bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The dynamical evolution of the black hole–torus system perturbed by a Bondi–Hoyle accretion
Authors: Dönmez Orhan
Published: April 2014

The existence of the black hole (BH)–torus system has been given a considerable attention to explain the variability of X-ray and Gamma-ray (γ-ray) data. The perturbation of this system by a Bondi–Hoyle accretion leads to an instability which might be used to understand the dynamics of X-ray binaries and γ-ray burst (GRB). The instability is of a Papaloizou–Pringle type and the fastest growing mode of this instability corresponds to m = 1. In this paper, we put forward a scenario in which the stable BH–torus system is perturbed by a matter which is coming from red giants due to the stellar winds. We model the perturbed BH–torus system to find out how the dynamics of the system changes depending on the rest-mass density of the initial perturbation and to estimate the maximum rest-mass density of the perturbation, ρp, which creates a quasi-periodic oscillation without having a shock cone around the BH for fixed ρc (ρc is the maximum rest-mass density of the initial stable torus). We have found that the perturbation with a rest-mass density, ρp < 100ρ atm (ρatm is the rest-mass density of the atmosphere), for any Mach number is the best model for the formation of the oscillating torus around the BH. Otherwise, the shock cone appears in the downstream region of the accreted domain. It is also found that the instability is observed while ρp < 100ρ atm .
Visualization of O2 on Aqueous Li-Air Battery by Using Microfocus X-ray CT
Authors: Uemura Suguru , Tsushima Shohji , Imanishi Nobuyuki , Hirai Shuichiro
Published: April 2014

The reaction products associated with charge/discharge processes are key issues to improve the performance of Li-air battery. Although LiO2, Li2O2, and other Li organic compounds have been previously investigated, the production of O2 during the charge process and its ability to cause reduction of the electrode area have not been discussed. In this study, experimental visualization of the inside of an air cathode was realized using microfocus X-ray computed tomography (CT), and the production of O2 in aqueous electrolyte by the charge reaction was visualized. As a result, we show that the wettability of the porous cathode carbon electrode strongly affected the behavior of produced gas.
Palladium Nanoparticles as Catalysts for Li-O2 Battery Cathodes
Authors: Geaney Hugh , Collins Gillian , Glynn Colm , Holmes Justin D , O'Dwyer Colm
Published: April 2014

This report investigates the influence of electrolyte selection and the addition of Pd nanoparticle catalysts on the morphology of discharge products for Li-O2 battery cathodes. Super P carbon cathodes (on stainless steel current collectors) were subjected to single discharges at various applied currents (50 µA, 100 µA, 250 µA) using either a sulfolane/LiTFSI or TEGDME/LITFSI electrolyte. The morphologies of the discharge product were noted to be different for each electrolyte while there was also a clear variation with respect to applied current. Finally, the impact of adding 25% (by weight) Pd nanoparticle catalysts to the cathodes was investigated. The results obtained show clearly that the nature of discharge products for Li-O2 battery cathodes are strongly dependent on applied current, electrolyte choice and the addition of a catalyst material.
Exploring Metal-Air Chemistries with A New Solid Oxide Metal-Air Redox Battery
Authors: Zhao Xuan , Li Xue , Gong Yunhui , Xu Nansheng , Huang Kevin
Published: April 2014

This paper introduces a new class of solid oxide metal air redox batteries, targeting at stationary energy storage. Distinct from traditional liquid based metal-air batteries, this new battery has a completely new system design, which was developed from reversible solid oxide fuel cell (RSOFC) technologies, relying on the conduction of O2-. This all-solid-state battery circumvents the major problems facing conventional metal-air batteries with its unique design: a reversible solid oxide fuel cell is decoupled with a metal-metal oxide containing energy storage bed. This decoupling design allows for an easy exploitation of new metal-air chemistries, for example, tungsten-air and molybdenum-air. Theoretical analysis and experimental results both show that heavy metals like tungsten and molybdenum are promising redox metals to provide higher energy density for the new battery.
Investigations into Structure and Chemistry of 1D, 2D and 3D Structured Vanadium Oxide Nanomaterials for Li-Ion Batteries
Authors: Armstrong Eileen , Osiak Michal , Glynn Colm , O'Dwyer Colm
Published: April 2014

Routes towards the formation of inverted opal vanadium oxide electrodes are presented. Different methods of template infiltration using an IPA diluted solution of vanadium triisopropoxide are discussed and the resulting morphologies investigated using scanning electron microscopy. The effect of different heat treatments and method of sphere removal on morphology and structure is also considered. Solvent template removal retains thehydrolysed amorphous V2O5 structure. Raman scattering spectroscopy identifies the degree of V2O5 crystallinity that results from the different heat treatments. For a thicker inverted opal formed using a polystyrene template as opposed to a monolayer PMMA template, under similar conditions a different phase of vanadium oxide is observed evident by variations inRaman scattering response.
Effect of the Stirring during the Hydrothermal Synthesis of C-LiFePO4
Authors: Vediappan Kumaran , Guerfi Abdelbast , Gariépy Vincent , Demopoulos Georges P. , Hovington Pierre , Trottier Julie , Mauger Alain , Zaghib Karim , Julien Christian M
Published: April 2014

