bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Review on Prescription Compatibility of Shaoyao Gancao Decoction and Reflection on Pharmacokinetic Compatibility Mechanism of Traditional Chinese Medicine Prescription Based on In Vivo Drug Interaction of Main Efficacious Components
Authors: Bi Xiaolin , Gong Meirong , Di Liuqing
Published: July 2014

Shaoyao Gancao Decoction (SGD) derived from Zhang Zhongjing’s “Typhoid Theory” is composed of peony and licorice, having the efficacy of nourishing liver, relaxing spasm, and relieving pain. Modern compatibility studies of SGD on chemistry, pharmacology, and pharmacokinetics all demonstrate the reasonable compatibility of peony and licorice. However, the present research on pharmacokinetics is only descriptive and limited to the influence on in vivo dynamic process of certain ingredients; correspondingly, there is lack of studies on the essence of these efficacious substances’ in vivo changes; that is, whether it is because there exists in vivo drug interaction in absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) of active ingredients that leads to the improvement of bioavailability. We herein take SGD as an example and suggest that it is necessary to study in vivo drug interaction of main efficacious components mediated by metabolic enzymes, transport proteins, or plasma protein binding in the course of ADME, which is helpful to illustrate the principle of pharmacokinetic compatibility from the essence leading to the changes of effective substances in vivo.
Coordinating a Supply Chain with a Loss-Averse Retailer and Effort Dependent Demand
Authors: Li Liying , Wang Yong
Published: July 2014

This study investigates the channel coordination issue of a supply chain with a risk-neutral manufacturer and a loss-averse retailer facing stochastic demand that is sensitive to sales effort. Under the loss-averse newsvendor setting, a distribution-free gain/loss-sharing-and-buyback (GLB) contract has been shown to be able to coordinate the supply chain. However, we find that a GLB contract remains ineffective in managing the supply chain when retailer sales efforts influence the demand. To effectively coordinate the channel, we propose to combine a GLB contract with sales rebate and penalty (SRP) contract. In addition, we discover a special class of gain/loss contracts that can coordinate the supply chain and arbitrarily allocate the expected supply chain profit between the manufacturer and the retailer. We then analyze the effect of loss aversion on the retailer’s decision-making behavior and supply chain performance. Finally, we perform a numerical study to illustrate the findings and gain additional insights.
Effects of Nonsurgical Periodontal Therapy on Clinical Response, Microbiological Profile, and Glycemic Control in Malaysian Subjects with Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Buzinin Samira Mukhtar , Alabsi Aied Mohammed , Tan Alexander Tong Boon , Vincent-Chong Vui King , Swaminathan Dasan
Published: July 2014

The association between diabetes mellitus and chronic periodontal disease has long been established. Most of the researches linking these two very common chronic diseases were based on type 2 diabetes mellitus and chronic periodontal disease. However, this study was conducted to investigate the association between type 1 diabetes and chronic periodontal disease in Malaysian subjects. Forty-one Malaysian subjects, of which 20 subjects were type 1 diabetics and with chronic periodontal disease (test group) and 21 subjects with only chronic periodontal disease (control group), were included in the study. Periodontal parameters and plaque samples for microbiological evaluation were done at baseline, 2 and 3 months after nonsurgical periodontal therapy. Blood samples were taken from only the test group and evaluated for HbA1c at baseline and 3 months after periodontal therapy. There were no statistically significant difference in periodontal parameters between groups (P>0.05) and no significant improvement in the level of HbA1c in the test group. Microbiological studies indicated that there were significant reductions in the levels of the tested pathogens in both groups. The results of our study were similar to the findings of several other studies that had been done previously.
In-Pile4He Source for UCN Production at the ESS
Authors: Klinkby Esben , Batkov Konstantin , Mezei Ferenc , Pitcher Eric , Schönfeldt Troels , Takibayev Alan , Zanini Luca
Published: July 2014

ESS will be a premier neutron source facility. Unprecedented neutron beam intensities are ensured by spallation reactions of a 5 MW, 2.0 GeV proton beam impinging on a tungsten target equipped with advanced moderators. The work presented here aims at investigating possibilities for installing an ultra cold neutron (UCN) source at the ESS. One consequence of using the recently proposed flat moderators is that they take up less space than the moderators originally foreseen and thus leave more freedom to design a UCN source, close to the spallation hotspot. One of the options studied is to place a large4He UCN source in a through-going tube which penetrates the shielding below the target. First calculations of neutron flux available for UCN production are given, along with heat-load estimates. It is estimated that the flux can give rise to a UCN production at a rate of up to1.5·108 UCN/s. A production in this range potentially allows for a number of UCN experiments to be carried out at unprecedented precision, including, for example, quantum gravitational spectroscopy with UCNs which rely on high phase-space density.
Modeling and Parameter Identification of the Vibration Characteristics of Armature Assembly in a Torque Motor of Hydraulic Servo Valves under Electromagnetic Excitations
Authors: Peng Jinghui , Li Songjing , Fan Yongbo
Published: July 2014

