bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Flow of MHD Carreau Fluid in a Curved Channel
Authors: Noreen Saima , Hayat Tasawar , Alsaedi Ahmed
Published: March 2015

Analysis has been made for the curvature effects on the MHD peristaltic flow of an incompressible Carreau fluid in a channel. The flow problem is first reduced in the wave frame of reference and then solved after employing the long wavelength and low Reynolds number approximations. Expressions of stream function, pressure gradient, magnetic force function, induced magnetic field and current density are derived and then examined for various parameters of interest.
Suspension Two-Layered Blood Flow Through a Bell Shaped Stenosis in Arteries
Authors: Medhavi Amit
Published: March 2015

The present study concerns with the effects of the hematocrit and the peripheral layer on blood flow characteristics due to the presence of a bell shaped stenosis in arteries. To account for the hematocrit and the peripheral layer, the flowing blood has been represented by a two-layered macroscopic two-phase (i.e., a suspension of red cells in plasma) model. The expressions for the flow characteristics, namely, the velocity profiles, the flow rate, the impedance, the wall shear stress in the stenotic region and the shear stress at the stenosis throat have been derived. The quantitative effects of the hematocrit and the peripheral layer on these flow characteristics have been displayed graphically and discussed briefly.
Quantification of Age-Related Differences in Reaching and Circle-Drawing using a Robotic Rehabilitation Device
Authors: Pacilli Alessandra , Germanotta Marco , Rossi Stefano , Cappa Paolo
Published: March 2015

Background: Although robotic therapy is at the forefront of upper limb rehabilitation, there is limited information about the importance of selecting age-matched subjects to evaluate recovery of arm movement during rehabilitation.

Objective: This study aims to quantify differences in the arm motion of healthy children and adults when they interact with a planar robot, in order to determine whether an age-matched control group is necessary in clinical studies involving pediatric patients.

Methods: Ten children (aged 7 to 10 years) and ten adults (aged 23 to 25 years) performed, at self-selected speed and accuracy, planar-reaching and circle-drawing movements with a robotic device. We analyzed the motor performances for the two groups quantifying the participants' dexterity in completing two chosen tasks. The measurement of the entire upper limb was obtained by merging the data provided by the robot with that of an optical tracking system.

Results: Children drew circles with less smoothness than adults but with the same accuracy and joint coordination. During planar reaching task, children optimized only the coordination but performed the movement with less accuracy and smoothness than adults.

Conclusions: Our findings provide evidence that age-matched healthy children should be used to quantify the recovery of robot-mediated therapy in children with upper limb impairments.
Three-Dimensional Biomechanical Analysis of the Bovine Humerus
Authors: Bouza-Rodríguez José Benito , Miramontes-Sequeiros Luz Calia
Published: March 2015

There are few reports on the biomechanical analysis of the animal humerus. In this study, a three-dimensional finite element model of the bovine humerus was created, and loaded with the physiological forces acting when the cow is falling or jumping (weight and impact forces). Subsequently the corresponding stress and strain distribution in the humerus for different inclined positions of bone was determined.

The highest stress concentration occurred in the distal humeral diaphysis, both when only the reaction and load transfer forces were considered and when muscle forces were included too, although when muscle forces were included these maximum stresses decreased. In the distal humeral diaphysis, an increase was also observed in the cortical thickness; this may be a bone adaptation to reduce the maximum stresses. By understanding these bone adaptation processes at regional level, non-pharmacological treatments to some bone pathologies could be developed, mainly the ones characterized by loss of bone mass.

Furthermore, taking into account both the humerus fracture strength and the maximum force that muscles can make without breaking, it is deduced that during jumping or falling the cow must maintain the humerus as vertical as possible to better bear the impact. This is in congruity with what was observed.

The interest of this study is in improving the knowledge of animal humerus biomechanics and its application in orthopaedic design and surgical treatments.
3D Crack Behavior in the Orthopedic Cement Mantle of a Total Hip Replacement
Authors: Sahli Abderahmen , Benbarek Smail , Wayne Steven , Bachir Bouiadjra Bel-Abbes , Serier Boualem
Published: March 2015

The total hip replacement is an operation that replaces a diseased hip with a mechanical articulation. Both components of the mechanical articulation (stem and the cup) are bonded to bone using orthopedic cement, whose reliability determines the longevity of the implant. The cement around the metallic stem forms a mantle whose strength and toughness determine its resistance to fatigue and failure by fracture. Typical cements are acrylic polymers that often suffer from internal cracks and other defects created during polymerization. This study is a systematic analysis of preexisting 3D crack behavior in the orthopedic cement mantle when subjected to external body forces. Different crack orientations and angular positions around the mantle are studied to identify which locations will propagate the crack. This is accomplished by a global stress analysis of the mantle followed by a failure analysis. Amongst others, the existence of a crack in the proximal region of the orthopedic cement is identified as a critical area, especially in the lateral sides of the stem in the radial direction.
Peristaltic Motion of Carreau Fluid in a Channel with Convective Boundary Conditions
Authors: Hayat T. , Yasmin Humaira , Alsaedi A.
Published: March 2015

