bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Approximate Analytical Method of the Nonlinear Vibroacoustic Coupling System
Authors: Zhou Qizheng , Wang Deshi , Zhu Yongyong
Published: May 2014

An approximate analytical method of the nonlinear vibroacoustic coupling system is proposed for the first time. Taking the Duffing oscillator-plate-medium system as an example, the nonlinear vibroacoustic coupling equations are developed using variational principle. The two major difficulties which lie in solving the coupling equations are the uncertain motion of the oscillator and the surface acoustic pressure on the plate, a system for which the fluid-structure coupling cannot be neglected. Based on the incremental harmonic balance (IHB) method, the motion of the oscillator is expressed in the form of the Fourier series, and then the modal expression method and the incoherent assumption are employed to discretize the displacement and the surface pressure of the plate. Then the approximate analytical solution is given by the IHB method. The characteristics of acoustic radiation and surface quadratic velocity of the plate, the nonlinear characteristics of oscillator, and the influence of the excitation frequency and the nonlinear stiffness on the results are investigated by the numerical simulation. The results show that the excitation at the frequency close to the natural frequency of the oscillator can produce a significant response of the third-harmonic generation which determines the vibroacoustic characteristics of the plate.
Multiple Positive Periodic Solutions for a Functional Difference System
Authors: Cheng Yue-Wen , Ding Hui-Sheng
Published: May 2014

We obtain two existence results about multiple positive periodic solutions for a class of functional difference system. Two examples are given to illustrate our results.
Generation of the Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus E0 Protein in Transgenic Astragalus and Its Immunogenicity in Sika Deer
Authors: Gao Yugang , Zhao Xueliang , Zang Pu , Liu Qun , Wei Gongqing , Zhang Lianxue
Published: May 2014

The bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV), a single‐stranded RNA virus, can cause fatal diarrhea syndrome, respiratory problems, and reproductive disorders in herds. Over the past few years, it has become clear that the BVDV infection rates are increasing and it is likely that an effective vaccine for BVDV will be needed. In this study, transgenic Astragalus was used as an alternative productive platform for the expression of glycoprotein E0. The immunogenicity of glycoprotein E0 expressed in transgenic Astragalus was detected in deer. The presence of pBI121‐E0 was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), transcription was verified by reverse transcription‐ (RT‐) PCR, and recombinant protein expression was confirmed by ELISA and Western blot analyses. Deer that were immunized subcutaneously with the transgenic plant vaccine developed specific humoral and cell‐mediated immune responses against BVDV. This study provides a new method for a protein with weak immunogenicity to be used as part of a transgenic plant vaccine.
Imaging of a Renal Artery Aneurysm Detected Incidentally on Ultrasonography
Authors: Rafailidis Vasileios , Gavriilidou Anna , Liouliakis Christos , Poultsaki Maria , Theodoridis Triantafyllos , Charalampidis Vasileios
Published: May 2014

Renal artery aneurysms occur with a frequency of less than 1% of the general population. Even if they are usually asymptomatic and incidentally found, they can be complicated with life-threatening conditions like rupture, thrombosis, embolism, or hypertension. Thus, once diagnosed, they should be fully evaluated with further imaging and treated when indicated. We present the case of a patient who was referred for ultrasonography for an unrelated reason. The examination demonstrated a hyperechoic focus near the right kidney. Further imaging workup with MDCT established the diagnosis of a right renal artery aneurysm which was saccular in shape and peripherally calcified. This ring-like calcification was also visible in a KUB radiography which was also performed. After presenting the case, various aspects of this rare entity are discussed.
Weakly Weighted Sharing and Uniqueness of Meromorphic Functions
Authors: Alzahary Thamir
Published: May 2014

With the aid of the notion of weakly weighted sharing, we study the uniqueness of meromorphic
functions sharing four pairs of small functions. Our results improve and generalize some results
given by Czubiak and Gundersen, Li and Yang, and other authors.
A New Seamless Transfer Control Strategy of the Microgrid
Authors: Zhang Zhaoyun , Chen Wei , Zhang Zhe
Published: May 2014

A microgrid may operate under two typical modes; the seamless transfer control of the microgrid is very important. The mode conversion controller is installed in microgrid and the control logic of master power is optimized for microgrid mode conversion. In the proposed scheme, master power is very important. The master-power is under the PQ control when microgrid is under grid-connected. And it is under V/F control when the microgrid is under islanding. The microgrid mode controller is used to solve the planned conversion. Three types of conversion are simulated in this paper. The simulation results show the correctness and validity of the mode control scheme. Finally, the implementation and application of the operation and control device are described.
Multivariable Regression and Adaptive Neurofuzzy Inference System Predictions of Ash Fusion Temperatures Using Ash Chemical Composition of US Coals
Authors: Karimi Shahab , Jorjani Esmaeil , Chehreh Chelgani Saeed , Mesroghli Shahin
Published: May 2014