We report that the rotation speed of the stirring in the hydrothermal reactor process is an important parameter that affects the structural properties and the electrochemical performance of LiFePO4. The best results are obtained for a rotation speed of 280 revolutions per minute. It is argued that this improved performance is related to the optimized morphology of the particles, and a smaller agglomeration of the particles. Since this material meets a worldwide success as a positive electrode for commercial Li-ion batteries.
A Stacked Sputtered Process for β-FeSi2 Formation
Authors: Inamura Taichi , Sasaki Akito , Aoki Katsuaki , Kakushima Kuniyuki , Kataoka Yoshinori , Nishiyama Akira , Sugii Nobuyuki , Wakabayashi Hitoshi , Tsutsui Kazuo , Natori Kenji , Iwai Hiroshi
Published: April 2014

Iron disilicide films (FeSi2) has been formed using stacked sputtered process using Fe and Si stacked structures. Owing to high reaction of thin films, FeSi2 phase has been confirmed at an annealing temperature as low as 600℃ (commonly fomed at over 800℃). The atomic ratio could be also controlled by this process. In addition, the films which are formed by this method are confirmed to have four kinds of activation energy.
Hot Hole-Induced Device Degradation by Drain Junction Reverse Current
Authors: Kim Kwang-Soo , Song Juneui , Song Duheon , Choi Byoungdeog
Published: April 2014

We studied device degradation by hot hole under drain junction reverse voltage stress with n-type metal-oxide- semiconductor field effect transistors (N-MOSFETs). The drain current generated under high drain voltage in the off-state are the drain junction reverse current and gate-induced drain leakage (GIDL) current. Therefore, we should judge that carrier injection mechanism into the gate in the off-state is due to drain junction reverse current or due to GIDL current. For our devices, drain junction reverse current was more dominant than GIDL current under specific drain voltage, and hot holes generated in the drain junction depletion region during drain junction reverse voltage stress were injected into the gate by vertical electric field, which then leads to device degradation by trapped charges. In this paper, we studied characteristic of hole injection and device degradation by drain junction reverse current.
Response Characteristics of Fuel Cell Type Alcohol Sensor Using Nafion Membrane
Authors: Kamiya Kazuhiro , Sudoh Masao
Published: April 2014

The fuel-cell-type alcohol sensor for commercial use had a separator soaked with sulfuric acid. However, the durability of the sensor was short due to the leakage of sulfuric acid. In this study, we used a polymer electrolyte membrane, a Nafion membrane, instead of the liquid electrolyte for fabricating fuel cell sensors for ethanol. Platinum-based membrane-electrode assemblies have been prepared to do electrochemical measurements of breath alcohol levels. The composition of the fuel used in the experiments was of air, water and ethanol. The range of the ethanol gas concentration was from 0 to 300 ppm. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the transient responses of the cell current of the Nafion-type sensor using various amounts of Pt/C and Pt black catalysts and different membranes at room temperature. The relationships between the amounts of catalyst and peak current density, and the coulomb amount were evaluated. Total amounts of coulomb of transient sensor output were found to be quite linear relative to the ethanol gas concentration. The major reaction products of ethanol oxidation reaction (EOR) were analyzed by mass spectrometer, as acetaldehyde and acetic acid for Pt/C and Pt black catalyst, respective.
Synthesis and Hydrogen Gas Sensing Performance of Pd-Functionalized Nanostructures
Authors: Kok Kuan-Ying , Ng Inn-Khuan , Ubaidah Nur U , Ilias Suhaila Hani , Lombigit Lojius , Leo Kwee Wah , Choo Thye-Foo , Che Abd Rahman Che Zuraini
Published: April 2014

In this work, palladium surface-functionalized single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) hydrogen gas sensor was fabricated by electrodeposition and its sensing properties were systematically studied under various conditions. The diameter and density of the Pd nanoparticles were optimized by tuning the deposition voltage and time. Using a microfabricated chip consisting of a circular array of 16 individually addressable Pd-functionalised nanosensors, the gas sensing performance for each nanosensor was evaluated sequentially via a customized multiplexer-coupled electronic measurement system with Labview program control. The sensing properties were optimized for high sensitivity and short response time with respect to hydrogen detection. Sensor formed from non-connected chains of Pd particles was found to exhibit excellent sensing properties with resistance change exceeding 60% in 2000 ppm of hydrogen and lowest detection limit of 30 ppm hydrogen. The response time increased from a few minutes to tens of minutes with decreasing hydrogen concentrations.
Soft Actuators Prepared by Electrochemical Copolymerization of Pyrrole and Methyl 1H-Pyrrole-3-Carboxylate
Authors: Yamasaki Jun , Ogihara Shou , Kadoyama Tetsuya , Tsumuji Futo , Takamiya Satoshi , Nishioka Yasushiro
Published: April 2014

The electrochemical polymerization of pyrrole and methyl 1-H pyrrole-3-carboxylate was performed. A counter electrode (Ti), a reference electrode (Ag/AgCl), and a working electrode (Ti) were immersed into methyl benzoate solutions of 0.25 M of pyrrole and methyl 1-H pyrrole-3-carboxylate with 100:0, 98:2, 95:5, 80:20 mol ratios and 0.2 M N,N-diethyl-N-methyl-N-(2-methoxyethyl)ammonium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl) imide. The thickness of the prepared films was measured to be approximately 100 µm using a micrometer. The PPy actuator was used as the working electrode in the 1 M LiTFSI aqueous electrolyte solutions. The Py copolymer film, fabricated from pyrrole solution containing 2 and 5 mol% of methyl 1-H pyrrole-3-carboxylate showed a reduced actuating strain of approximately 2%, but the creep strain was reduced to less than 1%. The cross-linking of PPy actuators resulted in reductions of both the actuating strain and the electrochemical creep.
Toxic Gas Sensors Using Ionic Liquids
Authors: Nauber Andreas , Tschuncky Peter
Published: April 2014

