bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Constitutive flow models for characterizing the rheology of fresh mortar and concrete
Authors: Chidiac S.E. , Mahmoodzadeh F.
Published: May 2013

Constitutive equations for fresh mortar and fresh concrete provide the characterization of the mixture’s flow and the quantification of the rheological properties. This paper presents a constitutive material model for mortar and concrete that builds on previous research. It postulates that (a) the shear stress is the sum of three components: static interaction between particles, dynamic interaction between particles, and collision of particles; and (b) the cell is a representative volume of the mixture. For fresh concrete, the effects of particle collisions are negligible due to high concentration, and the equation reduces to the Bingham model. Experimental data reported in the literature was employed to evaluate the predictive capabilities of the constitutive equations. The model results are found to compare very well with the measured experimental data and the difference is within the measurement errors.
Computational tools for selecting energy conservation measures for retrofitting existing office buildings
Authors: Chidiac S.E. , Catania E.J.C. , Perry H.L. , Morofsky E. , Foo S.
Published: May 2013

Existing buildings consume most of our non-transportation related energy and are a major contributor to the emission of greenhouse gases. Improving their energy efficiency by applying energy conservation measures (ECMs) remains a major challenge. This paper presents computational tools developed to screen office buildings for retrofit and to select specific ECMs for each building. This selection process accounts for climate, occupancy, building operation, heating and cooling systems, distribution systems, envelope properties, building geometry, and cost of ECMs. The tools screen the complete building set for optimal retrofit opportunities. The methodology adopted in developing the computational tools includes characterization of the office building stock into a manageable set of archetypes; simulation of building operation using specific occupancy characteristics and local climate data; development of energy prediction models for lights, equipment, pumps, fans, domestic hot water, chillers, and boilers; and application of present value analysis to evaluate the cost effectiveness of ECMs.
COLUMN GENERATION APPROACH TO LINE PLANNING WITH VARIOUS HALTING PATTERNS — APPLICATION TO THE KOREAN HIGH-SPEED RAILWAY
Authors: PARK BUM HWAN , SEO YONG-IL , HONG SUNG-PIL , RHO HAG-LAE
Published: May 2013

This study investigated railway line planning optimization models that determine the frequency of trains on each line to satisfy passenger origin–destination demands while minimizing related costs. Most line planning models assume that all trains on the same route run with the same halting pattern. However, to minimize passenger travel time and to provide a train service with faster travel times to as many stations as possible, we must consider various halting patterns; these patterns can be provided in advance or are required to be formulated. Our study addresses two line planning problems that consider halting patterns, describes the computational complexities of each problem, and presents the column generation approach for one model. We also present experimental results obtained for the Korean high-speed railway network.
ON THE QUANTUM CHROMODYNAMICS OF A MASSIVE VECTOR FIELD IN THE ADJOINT REPRESENTATION
Authors: ZERWEKH ALFONSO R.
Published: May 2013

In this paper, we explore the possibility of constructing the quantum chromodynamics of a massive color-octet vector field without introducing higher structures like extended gauge symmetries, extra dimensions or scalar fields. We show that gauge invariance is not enough to constraint the couplings. Nevertheless, the requirement of unitarity fixes the values of the coupling constants, which otherwise would be arbitrary. Additionally, it opens a new discrete symmetry which makes the coloron stable and avoid its resonant production at a collider. On the other hand, a judicious definition of the gauge fixing terms modifies the propagator of the massive field making it well-behaved in the ultraviolet limit. The relation between our model and the more general approach based on extended gauge symmetries is also discussed.
QUANTUM LIQUID CRYSTAL PHASES IN FERMIONIC SUPERFLUIDS WITH PAIRING BETWEEN FERMION SPECIES OF UNEQUAL DENSITIES
Authors: YANG KUN
Published: May 2013

Superfluidity in fermionic systems originates from pairing of fermions, and Bose condensation of these Cooper pairs. The Cooper pairs are usually made of fermions of different species; thus the most favorable situation for pairing and superfluidity is when the two species of fermions that form pairs have the same density. This paper studies the possible superfluid states when the two pairing species have different densities, and show that the resultant states have remarkable similarities to the phases of liquid crystals. This enables us to provide a unified description of the possible pairing phases and understand the phase transitions among them.
ASYMMETRIC TWO-COMPONENT HARD-CORE BOSON MIXTURES IN A ONE-DIMENSIONAL OPTICAL LATTICE
Authors: CHA MIN-CHUL
Published: May 2013

We study asymmetric two-component mixtures of hard-core bosons in one dimension by carrying out quantum Monte Carlo calculations. We have found that the background bosons have different roles in suppressing superfluidity depending on the degree of asymmetry and the interspecies interactions. For weak asymmetry, the superfluid stiffness is solely governed by the density of bosons with a renormalized chemical potential, whereas in the other limit with heavy background bosons, localization effects due to the interspecies interactions appear. Particularly, strong asymmetry in hopping amplitudes induces a solid phase transition at commensurate filling.
MAGNETIC PROPERTIES OF La-DOPED AND Cu-DOPED ZnO NANOWIRES FABRICATED BY HYDROTHERMAL METHOD
Authors: YOUNG SAN-LIN , CHEN HONE-ZERN , KAO MING-CHENG , KUNG CHUNG-YUAN , LIN CHEN-CHENG , LIN TENG-TSAI , HORNG LANCE , SHIH YU-TAI , OU CHUNG-JEN , LIN CHEN-HAN
Published: May 2013

