bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CASE ANALYSIS OF INNOVATION IN THE PACKAGING INDUSTRY USING THE CYCLIC INNOVATION MODEL
Authors: FORD NICHOLAS , TROTT PAUL , SIMMS CHRIS , HARTMANN DAP
Published: May 2014

This paper builds upon Berkhout et al.'s (2010) cyclic innovation model (CIM). This model was shown to provide an effective framework for understanding and managing the innovation process and to address many of the shortcomings of previous models. Building on that article we have applied CIM to an in-depth case study featuring a formable paperboard technology within the packaging industry. Using data gathered from 28 interviews conducted over a three year period, CIM, for the first time, is applied to a low technology industry. In so doing, this paper contributes to a growing body of literature exploring low technology industries and, in turn, demonstrates the wider applicability of CIM beyond technology intensive industries.
An intra-basinal mechanism for marine-evaporite cyclicity
Authors: Van Den Belt F. J. G. , De Boer P. L.
Published: May 2014

Marine evaporites such as the Zechstein (Permian, NW Europe) consist of thinning-upward sulphate–halite–potash cycles whose origin is poorly understood. An intra-basinal mechanism presented here explains well their mineral composition and cycle development. It involves the progressive obstruction of ocean connections by sulphate-platform progradation, causing a chain reaction of outflow reduction and subsequent accelerated sulphate precipitation. Numerical modelling shows this to be a self-accelerating process that ultimately triggers halite and potash precipitation. Isostatic compensation of the salt load explains the formation of accommodation space for subsequent cycles, each about half the thickness of the previous cycle.
Identification of a common Wnt-associated genetic signature across multiple cell types in pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: West James D. , Austin Eric D. , Gaskill Christa , Marriott Shennea , Baskir Rubin , Bilousova Ganna , Jean Jyh-Chang , Hemnes Anna R. , Menon Swapna , Bloodworth Nathaniel C. , Fessel Joshua P. , Kropski Johnathan A. , Irwin David , Ware Lorraine B. , Wheeler Lisa , Hong Charles C. , Meyrick Barbara , Loyd James E. , Bowman Aaron B. , Ess Kevin C. , Klemm Dwight J. , Young Pampee P. , Merryman W. David , Kotton Darrell , Majka Susan M.
Published: May 2014

Understanding differences in gene expression that increase risk for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is essential to understanding the molecular basis for disease. Previous studies on patient samples were limited by end-stage disease effects or by use of nonadherent cells, which are not ideal to model vascular cells in vivo. These studies addressed the hypothesis that pathological processes associated with PAH may be identified via a genetic signature common across multiple cell types. Expression array experiments were initially conducted to analyze cell types at different stages of vascular differentiation (mesenchymal stromal and endothelial) derived from PAH patient-specific induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells. Molecular pathways that were altered in the PAH cell lines were then compared with those in fibroblasts from 21 patients, including those with idiopathic and heritable PAH. Wnt was identified as a target pathway and was validated in vitro using primary patient mesenchymal and endothelial cells. Taken together, our data suggest that the molecular lesions that cause PAH are present in all cell types evaluated, regardless of origin, and that stimulation of the Wnt signaling pathway was a common molecular defect in both heritable and idiopathic PAH.
Cold-activated brown adipose tissue in human adults: methodological issues
Authors: van der Lans Anouk A. J. J. , Wierts Roel , Vosselman Maarten J. , Schrauwen Patrick , Brans Boudewijn , van Marken Lichtenbelt Wouter D.
Published: May 2014

The relevance of functional brown adipose tissue (BAT) depots in human adults was undisputedly proven approximately seven years ago. Here we give an overview of all dedicated studies that were published on cold-induced BAT activity in adult humans that appeared since then. Different cooling protocols and imaging techniques to determine BAT activity are reviewed. BAT activation can be achieved by means of air- or water-cooling protocols. The most promising approach is individualized cooling, during which subjects are studied at the lowest temperature for nonshivering condition, probably revealing maximal nonshivering thermogenesis. The highest BAT prevalence (i.e., close to 100%) is observed using the individualized cooling protocol. Currently, the most widely used technique to study the metabolic activity of BAT is deoxy-2-[18F]fluoro-d-glucose ([18F]FDG)-positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) imaging. Dynamic imaging provides quantitative information about glucose uptake rates, whereas static imaging reflects overall BAT glucose uptake, localization, and distribution. In general, standardized uptake values (SUV) are used to quantify BAT activity. An accurate determination of total BAT volume is hampered by the limited spatial resolution of the PET image, leading to spillover. Different research groups use different SUV threshold values, which make it difficult to directly compare BAT activity levels between studies. Another issue is the comparison of [18F]FDG uptake in BAT with respect to other tissues or upon with baseline values. This comparison can be performed by using the “fixed volume” methodology. Finally, the potential use of other relatively noninvasive methods to quantify BAT, like magnetic resonance imaging or thermography, is discussed.
RhoA/Rho kinase mediates TGF-β1-induced kidney myofibroblast activation through Poldip2/Nox4-derived reactive oxygen species
Authors: Manickam Nagaraj , Patel Mandakini , Griendling Kathy K. , Gorin Yves , Barnes Jeffrey L.
Published: May 2014