In this study, the effects of ratios of dolomite, base/acid, silica, SiO2/Al2O3, and Fe2O3/CaO, base and acid oxides, and 11 oxides (SiO2, Al2O3, CaO, MgO, MnO, Na2O, K2O, Fe2O3, TiO2, P2O5, and SO3) on ash fusion temperatures for 1040 US coal samples from 12 states were evaluated using regression and adaptive neurofuzzy inference system (ANFIS) methods. Different combinations of independent variables were examined to predict ash fusion temperatures in the multivariable procedure. The combination of the “11 oxides + (Base/Acid) + Silica ratio” was the best predictor. Correlation coefficients (R2) of 0.891, 0.917, and 0.94 were achieved using nonlinear equations for the prediction of initial deformation temperature (IDT), softening temperature (ST), and fluid temperature (FT), respectively. The mentioned “best predictor” was used as input to the ANFIS system as well, and the correlation coefficients (R2) of the prediction were enhanced to 0.97, 0.98, and 0.99 for IDT, ST, and FT, respectively. The prediction precision that was achieved in this work exceeded that reported in previously published works.
Attenuation of Collagen-Induced Arthritis in Mice by Salmon Proteoglycan
Authors: Yoshimura Sayuri , Asano Krisana , Nakane Akio
Published: May 2014

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a serious autoimmune disease caused by chronic inflammation of connective tissues. The basic principle of RA treatment is aimed to reduce joint inflammation. Our previous studies demonstrated that salmon cartilage proteoglycan (PG) suppresses excess inflammation in different mouse inflammatory diseases. In this study, we investigated the prophylactic effect of PG on the progression of RA using an experimental mouse model, collagen-induced arthritis (CIA). Clinical and histological severity of CIA was attenuated by daily oral administration of PG. In the joints of PG-administered mice, infiltration of macrophages and neutrophils and also osteoclast accumulation were limited. In comparison to nonadministered mice, anti-collagen antibodies in the sera of PG-administered mice did not alter. On the other hand, local expression of interleukin-17A (IL-17A), IL-6, IL-1β, interferon-γ(IFN-γ), C-C chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2), C-X-C chemokine ligand 1 (CXCL1), and CXCL2 in the joints of PG-administered mice decreased. Moreover, in the response of type II collagen- (CII-) restimulation ex vivo, IL-17A and IFN-γproduction by splenocytes from PG-administered mice was less than that of control mice. These data suggested that daily ingested PG attenuated CIA pathogenesis by modulating immune response of splenocytes to CII stimulation and local production inflammatory cytokines and chemokines in the joints.
Reconfigurable and Tunable Metamaterials: A Review of the Theory and Applications
Authors: Turpin Jeremiah P. , Bossard Jeremy A. , Morgan Kenneth L. , Werner Douglas H. , Werner Pingjuan L.
Published: May 2014

Metamaterials are being applied to the development and construction of many new devices throughout the electromagnetic spectrum. Limitations posed by the metamaterial operational bandwidth and losses can be effectively mitigated through the incorporation of tunable elements into the metamaterial devices. There are a wide range of approaches that have been advanced in the literature for adding reconfiguration to metamaterial devices all the way from the RF through the optical regimes, but some techniques are useful only for certain wavelength bands. A range of tuning techniques span from active circuit elements introduced into the resonant conductive metamaterial geometries to constituent materials that change electromagnetic properties under specific environmental stimuli. This paper presents a survey of the development of reconfigurable and tunable metamaterial technology as well as of the applications where such capabilities are valuable.
Preparation, Characterization, and Biotoxicity of Nanosized Doped ZnO Photocatalyst
Authors: Liu Lingling , Wang XiangRui , Yang Xiuping , Fan Wenhong , Wang Xiaolong , Wang Ning , Li Xiaomin , Xue Feng
Published: May 2014

Metal-doped nanosized ZnO (nZnO) photocatalyst has been widely used for its typical properties and has thus gained considerable attention. In this study, five types of nZnO (nondoped nZnO, iron- (Fe-) doped nZnO, cobalt- (Co-) doped nZnO, nickel- (Ni-) doped nZnO, and manganese- (Mn-) doped nZnO) materials were prepared through a wet chemical method and then exposed toDaphnia magna(D. magna) at low and high concentrations (50 and 250 μg L−1). Results showed that the different metal-doped nZnOs had a variety of shapes and sizes and exhibited diverse dissolubility. After exposure tests, Zn accumulation, metallothionein (MT), and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents inD. magnaunder 250 μg L−1were significantly higher than those in the 50 μg L−1groups. Compared with nondoped nZnO, Co-doped and Ni-doped nZnO enhanced Zn accumulation inD. magnawhereas Mn-doped nZnO reduced such accumulation. MT and MDA contents in metal-doped nZnO (except Ni-nZnO) treatments were lower than those in nondoped nZnO. Zn accumulation showed a negative relationship with dissolved Zn percentage, which can be explained by the swallowing of nZnO particles as an important pathway ofD. magnaingestion. Sizes, dissolubility, and physiological functions of doping metals were the influencing factors on metal-doped nZnO biotoxicity toD. magna.
Unusual Presentation of Uncommon Disease: Anorexia Nervosa Presenting as Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome—A Case Report from Southeast Asia
Authors: Mushtaq Raheel , Shoib Sheikh , Shah Tabindah , Bhat Mudasir , Singh Randhir , Mushtaq Sahil
Published: May 2014

Anorexia nervosa presenting as Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome is rare. The causes of Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome are multiple like alcohol abuse, thyrotoxicosis, haemodialysis, severe malnutrition because of gastric carcinoma and pyloric obstruction, hyperemesis gravidarum, and prolonged parenteral feeding. We report a case of anorexia nervosa, who presented with Wernicke's encephalopathy and progressed to Korsakoff's syndrome. Knowledge, awareness, and early intervention of anorexia nervosa by mental health professionals can prevent development of Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome.
Distribution Characteristic of Soil Organic Carbon Fraction in Different Types of Wetland in Hongze Lake of China
Authors: Lu Yan , Xu Hongwen
Published: May 2014

