bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Short‐term therapeutic drug monitoring of mycophenolic acid reduces infection: a prospective, single‐center cohort study in Chinese living‐related kidney transplantation
Authors: Fu L. , Huang Z. , Song T. , He S. , Zeng D. , Rao Z. , Xie L. , Song Y. , Wang L. , Lin T.
Published: August 2014

Background

The role of therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) of mycophenolic acid (MPA) in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) is not clear. We performed a prospective cohort study to evaluate the efficiency of MPA TDM in the Chinese population.

Methods

A total of 183 living‐related KTRs were studied; 101 KTRs received controlled‐dose mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) (the CD group), and 82 patients received fixed‐dose MMF (the FD group). MPA exposure was measured at days 3, 7, 14, and 30 in the CD group, and at day 30 in the FD group. The primary endpoint was treatment failure (a composite of acute rejection, graft loss, death, or MMF discontinuation) at 12 months post transplantation.

Results

In the CD group, with a starting MMF dose of 2 g/day, approximately 35% of patients had high MPA levels, which were >60 mg × h/L, and mean MPA levels were 59.17 mg × h/L and 61.38 mg × h/L for the CD and FD groups, respectively (P = 0.588). After adjusting MMF dose, MPA exposures in the CD group at day 30 were lower than those in the FD group at day 30 (54.06 vs. 61.38, P = 0.004). At month 12, the CD group had fewer infections (16.8% vs. 31.7%, P = 0.018) with no difference in treatment failure, acute rejection, diarrhea, or anemia.

Conclusions

KTRs can benefit from short‐term TDM of MPA in reducing infection, without increasing acute rejection.
Conjugate Heat Transfer Measurements and Predictions of a Blade Endwall With a Thermal Barrier Coating
Authors: Mensch Amy , Thole Karen A. , Craven Brent A.
Published: August 2014

Multiple thermal protection techniques, including thermal barrier coatings (TBCs), internal cooling and external cooling, are employed for gas turbine components to reduce metal temperatures and extend component life. Understanding the interaction of these cooling methods, in particular, provides valuable information for the design stage. The current study builds upon a conjugate heat transfer model of a blade endwall to examine the impact of a TBC on the cooling performance. The experimental data with and without TBC are compared to results from conjugate computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations. The cases considered include internal impingement jet cooling and film cooling at different blowing ratios with and without a TBC. Experimental and computational results indicate the TBC has a profound effect, reducing scaled wall temperatures for all cases. The TBC effect is shown to be more significant than the effect of increasing blowing ratio. The computational results, which agree fairly well to the experimental results, are used to explain why the improvement with TBC increases with blowing ratio. Additionally, the computational results reveal significant temperature gradients within the endwall, and information on the flow behavior within the impingement channel.
Heat Transfer and Pressure Loss Measurements of Matrix Cooling Geometries for Gas Turbine Airfoils
Authors: Carcasci Carlo , Facchini Bruno , Pievaroli Marco , Tarchi Lorenzo , Ceccherini Alberto , Innocenti Luca
Published: August 2014

Matrix cooling systems are relatively unknown among gas turbines manufacturers of the western world. In comparison to conventional turbulated serpentines or pin–fin geometries, a lattice–matrix structure can potentially provide higher heat transfer enhancement levels with similar overall pressure losses. This experimental investigation provides heat transfer distribution and pressure drop of four different lattice–matrix geometries with crossing angle of 45 deg between ribs. The four geometries are characterized by two different values of rib height, which span from a possible application in the midchord region up to the trailing edge region of a gas turbine airfoil. For each rib height, two different configurations have been studied: one having four entry channels and lower rib thickness (open area 84.5%), one having six entry channels and higher rib thickness (open area 53.5%). Experiments were performed varying the Reynolds number Res, based on the inlet subchannel hydraulic diameter, from 2000 to 12,000. Heat transfer coefficients (HTCs) were measured using steady state tests and applying a regional average method; test models have been divided into 20 stainless steel elements in order to have a Biot number similitude with real conditions. Elements are 10 per side, five in the main flow direction, and two in the tangential one. Metal temperature was measured with embedded thermocouples, and 20 thin-foil heaters were used to provide a constant heat flux during each test. A specific data reduction procedure has been developed so as to take into account the fin effectiveness and the increased heat transfer surface area provided by the ribs. Pressure drops were also evaluated measuring pressure along the test models. Uniform streamwise distributions of Nusselt number Nus have been obtained for each Reynolds number. Measurements show that the heat transfer enhancement level Nus/Nu0 decreases with Reynolds but is always higher than 2. Results have been compared with previous literature data on similar geometries and show a good agreement.
Thermal Performance of a Radially Rotating Twin-Pass Smooth-Walled Parallelogram Channel
Authors: Liou Tong-Miin , Chang Shyy Woei , Yang Chun-Chang , Lan Yi-An
Published: August 2014

