bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bioactivities of Compounds from Elephantopus scaber, an Ethnomedicinal Plant from Southwest China
Authors: Wang Jianjun , Li Ping , Li Baosai , Guo Zhiyong , Kennelly Edward J. , Long Chunlin
Published: May 2014

Elephantopus scaber is an ethnomedicinal plant used by the Zhuang people in Southwest China to treat headaches, colds, diarrhea, hepatitis, and bronchitis. A new δ‐truxinate derivative, ethyl, methyl 3,4,3′,4′‐tetrahydroxy‐δ‐truxinate (1), was isolated from the ethyl acetate extract of the entire plant, along with 4 known compounds. The antioxidant activity of these 5 compounds was determined by ABTS radical scavenging assay. Compound 1 was also tested for its cytotoxicity effect against HepG2 by MTT assay (IC50 = 60 μM), and its potential anti‐inflammatory, antibiotic, and antitumor bioactivities were predicted using target fishing method software.
A Method for Fuzzy Soft Sets in Decision Making Based on Grey Relational Analysis and D-S Theory of Evidence: Application to Medical Diagnosis
Authors: Xie Ningxin , Wen Guoqiu , Li Zhaowen
Published: May 2014

A method based on grey relational analysis and D-S theory of evidence is proposed for fuzzy soft sets in decision making. Firstly, grey relational analysis is used to calculate grey mean relational degrees and determine uncertain degrees of parameters. Then based on uncertain degrees, suitable mass functions of different independent alternatives with different parameters can be constructed. Next, D-S rule of evidence combination is applied to aggregate these alternatives into a collective alternative. Finally, these alternatives are ranked and the best alternative(s) are obtained. Moreover, the effectiveness and feasibility of this method are demonstrated by comparing with the mean potentiality approach and giving an application to medical diagnosis.
Interpenetrating Polymer Networks as Innovative Drug Delivery Systems
Authors: Lohani Alka , Singh Garima , Bhattacharya Shiv Sankar , Verma Anurag
Published: May 2014

Polymers have always been valuable excipients in conventional dosage forms, also have shown excellent performance into the parenteral arena, and are now capable of offering advanced and sophisticated functions such as controlled drug release and drug targeting. Advances in polymer science have led to the development of several novel drug delivery systems. Interpenetrating polymer networks (IPNs) have shown superior performances over the conventional individual polymers and, consequently, the ranges of applications have grown rapidly for such class of materials. The advanced properties of IPNs like swelling capacity, stability, biocompatibility, nontoxicity and biodegradability have attracted considerable attention in pharmaceutical field especially in delivering bioactive molecules to the target site. In the past few years various research reports on the IPN based delivery systems showed that these carriers have emerged as a novel carrier in controlled drug delivery. The present review encompasses IPNs, their types, method of synthesis, factors which affects the morphology of IPNs, extensively studied IPN based drug delivery systems, and some natural polymers widely used for IPNs.
Alteration in Material Properties of an Intact Rock due to Drilling and Bolting Operations
Authors: Srivastava Lok Priya , Singh Mahendra
Published: May 2014

Rock material properties play an important role in assessing rock mass behaviour. Passive rock bolts stabilize a rock mass by restricting relative displacements; however, they may reduce rock material properties. While assessing properties of rock mass reinforced by rock bolts, the alteration caused in rock material properties due to drilling and bolting operation should be well understood. The present work makes an attempt to study the alteration in rock material properties due to drilling and bolting operations. The study has been conducted through physical tests on natural rock specimens in the laboratory. Virgin cylindrical specimens of intact rock were tested under uniaxial compression. Drilling was done through specimens and fully grouted bolts were installed. These specimens were also tested under uniaxial compression. It is observed that the drilling has substantial effect on the uniaxial compressive strength and modulus. A simple problem of tunnel is analysed which demonstrates the effect of alteration in material properties on the strength of rock mass around the tunnel in the field condition.
How Does Market Network Structure Affect Participants′ Benefits?
Authors: Li Yongli , Wu Chong
Published: May 2014

A mathematical model is made to answer the question of how market network structure affects market participants’ benefits. In this paper, one monopoly, one kind of goods, and n consumers are assumed to form the market. The market network structure is defined as the mutual influences among consumers on purchase behaviors, and the benefits are defined as the sum of each consumer’s utility as well as the profit of the monopoly. By completely knowing or not knowing the market network structure, the monopoly is designed to make decisions on price in such two cases. As a result, this paper finds that (1) when the market network structure is symmetric, completely knowing or not knowing the market structure network structure does not change the participants’ benefits; (2) when the market network structure is asymmetric, knowing the network structure can help to improve the monopoly’s profit, and meanwhile the consumers’ benefits are identical on average in the statistical sense; (3) the increasing degree of the network structure matrix’s asymmetry leads to the increasing benefits of the monopoly with fixing its original structure. Besides, policy implications and further work are also discussed.
Validation of the Breastfeeding Experience Scale in a Sample of Iranian Mothers
Authors: Mortazavi Forough , Mousavi Seyed Abbas , Chaman Reza , Khosravi Ahmad
Published: May 2014