We investigate the peristaltic motion of Carreau fluid in an asymmetric channel with convective boundary conditions. Mathematical formulation is first reduced in a wave frame of reference and then solutions are constructed by long wavelength and low Reynolds number conventions. Results of the stream function, axial pressure gradient, temperature and pressure rise over a wavelength are obtained for small Weissenberg number. Velocity and temperature distributions are analyzed for different parameters of interest. A comparative study between the results of Newtonian and Carreau fluids is given.
Modified Newton‐Raphson Method to Tune Feedback Gains of Control System for Standing by Functional Neuromuscular Stimulation Following Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Nataraj Raviraj , Audu Musa L. , Triolo Ronald J.
Published: March 2015

Background: Functional neuromuscular stimulation (FNS) can restore standing capabilities following spinal cord injury.
Feedback control of these systems can optimize performance by reducing the required upper extremity support. However, tuning
these control systems can be intensive and clinically inconvenient.

Objective: This case study investigated a clinical method to efficiently tune feedback gains for a control system utilizing
feedback of total body center of mass acceleration to modulate stimulation levels to targeted paralyzed musculature of the lower
extremities and trunk.

Methods: Gains for this control system were tuned to minimize the stabilization loading by one arm against internal postural
perturbations volitionally‐generated during manipulation of an object using the other arm. An algorithm based on a modified
form of the Newton‐Raphson method was employed to find the optimal feedback gains with lower subject effort than that to
determine the original tuning curves.

Results: This method accurately (<6.2% error) approximated the optimal gains with 70% fewer manipulations by the subject.

Conclusions: These results suggest that optimal feedback gains for the specific FNS control system can be determined
systematically with considerably less effort than heuristic gain tuning. This demonstrates the potential for devising simple,
convenient methods for effective system re‐tuning during clinical usage.
Effect of Slip on Peristaltic Flow of Powell-Eyring Fluid in a Symmetric Channel
Authors: Hayat T. , Irfan Shah S. , Ahmad B. , Mustafa M.
Published: March 2015

Peristaltic flow of non-Newtonian fluid in a symmetric channel with partial slip effect is examined. The non-Newtonian behavior of fluid is characterized by the constitutive equations of Powell-Eyring fluid. The motion is induced by a sinusoidal wave traveling along the flexible walls of channel. The flow is analyzed in a wave frame of reference moving with the velocity of wave. The equations governing the flow are solved by adopting lubrication approach. Series solutions for the stream function and axial pressure gradient are obtained. Impact of slip and other emerging flow parameters is plotted and analyzed graphically.
Exact Solution for Peristaltic Flow of Jeffrey Fluid Model in a Three Dimensional Rectangular Duct having Slip at the Walls
Authors: Riaz Arshad , Nadeem S. , Ellahi R. , Zeeshan A.
Published: March 2015

In the present article, we tried to develop the exact solutions for the peristaltic flow of Jeffrey fluid model in a cross section of three dimensional rectangular channel having slip at the peristaltic boundaries. Equation of motion and boundary conditions are made dimensionless by introducing some suitable nondimensional parameters. The flow is considered under the approximations of low Reynolds number and long wavelength. Exact solution of the obtained linear boundary value problem is evaluated. However, the expression for pressure rise is calculated numerically with the help of numerical integration. All pertinent parameters are discussed through graphs of pressure rise, pressure gradient, velocity and stream functions. It is found that presence of slip at the walls reduces the flow velocity but increases the peristaltic pumping characteristics.
Nanoparticle Properties and Synthesis Effects on Surface‐Enhanced Raman Scattering Enhancement Factor: An Introduction
Authors: Israelsen Nathan D. , Hanson Cynthia , Vargis Elizabeth
Published: March 2015

Raman spectroscopy has enabled researchers to map the specific chemical makeup of surfaces, solutions, and even cells. However, the inherent insensitivity of the technique makes it difficult to use and statistically complicated. When Raman active molecules are near gold or silver nanoparticles, the Raman intensity is significantly amplified. This phenomenon is referred to as surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). The extent of SERS enhancement is due to a variety of factors such as nanoparticle size, shape, material, and configuration. The choice of Raman reporters and protective coatings will also influence SERS enhancement. This review provides an introduction to how these factors influence signal enhancement and how to optimize them during synthesis of SERS nanoparticles.
Impaired Fracture Healing after Hemorrhagic Shock
Authors: Lichte Philipp , Kobbe Philipp , Pfeifer Roman , Campbell Graeme C. , Beckmann Rainer , Tohidnezhad Mersedeh , Bergmann Christian , Kadyrov Mamed , Fischer Horst , Glüer Christian C. , Hildebrand Frank , Pape Hans-Christoph , Pufe Thomas
Published: March 2015