An experimental study was performed to measure the detailed heat transfer distributions, Fanning friction factors (f), and thermal performance factors (TPF) of a radially rotating twin-pass parallelogram channel. Laboratory scale full field Nusselt number (Nu) distributions over leading endwall (Leading-E), and trailing endwall (Trailing-E) of the rotating channel are measured at the test conditions of 5000 < Re < 20,000, 0 < Ro < 0.3 and 0.028 < Δρ/ρ < 0.12. A selection of Nu data illustrates the individual and interactive impacts of Re, Ro, and buoyancy (Bu) numbers on local and area-averaged heat transfer properties. Without the additional flow complexities induced by the turbulators, the degrees of Bu impacts are significantly amplified from those developed in an enhanced rotating ribbed channel. Relative to the similar rotating square twin-pass channel, the heat transfer recovery over the stable wall proceeds at the lower Ro for present rotating parallelogram channel. Accompanying with the improved heat transfer performances from the square-channel counterparts, the f values are raised. With a set of f correlations generated using the f data collected from the Leading-S and Trailing-S at isothermal conditions; the TPF values at various rotating conditions were evaluated. The heat transfer correlations that determine the area-averaged Nusselt numbers over the inlet and outlet legs and over the turning region are generated. The area-averaged Nu, f factors, and TPF determined from the present rotating parallelogram channel are compared with those reported for the rotating twin-pass channels to determine the comparatively thermal performances of the parallelogram rotating channel for turbine rotor blade cooling.
Internal Three-Dimensional Strains in Human Intervertebral Discs Under Axial Compression Quantified Noninvasively by Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Image Registration
Authors: Yoder Jonathon H. , Peloquin John M. , Song Gang , Tustison Nick J. , Moon Sung M. , Wright Alexander C. , Vresilovic Edward J. , Gee James C. , Elliott Dawn M.
Published: August 2014

Study objectives were to develop, validate, and apply a method to measure three-dimensional (3D) internal strains in intact human discs under axial compression. A custom-built loading device applied compression and permitted load-relaxation outside of the magnet while also maintaining compression and hydration during imaging. Strain was measured through registration of 300 μm isotropic resolution images. Excellent registration accuracy was achieved, with 94% and 65% overlap of disc volume and lamellae compared to manual segmentation, and an average Hausdorff, a measure of distance error, of 0.03 and 0.12 mm for disc volume and lamellae boundaries, respectively. Strain maps enabled qualitative visualization and quantitative regional annulus fibrosus (AF) strain analysis. Axial and circumferential strains were highest in the lateral AF and lowest in the anterior and posterior AF. Radial strains were lowest in the lateral AF, but highly variable. Overall, this study provided new methods that will be valuable in the design and evaluation surgical procedures and therapeutic interventions.
Experimental Investigation Into the Efficiency of an Aero-engine Oil Jet Supply System
Authors: Krug Matthias B. , Peduto Davide , Kurz Wolfram , Bauer Hans-Jörg
Published: August 2014

This paper presents results of investigations on the interaction between a targeted oil jet and a rotating shaft in an aero-engine typical bearing chamber. Measurements were performed at atmospheric temperature and pressure in order to study the influence of the operating conditions, nozzle diameters and impingement angles on the efficiency of such an oil supply system. The flow phenomena of the jet–shaft interaction were visualized. A qualitative analysis of the jet–shaft interaction revealed massive droplet generation due to the jet break-up in the air crossflow and its impact on the shaft. The latter could be reduced with shallower impingement angles. Measurements showed that the oil inflow rate, the shaft speed, and the nozzle diameter have a strong influence on the collected oil quantity, which is expressed as catch efficiency, i.e., the ratio of collected and supplied oil. The impingement angle was also identified to have a strong influence on the catch efficiency. The ratio of the momentum fluxes of supplied oil and chamber air flow is proposed as a parameter to correlate the catch efficiency to the operating conditions.
Effects of a Shielding Skirt for Prevention of Sea Lice on the Flow Past Stocked Salmon Fish Cages
Authors: Frank K. , Gansel L. C. , Lien A. M. , Birkevold J.
Published: August 2014

The effect of a shielding skirt, a tarpaulin mounted from the surface down to 5 m depth around a net cage, on the flow pattern at a commercially stocked salmon cage was investigated. Dye was used as a tracer for water movement and the dye spreading was monitored using aerial images. Current meters were employed to investigate the flow close to the net inside and outside the cage. Tests were conducted with and without the shielding skirt. The focus was on the effectiveness of the shielding skirt to deflect water around the cage. This study shows that a shielding skirt can reduce horizontal flow components significantly inside a cage, which is related to a reduction of water exchange. The flow toward a cage is divided by a shielding skirt, i.e., some of the water is transported around the cage, while some is passing underneath the shielding skirt. Some water entering the fish cage from underneath the tarpaulin is transported toward the surface inside the cage. The use of a shielding skirt might not prevent interaction of the upper water layers inside and outside of a fish cage completely, but it has the potential to reduce the inflow of surface water into the cage, if deployed properly.
Redesign of a High-Pressure Compressor Blade Accounting for Nonlinear Structural Interactions
Authors: Batailly Alain , Legrand Mathias , Millecamps Antoine , Cochon Sébastien , Garcin François
Published: August 2014