Objectives. The aim of this study was to validate the breastfeeding experience scale (BES) in a sample of Iranian mothers.Methods. After translation and back translation of the BES, an expert panel evaluated the items by assessing the content validity ratio (CVR) and content validity index (CVI). 347 of mothers visiting health centers completed the Farsi version of the BES in the first month postpartum. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were performed to indicate the scale constructs. Reliability was assessed by Cronbach's alpha coefficient.Results. CVR and CVI scores for the BES were 0.96 and 0.87, respectively. Cronbach's alpha coefficient for the BES was 0.83. The results of the EFA revealed a new 5-factor model. The results of the CFA for the BES indicated a marginally acceptable fit for the proposed model and acceptable fit for the new model (RMSEA = 0.064, SRMR = 0.064,χ2/df = 2.4, and CFI = 0.95). Mothers who were exclusively breastfeeding at the first month postpartum had less breastfeeding difficulties score (30.3 ± 7.6) than mothers who were on partial breastfeeding (36.7 ± 11.3) (P<0.001).Conclusions. The Farsi version of the BES is a reliable and valid instrument to assess postpartum breastfeeding difficulties in Iranian mothers.
Distributed Query Plan Generation Using Multiobjective Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Panicker Shina , Vijay Kumar T. V.
Published: May 2014

A distributed query processing strategy, which is a key performance determinant in accessing distributed databases, aims to minimize the total query processing cost. One way to achieve this is by generating efficient distributed query plans that involve fewer sites for processing a query. In the case of distributed relational databases, the number of possible query plans increases exponentially with respect to the number of relations accessed by the query and the number of sites where these relations reside. Consequently, computing optimal distributed query plans becomes a complex problem. This distributed query plan generation (DQPG) problem has already been addressed using single objective genetic algorithm, where the objective is to minimize the total query processing cost comprising the local processing cost (LPC) and the site-to-site communication cost (CC). In this paper, this DQPG problem is formulated and solved as a biobjective optimization problem with the two objectives being minimize total LPC and minimize total CC. These objectives are simultaneously optimized using a multiobjective genetic algorithm NSGA-II. Experimental comparison of the proposed NSGA-II based DQPG algorithm with the single objective genetic algorithm shows that the former performs comparatively better and converges quickly towards optimal solutions for an observed crossover and mutation probability.
Photodynamic Action of LED-Activated Curcumin againstStaphylococcus aureusInvolving Intracellular ROS Increase and Membrane Damage
Authors: Jiang Yuan , Leung Albert Wingnang , Hua Heyu , Rao Xiancai , Xu Chuanshan
Published: May 2014

Aim. To investigate the effect of photodynamic action of LED-activated curcumin on cell viability, membrane permeability, and intracellular reactive oxygen species ofStaphylococcus aureus.Methods.Staphylococcus aureuswas incubated with the different concentrations of curcumin for 60 min and then irradiated by blue light with the wavelength of 470 nm and with light dose of 3 J/cm2. The colony forming unit assay was used to investigate photocytotoxicity of curcumin onStaphylococcus aureus, confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and flow cytometry (FCM) for assaying membrane permeability, FCM analysis with DCFH-DA staining for measuring the intracellular ROS level, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) for observing morphology and structure.Results. Blue light-activated curcumin significantly killedStaphylococcus aureusin a curcumin dose-dependent manner. TEM observed remarkable structural damages inS. aureusafter light-activated curcumin. More red fluorescence of PI dye was found inS. aureustreated by blue light-activated curcumin than in those of the controlled bacterial cells. Intracellular ROS increase was observed after light-activated curcumin.Conclusion. Blue light-activated curcumin markedly damaged membrane permeability, resulting in cell death ofStaphylococcus aureusand highlighted that intracellular ROS increase might be an important event in photodynamic killing ofStaphylococcus aureusin the presence of curcumin.
Chondroitin Sulfate Proteoglycans: Structure-Function Relationship with Implication in Neural Development and Brain Disorders
Authors: Avram Speranta , Shaposhnikov Sergey , Buiu Catalin , Mernea Maria
Published: May 2014

Chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (CSPGs) are extracellular matrix components that contain two structural parts with distinct functions: a protein core and glycosaminoglycan (GAG) side chains. CSPGs are known to be involved in important cell processes like cell adhesion and growth, receptor binding, or cell migration. It is recognized that the presence of CSPGs is critical in neuronal growth mechanisms including axon guidance following injury of nervous system components such as spinal cord and brain. CSPGs are upregulated in the central nervous system after injury and participate in the inhibition of axon regeneration mainly through their GAG side chains. Recently, it was shown that some CSPGs members like aggrecan, versican, and neurocan were strongly involved in brain disorders like bipolar disorder (BD), schizophrenia, and ADHD. In this paper, we present the chemical structure-biological functions relationship of CSPGs, both in health state and in genetic disorders, addressing methods represented by genome-wide and crystallographic data as well as molecular modeling and quantitative structure-activity relationship.
Quaternion-Based Attitude Control System Design of Single and Cooperative Spacecrafts: Boundedness of Solution Approach
Authors: Septanto Harry , Bambang Riyanto T. , Syaichu-Rohman Arief , Eko Poetro Ridanto , Ravi Ibrahim Adrianto
Published: May 2014