The resonance of the armature assembly is the main problem leading to the fatigue of the spring pipe in a torque motor of hydraulic servo valves, which can cause the failure of servo valves. To predict the vibration characteristics of the armature assembly, this paper focuses on the mathematical modeling of the vibration characteristics of armature assembly in a hydraulic servo valve and the identification of parameters in the models. To build models more accurately, the effect of the magnetic spring is taken into account. Vibration modal analysis is performed to obtain the mode shapes and natural frequencies, which are necessary to implement the identification of damping ratios in the mathematical models. Based on the mathematical models for the vibration characteristics, the harmonic responses of the armature assembly are analyzed using the finite element method and measured under electromagnetic excitations. The simulation results agree well with the experimental studies.
Impact of Statins on Cognitive Deficits in Adult Male Rodents after Traumatic Brain Injury: A Systematic Review
Authors: Peng Weijun , Yang Jingjing , Yang Bo , Wang Lexing , Xiong Xin-gui , Liang Qinghua
Published: July 2014

The efficacy of statin treatment on cognitive decline is controversial, and the effect of statins on cognitive deficits in individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI) has yet to be investigated. Therefore, we systematically reviewed the effect of statins on cognitive deficits in adult male rodents after TBI. After identifying eligible studies by searching four electronic databases on February 28, 2014, we assessed study quality, evaluated the efficacy of statin treatment, and performed stratified metaregression and metaregression to assess the influence of study design on statin efficacy. Eleven studies fulfilled our inclusion criteria from a total of 183 publications. The overall methodological quality of these studies was poor. Meta-analysis showed that statins exert statistically significant positive effects on cognitive performance after TBI. Stratified analysis showed that atorvastatin has the greatest effect on acquisition memory, simvastatin has the greatest effect on retention memory, and statin effects on acquisition memory are higher in closed head injury models. Metaregression analysis further showed that that animal species, study quality, and anesthetic agent impact statin effects on retention memory. We conclude that statins might reduce cognitive deficits after TBI. However, additional well-designed and well-reported animal studies are needed to inform further clinical study.
Antimutagenicity of Methanolic Extracts from Anemopsis californica in Relation to Their Antioxidant Activity
Authors: Del-Toro-Sánchez Carmen Lizette , Bautista-Bautista Nereyda , Blasco-Cabal José Luis , Gonzalez-Ávila Marisela , Gutiérrez-Lomelí Melesio , Arriaga-Alba Myriam
Published: July 2014

Anemopsis californica has been used empirically to treat infectious diseases. However, there are no antimutagenic evaluation reports on this plant. The present study evaluated the antioxidant activity in relation to the mutagenic and antimutagenic activity properties of leaf (LME) and stem (SME) methanolic extracts of A. californica collected in the central Mexican state of Querétaro. Antioxidant properties and total phenols of extracts were evaluated using DPPH (1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl) and Folin‐Ciocalteu methods, respectively. Mutagenicity was evaluated using the Ames test employing Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium strains (TA98, TA100, and TA102), with and without an aroclor 1254 (S9 mixture). Antimutagenesis was performed against mutations induced on the Ames test with MNNG, 2AA, or 4NQO. SME presented the highest antioxidant capacity and total phenolic content. None of the extracts exhibited mutagenicity in the Ames test. The extracts produced a significant reduction in 2AA‐induced mutations in S. typhimurium TA98. In both extracts, mutagenesis induced by 4NQO or methyl‐N′‐nitro‐N‐nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) was reduced only if the exposure of strains was <10 μg/Petri dish. A. californca antioxidant properties and its capacity to reduce point mutations render it suitable to enhance medical cancer treatments. The significant effect against antimutagenic 2AA suggests that their consumption would provide protection against carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic compounds.
Influence of Microsprinkler Irrigation Amount on Water, Soil, and pH Profiles in a Coastal Saline Soil
Authors: Chu Linlin , Kang Yaohu , Wan Shuqin
Published: July 2014

Microsprinkler irrigation is a potential method to alleviate soil salinization. After conducting a homogeneous, highly saline, clayey, and coastal soil from the Bohai Gulf in northern China in a column experiment, the results show that the depth of the wetting front increased as the water amount applied increased, low-salinity and low-SAR enlarged after irrigation and water redistribution, and the soil pH increased with an increase in irrigation amount. We concluded that a water amount of 207 mm could be used to reclaim the coastal saline soil in northern China.
Analysis of Epileptic Seizures with Complex Network
Authors: Ni Yan , Wang Yinghua , Yu Tao , Li Xiaoli
Published: July 2014

Epilepsy is a disease of abnormal neural activities involving large area of brain networks. Until now the nature of functional brain network associated with epilepsy is still unclear. Recent researches indicate that the small world or scale-free attributes and the occurrence of highly clustered connection patterns could represent a general organizational principle in the human brain functional network. In this paper, we seek to find whether the small world or scale-free property of brain network is correlated with epilepsy seizure formation. A mass neural model was adopted to generate multiple channel EEG recordings based on regular, small world, random, and scale-free network models. Whether the connection patterns of cortical networks are directly associated with the epileptic seizures was investigated. The results showed that small world and scale-free cortical networks are highly correlated with the occurrence of epileptic seizures. In particular, the property of small world network is more significant during the epileptic seizures.
Patients with Poor Response to Antipsychotics Have a More Severe Pattern of Frontal Atrophy: A Voxel-Based Morphometry Study of Treatment Resistance in Schizophrenia
Authors: Quarantelli Mario , Palladino Olga , Prinster Anna , Schiavone Vittorio , Carotenuto Barbara , Brunetti Arturo , Marsili Angela , Casiello Margherita , Muscettola Giovanni , Salvatore Marco , de Bartolomeis Andrea
Published: July 2014