Impaired fracture healing can occur in severely injured patients with hemorrhagic shock due to decreased soft tissue perfusion after trauma. We investigated the effects of fracture healing in a standardized pressure controlled hemorrhagic shock model in mice, to test the hypothesis that bleeding is relevant in the bone healing response. Male C57/BL6 mice were subjected to a closed femoral shaft fracture stabilized by intramedullary nailing. One group was additionally subjected to pressure controlled hemorrhagic shock (HS, mean arterial pressure (MAP) of 35 mmHg for 90 minutes). Serum cytokines (IL‐6, KC, MCP‐1, and TNF‐α) were analyzed 6 hours after shock. Fracture healing was assessed 21 days after fracture. Hemorrhagic shock is associated with a significant increase in serum inflammatory cytokines in the early phase. Histologic analysis demonstrated a significantly decreased number of osteoclasts, a decrease in bone quality, and more cartilage islands after hemorrhagic shock. μCT analysis showed a trend towards decreased bone tissue mineral density in the HS group. Mechanical testing revealed no difference in tensile failure. Our results suggest a delay in fracture healing after hemorrhagic shock. This may be due to significantly diminished osteoclast recruitment. The exact mechanisms should be studied further, particularly during earlier stages of fracture healing.
Biomaterial Hypersensitivity: Is It Real? Supportive Evidence and Approach Considerations for Metal Allergic Patients following Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Mitchelson Andrew J. , Wilson Craig J. , Mihalko William M. , Grupp Thomas M. , Manning Blaine T. , Dennis Douglas A. , Goodman Stuart B. , Tzeng Tony H. , Vasdev Sonia , Saleh Khaled J.
Published: March 2015

The prospect of biomaterial hypersensitivity developing in response to joint implant materials was first presented more than 30 years ago. Many studies have established probable causation between first-generation metal-on-metal hip implants and hypersensitivity reactions. In a limited patient population, implant failure may ultimately be related to metal hypersensitivity. The examination of hypersensitivity reactions in current-generation metal-on-metal knee implants is comparatively limited. The purpose of this study is to summarize all available literature regarding biomaterial hypersensitivity after total knee arthroplasty, elucidate overall trends about this topic in the current literature, and provide a foundation for clinical approach considerations when biomaterial hypersensitivity is suspected.
Evaluation of the Effect of Fixation Angle between Polyaxial Pedicle Screw Head and Rod on the Failure of Screw-Rod Connection
Authors: Çetin Engin , Özkaya Mustafa , Güler Ümit Özgür , Acaroğlu Emre , Demir Teyfik
Published: March 2015

Introduction.Polyaxial screws had been only tested according to the ASTM standards (when they were perpendicularly positioned to the rod). In this study, effects of the pedicle screws angled fixation to the rod on the mechanical properties of fixation were investigated.Materials and Method.30 vertically fixed screws and 30 screws fixed with angle were used in the study. Screws were used in three different diameters which were 6.5 mm, 7.0 mm, and 7.5 mm, in equal numbers. Axial pull-out and flexion moment tests were performed. Test results compared with each other using appropriate statistical methods.Results.In pull-out test, vertically fixed screws, in 6.5 mm and 7.0 mm diameter, had significantly higher maximum load values than angled fixed screws with the same diameters (P<0.01). Additionally, vertically fixed screws, in all diameters, had significantly greater stiffness according to corresponding size fixed with angle (P<0.005).Conclusion.Fixing the pedicle screw to the rod with angle significantly decreased the pull-out stiffness in all diameters. Similarly, pedicle screw instrumentation fixed with angle decreased the minimum sagittal angle between the rod and the screw in all diameters for flexion moment test but the differences were not significant.
Management of Congenital Midline Nasofrontal Masses: Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: Volck A. C. , Suárez G. A. , Tasman A. J.
Published: March 2015

Epidermoid cysts, dermoids, gliomas, and meningo-/encephaloceles are the most important differential diagnoses in congenital nasofrontal masses. Since they arise from an abnormal fusion during fetal development, intracranial extension of the lesion has to be ruled out radiologically before therapy. Dermoids are the most common entity. We report about a congenital epidermoid cyst of the glabella and nasion that had been growing over the last two years before presentation in a 24-year-old patient. We discuss radiological imaging and the different surgical approaches described in literature.
Feasibility of a Hydraulic Power Assist System for Use in Hybrid Neuroprostheses
Authors: Foglyano Kevin M. , Kobetic Rudi , To Curtis S. , Bulea Thomas C. , Schnellenberger John R. , Audu Musa L. , Nandor Mark J. , Quinn Roger D. , Triolo Ronald J.
Published: March 2015

Feasibility of using pressurized hydraulic fluid as a source of on-demand assistive power for hybrid neuroprosthesis combining exoskeleton with functional neuromuscular stimulation was explored. Hydraulic systems were selected as an alternative to electric motors for their high torque/mass ratio and ability to be located proximally on the exoskeleton and distribute power distally to assist in moving the joints. The power assist system (PAS) was designed and constructed using off-the-shelf components to test the feasibility of using high pressure fluid from an accumulator to provide assistive torque to an exoskeletal hip joint. The PAS was able to provide 21 Nm of assistive torque at an input pressure of 3171 kPa with a response time of 93 ms resulting in 32° of hip flexion in an able-bodied test. The torque output was independent of initial position of the joint and was linearly related to pressure. Thus, accumulator pressure can be specified to provide assistive torque as needed in exoskeletal devices for walking or stair climbing beyond those possible either volitionally or with electrical stimulation alone.
Combining Multiple Strategies for Multiarmed Bandit Problems and Asymptotic Optimality
Authors: Chang Hyeong Soo , Choe Sanghee
Published: March 2015