It is well known that single equilibrium orientation point in matrix rotation is represented by two equilibrium points in quaternion. This fact would imply nonefficient control effort as well as problem in guaranteeing stability of the two equilibrium points in quaternion. This paper presents a solution to design quaternion-based spacecraft attitude control system whose saturation element is in its control law such that those problems are overcome. The proposed feature of methodology is the consideration on boundedness of solution in the control system design even in the presence of unknown external disturbance. The same methodology is also used to design cooperative spacecrafts attitude control system. Through the proposed method, the most relaxed information-state topology requirement is obtained, that is, the directed graph that contains a directed spanning tree. Some numerical simulations demonstrate effectiveness of the proposed feature of methodology.
Phase Pure Synthesis and Morphology Dependent Magnetization in Mn Doped ZnO Nanostructures
Authors: Saleem Murtaza , Atiq Shahid , Ramay Shahid M. , Mahmood Asif , Siddiqi Saadat A. , Shar Muhammad Ali
Published: May 2014

Zn0.95Mn0.05O nanostructures were synthesized using sol gel derived autocombustion technique. As-burnt samples were thermally annealed at different temperatures (400, 600, and 800°C) for 8 hours to investigate their effect on structural morphology and magnetic behavior. X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopic studies demonstrated the improvement in crystallinity of phase pure wurtzite structure of Mn doped ZnO with variation of annealing temperature. Energy dispersive X-ray elemental compositional analysis confirmed the exact nominal compositions of the reactants. Electrical resistivity measurements were performed with variation in temperature, which depicted the semiconducting nature similar to parent ZnO after 5 at% Mn doping. Magnetic measurements by superconducting quantum interference device detected an enhanced trend of ferromagnetic interactions in thermally annealed compositions attributed to the improved structural morphology and crystalline refinement process.
Counterexample-Preserving Reduction for Symbolic Model Checking
Authors: Liu Wanwei , Wang Rui , Fu Xianjin , Wang Ji , Dong Wei , Mao Xiaoguang
Published: May 2014

The cost of LTL model checking is highly sensitive to the length of the formula under verification. We observe that, under some specific conditions, the input LTL formula can be reduced to an easier-to-handle one before model checking. In such reduction, these two formulae need not to be logically equivalent, but they share the same counterexample set w.r.t the model. In the case that the model is symbolically represented, the condition enabling such reduction can be detected with a lightweight effort (e.g., with SAT-solving). In this paper, we tentatively name such technique “counterexample-preserving reduction” (CePRe, for short), and the proposed technique is evaluated by conducting comparative experiments of BDD-based model checking, bounded model checking, and property directed reachability-(IC3) based model checking.
Biomarkers of Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Fengming Yi , Jianbing Wu
Published: May 2014

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic disease mostly involved with intestine with unknown etiology. Diagnosis, evaluation of severity, and prognosis are still present as challenges for physicians. An ideal biomarker with the characters such as simple, easy to perform, noninvasive or microinvasive, cheap, rapid, and reproducible is helpful for patients and clinicians. Currently biomarkers applied in clinic include CRP, ESR, pANCA, ASCA, and fecal calprotectin. However, they are far from ideal. Lots of studies are focused on seeking for ideal biomarker for IBD. Herein, the paper reviewed recent researches on biomarkers of IBD to get advances of biomarkers in inflammatory bowel disease.
The Association of −330 Interleukin-2 Gene Polymorphism with Its Plasma Concentration in Iranian Multiple Sclerosis Patients
Authors: Sayad Arezou , Movafagh Abolfazl
Published: May 2014

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neuroinflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system. The cytokine genes are involved in autoimmune diseases such as MS. In this study, we report the influence of −330 interleukin-2 (IL2) gene polymorphism on its plasma levels in a group of Iranian MS patients. In this study 100 MS patients and 100 ethnically, age, and sex matched healthy controls were selected from Medical Genetics Department of Sarem Women Hospital. Blood samples of all individuals were collected in EDTA tubes. The restriction fragment length polymorphism PCR (RFLP) method was applied to determine various alleles and genotypes in these individuals. Plasma concentration of IL2 was measured in all the samples using human IL2 kit. The frequency of −330 T/T IL2 genotype was higher in MS patients compared to normal individuals. Accordingly, the plasma levels of IL2 were significantly higher (P<0.0001) in patients when compared to the control group. In conclusion, in case of MS patients the −330 T/T IL2 genotype is associated with higher plasma levels of IL2.
The Effect of Different Laser Irradiation on Cyclophosphamide‐Induced Leucopenia in Rats
Authors: Zhao Jizhong , Cheng Ke , Deng Haiping , Zhao Ling , Liu Lanlan , Guo Menghu , Zhang Haimeng , Shen Xueyong
Published: May 2014

Objective. To assess the effect of different lasers on cyclophosphamide‐ (CTX‐) induced leucopenia in rats. Methods. 11 rats were normal control and 55 rats were injected with a dose of 80 mg/kg CTX for the first time and 40 mg/kg on the 6th and the 11th days to establish a leucopenia model. Rats of the irradiation groups received a 5‐minute laser irradiation with either single 10.6 μm or 650 nm laser or alternatively 10.6 μm–650 nm laser irradiation, besides a sham treatment on acupoint Dazhui (DU 14) and acupoint Zusanli (ST 36) of both sides, 8 times for 16 days. Normal and model control group received no treatment. Results. On day 16 after the first CTX injection, the WBC counts from all the laser irradiation groups were significantly higher than those from the model control and the sham group (P < 0.05), while there were no significant differences compared with the normal control (P > 0.05). The TI of 10.6 μm–650 nm laser irradiation group was significantly higher than that of the model control group (P < 0.05). Conclusions. The single and combined 10.6 μm and 650 nm laser irradiation on ST36 and DU14 accelerated the recovery of the WBC count in the rats with leucopenia.
Investigation of Horizontal Velocity Fields in Stirred Vessels with Helical Coils by PIV
Authors: Bliem Volker , Schultz Heyko Jürgen
Published: May 2014