Approximately 30% of schizophrenia patients do not respond adequately to the therapy. Previous MRI studies have suggested that drug treatment resistance is associated with brain morphological abnormalities, although region-of-interest analysis of MR studies from nonresponder and responder patients failed to demonstrate a statistically significant difference between these two schizophrenia subgroups. We have used a voxel-based analysis of segmented MR studies to assess structural cerebral differences in 20 nonresponder and 15 responder patients and 16 age-matched normal volunteers. Differences between the three groups emerged bilaterally mainly at the level of the superior and middle frontal gyri, primarily due to reduced grey matter volumes in nonresponders, as compared to both normal volunteers and responder patients. Post hoc direct comparison between the two schizophrenia subgroups demonstrated significantly reduced grey matter volumes in middle frontal gyrus bilaterally, in the dorsolateral aspects of left superior frontal gyrus extending into postcentral gyrus and in the right medial temporal cortex. Our results extend and integrate previous findings suggesting a more severe atrophy in nonresponder schizophrenia patients, compared to responder patients, mainly at the level of the superior and middle frontal gyri. Longitudinal studies in drug-naïve patients are needed to assess the role of these associations.
Inhibitory Effect of Curcumin-Cu(II) and Curcumin-Zn(II) Complexes on Amyloid-Beta Peptide Fibrillation
Authors: Banerjee Rona
Published: July 2014

Mononuclear complexes of Curcumin with Cu(II) and Zn(II) have been synthesized and, characterized and their effects on the fibrillization and aggregation of amyloid-beta (Aβ) peptide have been studied. FTIR spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy (AFM) observations demonstrate that the complexes can inhibit the transition from less structured oligomers toβ-sheet rich protofibrils which act as seeding factors for further fibrillization. The metal complexes also impart more improved inhibitory effects than Curcumin on peptide fibrillization.
Relationship between Fiscal Subsidies and CO2 Emissions: Evidence from Cross-Country Empirical Estimates
Authors: Mukherjee Sacchidananda , Chakraborty Debashis
Published: July 2014

Countries disburse subsidies with various motivations, for example, to promote industrial development, facilitate innovation, support national champions, and ensure redistribution. The devolution of subsidies may however also encourage economic activities leading to climate change related concerns, reflected through higher greenhouse gases (GHGs) emissions, if such activities are conducted beyond sustainable point. Through a cross-country empirical analysis involving 131 countries over 1990–2010, the present analysis observes that higher proportional devolution of budgetary subsidies leads to higher CO2 emissions. The countries with higher CO2 emissions are also characterized by higher per capita GDP, greater share of manufacturing sector in their GDP, and higher level of urbanization. In addition, the empirical findings underline the importance of the type of government subsidy devolution on CO2 emission pattern. The analysis underlines the importance of limiting provision of subsidies both in developed and developing countries.
Displacement Prediction of Tunnel Surrounding Rock: A Comparison of Support Vector Machine and Artificial Neural Network
Authors: Wu Qingdong , Yan Bo , Zhang Chao , Wang Lu , Ning Guobao , Yu B.
Published: July 2014

Displacement prediction of tunnel surrounding rock plays an important role in safety monitoring and quality control tunnel construction. In this paper, two methodologies, support vector machines (SVM) and artificial neural network (ANN), are introduced to predict tunnel surrounding rock displacement. Then the two modes are texted with the data of Fangtianchong tunnel, respectively. The comparative results show that solutions gained by SVM seem to be more robust with a smaller standard error compared to ANN. Generally, the comparison between artificial neural network (ANN) and SVM shows that SVM has a higher accuracy prediction than ANN. Results also show that SVM seems to be a powerful tool for tunnel surrounding rock displacement prediction.
Tattoo-Associated Skin Reaction: The Importance of an Early Diagnosis and Proper Treatment
Authors: Bassi Andrea , Campolmi Piero , Cannarozzo Giovanni , Conti Rossana , Bruscino Nicola , Gola Massimo , Ermini Stefano , Massi Daniela , Moretti Silvia
Published: July 2014

Tattoo is going to be a very common practice especially among young people and we are witnessing a gradual increase of numerous potential complications to tattoo placement which are often seen by physicians, but generally unknown to the public. The most common skin reactions to tattoo include a transient acute inflammatory reaction due to trauma of the skin with needles and medical complications such as superficial and deep local infections, systemic infections, allergic contact dermatitis, photodermatitis, granulomatous and lichenoid reactions, and skin diseases localized on tattooed area (eczema, psoriasis, lichen, and morphea). Next to these inflammatory skin reactions we have to consider also the possibility of the development of cutaneous conditions such as pseudolymphomatous reactions and pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia. The aim of this study is to underline the importance of an early diagnosis by performing a histological examination especially when we are in front of suspected papulonodular lesions arising from a tattoo, followed by a proper treatment, since cutaneous neoplastic evolution is known to be a rare but possible complication.
An Improved Genetic Algorithm for Single‐Machine Inverse Scheduling Problem
Authors: Mou Jianhui , Li Xinyu , Gao Liang , Lu Chao , Zhang Guohui
Published: July 2014