Reliable detection of low level toxic gas impurities in breathing air is one of the challenging tasks in Dräger products. Among our detector portfolio electrochemical sensors belong to our key technology, which we try to improve continuously in terms of sensitivity, selectivity and stability. Ionic Liquids offer the advantages of displaying a huge electrochemical open window with negligible background currents. They can be designed task specific for the application they are used in and besides outstanding chemical inertness they offer the intrinsic advantage of being nonvolatile, which makes it possible to construct sensors that even can be used under zero humidity conditions which e.g. can be found for H2S monitoring in deserts e.g. in oil fields.
Impedance As a Diagnostic Tool to Characterize Mixed-Potential Sensor Response
Authors: Kreller Cortney R. , Sekhar Praveen K. , Spernjak Dusan , Li Wenxia , Palanisamy Ponnusamy , Brosha Eric L. , Mukundan Rangachary , Garzon Fernando
Published: April 2014

Commercial tape casting and screen-printing methods have been used to fabricate a planar, self-heated, mixed-potential NOx sensor for application in vehicle on-board emission control systems. The device consists of dense La0.8Sr0.2CrO3 (LSCrO) and Pt electrodes and a porous YSZ electrolyte on one side of a dense ceramic substrate and a Pt-heater with independent leads on the backside of the substrate. While these sensors have demonstrated high sensitivity and selectivity to NOx when operated at a positive bias, optimization of the sensor device geometry remains an open question. In this work, we used circular cells of dense YSZ with LSCrO working and Pt counter electrodes in order to identify the impedance response of each individual sensor component. The impedance response measured on the cell was then used to identify the rate-limiting processes underlying the response of the planar sensor device.
Mixed Ion and Electron Conducting Ceramics for Gas Sensors
Authors: Mulmi Suresh , Kannan Ramaiyan , Thangadurai Venkataraman
Published: April 2014

A conventional solid-state synthetic route was used to prepare a mixed conducting double perovskite-type Ba2Ca0.66Nb0.68Fe0.66O6-δ (BCNF66). FTIR study was performed to confirm the chemical stability under 1% CO2, whereas the cross-sectional SEM image was employed to investigate the morphology of the sensor. A comparative study on BCNF66 with and without CO2 in dry synthetic air along with O2 effect was carried out. The significant effect of O2 was observed when CO2 was passed through the sensor in N2. The O2 in dry synthetic air was found to stabilize the CO2 sensor response (current). Furthermore, the addition of ppm level of CO2 in dry synthetic air increased the response.
Investigation of Oxygen Reactions in a Screenprinted Pt/YSZ-Model Electrode System
Authors: Zheng Yingjing , Sauter Ulrich , Dormann Carina , Oehler Gudrun , Streeb Martin , Sahner Kathy , Kunz Lothar , Glanz Uwe , Moos Ralf
Published: April 2014

Understanding the electrochemical system consisting of platinum and yttria-stabilized zirconia oxide (YSZ) is important for the development of oxygen sensors and solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC). In order to investigate the O2/Pt/YSZ-system in detail, model electrodes with defined geometry have been fabricated by screen-printing platinum with a small amount of aluminum oxide on YSZ-substrate. Although the model electrodes are visually dense, having only some closed pores, we have observed phenomena indicating oxygen transport through the electrode bulk, most likely along grain boundaries. A model that includes two transport paths, surface diffusion and grain boundary diffusion, is proposed.
Analysis of Electrochemical Characteristics of Organic-Inorganic Hybrid Titanophosphite Membranes
Authors: Ueda Yoshikatsu , Tokuda Yomei , Nagai Hiroyuki , Masai Hirokazu , Yoko Toshinobu
Published: April 2014

We report the determination and analysis of the proton conductivities of organic–inorganic hybrid titanophosphite membranes. Organic–inorganic hybrid titanophosphite membranes are new electrolytes produced for fuel cells by the Institute for Chemical Research at Kyoto University, and they have high proton conductivities at high temperature). However, many of the characteristic of these membranes are unknown. We determined and analyzed the proton conductivities of these membranes using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy.
Magneto-Mechanical MEMS Sensors for Bio-Detection
Authors: Sullivan MariAnne , Ramasamy Madhumidha , Prorok Bart Charles
Published: April 2014

Food safety has become an important issue in the past decade after numerous intentional and unintentional combinations. Magnetostrictive materials developed into mass-based acoustic wave sensors operated on longitudinal vibration mode are used for biological agent detection. They are fashioned into rectangular sensors that are actuated in longitudinal vibration mode when exposed to a magnetic field. With an applied field, the strips resonate at a specific frequency which is dependent on mass and physical dimensions. This work details the development of an algorithm for prediction of the number of captured E. coli cells from resonance frequency shift. Numerical simulations and experimental verifications were carried out with the predicted model. The tolerance limit of frequency shift corresponding to the distribution of mass, discrete position of the mass attached, and physical dimensions of the sensor platform were determined. A good agreement was found between these results offering a good paradigm for detecting biological agents.
Under-Deposit Chloride-Induced Stress Corrosion Cracking in Austenitic Stainless Steels: Aspects Associated with Deposit Type, Size and Composition
Authors: Cook Anthony B , Lyon Stuart B , Stevens Nicholas P.C , Newman Roger C , Gunther Matt , McFiggans Gordon , Engelberg Dirk L
Published: April 2014

