bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Matrix Factorization-Based Prediction of Novel Drug Indications by Integrating Genomic Space
Authors: Dai Wen , Liu Xi , Gao Yibo , Chen Lin , Song Jianglong , Chen Di , Gao Kuo , Jiang Yongshi , Yang Yiping , Chen Jianxin , Lu Peng
Published: May 2015

There has been rising interest in the discovery of novel drug indications because of high costs in introducing new drugs. Many computational techniques have been proposed to detect potential drug-disease associations based on the creation of explicit profiles of drugs and diseases, while seldom research takes advantage of the immense accumulation of interaction data. In this work, we propose a matrix factorization model based on known drug-disease associations to predict novel drug indications. In addition, genomic space is also integrated into our framework. The introduction of genomic space, which includes drug-gene interactions, disease-gene interactions, and gene-gene interactions, is aimed at providing molecular biological information for prediction of drug-disease associations. The rationality lies in our belief that association between drug and disease has its evidence in the interactome network of genes. Experiments show that the integration of genomic space is indeed effective. Drugs, diseases, and genes are described with feature vectors of the same dimension, which are retrieved from the interaction data. Then a matrix factorization model is set up to quantify the association between drugs and diseases. Finally, we use the matrix factorization model to predict novel indications for drugs.
Joint Feature and Model Selection for SVM Fault Diagnosis in Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Systems
Authors: Moser Gabriele , Costamagna Paola , De Giorgi Andrea , Greco Andrea , Magistri Loredana , Pellaco Lissy , Trucco Andrea
Published: May 2015

This paper describes an original technique for the joint feature and model selection in the context of support vector machine (SVM) classification applied as a diagnosis strategy in model-based fault detection and isolation (FDI). We demonstrate that the proposed technique contributes to the solution of an open research problem: to design a robust FDI procedure, correctly functioning with different operating conditions and fault sizes, specifically settled for an electric generation system based on solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). By using a quantitative model of the generation system coupled to an optimized SVM classifier, a satisfactory FDI procedure is achieved, which is robust against modeling and measurement errors and is compliant with practical deployment.
QoS Aware Service Scheduling Scheme for VANETs
Authors: Guleria Ajay , Singh Kuldip , Chand Narottam
Published: May 2015

People immediately want to access the required data in vehicular ad hoc networks (VANETs). They provide the requests to road side unit (RSU) while travelling. The job of RSU is to handle various requests in such a way so that the service ratio and the quality of service (QoS) is optimized. In this paper we present a mechanism to achieve this goal. Our proposed algorithm considers both data size and deadline and optimizes uploading/downloading based on number of requests to be handled. It also deals with the impact of missed upload operations to achieve maximum optimization. The proposed scheme categorizes data into two classes to assign weight according to their effect on QoS and assigns priorities to upload and download requests while maintaining common queue for both upload and download requests. Simulation results corroborate that the proposed algorithm provides better service ratio and QoS than existing techniques.
Differential Effect of Hypoxia in Human and Mouse Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Migration through LRP1-pPyk2-MMP-9 Axis
Authors: Revuelta-López E. , Castellano J. , de Gonzalo-Calvo D. , Nasarre L. , Badimon L. , Llorente-Cortés V.
Published: May 2015

LRP1-pPyk2 axis is essential for the upregulatory effect of hypoxia on MMP-9 activation and human VSMC (hVSMC) migration. Currently, there are not efficient models for the translational study of atherosclerosis. The morphological and physiological features of atherosclerosis are different between human and animal models, particularly in mouse models. Therefore, the aim of current investigation was to compare the effect of hypoxia on LRP1-Pyk2-MMP-9 axis in human and mouse vascular smooth muscle cells (mVSMC) and its consequences on VSMC migration. We demonstrated that hypoxic modulation of LRP1-pPyk2-MMP-9 axis is opposite between hVSMC and mVSMC. The modulation of LRP1/pPyk2 levels by hypoxia is positive in hVSMC but negative in mVSMC. We showed that the inverse effect of LRP1/pPyk2 axis is associated with a differential effect of hypoxia on MMP-9 expression and activation. Hypoxia-induced MMP-9 activation was concomitant with an increased hVSMC migratory capacity. Surprisingly, mVSMC migrate under hypoxic conditions despite the downregulatory effect of hypoxia on MMP-9 expression or activation. Our results highlight the crucial role of LRP1-pPyk2-MMP-9 axis in vascular cell migration. In addition, we propose that the extrapolation of results from animal models to humans is not suitable for this specific mechanism in hypoxia-related vascular conditions.
Two-Dimensional Direction of Arrival (DOA) Estimation for Rectangular Array via Compressive Sensing Trilinear Model
Authors: Yu Huaxin , Qiu Xiaofeng , Zhang Xiaofei , Wang Chenghua , Yang Gang
Published: May 2015