La -doped and Cu -doped ZnO nanowires have been prepared to compare the substitution effect on the microstructural and magnetic properties. The XRD patterns of both compositions with single diffraction peak (002) show the same wurtzite hexagonal structure. The growth rate of the ZnO nanowires were enhanced by Cu doping, which were different from the suppression of growth rate by La doping. Room temperature ferromagnetism is observed for all ZnO , Cu -doped ZnO and La -doped ZnO nanowires. The saturation magnetizations are 0.102, 0.232 and 0.04 emu/g for ZnO , Cu -doped ZnO and La -doped ZnO nanowires, respectively. The results showed that the ferromagnetism is restrained by Cu doping, but enhanced by the La doping.
STABLE STRUCTURES, ELECTRIC AND MAGNETIC PROPERTIES OF NANOPARTICLES COn(n = 1-6) CLUSTERS: FIRST-PRINCIPLES CALCULATIONS
Authors: LIU JUN , TAN SHENG-BIAO , DONG HUI-NING
Published: May 2013

The ground state geometric structures of the nanoparticles or clusters CO n(n = 1-6) were given based on the first-principles calculations. Then the magnetic properties of the clusters CO n(n = 1-6) and ( CO n)-2(n = 1-6) were calculated in system. Results show that their ground state structures are closely related to the numbers of O-ions. These clusters have no magnetic moments and half-metallicity if they are electroneutral. However, they have magnetic moments if they have positive or negative charges. The total magnetic moments of the clusters ( CO n)-2(n = 1-6, but n≠3) are all 2.0000 μB, and all their ions have contributions to the total magnetic moments. The main reason is that the molecular orbitals with lower energy filled with paired electrons and the molecular orbitals with higher energy are occupied by two electrons in parallel.
THE PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTICS OF A NEW CEILING COOLING PANEL
Authors: TONG MING-WEI , HU PENG , QING ZENG-HU , ZHANG QIANG , CHEN CAI
Published: May 2013

With the development of cryogenic refrigeration and superconductive technology, capillary porosity wick used in spacecrafts feature an excellent heat transfer conduction capacity, high surface area to volume ratio, uniform heat and mass transfer and self-driven force of capillary. Low temperature capillary panel have a great application potential. In this paper, a new ceiling cooling panel of capillary suction core (CCPCSC) which was confected by polypropylene plastic and porous media of potassium citrate–gypsum is put forward. The structure of CCPCSC was introduced and the cooling performance was tested to compare it with SRHTP. The results show that the performance of CCPCSC is much influenced by different proportions of materials. However, comparing to regular SRHTP, the cooling capacity of the CCPCSC is improved by 36.6%–57.7% under the same condition. The results of this paper provide a theoretical basis for the application of porous media in low temperature environments.
ON THE ROBUSTNESS OF MAGNETISM IN ZIGZAG GRAPHENE NANORIBBONS
Authors: NOEI MAZIAR , KHALIJI KAVEH , FATHIPOUR MORTEZA
Published: May 2013

In this work, using the single-band Hubbard model, we numerically study the magnetic ordering in zigzag graphene nanoribbons (ZGNRs). We calculate density of states and charge density distribution in the ZGNR, and show the nontrivial behavior of its electronic band structure in the presence of an external transverse electric field. Then, the robustness of such edge magnetic ordering and consequent half-metallicity is investigated for nanoribbons defected with single-atom vacancies. Our results show that the nontrivial magnetic properties of ZGNRs are robust to an acceptable percentage of single atom vacancies.
INFINITE SIMPLE 3D CUBIC NETWORK OF IDENTICAL CAPACITORS
Authors: ASAD JIHAD H.
Published: May 2013

In this paper, the effective capacitance between the origin (0, 0, 0) and any other lattice site (l1, l2, l3), in an infinite simple cubic (SC) network consisting of identical capacitors each of capacitance C, has been expressed rationally in terms of the known value goand π. The asymptotic behavior is also investigated, and some numerical values for the effective capacitance are presented.
WEAK FIELD APPROXIMATION IN A MODEL OF DE SITTER GRAVITY: SCHWARZSCHILD–DE SITTER SOLUTIONS
Authors: LU JIA-AN , HUANG CHAO-GUANG
Published: May 2013

The weak field approximation in a model of de Sitter (dS) gravity is investigated in the static and spherically symmetric case, under the assumption that the vacuum spacetime without perturbations from matter fields is a torsion-free dS spacetime. It is shown on one the hand that any solution should be singular at the center of the matter field, if the exterior is described by a Schwarzschild–de Sitter (S–dS) spacetime and is smoothly connected to the interior. On the other, all the regular solutions are obtained, which might be used to explain the galactic rotation curves without involving dark matter.
NONADIABATIC SPHERICAL COLLAPSE WITH A TWO-FLUID ATMOSPHERE
Authors: GOVENDER M.
Published: May 2013

In this paper, we present an exact model of a spherically symmetric star undergoing dissipative collapse in the form of a radial heat flux. The interior of the star is matched smoothly to the generalized Vaidya line element representing a two-fluid atmosphere comprising null radiation and a string fluid. The influence of the string density on the thermal behavior of the model is investigated by employing a causal heat transport equation of Maxwell–Cattaneo form.
QUINTESSENTIAL AND PHANTOM POWER-LAW SOLUTIONS IN SCALAR TENSOR MODEL OF DARK ENERGY
Authors: GRANDA L. N. , JIMENEZ D. F. , SANCHEZ C.
Published: May 2013

We consider a scalar-tensor model of dark energy with kinetic and Gauss–Bonnet (GB) couplings. We study the conditions for the existence of quintessential and phantom power-law expansion, and also analyze these conditions in the absence of a potential (closely related to string theory). A mechanism to avoid the Big Rip singularity in various asymptotic limits of the model has been studied. It was found that the kinetic and GB couplings might prevent the Big Rip singularity in a phantom scenario. The autonomous system for the model has been used to study the stability properties of the power-law solution, and the center manifold analysis was used to treat zero eigenvalues.
男士服務發展: 方向與策略的再思
Authors: 譚 建元 , 陳 錦華 , 梁 麗清
Published: May 2013