The small G proteins Rac1 and RhoA regulate actin cytoskeleton, cell shape, adhesion, migration, and proliferation. Recent studies in our laboratory have shown that NADPH oxidase Nox4-derived ROS are involved in transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1-induced rat kidney myofibroblast differentiation assessed by the acquisition of an α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) phenotype and expression of an alternatively spliced fibronectin variant (Fn-EIIIA). Rac1 and RhoA are essential in signaling by some Nox homologs, but their role as effectors of Nox4 in kidney myofibroblast differentiation is not known. In the present study, we explored a link among Rac1 and RhoA and Nox4-dependent ROS generation in TGF-β1-induced kidney myofibroblast activation. TGF-β1 stimulated an increase in Nox4 protein expression, NADPH oxidase activity, and abundant α-SMA and Fn-EIIIA expression. RhoA but not Rac1 was involved in TGF-β1 induction of Nox4 signaling of kidney myofibroblast activation. TGF-β1 stimulated active RhoA-GTP and increased Rho kinase (ROCK). Inhibition of RhoA with small interfering RNA and ROCK using Y-27632 significantly reduced TGF-β1-induced stimulation of Nox4 protein, NADPH oxidase activity, and α-SMA and Fn-EIIIA expression. Treatment with diphenyleneiodonium, an inhibitor of NADPH oxidase, did not decrease RhoA activation but inhibited TGF-β1-induced α-SMA and Fn-EIIIA expression, indicating that RhoA is upstream of ROS generation. RhoA/ROCK also regulated polymerase (DNA-directed) δ-interacting protein 2 (Poldip2), a newly discovered Nox4 enhancer protein. Collectively, these data indicate that RhoA/ROCK is upstream of Poldip2-dependent Nox4 regulation and ROS production and induces redox signaling of kidney myofibroblast activation and may broader implications in the pathophysiology of renal fibrosis.
Effects of biomechanical forces on signaling in the cortical collecting duct (CCD)
Authors: Carrisoza-Gaytan Rolando , Liu Yu , Flores Daniel , Else Cindy , Lee Heon Goo , Rhodes George , Sandoval Ruben M. , Kleyman Thomas R. , Lee Francis Young-In , Molitoris Bruce , Satlin Lisa M. , Rohatgi Rajeev
Published: May 2014

An increase in tubular fluid flow rate (TFF) stimulates Na reabsorption and K secretion in the cortical collecting duct (CCD) and subjects cells therein to biomechanical forces including fluid shear stress (FSS) and circumferential stretch (CS). Intracellular MAPK and extracellular autocrine/paracrine PGE2 signaling regulate cation transport in the CCD and, at least in other systems, are affected by biomechanical forces. We hypothesized that FSS and CS differentially affect MAPK signaling and PGE2 release to modulate cation transport in the CCD. To validate that CS is a physiological force in vivo, we applied the intravital microscopic approach to rodent kidneys in vivo to show that saline or furosemide injection led to a 46.5 ± 2.0 or 170 ± 32% increase, respectively, in distal tubular diameter. Next, murine CCD (mpkCCD) cells were grown on glass or silicone coated with collagen type IV and subjected to 0 or 0.4 dyne/cm2 of FSS or 10% CS, respectively, forces chosen based on prior biomechanical modeling of ex vivo microperfused CCDs. Cells exposed to FSS expressed an approximately twofold greater abundance of phospho(p)-ERK and p-p38 vs. static cells, while CS did not alter p-p38 and p-ERK expression compared with unstretched controls. FSS induced whereas CS reduced PGE2 release by ∼40%. In conclusion, FSS and CS differentially affect ERK and p38 activation and PGE2 release in a cell culture model of the CD. We speculate that TFF differentially regulates biomechanical signaling and, in turn, cation transport in the CCD.
Cholinergic EPSCs and their potentiation by bradykinin in single paratracheal ganglion neurons attached with presynaptic boutons
Authors: Zhou Jian-Rong , Shirasaki Tetsuya , Soeda Fumio , Takahama Kazuo
Published: May 2014

We have found that bradykinin (BK) potentiates the nicotine-induced currents in airway paratracheal/parabronchial ganglia (PTG) neurons. In this study, we investigated if BK affects the cholinergic synaptic transmission in rat PTG neurons attached with synaptic buttons. Excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) were recorded in acutely dissociated PTG neurons attached with presynaptic boutons. EPSC frequency was increased in the high-K+ external solution without affecting their amplitude. Activation and deactivation kinetics also did not change in the high-K+ solution. Cd2+ inhibited the EPSC frequency at 10−7 M and also amplitude at higher concentrations without changing the kinetics. Mecamylamine inhibited both the amplitude and frequency of EPSCs and reduced the activation and deactivation kinetics. 10−8 M BK potentiated the EPSC amplitude to 1.37 ± 0.19 times of preapplication control. In addition, its frequency was increased to 2.04 ± 0.41 times. BK did not affect the activation and deactivation kinetics. The effects of BK were mimicked by [Hyp3]-BK, a B2 kinin receptor agonist, whereas HOE 140, a B2 kinin receptor antagonist, abolished the effects of BK. In conclusion, BK potentiates the cholinergic synaptic transmission via B2 kinin receptors in the PTG. Since predominant control of airway function is thought to be exerted by cholinergic nerves arising from the PTG, the present findings might underlie at least partly the inflammatory pathological conditions of the lower airway.
The basis of orientation decoding in human primary visual cortex: fine- or coarse-scale biases?
Authors: Maloney Ryan T.
Published: May 2014