The occurrence of Atmospheric chloride-Induced Stress Corrosion Cracking (AISCC) in austenitic stainless steels beneath ‘wetted’ deposits of either artificial sea-salt, organically-enriched artificial sea-salt or MgCl2.6H2O has been investigated under controlled climatic conditions (40°C and 33% Relative Humidity). The presence of organic exudate in relatively large artificial sea-salt deposits (~3 mm diameter) appears to markedly decrease the induction time associated with AISCC; cracking occurred within a week in one U-bend specimen, well inside the ~12 week period usually observed under ‘wetted’ deposits of artificial sea-salt alone. Cracks appear to initiate from crevices formed under NaCl crystals. It is tentatively proposed that the organic species promotes greater coverage by the MgCl2 electrolyte in the vicinity of these crystals. This increases the probability of crevice initiation, and allows more rapid production of localized corrosion sites (pits or crevices) propagating under conditions that allow the transition to AISCC (pit/crevice dissolution rate < crack velocity).
Electrochemical Studies of 9-Fluorenone Complexation by Aluminum in Ionic Liquids
Authors: Cheek Graham T.
Published: April 2014

In the ionic liquid 1-butyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium trifluoro-methanesulfonate (BMPY TfO), 9-fluorenone undergoes weak complexation by Al(TfO)3, as in the case of Sc(TfO)3, La(TfO)3, and Yb(TfO)3. Cyclic voltammetry reflects this behavior by showing a small reduction peak shifted by +0.91V from uncomplexed fluorenone reduction process upon Al(TfO)3 addition, with smaller shifts for the original fluorenone voltammetric peaks. The overall weak interaction of Al(TfO)3 with the 9-fluorenone redox system is evidently due to extensive complexation of Al3+ by the triflate anion in BMPY TfO.
Electrochemical Sulfide Removal on Carbon Electrode in Sulfate Reducing Bacteria Microbiological Fuel Cell
Authors: Zheng Bijuan , Liu Hongfang
Published: April 2014

Sulfide electrochemical oxidizing process on carbon electrode in microbial fuel cell (MFC) was studied by using the electrochemical methods. In order to ensure only sulfate reducing bacteria involved, we purified and identified a kind of bacterium, Desulfotomaculum. Cyclic voltammetry and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy indicated that the sulfide oxidizing behavior on carbon electrode was an irreversible two-step electrochemical reaction: the metabolic sulfides were firstly oxidized to sulfur and/or polysulfides; and then the intermediates could be oxidized to sulfite if the redox potential was sufficiently positive. This result provided a tangible proof for the popular hypothesis that the electron generation object was the metabolic sulfide. Furthermore, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy demonstrated that Warburg resistance was the dominate impedance, which may be related to the limited diffusion rate of sulfide and/or the slow metabolic activity of sulfate reducing bacteria.
Experimental Study of Local Inner Ear Gene Therapy for Controlling Autoimmune Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Authors: Tan Chang-qiang , Gao Xia , Cai Wen-jun , Qian Xiao-yun , Lu Ling , Huang He
Published: April 2014

This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of gene therapy for treating autoimmune sensorineural hearing loss (ASHL) via local administration of a recombinant adenovirus vector containing the Fas ligand or interleukin IL-10 gene. Guinea pigs were divided into four groups, with different microinjections in the scala tympani. Group A were injected with FasL-EGFP, B with IL-10-EGFP, C with EGFP, and D with artificial perilymph. Seven days later, auditory brain-stem response (ABR) was tested, and the temporal bone was stained and observed by light microscopy. The spiral ligament and basement membrane were observed using transmission electron microscopy. FasL and IL-10 expression were examined using immunofluorescence histochemistry. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that the recombinant adenovirus vector in Groups A, B, and C can transfect the stria vascularis, the spiral ligament, the organ of Corti, the spiral ganglion, the region surrounding the small blood vessel in the modiolus, and the cochlear bone wall. Compared with those in Groups C and D, the ABR wave III mean thresholds were significantly lower and the inner ear immunoinflammatory responses in Groups A and B were significantly alleviated. Inhibition of immunoinflammatory response alleviated immunoinflammatory injury and auditory dysfunction. This technique shows potential as a novel therapy for ASHL.
Multifractal Structure of the Divergence Points of Some Homogeneous Moran Measures
Authors: Xiao JiaQing , He YouMing
Published: April 2014

The pointxfor which the limitlimr→0⁡(log⁡μBx,r/log⁡r)does not exist is called divergence point. Recently, multifractal structure of the divergence points of self-similar measures has been investigated by many authors. This paper is devoted to the study of some Moran measures with the support on the homogeneous Moran fractals associated with the sequences of which the frequency of the letter exists; the Moran measures associated with this kind of structure are neither Gibbs nor self-similar and than complex. Such measures possess singular features because of the existence of so-called divergence points. By the box-counting principle, we analyze multifractal structure of the divergence points of some homogeneous Moran measures and show that the Hausdorff dimension of the set of divergence points is the same as the dimension of the whole Moran set.
Recently Investigated Natural Gums and Mucilages as Pharmaceutical Excipients: An Overview
Authors: Choudhary Pritam Dinesh , Pawar Harshal Ashok
Published: April 2014

Due to advances in drug delivery technology, currently, excipients are included in novel dosage forms to fulfil specific functions and in some cases they directly or indirectly influence the extent and/or rate of drug release and drug absorption. Recent trends towards use of plant based and natural products demand the replacement of synthetic additives with natural ones. Today, the whole world is increasingly interested in natural drugs and excipients. These natural materials have many advantages over synthetic ones as they are chemically inert, nontoxic, less expensive, biodegradable, and widely available. This review discusses majority of the plant-derived polymeric compounds (gums and mucilage’s), their sources, chemical constituents, uses, and some recent investigations as excipients in novel drug delivery systems.
Efficacy of Continuous Epidural Analgesia versus Total Intravenous Analgesia on Postoperative Pain Control in Endovascular Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair: A Retrospective Case-Control Study
Authors: Şen Ahmet , Erdivanlı Başar , Özdemir Abdullah , Kazdal Hızır , Tuğcugil Ersagun
Published: April 2014