Recent numerical developments dedicated to the simulation of rotor/stator interaction involving direct structural contacts have been integrated within the Snecma industrial environment. This paper presents the first attempt to benefit from these developments and account for structural blade/casing contacts at the design stage of a high-pressure compressor blade. The blade of interest underwent structural divergence after blade/abradable coating contact occurrences on a rig test. The design improvements were carried out in several steps with significant modifications of the blade stacking law while maintaining aerodynamic performance of the original blade design. After a brief presentation of the proposed design strategy, basic concepts associated with the design variations are recalled. The iterated profiles are then numerically investigated and compared with respect to key structural criteria such as: (1) their mass, (2) the residual stresses stemming from centrifugal stiffening, (3) the vibratory level under aerodynamic forced response, and (4) the vibratory levels when unilateral contact occurs. Significant improvements of the final blade design are found: the need for an early integration of nonlinear structural interactions criteria in the design stage of modern aircraft engines components is highlighted.
Experimental and Numerical Studies of Cavitation Effects in a Tapered Land Thrust Bearing
Authors: Song Yin , Ren Xiao , Gu Chun-wei , Li Xue-song
Published: August 2014

In thrust bearings, cavitation may occur at high rotational speeds or low lubricant supply pressures, and it will influence the bearing performances. In this paper, a hydrodynamic tapered land thrust bearing has been studied both experimentally and numerically, with concentration on the cavitation phenomenon and its effects on the bearing performances. Evident cavitation regions have been observed in the experiments at higher rotational speeds. Traditional Reynolds equation and 3D Navier–Stokes equation (3D NSE) with a cavitation model have been used for numerical simulation, and the predicted results are examined against the experimental results. Compared with Reynolds equation, 3D NSE with Rayleigh–Plesset model provides better predictions of both oil–film pressure profile and cavitation area. Furthermore, the effects of the cavitation phenomenon on the thrust bearing performances are studied by parametric studies involving various rotational speeds and oil feeding pressures, using 3D NSE. It is found that the load capacity decreases at higher speeds because of enlargement of the cavitation area. And the negative effects of cavitation can be reduced at smaller film thickness and higher oil supply pressure. Conclusively, the above results show that the cavitation phenomenon has significant influences on the bearing performances at higher speeds, and 3D NSE provides an effective tool for analyzing the cavitation effects in thrust bearings.
Simulation of the Ignition Process in an Annular Multiple-Injector Combustor and Comparison With Experiments
Authors: Philip Maxime , Boileau Matthieu , Vicquelin Ronan , Schmitt Thomas , Durox Daniel , Bourgouin Jean-François , Candel Sébastien
Published: August 2014

Ignition is a problem of fundamental interest with critical practical implications. While there are many studies of ignition of single injector configurations, the transient ignition of a full annular combustor has not been extensively investigated, mainly because of the added geometrical complexity. The present investigation combines simulations and experiments on a complete annular combustor. The setup, developed at EMC2 (Energétique Moléculaire et Macroscopique Combustion) Laboratory (Mesa, AZ), features sixteen swirl injectors and quartz walls allowing direct visualization of the flame. High speed imaging is used to record the space time flame structure and study the dynamics of the light-round process. On the numerical side, massively parallel computations are carried out in the large eddy simulation (LES) framework using the filtered tabulated (F-TACLES) flamelet model. Comparisons are carried out at different instants during the light-round process between experimental data and results of calculations. It is found that the simulation results are in remarkable agreement with experiments provided that the thermal effects at the walls are considered. Further analysis indicate that the flame burning velocity and flame front geometry are close to those found in the experiment. This investigation confirms that the LES framework used for these calculations and the selected combustion model are adequate for such calculations but that further work is needed to show that ignition prediction can be used reliably over a range of operating parameters.
Republished research: Impact of autologous blood injections in treatment of mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy: double blind randomised controlled trial
Authors: Bell Kevin J , Fulcher Mark L , Rowlands David S , Kerse Ngaire
Published: August 2014

Study question

Do peritendinous autologous blood injections improve pain and function in people with mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy?

Summary answer

The administration of two unguided peritendinous autologous blood injections one month apart, in addition to a standardised eccentric training programme, provides no additional benefit in the treatment of mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy.

What is known and what this paper adds

Several studies have suggested that injection of autologous blood can help in the treatment of various tendinopathies. There is a lack of high quality evidence showing relevant benefit for autologous blood injections, particularly in the management of mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy. We found no additional reduction in pain or improvement in function when these injections were combined with an eccentric calf training programme.
The IOC Centres of Excellence bring prevention to Sports Medicine
Authors: Engebretsen Lars , Bahr Roald , Cook Jill L , Derman Wayne , Emery Carolyn A , Finch Caroline F , Meeuwisse Willem H , Schwellnus Martin , Steffen Kathrin
Published: August 2014