Orientation signals in human primary visual cortex (V1) can be reliably decoded from the multivariate pattern of activity as measured with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). The precise underlying source of these decoded signals (whether by orientation biases at a fine or coarse scale in cortex) remains a matter of some controversy, however. Freeman and colleagues ( J Neurosci 33: 19695–19703, 2013) recently showed that the accuracy of decoding of spiral patterns in V1 can be predicted by a voxel's preferred spatial position (the population receptive field) and its coarse orientation preference, suggesting that coarse-scale biases are sufficient for orientation decoding. Whether they are also necessary for decoding remains an open question, and one with implications for the broader interpretation of multivariate decoding results in fMRI studies.
Developmental changes in biophysical properties of photoreceptors in the common water strider (Gerris lacustris): better performance at higher cost
Authors: Frolov Roman , Weckström Matti
Published: May 2014

Although the dependence of invertebrate photoreceptor biophysical properties on visual ecology has already been investigated in some cases, developmental aspects have largely been ignored due to the general research emphasis on holometabolous insects. Here, using the patch-clamp method, we examined changes in biophysical properties and performance of photoreceptors in the common water strider Gerris lacustris during postembryonic development. We identified two types of peripheral photoreceptors, green and blue sensitive. Whole cell capacitance (a measure of cell size) of blue photoreceptors was significantly higher than the capacitance of green photoreceptors (69 ± 20 vs. 43 ± 12 pF, respectively). Most of the measured morphological and biophysical parameters changed with development. Photoreceptor capacitance increased progressively and was positively correlated with sensitivity to light, magnitudes and densities of light-induced (LIC) and delayed rectifier K+ ( IDR) currents, membrane corner frequency, and maximal information rate [Spearman rank correlation coefficients: 0.70 (sensitivity), 0.79 (LIC magnitude), 0.79 ( IDR magnitude), 0.48 (corner frequency), and 0.57 (information rate)]. Transient K+ current increased to a smaller extent, while its density decreased. We found no significant changes in the properties of single photon responses or levels of light-induced depolarization, the latter indicating a balanced channelome expansion associated with IDR expression. However, the dramatic ∼7.6-fold increase in IDR from first instars to adults indicated a development-related rise in the metabolic cost of information. In conclusion, this study provides novel insights into functional photoreceptor adaptations with development and illustrates remarkable variability in patterns of postembryonic retinal development in hemimetabolous insects with dissimilar visual ecologies and behaviors.
Effect of dual tasking on intentional vs. reactive balance control in people with hemiparetic stroke
Authors: Subramaniam Savitha , Hui-Chan Christina Wan-Ying , Bhatt Tanvi
Published: May 2014

To examine the effect of a cognitive task on intentional vs. reactive balance control in people with hemiparetic stroke (PwHS). Community-dwelling PwHS ( n = 10) and healthy, age-similar controls performed two tests, which included the Limits of Stability Test (intentional control) and the Motor Control Test (reactive control), under single-task (ST) and dual-task (DT) conditions (addition of a cognitive task). Cognitive ability was measured on a word list generation task by recording the number of words enumerated in sitting (ST; for cognition) and during the balance tasks. The difference in response time between the ST and DT, defined as the “balance cost” was obtained [(ST − DT)/ST × 100] and compared between tests and across groups. The “cognitive cost” was similarly defined and compared. For both groups, the response time under DT condition was significantly greater for intentional than the reactive balance control task, leading to a higher balance cost for this task ( P < 0.05). However, the cognitive cost was significantly greater for the intentional than the reactive balance control task for only the PwHS. DT significantly affected intentional than reactive balance control for PwHS. The significant decrease in both balance and cognitive performance under DT compared with ST conditions during intentional balance control suggests sharing of attentional resources between semantic memory and intentional balance control. Decreased performance on the cognitive task only during the reactive balance test indicates possible central nervous system's prioritization of reactive balance control over cognition.
Axon diameters and conduction velocities in the macaque pyramidal tract
Authors: Firmin L. , Field P. , Maier M. A. , Kraskov A. , Kirkwood P. A. , Nakajima K. , Lemon R. N. , Glickstein M.
Published: May 2014

Small axons far outnumber larger fibers in the corticospinal tract, but the function of these small axons remains poorly understood. This is because they are difficult to identify, and therefore their physiology remains obscure. To assess the extent of the mismatch between anatomic and physiological measures, we compared conduction time and velocity in a large number of macaque corticospinal neurons with the distribution of axon diameters at the level of the medullary pyramid, using both light and electron microscopy. At the electron microscopic level, a total of 4,172 axons were sampled from 2 adult male macaque monkeys. We confirmed that there were virtually no unmyelinated fibers in the pyramidal tract. About 14% of pyramidal tract axons had a diameter smaller than 0.50 μm (including myelin sheath), most of these remaining undetected using light microscopy, and 52% were smaller than 1 μm. In the electrophysiological study, we determined the distribution of antidromic latencies of pyramidal tract neurons, recorded in primary motor cortex, ventral premotor cortex, and supplementary motor area and identified by pyramidal tract stimulation (799 pyramidal tract neurons, 7 adult awake macaques) or orthodromically from corticospinal axons recorded at the mid-cervical spinal level (192 axons, 5 adult anesthetized macaques). The distribution of antidromic and orthodromic latencies of corticospinal neurons was strongly biased toward those with large, fast-conducting axons. Axons smaller than 3 μm and with a conduction velocity below 18 m/s were grossly underrepresented in our electrophysiological recordings, and those below 1 μm (6 m/s) were probably not represented at all. The identity, location, and function of the majority of corticospinal neurons with small, slowly conducting axons remains unknown.
Problem-Based Learning Research in Anesthesia Teaching: Current Status and Future Perspective
Authors: Chilkoti G. , Mohta M. , Wadhwa R. , Saxena A. K.
Published: May 2014