This brief paper provides a simple algorithm that selects a strategy at each time in a given set of multiple strategies for stochastic multiarmed bandit problems, thereby playing the arm by the chosen strategy at each time. The algorithm follows the idea of the probabilisticϵt-switching in theϵt-greedy strategy and is asymptotically optimal in the sense that the selected strategy converges to the best in the set under some conditions on the strategies in the set and the sequence of{ϵt}.
A Nonlinear Creep Model of Rock Salt and Its Numerical Implement in FLAC3D
Authors: Liu Xinrong , Yang Xin , Wang Junbao
Published: March 2015

Creep characteristics are integral mechanical properties of rock salt and are related to both long-term stability and security of rock salt repository. Rock salt creep properties are studied in this paper through employing combined methods of theoretical analysis and numerical simulation with a nonlinear creep model and the secondary development in FLAC3Dsoftware. A numerical simulation of multistage loading creep was developed with the model and resulting calculations were found consequently to coincide with previously tested data.
An Adaptive Photovoltaic Topology to Overcome Shading Effect in PV Systems
Authors: Chaaban Mohamed Amer , El Chaar Lana , Alahmad Mahmoud
Published: March 2015

Shading in photovoltaic systems can cause many undesired effects. When shading occurs, the power generated from the PV system is much less than nominal power, increasing the electrical mismatching losses between PV system components. Active research to address this power loss focuses on static and adaptive systems. This paper addresses an adaptive system solution and proposes a new method to adaptively overcome losses due to shading during low radiation conditions. In addition, a statistical analysis for choosing the most feasible and efficient configuration for the system size is presented. The proposed system has been validated under shade conditions in a simulation and prototype experiment. The experiments are conducted using a PV system consisting of 10 PV modules located at the Petroleum Institute in the United Arab Emirates. The proposed system is shown to minimize the shading losses of the PV array in real time by an average of 100% under simulated conditions and 84% in practical experiments.
Quasi-ADS-B Based UAV Conflict Detection and Resolution to Manned Aircraft
Authors: Lin Chin E. , Lai Ya-Hsien
Published: March 2015

A Conflict Detection and Resolution (CD&R) system for manned/unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) based on Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) concept is designed and verified in this paper. The 900 MHz XBee-Pro is selected as data transponder to broadcast flight information among participating aircraft in omnirange. Standard Compact Position Report (CPR) format packet data are automatically broadcasted by ID sequencing under Quasi-ADS-B mechanism. Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) monitoring checks the designated time slot and reallocates the conflict ID. This mechanism allows the transponder to effectively share data with multiple aircraft in near airspace. The STM32f103 microprocessor is designed to handle RF, GPS, and flight data with Windows application on manned aircraft and ground control station simultaneously. Different conflict detection and collision avoidance algorithms can be implemented into the system to ensure flight safety. The proposed UAV/CD&R using Quasi-ADS-B transceiver is tested using ultralight aircraft flying at 100–120 km/hr speed in small airspace for mission simulation. The proposed hardware is also useful to additional applications to mountain hikers for emergency search and rescue. The fundamental function by the proposed UAV/CD&R using Quasi-ADS-B is verified with effective signal broadcasting for surveillance and efficient collision alert and avoidance performance to low altitude flights.
Actin-Tethered Junctional Complexes in Angiogenesis and Lymphangiogenesis in Association with Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor
Authors: Zankov Dimitar P. , Ogita Hisakazu
Published: March 2015

Vasculature is present in all tissues and therefore is indispensable for development, biology, and pathology of multicellular organisms. Endothelial cells guarantee proper function of the vessels and are the original component in angiogenesis. Morphogenesis of the vascular system utilizes processes like cell adhesion, motility, proliferation, and survival that are closely related to the dynamics of actin filaments and actin-tethered adhesion complexes. Here we review involvement of actin cytoskeleton-associated junctional molecules of endothelial cells in angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis. Particularly, we focus on F-actin binding protein afadin, an adaptor protein involved in broad range of signaling mechanisms. Afadin mediates the pathways of vascular endothelial growth factor- (VEGF-) and sphingosine 1-phosphate-triggered angiogenesis and is essential for embryonic development of lymph vessels in mice. We propose that targeting actin-tethered junctional molecules, including afadin, may present a new approach to angiogenic therapy that in combination with today used medications like VEGF inhibitors will benefit against development of pathological angiogenesis.
Aromaticities of Five Membered Heterocycles through Dimethyldihydropyrenes Probe by Magnetic and Geometric Criteria
Authors: Maria  , Ayub Khurshid
Published: March 2015