近年越來越多人關注男士面對的困境與壓力，與此同時，社會服務機構亦逐漸發展男士服務。然而，香港社會服務界對於如何理解男士面對的困境及男士服務的取向等問題，一直都未有深入的討論。基於此，我們於2011年底舉辦了一場研討會，約有40多位從事男士服務的社工及從事有關研究的學術界人士參與，進行了深入的研討與交流。當中帶出有很多值得深思的討論。本文嘗試將這些討論整理，作爲香港推展男士服務的參考。

本文整理出11個重要的課題，這些課題大致上可歸納爲服務發展方向與服務技巧兩大範疇。研討會中提出其中一個重要討論，面對男士的問題不能只局限從個人的溝通技巧著手，而必須要理解爲傳統性別角色定型或是性別交往結構 (structure of gender practice) 所帶來的惡果。要解決這些問題，社會服務必須要從 ⌈性別爲本實務取向⌉ (gender-based approach/practice) 入手。目的不是要發展另一套理想 ⌈好男人⌉ 模範，而是鼓勵男士多元發展，在平等的性別關係基礎上，尋求工作、家庭、個人生活等各方面的平衡發展。社會服務機構在發展男士服務方面應更著重男士之間的差異與多元性，更應關注邊緣男性社群的需要。社工訓練機構及學院應加强性別覺知的培育，推展性別教育主流化。
WELL BEING OF FEMALE SEX WORKERS
Authors: G. LAKSHMANA , PANDIAN DHANASEKARA
Published: May 2013

Background: Subjective well being among female sex workers is less explored and only few studies talked about this complex issue. Aim: To study the subjective well being of female sex workers. Method: Based on the informed consent, seventy female sex workers were randomly selected from the study population. The PGI — General Well Being scale (Verma et al., 1983) and a semi structured socio demographic schedule were used to collect the data. Results: Major findings of the study were that half of the female sex workers fall under the age group of 27 to 36, having studied up to high school (50%), majority (90%) of them being married and were using one or other substance (72.9%). Their perception of subjective well being shows that 38.6% had good positive mental health, 35.7% had moderate mental health and about one quarter (25.7%) of the respondents had low positive mental health. High subjective well being among Pre University Course (PUC) and above educated female sex workers (M=16.88, ±4.52) was noted, whereas less was noted among the group of illiterate female sex workers (M=8.96, ±5.53). Conclusion: There is a need to address female sex workers issues beyond HIV/AIDS. The current findings open up the need for appropriate interventions.
THE DIMENSIONS OF CYCLIC SYMMETRY CLASSES OF POLYNOMIALS
Authors: ZAMANI YOUSEF , BABAEI ESMAEIL
Published: May 2013

The dimensions of the symmetry classes of polynomials with respect to a certain cyclic subgroup of Sm generated by an m-cycle are explicitly given in terms of the generalized Ramanujan sum. These dimensions can also be expressed in terms of the Euler ϕ-function and the Möbius function for some special cases.
COMPARISON OF NANOTECHNOLOGY ACCEPTANCE IN TURKEY AND SWITZERLAND
Authors: ÖNER M. ATILLA , KARACA FATIH , BEŞER SENEM GÖL , YILDIRMAZ HAKKI
Published: May 2013

The aim of this paper is to replicate the study of Siegrist et al. [2007] and to present a comparison of nanotechnology acceptance in Turkey and Switzerland. The participants in our survey acknowledge the benefits of nanotechnology in achieving a preferred future (significance on the country's economy and on wealth creation, as well as quality of life) while reserving some sceptism on the institutions' responsibility in utilizing nanotechnology in the food domain.

The most beneficial application in our study is viewed as nanotechnology-used bread compared to food packaging of Swiss study. The most risky application is seen as the application for tomatoes, the most affect is observed again for the tomatoes and willingness to buy(WTB) choice is more for juice application than any other applications analyzed in this study. Perceived benefits and perceived risks are found to have influence on the WTB nanotechnology applications in the food domain. Results did not support any evidence suggesting that the nanoinside applications are perceived as less acceptable than nanooutside application as stated in the Swiss study. Affect evoked by the information existing in environment about the nanotechnology products have significant relation with benefits and risks of this emerging technology. The relation between affect and risk in our model is positive whereas it is negative in Siegrist et al. [2007]. The effect of social trust on affect is found to be insignificant in our study which was an assumption of Siegrist et al. [2007] and found to be significant in their research.

This paper attempts to help the managers to understand the youth and young adults' perception of nanotechnology in Turkey and to consider the importance of those perceptions for the realization of technological advances in improving their products and developing new ones.
BEHAVIOR OF ARTICULAR CHONDROCYTES ON NANOENGINEERED SURFACES
Authors: SHAIK JAMEEL , MOHAMMED JAVEED SHAIKH , MCSHANE MICHAEL J. , MILLS DAVID K.
Published: May 2013

