNT)/45S5 Bioglass composite scaffolds have been successfully prepared by means of freeze casting process. 45S5 Bioglass was synthesized by the sol-gel processing method. The obtained material was characterized with X-ray powder diffraction (XRD). The mechanical properties of the scaffolds, such as compression strength and elastic modulus, were measured. Finally, compared with the scaffolds prepared by 100% 45S5 Bioglass powders, the addition of 0.25 wt.% MWCNTs increases the compressive strength and elastic modulus of 45S5 Bioglass scaffolds from 2.08 to 4.56 MPa (a 119% increase) and 111.50 to 266.59 MPa (a 139% increase), respectively.
The Assessment Methods of Laryngeal Muscle Activity in Muscle Tension Dysphonia: A Review
Authors: Khoddami Seyyedeh Maryam , Nakhostin Ansari Noureddin , Izadi Farzad , Talebian Moghadam Saeed
Published: November 2013

The purpose of this paper is to review the methods used for the assessment of muscular tension dysphonia (MTD). The MTD is a functional voice disorder associated with abnormal laryngeal muscle activity. Various assessment methods are available in the literature to evaluate the laryngeal hyperfunction. The case history, laryngoscopy, and palpation are clinical methods for the assessment of patients with MTD. Radiography and surface electromyography (EMG) are objective methods to provide physiological information about MTD. Recent studies show that surface EMG can be an effective tool for assessing muscular tension in MTD.
Side Population Cells as Prototype of Chemoresistant, Tumor-Initiating Cells
Authors: Richard Vinitha , Nair Madhumathy G. , Santhosh Kumar T. R. , Pillai M. Radhakrishna
Published: November 2013

Classically, isolation of CSCs from tumors exploits the detection of cell surface markers associated with normal stem cells. Invariable expression of these cell surface markers in almost all proliferating tumor cells that albeit impart specific functionality, the universality, and clinical credibility of CSC phenotype based on markers is still dubious. Side Population (SP) cells, as defined by Hoechst dye exclusion in flow cytometry, have been identified in many solid tumors and cell lines and the SP phenotype can be considered as an enriched source of stem cells as well as an alternative source for the isolation of cancer stem cells especially when molecular markers for stem cells are unknown. SP cells may be responsible for the maintenance and propagation of tumors and the proportion of SP cells may be a predictor of patient outcome. Several of these markers used in cell sorting have emerged as prognostic markers of disease progression though it is seen that the development of new CSC-targeted strategies is often hindered by poor understanding of their regulatory networks and functions. This review intends to appraise the experimental progress towards enhanced isolation and drug screening based on property of acquired chemoresistance of cancer stem cells.
Firefly Algorithm for Explicit B-Spline Curve Fitting to Data Points
Authors: Gálvez Akemi , Iglesias Andrés
Published: November 2013

This paper introduces a new method to compute the approximating explicit B-spline curve to a given set of noisy data points. The proposed method computes all parameters of the B-spline fitting curve of a given order. This requires to solve a difficult continuous, multimodal, and multivariate nonlinear least-squares optimization problem. In our approach, this optimization problem is solved by applying the firefly algorithm, a powerful metaheuristic nature-inspired algorithm well suited for optimization. The method has been applied to three illustrative real-world engineering examples from different fields. Our experimental results show that the presented method performs very well, being able to fit the data points with a high degree of accuracy. Furthermore, our scheme outperforms some popular previous approaches in terms of different fitting error criteria.
Prevalence of Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders according to Rome III Criteria in Italian Morbidly Obese Patients
Authors: Santonicola Antonella , Angrisani Luigi , Ciacci Carolina , Iovino Paola
Published: November 2013