We reviewed our experience to compare the effectiveness of epidural analgesia and total intravenous analgesia on postoperative pain control in patients undergoing endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair. Records of 32 patients during a 2-year period were retrospectively investigated. TIVA group (n=18) received total intravenous anesthesia, and EA group (n=14) received epidural anesthesia and sedation. Pain assessment was performed on all patients on a daily basis during rest and activity on postoperative days until discharge from ward using the numeric rating scale. Data for demographic variables, required anesthetic level, perioperative hemodynamic variables, postoperative pain, and morbidities were recorded. There were no relevant differences concerning hospital stay (TIVA group: 14.1 ± 7.0, EA group: 13.5 ± 7.1), perioperative blood pressure variability (TIVA group: 15.6 ± 18.1, EA group: 14.8 ± 11.5), and perioperative hemodynamic complication rate (TIVA group: 17%, EA group: 14%). Postoperative pain scores differed significantly (TIVA group: 5.4 ± 0.9, EA group: 1.8 ± 0.8,P<0.001). Epidural anesthesia and postoperative epidural analgesia better reduce postoperative pain better compared with general anesthesia and systemic analgesia, with similar effects on hemodynamic status.
Stability Analysis of Hypersonic Boundary Layer over a Cone at Small Angle of Attack
Authors: Ji Feng , Liu Xunhua , Wang Qiang , Yuan Xiangjiang , Shen Qing
Published: April 2014

An investigation on the stability of hypersonic boundary layer over a cone at small angle of attack has been performed. After obtaining the steady base flow, linear stability theory (LST) analysis has been made with local parallel assumption. The growth rates of the first mode and second mode waves at different streamwise locations and different azimuthal angles are obtained. The results show that the boundary layer stability was greatly influenced by small angles of attack. The maximum growth rate of the most unstable wave on the leeward is larger than that on the windward. Moreover, dominating second mode wave starts earlier on the leeward than that on the windward. The LST result also shows that there is a “valley” region around 120°~150° meridian in the maximum growth rates curve.
Persea declinata (Bl.) Kosterm Bark Crude Extract Induces Apoptosis in MCF‐7 Cells via G0/G1 Cell Cycle Arrest, Bcl‐2/Bax/Bcl‐xl Signaling Pathways, and ROS Generation
Authors: Narrima Putri , Paydar Mohammadjavad , Looi Chung Yeng , Wong Yi Li , Taha Hairin , Wong Won Fen , Ali Mohd Mustafa , Hadi A. Hamid A.
Published: April 2014

Persea declinata (Bl.) Kosterm is a member of the Lauraceae family, widely distributed in Southeast Asia. It is from the same genus with avocado (Persea americana Mill), which is widely consumed as food and for medicinal purposes. In the present study, we examined the anticancer properties of Persea declinata (Bl.) Kosterm bark methanolic crude extract (PDM). PDM exhibited a potent antiproliferative effect in MCF‐7 human breast cancer cells, with an IC50 value of 16.68 µg/mL after 48 h of treatment. We observed that PDM caused cell cycle arrest and subsequent apoptosis in MCF‐7 cells, as exhibited by increased population at G0/G1 phase, higher lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, and DNA fragmentation. Mechanistic studies showed that PDM caused significant elevation in ROS production, leading to perturbation of mitochondrial membrane potential, cell permeability, and activation of caspases‐3/7. On the other hand, real‐time PCR and Western blot analysis showed that PDM treatment increased the expression of the proapoptotic molecule, Bax, but decreased the expression of prosurvival proteins, Bcl‐2 and Bcl‐xL, in a dose‐dependent manner. These findings imply that PDM could inhibit proliferation in MCF‐7 cells via cell cycle arrest and apoptosis induction, indicating its potential as a therapeutic agent worthy of further development.
Vascular Waveform Analysis of Flap-Feeding Vessels Using Color Doppler Ultrasonography
Authors: Ogino Akihiro , Onishi Kiyoshi
Published: April 2014

We performed vascular waveform analysis of flap-feeding vessels using color Doppler ultrasonography and evaluated the blood flow in the flaps prior to surgery. Vascular waveform analysis was performed in 19 patients. The analyzed parameters included the vascular diameter, flow volume, flow velocity, resistance index, pulsatility index, and acceleration time. The arterial waveform was classified into 5 types based on the partially modified blood flow waveform classification reported by Hirai et al.; in particular, D-1a, D-1b, and D-2 were considered as normal waveforms. They were 4 patients which observed abnormal vascular waveform among 19 patients (D-4 : 1, D-3 : 1, and Poor detect : 2). The case which presented D-4 waveform changed the surgical procedure, and a favorable outcome was achieved. Muscle flap of the case which presented D-3 waveform was partially necrosed. The case which detected blood flow poorly was judged to be the vascular obstruction of the internal thoracic artery. In the evaluation of blood flow in flaps using color Doppler ultrasonography, determination of not only basic blood flow information, such as the vascular distribution and diameter and flow velocity, but also the flow volume, vascular resistance, and arterial waveform is essential to elucidate the hemodynamics of the flap.
Electroacupuncture at PC6 or ST36 Influences the Effect of Tacrine on the Motility of Esophagus
Authors: Wang Chi , Chen Xin , Xie Peng-Yan
Published: April 2014