In tissue engineering, surface modification has becomes one of the leading methods to enhance initial cell attachment and subsequent cellular growth, differentiation and tissue formation. This work studied growth and behavior of primary bovine articular chondrocytes on self-assembled multilayer nanofilms composed of: polyelectrolytes [poly(styrene sulfonate) (PSS), poly-L-lysine (PLL), poly-D-lysine (PDL), chondroitin sulfate (CS), poly(ethyleneimine) (PEI), poly(dimethyldiallylammonium chloride) (PDDA), poly(ethylene glycol) amine (PEG - NH2)] and proteins [bovine serum albumin (BSA), collagen, fibronectin, laminin]. These biomaterials were used to build mono-, bi-, and tri-layer nanofilm architectures. Potential cytotoxic effects were assessed using Live/Dead assay and cell proliferation was quantified using MTT assay. Bright field and fluorescence microscopy were used to analyze chondrocyte morphology. ImageJ software was used to analyze the number, mean area, circularity and Feret's diameter of viable cells. Cumulative results demonstrated that chondrocyte growth; proliferation and functionality were dependent on initial cell density, nanofilm thickness and material composition of nanofilms.
Marked phenotypic differences of endurance performance and exercise-induced oxygen consumption between AMPK and LKB1 deficiency in mouse skeletal muscle: changes occurring in the diaphragm
Authors: Miura Shinji , Kai Yuko , Tadaishi Miki , Tokutake Yuka , Sakamoto Kimitoshi , Bruce Clinton R. , Febbraio Mark A. , Kita Kiyoshi , Chohnan Shigeru , Ezaki Osamu
Published: May 2013

LKB1 phosphorylates members of the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) family. LKB1 and AMPK in the skeletal muscle are believed to regulate not only fuel oxidation during exercise but also exercise capacity. LKB1 was also required to prevent diaphragm fatigue, which was shown to affect exercise performance. Using mice expressing dominant negative (DN) mutants of LKB1 and AMPK, specifically in the skeletal muscle but not in the heart, we investigated the roles of LKB1 and AMPK activity in exercise performance and the effects of these kinases on the characteristics of respiratory and locomotive muscles. In the diaphragm and gastrocnemius, both AMPK-DN and LKB1-DN mice showed complete loss of AMPKα2 activity, and LKB1-DN mice showed a reduction in LKB1 activity. Exercise capacity was significantly reduced in LKB1-DN mice, with a marked reduction in oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide production during exercise. The diaphragm from LKB1-DN mice showed an increase in myosin heavy chain IIB and glycolytic enzyme expression. Normal respiratory chain function and CPT I activity were shown in the isolated mitochondria from LKB1-DN locomotive muscle, and the expression of genes related to fiber type, mitochondria function, glucose and lipid metabolism, and capillarization in locomotive muscle was not different between LKB1-DN and AMPK-DN mice. We concluded that LKB1 in the skeletal muscle contributes significantly to exercise capacity and oxygen uptake during exercise. LKB1 mediated the change of fiber-type distribution in the diaphragm independently of AMPK and might be responsible for the phenotypes we observed.
Class I histone deacetylase activity is required for proliferation of renal epithelial cells
Authors: Tang Jinhua , Yan Yanli , Zhao Ting C. , Bayliss George , Yan Haidong , Zhuang Shougang
Published: May 2013

The process of renal regeneration after acute kidney injury is thought to recapitulate renal development, and proliferation of renal proximal tubular cells (RPTCs) is a critical step in the regenerative response. Recent studies indicate that class I histone deacetylases (HDACs) are required for embryonic kidney gene expression, growth, and differentiation. The role and underlying mechanisms of class I HDAC activation in RPTC proliferation, however, remain unclear. In this study, we used cultured RPTCs to examine this issue since four class I HDAC isoforms (1, 2, 3, and 8) are abundantly expressed in this cell type. Blocking class I HDAC activity with a highly selective inhibitor, MS-275, induced global histone H3 hyperacetylation, reduced RPTC proliferation, and diminished expression of cyclin D1 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen. Silencing HDAC1, 3, or 8 with small interfering RNA resulted in similar biological effects. Activation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 (STAT3) was required for RPTC proliferation, and STAT3 functioned downstream of EGFR. Treatment with MS-275 or knockdown of HDAC1, 3, or 8 suppressed EGFR expression and phosphorylation, and silencing HDAC1 and 3 also reduced STAT3 phosphorylation. However, HDAC2 downregulation did not affect RPTC proliferation and phosphorylation of EGFR and STAT3. Collectively, these data reveal a critical role of class I HDACs in mediating proliferation of renal epithelial cells through activation of the EGFR/STAT3 signaling pathway.
Mural propagation of descending vasa recta responses to mechanical stimulation
Authors: Zhang Zhong , Payne Kristie , Cao Chunhua , Pallone Thomas L.
Published: May 2013

To investigate the responses of descending vasa recta (DVR) to deformation of the abluminal surface, we devised an automated method that controls duration and frequency of stimulation by utilizing a stream of buffer from a micropipette. During stimulation at one end of the vessel, fluorescent responses from fluo4 or bis[1,3-dibutylbarbituric acid-(5)] trimethineoxonol [DiBAC4(3)], indicating cytoplasmic calcium ([Ca2+]CYT) or membrane potential, respectively, were recorded from distant cells. Alternately, membrane potential was recorded from DVR pericytes by nystatin whole cell patch-clamp. Mechanical stimulation elicited reversible [Ca2+]CYT responses that increased with frequency. Individual pericyte responses along the vessel were initiated within a fraction of a second of one another. Those responses were inhibited by gap junction blockade with 18 β-glycyrrhetinic acid (100 μM) or phosphoinositide 3 kinase inhibition with 2-morpholin-4-yl-8-phenylchromen-4-one (50 μM). [Ca2+]CYT responses were blocked by removal of extracellular Ca2+ or L-type voltage-gated channel blockade with nifedipine (10 μM). At concentrations selective for the T-type channel blockade, mibefradil (100 nM) was ineffective. During mechanostimulation, pericytes rapidly depolarized, as documented with either DiBAC4(3) fluorescence or patch-clamp recording. Single stimuli yielded depolarizations of 22.5 ± 2.2 mV while repetitive stimuli at 0.1 Hz depolarized pericytes by 44.2 ± 4.0 mV. We conclude that DVR are mechanosensitive and that rapid transmission of signals along the vessel axis requires participation of gap junctions, L-type Ca2+ channels, and pericyte depolarization.
Thymidine kinase and mtDNA depletion in human cardiomyopathy: epigenetic and translational evidence for energy starvation
Authors: Koczor Christopher A. , Torres Rebecca A. , Fields Earl J. , Boyd Amy , He Stanley , Patel Nilamkumar , Lee Eva K. , Samarel Allen M. , Lewis William
Published: May 2013