The protection of an athlete’s health and preventing injuries and illnesses in sport are top priorities for the IOC and its Medical Commission. The IOC therefore partners with selected research centres around the world and supports research in the field of sports medicine. This has enabled the IOC to develop an international network of expert scientists and clinicians in sports injury and disease prevention research. The IOC wants to promote injury and disease prevention and the improvement of physical health of the athlete by: (1) establishing long-term research programmes on injury and disease prevention (including studies on basic epidemiology, risk factors, injury mechanisms and intervention), (2) fostering collaborative relationships with individuals, institutions and organisations to improve athletes’ health, (3) implementing and collaborating with applied, ongoing and novel research and development within the framework and long-term strategy of the IOC and (4) setting up knowledge translation mechanisms to share scientific research results with the field throughout the Olympic Movement and sports community and converting these results into concrete actions to protect the health of the athletes. In 2009, the IOC also identified four research centres that had an established track record in research, educational and clinical activities to achieve these ambitions: (1) the Australian Centre for Research into Injury in Sport and its Prevention (ACRISP), Australia; (2) the Sport Injury Prevention Research Centre (SIPRC), Canada; (3) the Clinical Sport and Exercise Medicine Research (CSEM), South Africa and (4) the Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center (OSTRC), Norway. This paper highlights the work carried out by these four IOC Centres of Excellence over the past 6 years and their contribution to the world of sports medicine.
Potential loss and rehabilitation of stream longitudinal connectivity: fish populations in urban streams with culverts
Authors: Favaro Corinna , Moore Jonathan W. , Reynolds John D. , Beakes Michael P.
Published: August 2014

Riverine connectivity is important to the persistence of fish communities, but culverts may impede fish movements to varying degrees and in both directions. Baffles can be installed in culverts to mitigate upstream connectivity loss; however, evaluation of their effectiveness is limited. To examine the potential impacts of culverts and their potential rehabilitation with baffles, we sampled fish populations in 26 streams that contained either (i) nonbaffled culverts or (ii) baffled culverts or (iii) lacked culverts (reference streams) in Metro Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Using mixed effects models, we compared fish responses across these three stream types to infer effects at the whole-stream scale (i.e., over both upstream and downstream positions equally), the within-stream scale (i.e., upstream versus downstream of culverts), and the interaction of scales. Densities (n·m−2) of coastrange sculpin (Cottus aleuticus) and prickly sculpin (Cottus asper) were significantly lower in nonbaffled and baffled stream types than in reference stream types, while densities of cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii) and rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) were significantly lower in reference stream types, indicating whole-stream differences. Using multivariate statistics, we similarly found that fish community compositions were significantly different across stream types. For our various fish responses, we found no interaction between stream type and upstream or downstream position. Further, we found reaches directly downstream of baffled culverts had greater fish biomass and that overall species richness increased with age of baffles. These data suggest that culverts may drive changes in fish populations at whole-stream scales, and restoration of these effects with baffles may take decades.
Effect of curcumin on hepatic heme oxygenase 1 expression in high fat diet fed rats: is there a triangular relationship?
Authors: Öner-İyidoğan Yıldız , Tanrıkulu-Küçük Sevda , Seyithanoğlu Muhammed , Koçak Hikmet , Doğru-Abbasoğlu Semra , Aydın A. Fatih , Beyhan-Özdaş Şule , Yapışlar Hande , Koçak-Toker Necla
Published: August 2014

High fat diet (HFD) is associated with oxidative stress induced fatty liver. Curcumin, an extract of Curcuma longa, has been shown to possess potent antioxidant and hypolipidemic properties. In this study, we investigated the effect of curcumin treatment on hepatic heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression along with pro-oxidant–antioxidant status and lipid accumulation in rats fed an HFD. Male Sprague–Dawley rats were distributed among 4 groups: Group 1, which was fed the control diet (10% of total calories from fat); Group 2, which was fed the HFD (60% of total calories from fat); and groups 3 and 4, which received the HFD supplemented with curcumin and the control diet supplemented with curcumin (1 g/kg diet; w/w), respectively, for 16 weeks. HFD caused increases in hepatic lipid levels, production of reactive oxygen species, and lipid peroxidation. Further, HO-1 expression was significantly decreased. Histopathological examination showed hepatic fat accumulation and slight fibrotic changes. Curcumin treatment reduced hepatic lipids and oxidative stress parameters, and HO-1 expression was significantly increased. These findings suggest that increased HO-1 expression, along with suppressed oxidative stress as well as reduced hepatic fat accumulation and fibrotic changes, contribute to the beneficial effects of curcumin in attenuating the pathogenesis of fatty liver induced metabolic diseases.
Identifying Sources of Hepatic Lipogenic Acetyl-CoA Using Stable Isotope Tracers and NMR
Authors: Jones John G.
Published: August 2014

The role of hepaticde novolipogenesis (DNL) in promoting fatty liver disease and hypertriglyceridemia during excessive nutrient intake is becoming firmly established. Certain nutrients such as fructose promote hepatic DNL activity and this has been at least partly attributed to their efficient conversion to the acetyl-CoA precursors of DNL. However, tracer studies indicate a paradoxically low level of fructose incorporation into lipids, which begs the question of what the actual lipogenic acetyl-CoA sources are under these and other conditions. Here, we describe novel approaches for measuring substrate contributions to lipogenic hepatic acetyl-CoA using13C-tracers and13C-NMR analysis of lipids and acetyl-CoA probes. We review and address aspects of hepatic intermediary fluxes and acetyl-CoA compartmentation that can confound the relationship between13C-precursor substrate and lipogenic13C-acetyl-CoA enrichments and demonstrate novel methodologies that can provide realistic estimates of13C-enriched substrate contributions to DNL. The most striking realization is that the principal substrate contributors to lipogenic acetyl-CoA have yet to be identified, but they are probably not the so-called “lipogenic substrates” such as fructose. The proposed methods may improve our insight into the nutrient sources of DNL under various feeding and disease states.
SOFM Neural Network Based Hierarchical Topology Control for Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Chen Zhi , Li Shuai , Yue Wenjing
Published: August 2014