The relationship between GI symptoms and obesity has yet to be completely clarified.
Aim. To determine in a morbidly obese southern Italy adult
population the prevalence of Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders (FGID)
and its association with the presence of a Binge Eating (BE) behavior pattern.
Methods. Consecutive obese patients eligible for bariatric surgery and 100 Healthy
Controls (HC) were recruited. All participants were questioned and scored for the presence of
FGID according to Rome III criteria and for the presence or the frequency‐intensity of a number
of upper and lower GI symptoms. BE behavior pattern was assessed.
Results. One‐hundred obese patients met the inclusion criteria.
The prevalence of FGID was similar between obese patients and HC.
There was a significant association between obese patients with BE behavior and postprandial distress syndrome (P = 0.04). Moreover, a significantly higher frequency‐intensity score for epigastric fullness (1.23 ± 0.45 versus 0.35 ± 0.13, P = 0.01) was found in obese patients with BE behavior compared to obese patients without.
Conclusions. Obese patients with a BE behavior pattern showed a
significantly higher prevalence of postprandial distress syndrome.
A greater knowledge of the GI symptoms associated with obesity along
with the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying will be important in the clinical management of these patients.
Hyperglycemia-Induced Inhibition of DJ-1 Expression Compromised the Effectiveness of Ischemic Postconditioning Cardioprotection in Rats
Authors: Liu Min , Zhou Bin , Xia Zhong-Yuan , Zhao Bo , Lei Shao-Qing , Yang Qing-Jun , Xue Rui , Leng Yan , Xu Jin-Jin , Xia Zhengyuan
Published: November 2013

Ischemia postconditioning (IpostC) is an effective way to alleviate ischemia and reperfusion injury; however, the protective effects seem to be impaired in candidates with diabetes mellitus. To gain deep insight into this phenomenon, we explored the role of DJ-1, a novel oncogene, that may exhibit powerful antioxidant capacity in postconditioning cardioprotection in a rat model of myocardial ischemia reperfusion injury. Compared with normal group, cardiac DJ-1 was downregulated in diabetes. Larger postischemic infarct size as well as exaggeration of oxidative stress was observed, while IpostC reversed the above changes in normal but not in diabetic rats. DJ-1 was increased after ischemia and postconditioning contributed to a further elevation; however, no alteration of DJ-1 was documented in all subgroups of diabetic rats. Alteration of the cardioprotective PI3K/Akt signaling proteins may be responsible for the ineffectiveness of postconditioning in diabetes. There is a positive correlation relationship between p-Akt and DJ-1 but a negative correlation between infarct size and DJ-1, which may partially explain the interaction of DJ-1 and IpostC cardioprotection. Our result indicates a beneficial role of DJ-1 in myocardial ischemia reperfusion. Downregulation of cardiac DJ-1 may be responsible for the compromised diabetic heart responsiveness to IpostC cardioprotection.
Photosensitization of Colloidal SnO2 Semiconductor Nanoparticles with Xanthene Dyes
Authors: Nagarajan N. , Paramaguru G. , Vanitha G. , Renganathan R.
Published: November 2013

The photochemical behavior of xanthene dyes (fluorescein, erythrosine, and eosin) with colloidal SnO2 nanoparticles was probed by UV‐visible, steady state, and time resolved fluorescence measurements. The prepared SnO2 nanoparticles were characterized by using UV‐visible and powder XRD measurements. The xanthene dyes were adsorbed on the surface of colloidal SnO2 nanoparticles through electrostatic interaction. Apparent association constant (Kapp) was calculated from the relevant fluorescence data. The larger value of apparent association constant indicates a strong association between xanthene dyes and SnO2 nanoparticles. The fluorescence quenching is mainly attributed to electron transfer from the excited state xanthenes to the conduction band of colloidal SnO2. The electron transfer mechanism was explained based on the Rehm‐Weller equation as well as the energy level diagram.
Study on Roadheader Cutting Load at Different Properties of Coal and Rock
Authors: Li Xueyi , Huang Binbing , Ma Guoying , Zeng Qingliang
Published: November 2013