We investigate the topic of two-dimensional direction of arrival (2D-DOA) estimation for rectangular array. This paper links angle estimation problem to compressive sensing trilinear model and derives a compressive sensing trilinear model-based angle estimation algorithm which can obtain the paired 2D-DOA estimation. The proposed algorithm not only requires no spectral peak searching but also has better angle estimation performance than estimation of signal parameters via rotational invariance techniques (ESPRIT) algorithm. Furthermore, the proposed algorithm has close angle estimation performance to trilinear decomposition. The proposed algorithm can be regarded as a combination of trilinear model and compressive sensing theory, and it brings much lower computational complexity and much smaller demand for storage capacity. Numerical simulations present the effectiveness of our approach.
Polarized Uniform Linear Array System: Beam Radiation Pattern, Beamforming Diversity Order, and Channel Capacity
Authors: Su Xin , Chang KyungHi
Published: May 2015

There have been many studies regarding antenna polarization; however, there have been few publications on the analysis of the channel capacity for polarized antenna systems using the beamforming technique. According to Chung et al., the channel capacity is determined by the density of scatterers and the transmission power, which is obtained based on the assumption that scatterers are uniformly distributed on a 3D spherical scattering model. However, it contradicts the practical scenario, where scatterers may not be uniformly distributed under outdoor environment, and lacks the consideration of fading channel gain. In this study, we derive the channel capacity of polarized uniform linear array (PULA) systems using the beamforming technique in a practical scattering environment. The results show that, for PULA systems, the channel capacity, which is boosted by beamforming diversity, can be determined using the channel gain, beam radiation pattern, and beamforming diversity order (BDO), where the BDO is dependent on the antenna characteristics and array configurations.
Hybrid Adaptive Beaconing in Vehicular Ad Hoc Networks: A Survey
Authors: Bouk Safdar Hussain , Kim Gwanghyeon , Ahmed Syed Hassan , Kim Dongkyun
Published: May 2015

Beacon or safety messages are broadcasted in vehicular ad hoc networks (VANETs) to disseminate network state or emergency incident information to other vehicles in the network. The freshness of information depends upon the frequent transmission of beacons. Similarly, to increase the awareness area or communicating with the distant nodes, beacons are disseminated with a high transmission power. However, increasing the beacon transmission power or rate has a negative effect on information communication efficiency because of the finite bandwidth of the wireless link. Therefore, different schemes have been proposed to individually control beacon's transmission power, transmission rate, or contention window at the MAC layer, or any combination of those, to achieve quality beacon communication in VANETs. The latter case is called hybrid adaptive beaconing schemes. In literature, there are many hybrid adaptive beaconing schemes that control multiple communication parameters to efficiently broadcast beacon messages in VANETs. In this paper, we explicitly survey and summarized various aspects of those schemes. The open and challenging issues are also highlighted in this paper.
The Transport and Deposition of Nanoparticles in Respiratory System by Inhalation
Authors: Qiao Huiting , Liu Wenyong , Gu Hongyu , Wang Daifa , Wang Yu
Published: May 2015

The inhaled nanoparticles have attracted more and more attention, since they are more easily to enter the deep part of respiratory system. Some nanoparticles were reported to cause pulmonary inflammation. The toxicity of nanoparticles depends not only on its chemical component but also on the quantity and position of the deposition. The deposition of nanoparticles is not uniform and is influenced by airflow transport. The high deposition mainly occurs at the carinal ridges and the inside walls around the carinal ridges. Many factors could affect the transport and deposition of nanoparticles, such as particle size, flow rate, structure of airway, pulmonary function, and age. In this review, we discussed the methods and technique involved in particle transport and deposition studies. The features of particles deposition could be observed in clinic experiments and animal experiments. The mechanism of transport could be studied by numerical simulation. Numerical model and experiment study supplement each other. Some techniques such as medical imaging may support the study of nanoparticles transport and deposition. The knowledge of particles transport and deposition may be helpful both to defend the toxicity of inhaled particles and to direct inhaled drug delivery.
Recent Applications of Nanomaterials in Prosthodontics
Authors: Wang Wei , Liao Susan , Zhu Yuhe , Liu Ming , Zhao Qian , Fu Yating
Published: May 2015

In recent years, lots of researches have been launched on nanomaterials for biomedical applications. It has been shown that the performances of many biomaterials used in prosthodontics have been significantly enhanced after their scales were reduced by nanotechnology, from micron‐size into nanosize. On the other hand, many nanocomposites composed of nanomaterials and traditional metals, ceramics, resin, or other matrix materials have been widely used in prosthodontics because their properties, such as modulus elasticity, surface hardness, polymerization shrinkage, and filler loading, were significantly increased after the addition of the nanomaterials. In this paper, the latest research progress on the applications of nanometals, nanoceramic materials, nanoresin materials, and other nanomaterials in prosthodontics was reviewed, which not only gives a detailed description of the new related investigations, but also hopefully provides important elicitation for future researches in this field.
Characteristics and Prognostic Significance of Preoperative Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Assessed Circumferential Margin in Rectal Cancer
Authors: Ma Xiaoji , Li Xinxiang , Xu Linghui , Shi Debing , Tong Tong , Huang Dan , Ding Ying , Cai Sanjun , Peng Junjie
Published: May 2015