The goal of the scheduling is to arrange operations on suitable machines with optimal sequence for corresponding objectives. In order to meet market requirements, scheduling systems must own enough flexibility against uncertain events. These events can change production status or processing parameters, even causing the original schedule to no longer be optimal or even to be infeasible. Traditional scheduling strategies, however, cannot cope with these cases. Therefore, a new idea of scheduling called inverse scheduling has been proposed. In this paper, the inverse scheduling with weighted completion time (SMISP) is considered in a single‐machine shop environment. In this paper, an improved genetic algorithm (IGA) with a local searching strategy is proposed. To improve the performance of IGA, efficient encoding scheme, fitness evaluation mechanism, feasible initialization methods, and a local search procedure have been employed in the paper. Because of the local improving method, the proposed IGA can balance its exploration ability and exploitation ability. We adopt 27 instances to verify the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm. The experimental results illustrated that the proposed algorithm can generate satisfactory solutions. This approach also has been applied to solve the scheduling problem in the real Chinese shipyard and can bring some benefits.
Angiotensin I-Converting Enzyme Inhibitor Derived from Cross-Linked Oyster Protein
Authors: Xie Cheng-Liang , Kim Jin-Soo , Ha Jong-Myung , Choung Se-Young , Choi Yeung-Joon
Published: July 2014

Following cross-linking by microbial transglutaminase, modified oyster proteins were hydrolyzed to improve inhibitory activity against angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activity with the use of a single protease, or a combination of six proteases. The oyster hydrolysate with the lowest 50% ACE inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 0.40 mg/mL was obtained by two-step hydrolysis of the cross-linked oyster protein using Protamex and Neutrase. Five ACE inhibitory peptides were purified from the oyster hydrolysate using a multistep chromatographic procedure comprised of ion-exchange, size exclusion, and reversed-phase liquid chromatography. Their sequences were identified as TAY, VK, KY, FYN, and YA, using automated Edman degradation and mass spectrometry. These peptides were synthesized, and their IC50values were measured to be 16.7, 29.0, 51.5, 68.2, and 93.9 μM, respectively. Toxicity of the peptides on the HepG2 cell line was not detected. The oyster hydrolysate also significantly decreased the systolic blood pressure of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). The antihypertensive effect of the oyster hydrolysate on SHR was rapid and long-lasting, compared to commercially obtained sardine hydrolysate. These results suggest that the oyster hydrolysate could be a source of effective nutraceuticals against hypertension.
Clinical Evaluation of Etched Enamel Discoloration following Immediate and Delayed Exposure to Colored Agents
Authors: Eslami Neda , Basafa Mohammad , Jahanbin Arezoo , Borouzi Niat Alireza , Basafa Soroush , Banihashemi Elham
Published: July 2014

Introduction.The aim was to evaluate etched enamel discoloration following immediate and delayed exposure to colored agents.Method & Material.64 premolars were divided into four groups. Buccal surface of the teeth was divided into two halves and baseline color values were measured. One half was covered and the other half was etched and dried. In first and second groups, the patients did not eat any colored agents for the next 24 hours. Both halves were colorimetered after 48 hours and 1 month, respectively. In third and fourth groups, the process was similar, but the patients drank cola and avoid eating any other colored agents and the teeth were colorimetered after 48 hours and 1 month, respectively. Color change values(ΔE)of each half were calculated according to CIE lab system. Sign test was used to compare values of etched and unetched halves.P<0.08was set as significant.Results.A significant difference was observed in groups III and IV regarding comparison ofΔEof the etched and control enamel (P=0.077).Conclusion.Exposure of etched enamel to colored agents in the first 24 hours after etching can affect its color which remains at least for one month.
Pinocembrin Protects Human Brain Microvascular Endothelial Cells against Fibrillar Amyloid-β1−40Injury by Suppressing the MAPK/NF-κB Inflammatory Pathways
Authors: Liu Rui , Li Jin-ze , Song Jun-ke , Sun Jia-lin , Li Yong-jie , Zhou Si-bai , Zhang Tian-tai , Du Guan-hua
Published: July 2014

Cerebrovascular accumulation of amyloid-β(Aβ) peptides in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) may contribute to disease progression through Aβ-induced microvascular endothelial pathogenesis. Pinocembrin has been shown to have therapeutic effects in AD models. These effects correlate with preservation of microvascular function, but the effect on endothelial cells under Aβ-damaged conditions is unclear. The present study focuses on thein vitroprotective effect of pinocembrin on fibrillar Aβ1−40(fAβ1−40) injured human brain microvascular endothelial cells (hBMECs) and explores potential mechanisms. The results demonstrate that fAβ1−40-induced cytotoxicity in hBMECs can be rescued by pinocembrin treatment. Pinocembrin increases cell viability, reduces the release of LDH, and relieves nuclear condensation. The mechanisms of this reversal from Aβmay be associated with the inhibition of inflammatory response, involving inhibition of MAPK activation, downregulation of phosphor-IKK level, relief of IκBαdegradation, blockage of NF-κB p65 nuclear translocation, and reduction of the release of proinflammatory cytokines. Pinocembrin does not show obvious effects on regulating the redox imbalance after exposure to fAβ1−40. Together, the suppression of MAPK and the NF-κB signaling pathways play a significant role in the anti-inflammation of pinocembrin in hBMECs subjected to fAβ1−40. This may serve as a therapeutic agent for BMEC protection in Alzheimer’s-related deficits.
PLI Cancellation in ECG Signal Based on Adaptive Filter by Using Wiener-Hopf Equation for Providing Initial Condition
Authors: Manosueb Anchalee , Koseeyaporn Jeerasuda , Wardkein Paramote
Published: July 2014