The mechanism of cutting process of roadheader with cutting head was researched, and the influences of properties of coal and rock on cutting load were deeply analyzed. Aimed at the defects of traditional calculation method of cutting load on fully expressing the complex cutting process of cutting head, the method of finite element simulation was proposed to simulate the dynamic cutting process. Aimed at the characteristics of coal and rock which affect the cutting load, several simulations with different firmness coefficient were taken repeatedly, and the relationship between three‐axis force and firmness coefficient was derived. A comparative analysis of cutting pick load between simulation results and theoretical formula was carried out, and a consistency was achieved. Then cutting process with a total cutting head was carried out on this basis. The results show that the simulation analysis not only provides a reliable guarantee for the accurate calculation of the cutting head load and improves the efficiency of the cutting head cutting test but also offers a basis for selection of cutting head with different geological conditions of coal or rock.
Discreteness and Convergence of Complex Hyperbolic Isometry Groups
Authors: Fu Xi
Published: November 2013

We investigate the discreteness and convergence of complex isometry groups and some discreteness criteria and algebraic convergence theorems for subgroups ofPU(n,1)are obtained. All of the results are generalizations of the corresponding known ones.
Natural Pigments from Plants Used as Sensitizers for TiO2Based Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Kushwaha Reena , Srivastava Pankaj , Bahadur Lal
Published: November 2013

Four natural pigments, extracted from the leaves of teak (Tectona grandis), tamarind (Tamarindus indica), eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus), and the flower of crimson bottle brush (Callistemon citrinus), were used as sensitizers for TiO2based dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The dyes have shown absorption in broad range of the visible region (400–700 nm) of the solar spectrum and appreciable adsorption onto the semiconductor (TiO2) surface. The DSSCs made using the extracted dyes have shown that the open circuit voltages (Voc) varied from 0.430 to 0.610 V and the short circuit photocurrent densities (Jsc) ranged from 0.11 to 0.29 mA cm−2. The incident photon-to-current conversion efficiencies (IPCE) varied from 12–37%. Among the four dyes studied, the extract obtained from teak has shown the best photosensitization effects in terms of the cell output.
Solid‐Phase Extraction of Trace Amounts of Uranium(VI) in Environmental Water Samples Using an Extractant‐Impregnated Resin Followed by Detection with UV‐Vis Spectrophotometry
Authors: Hosseini-Bandegharaei Ahmad , Sarwghadi Masoud , Heydarbeigi Aliasghar , Hosseini Seyyed Hossein , Nedaie Mehdi
Published: November 2013

A stable extractant‐impregnated resin (EIR) containing Chrome Azurol B was prepared using Amberlite XAD‐2010 as a porous polymeric support. The new EIR was employed for trace separation and preconcentration of U(VI) ion followed by spectrophotometric determination with the arsenazo III procedure. CAB/XAD‐2010 exhibited excellent selectivity for U(VI) ion over coexisting ions. Experimental parameters including pH, contact time, shaking speed, and ionic strength were investigated by batch extraction methods. Maximum sorption of U(VI) ions occurred at pH 4.3–6.9. The capacity of EIR was found to be 0.632 mmol·g−1. Equilibrium was reached in 25 min and the loading half‐time, t1/2, was less than 6 min. The equilibrium adsorption isotherm of U(VI) was fitted with the Langmuir adsorption model. In addition, a column packed with CAB/XAD‐2010 was used for column‐mode separation and preconcentration of U(VI) ion. For the optimization of the dynamic procedure, effects of sample volume, sample and eluent flow rate, eluent concentration, and its volume were investigated. The preconcentration factors for U(VI) were found out to be 160. But, for convenience, a preconcentration factor of 150 was utilized for the column‐mode preconcentration. The dynamic procedure gave a detection limit of 5.0 × 10−10 mol·L−1 (0.12 μg·L−1) for U(VI) ion. The proposed dynamic method showed good performance in analyzing environmental water samples.