The teaching curriculum in anesthesia involves traditional teaching methods like topic-based didactic lectures, seminars, and journal clubs; intraoperative apprenticeship; and problem-based learning (PBL) and simulation. The advantages of incorporating PBL in anesthesia teaching include development of skills like clinical reasoning, critical thinking, and self-directed learning; in addition it also helps in developing a broader perspective of case scenarios. The present paper discusses the characteristics, key elements, and goals of PBL; various PBL methods available; lacunae in the existing knowledge of PBL research; its current status and future perspectives in anesthesia teaching.
Phytoliths as Emerging Taxonomic Tools for Identification of Plants: An Overview
Authors: Abdul Shakoor Sheikh , Bhat Mudassir Ahmad
Published: May 2014

In the recent advancements in identification of plant species, phytoliths have found an immense role in the identification of plants at different levels of taxonomic hierarchy. Many plant groups are known to accumulate silica in solid form in and between the cells and tissues and hence create the structures commonly known as phytoliths. These phytoliths create replicas of the structures where they are deposited. The shapes of phytolith replicas, their size dimensions (morphometric parameters), surface features (ornamentation), distribution, and orientation pattern in epidermal layers of vegetative and reproductive structures as well as their frequency are highly important for characterization of species. Monocotyledonous families particularly the family Poaceae (Gramineae) are known to produce diverse phytolith types that can serve as diagnostic markers for characterization of different taxa at different levels of taxonomic hierarchy. The present paper highlights the importance of phytoliths in taxonomic analysis of plants particularly in the family Poaceae.
A Hybrid Load Balancing Scheme for Games in Wireless Networks
Authors: Kim Hye-Young , Park Hwa-Jin , Lee Seojeong
Published: May 2014

A wireless network consists of a large number of nodes with limited resources. The large number of event data will be generated over a period of time in a wireless network. Also, faced with high resource demand variability and with misfit resource renting policies, the current practices is to overprovision for each game tens of owned data. In a wireless network, the agent node may become easily overloaded by the high demand from the players for updates. So, we propose a hybrid load balancing scheme for games in wireless networks which is based on allocating load on wireless mobile nodes proportionally to each of the agent's capacities. This proposed scheme is a combined dynamic provisioning algorithm based on greedy graph and user-oriented load balancing scheme for maintaining the performance and stability of distributed system in wireless networks. We address the key functions for our proposed scheme and simulate the efficiency of our proposed scheme using mathematical analyses. We then testify that the proposal has best performance compared with previous researches.
Effects of Oil Palm Shell Coarse Aggregate Species on High Strength Lightweight Concrete
Authors: Yew Ming Kun , Bin Mahmud Hilmi , Ang Bee Chin , Yew Ming Chian
Published: May 2014

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of different species of oil palm shell (OPS) coarse aggregates on the properties of high strength lightweight concrete (HSLWC). Original and crushed OPS coarse aggregates of different species and age categories were investigated in this study. The research focused on two OPS species (duraandtenera), in which the coarse aggregates were taken from oil palm trees of the following age categories (3–5, 6–9, and 10–15 years old). The results showed that the workability and dry density of the oil palm shell concrete (OPSC) increase with an increase in age category of OPS species. The compressive strength of specimen CD3 increases significantly compared to specimen CT3 by 21.8%. The maximum achievable 28-day and 90-day compressive strength is 54 and 56 MPa, respectively, which is within the range for 10–15-year-old crushedduraOPS. The water absorption was determined to be within the range for good concrete for the different species of OPSC. In addition, the ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) results showed that the OPS HSLWC attain good condition at the age of 3 days.
A Method for Mechanism Analysis of Frog Swimming Based on Motion Observation Experiments
Authors: Zhang Wei , Fan Jizhuang , Zhu Yanhe , Qiu Yulong , Zhao Jie
Published: May 2014

For understanding the mechanism of frog swimming under water and designing a frog-inspired swimming robot, kinematics of the frog body and trajectories of joints should be obtained. In this paper, an aquatic frog, Xenopus laevis, was chosen for analysis of swimming motions which were recorded by a high speed camera, and kinematic data were processed in a swimming data extraction platform. According to the shape features of the frog, we propose a method that the frog eyes are set as the natural data extraction markers for body motion, and kinematic data of joint trajectories are calculated by the contour points on the limbs. For the data processing, a pinhole camera model was built to transform the pixel coordinate system to world coordinate system, and the errors caused by the water refraction were analyzed and corrected. Finally, from the developed data extraction platform, the kinematic data for the analysis of swimming mechanism and design of frog-inspired robot were obtained.
Linear Relativen-Widths for Linear Operators Preserving an Intersection of Cones
Authors: Sidorov S. P.
Published: May 2014