Horizontal velocity flow fields were measured by particle image velocimetry for a stirred vessel with baffles and two helical coils for enlargement of heat transfer area. The investigation was carried out in a cylindrical vessel with flat base and two different stirrers (radial-flow Rushton turbine and axial-flow propeller stirrer). Combined velocity plots for flow fields at different locations are presented. It was found that helical coils change the flow pattern significantly. Measurements for the axial-flow Rushton turbine showed a strong deflection by the coils, leading to a mainly tangential flow pattern. Behind baffles large areas of unused heat transfer area were found. First results for the axial-flow propeller reveal an extensive absence of fluid movement in the horizontal plane. Improved design considerations for enhanced heat transfer by more compatible equipment compilation are proposed.
Does the Motor Level of the Paretic Extremities Affect Balance in Poststroke Subjects?
Authors: Arya Kamal Narayan , Pandian Shanta , Abhilasha C. R. , Verma Ashutosh
Published: May 2014

Background. Poststroke impairment may lead to fall and unsafe functional performance. The underlying mechanism for the balance dysfunction is unclear.Objective. To analyze the relation between the motor level of the affected limbs and balance in poststroke subjects.Method. A prospective, cross-sectional, and nonexperimental design was conducted in a rehabilitation institute. A convenience sample of 44 patients was assessed for motor level using Brunnstrom recovery stage (BRS) and Fugl-Meyer Assessment: upper (FMA-UE) and lower extremities (FMA-LE). The balance was measured by Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke Patients (PASS), and Functional Reach Test (FRT).Results. BRS showed moderate correlation with BBS (ρ=0.54to 0.60;P<0.001), PASS (r=0.48to 0.64;P<0.001) and FRT (ρ=0.48to 0.59;P<0.001). FMA-UE also exhibited moderate correlation with BBS (ρ=0.59;P<0.001) and PASS (ρ=0.60;P<0.001). FMA-LE showed fair correlation with BBS (ρ=0.50;P=0.001) and PASS (ρ=0.50;P=0.001).Conclusion. Motor control of the affected limbs plays an important role in balance. There is a moderate relation between the motor level of the upper and lower extremities and balance. The findings of the present study may be applied in poststroke rehabilitation.
Performance Improvement of Microcrystalline p-SiC/i-Si/n-Si Thin Film Solar Cells by Using Laser-Assisted Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition
Authors: Lee Hsin-Ying , Wang Ting-Chun , Tseng Chun-Yen
Published: May 2014

The microcrystalline p-SiC/i-Si/n-Si thin film solar cells treated with hydrogen plasma were fabricated at low temperature using a CO2laser-assisted plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (LAPECVD) system. According to the micro-Raman results, the i-Si films shifted from 482 cm−1to 512 cm−1as the assisting laser power increased from 0 W to 80 W, which indicated a gradual transformation from amorphous to crystalline Si. From X-ray diffraction (XRD) results, the microcrystalline i-Si films with (111), (220), and (311) diffraction were obtained. Compared with the Si-based thin film solar cells deposited without laser assistance, the short-circuit current density and the power conversion efficiency of the solar cells with assisting laser power of 80 W were improved from 14.38 mA/cm2to 18.16 mA/cm2and from 6.89% to 8.58%, respectively.
Image Obfuscation in the User-Friendly Sensitive Area with the Use of a Sensor for Smart Devices and Image Processing Techniques
Authors: Kim Kyoung-nam , Lee MyounJae
Published: May 2014

There are many different sensors such as gyroscope sensor, accelerometer sensor, and light sensor for smart devices. These sensors are applied in many fields such as health and medicine, education, augmented reality, and arts. This study aimed to create user-friendly artistic sensibility related to images in the sensitive areas needed for privacy protection by using a sensor in a smart phone and image processing techniques such as contour extraction, blurring, blending, and brightness adjustment. In many cases, the focus was placed on the matter that techniques such as blurring, pixelization, and low-resolution were used for images in the sensitive area needed for privacy protection so that the related area could not be recognized. The phenomenon of image transformation, which suddenly occurs in this way, can cause irritation to smart device users when they view it. In this context, this study showed the possibility of user-friendly image obfuscation through the reflection of artistic sensibility along with the purpose of privacy protection through the fusion of image obfuscation techniques for privacy protection and artistic sensibility.
Lipid-Based Drug Delivery Systems
Authors: Shrestha Hina , Bala Rajni , Arora Sandeep
Published: May 2014

