bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Manufacturing of 316L Stainless Steel Die Mold by Hot Embossing Process for Microfluidic Applications
Authors: Zhang J. , Gelin J.-C. , Sahli M. , Barrière T.
Published: September 2013

Hot embossing process has emerged as a viable method for producing small, complex, precision parts in low volumes. It provides several advantages such as low-cost for molds, high replication accuracy for microfeatures and simple operation. The adaptation of this process for producing high fidelity hot embossed feedstock based metallic powders without the need for machining of the die mold is outlined. This was achieved through a combination of powder metallurgy and plastic hot embossing technologies to produce net-shape metal or hard materials components. In this paper, the manufacturing of molds that are suitable for the production of microfluidic systems using the replication technique is discussed. Variations of parameters in the replication process were investigated. An experimental rheological study was performed to evaluate the influence of the mixing parameters on the rheological behavior and thermal stability of 316L stainless steel feedstock. The effects of the solid loading on the feedstock rheological properties and tolerance control as well as mechanical properties and microstructures were investigated.
Development of a Probabilistic Methodology for Predicting Hot Corrosion Fatigue Crack Growth Life of Gas Turbine Engine Disks
Authors: Chan Kwai S. , Enright Michael P. , Moody Jonathan P.
Published: September 2013

Advanced Ni-based gas turbine disks are expected to operate at higher service temperatures in aggressive environments for longer time durations. Exposures of Ni-based alloys to alkaline-metal salts and sulfur compounds at elevated temperatures can lead to hot corrosion fatigue crack growth in engine disks. Type II hot corrosion involves the formation and growth of corrosion pits in Ni-based alloys at a temperature range of 650 °C to 750 °C. Once formed, these corrosion pits can serve as stress concentration sites where fatigue cracks can initiate and propagate to failure under subsequent cyclic loading. In this paper, a probabilistic methodology is developed for predicting the corrosion fatigue crack growth life of gas turbine engine disks made from a powder-metallurgy Ni-based superalloy (ME3). The key features of the approach include: (1) a pit growth model that describes the depth and width of corrosion pits as a function of exposure time, (2) a cycle-dependent crack growth model for treating fatigue, and (3) a time-dependent crack growth model for treating corrosion. This set of deterministic models is implemented into a probabilistic life-prediction code called DARWIN. Application of this approach is demonstrated for predicting corrosion fatigue crack growth life in a gas turbine disk based on the ME3 properties from the literature. The results of this study are used to assess the conditions that control the transition of a corrosion pit to a fatigue crack and to identify the pertinent material parameters influencing corrosion fatigue life and disk reliability.
Development of Test Protocol for Direct Evaporative Condenser Air Precoolers
Authors: Pistochini Theresa E. , Young Perry L. , Modera Mark P.
Published: September 2013

Evaporative precoolers for air-cooled condensing units have been demonstrated to reduce electricity demand and save energy, particularly in arid climates. However, no objective, standardized test data for these products exists in the United States, making it difficult for end-users and utilities to evaluate expected performance prior to purchase and installation. This paper proposes a test protocol for evaporative precoolers installed on condensing units up to 70 kW, and then executes the protocol using three precooling products designed for residential split system air conditioners. Several methods of evaluating performance are compared and a method called the equivalent performance method is proposed. Without direct measurements, the method determines the equivalent temperature reduction of the condenser inlet air due to the precooler. While the performance of the products tested was poor, the products were selected based on convenience and are not expected to be representative of the market.
Using Unsteady Analysis to Improve the Steady State Computational Fluid Dynamics Assessment of Minimum Flow in a Radial Compressor Stage
Authors: Vezier Clementine , Dollinger Michael , Sorokes James M. , Pacheco Jorge E.
Published: September 2013

This paper presents a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) study performed to assess the prediction of the minimum stable volume flow for a high Mach number, high head, and high volume flow compressor stage. CFD was run on a “pie slice” or sector stage model in steady-state condition and on a full 360 deg stage model under both steady and unsteady state conditions. The predictions of the minimum stable flow were compared to experimental data. Results showed the CFD performed on the “pie slice” stage model over-predicted the minimum stable flow by 9% compared to the test results, while the transient CFD predicted the minimum stable flow within 5.8%. Flow field comparisons of the impeller between unsteady and steady state CFD revealed that the steady state CFD accurately predicted the flow phenomena until the onset of surge. However, the unsteady flow features could not propagate through the diffuser because of the limitations of the impeller-diffuser interface modeling in the steady state analysis.
Time-Resolved Film-Cooling Flows at High and Low Density Ratios
Authors: Eberly Molly K. , Thole Karen A.
Published: September 2013