This study addresses how depletion of human cardiac left ventricle (LV) mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and epigenetic nuclear DNA methylation promote cardiac dysfunction in human dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) through regulation of pyrimidine nucleotide kinases. Samples of DCM LV and right ventricle ( n = 18) were obtained fresh at heart transplant surgery. Parallel samples from nonfailing (NF) controls ( n = 12) were from donor hearts found unsuitable for clinical use. We analyzed abundance of mtDNA and nuclear DNA (nDNA) using qPCR. LV mtDNA was depleted in DCM (50%, P < 0.05 each) compared with NF. No detectable change in RV mtDNA abundance occurred. DNA methylation and gene expression were determined using microarray analysis (GEO accession number: GSE43435 ). Fifty-seven gene promoters exhibited DNA hypermethylation or hypomethylation in DCM LVs. Among those, cytosolic thymidine kinase 1 (TK1) was hypermethylated. Expression arrays revealed decreased abundance of the TK1 mRNA transcript with no change in transcripts for other relevant thymidine metabolism enzymes. Quantitative immunoblots confirmed decreased TK1 polypeptide steady state abundance. TK1 activity remained unchanged in DCM samples while mitochondrial thymidine kinase (TK2) activity was significantly reduced. Compensatory TK activity was found in cardiac myocytes in the DCM LV. Diminished TK2 activity is mechanistically important to reduced mtDNA abundance and identified in DCM LV samples here. Epigenetic and genetic changes result in changes in mtDNA and in nucleotide substrates for mtDNA replication and underpin energy starvation in DCM.
Arthritis severity locusCia4is an early regulator of IL-6, IL-1β, and NF-κB activators' expression in pristane-induced arthritis
Authors: Brenner Max , Laragione Teresina , Gulko Pércio S.
Published: May 2013

Cia4 is a locus on rat chromosome 7 that regulates disease severity and joint damage in models of rheumatoid arthritis, including pristane-induced arthritis (PIA). To identify molecular processes regulated by Cia4, synovial tissues from MHC-identical DA (severe erosive) and DA.F344(Cia4) congenics (mild nonerosive) rats were collected at preclinical and recent onset stages following the induction of PIA and analyzed for gene expression levels. Il6 levels were significantly higher in DA compared with congenics on day 10 (135-fold) after PIA induction (preclinical stage) and remained increased on days 14 (47.7-fold) and 18 (29.41-fold). Il6 increased before Il1b suggesting that Il6 could be driving Il1b expression and early synovial inflammation; 187 genes had significantly different expression levels and included inflammatory mediators increased in DA such Slpi (10.94-fold), Ccl7 (5.17-fold), and Litaf (2.09-fold). Syk or NF-κB activating and interacting genes, including Cd74 Ccl21, were increased in DA; 59 genes implicated in cancer-related phenotypes were increased in DA. Genes involved in cell metabolism, transport across membranes, and tissue protection such as Dgat1, Dhcr7, and Slc1a1 were increased in DA.F344(Cia4) congenics; 21 genes differentially expressed or expressed in only one of the strains were located within the Cia4 interval and could be the gene accounting for the arthritis effect. In conclusion, the Cia4 interval contains at least one new arthritis gene that regulates early Il6, Il1b expression, and other inflammatory mediators. This gene regulates the expression of cancer genes that could mediate the development of synovial hyperplasia and invasion, and cartilage and bone destruction.
Intrauterine calorie restriction affects placental DNA methylation and gene expression
Authors: Chen Pao-Yang , Ganguly Amit , Rubbi Liudmilla , Orozco Luz D. , Morselli Marco , Ashraf Davin , Jaroszewicz Artur , Feng Suhua , Jacobsen Steve E. , Nakano Atsushi , Devaskar Sherin U. , Pellegrini Matteo
Published: May 2013

Maternal nutrient restriction causes the development of adult onset chronic diseases in the intrauterine growth restricted (IUGR) fetus. Investigations in mice have shown that either protein or calorie restriction during pregnancy leads to glucose intolerance, increased fat mass, and hypercholesterolemia in adult male offspring. Some of these phenotypes are shown to persist in successive generations. The molecular mechanisms underlying IUGR remain unclear. The placenta is a critical organ for mediating changes in the environment and the development of embryos. To shed light on molecular mechanisms that might affect placental responses to differing environments we examined placentas from mice that had been exposed to different diets. We measured gene expression and whole genome DNA methylation in both male and female placentas of mice exposed to either caloric restriction or ad libitum diets. We observed several differentially expressed pathways associated with IUGR phenotypes and, most importantly, a significant decrease in the overall methylation between these groups as well as sex-specific effects that are more pronounced in males. In addition, a set of significantly differentially methylated genes that are enriched for known imprinted genes were identified, suggesting that imprinted loci may be particularly susceptible to diet effects. Lastly, we identified several differentially methylated microRNAs that target genes associated with immunological, metabolic, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and neurological chronic diseases, as well as genes responsible for transplacental nutrient transfer and fetal development.
A Class of Expected Value Bilevel Programming Problems with Random Coefficients Based on Rough Approximation and Its Application to a Production-Inventory System
Authors: Yao Liming , Xu Jiuping
Published: May 2013