Purpose. To study the characteristics and prognostic significance of preoperative magnetic resonance imaging- (MRI-) assessed circumferential margin (CRM) in rectal cancer.Methods. Patients underwent preoperative high resolution pelvic MRI, followed by resection of primary tumor. The relationship between MRI-assessed CRM and pathological CRM (pCRM) was studied, and survival analysis was used to determine the prognostic significance of MRI-assessed CRM.Results. Of all the 203 patients, the total accuracy of MRI-assessed CRM for predicting involvement of pCRM was 84.2%, sensitivity was 50%, and specificity was 86.8%. Anterior tumors were more possible to assess involvement of CRM by MRI, while the false positive rate was significantly higher than lateral or posterior tumor (87.5% versus 50%,p=0.0002). The 3-year local recurrence, disease-free survival, and overall survival rates were 35.6%, 58.1%, and 85.2% in patients with involved mrCRM, compared with 8.9%, 78.9%, and 92.3% in patients with clear mrCRM. In multivariate analysis, MRI-assessed CRM found an independent risk factor for local recurrence, with a hazard ratio of 3.49 (p=0.003).Conclusions. High resolution MRI was accurate to assess CRM preoperatively, while anterior tumor should be assessed more cautiously. Involvement of mrCRM was significantly associated with local recurrence regardless of pCRM status.
Social Experience-Dependent Myelination: An Implication for Psychiatric Disorders
Authors: Toritsuka Michihiro , Makinodan Manabu , Kishimoto Toshifumi
Published: May 2015

Myelination is one of the strategies to promote the conduction velocity of axons in order to adjust to evolving environment in vertebrates. It has been shown that myelin formation depends on genetic programing and experience, including multiple factors, intracellular and extracellular molecules, and neuronal activities. Recently, accumulating studies have shown that myelination in the central nervous system changes more dynamically in response to neuronal activities and experience than expected. Among experiences, social experience-dependent myelination draws attention as one of the critical pathobiologies of psychiatric disorders. In this review, we summarize the mechanisms of neuronal activity-dependent and social experience-dependent myelination and discuss the contribution of social experience-dependent myelination to the pathology of psychiatric disorders.
Some Results on Best Proximity Points of Cyclic Contractions in Probabilistic Metric Spaces
Authors: De la Sen Manuel , Karapınar Erdal
Published: May 2015

This paper investigates properties of convergence of distances ofp-cyclic contractions on the union of thepsubsets of an abstract setXdefining probabilistic metric spaces and Menger probabilistic metric spaces as well as the characterization of Cauchy sequences which converge to the best proximity points. The existence and uniqueness of fixed points and best proximity points ofp-cyclic contractions defined in induced complete Menger spaces are also discussed in the case when the associate complete metric space is a uniformly convex Banach space. On the other hand, the existence and the uniqueness of fixed points of thep-composite mappings restricted to each of thepsubsets in the cyclic disposal are also investigated and some illustrative examples are given.
Design Variations on Planar Differential Antenna with Potential for Multiple, Wide, and Narrow Band Coverage
Authors: Pepe Domenico , Vallozzi Luigi , Rogier Hendrik , Zito Domenico
Published: May 2015

This paper presents three practical antenna implementations based on variations of one general planar differential antenna topology originally proposed for ultrawideband (UWB) applications. All designs were implemented on a low-cost FR4 substrate and experimentally characterized in an anechoic chamber. The results show how the proposed design variations lead to the required antenna performances and how they give rise to new opportunities in terms of coverage of wide, narrow, and multiple frequency bands for communication and sensing applications below 5 GHz. In particular, the results show how a significant enhancement in bandwidth performance is achieved by folding the differential radiating elements. Moreover, they show how an agile design strategy enables adaption of the antenna design to different requirements for covering wide, narrow, and multiple bands, making the proposed class of antennas suitable for different wireless applications. In detail, the proposed class of antennas covers multiple frequency bands, ranging from the 868 MHz and 915 MHz bands to 2.4 GHz industrial scientific and medical (ISM) bands, including the 1.2 GHz L band for Global Positioning and Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) and the lower portion of the UWB band.
A Novel Shape-Free Plane Quadratic Polygonal Hybrid Stress-Function Element
Authors: Zhou Pei-Lei , Cen Song
Published: May 2015

A novel plane quadratic shape-free hybrid stress-function (HS-F) polygonal element is developed by employing the principle of minimum complementary energy and the fundamental analytical solutions of the Airy stress function. Without construction of displacement interpolation function, the formulations of the new model are much simpler than those of the displacement-based polygonal elements and can be degenerated into triangular or quadrilateral elements directly. In particular, it is quite insensitive to various mesh distortions and even can keep precision when element shape is concave. Furthermore, the element does not show any spurious zero energy modes. Numerical examples show the excellent performance of the new element, denoted by HSF-AP-19β, in both displacement and stress solutions.
Nutritional Properties and Antinutritional Factors of Corn Paste (Kutukutu) Fermented by Different Strains of Lactic Acid Bacteria
Authors: Roger Tchikoua , Ngouné Léopold Tatsadjieu , Carl Moses Funtong Mbofung
Published: May 2015