We introduce the definition of linear relativen-width and find estimates of linear relativen-widths for linear operators preserving the intersection of cones ofp-monotonicity functions.
Synthesis of Novel YbxSb2 − xTe3 Hexagonal Nanoplates: Investigation of Their Physical, Structural, and Photocatalytic Properties
Authors: Hanifehpour Younes , Joo Sang Woo
Published: May 2014

Yb‐doped Sb2Te3 nanomaterials were synthesized by a coreduction method in hydrothermal condition. Powder X‐ray diffraction patterns indicate that the YbxSb2−xTe3 crystals (x = 0.00–0.05) are isostructural with Sb2Te3. The cell parameter a decreases for YbxSb2−xTe3 compounds upon increasing the dopant content (x), while c increases. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy images show that doping of Yb3+ ions in the lattice of Sb2Te3 produces different morphology. The electrical conductivity of Yb‐doped Sb2Te3 is higher than the pure Sb2Te3 and increases with temperature. By increasing concentration of the Yb3+ ions, the absorption spectrum of Sb2Te3 shows red shifts and some intensity changes. In addition to the characteristic red emission peaks of Sb2Te3, emission spectra of doped materials show other emission bands originating from f‐f transitions of the Yb3+ ions. The photocatalytic performance of as‐synthesized nanoparticles was investigated towards the decolorization of Malachite Green solution under visible light irradiation.
Unifying Rigid and Soft Bodies Representation: The Sulfur Physics Engine
Authors: Maggiorini Dario , Ripamonti Laura Anna , Sauro Federico
Published: May 2014

Video games are (also) real-time interactive graphic simulations: hence, providing a convincing physics simulation for each specific game environment is of paramount importance in the process of achieving a satisfying player experience. While the existing game engines appropriately address many aspects of physics simulation, some others are still in need of improvements. In particular, several specific physics properties of bodies not usually involved in the main game mechanics (e.g., properties useful to represent systems composed by soft bodies), are often poorly rendered by general-purpose engines. This issue may limit game designers when imagining innovative and compelling video games and game mechanics. For this reason, we dug into the problem of appropriately representing soft bodies. Subsequently, we have extended the approach developed for soft bodies to rigid ones, proposing and developing a unified approach in a game engine: Sulfur. To test the engine, we have also designed and developed “Escape from Quaoar,” a prototypal video game whose main game mechanic exploits an elastic rope, and a level editor for the game.
Preparation and Characterization of Kynurenic Acid Occluded in Sol‐Gel Silica and SBA‐15 Silica as Release Reservoirs
Authors: López Tessy , Ortiz Emma , Gómez Esteban , Cruz Verónica Pérez-de la , Carrillo-Mora Paul , Novaro Octavio
Published: May 2014

Kynurenic acid (KYNA) may have important therapeutic effects in neurological disorders; however, its use as a neuroprotective agent is restricted due to its very limited ability to cross the blood brain barrier (BBB). For this reason, we are looking for new alternatives for KYNA to reach the brain; one of them is using drug delivery systems. To obtain KYNA release reservoirs, KYNA molecules were hosted in two different silica materials. The different KYNA‐silica materials were characterized by means of several physical techniques. The spectroscopic studies showed that KYNA molecules remained unchanged once hosted in silica materials. The surface area values of KYNA‐silica samples were substantially lower than those for pure silica materials due to the addition of the drug. The electronic micrographs showed that the sol‐gel KYNA‐silica material consisted of aggregates of nanoparticles around 50 nm in size. On the other hand, the typical SBA‐15 hexagonal arrangement was observed, even when hosting KYNA molecules. KYNA release profiles, carried out during approximately 300 hours, showed a first stage of fast drug release followed by a slow release phase. The experimental values fitted to the Peppas equation indicate that the release mechanism was controlled by Fickian diffusion.
Covarying Shell Growth Parameters and the Regulation of Shell Shape in Marine Bivalves: A Case Study on Tellinoidea
Authors: Béguinot Jean
Published: May 2014

Specific parameters characterising shell shape may arguably have a significant role in the adaptation of bivalve molluscs to their particular environments. Yet, suchfunctionally relevantshape parameters (shell outline elongation, dissymmetry, and ventral convexity) are not those parameters that the animal may directly control. Rather than shell shape, the animal regulates shell growth. Accordingly, an alternative,growth-baseddescription of shell-shape is best fitted to understand how the animal may control the achieved shell shape. The key point is, in practice, to bring out the link between those two alternative modes of shell-shape descriptions, that is, to derive the set of equations which connects thegrowth-basedshell-shape parameters to thefunctionally relevantshell-shape parameters. Thus, a preliminary object of this note is toderivethis set of equations as a tool for further investigations. A second object of this work is to provide an illustrative example of implementation of this tool. I report on an unexpected negative covariance between growth-based parameters and show how this covariance results in a severe limitation of the range of interspecific variability of the degree of ventral convexity of the shell outline within the superfamily Tellinoidea. Hypotheses are proposed regarding the constraints possibly at the origin of this limitation of interspecific variability.
Numerical Study on Transient Heat Transfer of a Quartz Lamp Heating System
Authors: Yu Yan , Ming Pingjian , Zhou Song
Published: May 2014