The principle objective of formulation of lipid-based drugs is to enhance their bioavailability. The use of lipids in drug delivery is no more a new trend now but is still the promising concept. Lipid-based drug delivery systems (LBDDS) are one of the emerging technologies designed to address challenges like the solubility and bioavailability of poorly water-soluble drugs. Lipid-based formulations can be tailored to meet a wide range of product requirements dictated by disease indication, route of administration, cost consideration, product stability, toxicity, and efficacy. These formulations are also a commercially viable strategy to formulate pharmaceuticals, for topical, oral, pulmonary, or parenteral delivery. In addition, lipid-based formulations have been shown to reduce the toxicity of various drugs by changing the biodistribution of the drug away from sensitive organs. However, the number of applications for lipid-based formulations has expanded as the nature and type of active drugs under investigation have become more varied. This paper mainly focuses on novel lipid-based formulations, namely, emulsions, vesicular systems, and lipid particulate systems and their subcategories as well as on their prominent applications in pharmaceutical drug delivery.
Phytochemical, Therapeutic, and Ethnopharmacological Overview for a Traditionally Important Herb:Boerhavia diffusaLinn.
Authors: Mishra Shikha , Aeri Vidhu , Gaur Praveen Kumar , Jachak Sanjay M.
Published: May 2014

Boerhavia diffusa(BD) is a plant ofrasayanacategory as per ayurvedic claims. It is reported to possess antiaging, disease prevention, and life strengthening activities which hold enormous influence in disease burden and affordability/availability of healthcare in the world.Objective.This paper has been compiled to comment on the studies reported for BD to highlight its chemical and therapeutic potential along with its ethnopharmacological considerations.Methods.In the present paper, a detailed account of chemical constituents and pharmacological activities has been presented. All the findings were correlated with modern pharmacological activities to appraise the value of BD.Results.Chemical analysis of BD gives a wide variety of chemical constituents, namely, rotenoids, flavonoids, xanthones, purine nucleoside, lignans, and steroids. Various ethnopharmacological reports emphasize its role in disorders of reproductive system, gastrointestinal system, respiratory system, urinary system, hepatic system/jaundice, cardiovascular system, and cancer.Conclusions.The studies on the therapeutic activities of BD range from studies on crude extracts to isolated compounds; however some of the studies require sophistication and validated results. BD is a plant of enormous importance in the purview of its chemical and therapeutic properties.
Interaction between Different Cells in Olfactory Bulb and Synchronous Kinematic Analysis
Authors: Xu Ailei , Du Ying , Wang Rubin , Cao Jinde
Published: May 2014

Olfactory bulb plays an important part in signal encoding of olfactory system. The interaction between excitatory mitral cell (MC) and inhibitory granule cell (GC) is particularly crucial. In this paper, the current situation of synchronous oscillation in the network of olfactory system is firstly introduced. Then we set up a dynamical model of MC and GC in the olfactory bulb. The simulation shows the firing patterns of single MC and single GC, as well as these two kinds of cells having a coupling relationship. The results indicate that MCs have an excitatory effect on GCs, and GCs have an inhibitory effect on MCs. The firing pattern varies with different synaptic strength. In addition, we set up simple olfactory network models, discussing the influence of ring-like and grid-like neuronal networks of GCs on the synchronization of two MCs. Different types of firing synchronization are quantified by means of ISI-distance method. The numerical analysis indicates that grid-like neuronal network can make MCs synchronize better.
Road Assessment Model and Pilot Application in China
Authors: Zhang Tiejun , Tang Chengcheng , Smith Greg , Wu Lingtao
Published: May 2014

Risk assessment of roads is an effective approach for road agencies to determine safety improvement investments. It can increases the cost-effective returns in crash and injury reductions. To get a powerful Chinese risk assessment model, Research Institute of Highway (RIOH) is developing China Road Assessment Programme (ChinaRAP) model to show the traffic crashes in China in partnership with International Road Assessment Programme (iRAP). The ChinaRAP model is based upon RIOH’s achievements and iRAP models. This paper documents part of ChinaRAP’s research work, mainly including the RIOH model and its pilot application in a province in China.
Parameters Analysis of Hydraulic-Electrical Energy Regenerative Absorber on Suspension Performance
Authors: Zhang Han , Guo Xuexun , Xu Lin , Hu Sanbao , Fang Zhigang
Published: May 2014

To recycle the vibration energy of vehicles over rough roads, a hydraulic-electricity energy regenerative suspension (HEERS) was designed in the present work, and simulations were performed with focus on its performance. On the basis of the system principle, the mathematical model of hydraulic-electrical energy regenerative absorber (HEERA) and two degrees of freedom (DOF) suspension dynamic model were constructed. Using the model of HEERA, simulations on force-displacement and force-velocity characteristics were performed with a 1.67 Hz frequency and a sinusoidal input adopted. And then in combination with HEERA model and two DOF suspension models, simulations on the performance of HEERS also were carried out. Finally, the influences of charging pressure and volume of the accumulator, hydraulic motor displacement, orifice area of check valve, and inner diameter of hydraulic pipelines on the performance of HEERA and HEERS were investigated in depth. The simulation results indicated that (i) the damping characteristic of HEERA was coincident with the damping characteristics of traditional absorber; (ii) the most remarkable influencing factor on the performance of HEERS was the hydraulic motor displacement, followed by orifice area of check valve, inner diameter of pipelines, and charging pressure of accumulator, while the effects of charging volume of accumulator were quite limited.
OnFS+-Domains
Authors: Yuan Yayan , Li Jibo
Published: May 2014