Soil organic carbon fractions included microbial biomass carbon (MBC), dissolved organic carbon (DOC), and labile organic carbon (LOC), which was investigated over a 0–20 cm depth profile in three types of wetland in Hongze Lake of China. Their ecoenvironmental effect and the relationships with soil organic carbon (SOC) were analyzed in present experiment. The results showed that both active and SOC contents were in order reduced by estuarine wetland, flood plain, and out-of-lake wetland. Pearson correlative analysis indicated that MBC and DOC were positively related to SOC. The lowest ratios of MBC and DOC to SOC in the estuarine wetland suggested that the turnover rate of microbial active carbon pool was fairly low in this kind of wetland. Our results showed that estuarine wetland had a strong carbon sink function, which played important role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions; besides, changes of water condition might affect the accumulation and decomposition of organic carbon in the wetland soils.
Volume and Aboveground Biomass Models for Dry Miombo Woodland in Tanzania
Authors: Mwakalukwa Ezekiel Edward , Meilby Henrik , Treue Thorsten
Published: May 2014

Tools to accurately estimate tree volume and biomass are scarce for most forest types in East Africa, including Tanzania. Based on a sample of 142 trees and 57 shrubs from a 6,065 ha area of dry miombo woodland in Iringa rural district in Tanzania, regression models were developed for volume and biomass of three important species,Brachystegia spiciformisBenth. (n = 40),Combretum molleG. Don (n = 41), andDalbergia arbutifoliaBaker (n = 37) separately, and for broader samples of trees (28 species,n = 72), shrubs (16 species,n = 32), and trees and shrubs combined (44 species,n = 104). Applied independent variables were log-transformed diameter, height, and wood basic density, and in each case a range of different models were tested. The general tendency among the final models is that the fit improved when height and wood basic density were included. Also the precision and accuracy of the predictions tended to increase from general to species-specific models. Except for a few volume and biomass models developed for shrubs, all models hadR2values of 96–99%. Thus, the models appear robust and should be applicable to forests with similar site conditions, species, and diameter ranges.
Brugada Syndrome and Pregnancy: Highlights on Antenatal and Prenatal Management
Authors: Giambanco Laura , Incandela Domenico , Maiorana Antonio , Alio Walter , Alio Luigi
Published: May 2014

Introduction. Brugada syndrome is characterized by a disruption of heart’s normal rhythm. It is an autosomal dominant disease due to a mutation of SNC5A gene. Its prevalence is low all over the world, but it is a lethal disease. Sudden cardiac death is the result of phenotypic manifestation of Brugada syndrome. Among asymptomatic Brugada patients, arrhythmia could be provoked by physical activity, fever, or pregnancy. About obstetrical management, very few data or reports have been published since this syndrome has been diagnosed in late 1992.Case Presentation. A 20-year-old pregnant woman at 13 weeks of gestation was referred to our department because of her familial history of sudden cardiac deaths. Brothers and sisters of her mother died of Brugada syndrome in childhood or older and live components of this family were carrier of mutation in Brugada gene. The pregnancy was uneventful. The patient gave birth vaginally without any arrhythmia. Strictly cardiological monitoring was performed during labour, delivery, and 12 hours of the postpartum.Conclusion. Even though patient at low risk may never have arrhythmia, some conditions could represent a Brugada trigger. The management could be very easy and uneventful. Otherwise it could be very difficult with need of ECMO or antiarrhythmics drugs or intracardiac device. Obstetrical management of Brugada pregnant women should be very strict and multidisciplinary in cooperation with cardiologist and anaesthesiologist and should provide an informed consent to the couple.
Effect of Plasma Pretreatment on Thermal Durability of Thermal Barrier Coatings in Cyclic Thermal Exposure
Authors: Myoung Sang-Won , Lu Zhe , Jung Yeon-Gil , Jang Byung-Koog , Yoo Young-Soo , Seo Seong-Moon , Choi Baig-Gyu , Jo Chang-Yong
Published: May 2014

Plasma pretreatment on the top and bond coats was performed and its influence on the thermal durability of thermal barrier coating (TBC) system was investigated through cyclic thermal exposure. Two types of bond coat were prepared by different methods, namely, air plasma spray (APS) and high-velocity oxy-fuel (HVOF), and two kinds of feedstock powder were employed for preparing the top coat in APS process. The better thermal durability was achieved in the vertically cracked TBC with the surface modified bond coat or with the bond coat prepared by APS process. The hardness and fracture toughness values of TBCs increased because of densification of the top coat during cyclic thermal exposure, and the bond coat prepared by HVOF process showed higher values than that by APS process. The TBCs with the surface modified bond coat were more efficient in improving adhesive strength than those without plasma pretreatment on the bond coat. The relationship between microstructure evolution and thermomechanical characteristics of TBCs with plasma pretreatment was discussed in cyclic thermal exposure.
Treatment of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia from Traditional Chinese Medicine
Authors: Hsiao Ya-Li , Chang Pei-Chun , Huang Hung-Jin , Kuo Chia-Chen , Chen Calvin Yu-Chian
Published: May 2014