Aromaticities of five membered heterocycles, containing up to three heteroatoms, are quantified through the dimethyldihydropyrene (DHP) probe. Bond fixation caused by the fusion of heterocycles to the dimethyldihydropyrene nucleus (DHPN) was measured by changes in the1H NMR chemical shifts (magnetic) and bond lengths alterations (structural criterion). Chemical shifts of dihydropyrenes were calculated at GIAO HF/6-31G(d)//B3LYP/6-31+G(d). For1H NMR chemical shift analysis, two nonaromatic reference models are studied. Among the studied heterocycles, pyrazole and triazole are about 80–85% aromatic relative to benzene, through both magnetic and geometric criteria. Thiazole and oxazoles are found least aromatic where quantitative estimates of aromaticities are about 34–42%, relative to benzene. These quantitative estimates of aromaticities of five membered heterocycles are also comparable to those from aromatic stabilization energies. The quantification of aromaticity through energetic, magnetic, and structural criteria can deliver the similar inferences provided that suitable reference systems are chosen.
Atomic Force Microscopy for Understanding Solvent Cointercalation into Graphite Electrode in Lithium Secondary Batteries
Authors: Kim Yang-Soo , Jeong Soon-Ki
Published: March 2015

The electrochemical processes occurring at the surface of a highly ordered pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) electrode were investigated byin situatomic force microscopy (AFM) to understand the solvent cointercalation involved in the formation of a surface film. AFM images were recorded under the conditions that AFM probe does not affect the electrode reaction. The AFM images show the morphological changes occurring at the electrode surface, indicating that two different types of reactions occurred in the film formation at the surface of the electrode. The formation of a blister structure was observed on the graphite surface, because of the decomposition of solvated lithium ions produced in the electrolyte solution and intercalation between the graphite layer and particulate materials. The solvent cointercalation reaction leading to the blister structure was more pronounced for the HOPG electrode with a higher value of mosaic spread.
Kinematic Analysis of a Six-Degrees-of-Freedom Model Based on ISB Recommendation: A Repeatability Analysis and Comparison with Conventional Gait Model
Authors: Żuk Magdalena , Pezowicz Celina
Published: March 2015

Objective. The purpose of the present work was to assess the validity of a six-degrees-of-freedom gait analysis model based on the ISB recommendation on definitions of joint coordinate systems (ISB 6DOF) through a quantitative comparison with the Helen Hays model (HH) and repeatability assessment.Methods. Four healthy subjects were analysed with both marker sets: an HH marker set and four marker clusters in ISB 6DOF. A navigated pointer was used to indicate the anatomical landmark position in the cluster reference system according to the ISB recommendation. Three gait cycles were selected from the data collected simultaneously for the two marker sets.Results. Two protocols showed good intertrial repeatability, which apart from pelvic rotation did not exceed 2°. The greatest differences between protocols were observed in the transverse plane as well as for knee angles. Knee internal/external rotation revealed the lowest subject-to-subject and interprotocol repeatability and inconsistent patterns for both protocols. Knee range of movement in transverse plane was overestimated for the HH set (the mean is 34°), which could indicate the cross-talk effect.Conclusions. The ISB 6DOF anatomically based protocol enabled full 3D kinematic description of joints according to the current standard with clinically acceptable intertrial repeatability and minimal equipment requirements.
Exposure to Common Food Additive Carrageenan Alone Leads to Fasting Hyperglycemia and in Combination with High Fat Diet Exacerbates Glucose Intolerance and Hyperlipidemia without Effect on Weight
Authors: Bhattacharyya Sumit , Feferman Leo , Unterman Terry , Tobacman Joanne K.
Published: March 2015

Aims. Major aims were to determine whether exposure to the commonly used food additive carrageenan could induce fasting hyperglycemia and could increase the effects of a high fat diet on glucose intolerance and dyslipidemia.Methods. C57BL/6J mice were exposed to either carrageenan, high fat diet, or the combination of high fat diet and carrageenan, or untreated, for one year. Effects on fasting blood glucose, glucose tolerance, lipid parameters, weight, glycogen stores, and inflammation were compared.Results. Exposure to carrageenan led to glucose intolerance by six days and produced elevated fasting blood glucose by 23 weeks. Effects of carrageenan on glucose tolerance were more severe than from high fat alone. Carrageenan in combination with high fat produced earlier onset of fasting hyperglycemia and higher glucose levels in glucose tolerance tests and exacerbated dyslipidemia. In contrast to high fat, carrageenan did not lead to weight gain. In hyperinsulinemic, euglycemic clamp studies, the carrageenan-exposed mice had higher early glucose levels and lower glucose infusion rate and longer interval to achieve the steady-state.Conclusions. Carrageenan in the Western diet may contribute to the development of diabetes and the effects of high fat consumption. Carrageenan may be useful as a nonobese model of diabetes in the mouse.
On a Derivative‐Free Variant of King’s Family with Memory
Authors: Sharifi M. , Karimi Vanani S. , Khaksar Haghani F. , Arab M. , Shateyi S.
Published: March 2015

The aim of this paper is to construct a method with memory according to King’s family of methods without memory for nonlinear equations. It is proved that the proposed method possesses higher R‐order of convergence using the same number of functional evaluations as King’s family. Numerical experiments are given to illustrate the performance of the constructed scheme.
HARE-Mediated Endocytosis of Hyaluronan and Heparin Is Targeted by Different Subsets of Three Endocytic Motifs
Authors: Pandey Madhu S. , Harris Edward N. , Weigel Paul H.
Published: March 2015