This paper presents a technique for finding the optimal initial weight for adaptive filter by using difference equation. The obtained analytical response of the system identifies the appropriate weights for the system and shows that the MSE depends on the initial weight. The proposed technique is applied to eliminate the known frequency power line interference (PLI) signal in the electrocardiogram (ECG) signal. The PLI signal is considered as a combination of cosine and sine signals. The adaptive filter, therefore, attempts to adjust the amplitude of cosine and sine signals to synthesize a reference signal very similar to the contaminated PLI signal. To compare the potential of the proposed technique to other techniques, the system is simulated by using the Matlab program and the TMS320C6713 digital board. The simulation results demonstrate that the proposed technique enables the system to eliminate the PLI signal with the fastest time and gains the superior results of the recovered ECG signal.
Forecasting Malaria Cases Using Climatic Factors in Delhi, India: A Time Series Analysis
Authors: Kumar Varun , Mangal Abha , Panesar Sanjeet , Yadav Geeta , Talwar Richa , Raut Deepak , Singh Saudan
Published: July 2014

Background. Malaria still remains a public health problem in developing countries and changing environmental and climatic factors pose the biggest challenge in fighting against the scourge of malaria. Therefore, the study was designed to forecast malaria cases using climatic factors as predictors in Delhi, India. Methods. The total number of monthly cases of malaria slide positives occurring from January 2006 to December 2013 was taken from the register maintained at the malaria clinic at Rural Health Training Centre (RHTC), Najafgarh, Delhi. Climatic data of monthly mean rainfall, relative humidity, and mean maximum temperature were taken from Regional Meteorological Centre, Delhi. Expert modeler of SPSS ver. 21 was used for analyzing the time series data. Results. Autoregressive integrated moving average, ARIMA (0,1,1) (0,1,0)12, was the best fit model and it could explain 72.5% variability in the time series data. Rainfall (P value = 0.004) and relative humidity (P value = 0.001) were found to be significant predictors for malaria transmission in the study area. Seasonal adjusted factor (SAF) for malaria cases shows peak during the months of August and September. Conclusion. ARIMA models of time series analysis is a simple and reliable tool for producing reliable forecasts for malaria in Delhi, India.
The Effects of Different Fuels on Wear between Piston Ring and Cylinder
Authors: Cesur İdris , Ayhan Vezir , Parlak Adnan , Savaş Ömer , Aydin Zafer
Published: July 2014

In internal combustion engines, mechanical friction occurs between engine components in contact with each other, leading to wear and important loss of efficiency. Mechanical energy absorbed by piston ring-cylinder pair in piston engines accounts for the largest portion of efficiency losses due to mechanical friction. Different engine lubrication regimes significantly affect wear and friction. In addition to selection of compatible materials, improvement of operational conditions and the properties of lubricants and fuels are of great importance to minimize wear. This study investigated the effects of oil, diesel fuel, oil + diesel fuel, and two different biodiesel fuels (SOME: sunflower oil methyl ester and TSOME: tobacco seed oil methyl ester) as engine lubricants and their effects on wear in piston ring-cylinder pair. The tests were carried out at different engine speeds and loads. Minimum wear occurred when using engine oil as lubricant, and maximum wear occurred when using diesel fuel as lubricant. The use of SOME and TSOME lubricant resulted in half the amount of engine wear, on average, compared to diesel.
A Comparative Study of Marketing Channel Multiagent Stackelberg Model Based on Perfect Rationality and Fairness Preference
Authors: Wang Kaihong , Yang Xu , Sun Yiwan , Ding Chuan
Published: July 2014

This paper studies channel consisting of a manufacturer and two retailers. As a basis for comparison, the first, multiagent Stackelberg model has been structured based on perfect rationality. Further, fairness preference theory will be embedded in marketing channel multiagent Stackelberg model, and the results show that if the retailers have a jealous fairness preference, the manufacturer will reduce the wholesale price, retailers will increase the effort level, product sales will be increased, and the total channel utility and manufacturers’ utility will be pareto improvement, but the pareto improvement of retailers’ utility is associated with the interval of jealousy fairness preference coefficient. If the retailers have a sympathetic fairness preference, the manufacturer increases wholesale price, retailers reduce the effort level, and the total channel utility, manufacturer’s utility, and retailers’ utility are less than that of the no fairness preference utility.
Study on Knowledge Propagation in Complex Networks Based on Preferences, Taking Wechat as Example
Authors: Chen Si-hua , He Wei
Published: July 2014