Thermal ground testing is an accepted and frequently used method for simulating the aerodynamic heating of high speed flight vehicles. A numerical method based on a finite volume method for a quartz lamp heating system, used in thermal testing, is proposed. In this study, the unstructured finite‐volume method (UFVM) for radiation has been formulated and implemented in a fluid flow solver GTEA on unstructured grids. For comparison and validation of the proposed method, a 2D furnace with cooling pipes was chosen. The results obtained from the proposed FVM agreed well with the exact solutions. Numerical results show that the quartz lamp can be simplified as a slat with the same temperature radiation source, and a simplified 2D thermal testing case was then simulated with the coupling effects of radiation, convection, and conduction heat transfer. Different temperature loading curves and ratios of intervals between the lamps and lamp length (l/s) were studied using the proposed method. The radiation heat flux on the metal surface was a wave‐shaped curve. Comparing the different interval ratios, we found that the smaller the interval ratio, the larger the maximum value and the smaller the difference between the maximum and minimum heat flux.
Combination‐Combination Hyperchaos Synchronization of Complex Memristor Oscillator System
Authors: Jin-E Zhang
Published: May 2014

The combination‐combination synchronization scheme is based on combination of multidrive systems and combination of multiresponse systems. In this paper, we investigate combination‐combination synchronization of hyperchaotic complex memristor oscillator system. Several sufficient conditions are provided to ascertain the combination of two drive hyperchaotic complex memristor oscillator systems to synchronize the combination of two response hyperchaotic complex memristor oscillator systems. These new conditions improve and extend the existing synchronization results for memristive systems. A numerical example is given to show the feasibility of theoretical results.
Controlled Synthesis of Gold Nanoparticles UsingAspergillus terreusIF0 and Its Antibacterial Potential against Gram Negative Pathogenic Bacteria
Authors: Priyadarshini Eepsita , Pradhan Nilotpala , Sukla Lala B. , Panda Prasanna K.
Published: May 2014

Biosynthesis of monodispersed nanoparticles, along with determination of potential responsible biomolecules, is the major bottleneck in the area of bionanotechnology research. The present study focuses on an ecofriendly, ambient temperature protocol for size controlled synthesis of gold nanoparticles, using the fungusAspergillus terreusIF0. Gold nanoparticles were formed immediately, with the addition of chloroauric acid to the aqueous fungal extract. Synthesized nanoparticles were characterized by UV-Vis spectroscopy, TEM-EDX, and XRD analysis. Particle diameter and dispersity of nanoparticles were controlled by varying the pH of the fungal extract. At pH 10, the average size of the synthesized particles was in the range of 10–19 nm. Dialysis to obtain high and low molecular weight fraction followed by FTIR analysis revealed that biomolecules larger than 12 kDa and having –CH, –NH, and –SH functional groups were responsible for bioreduction and stabilization. In addition, the synthesized gold nanoparticles were found to be selectively bactericidal against the pathogenic gram negative bacteria,Escherichia coli.
Concurrent Use in Taiwan of Chinese Herbal Medicine Therapies among Hormone Users Aged 55 Years to 79 Years and Its Association with Breast Cancer Risk: A Population‐Based Study
Authors: Tsai Yueh-Ting , Lai Jung-Nien , Wu Chien-Tung , Lin Shun-Ku
Published: May 2014

Background. The purpose of the present study was to analyze the concurrent use of Chinese herbal products (CHPs) among women aged 55 to 79 years who had also been prescribed hormonal therapies (HT) and its association with breast cancer risk. Methods. The use, frequency of service, and CHP prescribed among 17,583 HT users were evaluated from a random sample of 1 million beneficiaries from the National Health Insurance Research Database. A logistic regression method was used to identify the factors that were associated with the coprescription of a CHP and HT. Cox proportional hazards regressions were performed to calculate the hazard ratios (HRs) of breast cancer between the TCM nonusers and women who had undergone coadministration of HT and a CHP or CHPs. Results. More than one out of every five study subjects used a CHP concurrently with HT (CHTCHP patients). Shu-Jing-Huo-Xie-Tang was the most commonly used CHP coadministered with HT. In comparison to HT‐alone users, the HRs for invasive breast cancer among CHTCHP patients were not significantly increased either in E‐alone group or in mixed regimen group. Conclusions. The coadministration of hormone regimen and CHPs did not increase the risk of breast cancer.
Stability and Selective Harvesting of a Phytoplankton-Zooplankton System
Authors: Wang Yong , Wang Hongbin
Published: May 2014

Considering that some zooplankton can be harvested for food in some bodies of water, a phytoplankton-zooplankton model with continuous harvesting of zooplankton only is proposed and investigated. By using environmental carrying capacity as a parameter, possible dynamic behaviors, such as stability, global stability, Hopf bifurcation, and transcritical bifurcations, are analyzed. The optimal harvesting policy is disposed by imposing a tax per unit biomass of zooplankton. The problem of determining the optimal harvest policy is solved by using Pontryagin's maximum principle subject to the state equations and the control constraints, and the impact of tax is also discussed. Finally, some numerical simulations are performed to justify analytical findings.
Thermal Effect on the Structural, Electrical, and Optical Properties of In‐Line Sputtered Aluminum Doped Zinc Oxide Films Explored with Thermal Desorption Spectroscopy
Authors: Chang Shang-Chou , Lin Tien-Chai , Li To-Sing
Published: May 2014