The aim of this study is to reduce antinutritional factors and to improve the nutritional properties ofKutukutuduring fermentation with Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB). For that,Kutukutu(700 g) was prepared in the laboratory and inoculated with pure cultures of LAB (109 CFU/mL). Then, preparation was incubated for 120 h. Every 24 h,Kutukutuwere collected, dried at 45°C for 24 h, and analyzed. The results showed thatLactobacillus brevisG25 increased reducing sugars content to 80.7% inKutukutuafter 96 h of fermentation.Lactobacillus fermentumN33 reduced the starch content to 73.2%, whileLactobacillus brevisG11,L. brevisG25, andLactobacillus cellobiosusM41 rather increased the protein content to 18.9%. The bioavailability of Mg and Fe increased, respectively, to 50.5% and 70.6% in theKutukutufermented withL. brevisG25.L. plantarumA6 reduced the tannin content to 98.8% andL. buchneriM11 reduced the phytate content to 95.5%. The principal component analysis (PCA) shows that, for a best reduction of antinutrients factors and improvement of protein content and minerals,Kutukutumust be fermented byL. brevisG25 andL. fermentumN33, respectively. These starter cultures could be used to ameliorate nutritional proprieties ofKutukutuduring the fermentation.
Clinical Characteristics of Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Single-Centre Experience in China
Authors: Wang Li , Chen Hua , Zhang Yao , Liu Wanli , Zheng Wenjie , Zhang Xuan , Zhang Fengchun
Published: May 2015

Clinical characteristics of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients complicated with cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) between 2000 and 2013 were analyzed through this retrospective, single-centre study. Of 4747 hospitalized SLE patients, 17 (0.36%, 12 females, average age 30) had CVST. Headache (88.2%) was the most common neurological symptom followed by nausea or vomiting (47.1%), conscious disturbance (41.2%), edema of eyelids or conjunctiva (35.3%), blurred vision or diplopia (35.3%), and seizure (35.3%). Increased intracranial pressure (ICP) occurred in 13 cases (76.5%). Magnetic resonance venography (MRV) detected thrombosis in the transverse (82.4%), sigmoid (52.9%), and sagittal (35.3%) sinuses, with frequent (70.6%) multiple sinus occlusions. Compared to SLE patients without CVST, SLE patients with CVST had a higher prevalence of thrombocytopenia and positive antiphospholipid antibodies and a higher SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI) score. 13 patients achieved improvement following glucocorticoids and immunosuppressants treatment, as well as anticoagulants, while 3 patients died at the hospital. CVST is relatively rare in SLE and tends to occur in active lupus patients. Intracranial hypertension is common but nonspecific clinical feature, so MRV evaluation is necessary to establish a diagnosis. Aggressive treatment for the rapid control of SLE activity combined with anticoagulants can improve the prognosis.
Treatment of Refractory Postural Tachycardia Syndrome with Subcutaneous Octreotide Delivered Using an Insulin Pump
Authors: Khan Muhammad , Ouyang Jing , Perkins Karen , Somauroo John , Joseph Franklin
Published: May 2015

Postural Tachycardia Syndrome (PoTS) represents a disorder of the autonomic nervous system that results in symptoms of orthostatic intolerance. Despite having a severe impact on the patient’s quality of life, the current treatment options for PoTS are based on limited evidence. Subsequently, this results in clinicians having to utilise a variety of treatment regimens in the hope of successfully providing symptomatic relief. However, the options available for PoTS are not without significant side effects that can worsen an already debilitating condition. Our cases provide a further novel treatment option for clinicians to consider in PoTS refractory to established treatments.
Application of Multiphysics Coupling FEM on Open Wellbore Shrinkage and Casing Remaining Strength in an Incomplete Borehole in Deep Salt Formation
Authors: Tong Hua , Guo Daqiang , Zhu Xiaohua
Published: May 2015

Drilling and completing wells in deep salt stratum are technically challenging and costing, as when serving in an incomplete borehole in deep salt formation, well casing runs a high risk of collapse. To quantitatively calculate casing remaining strength under this harsh condition, a three-dimensional mechanical model is developed; then a computational model coupled with interbed salt rock-defective cement-casing and HPHT (high pressure and high temperature) is established and analyzed using multiphysics coupling FEM (finite element method); furthermore, open wellbore shrinkage and casing remaining strength under varying differential conditions in deep salt formation are discussed. The result demonstrates that the most serious shrinkage occurs at the middle of salt rock, and the combination action of salt rock creep, cement defect, and HPHT substantially lessens casing remaining strength; meanwhile, cement defect level should be taken into consideration when designing casing strength in deep salt formation, and apart from the consideration of temperature on casing the effect of temperature on cement properties also cannot be ignored. This study not only provides a theoretical basis for revealing the failure mechanism of well casing in deep complicated salt formation, but also acts as a new perspective of novel engineering applications of the multiphysics coupling FEM.
Element for Beam Dynamic Analysis Based on Analytical Deflection Trial Function
Authors: Cao Qiongqiong , Ding Min , Jiang Xiugen , Ju Jinsan , Wang Hongzhi , Zhang Peng
Published: May 2015