As platform based on users’ relationship to acquire, share, and propagate knowledge, Wechat develops very rapidly and becomes an important channel to spread knowledge. This new way to propagate knowledge is quite different from the traditional media way which enables knowledge to be spread surprisingly in Wechat. Based on complex network theory and the analysis of the factors which influence the knowledge propagation in Wechat, this paper summarizes the behavior preferences of Wechat users in knowledge propagation and establishes a Wechat knowledge propagation model. By the simulation experiment, this paper tests the model established and finds some important thresholds in knowledge propagation in Wechat. The findings are valuable for further studying the knowledge propagation in Wechat and provide theoretical proof for forecasting the scale and influence of knowledge propagation.
Submicron Surface Vibration Profiling Using Doppler Self-Mixing Techniques
Authors: Pereira Tânia , Sequeira Mariana , Vaz Pedro , Tomé Ana , Pereira Helena C. , Correia Carlos , Cardoso João
Published: July 2014

Doppler self-mixing laser probing techniques are often used for vibration measurement with very high accuracy. A novel optoelectronic probe solution is proposed, based on off-the-shelf components, with a direct reflection optical scheme for contactless characterization of the target’s movement. This probe was tested with two test bench apparatus that enhance its precision performance, with a linear actuator at low frequency (35 µm, 5–60 Hz), and its dynamics, with disc shaped transducers for small amplitude and high frequency (0.6 µm, 100–2500 Hz). The results, obtained from well-established signal processing methods for self-mixing Doppler signals, allowed the evaluation of vibration velocity and amplitudes with an average error of less than 10%. The impedance spectrum of piezoelectric (PZ) disc target revealed a maximum of impedance (around 1 kHz) for minimal Doppler shift. A bidimensional scan over the PZ disc surface allowed the categorization of the vibration mode (0, 1) and explained its deflection directions. The feasibility of a laser vibrometer based on self-mixing principles and supported by tailored electronics able to accurately measure submicron displacements was, thus, successfully demonstrated.
Assessment of Free Radical Scavenging Potential and Oxidative DNA Damage Preventive Activity ofTrachyspermum ammiL. (Carom) andFoeniculum vulgareMill. (Fennel) Seed Extracts
Authors: Goswami Nandini , Chatterjee Sreemoyee
Published: July 2014

Oxidation of biomolecules such as carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids results in generation of free radicals in an organism which is the major cause of onset of various degenerative diseases. Antioxidants scavenge these free radicals, thereby protecting the cell from damage. The present study was designed to examine the free radical scavenging potential and oxidative DNA damage preventive activity of traditionally used spicesTrachyspermum ammiL. (carom) andFoeniculum vulgareMill. (fennel). The aqueous, methanolic, and acetonic extracts ofT. ammiandF. vulgareseeds were prepared using soxhlet extraction assembly and subjected to qualitative and quantitative estimation of phytochemical constituents. Free radical scavenging potential was investigated using standard methods, namely, DPPH radical scavenging assay and ferric reducing antioxidant power assay along with the protection against oxidative DNA damage. The results stated that acetonic seed extracts (AAcSE and FAcSE) of both the spices possessed comparatively high amount of total phenolics whereas methanolic seed extracts (AMSE and FMSE) were found to have highest amount of total flavonoids. At 1 mg/mL concentration, highest DPPH radical scavenging activity was shown by FMSE (96.2%), AAcSE was recorded with highest FRAP value (2270.27 ± 0.005 μmol/L), and all the seed extracts have been shown to mitigate the damage induced by Fenton reaction on calf thymus DNA. Therefore, the study suggests thatT. ammiandF. vulgareseed extracts could contribute as a highly significant bioresource of antioxidants to be used in our day-to-day life and in food and pharmaceutical industry.
Influence of Estrogen ReceptorαPolymorphisms on Bone Density in Response to Habitual Exercise in Japanese Postmenopausal Women
Authors: Kondo Hiroyo , Fujino Hidemi , Nagatomo Fumiko , Ishihara Akihiko
Published: July 2014

Estrogen receptorα(ERα) is one of candidate genes for osteoporosis. This study examined the influence ofERαgene,PvuII, andXbaI genotypes on bone density of calcaneus in response to habitual exercise.ERαpolymorphisms were detected usingPvuII andXbaI restriction enzymes in 316 Japanese postmenopausal women. The bone density was significantly lower in the women carrying PP, pp, or xx genotype without habitual exercise than in the age-matched women without those genotypes. The women carrying Pp genotype without habitual exercise had normal bone density compared to those without Pp genotype. The women carrying PPxx or ppxx polymorphism without habitual exercise had low bone density compared to those with habitual exercise. Thus, the reduction of bone density was attenuated in the women carrying PPxx or ppxx with habitual exercise. In addition, habitual exercise was highly effective for the bone density in the women carrying xx homozygote. These findings indicate that analyses ofXbaI andPvuII polymorphisms ofERαmay be useful to predict the effect of exercise on bone density, and habitual exercise attenuates the reduction of bone density in women with some genotypes.
Novel Use of the GuideLiner Catheter to Deliver Rotational Atherectomy Burrs in Tortuous Vessels
Authors: Vo Minh , Minhas Kunal , Kass Malek , Ravandi Amir
Published: July 2014