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is a cancer that immature white blood cells continuously overproduce in the bone marrow. These cells crowd out normal cells in the bone marrow bringing damage and death. Methotrexate (MTX) is a drug used in the treatment of various cancer and autoimmune diseases. In particular, for the treatment of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia, it had significant effect. MTX competitively inhibits dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR), an enzyme that participates in the tetrahydrofolate synthesis so as to inhibit purine synthesis. In addition, its downstream metabolite methotrexate polyglutamates (MTX‐PGs) inhibit the thymidylate synthase (TS). Therefore, MTX can inhibit the synthesis of DNA. However, MTX has cytotoxicity and neurotoxin may cause multiple organ injury and is potentially lethal. Thus, the lower toxicity drugs are necessary to be developed. Recently, diseases treatments with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) as complements are getting more and more attention. In this study, we attempted to discover the compounds with drug‐like potential for ALL treatment from the components in TCM. We applied virtual screen and QSAR models based on structure‐based and ligand‐based studies to identify the potential TCM component compounds. Our results show that the TCM compounds adenosine triphosphate, manninotriose, raffinose, and stachyose could have potential to improve the side effects of MTX for ALL treatment.
Genistein Induces Deleterious Effects during Its Acute Exposure in Swiss Mice
Authors: Singh Prabhat , Sharma Sharad , Kumar Rath Srikanta
Published: May 2014

Genistein is a soy derived isoflavone. It has wide variety of therapeutic effects against certain diseases including cancer. Although toxic effects of genistein have been studied, its effect on the gene expression and the reason behind toxicity have not been identified yet. In the present study, genistein was administered to age and body weight matched Swiss mice at the doses of 125, 250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg. The biomarkers of hepatotoxicity in serum, liver histology, oxidative stress parameters in tissue homogenates, and global gene expression were examined. Elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels and degenerated liver tissue were observed in 500, and 1000 mg/kg genistein treated groups. Oxidative stress was significant at these doses as considerable increase in lipid peroxidation (LPO) and decrease in total glutathione (GSH) were observed. Gene expression analysis showed 40 differentially expressed genes at twofold change andP<0.05.Differentially expressed genes were corresponding to different biologically relevant pathways including metabolic and oxidative stress pathways. In 500 mg/kg group, Cyp4a14, Sult1e1, Gadd45g, Cidec, Mycs, and so forth genes were upregulated. These results suggested that the higher dose of genistein can produce several undesirable effects by affecting multiple cellular pathways.
Rapid Detection Method of Moldy Maize Kernels Based on Color Feature
Authors: Chu Xuan , Tao Yong , Wang Wei , Yuan Ying , Xi Mingjie
Published: May 2014

In order to find the moldy maize kernels quickly, a method based on machine vision was proposed in this paper. Firstly, images of maize kernels were taken by the moldy maize sorting equipment, and three parts of every kernel, that is, moldy plaques, healthy endosperm and healthy embryo, were selected from these images. Then a threshold was set in R channel by analyzing color features of those three parts in RGB model. In this method, moldy plaques can be identified roughly. After that the location of the moldy plaques on the kernels was studied, a circle, whose centre was approximately the centroid of a maize kernel and diameter was about the width of embryos, was set to exclude the interference caused by shadow. This method, with the accuracy of 92.1%, laid a good foundation for the further study of moldy maize sorting equipment.
Characterization of Modified Magnetite Nanoparticles for Albumin Immobilization
Authors: Bordbar A. K. , Rastegari A. A. , Amiri R. , Ranjbakhsh E. , Abbasi M. , Khosropour A. R.
Published: May 2014

Magnetite Fe3O4 nanoparticles (NPs) were prepared by chemical coprecipitation method. Silica-coated magnetite NPs were prepared by sol-gel reaction, subsequently coated with 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) via silanization reaction, and then were activated with 2,4,6-trichloro-1,3,5-triazine (TCT) and covalently immobilized with bovine serum albumin (BSA). The size and structure of the particles were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), and dynamic light scattering (DLS) techniques. The immobilization was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). XRD analysis showed that the binding process has not done any phase change to Fe3O4. The immobilization time for this process was 4 h and the amount of immobilized BSA for the initial value of 1.05 mg BSA was about 120 mg/gr nanoparticles. Also, the influences of three different buffer solutions and ionic strength on covalent immobilization were evaluated.
Evaluation of Microbial Enzymes in Normal and Abnormal Cervicovaginal Fluids of Cervical Dysplasia: A Case Control Study
Authors: Dasari Subramanyam , Rajendra Wudayagiri , Valluru Lokanatha
Published: May 2014

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the role of microbial enzymes in normal and abnormal cervicovaginal fluids of cervical dysplasia. The cervicovaginal infections were evaluated through the estimation of microbial enzymes in patients with and without abnormal cervical cytology like bacterial and fungal infections. The patients were categorized based on infection caused by organism and stages of dysplasia. The pH, Whiff test, and Pap smear tests were conducted for normal and abnormal cervical swabs based on standard protocols. Microbial enzymes include mucinase, sialidases, and proteases of the cervical swabs and are estimated according to standard methods. The results of abnormal cervical cytological smears showed increased pH and the presence of amines with different levels of Pap smear test. Increased levels of microbial enzymes were observed in patients with abnormal cytology than normal cytology. Three microbial enzymes mucinase, sialidase, and protease were significantly (P<0.01) more elevated in patients with bacterial infections (8.97±0.64,10.39±0.28,8.12±0.64) than without dysplasia (2.02±0.8,1.98±0.3,1.96±0.8). The results reinforce that the microbial infection seems to be more prone to cervical dysplasia and may act as risk-factor for the development of cervical cancer along with HPV infection.
Knockdown ofAKT3(PKBγ) andPI3KCASuppresses Cell Viability and Proliferation and Induces the Apoptosis of Glioblastoma Multiforme T98G Cells
Authors: Paul-Samojedny Monika , Suchanek Renata , Borkowska Paulina , Pudełko Adam , Owczarek Aleksander , Kowalczyk Małgorzata , Machnik Grzegorz , Fila-Daniłow Anna , Kowalski Jan
Published: May 2014