This work investigates the thermal effect on the structural, electrical, and optical properties of aluminum doped zinc oxide (AZO) films. The AZO films deposited at different temperatures were measured using a thermal desorption system to obtain their corresponding thermal desorption spectroscopy (TDS). In addition to obtaining information of thermal desorption, the measurement of TDS also has the effect of vacuum annealing on the AZO films. The results of measuring TDS imply part of the doped aluminum atoms do not stay at substituted zinc sites in AZO films. The (002) preferential direction of the AZO films in X‐ray diffraction spectra shifts to a lower angle after measurement of TDS. The grain size grows and surface becomes denser for all AZO films after measurement of TDS. The carrier concentration, mobility, and average optical transmittance increase while the electrical resistivity decreases for AZO films after measurement of TDS. These results indicate that the AZO films deposited at 200°C are appropriate selections if the AZO films are applied in device fabrication of heat‐produced process.
Dynamical Behavior of the Stochastic Delay Mutualism System
Authors: Xia Peiyan , Jiang Daqing , Li Xiaoyue
Published: May 2014

We discuss the dynamical behavior of the stochastic delay three-specie mutualism system. We develop the technique for stochastic differential equations to deal with the asymptotic property. Using it we obtain the existence of the unique positive solution, the asymptotic properties, and the nonpersistence. Finally, we give the numerical examinations to illustrate our results.
Two-Layer Fragile Watermarking Method Secured with Chaotic Map for Authentication of Digital Holy Quran
Authors: Khalil Mohammed S. , Kurniawan Fajri , Khan Muhammad Khurram , Alginahi Yasser M.
Published: May 2014

This paper presents a novel watermarking method to facilitate the authentication and detection of the image forgery on the Quran images. Two layers of embedding scheme on wavelet and spatial domain are introduced to enhance the sensitivity of fragile watermarking and defend the attacks. Discrete wavelet transforms are applied to decompose the host image into wavelet prior to embedding the watermark in the wavelet domain. The watermarked wavelet coefficient is inverted back to spatial domain then the least significant bits is utilized to hide another watermark. A chaotic map is utilized to blur the watermark to make it secure against the local attack. The proposed method allows high watermark payloads, while preserving good image quality. Experiment results confirm that the proposed methods are fragile and have superior tampering detection even though the tampered area is very small.
Tungsten Oxide and Polyaniline Composite Fabricated by Surfactant‐Templated Electrodeposition and Its Use in Supercapacitors
Authors: Zou Benxue , Gong Shengchen , Wang Yan , Liu Xiaoxia
Published: May 2014

Composite nanostructures of tungsten oxide and polyaniline (PANI) were fabricated on carbon electrode by electrocodeposition using sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate (SDBS) as the template. The morphology of the composite can be controlled by changing SDBS surfactant and aniline monomer concentrations in solution. With increasing concentration of aniline in surfactant solution, the morphological change from nanoparticles to nanofibers was observed. The nanostructured WO3/PANI composite exhibited enhanced capacitive charge storage with the specific capacitance of 201 F g−1 at 1.28 mA cm−2 in large potential window of −0.5~ 0.65 V versus SCE compared to the bulk composite film. The capacitance retained about 78% when the sweeping potential rate increased from 10 to 150 mV/s.
Hydrogen Peroxide Is Involved in Salicylic Acid-Elicited Rosmarinic Acid Production inSalvia miltiorrhizaCell Cultures
Authors: Hao Wenfang , Guo Hongbo , Zhang Jingyi , Hu Gege , Yao Yaqin , Dong Juane
Published: May 2014

Salicylic acid (SA) is an elicitor to induce the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites in plant cells. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) plays an important role as a key signaling molecule in response to various stimuli and is involved in the accumulation of secondary metabolites. However, the relationship between them is unclear and their synergetic functions on accumulation of secondary metabolites are unknown. In this paper, the roles of SA and H2O2in rosmarinic acid (RA) production inSalvia miltiorrhizacell cultures were investigated. The results showed that SA significantly enhanced H2O2production, phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) activity, and RA accumulation. Exogenous H2O2could also promote PAL activity and enhance RA production. If H2O2production was inhibited by NADPH oxidase inhibitor (IMD) or scavenged by quencher (DMTU), RA accumulation would be blocked. These results indicated that H2O2is secondary messenger for signal transduction, which can be induced by SA, significantly and promotes RA accumulation.
Simulation of Territorial Development Based on Fiscal Policy Tools
Authors: Brumnik Robert , Klebanova Tamara , Guryanova Lidiya , Kavun Sergii , Trydid Olexandr
Published: May 2014