For beam dynamic finite element analysis, according to differential equation of motion of beam with distributed mass, general analytical solution of displacement equation for the beam vibration is obtained. By applying displacement element construction principle, the general solution of displacement equation is conversed to the mode expressed by beam end displacements. And taking the mode as displacement trial function, element stiffness matrix and element mass matrix for beam flexural vibration and axial vibration are established, respectively, by applying principle of minimum potential energy. After accurate integral, explicit form of element matrix is obtained. The comparison results show that the series of relative error between the solution of analytical trial function element and theoretical solution is about1×10-9and the accuracy and efficiency are superior to that of interpolation trial function element. The reason is that interpolation trial function cannot accurately simulate the displacement mode of vibrating beam. The accuracy of dynamic stiffness matrix method is almost identical with that of analytical trial function. But the application of dynamic stiffness matrix method in engineering is limited. The beam dynamic element obtained in this paper is analytical and accurate and can be applied in practice.
Gaze Behavior of Children with ASD toward Pictures of Facial Expressions
Authors: Matsuda Soichiro , Minagawa Yasuyo , Yamamoto Junichi
Published: May 2015

Atypical gaze behavior in response to a face has been well documented in individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Children with ASD appear to differ from typically developing (TD) children in gaze behavior for spoken and dynamic face stimuli but not for nonspeaking, static face stimuli. Furthermore, children with ASD and TD children show a difference in their gaze behavior for certain expressions. However, few studies have examined the relationship between autism severity and gaze behavior toward certain facial expressions. The present study replicated and extended previous studies by examining gaze behavior towards pictures of facial expressions. We presented ASD and TD children with pictures of surprised, happy, neutral, angry, and sad facial expressions. Autism severity was assessed using the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS). The results showed that there was no group difference in gaze behavior when looking at pictures of facial expressions. Conversely, the children with ASD who had more severe autistic symptomatology had a tendency to gaze at angry facial expressions for a shorter duration in comparison to other facial expressions. These findings suggest that autism severity should be considered when examining atypical responses to certain facial expressions.
Biodegradable 3D-Porous Collagen Matrix (Ologen) Compared with Mitomycin C for Treatment of Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma: Results at 5 Years
Authors: Yuan Fei , Li Lei , Chen Xiuping , Yan Xiang , Wang Liyang
Published: May 2015

Purpose. To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the Ologen as an aid for trabeculectomy performed for primary open-angle glaucoma compared with mitomycin C.Methods. In this prospective, randomized, parallel assignment, comparative study, 31 eyes of 21 primary open-angle glaucoma patients were allocated for trabeculectomy with the Ologen implant; another 32 eyes of 23 patients were treated with trabeculectomy augmented with mitomycin C. The patients were followed up for 5 years and evaluated for intraocular pressure, rate of success, status of the bleb, and adverse events.Result. The mean postoperative intraocular pressure was statistically different at 3 m, 6 m, 1 y, 3 y, and 5 y follow-up. The rates of both complete successP=0.017and overall successP=0.031in the Ologen group were significantly higher than those in the mitomycin C group. The difference of the bleb extent and vascularity was statistically significant in both groups. There was no significant difference in postoperative complication.Conclusions. Ologen provides higher rates of surgical success compared with mitomycin C for patients with primary open-angle glaucoma undergoing trabeculectomy. It may be a new, safe, simple, and effective therapeutic approach for treating primary open-angle glaucoma.
Selective Random CDD Enhanced Joint Cooperative Relay and HARQ for Delay-Tolerant Vehicular Communications
Authors: Wu Gang , Du Qinghe , Hua Kun
Published: May 2015

We propose a selective random cyclic-delay diversity (CDD) enhanced joint cooperative relay and hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) scheme for two-hop vehicular communications. Our innovation mainly concentrates on design of the second-hop transmissions. On one hand, the CDD technique is applied across multiple relay nodes to artificially create frequency selectivity and then achieve diversity gain by applying channel coding. The employment of CDD does not necessarily require channel state information (CSI) at the transmitters and thus also decreases overhead caused by CSI feedback. On the other hand, retransmission for the second hop is performed based on relay selection. Particularly, the CDD is constructed only over selected relay nodes with qualified channel qualities to achieve a better frequency selective channel. As the selection results vary with random channel fading, our scheme is termed selective random CDD. Our scheme is presented based on a generic model and further applied into two scenarios, respectively: (1) car-to-car communications in high-way vehicular networks; (2) downlink transmission for the high velocity mobile station in cellular networks. Simulation results show that our proposed selective random CDD scheme can achieve higher throughput as well as lower transmission delay than the conventional cooperative beamforming based transmission scheme.
Parametric Sensitivity Analysis for Importance Measure on Failure Probability and Its Efficient Kriging Solution
Authors: Zhang Yishang , Liu Yongshou , Yang Xufeng
Published: May 2015

The moment-independent importance measure (IM) on the failure probability is important in system reliability engineering, and it is always influenced by the distribution parameters of inputs. For the purpose of identifying the influential distribution parameters, the parametric sensitivity of IM on the failure probability based on local and global sensitivity analysis technology is proposed. Then the definitions of the parametric sensitivities of IM on the failure probability are given, and their computational formulae are derived. The parametric sensitivity finds out how the IM can be changed by varying the distribution parameters, which provides an important reference to improve or modify the reliability properties. When the sensitivity indicator is larger, the basic distribution parameter becomes more important to the IM. Meanwhile, for the issue that the computational effort of the IM and its parametric sensitivity is usually too expensive, an active learning Kriging (ALK) solution is established in this study. Two numerical examples and two engineering examples are examined to demonstrate the significance of the proposed parametric sensitivity index, as well as the efficiency and precision of the calculation method.
Analysis of Water Flow Pressure on Bridge Piers considering the Impact Effect
Authors: Wang Yin-hui , Zou Yi-song , Xu Lue-qin , Luo Zheng
Published: May 2015