Aim. To investigate the mechanisms of gastrointestinal side effects of tacrine, and find treatment methods with electroacupuncture (EA). Methods. Twenty‐five healthy cats were randomly divided into 5 groups: gastric‐distention group (model group), tacrine group (cholinesterase inhibitor), tacrine + sham acupoint group (control group), tacrine + PC6 (neiguan) group, and tacrine + ST36 (zusanli) group, with 5 cats in each group. Saline 2 mL i.p. was given 30 min before gastric distention in model group. Tacrine 5.6 mg/kg i.p. was given 30 minutes before gastric distention in the other groups. Tacrine + sham acupoint group (control group), tacrine + PC6 group, and tacrine + ST36 group received EA at corresponding acupoints during gastric distention. The frequency of TLESRs and LESP were recorded by using a perfused sleeve assembly. Results. Compared with the model group, tacrine significantly increased the frequency of gastric distention‐induced TLESR (P < 0.05) but did not influence the rate of common cavity during TLESR. Tacrine significantly increased the LESP, which could not remain during gastric distention. EA at PC6 could decrease the frequency of TLESR and maintain the increase of LESP, but EA at ST36 did not have these effects. Conclusion. Tacrine can significantly increase the gastric distention‐induced transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxations (TLESRs). Electroacupuncture (EA) at PC6 may reverse the above side effect.
Posttranscriptional Suppression of Lipopolysaccharide-Stimulated Inflammatory Responses by Macrophages in Middle-Aged Mice: A Possible Role for Eukaryotic Initiation Factor 2α
Authors: Shirato Ken , Imaizumi Kazuhiko
Published: April 2014

The intensities of macrophage inflammatory responses to bacterial components gradually decrease with age. Given that a reduced rate of protein synthesis is a common age-related biochemical change, which is partially mediated by increased phosphorylation of eukaryotic initiation factor-2α(eIF-2α), we investigated the mechanism responsible for the deterioration of macrophage inflammatory responses, focusing specifically on the age-related biochemical changes in middle-aged mice. Peritoneal macrophages isolated from 2-month-old (young) and 12-month-old (middle-aged) male BALB/c mice were stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Although LPS-stimulated secretion of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) by the macrophages from middle-aged mice was significantly lower than that from young mice, LPS caused marked increases in levels of TNF-αmRNA in macrophages from middle-aged as well as young mice. Moreover, LPS evoked similar levels of phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) in young and middle-aged mice. In contrast, the basal level of phosphorylated eIF-2αin macrophages from middle-aged mice was higher than that in macrophages from young mice. Salubrinal, an inhibitor of the phosphatase activity that dephosphorylates eIF-2α, suppressed the LPS-stimulated inflammatory responses in a murine macrophage cell line RAW264.7. These results suggest that posttranscriptional suppression of macrophage inflammatory responses during middle age requires phosphorylation of eIF-2α.
Augmenting Multi-Instance Multilabel Learning with Sparse Bayesian Models for Skin Biopsy Image Analysis
Authors: Zhang Gang , Yin Jian , Su Xiangyang , Huang Yongjing , Lao Yingrong , Liang Zhaohui , Ou Shanxing , Zhang Honglai
Published: April 2014

Skin biopsy images can reveal causes and severity of many skin diseases, which is a significant complement for skin surface inspection. Automatic annotation of skin biopsy image is an important problem for increasing efficiency and reducing the subjectiveness in diagnosis. However it is challenging particularly when there exists indirect relationship between annotation terms and local regions of a biopsy image, as well as local structures with different textures. In this paper, a novel method based on a recent proposed machine learning model, named multi-instance multilabel (MIML), is proposed to model the potential knowledge and experience of doctors on skin biopsy image annotation. We first show that the problem of skin biopsy image annotation can naturally be expressed as a MIML problem and then propose an image representation method that can capture both region structure and texture features, and a sparse Bayesian MIML algorithm which can produce probabilities indicating the confidence of annotation. The proposed algorithm framework is evaluated on a real clinical dataset containing 12,700 skin biopsy images. The results show that it is effective and prominent.
On the Inequalities for the Generalized Trigonometric Functions
Authors: Neuman Edward
Published: April 2014

This paper deals with Huygens-type and Wilker-type inequalities for the generalized trigonometric functions of P. Lindqvist. A major mathematical tool used in this work is a generalized version of the Schwab-Borchardt mean introduced recently by the author of this work.
Bounds on the Size of the Minimum Dominating Sets of Some Cylindrical Grid Graphs
Authors: Nandi Mrinal , Parui Subrata , Adhikari Avishek
Published: April 2014

Let γPm □ Cn denote the domination number of the cylindrical grid graph formed by the Cartesian product of the graphs Pm, the path of length m, m≥2, and the graph Cn, the cycle of length n, n≥3. In this paper we propose methods to find the domination numbers of graphs of the form Pm □ Cn with n≥3 and m=5 and propose tight bounds on domination numbers of the graphs P6 □ Cn, n≥3. Moreover, we provide rough bounds on domination numbers of the graphs Pm □ Cn, n≥3 and m≥7. We also point out how domination numbers and minimum dominating sets are useful for wireless sensor networks.
Water-Soluble and Biodegradable Pectin-Grafted Polyacrylamide and Pectin-Grafted Polyacrylic Acid: Electrochemical Investigation of Corrosion-Inhibition Behaviour on Mild Steel in 3.5% NaCl Media
Authors: Geethanjali R. , Sabirneeza A. Ali Fathima , Subhashini S.
Published: April 2014