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most malignant and invasive human brain tumor that is difficult to treat and has a very poor prognosis. Thus, new therapeutic strategies that target GBM are urgently needed. The PI3K/AKT/PTEN signaling pathway is frequently deregulated in a wide range of cancers. The present study was designed to examine the inhibitory effect ofAKT3orPI3KCAsiRNAs on GBM cell growth, viability, and proliferation.T98G cells were transfected withAKT3and/orPI3KCAsiRNAs. AKT3 and PI3KCA protein-positive cells were identified using FC and Western blotting. The influence of specific siRNAs on T98G cell viability, proliferation, cell cycle, and apoptosis was evaluated as well using FC. Alterations in the mRNA expression ofAKT3,PI3KCA, and apoptosis-related genes were analyzed using QRT-PCR. Knockdown ofAKT3and/orPI3KCAgenes in T98G cells led to a significant reduction in cell viability, the accumulation of subG1-phase cells and, a reduced fraction of cells in the S and G2/M phases. Additionally, statistically significant differences in the BAX/BCL-2 ratio and an increased percentage of apoptotic cells were found. The siRNA-inducedAKT3andPI3KCAmRNA knockdown may offer a novel therapeutic strategy to control the growth of human GBM cells.
The Photocatalytic Activity and Compact Layer Characteristics of TiO2Films Prepared Using Radio Frequency Magnetron Sputtering
Authors: Chang H. C. , Huang H. H. , Wu C. Y. , Hsu R. Q. , Hsu C. Y.
Published: May 2014

TiO2compact layers are used in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) to prevent charge recombination between the electrolyte and the transparent conductive substrate (indium tin oxide, ITO; fluorine-doped tin oxide, FTO). Thin TiO2compact layers are deposited onto ITO/glass by means of radio frequency (rf) magnetron sputtering, using deposition parameters that ensure greater photocatalytic activity and increased DSSC conversion efficiency. The photoinduced decomposition of methylene blue (MB) and the photoinduced hydrophilicity of the TiO2thin films are also investigated. The photocatalytic performance characteristics for the deposition of TiO2films are improved by using the Grey-Taguchi method. The average transmittance in the visible region exceeds 85% for all samples. The XRD patterns of the TiO2films, for sol-gel with spin coating of porous TiO2/TiO2compact/ITO/glass, show a good crystalline structure. In contrast, without the TiO2compact layer (only porous TiO2), the peak intensity of the anatase (101) plane in the XRD patterns for the TiO2film has a lower value, which demonstrates inferior crystalline quality. With a TiO2compact layer to prevent charge recombination, a higher short-circuit current density is obtained. The DSSC with the FTO/glass and Pt counter electrode demonstrates the energy conversion efficiency increased.
Optical Properties of Malachite Green Dye Doped SiO2Glasses: Effect of Transition Metal (Fe-I) Used as a Codopant
Authors: Bora Dulen , Hazarika Subrata
Published: May 2014

Enhanced luminescence properties of Malachite Green (MG) (oxalate) in Fe-MG codoped SiO2glasses compared to its values in MG doped SiO2glasses are reported here. The enhancement is chiefly attributed to a resonance nonradiative energy transfer between Fe and MG. The quantum yield of Malachite Green (MG), in presence of Iron, trapped in sol-gel derived SiO2glass increases by an order of ~103compared to that in low viscous solvent while a lifetime of 3.29 ns is reported.
Dietary Intake ofCurcuma longaandEmblica officinalisIncreases Life Span inDrosophila melanogaster
Authors: Rawal Shilpa , Singh Pavneet , Gupta Ayush , Mohanty Sujata
Published: May 2014

Intake of food and nutrition plays a major role in affecting aging process and longevity. However, the precise mechanisms underlying the ageing process are still unclear. To this respect, diet has been considered to be a determinant of ageing process. In order to better illustrate this, we usedDrosophila melanogasteras a model and fed them orally with different concentrations of two commonly used Indian medicinal plant products,Curcuma longa(rhizome) andEmblica officinalis(fruit). The results revealed significant increase in life span ofDrosophilaflies on exposure to both the plant products, more efficiently byC. Longathan byE. officinalis. In order to understand whether the increase in lifespan was due to high-antioxidant properties of these medicinal plants, we performed enzymatic assays to assess the SOD and catalase activities in case of both treated and controlDrosophilaflies. Interestingly, the results support the free radical theory of aging as both these plant derivatives show high reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging activities.
Correlation of Circulating Acid-Labile Subunit Levels with Insulin Sensitivity and Serum LDL Cholesterol in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: Findings from a Prospective Study with Rosiglitazone
Authors: Lai Ying-Chuen , Li Hung-Yuan , Wu Ta-Jen , Jeng Chi-Yuan , Chuang Lee-Ming
Published: May 2014