In order to investigate the effects of water current impact and fluid-structure interaction on the bridge piers, the mechanism of water flow impact on the bridge pier is firstly studied. Then a finite element model of a bridge pier is established including the effects of water flow impact as well as the water circumferential motion around the pier. Comparative study is conducted between the results of water impact effect, fluid-structure coupling effect, theoretical analysis, and also the results derived using the formulas specified in the design codes home and abroad. The results show that the water flow force calculated using the formulas provided by the codes should be multiplied by an impact amplifier to account for the effect of flood impact on the bridge pier. When the flood flows around the pier, the fluid-structure coupling effect on the bridge pier can be neglected. The method specified in the China guidelines ofGeneral Code for Design of Highway Bridges and Culvertstends to provide a larger result of the water flow force.
OGG1 Mutations and Risk of Female Breast Cancer: Meta-Analysis and Experimental Data
Authors: Ali Kashif , Mahjabeen Ishrat , Sabir Maimoona , Mehmood Humera , Kayani Mahmood Akhtar
Published: May 2015

In first part of this study association between OGG1 polymorphisms and breast cancer susceptibility was explored by meta-analysis. Second part of the study involved 925 subjects, used for mutational analysis of OGG1 gene using PCR-SSCP and sequencing. Fifteen mutations were observed, which included five intronic mutations, four splice site mutations, two 3′UTR mutations, three missense mutations, and a nonsense mutation. Significantly (p<0.001) increased (~29 fold) breast cancer risk was associated with a splice site variant g.9800972T>G and 3′UTR variant g.9798848G>A. Among intronic mutations, highest (~15 fold) increase in breast cancer risk was associated with g.9793680G>A (p<0.009). Similarly ~14-fold increased risk was associated with Val159Gly (p<0.01), ~17-fold with Gly221Arg (p<0.005), and ~18-fold with Ser326Cys (p<0.004) in breast cancer patients compared with controls, whereas analysis of nonsense mutation showed that ~13-fold (p<0.01) increased breast cancer risk was associated with Trp375STOP in patients compared to controls. In conclusion, a significant association was observed between OGG1 germ line mutations and breast cancer risk. These findings provide evidence that OGG1 may prove to be a good candidate of better diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of breast cancer.
Thyroid Autoimmunity in the Context of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Implications for Vitamin D
Authors: Toulis Konstantinos , Tsekmekidou Xanthippi , Potolidis Evangelos , Didangelos Triantafyllos , Gotzamani-Psarrakou Anna , Zebekakis Pantelis , Daniilidis Michael , Yovos John , Kotsa Kalliopi
Published: May 2015

Vitamin D deficiency has been associated with both type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and autoimmune disorders. The association of vitamin D with T2DM and thyroid autoimmunity (TAI) has not been investigated. Thus, we aimed to explore the putative association between T2DM and thyroid autoimmunity (TAI) focusing on the role of 25-hydroxy-vitamin D (25(OH)D). Study population included 264 T2DM patients and 234 controls. To explore the potential association between 25(OH)D and thyroid autoimmunity while controlling for potential confounders—namely, age, gender, body mass index, and presence of T2DM—multivariate logistic regression analyses were undertaken. Patients with T2DM were younger (P<0.001) and had significantly lower 25(OH)D levels (P<0.001) and higher anti-TPO titers (P=0.005). Multivariable logistic regression analyses suggested that T2DM and 25(OH)D levels were significantly associated with the presence of thyroid autoimmunity. In an elderly population of diabetic patients and controls with a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency, a patient with T2DM was found to be 2.5 times more likely to have thyroid autoimmunity compared to a nondiabetic individual and the higher the serum 25(OH)D levels were, the higher this chance was.
Antimicrobial Properties of Microparticles Based on Carmellose Cross-Linked by Cu2+Ions
Authors: Kejdušová Martina , Vysloužil Jakub , Kubová Kateřina , Celer Vladimír , Krásna Magdaléna , Pechová Alena , Vyskočilová Věra , Košťál Vratislav
Published: May 2015