Pectin-g-polyacrylamide (denoted as Pec-g-PAAm) and pectin-g-polyacrylic acid (denoted as Pec-g-PAA) were synthesized using pectin, acrylamide, and acrylic acid as starting materials. The grafted polymers were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analyser (TGA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The corrosion inhibition behaviour of the grafted polymers on mild steel in 3.5% NaCl was evaluated electrochemically through Tafel polarization and impedance studies. The corrosion inhibition performance of both the polymers was found to be around 85%.
Seismic Behaviour of Exterior Reinforced Concrete Beam-Column Joints in High Performance Concrete Using Metakaolin and Partial Replacement with Quarry Dust
Authors: Shankar G. R. Vijay , Suji D.
Published: April 2014

Recent earthquakes have demonstrated that most of the reinforced concrete structures were severely damaged; the beam-column joints, being the lateral and vertical load resisting members in reinforced concrete structures, are particularly vulnerable to failures during earthquakes. The existing reinforced concrete beam-column joints are not designed as per code IS13920:1993. Investigation of high performance concrete (HPC) joints with conventional concrete (CC) joints (exterior beam-column) was performed by comparing various reinforcement detailing schemes. Ten specimens were considered in this investigation and the results were compared: four specimens with CC (with and without seismic detailing), four specimens with HPC (with and without seismic detailing), and two specimens with HPC at confinement joint. The test was conducted for lateral load displacement, hysteresis loop, load ratio, percent of initial stiffness versus displacement curve, total energy dissipation, strain in beam main bars, and crack pattern. The results reveal that HPC with seismic detailing will be better compared with other reinforcements details under cyclic loading and reverse cyclic loading.
Air Damping Analysis in Comb Microaccelerometer
Authors: Zhou Wu , Chen Yu , Peng Bei , Yang Hui , Yu Huijun , Liu Heng , He Xiaoping
Published: April 2014

Air damping significantly influences the dynamical characteristics of MEMS accelerometers. Its effects at micro-scale level sharply depend on the structure layouts and size of MEMS devices. The damping phenomenon of comb microaccelerometers is investigated. The air between fixed plate electrodes and movable plate electrodes cannot flow freely and is compressed. The air damping, therefore, exhibits both viscous effects and stiffness effects. The former generates a drag force like that in macromechanical systems, and the damping force is proportional to the velocity of movable electrodes. The latter stiffens the rigidity of structure, and the stiffening level is related to the gap value of capacitors, internal pressure, and temperature. This paper focuses on the dependence of the squeeze film air damping on capacitor gaps. The simulation and experiments indicate that the squeeze film effect is sharply affected by the gap value when the structural dimensions decrease. And the influence of fabrication errors is considered in damping design in comb microaccelerometers.
Secondhand Smoke Exposure, Restless Sleep, and Sleep Duration in Adolescents
Authors: Schwartz Jennifer , Bottorff Joan L. , Richardson Chris G.
Published: April 2014

Purpose. To examine whether secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure is associated with restless sleep and/or nighttime sleep duration among adolescents.Methods. Data were analyzed from 1,592 adolescents who completed an internet-delivered survey as part of the British Columbia Adolescent Substance Use Survey cohort study. Ordinal logistic and linear regression models were used to examine associations between frequency of SHS exposure in the past month and frequency of restless sleep and nighttime sleep duration, respectively.Results. SHS exposure was significantly positively associated with restless sleep and significantly negatively associated with sleep duration. In fully adjusted models, compared with students who reported never being exposed to SHS in the past month, students who reported a low, medium, or high frequency of SHS exposure were 1.53, 1.76, and 2.51 times as likely, respectively, to report more frequent restless sleep (OR=1.53, 95% CI 1.08–2.16;OR=1.76, 95% CI 1.22–2.53;OR=2.51, 95% CI 1.59–3.98). With regard to sleep duration, as frequency of SHS exposure increased by one category, nighttime sleep duration during the week and weekend decreased by 4 minutes (B=-0.06, 95%CI=-0.01–-0.11) and 6 minutes (B=-0.09, 95%CI=-0.03–-0.14), respectively.Conclusions. This study suggests that frequency of SHS exposure has a significant dose-response relationship with restless sleep and sleep duration in adolescents.
Self-Supervised Sensor Learning and Its Application: Building 3D Semantic Maps Using Terrain Classification
Authors: Yi Chuho , Song Donghui , Cho Jungwon
Published: April 2014

An autonomous robot in an outdoor environment needs to recognize the surrounding environment to move to a desired location safely; that is, a map is needed to classify/perceive the terrain. This paper proposes a method that enables a robot to classify a terrain in various outdoor environments using terrain information that it recognizes without the assistance of a user; then, it creates a three-dimensional (3D) semantic map. The proposed self-supervised learning system stores data on the appearance of the ground data using image features extracted by observing the movement of humans and vehicles while the robot is stopped. It learns about the surrounding environment using a support vector machine with the stored data, which is divided into terrains where people or vehicles have moved and other regions. This makes it possible to learn which terrain an object can travel on using a self-supervised learning and image-processing methods. Then the robot can recognize the current environment and simultaneously build a 3D map using the RGB-D iterative closest point algorithm with a RGB-D sensor (Kinect). To complete the 3D semantic map, it adds semantic terrain information to the map.
Nonmonotone Adaptive Barzilai-Borwein Gradient Algorithm for Compressed Sensing
Authors: Qiu Yuanying , Yan Jianlei , Xu Fanyong
Published: April 2014