We introduce a new construction—FS+-domain—and prove that the category withFS+-domains as objects and Scott continuous functions as morphisms is a Cartesian closed category. We obtain that the Plotkin powerdomainPP(L)over anFS-domainLis anFS+-domain.
Equilibrium, Kinetics, and Thermodynamics of the Removal of Nickel(II) from Aqueous Solution Using Cow Hooves
Authors: Osasona I. , Ajayi O. O. , Adebayo A. O.
Published: May 2014

The feasibility of using powdered cow hooves (CH) for removing Ni2+ from aqueous solution was investigated through batch studies. The study was conducted to determine the effect of pH, adsorbent dosage, contact time, adsorbent particle size, and temperature on the adsorption capacity of CH. Equilibrium studies were conducted using initial concentration of Ni2+ ranging from 15 to 100 mgL−1 at 208, 308, and 318 K, respectively. The results of our investigation at room temperature indicated that maximum adsorption of Ni2+ occurred at pH 7 and contact time of 20 minutes. The thermodynamics of the adsorption of Ni2+ onto CH showed that the process was spontaneous and endothermic. Langmuir, Freundlich, and Dubinin-Radushkevich (D-R) isotherm models were used to quantitatively analysed the equilibrium data. The equilibrium data were best fitted by Freundlich isotherm model, while the adsorption kinetics was well described by pseudo-second-order kinetic equation. The mean adsorption energy obtained from the D-R isotherm revealed that the adsorption process was dominated by physical adsorption. Powdered cow hooves could be utilized as a low-cost adsorbent at room temperature under the conditions of pH 7 and a contact time of 20 minutes for the removal of Ni(II) from aqueous solution.
Formation Control of Multirobot Based on I/O Feedback Linearization and Potential Function
Authors: Dong Jie , Liu Sen , Peng Kaixiang
Published: May 2014

Standard techniques of I/O linearization are widely applied to leader‐follower approach for multirobot formation control. However general leader‐follower approach cannot adapt to the environment with obstacles. Concerning that issue, a formation control method of multirobot system based on potential function is proposed in this paper, and a new control law is designed by choosing a proper potential function and employing Lyapunov stability theory, which stabilizes the formation of the multirobot system. We combine the method with a leader‐follower approach to solve the problem that the latter cannot avoid obstacles. Simulation results are given to validate the method.
Role of Intraoperative Pathology Consultation in Skeletal Tumors and Tumor-Like Lesions
Authors: Bhaker Poonam , Mohan Harsh , Handa Uma , Kumar Sudhir
Published: May 2014

Early and accurate detection of bone tumors and their staging are important since some of them are highly malignant. Intraoperative pathological consultation in bone tumors and tumor-like conditions is quite complex; however, it allows improvement in prognosis and limb salvage. Present study was conducted on 52 patients who underwent surgical procedure after clinical and radiological diagnosis of bone tumors/tumor-like conditions. Fresh unfixed tissue was quickly inspected grossly, followed by preparation of imprint smears and frozen section which were evaluated by two pathologists separately and compared subsequently with reports of paraffin-embedded sections. Clinical reasons for intraoperative consultation were to make diagnosis in 65.4% of cases and to determine resection margin status in 21.1% while in 13.5% of cases, it was for both indications. Diagnostic yield of imprint smears was 87.8% (13 malignant, 22 benign, and 1 tumor-like) and of frozen section was 90.2% (16 malignant, 19 benign, and 2 nonneoplastic) while paraffin sections could diagnose specific tumors in 95.1% (18 malignant, 18 benign, and 3 nonneoplastic). Although frozen section had better sensitivity (88.2%), it had less specificity (94.7%) as compared to imprint smears (76.5% and 100%, resp.). Imprint cytology and frozen section together provide a quick, safe, and reliable intraoperative provisional tissue diagnosis in skeletal tumors and tumor-like conditions.
Minimally Invasive Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion with Unilateral Pedicle Screw Fixation: Comparison between Primary and Revision Surgery
Authors: Kang Moo Sung , Park Jeong Yoon , Kim Kyung Hyun , Kuh Sung Uk , Chin Dong Kyu , Kim Keun Su , Cho Yong Eun
Published: May 2014

Minimally invasive surgery with a transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS TLIF) is an important minimally invasive fusion technique for the lumbar spine. Lumbar spine reoperation is challenging and is thought to have greater complication risks. The purpose of this study was to compare MIS TLIF with unilateral screw fixation perioperative results between primary and revision surgeries. This was a prospective study that included 46 patients who underwent MIS TLIF with unilateral pedicle screw. The patients were divided into two groups, primary and revision MIS TLIF, to compare perioperative results and complications. The two groups were similar in age, sex, and level of operation, and were not significantly different in the length of follow-up or clinical results. Although dural tears were more common with the revision group (primary 1; revision 4), operation time, blood loss, total perioperative complication, and fusion rates were not significantly different between the two groups. Both groups showed substantial improvements in VAS and ODI scores one year after surgical treatment. Revision MIS TLIF performed by an experienced surgeon does not necessarily increase the risk of perioperative complication compared with primary surgery. MIS TLIF with unilateral pedicle screw fixation is a valuable option for revision lumbar surgery.
Incremental Graph Regulated Nonnegative Matrix Factorization for Face Recognition
Authors: Yu Zhe-Zhou , Liu Yu-Hao , Li Bin , Pang Shu-Chao , Jia Cheng-Cheng
Published: May 2014