Well-designed network topology provides vital support for routing, data fusion, and target tracking in wireless sensor networks (WSNs). Self-organization feature map (SOFM) neural network is a major branch of artificial neural networks, which has self-organizing and self-learning features. In this paper, we propose a cluster-based topology control algorithm for WSNs, named SOFMHTC, which uses SOFM neural network to form a hierarchical network structure, completes cluster head selection by the competitive learning among nodes, and takes the node residual energy and the distance to the neighbor nodes into account in the clustering process. In addition, the approach of dynamically adjusting the transmitting power of the cluster head nodes is adopted to optimize the network topology. Simulation results show that SOFMHTC may get a better energy-efficient performance and make more balanced energy consumption compared with some existing algorithms in WSNs.
Paradoxical Cerebral Fat Embolism in Revision Hip Surgery
Authors: Piuzzi Nicolás S. , Zanotti Gerardo , Comba Fernando M. , Buttaro Martin A. , Piccaluga Francisco
Published: August 2014

The incidence of clinical fat embolism syndrome (FES) is low (<1%) whilst fat embolism (FE) of marrow fat appears to occur more often (Mellor and Soni (2001)). Paradoxical brain FE may occur in patients undergoing hip orthopedic surgery who have an undocumented patent foramen ovale (PFO). We report a case of an eighty-year-old male patient, who underwent a scheduled revision hip surgery suffering a paradoxical cerebral FE.
Isolation and Characterisation of PRSV-P Resistance Genes inCaricaandVasconcellea
Authors: Razean Haireen M. R. , Drew R. A.
Published: August 2014

Papaya (Carica papayaL.) is one of the major tropical fruit crops worldwide, but it is limited throughout its range by papaya ringspot virus type P (PRSV-P). Previous genetic studies identified a functional PRSV-P resistance marker in a mapping population of F2plants ofVasconcellea pubescens(resistant to PRSV-P) ×Vasconcellea parviflora(susceptible to PRSV-P) and showed that the marker exhibited homology to a serine threonine protein kinase (STK) gene. Full length cDNAs of putative PRSV-P resistance genes designated CP_STK fromC. papayaand VP_STK1 and VP_STK2 fromV. pubescenswere cloned by rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE). Due to a frame-shift mutation, the two homologous sequences are transcribed and edited differently such that the gene product inV. pubescensis two separate transcripts, whereas inC. papayathey are fused into a single message. A peroxisomal targeting signal (PTS2) present in VP_STK2 but absent in the other transcripts may be the functional source of PRSV resistance inV. pubescens. The STK gene fromV. pubescensmay have been derived from an alternative splicing to confer resistance. The putative resistance gene,VP_STK2, that was identified in this study is a potential new source of PRSV-P resistance for papaya genotypes.
Propofol Inhibits Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha Expression and Myocardial Depression through Decreasing the Generation of Superoxide Anion in Cardiomyocytes
Authors: Tang Jing , Hu Ji-Jie , Lu Chun-Hua , Liang Jia-Ni , Xiao Jin-Fang , Liu You-Tan , Lin Chun-Shui , Qin Zai-Sheng
Published: August 2014

TNF-αhas been shown to be a major factor responsible for myocardial depression in sepsis. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of an anesthetic, propofol, on TNF-αexpression in cardiomyocytes treated with LPS bothin vivoandin vitro. In cultured cardiomyocytes, compared with control group, propofol significantly reduced protein expression of gp91phox and phosphorylation of extracellular regulated protein kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2) and p38 MAPK, which associates with reduced TNF-αproduction. Inin vivomice studies, propofol significantly improved myocardial depression and increased survival rate of mice after LPS treatment or during endotoxemia, which associates with reduced myocardial TNF-αproduction, gp91phox, ERK1/2, and p38 MAPK. It is concluded that propofol abrogates LPS-induced TNF-αproduction and alleviates cardiac depression through gp91phox/ERK1/2 or p38 MAPK signal pathway. These findings have great clinical importance in the application of propofol for patients enduring sepsis.
Dividend Problems with a Barrier Strategy in the Dual Risk Model until Bankruptcy
Authors: Liu Donghai , Liu Zaiming
Published: August 2014

The paper studies the dual risk model with a barrier strategy under the concept of bankruptcy, in which one has a positive probability to continue business despite temporary negative surplus. Integrodifferential equations for the expectation of the discounted dividend payments and the probability of bankruptcy are derived. Moreover, when the gain size distribution is exponential, explicit solutions for the expected dividend payments and the bankruptcy probability are obtained for constant bankruptcy rate function. It also provided some numerical examples to illustrate the applications of the explicit solutions.
Improving Cognitive Function from Children to Old Age: A Systematic Review of Recent Smart Ageing Intervention Studies
Authors: Nouchi Rui , Kawashima Ryuta
Published: August 2014