This paper focuses on the development of a bilevel optimization model with random coefficients for a production-inventory system. The expected value operator technique is used to deal with the objective function, and rough approximation is applied to convert the stochastic constraint into a crisp constraint. Then an interactive programming method and genetic algorithm are utilized to solve the crisp model. Finally, an application is given to show the efficiency of the proposed model and approaches in solving the problem.
A Novel Lactococcal Vaccine Expressing a Peptide from the M2 Antigen of H5N2 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A Virus Prolongs Survival of Vaccinated Chickens
Authors: Reese Kaleb A. , Lupfer Christopher , Johnson Rudd C. , Mitev Georgi M. , Mullen Valerie M. , Geller Bruce L. , Pastey Manoj
Published: May 2013

A cost-effective and efficacious influenza vaccine for use in commercial poultry farms would help protect against avian influenza outbreaks. Current influenza vaccines for poultry are expensive and subtype specific, and therefore there is an urgent need to develop a universal avian influenza vaccine. We have constructed a live bacterial vaccine against avian influenza by expressing a conserved peptide from the ectodomain of M2 antigen (M2e) on the surface ofLactococcus lactis(LL). Chickens were vaccinated intranasally with the lactococcal vaccine (LL-M2e) or subcutaneously with keyhole-limpet-hemocyanin conjugated M2e (KLH-M2e). Vaccinated and nonvaccinated birds were challenged with high pathogenic avian influenza virus A subtype H5N2. Birds vaccinated with LL-M2e or KLH-M2e had median survival times of 5.5 and 6.0 days, respectively, which were significantly longer than non-vaccinated birds (3.5 days). Birds vaccinated subcutaneously with KLH-M2e had a lower mean viral burden than either of the other two groups. However, there was a significant correlation between the time of survival and M2e-specific serum IgG. The results of these trials show that birds in both vaccinated groups had significantly (P<0.05) higher median survival times than non-vaccinated birds and that this protection could be due to M2e-specific serum IgG.
Reactive Metabolites and AGE-RAGE-Mediated Inflammation in Patients following Liver Transplantation
Authors: Brenner Thorsten , Fleming Thomas H. , Spranz David , Schemmer Peter , Bruckner Thomas , Uhle Florian , Martin Eike O. , Weigand Markus A. , Hofer Stefan
Published: May 2013

Recent investigations have indicated that reactive metabolites and AGE-RAGE-mediated inflammation might play an important role in the pathogenesis of ischemia-reperfusion injury in liver transplantation. In this observational clinical study, 150 patients were enrolled following liver transplantation from deceased donors. The occurrence of short-term complications within 10 days of transplantation was documented. Blood samples were collected prior to transplantation, immediately after transplantation, and at consecutive time points, for a total of seven days after transplantation. Plasma levels of methylglyoxal were determined using HPLC, whereas plasma levels of L-arginine, asymmetric dimethylarginine, advanced glycation endproducts-carboxylmethyllysine, soluble receptor for advanced glycation endproducts, and total antioxidant capacity were measured by ELISA. Patients following liver transplantation were shown to suffer from increased RAGE-associated inflammation with an AGE load mainly dependent upon reactive carbonyl species-derived AGEs. In contrast, carboxylmethyllysine-derived AGEs were of a minor importance. As assessed by the ratio of L-arginine/asymmetric dimethylarginine, the bioavailability of nitric oxide was shown to be reduced in hepatic IRI, especially in those patients suffering from perfusion disorders following liver transplantation. For the early identification of patients at high risk of perfusion disorders, the implementation of asymmetric dimethylarginine measurements in routine diagnostics following liver transplantation from deceased donors should be taken into consideration.
Modified Bluegrass Appliance: A Nonpunitive Therapy for Thumb Sucking in Pediatric Patients—A Case Report with Review of the Literature
Authors: Diwanji Amish , Jain Preet , Doshi Jigar , Somani Prakash , Mehta Dhaval
Published: May 2013

Oral habits in form of digit/thumb sucking are common phenomenon and part of childhood behavior. They are normally associated with oral pleasure, hunger, anxiety, and sometimes psychological disturbances. Chronic practice can cause major orthopedic alterations to the skeletal structures of the oral cavity and lower face. Aversive approaches in form of punitive therapy have been moderately effective. Modified bluegrass appliance is nonpunitive therapy to treat sucking habits. It acts as a habit reversal technique and installs positive reinforcement in children. Modified blue grass appliance proved to be very comfortable to patients and encourages neuromuscular stimulations.
The Effect of Annealing on the Structural and Optical Properties of Titanium Dioxide Films Deposited by Electron Beam Assisted PVD
Authors: Abdulraheem Yaser M. , Ghoraishi Sahar , Arockia-Thai Lidia , Zachariah Suji K. , Ghannam Moustafa
Published: May 2013