In a real world application, we seldom get all images at one time. Considering this case, if a company hired an employee, all his images information needs to be recorded into the system; if we rerun the face recognition algorithm, it will be time consuming. To address this problem, In this paper, firstly, we proposed a novel subspace incremental method called incremental graph regularized nonnegative matrix factorization (IGNMF) algorithm which imposes manifold into incremental nonnegative matrix factorization algorithm (INMF); thus, our new algorithm is able to preserve the geometric structure in the data under incremental study framework; secondly, considering we always get many face images belonging to one person or many different people as a batch, we improved our IGNMF algorithms to Batch-IGNMF algorithms (B-IGNMF), which implements incremental study in batches. Experiments show that (1) the recognition rate of our IGNMF and B-IGNMF algorithms is close to GNMF algorithm while it runs faster than GNMF. (2) The running times of our IGNMF and B-IGNMF algorithms are close to INMF while the recognition rate outperforms INMF. (3) Comparing with other popular NMF-based face recognition incremental algorithms, our IGNMF and B-IGNMF also outperform then both the recognition rate and the running time.
Robust Parametric Control of Spacecraft Rendezvous
Authors: Gu Dake , Liu Yindong
Published: May 2014

This paper proposes a method to design the robust parametric control for autonomous rendezvous of spacecrafts with the inertial information with uncertainty. We consider model uncertainty of traditional C‐W equation to formulate the dynamic model of the relative motion. Based on eigenstructure assignment and model reference theory, a concise control law for spacecraft rendezvous is proposed which could be fixed through solving an optimization problem. The cost function considers the stabilization of the system and other performances. Simulation results illustrate the robustness and effectiveness of the proposed control.
Precommitted Investment Strategy versus Time-Consistent Investment Strategy for a Dual Risk Model
Authors: Zhang Lidong , Rong Ximin , Du Ziping
Published: May 2014

We are concerned with optimal investment strategy for a dual risk model. We assume that the company can invest into a risk-free asset and a risky asset. Short-selling and borrowing money are allowed. Due to lack of iterated-expectation property, the Bellman Optimization Principle does not hold. Thus we investigate the precommitted strategy and time-consistent strategy, respectively. We take three steps to derive the precommitted investment strategy. Furthermore, the time-consistent investment strategy is also obtained by solving the extended Hamilton-Jacobi-Bellman equations. We compare the precommitted strategy with time-consistent strategy and find that these different strategies have different advantages: the former can make value function maximized at the original timet=0and the latter strategy is time-consistent for the whole time horizon. Finally, numerical analysis is presented for our results.
The Use of a Modular Titanium Baseplate with a Press-Fit Keel Implanted with a Surface Cementing Technique for Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Pelt Christopher E. , Erickson Jill , Christensen Bryt A. , Widmer Benjamin , Severson Erik P. , Evans David , Peters Christopher L.
Published: May 2014

Little data exists regarding outcomes following TKA performed with surface-cementation for the fixation of modular tibial baseplates with press-fit keels. Thus, we retrospectively reviewed the clinical and radiographic outcomes of 439 consecutive primary TKAs performed with surface cemented tibial components. There were 290 female patients and 149 male patients with average age of 62 years (range 30–84). Two tibial components were revised for aseptic loosening (0.5%) and four tibial components (0.9%) were removed to improve instability (n=2) or malalignment (n=2). Complications included 13 deep infections treated with 2-stage revision (12) and fusion (1). These results support the surface cement technique with a modular grit-blasted titanium surface and cruciform stem during primary TKA.
In VitroandIn VivoAntimalarial Activity ofFicus thonningiiBlume (Moraceae) andLophira alataBanks (Ochnaceae), Identified from the Ethnomedicine of the Nigerian Middle Belt
Authors: Falade M. O. , Akinboye D. O. , Gbotosho G. O. , Ajaiyeoba E. O. , Happi T. C. , Abiodun O. O. , Oduola A. M. J.
Published: May 2014

Drug resistance inPlasmodium falciparumrequires that new drugs must be developed. Plants are a potential source for drug discovery and development. Two plants that used to treat febrile illnesses in Nigeria were tested forin vitroandin vivoantimalarial activity and cytotoxicity in cancer cell lines. Methanol, hexane, and ethyl acetate leaf extracts ofFicus thonningiiandLophira alatawere active inin vitroassays againstP. falciparumNF54 (sensitive) and K1 (multiresistant) strains. Hexane extracts ofF. thonningiiandL. alatawere the most effective extracts inin vitroassays with IC50of2.7±1.6 μg/mL and2.5±0.3 μg/mL for NF54 and10.4±1.6 μg/mL and2.5±2.1 μg/mL for K1 strain. All extracts were nontoxic in cytotoxicity assays against KB human cell line with IC50of over 20 μg/mL, demonstrating selectivity againstP. falciparum.In vivoanalysis shows that hexane extracts of both plants reduced parasitaemia. At the maximum dose tested,L. alatahad a 74.4% reduction of parasitaemia whileF. thonningiihad a reduction of 84.5%, both extracts prolonged animal survival in mice infected withP. bergheiNK65 when compared with vehicle treated controls. The antiplasmodial activity observed justifies the use of both plants in treating febrile conditions.
VEGF and eNOS Expression in Umbilical Cord from Pregnancy Complicated by Hypertensive Disorder with Different Severity
Authors: Bhavina K. , Radhika J. , Pandian S. Sundara
Published: May 2014