Background. Cognitive functions are important for daily life at any age. One purpose of Smart Ageing is to investigate how to improve cognitive functions. This systematic review evaluates beneficial effects of the intervention on cognitive functions.
Method. We conducted a systematic review of intervention studies of improvements of cognitive functions published or in press before December 2013. Because of the heterogeneity of the intervention programs, a systematic and critical review of the interventions and outcomes was conducted instead of a meta-analysis. Results. We identified nine completed and published studies, which were divided into four categories: cognitive training using video game, cognitive training using PC, cognitive training using paper and pencil, and exercise training. Review results showed that various intervention programs can improve cognitive functions such as executive functions, working memory, episodic memory, processing speed, and general cognitive ability/IQ. Conclusions. The systematic review demonstrated that some intervention programs can be effective for improving various aspects of cognitive functioning at any age. Some limitations to this review include its small sample size and heterogeneity of programs and cognitive function measures, in addition to unresolved issues such as transfer of everyday skills and effectiveness for nonhealthy people.
Extracting Concrete Thermal Characteristics from Temperature Time History of RC Column Exposed to Standard Fire
Authors: Kim Jung J. , Youm Kwang-Soo , Reda Taha Mahmoud M.
Published: August 2014

A numerical method to identify thermal conductivity from time history of one-dimensional temperature variations in thermal unsteady-state is proposed. The numerical method considers the change of specific heat and thermal conductivity with respect to temperature. Fire test of reinforced concrete (RC) columns was conducted using a standard fire to obtain time history of temperature variations in the column section. A thermal equilibrium model in unsteady-state condition was developed. The thermal conductivity of concrete was then determined by optimizing the numerical solution of the model to meet the observed time history of temperature variations. The determined thermal conductivity with respect to temperature was then verified against standard thermal conductivity measurements of concrete bricks. It is concluded that the proposed method can be used to conservatively estimate thermal conductivity of concrete for design purpose. Finally, the thermal radiation properties of concrete for the RC column were estimated from the thermal equilibrium at the surface of the column. The radiant heat transfer ratio of concrete representing absorptivity to emissivity ratio of concrete during fire was evaluated and is suggested as a concrete criterion that can be used in fire safety assessment.
A Method to Transit the Rotor-to-Stator Rubbing to Normal Motion Using the Phase Characteristic
Authors: Xu Jieqiong , Li Qunhong , Wang Shimin
Published: August 2014

A method is proposed to transit the rotor-to-stator rubbing to no-rub motion through active auxiliary bearing. The key point of this technique is to express the attractive domain of no-rub motion based on the phase characteristic and to represent the desired status. The feedback actuation is applied by an active auxiliary bearing to drive the rotor approaching the desired status. After that, the control actuation is turned off. Although the desired status is still in rubbing, it is in the attractive domain of no-rub motion, and the response of the rotor is automatically attracted to no-rub motion.
New Trends in Energy Harvesting from Earth Long-Wave Infrared Emission
Authors: Mescia Luciano , Massaro Alessandro
Published: August 2014

A review, even if not exhaustive, on the current technologies able to harvest energy from Earth’s thermal infrared emission is reported. In particular, we discuss the role of the rectenna system on transforming the thermal energy, provided by the Sun and reemitted from the Earth, in electricity. The operating principles, efficiency limits, system design considerations, and possible technological implementations are illustrated. Peculiar features of THz and IR antennas, such as physical properties and antenna parameters, are provided. Moreover, some design guidelines for isolated antenna, rectifying diode, and antenna coupled to rectifying diode are exploited.
Liraglutide Exerts Antidiabetic Effect via PTP1B and PI3K/Akt2 Signaling Pathway in Skeletal Muscle of KKAy Mice
Authors: Ji Wenjun , Chen Xinlin , Lv Juan , Wang Meng , Ren Shuting , Yuan Bingxiang , Wang Bing , Chen Lina
Published: August 2014

Background. Liraglutide (a glucagon-like peptide 1 analog) was used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) which could produce glucose-dependent insulin secretion.Aim. The aim was to investigate whether liraglutide could improve myofibril and mitochondria injury in skeletal muscle and the mechanisms in diabetic KKAy mice.Method. We divided the male KKAy mice into 2 groups: liraglutide group (250 μg/kg/day liraglutide subcutaneous injection) and model group; meanwhile, the male C57BL/6J mice were considered as the control. After 6 weeks, the ultrastructure of skeletal muscle was observed by electron microscope. The gene expressions of protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), and glucose transporter type 4 (GLUT4) were determined by real-time PCR. The protein levels of the above molecules and phospho-Akt2 (p-Akt2) were measured by Western blot.Results. Liraglutide significantly ameliorated the injury of mitochondria by increasing the number (+441%) and the area (+113%) of mitochondria and mitochondrial area/100 µm2(+396%) in skeletal muscle of KKAy mice. The results of real-time PCR and Western blot showed that liraglutide downregulated PTP1B while it upregulated PI3K and GLUT4 (P<0.01). The protein level of p-Akt2/Akt2 was also increased (P<0.01).Conclusion. These results revealed that liraglutide could improve myofibril and mitochondria injury in skeletal muscle against T2DM via PTP1B and PI3K/Akt2 signaling pathway.
Antioxidant Properties ofBerberis aetnensisC. Presl (Berberidaceae) Roots Extract and Protective Effects on Astroglial Cell Cultures
Authors: Campisi Agata , Acquaviva Rosaria , Bonfanti Roberta , Raciti Giuseppina , Amodeo Andrea , Mastrojeni Silvana , Ragusa Salvatore , Iauk Liliana
Published: August 2014