The hyaluronan (HA) receptor for endocytosis (HARE) is a multifunctional recycling clearance receptor for 14 different ligands, including HA and heparin (Hep), which bind to discrete nonoverlapping sites. Four different functional endocytic motifs (M) in the cytoplasmic domain (CD) target coated pit mediated uptake: (YSYFRI2485(M1), FQHF2495(M2), NPLY2519(M3), and DPF2534(M4)). We previously found (Pandey et al. J. Biol. Chem. 283, 21453, 2008) thatM1,M2, andM3mediate endocytosis of HA. Here we assessed the ability of HARE variants with a single-motif deletion or containing only a single motif to endocytose HA or Hep. Single-motif deletion variants lackingM1, M3, orM4(a different subset than involved in HA uptake) showed decreased Hep endocytosis, althoughM3was the most active; the remaining redundant motifs did not compensate for loss of other motifs. Surprisingly, a HARE CD variant with onlyM3internalized both HA and Hep, whereas variants with eitherM2orM4alone did not endocytose either ligand. Internalization of HA and Hep by HARE CD mutants was dynamin-dependent and was inhibited by hyperosmolarity, confirming clathrin-mediated endocytosis. The results indicate a complicated relationship among multiple CD motifs that target coated pit uptake and a more fundamental role for motifM3.
A Strongly A-Stable Time Integration Method for Solving the Nonlinear Reaction-Diffusion Equation
Authors: Liao Wenyuan
Published: March 2015

The semidiscrete ordinary differential equation (ODE) system resulting from compact higher-order finite difference spatial discretization of a nonlinear parabolic partial differential equation, for instance, the reaction-diffusion equation, is highly stiff. Therefore numerical time integration methods with stiff stability such as implicit Runge-Kutta methods and implicit multistep methods are required to solve the large-scale stiff ODE system. However those methods are computationally expensive, especially for nonlinear cases. Rosenbrock method is efficient since it is iteration-free; however it suffers from order reduction when it is used for nonlinear parabolic partial differential equation. In this work we construct a new fourth-order Rosenbrock method to solve the nonlinear parabolic partial differential equation supplemented with Dirichlet or Neumann boundary condition. We successfully resolved the phenomena of order reduction, so the new method is fourth-order in time when it is used for nonlinear parabolic partial differential equations. Moreover, it has been shown that the Rosenbrock method is strongly A-stable hence suitable for the stiff ODE system obtained from compact finite difference discretization of the nonlinear parabolic partial differential equation. Several numerical experiments have been conducted to demonstrate the efficiency, stability, and accuracy of the new method.
Prevalence of Active Trachoma and Its Associated Factors among Rural and Urban Children in Dera Woreda, Northwest Ethiopia: A Comparative Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Alemayehu Metadel , Koye Digsu N. , Tariku Amare , Yimam Kedir
Published: March 2015

Background. Trachoma is the most common infectious cause of blindness worldwide. Once an epidemic in most parts of the world, it has largely now disappeared from developed countries. However, it continues to be endemic in many developing countries like Ethiopia. Even if several studies were conducted in different parts of Ethiopia, most of them did not show the independent predictors for rural and urban children separately. Therefore, this study aimed at assessing the prevalence and associated factors of active trachoma in urban and rural children.Methods. Community based comparative cross-sectional study was conducted in Dera woreda. Multistage sampling technique was used to select 671 children of one up to nine years of age. Data were collected by face to face interview and observation using a structured and pretested questionnaire. Binary Logistic Regression Model was fitted to consider adding independent predictors of outcome.Results. Out of 671 children, 20 (9.3%) of urban and 85 (18.6%) of rural children were positive for active trachoma. Having discharge on eye (AOR = 6.9, 95% CI: 1.79–27.89), presence of liquid waste around the main house (AOR = 5.6, 95% CI: 1.94–16.18), and living in households without latrine (AOR = 4.39, 95% CI: 1.39–13.89) were significantly associated with active trachoma of urban children. Rural children who had discharge on their eye (AOR = 5.86, 95% CI: 2.78–12.33), those who had unclean face (AOR = 4.68, 95% CI: 2.24–9.81), and those living in households with feces around their main houses (AOR = 1.94, 95% CI: 1.04–3.62) were significantly associated with active trachoma.Conclusion. The result showed that the prevalence of active trachoma in urban areas of the district was below WHO threshold of 10% to determine trachoma as public health problem. However, in rural areas of the district it is far from elimination of trachoma as a public health problem. Thus, in order to improve awareness of the community there is a need of health education programs regarding facial cleanliness, utilization of latrine, and proper solid waste and liquid waste disposal using multidisciplinary approach.
TGFβSignaling in Tumor Initiation, Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition, and Metastasis
Authors: Papageorgis Panagiotis
Published: March 2015

Retaining the delicate balance in cell signaling activity is a prerequisite for the maintenance of physiological tissue homeostasis. Transforming growth factor-beta (TGFβ) signaling is an essential pathway that plays crucial roles during embryonic development as well as in adult tissues. Aberrant TGFβsignaling activity regulates tumor progression in a cancer cell-autonomous or non-cell-autonomous fashion and these effects may be tumor suppressing or tumor promoting depending on the cellular context. The fundamental role of this pathway in promoting cancer progression in multiple stages of the metastatic process, including epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), is also becoming increasingly clear. In this review, we discuss the latest advances in the effort to unravel the inherent complexity of TGFβsignaling and its role in cancer progression and metastasis. These findings provide important insights into designing personalized therapeutic strategies against advanced cancers.
Compressed Sensing MRI Reconstruction from Highly Undersampledk-Space Data Using Nonsubsampled Shearlet Transform Sparsity Prior
Authors: Yuan Min , Yang Bingxin , Ma Yide , Zhang Jiuwen , Zhang Runpu , Zhang Caiyuan
Published: March 2015