Film-cooling is one of the most prevalent cooling technologies that is used for gas turbine airfoil surfaces. Numerous studies have been conducted to give the cooling effectiveness over ranges of velocity, density, mass flux, and momentum flux ratios. Few studies have reported flowfield measurements with even fewer of those providing time-resolved flowfields. This paper provides time-averaged and time-resolved particle image velocimetry data for a film-cooling flow at low and high density ratios. A generic film-cooling hole geometry with wide lateral spacing was used for this study, which was a 30 deg inclined round hole injecting along a flat plate with lateral spacing P/D = 6.7. The jet Reynolds number for flowfield testing varied from 2500 to 7000. The data indicate differences in the flowfield and turbulence characteristics for the same momentum flux ratios at the two density ratios. The time-resolved data indicate Kelvin–Helmholtz breakdown in the jet-to-freestream shear layer.
Laser Bending of Silicon Sheet: Absorption Factor and Mechanisms
Authors: Xu Weixing , Zhang L. C. , Wang Xuyue
Published: September 2013

Laser bending of silicon sheet is a process to form three-dimensional microstructural silicon elements in an ambient environment. This study aims to investigate the process mechanism with the aid of both experimental and numerical analyses. To this end, a thin-film thermocouple was prepared to capture the temperature field within the heating zone of the laser beam. A new method was then developed to precisely determine the absorption factor by coupling numerical simulation of the laser bending results with the experimental results. It was found that each laser pulse causes a cycle of sharp temperature rise-drop in a silicon sheet. When the temperature in the heating zone is low, the sheet deforms elastically. When it is beyond the brittle–ductile transition temperature of silicon, however, plastic deformation in the sheet takes place and bending occurs. The bending angle becomes larger with increasing the number of laser beam scanning, once the temperature gradient in the scanning area is large enough.
Experimental and Computational Analysis of a Multistage Axial Compressor Including Stall Prediction by Steady and Transient CFD Methods
Authors: Cornelius Christian , Biesinger Thomas , Galpin Paul , Braune André
Published: September 2013

Siemens Energy has commissioned an extensive multiyear experimental and numerical (computational fluid dynamics (CFD)) project to improve its ability to design for and predict compressor stall. The experimental test rig is a half scale six stage axial compressor. The goal of this work is to provide insight into how best to predict the compressor performance map and in particular the stall point by applying state-of-the-art multiple blade row CFD simulation tools. A preliminary CFD analysis quantified numerical, model, and systematic error on the first stage of the compressor. Subsequent steady (mixing plane) and transient (time transformation) CFD simulations of the entire six stage compressor are compared to each other and to experimental data. Both the steady and transient simulations are shown to be computationally efficient and in very good agreement with the experimental data across the full performance map, up to stall inception on multiple speedlines. Physical explanations of the key flow features observed in the experiment, as well as of the differences between the predictions and experimental data, are given.
On Kinematic Relaxation and Deposition of Water Droplets in the Last Stages of Low Pressure Steam Turbines
Authors: Starzmann J. , Kaluza P. , Casey M. V. , Sieverding F.
Published: September 2013

In the first part of the paper steady two-phase flow predictions have been performed for the last stage of a model steam turbine to examine the influence of drag between condensed fog droplets and the continuous vapor phase. In general, droplets due to homogeneous condensation are small and thus kinematic relaxation provides only a minor contribution to the wetness losses. Different droplet size distributions have been investigated to estimate at which size interphase friction becomes more important. The second part of the paper deals with the deposition of fog droplets on stator blades. Results from several references are repeated to introduce the two main deposition mechanisms which are inertia and turbulent diffusion. Extensive postprocessing routines have been programmed to calculate droplet deposition due to these effects for a last stage stator blade in three-dimensions. In principle the method to determine droplet deposition by turbulent diffusion equates to an approach for turbulent pipe flows and the advantages and disadvantages of this relatively simple method are discussed. The investigation includes the influence of different droplet sizes on droplet deposition rates and shows that for small fog droplets turbulent diffusion is the main deposition mechanism. If the droplets size is increased inertial effects become more and more important and for droplets around 1 μm inertial deposition dominates. Assuming realistic droplet sizes the overall deposition equates to about 1% to 3% of the incoming wetness for the investigated guide vane at normal operating conditions.
Helicobacter pyloriassociated vitamin B12deficiency, pernicious anaemia and subacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord
Authors: Gowdappa H Basavana , Mahesh M , Murthy K V K S N , Narahari M G
Published: September 2013

A 23-year-old man presented with weakness in the lower limbs, numbness in hands and feet over past 6 months. Examination revealed a combination of absent ankle jerk, extensor plantar response and reduced sensations in a glove and stocking distribution. MRI of the spinal cord was distinctive of subacute combined degeneration (SACD) of the spinal cord. Serum vitamin B12was low and anti-intrinsic factor antibodies were positive. A biopsy of the stomach revealed intense inflammatory infiltrates in lamina propria with grade IIIHelicobacter pyloriinfection. Other work-up for the cause of vitamin B12deficiency was unremarkable.H pyloriinfection triggers autoantibodies by a mechanism of molecular mimicry. This case report highlightsH pylorias a causative agent in vitamin B12deficiency and culminating in SACD of the spinal cord.H pyloritreatment reverses the underlying pathogenesis and corrects vitamin B12deficient state in selected individuals.
EBV-associated colonic B-cell lymphoma following treatment with infliximab for IBD: a new problem?
Authors: Allen Patrick B , Laing Georgina , Connolly Aoife , O'Neill Ciaran
Published: September 2013