Carmellose (CMC) is frequently used due to its high biocompatibility, biodegradability, and low immunogenicity for development of site-specific or controlled release drug delivery systems. In this experimental work, CMC dispersions in two different concentrations (1% and 2%) cross-linked by copper (II) ions (0.5, 1, 1.5, or 2.0 M CuCl2) were used to prepare microspheres with antimicrobial activity againstEscherichia coliandCandida albicans, both frequently occurring pathogens which cause vaginal infections. The microparticles were prepared by an ionotropic gelation technique which offers the unique possibility to entrap divalent copper ions in a CMC structure and thus ensure their antibacterial activity. Prepared CMC microspheres exhibited sufficient sphericity. Both equivalent diameter and copper content were influenced by CMC concentration, and the molarity of copper (II) solution affected only the copper content results. Selected samples exhibited stable but pH-responsive behaviour in environments which corresponded with natural (pH 4.5) and inflamed (pH 6.0) vaginal conditions. All the tested samples exhibited proven substantial antimicrobial activity against both Gram-negative bacteriaEscherichia coliand yeastCandida albicans. Unexpectedly, a crucial parameter for microsphere antimicrobial activity was not found in the copper content but in the swelling capacity of the microparticles and in the degree of CMC surface shrinking.
Assessing Mechanical Properties of Hot Mix Asphalt with Wire Wool Fibers
Authors: Bdour Ahmed N. , Khalayleh Yahia , Al-Omari Aslam A.
Published: May 2015

This paper investigates the potential application of wire wool in the modification of hot asphalt mixes (HMA). Wire wool material is widely available at local markets as a by-product of wire wool industry and as waste products from homes. For the purpose of this study, wire wool was cut into small pieces so that it can be placed in the asphalt mixes. Different percentages of wire wool were incorporated with the hot asphalt mixes (0.0%, 0.25%, and 0.5%) of the total weight of the asphalt binder. Various experimental tests were used to evaluate the modification effectiveness of combining wire wool with hot asphalt mixes, namely, the Marshall Stability, indirect tensile strength (ITS), dynamic creep, fatigue, and rutting tests. Test results proved that the addition of wire wool increased the tensile strength of the asphalt concrete mixes. However, rutting increased due to increasing percentage of wire wool. Therefore, mixes containing wire wool can be used in areas where rutting is not the expected predominant distress type.
Investigations into the Biocompatibility of Nanohydroxyapatite Coated Magnetic Nanoparticles under Magnetic Situation
Authors: Li Qing , Zhou Gang , Wang Tong , Hou Yongzhao , Deng Xuliang , Wei Yan
Published: May 2015

Regenerative medicine consisting of cells and materials offers a new approach for repairing and regenerating the organs and tissues. More and more researches focused on the magnetic nanobiomaterials due to its superior advantages to traditional materials. However, the toxicity of nanosized magnetic particles cannot be ignored, especially under the magnetic situation. This study aims to study the biocompatibility of nanohydroxyapatite (n‐HA‐) coated magnetic nanoparticles under the magnetic situation. n‐HA‐coated magnetic nanoparticles were fabricated through an ultrasound‐assisted coprecipitation method. Subsequently, these materials were analyzed by transmission electron microscope (TEM) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and then were cultured with mesenchyme stem cells derived from human bone marrow (hMSC‐BM). In vitro experiment proved the satisfactory biocompatibility of n‐HA‐coated magnetic nanoparticles. These important factors (ALP, OCN, and OPN) influence the osteogenic differentiation of hMSC‐BM. It was found that the hMSC‐BM with combination of n‐HA/Fe3O4 and magnetic stimulation presented higher degree of osteoblast‐related markers than that in each alone. This research demonstrated that a novel nanohydroxyapatite coated magnetic nanoparticle is safe under the magnetic situation. Therefore, these n‐HA‐coated magnetic nanoparticles are promising biomagnetic materials for future applications.
Quasi-Normal Modes: The “Electrons” of Black Holes as “Gravitational Atoms”? Implications for the Black Hole Information Puzzle
Authors: Corda Christian
Published: May 2015

Some recent important results on black hole (BH) quantum physics concerning theBH effective stateand the natural correspondence between Hawking radiation and BH quasi-normal modes (QNMs) are reviewed, clarified, and refined. Such a correspondence permits one to naturally interpret QNMs as quantum levels in a semiclassical model. This is a model of BH somewhat similar to the historical semiclassical model of the structure of a hydrogen atom introduced by Bohr in 1913. In a certain sense, QNMs represent the “electron” which jumps from a level to another one and the absolute values of the QNMs frequencies, “triggered” by emissions (Hawking radiation) and absorption of particles, represent the energy “shells” of the “gravitational hydrogen atom.” Important consequences on the BH information puzzle are discussed. In fact, it is shown that the time evolution of this “Bohr-like BH model” obeysa time dependent Schrödinger equationwhich permits the final BH state to bea purequantum state instead of a mixed one. Thus, information comes out in BH evaporation in agreement with the assumption by ’t Hooft that Schröedinger equations can be used universally for all dynamics in the universe. We also show that, in addition, our approach solves the entanglement problem connected with the information paradox.
Hyaluronic Acid Based Hydrogels for Regenerative Medicine Applications
Authors: Borzacchiello Assunta , Russo Luisa , Malle Birgitte M. , Schwach-Abdellaoui Khadija , Ambrosio Luigi
Published: May 2015