Compressed sensing has shown great potential in speeding up MR imaging by undersamplingk-space data. Generally sparsity is used as a priori knowledge to improve the quality of reconstructed image. Compressed sensing MR image (CS-MRI) reconstruction methods have employed widely used sparsifying transforms such as wavelet or total variation, which are not preeminent in dealing with MR images containing distributed discontinuities and cannot provide a sufficient sparse representation and the decomposition at any direction. In this paper, we propose a novel CS-MRI reconstruction method from highly undersampledk-space data using nonsubsampled shearlet transform (NSST) sparsity prior. In particular, we have implemented a flexible decomposition with an arbitrary even number of directional subbands at each level using NSST for MR images. The highly directional sensitivity of NSST and its optimal approximation properties lead to improvement in CS-MRI reconstruction applications. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method results in the high quality reconstruction, which is highly effective at preserving the intrinsic anisotropic features of MRI meanwhile suppressing the artifacts and added noise. The objective evaluation indices outperform all compared CS-MRI methods. In summary, NSST with even number directional decomposition is very competitive in CS-MRI applications as sparsity prior in terms of performance and computational efficiency.
Rare Inferior Shoulder Dislocation (Luxatio Erecta)
Authors: Cift Hakan , Soylemez Salih , Demiroglu Murat , Ozkan Korhan , Ozden Vahit Emre , Ozkut Afsar T.
Published: March 2015

Although shoulder dislocations have been seen very frequently, inferior dislocation of shoulder constitutes only 0.5% of all shoulder dislocations. We share our 4 patients with luxatio erecta and present their last clinical control. 2 male and 2 female Caucasian patients were diagnosed as luxatio erecta. Patients’ ages were 78, 62, 65, and 76. All patients’ reduction was done by traction-abduction and contour traction maneuver in the operating room. The patients had no symptoms and no limitation of range of motion of their shoulder at their last control. Luxatio erecta is seen rarely, and these patients may have neurovascular injury. These patients should be carefully examined and treated by the orthopaedic and traumatology surgeons.
Immobilization of Cd, Zn, and Pb from Soil Treated by Limestone with Variation of pH Using a Column Test
Authors: Yun Sung-Wook , Yu Chan
Published: March 2015

Decades of mining in South Korea have resulted in the contamination of large amounts of soil by metals. The most feasible approach to site restoration requires the use of a stabilization agent to reduce metal mobility. This study examined the leaching characteristics of limestone used as a stabilization agent when subjected to solutions of differing pH. In a laboratory-scale column test, solutions with pH values of 3.5, 4.6, and 5.6, representing acidic to nonacidic rainfall, were applied to soil mixed with limestone. Test results indicate that metal components can be released with the addition of acidic solutions, even if the soil is highly alkaline. Cd and Zn, in particular, exhibited abrupt or continuous leaching when exposed to acid solutions, indicating the potential for contamination of water systems as metal-laden soils are exposed to the slightly acidic rainfall typical of South Korea. Treatment using stabilization agents such as limestone may reduce leaching of metals from the contaminated soil. Stabilizing metal-contaminated farmland is an economical and feasible way to reduce pollutants around abandoned metal mines.
Fractal Dimensions ofIn VitroTumor Cell Proliferation
Authors: Lambrou George I. , Zaravinos Apostolos
Published: March 2015

Biological systems are characterized by their potential for dynamic adaptation. One of the challenges for systems biology approaches is their contribution towards the understanding of the dynamics of a growing cell population. Conceptualizing these dynamics in tumor models could help us understand the steps leading to the initiation of the disease and its progression.In vitromodels are useful in answering this question by providing information over the spatiotemporal nature of such dynamics. In the present work, we used physical quantities such as growth rate, velocity, and acceleration for the cellular proliferation and identified the fractal structures in tumor cell proliferation dynamics. We provide evidence that the rate of cellular proliferation is of nonlinear nature and exhibits oscillatory behavior. We also calculated the fractal dimensions of our cellular system. Our results show that the temporal transitions from one state to the other also follow nonlinear dynamics. Furthermore, we calculated self-similarity in cellular proliferation, providing the basis for further investigation in this topic. Such systems biology approaches are very useful in understanding the nature of cellular proliferation and growth. From a clinical point of view, our results may be applicable not only to primary tumors but also to tumor metastases.
Lie Group Analysis on Brownian Motion and Thermophoresis Effect on Free Convective Boundary-Layer Flow on a Vertical Cylinder Embedded in a Nanofluid-Saturated Porous Medium
Authors: Ferdows Mohammad , Hamad Mohammed Abdul Ali , Ali Mohamed
Published: March 2015