Silencing of acid-labile subunit (ALS) improved glucose metabolism in animal models. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of rosiglitazone (RSG) on ALS levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted. Subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus were randomly distributed to an RSG-treated(n=30)or a placebo(n=31)group. Patients were evaluated prior to treatment at baseline and at 12 and 24 weeks after treatment. At baseline, ALS levels were negatively associated with low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLc) levels and homeostatic model assessment version 2 insulin sensitivity (HOMA2-%S). Over 24 weeks, there was a significantly greater reduction in ALS levels in the nonobese RSG-treated individuals than placebo-treated group. The effect of RSG on ALS was not significant in obese individuals. Fasting plasma glucose and hemoglobin A1c were reduced, but total cholesterol and LDLc were increased, in patients on RSG. Change in ALS levels predicted changes in total cholesterol and HOMA2-%S over time. This study suggested a BMI-dependent effect of RSG treatment on ALS levels. Reduction of ALS by RSG increases the risk of atherosclerosis in individuals with type 2 diabetes.
Dynamic Mechanical Properties and Constitutive Relation of an Aluminized Polymer Bonded Explosive at Low Temperatures
Authors: Lin Yuliang , Xu Binbin , Chen Rong , Qin Jingui , Lu Fangyun
Published: May 2014

Polymer bonded explosives (PBXs) are widely used as energetic fillings in various warheads, which maybe are utilized under extreme environments, such as low or high temperatures. In this paper, the dynamic response of an aluminized polymer bonded explosive was tested at a range of temperatures from −55°C to −2°C and a fixed loading strain rate (~700 s−1) with the split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB). The PBX tested is aluminized, which contains 76 wt% RDX, 20 wt% aluminum powder, and 4 wt% polymer binder, respectively. The results show that the effect of temperature on the strength of the PBX is obvious at the tested strain rates. Based on the experimental results and prophase studies, a constitutive model was obtained, in which the effect of temperature and strain rate were considered. The modeling curves fit well with the experimental results, not only at low temperature under 0°C, but also at room temperature (20°C). The model may be used to predict the dynamic performances of the PBXs in various environments.
A Carrier Class IoT Service Architecture Integrating IMS with SWE
Authors: Xie Dongliang , Shang Chao , Chen Jinchao , Lai Yongfang , Pang Chuanxiao
Published: May 2014

Integrating the sensing capabilities of wireless sensor network (WSN) into the traditional telecom network is an important stage to realize future ubiquitous intelligence in the Internet of Things. Driven by the vision of service oriented architecture (SOA), this paper proposed a carrier class Internet of Things (IoT) service architecture named as MUSE. MUSE integrates WSN with IMS OSE framework to enable the WSN services to be operable and manageable. Also sensor web enablement (SWE) framework is adopted to shield the heterogeneity of different WSNs. MUSE consists of two key entities—MUSE Enabler and MUSE Gateway. On the one hand, the architecture promotes the node manageability and enriches the diversity of high level task planning flexibility. On the other hand, the architecture extends the telecom context-aware service and realizes service operability and network scalability. Moreover, the key components of the architecture and the detailed service procedure were introduced in the paper. Besides, an intelligent building prototype with 20 nodes was illustrated and the feasibility and performance of MUSE were verified at last.
iMethyl-PseAAC: Identification of Protein Methylation Sites via a Pseudo Amino Acid Composition Approach
Authors: Qiu Wang-Ren , Xiao Xuan , Lin Wei-Zhong , Chou Kuo-Chen
Published: May 2014

Before becoming the native proteins during the biosynthesis, their polypeptide chains created by ribosome’s translating mRNA will undergo a series of “product-forming” steps, such as cutting, folding, and posttranslational modification (PTM). Knowledge of PTMs in proteins is crucial for dynamic proteome analysis of various human diseases and epigenetic inheritance. One of the most important PTMs is the Arg- or Lys-methylation that occurs on arginine or lysine, respectively. Given a protein, which site of its Arg (or Lys) can be methylated, and which site cannot? This is the first important problem for understanding the methylation mechanism and drug development in depth. With the avalanche of protein sequences generated in the postgenomic age, its urgency has become self-evident. To address this problem, we proposed a new predictor, called iMethyl-PseAAC. In the prediction system, a peptide sample was formulated by a 346-dimensional vector, formed by incorporating its physicochemical, sequence evolution, biochemical, and structural disorder information into the general form of pseudo amino acid composition. It was observed by the rigorous jackknife test and independent dataset test that iMethyl-PseAAC was superior to any of the existing predictors in this area.
Comparability of a Three-Dimensional Structure in Biopharmaceuticals Using Spectroscopic Methods
Authors: Pérez Medina Martínez Víctor , Abad-Javier Mario E. , Romero-Díaz Alexis J. , Villaseñor-Ortega Francisco , Pérez Néstor O. , Flores-Ortiz Luis F. , Medina-Rivero Emilio
Published: May 2014