Titanium dioxide thin films were deposited on crystalline silicon substrates by electron beam physical vapor deposition. The deposition was performed under vacuum ranging from 10−5to 10−6Torr without process gases, resulting in homogeneousTiO2-xlayers with a thickness of around 100 nm. Samples were then annealed at high temperatures ranging from500°C to800°C for 4 hours under nitrogen, and their structural and optical properties along with their chemical structure were characterized before and after annealing. The chemical and structural characterization revealed a substoichiometricTiO2-xfilm with oxygen vacancies, voids, and an interface oxide layer. It was found from X-ray diffraction that the deposited films were amorphous and crystallization to anatase phase occurred for annealed samples and was more pronounced for annealing temperatures above700°C. The refractive index obtained through spectroscopic ellipsometry ranged between 2.09 and 2.37 in the wavelength range, 900 nm to 400 nm for the as-deposited sample, and jumped to the range between 2.23 and 2.65 for samples annealed at800°C. The minimum surface reflectance changed from around 0.6% for the as-deposited samples to 2.5% for the samples annealed at800°C.
Neonatal Sepsis due to Coagulase-Negative Staphylococci
Authors: Marchant Elizabeth A. , Boyce Guilaine K. , Sadarangani Manish , Lavoie Pascal M.
Published: May 2013

Neonates, especially those born prematurely, are at high risk of morbidity and mortality from sepsis. Multiple factors, including prematurity, invasive life-saving medical interventions, and immaturity of the innate immune system, put these infants at greater risk of developing infection. Although advanced neonatal care enables us to save even the most preterm neonates, the very interventions sustaining those who are hospitalized concurrently expose them to serious infections due to common nosocomial pathogens, particularly coagulase-negative staphylococci bacteria (CoNS). Moreover, the health burden from infection in these infants remains unacceptably high despite continuing efforts. In this paper, we review the epidemiology, immunological risk factors, diagnosis, prevention, treatment, and outcomes of neonatal infection due to the predominant neonatal pathogen CoNS.
Methadone-Induced Toxic Brain Damage
Authors: Corré Jérôme , Pillot Jérôme , Hilbert Gilles
Published: May 2013

A 29-year-old man presented with comatose after methadone intoxication. Cerebral tomography only showed cortico-subcortical hypodense signal in the right cerebellar hemisphere. Brain MRI showed a rare imaging of FLAIR and DWI hyperintensities in the two cerebellar hemispheres as well as basal ganglia (globi pallidi), compatible with methadone overdose. To our knowledge this is the first reported case of both cerebellar and basal ganglia involvement in methadone overdose.
Targeting BCL2 Family in Human Myeloid Dendritic Cells: A Challenge to Cure Diseases with Chronic Inflammations Associated with Bone Loss
Authors: Olsson Åkefeldt Selma , Ismail Mohamad Bachar , Valentin Hélène , Aricò Maurizio , Henter Jan-Inge , Delprat Christine
Published: May 2013

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) are common and rare diseases, respectively. They associate myeloid cell recruitment and survival in inflammatory conditions with tissue destruction and bone resorption. Manipulating dendritic cell (DC), and, especially, regulating their half-life and fusion, is a challenge. Indeed, these myeloid cells display pathogenic roles in both diseases and may be an important source of precursors for differentiation of osteoclasts, the bone-resorbing multinucleated giant cells. We have recently documented that the proinflammatory cytokine IL-17A regulates long-term survival of DC by inducing BCL2A1 expression, in addition to the constitutive MCL1 expression. We summarize bibliography of the BCL2 family members and their therapeutic targeting, with a special emphasis on MCL1 and BCL2A1, discussing their potential impact on RA and LCH. Our recent knowledge in the survival pathway, which is activated to perform DC fusion in the presence of IL-17A, suggests that targeting MCL1 and BCL2A1 in infiltrating DC may affect the clinical outcomes in RA and LCH. The development of new therapies, interfering with MCL1 and BCL2A1 expression, to target long-term surviving inflammatory DC should be translated into preclinical studies with the aim to increase the well-being of patients with RA and LCH.
Perturbation-Iteration Method for First-Order Differential Equations and Systems
Authors: Şenol Mehmet , Timuçin Dolapçı İhsan , Aksoy Yiğit , Pakdemirli Mehmet
Published: May 2013

The previously developed new perturbation-iteration algorithm has been applied to differential equation systems for the first time. The iteration algorithm for systems is developed first. The algorithm is tested for a single equation, coupled two equations, and coupled three equations. Solutions are compared with those of variational iteration method and numerical solutions, and a good agreement is found. The method can be applied to differential equation systems with success.
The Association ofCD81Polymorphisms with Alloimmunization in Sickle Cell Disease
Authors: Tatari-Calderone Zohreh , Tamouza Ryad , Le Bouder Gama P. , Dewan Ramita , Luban Naomi L. C. , Lasserre Jacqueline , Maury Jacqueline , Lionnet François , Krishnamoorthy Rajagopal , Girot Robert , Vukmanovic Stanislav
Published: May 2013

The goal of the present work was to identify the candidate genetic markers predictive of alloimmunization in sickle cell disease (SCD). Red blood cell (RBC) transfusion is indicated for acute treatment, prevention, and abrogation of some complications of SCD. A well-known consequence of multiple RBC transfusions is alloimmunization. Given that a subset of SCD patients develop multiple RBC allo-/autoantibodies, while others do not in a similar multiple transfusional setting, we investigated a possible genetic basis for alloimmunization. Biomarker(s) which predicts (predict) susceptibility to alloimmunization could identify patients at risk before the onset of a transfusion program and thus may have important implications for clinical management. In addition, such markers could shed light on the mechanism(s) underlying alloimmunization. We genotyped 27 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in theCD81,CHRNA10,andARHGgenes in two groups of SCD patients. One group (35) of patients developed alloantibodies, and another (40) had no alloantibodies despite having received multiple transfusions. Two SNPs in theCD81gene, that encodes molecule involved in the signal modulation of B lymphocytes, show a strong association with alloimmunization. If confirmed in prospective studies with larger cohorts, the two SNPs identified in this retrospective study could serve as predictive biomarkers for alloimmunization.
A Comparative Morphometrical Study of the Pecten Oculi in Different Avian Species
Authors: Dayan Mustafa Orhun , Ozaydın Tugba
Published: May 2013