Natural convective boundary-layer flow of a nanofluid on a heated vertical cylinder embedded in a nanofluid-saturated porous medium is studied. The model used for the nanofluid incorporates the effects of Brownian motion and thermophoresis. Lie groups analysis is used to get the similarity transformations, which transform the governing partial differential equations to a system of ordinary differential equations. Two groups of similarity transformations are obtained. Numerical solutions of the resulting ordinary differential systems are obtained and discussed for various values of the governing parameters.
Encapsulation of Phase Change Materials Using Layer-by-Layer Assembled Polyelectrolytes
Authors: Yi Qiangying , Sukhorokov Gleb B. , Ma Jin , Yang Xiaobo , Gu Zhongwei
Published: March 2015

Phase change materials absorb the thermal energy when changing their phases (e.g., solid-to-liquid) at constant temperatures to achieve the latent heat storage. The major drawbacks such as limited thermal conductivity and leakage prevent the PCMs from wide application in desired areas. In this work, an environmentally friendly and low cost approach, layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly technique, was applied to build up ultrathin shells to encapsulate the PCMs and therefore to regulate their changes in volume when the phase change occurs. Generally, the oppositely charged strong polyelectrolytes Poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDADMAC) and Poly(4-styrenesulfonic acid) sodium salt (PSS) were employed to fabricate multilayer shells on emulsified octadecane droplets using either bovine serum albumin (BSA) or sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) as surfactant. Specifically, using BSA as the surfactant, polyelectrolyte encapsulated octadecane spheres in size of ∼500 nm were obtained, with good shell integrity, high octadecane content (91.3% by mass), and good thermal stability after cycles of thermal treatments.
Diffuse Calcifications Protect Carotid Plaques regardless of the Amount of Neoangiogenesis and Related Histological Complications
Authors: Vasuri Francesco , Fittipaldi Silvia , Pini Rodolfo , Degiovanni Alessio , Mauro Raffaella , D’Errico-Grigioni Antonia , Faggioli Gianluca , Stella Andrea , Pasquinelli Gianandrea
Published: March 2015

Background.Neoangiogenesis is crucial in plaque progression and instability. Previous data from our group showed that Nestin-positive intraplaque neovessels correlated with histological complications. The aim of the present work is to evaluate the relationship between neoangiogenesis, plaque morphology, and clinical instability of the plaque.Materials and Methods.Seventy-three patients (53 males and 20 females, mean age 71 years) were consecutively enrolled. Clinical data and 14 histological variables, including intraplaque hemorrhage and calcifications, were collected. Immunohistochemistry for CD34 and Nestin was performed. RT-PCR was performed to evaluate Nestin mRNA (including 5 healthy arteries as controls).Results.Diffusely calcified plaques (13/73) were found predominantly in females(P=0.017), with a significantly lower incidence of symptoms (TIA/stroke(P=0.019)than noncalcified plaques but with the same incidence of histological complications(P=0.156)). Accordingly, calcified and noncalcified plaques showed similar mean densities of positivity for CD34 and Nestin. Nestin density, but not CD34, correlated with the occurrence of intraplaque hemorrhage.Conclusions.Plaques with massive calcifications show the same incidence of histological complications but without influencing symptomatology, especially in female patients, and regardless of the amount of neoangiogenesis. These results can be applied in a future presurgical identification of patients at major risk of developing symptoms.
A New Jarratt-Type Fourth-Order Method for Solving System of Nonlinear Equations and Applications
Authors: Junjua Moin-ud-Din , Akram Saima , Yasmin Nusrat , Zafar Fiza
Published: March 2015

Solving systems of nonlinear equations plays a major role in engineering problems. We present a new family of optimal fourth-order Jarratt-type methods for solving nonlinear equations and extend these methods to solve system of nonlinear equations. Convergence analysis is given for both cases to show that the order of the new methods is four. Cost of computations, numerical tests, and basins of attraction are presented which illustrate the new methods as better alternates to previous methods. We also give an application of the proposed methods to well-known Burger's equation.
A Finite-Difference Solution of Solute Transport through a Membrane Bioreactor
Authors: Godongwana B. , Solomons D. , Sheldon M. S.
Published: March 2015

The current paper presents a theoretical analysis of the transport of solutes through a fixed-film membrane bioreactor (MBR), immobilised with an active biocatalyst. The dimensionless convection-diffusion equation with variable coefficients was solved analytically and numerically for concentration profiles of the solutes through the MBR. The analytical solution makes use of regular perturbation and accounts for radial convective flow as well as axial diffusion of the substrate species. The Michaelis-Menten (or Monod) rate equation was assumed for the sink term, and the perturbation was extended up to second-order. In the analytical solution only the first-order limit of the Michaelis-Menten equation was considered; hence the linearized equation was solved. In the numerical solution, however, this restriction was lifted. The solution of the nonlinear, elliptic, partial differential equation was based on an implicit finite-difference method (FDM). An upwind scheme was employed for numerical stability. The resulting algebraic equations were solved simultaneously using the multivariate Newton-Raphson iteration method. The solution allows for the evaluation of the effect on the concentration profiles of (i) the radial and axial convective velocity, (ii) the convective mass transfer rates, (iii) the reaction rates, (iv) the fraction retentate, and (v) the aspect ratio.