Background. Reduced blood flow in hypertensive pregnancy may influence the production vasoconstrictors; subsequently the vessel remains in highly contracted state. NO is a vasodilator; VEGF influences its synthesis by regulating eNOS production. Aim of our study was to evaluate the expression of VEGF and eNOS in different severity of hypertensive pregnancy.Methods. Study was conducted in 4 groups with 40 members: group 1—control, group 2—gestational hypertension, group 3—mild preeclampsia, and group 4—severe preeclampsia. Fetal end of umbilical cord was taken and follows IHC staining protocol for VEGF and eNOS antibody. Staining intensity were measured by semiquantitative scoring method. Mann WhitneyUtest was used to compare each group.Results. Decreased expression of both VEGF and eNOS was found in hypertensive condition than in normal condition. Among hypertensive group, severe preeclamptic group showed more intensity in staining than gestational hypertension and mild preeclampsia.Conclusion. Reduction of VEGF and eNOS in gestational hypertension may lead to hypoperfusion and subsequent hypoxia of fetus in hypertensive pregnancy. The developed hypoxic state may upregulate the synthesis of VEGF and thereby eNOS. Increased expression of VEGF and eNOS in severe group may be a compensatory mechanism to dilate the blood vessels and to improve blood flow of fetus.
International Variation in Lung Cancer Mortality Rates and Trends among Women
Authors: Torre Lindsey A. , Siegel Rebecca L. , Ward Elizabeth M. , Jemal Ahmedin
Published: May 2014

Background: There is no recent comprehensive global analysis of lung cancer mortality in women. We describe contemporary mortality rates and trends among women globally.

Methods: We used the World Health Organization's Cancer Mortality Database covering 65 populations on six continents to calculate age-standardized (1960 Segi world standard) lung cancer death rates during 2006 to 2010 and annual percent change in rates for available years from 1985 to 2011 and for the most recent five data years by population and age group (30–49 and 50–74 years).

Results: Lung cancer mortality rates (per 100,000) among young women (30–49 years) during 2006 to 2010 ranged from 0.7 in Costa Rica to 14.8 in Hungary. Rates among young women were stable or declining in 47 of 52 populations examined. Rates among women 50 to 74 years ranged from 8.8 in Georgia and Egypt to 120.0 in Scotland. In both age groups, rates were highest in parts of Europe (Scotland, Hungary, Denmark) and North America and lowest in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Rates in older women were increasing for more than half (36/64) of populations examined, including most countries in Southern, Eastern, and Western Europe and South America.

Conclusions: Although widespread reductions in lung cancer in young women provide evidence of tobacco control success, rates continue to increase among older women in many countries.

Impact: More concentrated efforts to initiate or expand tobacco control programs in these countries globally will be required to attenuate the future lung cancer burden. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 23(6); 1025–36. ©2014 AACR.
Discordant In Vitro and In Vivo Chemopotentiating Effects of the PARP Inhibitor Veliparib in Temozolomide-Sensitive versus -Resistant Glioblastoma Multiforme Xenografts
Authors: Gupta Shiv K. , Mladek Ann C. , Carlson Brett L. , Boakye-Agyeman Felix , Bakken Katrina K. , Kizilbash Sani H. , Schroeder Mark A. , Reid Joel , Sarkaria Jann N.
Published: May 2014

Purpose: Effective sensitizing strategies potentially can extend the benefit of temozolomide (TMZ) therapy in patients with glioblastoma (GBM). We previously demonstrated that robust TMZ-sensitizing effects of the [poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase] (PARP) inhibitor veliparib (ABT-888) are restricted to TMZ-sensitive GBM xenografts. The focus of this study is to provide an understanding for the differential sensitization in paired TMZ-sensitive and -resistant GBM models.

Experimental Design: The impact of veliparib on TMZ-induced cytotoxicity and DNA damage was evaluated in vitro and in vivo in models of acquired TMZ resistance (GBM12TMZ-mgmtHigh, GBM12TMZ-mgmtLow, and U251TMZ), inherent TMZ resistance (T98G), and TMZ-sensitive (U251 and GBM12). In vivo drug efficacy, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics were analyzed using clinically relevant dosing regimens.

Results: Veliparib enhanced TMZ cytotoxicity and DNA-damage signaling in all GBM models in vitro with more pronounced effects in TMZ-resistant lines at 3 to 10 μmol/L veliparib. In vivo, combined TMZ/veliparib, compared with TMZ alone, significantly delayed tumor growth and enhanced DNA-damage signaling and γH2AX levels in the sensitive GBM12 xenograft line but not in the resistant GBM12TMZ lines. The pharmacokinetic profile of veliparib was similar for GBM12 and GBM12TMZ tumors with Cmax (∼1.5 μmol/L) in tissue significantly lower than concentrations associated with optimal in vitro sensitizing effects for resistant tumors. In contrast, robust suppression of PARP-1 expression by shRNA significantly increased TMZ sensitivity of U251TMZ in vitro and in vivo.

Conclusions: In vitro cytotoxicity assays do not adequately model the therapeutic index of PARP inhibitors, as concentrations of veliparib and TMZ required to sensitize TMZ-resistant cancer cells in vivo cannot be achieved using a tolerable dosing regimen. Clin Cancer Res; 20(14); 3730–41. ©2014 AACR.