Modern approaches to the development of a national economy are often characterized with an imbalanced inflation of some economic branches leading to a disproportional socioeconomic territories development (SETD). Such disproportions, together with other similar factors, frequently result in a lack of economic integrity, various regional crises, and a low rate of the economic and territorial growth. Those disproportions may also conduce to an inadequate degree of the interregional collaboration. This paper proposes the ways of regulating imbalances in the territorial development based upon the fiscal policy tools. The latter can immediately reduce the amplitude of economic cycle fluctuations and provide for a stable development of the economic state system. The same approach is applied to control the processes of transformation of the tax legislation and tax relations, as well as the levying and redistribution of the recollected taxes among the territories’ budgets (this approach is also known as a tax policy). To resume, this paper describes comprehensive models of financial regulation of the socioeconomic territorial development that can help in estimating and choosing the right financial policy parameters. These provide the stable rates of the growth of national economies along with a simultaneous decrease in interregional socioeconomic disproportions.
Regulatory T Cells Protect Fine Particulate Matter-Induced Inflammatory Responses in Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells
Authors: Zhang Wen-cai , Wang Yan-ge , Zhu Zheng-feng , Wu Fang-qin , Peng Yu-dong , Chen Zhu-yue , Yang Jin-hua , Wu Jing-jing , Lian Yi-tian , He Mei-an , Wu Tang-chun , Cheng Long-xian
Published: May 2014

Objective. To investigate the role of CD4+CD25+T cells (Tregs) in protecting fine particulate matter (PM-) induced inflammatory responses, and its potential mechanisms.Methods. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were treated with graded concentrations (2, 5, 10, 20, and 40 µg/cm2) of suspension of fine particles for 24h. For coculture experiment, HUVECs were incubated alone, with CD4+CD25−T cells (Teff), or with Tregs in the presence of anti-CD3 monoclonal antibodies for 48 hours, and then were stimulated with or without suspension of fine particles for 24 hours. The expression of adhesion molecules and inflammatory cytokines was examined.Results. Adhesion molecules, including vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), and inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin (IL-) 6 and IL-8, were increased in a concentration-dependent manner. Moreover, the adhesion of human acute monocytic leukemia cells (THP-1) to endothelial cells was increased and NF-κB activity was upregulated in HUVECs after treatment with fine particles. However, after Tregs treatment, fine particles-induced inflammatory responses and NF-κB activation were significantly alleviated. Transwell experiments showed that Treg-mediated suppression of HUVECs inflammatory responses impaired by fine particles required cell contact and soluble factors.Conclusions. Tregs could attenuate fine particles-induced inflammatory responses and NF-κB activation in HUVECs.
Pathological Feature and Immunoprofile of Cystitis Glandularis Accompanied with Upper Urinary Tract Obstruction
Authors: Li Aihua , Zhou Jun , Lu Honghai , Zuo Xiaoming , Liu Sikuan , Zhang Feng , Li Weiwu , Fang Wei , Zhang Binghui
Published: May 2014

Objective. To explore the pathological feature and immunoprofile of immunoprofile accompanied with upper urinary tract obstruction and the immunoprofile in various types of glandular cystitis.Methods. Pathological sections from 31 cases of cystitis glandularis with upper urinary tract obstruction and 34 cases of cystitis glandularis without upper urinary tract obstruction were observed as pathological feature on microscopy. Meanwhile, an immunohistochemical analysis was employed to determine the expression of p53, Ki67, p21, MMP-9, MUC1, MUC2, and COX-2.Results. In the two groups, main pathological type was transitional epithelial, followed by intestinal epithelial; other types were a few, and the difference between the two groups was not significant. All immunohistochemical expressions of p53, Ki67, p21, MMP-9, MUC1, MUC2, and COX-2 were positive in varying degrees, and there was no significant difference between the groups. Transitional epithelial type was compared with mixed type; the difference of COX-2 was significant,P<0.05. The differences of immunohistochemical expression among other different pathologic types were not significant.Conclusions. It is suggested that glandular cystitis accompanied with upper urinary tract obstruction shares the same pathological feature and immunoprofile as that without upper urinary tract obstruction. No significant differences of immunohistochemical expression in tissue are in cystitis glandularis with different pathological types.
Composite Gauss‐Legendre Formulas for Solving Fuzzy Integration
Authors: Guo Xiaobin , Shang Dequan , Lu Xiaoquan
Published: May 2014

Two numerical integration rules based on composition of Gauss‐Legendre formulas for solving integration of fuzzy numbers‐valued functions are investigated in this paper. The methods′ constructions are presented and the corresponding convergence theorems are shown in detail. Two numerical examples are given to illustrate the proposed algorithms finally.
Culture and Characterization of Microglia from the Adult Murine Retina
Authors: Devarajan Gayathri , Chen Mei , Muckersie Elizabeth , Xu Heping
Published: May 2014

Purpose. To develop a protocol for isolating and culturing murine adult retinal microglia and to characterize the phenotype and function of the cultured cells.Method. Retinal single-cell suspensions were prepared from adult MF1 mice. Culture conditions including culture medium, growth factors, seeding cell density, and purification of microglia from the mixed cultures were optimised. Cultured retinal microglial cells were phenotyped using the surface markers CD45, CD11b, and F4/80. Their ability to secrete proinflammatory cytokines in response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation was examined using cytometric bead array (CBA) assay.Results. Higher yield was obtained when retinal single-cell suspension was cultured at the density of0.75×106cells per cm2in Dulbecco’s modified Eagle medium (DMEM)/F12 + Glutamax supplement with 20% fetal calf serum (FCS) and 20% L929 supernatant. We identified day 10 to be the optimum day of microglial isolation. Over 98% of the cells isolated were positive for CD45, CD11b, and F4/80. After stimulating with LPS they were able to secrete proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-6 and TNF-αand express CD86, CD40, and MHC-II.Conclusion. We have developed a simple method for isolating and culturing retinal microglia from adult mice.