Rotational atherectomy (RA) for heavily calcified lesions is essential for improved stent delivery and stent expansion. In tortuous vessels it is often difficult to advance the burr without rotation and possible injury to the endothelium of healthy vessel. The GuideLiner catheter, a child in mother catheter, has recently been used to allow for increased support for delivery of stents through tortuous vessels. We report a novel use of the GuideLiner for the delivery of an RA burr in tortuous vessels requiring increased guide support.
A Simplified Flexible Multibody Dynamics for a Main Landing Gear with Flexible Leaf Spring
Authors: Xue Zhi-Peng , Li Ming , Li Yan-Hui , Jia Hong-Guang
Published: July 2014

The dynamics of multibody systems with deformable components has been a subject of interest in many different fields such as machine design and aerospace. Traditional rigid-flexible systems often take a lot of computer resources to get accurate results. Accuracy and efficiency of computation have been the focus of this research in satisfying the coupling of rigid body and flex body. The method is based on modal analysis and linear theory of elastodynamics: reduced modal datum was used to describe the elastic deformation which was a linear approximate of the flexible part. Then rigid-flexible multibody system was built and the highly nonlinearity of the mass matrix caused by the limited rotation of the deformation part was approximated using the linear theory of elastodynamics. The above methods were used to establish the drop system of the leaf spring type landing gear of a small UAV. Comparisons of the drop test and simulation were applied. Results show that the errors caused by the linear approximation are acceptable, and the simulation process is fast and stable.
The Design of an Urban Roadside Automatic Sprinkling System: Mitigation of PM2.5–10 in Ambient Air in Megacities
Authors: Liu Shiyong , Triantis Konstantinos , Zhang Lan
Published: July 2014

The objective of this research paper is to describe the system architecture for an urban roadside automatic mist-generating system. Its primary purpose is to mitigate particulate matter especially PM2.5–10. In this paper, four graphs are provided to exhibit the constituent elements of this system. This paper also discusses the functional extensions of this system for alternative uses in civil engineering which include winter road deicing and desnowing with added salt; clean-up of street dust; lowering of temperature of a “hot island” during the summer; the addition of humidity in an arid area; and the suppression of flu virus in the winter season. The structure and function of this system are comprehensively discussed in this paper. This system is compared to existing and other proposed systems in terms of control options, efficiency, and primary functional issues. The unique design of the road automatic sprinkling system renders itself a prominent option. Although there are no data available for this conceptual system, some expected qualitative and quantitative outcomes are provided and justified. The paper concludes with some potential research areas and challenges associated with this system architecture.
Quantum‐Inspired Evolutionary Algorithm for Continuous Space Optimization Based on Multiple Chains Encoding Method of Quantum Bits
Authors: Zhang Rui , Wang Zhiteng , Zhang Hongjun
Published: July 2014

This study proposes a novel quantum evolutionary algorithm called four‐chain quantum‐inspired evolutionary algorithm (FCQIEA) based on the four gene chains encoding method. In FCQIEA, a chromosome comprises four gene chains to expand the search space effectively and promote the evolutionary rate. Different parameters, including rotational angle and mutation probability, have been analyzed for better optimization. Performance comparison with other quantum‐inspired evolutionary algorithms (QIEAs), evolutionary algorithms, and different chains of QIEA demonstrates the effectiveness and efficiency of FCQIEA.
Studies on the Codeposition of SiC Nanopowder with Nickel, Cobalt, and Co-Ni Alloys
Authors: Rudnik Ewa , Syrek Sławomir
Published: July 2014

Electrodeposition of SiC nanopowder (approximately 120 nm) with nickel, cobalt, and Co-Ni alloy matrix was studied. It was found that particles suspended in the bath affect slightly the reduction of metallic ions. Incorporation of the ceramic particles was governed mainly by the morphology of the matrix surface, while no strict correlation between the amount of cobalt ions adsorbed on the powder and the SiC content in the composites was found. Microhardness of nickel deposits was 585±5 HV, while for cobalt-rich coatings (84–95 wt.% Co) the values were in the range of 260–290 HV, independently of the SiC content in the coatings. Fine-grained nickel deposits were characterized by good corrosion resistance, while cobalt and Co-Ni alloys showed high corrosion current densities.
Myasthenia Gravis-Like Syndrome Presenting as a Component of the Paraneoplastic Syndrome of Lung Adenocarcinoma in a Nonsmoker
Authors: Eivaz-Mohammadi Sahar , Gonzalez-Ibarra Fernando , Hekmatjou Hesam , Mikkilineni Rao , Patel Amit , Syed Amer K.
Published: July 2014

Adenocarcinoma of the lung is the most common form of lung cancer in nonsmokers. It is commonly seen in the periphery of the lungs. Myasthenia gravis is generally associated with mediastinal malignancies and rarely associated with adenocarcinoma of the lung. We present a case of a 38-year-old male nonsmoker with rapidly progressive adenocarcinoma of the lung associated with myasthenia gravis, a patient whom expired within 27 days of hospital admission and diagnosis.
An Analytical Model for Fatigue Crack Propagation Prediction with Overload Effect
Authors: Jiang Shan , Zhang Wei , Li Xiaoyang , Sun Fuqiang
Published: July 2014