Berberis aetnensisC. Presl (Berberidaceae) is a bushy-spiny shrub common on Mount Etna (Sicily). We demonstrated that the alkaloid extract of roots ofB. aetnensisC. Presl contains prevalently berberine and berbamine, possesses antimicrobial properties, and was able to counteract the upregulation evoked by glutamate of tissue transglutaminase in primary rat astroglial cell cultures. Until now, there are no reports regarding antioxidant properties ofB. aetnensisC. Presl collected in Sicily. Air-dried, powdered roots ofB. aetnensisC. Presl were extracted, identified, and quantified by HPLC. We assessed in cellular free system its effect on superoxide anion, radicals scavenging activity of antioxidants against free radicals like the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical, and the inhibition of xanthine oxidase activity. In primary rat astroglial cell cultures, exposed to glutamate, we evaluated the effect of the extract on glutathione levels and on intracellular production of reactive oxygen species generated by glutamate. The alkaloid extract ofB. aetnensisC. Presl inhibited superoxide anion, restored to control values, the decrease of GSH levels, and the production of reactive oxygen species. Potent antioxidant activities of the alkaloid extract of roots ofB. aetnensisC. Presl may be one of the mechanisms by which the extract is effective against health disorders associated to oxidative stress.
Dynamic CGE Model and Simulation Analysis on the Impact of Citizenization of Rural Migrant Workers on the Labor and Capital Markets in China
Authors: Wu Qi , Xiao Hao
Published: August 2014

This paper investigates the effect of the policy of citizenization of rural migrant workers on the factor market in a dynamic CGE model, which contains multiple dimensions of labor heterogeneity, a labor-lagged adjustment mechanism, and a dynamic investment mechanism. The simulation results show that changes in supply in the labor market will affect the labor market structure, the relative factor price, and the investment in and the output of industries.
Existence of Positive Solutions for Some Superlinear Fourth-Order Boundary Value Problems
Authors: Bachar Imed , Mâagli Habib
Published: August 2014

We are concerned with the following superlinear fourth-order equationu4t+utφt,−ut=0,   t∈0, 1;−u0=u1=0,  −u′0=a,  −u′1=-b, wherea,−bare nonnegative constants such thata+b>0andφt,−sis a nonnegative continuous function that is required to satisfy some appropriate conditions related to a classKsatisfying suitable integrability condition. Our purpose is to prove the existence, uniqueness, and global behavior of a classical positive solution to the above problem by using a method based on estimates on the Green function and perturbation arguments.
Essential Oil Content of the Rhizome ofCurcuma purpurascensBl. (Temu Tis) and Its Antiproliferative Effect on Selected Human Carcinoma Cell Lines
Authors: Hong Sok-Lai , Lee Guan-Serm , Syed Abdul Rahman Syarifah Nur , Ahmed Hamdi Omer Abdalla , Awang Khalijah , Aznam Nugroho Nurfina , Abd Malek Sri Nurestri
Published: August 2014

Curcuma purpurascensBl., belonging to the Zingiberaceae family, is known astemu tisin Yogyakarta, Indonesia. In this study, the hydrodistilled dried ground rhizome oil was investigated for its chemical content and antiproliferative activity against selected human carcinoma cell lines (MCF7, Ca Ski, A549, HT29, and HCT116) and a normal human lung fibroblast cell line (MRC5). Results from GC-MS and GC-FID analysis of the rhizome oil oftemu tisshowed turmerone as the major component, followed by germacrone,ar-turmerone, germacrene-B, and curlone. The rhizome oil oftemu tisexhibited strong cytotoxicity against HT29 cells (IC50value of 4.9 ± 0.4 μg/mL), weak cytotoxicity against A549, Ca Ski, and HCT116 cells (with IC50values of 46.3 ± 0.7, 32.5 ± 1.1, and 35.0 ± 0.3 μg/mL, resp.), and no inhibitory effect against MCF7 cells. It exhibited mild cytotoxicity against a noncancerous human lung fibroblast cell line (MRC5), with an IC50value of 25.2 ± 2.7 μg/mL. This is the first report on the chemical composition of this rhizome’s oil and its selective antiproliferative effect on HT29. The obtained data provided a basis for further investigation of the mode of cell death.
Expression of CTRP3, a Novel Adipokine, in Rats at Different Pathogenic Stages of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and the Impacts of GLP-1 Receptor Agonist on It
Authors: Li Xin , Jiang Li , Yang Miao , Wu Yu-wen , Sun Su-xin , Sun Jia-zhong
Published: August 2014