Protein structure depends on weak interactions and covalent bonds, like disulfide bridges, established according to the environmental conditions. Here, we present the validation of two spectroscopic methodologies for the measurement of free and unoxidized thiols, as an attribute of structural integrity, using 5,5′-dithionitrobenzoic acid (DTNB) and DyLight Maleimide (DLM) as derivatizing agents. These methods were used to compare Rituximab and Etanercept products from different manufacturers. Physicochemical comparability was demonstrated for Rituximab products as DTNB showed no statistical differences under native, denaturing, and denaturing-reducing conditions, with Student’st-testPvalues of 0.6233, 0.4022, and 0.1475, respectively. While for Etanercept products no statistical differences were observed under native (P=0.0758) and denaturing conditions (P=0.2450), denaturing-reducing conditions revealed cysteine contents of 98% and 101%, towards the theoretical value of 58, for the evaluated products from different Etanercept manufacturers. DLM supported equality between Rituximab products under native (P=0.7499) and denaturing conditions (P=0.8027), but showed statistical differences among Etanercept products under native conditions (P<0.001). DLM suggested that Infinitam has fewer exposed thiols than Enbrel, although DTNB method, circular dichroism (CD), fluorescence (TCSPC), and activity (TNFαneutralization) showed no differences. Overall, this data revealed the capabilities and drawbacks of each thiol quantification technique and their correlation with protein structure.
A New Kind of Shift Operators for Infinite Circular and Spherical Wells
Authors: Sun Guo-Hua , Launey K. D. , Dytrych T. , Dong Shi-Hai , Draayer J. P.
Published: May 2014

A new kind of shift operators for infinite circular and spherical wells is identified. These shift operators depend on all spatial variables of quantum systems and connect some eigenstates of confined systems of different radiiRsharing energy levels with a common eigenvalue. In circular well, the momentum operatorsP±=Px±iPyplay the role of shift operators. ThePxandPyoperators, the third projection of the orbital angular momentum operatorLz, and the HamiltonianHform a complete set of commuting operators with the SO(2) symmetry. In spherical well, the shift operators establish a novel relation betweenψlm(r)andψ(l±1)(m±1)(r).
VEGF/VEGFR-2 Upregulates EZH2 Expression in Lung Adenocarcinoma Cells and EZH2 Depletion Enhances the Response to Platinum-Based and VEGFR-2–Targeted Therapy
Authors: Riquelme Erick , Suraokar Milind , Behrens Carmen , Lin Heather Y. , Girard Luc , Nilsson Monique B. , Simon George , Wang Jing , Coombes Kevin R. , Lee J. Jack , Hong Waun Ki , Heymach John , Minna John D. , Wistuba Ignacio I.
Published: May 2014

Purpose: To investigate the mechanisms of regulation and role associated with enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) expression in lung cancer cells.

Experimental Design: We investigated the mechanisms of EZH2 expression associated with the VEGF/VEGFR-2 pathway. Furthermore, we sought to determine the role of EZH2 in response of lung adenocarcinoma to platinum-based chemotherapy, as well as the effect of EZH2 depletion on VEGFR-2–targeted therapy in lung adenocarcinoma cell lines. In addition, we characterized EZH2 expression in lung adenocarcinoma specimens and correlated it with patients' clinical characteristics.

Results: In this study, we demonstrate that VEGF/VEGFR-2 activation induces expression of EZH2 through the upregulation of E2F3 and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF1α), and downregulated expression of miR-101. EZH2 depletion by treatment with 3-deazaneplanocin A and knockdown by siRNA decreased the expression of EZH2 and H3K27me3, increased PARP-C level, reduced cell proliferation and migration, and increased sensitivity of the cells to treatment with cisplatin and carboplatin. In addition, high EZH2 expression was associated with poor overall survival in patients who received platinum-based adjuvant therapy, but not in patients who did not receive this therapy. Furthermore, we demonstrated for the first time that the inhibition of EZH2 greatly increased the sensitivity of lung adenocarcinoma cells to the anti–VEGFR-2 drug AZD2171.

Conclusion: Our results suggest that the VEGF/VEGFR-2 pathway plays a role in regulation of EZH2 expression via E2F3, HIF1α, and miR-101. EZH2 depletion decreases the malignant potential of lung adenocarcinoma and sensitivity of the cells to both platinum-based and VEGFR-2–targeted therapy. Clin Cancer Res; 20(14); 3849–61. ©2014 AACR.
Acute Kidney Injury in a Single Pediatric Intensive Care Unit in Poland: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Miklaszewska Monika , Korohoda Przemysław , Sobczak Alina , Horbaczewska Anna , Filipiak Agata , Zachwieja Katarzyna , Kobylarz Krzysztof , Tkaczyk Marcin , Drożdż Dorota , Pietrzyk Jacek A.
Published: May 2014

Background/Aims: The recent improvements of management of patients in pediatric intensive care units (PICU) are associated with improved outcome. However, this decrease in mortality is associated with an increased number of children with acute kidney injury (AKI), especially in patients with multiorgan failure. Methods: The report presents a retrospective analysis of 25 cases of AKI (assessed based on the pRIFLE criteria) in PICU within 7 years. Results: AKI was diagnosed in 1.24% of all hospitalized children. AKI percentage duration (as compared to the total hospitalization time) in the children who died vs. the survivors was 79.55% vs. 46.19%, respectively (p<0.05). The mortality rate of AKI patients was 40% which was 4.4-times higher as compared to the total mortality rate in PICU. The final cumulative survival ratio (FCSR) of patients meeting the oliguria criterion (which was met in 48% of AKI patients) was 37% vs. 49% in non-oliguric children. Averaged urine output values in the first week of hospitalization in the deceased vs. survivors were 1.49 vs. 2.57 ml/kg/h, respectively (p<0.05). Conclusions: Oliguria should not be considered as a sensitive parameter for AKI diagnosing in children below one year of age. A decreased mean urine output in the first week of PICU hospitalization (less than 1.4 ml/kg/h) should be considered as a poor prognostic factor. In many cases AKI was diagnosed too infrequently and too late.
Impact of Metabolic Syndrome on Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia in Elderly Chinese Men
Authors: Zhang Xiangyu , Zeng Xiaofang , Liu Ying , Dong Lini , Zhao Xiaokun , Qu Xiaobing
Published: May 2014