In this paper a theoretical model was developed to predict the fatigue crack growth behavior under the constant amplitude loading with single overload. In the proposed model, crack growth retardation was accounted for by using crack closure and plastic zone. The virtual crack annealing model modified by Bauschinger effect was used to calculate the crack closure level in the outside of retardation effect region. And the Dugdale plastic zone model was employed to estimate the size of retardation effect region. A sophisticated equation was developed to calculate the crack closure variation during the retardation area. Model validation was performed in D16 aluminum alloy and 350WT steel specimens subjected to constant amplitude load with single or multiple overloads. The predictions of the proposed model were contrasted with experimental data, and fairly good agreements were observed.
Synthesis and Characterization of Acrylamide-Based Anionic Copolymer and Investigation of Solution Properties
Authors: Jamshidi H. , Rabiee A.
Published: July 2014

The copolymer of acrylamide (AM) and 2-acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propane sulfonic acid (AMPS) was synthesized through radical solution polymerization by potassium persulfate as initiator. By changing the AMPS feed ratio from 10 to 70%, and keeping other reaction conditions constant, different copolymers were synthesized. The techniques of Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-13C-NMR) spectroscopy were used for identification of functional groups and confirmation of copolymers’ structure. Intrinsic and apparent viscosity of samples were measured in aqueous sodium chloride solution under standard conditions. The anionic degree of copolymers was determined by back titration method and by13C-NMR spectroscopy. Molecular weight of copolymers was determined by the Mark-Houwink relationship. The measured molecular weight of samples showed that we have acquired a high molecular weight product. The effect of different range of shear rates on solution viscosity was evaluated. The copolymer solutions showed non-Newtonian shear thinning behavior. The performance of copolymers with respect to shear resistance and molecular weight was evaluated from industry application standpoint.
The Effects of Intravitreal Bevacizumab in Infectious and Noninfectious Uveitic Macular Edema
Authors: Al-Dhibi Hassan , Hamade Issam H. , Al-Halafi Ali , Barry Maan , Chacra Charbel Bou , Gupta Vishali , Tabbara Khalid F.
Published: July 2014

Background/Aims.To assess the effect of intravitreal bevacizumab injection (IVBI) for the treatment of macular edema due to infectious and noninfectious uveitides.Design.Retrospective interventional case series.Methods.A chart review was performed on all the patients who were diagnosed with uveitic macular edema (UME) and received 1.25 mg of IVBI at two referral centers in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. All included patients had their visual acuity and macular thickness analyzed at baseline and at 1 and 3 months following IVBI and any sign of reactivation was noted.Results.The mean age of patients was41±16years with a mean followup of4±1months. Ten patients had idiopathic intermediate uveitis, 9 patients had Behcet’s disease, 10 had idiopathic panuveitis, and twelve patients had presumed ocular tuberculosis uveitis. Following IVBI, the mean LogMAR visual acuity improved from0.8±0.8at baseline to0.4±0.5at 1 month and0.3±0.5at 3 months (P<0.002, at 3 months). The mean macular thickness was430±132 μm at baseline. Following IVBI macular thickness improved to286±93 μm at 1 month and to265±88 μm at 3 months of followup (P<0.001, at 3 months).Conclusion.Bevacizumab was effective in the management of UME associated with both infectious and noninfectious uveitides. Intravitreal bevacizumab induced remission of UME with infectious uveitis and had no immunosuppressive effect against infectious agents.
The Gerber-Shiu Expected Penalty Function for the Risk Model with Dependence and a Constant Dividend Barrier
Authors: Liu Donghai , Liu Zaiming , Peng Dan
Published: July 2014

We consider a compound Poisson risk model with dependence and a constant dividend barrier. A dependence structure between the claim amount and the interclaim time is introduced through a Farlie-Gumbel-Morgenstern copula. An integrodifferential equation for the Gerber-Shiu discounted penalty function is derived. We also solve the integrodifferential equation and show that the solution is a linear combination of the Gerber-Shiu function with no barrier and the solution of an associated homogeneous integrodifferential equation.
Glycyrrhizin Attenuates Toll Like Receptor-2, -4 and Experimental Vasospasm in a Rat Model
Authors: Chang Chih-Zen , Wu Shu-Chuan , Kwan Aij-Lie
Published: July 2014

Upregulated TLRs are observed in the serum of animals following experimental subarachnoid hemorrhage. This study was to examine glycyrrhizin’s effect on proinflammatory cytokines and TLRs in SAH rats. Administration with glycyrrhizin was initiated 24 hr before and 1 hr later using osmotic minipump. Basilar arteries were harvested to examine TLRs mRNA and protein (rt-PCR and western blot) and CSF cytokines (rt-PCR). Morphologically, deformed endothelium, tortuous elastic lamina, and smooth muscle necrosis were observed in the SAH rats, but were absent in the glycyrrhizin pretreatment group. The TLR-3 protein level was not increased in SAH animals, compared with the controls, while that of TLR-2 and -4 in the SAH only and SAH plus vehicle groups was significantly elevated (P<0.01). Pretreatment and treatment with glycyrrhizin reduced TLR-2 and -4 by28±8% and33.4±9.2%, respectively. Likewise, glycyrrhizin was able to reduce the IL-1βand MCP-1 mRNA levels. This study shows glycyrrhizin exerts anti-inflammatory effects on SAH induced vasospasm and attenuates the ultrashort time expression of TLRs, like TLR-2 and -4. It corresponds to SAH induced early brain injury. These findings offer credit to the antivasospastic effect of glycyrrhizin and its effect on SAH induced early brain injury.