In this study was investigated the structure of pecten oculi in the ostrich, duck, pigeon, turkey, and starling. The pecten oculi of the ostrich was vaned type and made up primary, secondary, and few tertiary lamellae. However, duck, pigeon, turkey and starling had a pleated‐type pecten oculi which displayed folded structure. The numbers of pleats of the pectens were 12, 13‐14, 21‐22, and 17 in duck, pigeon, turkey, and starling, respectively. Light microscopic investigation demonstrated that pecten oculi is basically composed of numerous capillaries, large blood vessels, and pigment cells in all investigating avian species. Capillaries were 20.23, 14.34, 11.78, 12.58, and 12.78 μm in diameter in ostrich, duck, pigeon, turkey, and starling, respectively. The capillaries are surrounded by thick basal membrane, and pigmented cells were observed around the capillaries.
Student Perceptions of Problem-Based Learning: A Case Study of Undergraduate Applied Agrometeorology
Authors: De Wet Linda , Walker Sue
Published: May 2013

Many students do not seem to transfer their learning during formal education into applications in the real world. The objective of this ongoing study was to investigate the opinion of third-year students concerning their program through problem-based learning and to improve the module where necessary. Students attending theory classes had to apply their newly gained knowledge coupled with real-life weather data to solve a problem during practicums. Students attending practicums were given the same questionnaire thrice; thus, the answers were based on different sets of exercises. Responses by attendees for the three questionnaires were 73%, 100%, and 61%, respectively. Students preferred problem-based practicums (78%, 54%, and 72%, resp.) to other non-problem-based practicums. Most students thought that their knowledge had improved and it had prepared them better for the workplace (85%, 77%, and 92%, resp.). Generally students preferred working in groups (74%, 62%, and 56%, resp.), in contrast to those preferring to work individually. Students benefited from problem-based learning in that they thought they had improved their knowledge, skills, and critical thinking abilities and felt that they had learnt things that they could carry into their future lives out in the world at large and the workplace.
Manganese-Enhanced MRI Reveals Early-Phase Radiation-Induced Cell Alterations In Vivo
Authors: Saito Shigeyoshi , Hasegawa Sumitaka , Sekita Aiko , Bakalova Rumiana , Furukawa Takako , Murase Kenya , Saga Tsuneo , Aoki Ichio
Published: May 2013

For tumor radiotherapy, the in vivo detection of early cellular responses is important for predicting therapeutic efficacy. Mn2+ is used as a positive contrast agent in manganese-enhanced MRI (MEMRI) and is expected to behave as a mimic of Ca2+ in many biologic systems. We conducted in vitro and in vivo MRI experiments with Mn2+ to investigate whether MEMRI can be used to detect cell alterations as an early-phase tumor response after radiotherapy. Colon-26 cells or a subcutaneously grafted colon-26 tumor model were irradiated with 20 Gy of X-rays. One day after irradiation, a significant augmentation of G2–M-phase cells, indicating a cell-cycle arrest, was observed in the irradiated cells in comparison with the control cells, although both early and late apoptotic alterations were rarely observed. The MEMRI signal in radiation-exposed tumor cells (R1: 0.77 ± 0.01 s−1) was significantly lower than that in control cells (R1: 0.82 ± 0.01 s−1) in vitro. MEMRI signal reduction was also observed in the in vivo tumor model 24 hours after irradiation (R1 of radiation: 0.97 ± 0.02 s−1, control: 1.10 ± 0.02 s−1), along with cell-cycle and proliferation alterations identified with immunostaining (cyclin D1 and Ki-67). Therefore, MEMRI after tumor radiotherapy was successfully used to detect cell alterations as an early-phase cellular response in vitro and in vivo. Cancer Res; 73(11); 3216–24. ©2013 AACR.
The ShcA PTB Domain Functions as a Biological Sensor of Phosphotyrosine Signaling during Breast Cancer Progression
Authors: Ahn Ryuhjin , Sabourin Valerie , Ha Jacqueline R. , Cory Sean , Maric Gordana , Im Young Kyuen , Hardy W. Rod , Zhao Hong , Park Morag , Hallett Michael , Siegel Peter M. , Pawson Tony , Ursini-Siegel Josie
Published: May 2013

ShcA (SHC1) is an adapter protein that possesses an SH2 and a PTB phosphotyrosine-binding motif. ShcA generally uses its PTB domain to engage activated receptor tyrosine kinases (RTK), but there has not been a definitive determination of the role of this domain in tumorigenesis. To address this question, we employed a ShcA mutant (R175Q) that no longer binds phosphotyrosine residues via its PTB domain. Here, we report that transgenic expression of this mutant delays onset of mammary tumors in the MMTV-PyMT mouse model of breast cancer. Paradoxically, we observed a robust increase in the growth and angiogenesis of mammary tumors expressing ShcR175Q, which displayed increased secretion of fibronectin and expression of integrin α5/β1, the principal fibronectin receptor. Sustained integrin engagement activated Src, which in turn phosphorylated proangiogenic RTKs, including platelet-derived growth factor receptor, fibroblast growth factor receptor, and Met, leading to increased VEGF secretion from ShcR175Q-expressing breast cancer cells. We defined a ShcR175Q-dependent gene signature that could stratify breast cancer patients with a high microvessel density. This study offers the first in vivo evidence of a critical role for intracellular signaling pathways downstream of the ShcA PTB domain, which both positively and negatively regulate tumorigenesis during various stages of breast cancer progression. Cancer Res; 73(14); 4521–32. ©2013 AACR.