We study a nonmonotone adaptive Barzilai-Borwein gradient algorithm forl1-norm minimization problems arising from compressed sensing. At each iteration, the generated search direction enjoys descent property and can be easily derived by minimizing a local approximal quadratic model and simultaneously taking the favorable structure of thel1-norm. Under some suitable conditions, its global convergence result could be established. Numerical results illustrate that the proposed method is promising and competitive with the existing algorithms NBBL1 and TwIST.
Nonlocal Variational Principles with Variable Growth
Authors: Fu Yongqiang , Yang Miaomiao
Published: April 2014

This paper is concerned with the functionalJdefined byJ(u)=∫Ω×ΩW(x,y,∇u(x),∇u(y))dx dy, whereΩ⊂ℝNis a regular open bounded set andWis a real-valued function with variable growth. After discussing the theory of Young measures in variable exponent Sobolev spaces, we study the weak lower semicontinuity and relaxation ofJ.
Beneficial Effect ofCissus quadrangularisLinn. on Osteopenia Associated with Streptozotocin-Induced Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus in Male Wistar Rats
Authors: Rao Sirasanagandla Srinivasa , Ranganath Pai Karkala Sreedhara , Potu Bhagath Kumar , Bhat Kumar M.R.
Published: April 2014

Petroleum ether fraction ofCissus quadrangularis(PECQ) impact on the development of osteopenia in type 1 diabetic rat model has been evaluated. Diabetic rats were treated orally with two doses ofPECQ. Another group of diabetic rats were treated with subcutaneous injection of synthetic human insulin. The cortical and trabecular bone thickness and bone strength were significantly decreased in diabetic rats. Treatment with two doses ofPECQsignificantly prevented these changes in diabetic rats. However,PECQtreatment (two doses) did not alter the glycemic levels in these diabetic rats. Increased levels of serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP), tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP), and hydroxyproline were noted in diabetic rats when compared to normal control rats. The two doses ofPECQtreatment further improved the serum ALP levels and significantly decreased the serum levels of TRAP and hydroxyproline. The effects ofPECQtreatment on histological, biomechanical, and biochemical parameters are comparable to those of insulin. SincePECQimproves the bone health in hyperglycemic conditions by enhancing the cortical and trabecular bone growth and altering the circulating bone markers, it could be used as an effective therapy against diabetes-associated bone disorders.
Hypothyroidism Induced Severe Rhabdomyolysis in a Hemodialysis Patient
Authors: Tatar Erhan , Isikyakar Tolgay , Yeniay Kezban Pinar , Uzuner Hasan Huseyin , Sevinc Ok Ebru
Published: April 2014

Hypothyroidism occurs relatively common and is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality during the course of chronic kidney disease. Rhabdomyolysis is a potentially life-threatening condition characterised by necrosis of muscular tissue and rarely associates with hypothyroidism. Here we describe a case of rhabdomyolysis due to severe hypothyroidism in a 56-year-old female hemodialysis patient.
The Relationship between the Antitumor Effect of the IL-12 Gene Therapy and the Expression of Th1 Cytokines in an HPV16-Positive Murine Tumor Model
Authors: García Paz Flor , Madrid Marina Vicente , Morales Ortega Ausencio , Santander González Abimelec , Peralta Zaragoza Oscar , Burguete García Ana , Torres Poveda Kirvis , Moreno José , Alcocer González Juan , Hernandez Marquez Eva , Bermúdez Morales Victor
Published: April 2014

Objective. The goal of the present study was to investigate the effect of IL-12 expressed in plasmid on the Th1 cytokine profile in an experimental HPV16-positive murine tumor model and the association with the IL-12’s antitumor effect.Methods. Mice were injected with BMK-16/myc cells to establish HPV16-positive tumor and then pNGVL3-mIL-12 plasmid; pcDNA3 plasmid or PBS was injected directly into tumor site. The antitumor effect of the treatment was evaluated and the cytokines expression profile in each tumor tissue was analyzed.Results. Treatment with pNGVL3-mIL-12 plasmid had a significant antitumor effect, and a Th2-Th3-type cytokines prolife was detected in the murine tumor model with expression of the cytokines IL-10, IL-4, and TGF-β1. However, after the tumor was treated with three intratumoral injections of plasmid containing IL-12 cDNA, it showed a cytokine profile associated with Th1 with expression of IL-2, IL-12, and IFN-γcytokines and reduced expression of IL-10, IL-4, and TGF-β1.Conclusions. The treatment with the IL-12 gene in the experimental HPV16-positive tumor model promoted the activation of the cellular immune response via expression of a Th1-type cytokine profile and was associated with the inhibition of tumor growth. Thus, IL-12 treatment represents a novel approach for gene therapy against cervical cancer.
Gender Recognition from Unconstrained and Articulated Human Body
Authors: Wu Qin , Guo Guodong
Published: April 2014

Gender recognition has many useful applications, ranging from business intelligence to image search and social activity analysis. Traditional research on gender recognition focuses on face images in a constrained environment. This paper proposes a method for gender recognition in articulated human body images acquired from an unconstrained environment in the real world. A systematic study of some critical issues in body-based gender recognition, such as which body parts are informative, how many body parts are needed to combine together, and what representations are good for articulated body-based gender recognition, is also presented. This paper also pursues data fusion schemes and efficient feature dimensionality reduction based on the partial least squares estimation. Extensive experiments are performed on two unconstrained databases which have not been explored before for gender recognition.