Hyaluronic acid (HA) hydrogels, obtained by cross-linking HA molecules with divinyl sulfone (DVS) based on a simple, reproducible, and safe process that does not employ any organic solvents, were developed. Owing to an innovative preparation method the resulting homogeneous hydrogels do not contain any detectable residual cross-linking agent and are easier to inject through a fine needle. HA hydrogels were characterized in terms of degradation and biological properties, viscoelasticity, injectability, and network structural parameters. They exhibit a rheological behaviour typical of strong gels and show improved viscoelastic properties by increasing HA concentration and decreasing HA/DVS weight ratio. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that processes such as sterilization and extrusion through clinical needles do not imply significant alteration of viscoelastic properties. Both SANS and rheological tests indicated that the cross-links appear to compact the network, resulting in a reduction of the mesh size by increasing the cross-linker amount. In vitro degradation tests of the HA hydrogels demonstrated that these new hydrogels show a good stability against enzymatic degradation, which increases by increasing HA concentration and decreasing HA/DVS weight ratio. Finally, the hydrogels show a good biocompatibility confirmed by in vitro tests.
Asynchronous Scheme for Optical Camera Communication-Based Infrastructure-to-Vehicle Communication
Authors: Nguyen Trang , Le Nam Tuan , Jang Yeong Min
Published: May 2015

This paper introduces infrastructure-to-vehicle (I2V) communication based on asynchronous optical camera communication (OCC), the transmitter of which can be an LED traffic light or electronic display, with the receiver being the existing front vehicle camera. In asynchronous OCC-based I2V communication, the key technique is an asynchronous scheme. An asynchronous scheme not only takes advantage of simplicity owing to the lack of an uplink or synchronization requirement, but is also the most feasible solution for communication to/from moving vehicles where synchronization is difficult to achieve within a short time. An asynchronous scheme for OCC-based I2V communication is proposed, and a performance evaluation shows its feasibility for use in a number of promising OCC-based wireless communication applications and services in a vehicular environment.
Optimization Design and Application of Underground Reinforced Concrete Bifurcation Pipe
Authors: Su Chao , Zhu Zhenxue , Zhang Yangyang , Jiang Niantang
Published: May 2015

Underground reinforced concrete bifurcation pipe is an important part of conveyance structure. During construction, the workload of excavation and concrete pouring can be significantly decreased according to optimized pipe structure, and the engineering quality can be improved. This paper presents an optimization mathematical model of underground reinforced concrete bifurcation pipe structure according to real working status of several common pipe structures from real cases. Then, an optimization design system was developed based on Particle Swarm Optimization algorithm. Furthermore, take the bifurcation pipe of one hydropower station as an example: optimization analysis was conducted, and accuracy and stability of the optimization design system were verified successfully.
OrganIn VitroCulture: What Have We Learned about Early Kidney Development?
Authors: Rak-Raszewska Aleksandra , Hauser Peter V. , Vainio Seppo
Published: May 2015

When Clifford Grobstein set out to study the inductive interaction between tissues in the developing embryo, he developed a method that remained important for the study of renal development until now. From the late 1950s on,in vitrocultivation of the metanephric kidney became a standard method. It provided an artificial environment that served as an open platform to study organogenesis. This review provides an introduction to the technique of organ culture, describes how the Grobstein assay and its variants have been used to study aspects of mesenchymal induction, and describes the search for natural and chemical inducers of the metanephric mesenchyme. The review also focuses on renal development, starting with ectopic budding of the ureteric bud, ureteric bud branching, and the generation of the nephron and presents the search for stem cells and renal progenitor cells that contribute to specific structures and tissues during renal development. It also presents the current use of Grobstein assay and its modifications in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering today. Together, this review highlights the importance ofex vivokidney studies as a way to acquire new knowledge, which in the future can and will be implemented for developmental biology and regenerative medicine applications.
Gut Microbiota: Association with NAFLD and Metabolic Disturbances
Authors: Lau E. , Carvalho D. , Freitas P.
Published: May 2015

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is the hepatic expression of metabolic syndrome, being frequently associated with obesity, insulin resistance, and dyslipidemia. Recent lines of evidence have demonstrated a role of gut microbiota in insulin resistance, obesity, and associated metabolic disturbances, raising the interest in its relationship with NAFLD pathogenesis. Therefore, intestinal microbiota has emerged as a potential factor involved in NAFLD, through different pathways, including its influence in energy storage, lipid and choline metabolism, ethanol production, immune balance, and inflammation. The main objective of this review is to address the pathogenic association of gut microbiota to NAFLD. This comprehension may allow the development of integrated strategies to modulate intestinal microbiota in order to treat NAFLD.
Hybrid Steepest-Descent Methods for Triple Hierarchical Variational Inequalities
Authors: Ceng L. C. , Latif A. , Wen C. F. , Al-Mazrooei A. E.
Published: May 2015

We introduce and analyze a relaxed iterative algorithm by combining Korpelevich’s extragradient method, hybrid steepest-descent method, and Mann’s iteration method. We prove that, under appropriate assumptions, the proposed algorithm converges strongly to a common element of the fixed point set of infinitely many nonexpansive mappings, the solution set of finitely many generalized mixed equilibrium problems (GMEPs), the solution set of finitely many variational inclusions, and the solution set of general system of variational inequalities (GSVI), which is just a unique solution of a triple hierarchical variational inequality (THVI) in a real Hilbert space. In addition, we also consider the application of the proposed algorithm for solving a hierarchical variational inequality problem with constraints of finitely many GMEPs, finitely many variational inclusions, and the GSVI. The results obtained in this paper improve and extend the corresponding results announced by many others.