This study aimed to investigate the expression of C1q/TNF-related protein-3 (CTRP3) in rats at different pathogenic stages of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and the impacts of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist on it. Male wistar rats were fed with high-fat diet for 10 weeks to induce insulin resistance (IR) and then were given low-dose streptozotocin (STZ) intraperitoneal injection to induce T2DM. Exendin-4 (Ex-4), a GLP-1 receptor agonist, was subcutaneous injected to the IR rats and T2DM rats for 4 weeks. The expression of CTRP3 mRNA and protein in epididymis adipose tissue of rats at the stage of IR was lower significantly than that of normal control (NC) rats and decreased more when they were at the stage of overt T2DM (allP<0.05orP<0.01). After the treatment with Ex-4, the mRNA and protein expressions of CTRP3 were increased by 15.5%(P<0.01)and 14.8%(P<0.05),respectively, in IR rats and increased by 20.6%(P<0.01)and 16.5%(P<0.05),respectively, in T2DM rats. Overall, this study found that the expression of CTRP3 in visceral adipose tissue was progressively decreased in a T2DM rat model from the pathogenic stage of IR to overt diabetes, while Ex-4 treatment increased its expression in such animals.
Group Search Optimizer for the Mobile Location Management Problem
Authors: Wang Dan , Xiong Congcong , Huang Wei
Published: August 2014

We propose a diversity-guided group search optimizer-based approach for solving the location management problem in mobile computing. The location management problem, which is to find the optimal network configurations of management under the mobile computing environment, is considered here as an optimization problem. The proposed diversity-guided group search optimizer algorithm is realized with the aid of diversity operator, which helps alleviate the premature convergence problem of group search optimizer algorithm, a successful optimization algorithm inspired by the animal behavior. To address the location management problem, diversity-guided group search optimizer algorithm is exploited to optimize network configurations of management by minimizing the sum of location update cost and location paging cost. Experimental results illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Performance of an ELISA and Indirect Immunofluorescence Assay in Serological Diagnosis of Zoonotic Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in Iran
Authors: Sarkari Bahador , Ashrafmansouri Marzieh , Hatam GholamReza , Habibi Parvaneh , Abdolahi Khabisi Samaneh
Published: August 2014

Serological assays have been extensively evaluated for diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) and considered as a routine method for diagnosis of VL while these methods are not properly evaluated for diagnosis of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL). This study aimed to assess the performance of indirect immunofluorescent-antibody test (IFA) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for serodiagnosis of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Iran. Sixty-one sera samples from parasitologically confirmed CL patients and 50 sera from healthy controls along with 50 sera from non-CL patients were collected. Antigen was prepared from promastigotes and amastigotes ofLeishmania major. IFA was used to detect anti-LeishmaniaIgG while ELISA was used to detect anti-LeishmaniaIgM, total IgG, or IgG subclasses (IgG1 and 4). ELISA, for detection of total IgG and IgM, showed sensitivity of 83.6% and 84.7% and specificity of 62.7% and 54.6%, respectively. Sensitivity and specificity of ELISA for detecting IgG1 and IgG4 were 64%, 75% and 85%, 49%, respectively. Sensitivity and specificity of IFA were 91.6% and 81%.Conclusion. Findings of this study demonstrated that serological test, especially IFA, can be used for proper diagnosis of CL.
A One-Dimensional Thermoelastic Problem due to a Moving Heat Source under Fractional Order Theory of Thermoelasticity
Authors: He Tianhu , Guo Ying
Published: August 2014

The dynamic response of a one-dimensional problem for a thermoelastic rod with finite length is investigated in the context of the fractional order theory of thermoelasticity in the present work. The rod is fixed at both ends and subjected to a moving heat source. The fractional order thermoelastic coupled governing equations for the rod are formulated. Laplace transform as well as its numerical inversion is applied to solving the governing equations. The variations of the considered temperature, displacement, and stress in the rod are obtained and demonstrated graphically. The effects of time, velocity of the moving heat source, and fractional order parameter on the distributions of the considered variables are of concern and discussed in detail.
Age-Related Changes of the Ocular Surface: A Hospital Setting-Based Retrospective Study
Authors: Ottobelli Laura , Fogagnolo Paolo , Guerini Marta , Rossetti Luca
Published: August 2014

Purpose. To investigate the effects of age on the prevalence of ocular surface diseases (OSD), adherence to treatment, and recovery rates.Patients and Methods. Retrospective analysis of 3000 clinical records from a first-level general ophthalmology clinic. Patients with OSD were prospectively submitted a questionnaire to assess compliance and recovery rates.Results. OSD prevalence was 10.3%. Patients with OSD were significantly older than patients without it:67.5±20.3versus57.0±22.0years(P=0.036). No significant difference in season distribution was shown. Dry eye disease (DED) represented 58% of OSD; its prevalence increased with age until 80 years old and suddenly decreased thereafter. Asymptomatic DED was 37%. Adherence to treatment in OSD was very high (94%); recovery rates were lower in patients aged 21–40 and 61–80 (resp., 65.5% and 77.8%) and this was associated with higher OSDI scores. Tear substitutes represented 50% of all prescribed medications; their use increased with age.Discussion. In a “real-life” low-tech setting, OSD showed a prevalence of 10.3%. DED was the most prevalent disease, and it was asymptomatic in more than 1/3 of cases.