Objective: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the impact of metabolic syndrome (MetS) on benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in elderly Chinese men. Methods: A total of 401 elderly BPH patients were divided into the without or with MetS group to assess the associations of MetS and components of MetS with BPH. Urologic evaluation included prostate volume, International Prostate Symptom Score, serum prostate-specific antigen, duration of concomitant lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and maximum flow rate. Results: Body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, fasting glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, triglyceride, fasting insulin (FINS), insulin resistance assessed by homeostasis model assessment (HOMA-IR) were greater and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) was lower in BPH patients with MetS than in those without MetS. The patients with MetS showed a significantly larger prostate volume (p = 0.000) and longer duration of LUTS (p = 0.006) than those without MetS. Prostate volume was positively correlated with BMI (p = 0.000), FINS (p = 0.001), HOMA-IR (p = 0.003) and inversely correlated with HDL-C (p = 0.000). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that prostate volume was significantly correlated with HOMA-IR (p = 0.015). Conclusions: Our results suggest that MetS, BMI, low HDL-C level, increased serum insulin and especially insulin resistance are considered risk factors for prostate enlargement in elderly Chinese men.
Repeated CT-Guided Percutaneous Radiofrequency Thermocoagulation for Recurrent Trigeminal Neuralgia
Authors: Tang Yuan-Zhang , Jin Di , Li Xuan-Ying , Lai Guang-Hui , Li Na , Ni Jia-Xiang
Published: May 2014

Aims: To investigate the long-term outcomes of repeated percutaneous radiofrequency thermocoagulation (PRT) for recurrent trigeminal neuralgia (TN) patients. Methods: Between 2002 and 2012, 33 patients with recurrent TN following an initial PRT procedure were retrospectively studied and underwent 43 repeated PRT procedures. Results: The mean length of follow-up after repeated PRT was 34 months. Pain relief was immediate in 30 patients (90.9%), and no pain relief occurred in 3 patients (9.1%) following a second PRT procedure. The percentage of patients who remained in an ‘excellent' and ‘good' pain relief condition (pain intensity ≤BIN grade III) after the second PRT procedure was 75% at 1 year, 68% at 2 years and 68% at 5 years, and 22 of these patients (54.5%) remained satisfied with their pain relief during the follow-up period. Nine patients underwent PRT three times and 1 patient four times. The total number of patients who benefited from repeated PRT was 28 (84.8%). Postprocedure complications including masseter weakness were present in 3 patients and limited mouth opening affected 1 patient. No mortalities were observed during or after repeated PRT procedures. Conclusion: Repeated PRT provides long-term pain relief benefits to patients with recurrent TN and should be considered as an alternative treatment for recurrent TN.
Sperm Whales and Killer Whales with the Largest Brains of All Toothed Whales Show Extreme Differences in Cerebellum
Authors: Ridgway Sam H. , Hanson Alicia C.
Published: May 2014

Among cetaceans, killer whales and sperm whales have the widest distribution in the world's oceans. Both species use echolocation, are long-lived, and have the longest periods of gestation among whales. Sperm whales dive much deeper and much longer than killer whales. It has long been thought that sperm whales have the largest brains of all living things, but our brain mass evidence, from published sources and our own specimens, shows that big males of these two species share this distinction. Despite this, we also find that cerebellum size is very different between killer whales and sperm whales. The sperm whale cerebellum is only about 7% of the total brain mass, while the killer whale cerebellum is almost 14%. These results are significant because they contradict claims that the cerebellum scales proportionally with the rest of the brain in all mammals. They also correct the generalization that all cetaceans have enlarged cerebella. We suggest possible reasons for the existence of such a large cerebellar size difference between these two species. Cerebellar function is not fully understood, and comparing the abilities of animals with differently sized cerebella can help uncover functional roles of the cerebellum in humans and animals. Here we show that the large cerebellar difference likely relates to evolutionary history, diving, sensory capability, and ecology.
Endometriosis Is Not Associated with Inferior Pregnancy Rates in in vitro Fertilization: An Analysis of 616 Patients
Authors: Polat Mehtap , Boynukalın Fazilet Kübra , Yaralı İrem , Esinler İbrahim , Yaralı Hakan
Published: May 2014

Background/Aims: To analyze whether the presence of endometriosis per se is associated with inferior pregnancy rates in women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF). Methods: Between July 2005 and November 2012, a total of 485 patients with endometriosis under the age of 38 years undergoing their first IVF attempt at our center were included; 72 patients had minimal-mild disease and the remaining 413 patients had moderate-severe disease. 131 patients with laparoscopically confirmed tubal factor infertility not harboring endometriosis and hydrosalpinx under the age of 38 years undergoing their first IVF attempt at our center served as the control group. Results: The bilateral antral follicle count and controlled ovarian hyperstimulation response were diminished in the moderate-severe group. However, the implantation, clinical pregnancy, miscarriage and live birth rates were comparable among the three groups. The recurrence of endometrioma following pre-IVF cystectomy was not associated with inferior pregnancy rates. Female age, bilateral antral follicle count and number of embryos transferred were noted to be significant independent predictors of live birth. Conclusion: We conclude that neither the presence nor the extent of endometriosis have any detrimental effect on IVF pregnancy rates.