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease who do not respond to steroid therapy often require treatment with immunomodulators in an attempt to achieve a response and maintain remission. However, a major concern and controversy is whether these treatments are putting the patients at a significantly increased risk of developing lymphomas. This case reports a patient with severe ulcerative colitis who had been previously treated with azathioprine and infliximab, and subsequently developed diffuse large B-cell colonic lymphoma.
Catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome (CAPS) induced by influenza A virus subtype H1N1
Authors: Durkin Melonie L , Marchese Diana , Robinson Marjorie D , Ramgopal Moti
Published: September 2013

Catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome (CAPS) has been associated with several bacterial and viral infections. We presented a case report of a woman who presented to the emergency room, with influenza A virus subtype H1N1 which progressed to CAPS in the course of 17 days. We believe this is the first case that links CAPS with H1N1.
Small bowel obstruction after hand-assisted laparoscopic sigmoid colectomy for cancer
Authors: Meshikhes Abdul-Wahed
Published: September 2013

Hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery (HALS) was introduced as a bridge towards totally laparoscopic procedures. Some concerns are raised regarding its long-term complications such as incisional hernia and adhesive small bowel obstruction. A woman was admitted with colicky central abdominal pain, distension and vomiting. She had a hand-assisted laparoscopic sigmoid colectomy for cancer 6 years earlier. Clinical examination revealed a well-healed periumbilical scar with no evidence of incisional hernia. The abdomen was distended with exaggerated bowel sounds. A CT scan showed dilated loops of small bowel with a transitional zone and distally collapsed bowel. A diagnostic laparoscopy revealed a twisted segment of small bowel that was adherent to the anterior abdominal wall at the hand-port closure site. This segment was released laparoscopically without the need for a resection. Adhesive small bowel obstruction to the hand-port site closure may occur years after HALS and can simply be relieved by laparoscopic exploration.
Patient safety and estimation of renal function in patients prescribed new oral anticoagulants for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation: a cross-sectional study
Authors: MacCallum Peter K , Mathur Rohini , Hull Sally A , Saja Khalid , Green Laura , Morris Joan K , Ashman Neil
Published: September 2013

Objective

In clinical trials of dabigatran and rivaroxaban for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation (AF), drug eligibility and dosing were determined using the Cockcroft-Gault equation to estimate creatine clearance as a measure of renal function. This cross-sectional study aimed to compare whether using estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) by the widely available and widely used Modified Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) equation would alter prescribing or dosing of the renally excreted new oral anticoagulants.

Participants

Of 4712 patients with known AF within a general practitioner-registered population of 930 079 in east London, data were available enabling renal function to be calculated by both Cockcroft-Gault and MDRD methods in 4120 (87.4%).

Results

Of 4120 patients, 2706 were <80 years and 1414 were ≥80 years of age. Among those ≥80 years, 14.9% were ineligible for dabigatran according to Cockcroft-Gault equation but would have been judged eligible applying MDRD method. For those <80 years, 0.8% would have been incorrectly judged eligible for dabigatran and 5.3% would have received too high a dose. For rivaroxaban, 0.3% would have been incorrectly judged eligible for treatment and 13.5% would have received too high a dose.

Conclusions

Were the MDRD-derived eGFR to be used instead of Cockcroft-Gault in prescribing these new agents, many elderly patients with AF would either incorrectly become eligible for them or would receive too high a dose. Safety has not been established using the MDRD equation, a concern since the risk of major bleeding would be increased in patients with unsuspected renal impairment. Given the potentially widespread use of these agents, particularly in primary care, regulatory authorities and drug companies should alert UK doctors of the need to use the Cockcroft-Gault formula to calculate eligibility for and dosing of the new oral anticoagulants in elderly patients with AF and not rely on the MDRD-derived eGFR.
Reporting of harms data in RCTs: a systematic review of empirical assessments against the CONSORT harms extension
Authors: Hodkinson Alex , Kirkham Jamie J , Tudur-Smith Catrin , Gamble Carrol
Published: September 2013

Objective

To determine the standard of reporting of harms-related data, in randomised controlled trials (RCTs) according to the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) statement extension for harms.

Design

Systematic review.

Data sources

The Cochrane library, Ovid MEDLINE, Scopus and ISI Web of Knowledge were searched for relevant literature.

Eligibility criteria for selecting studies

We included publications of studies that used the CONSORT harms extension to assess the reporting of harms in RCTs.

Results

We identified 7 studies which included between 10 and 205 RCTs. The clinical areas of the 7 studies were: hypertension (1), urology (1), epilepsy (1), complimentary medicine (2) and two not restricted to a clinical topic. Quality of the 7 studies was assessed by a risk of bias tool and was found to be variable. Adherence to the CONSORT harms criteria reported in the 7 studies was inadequate and variable across the items in the checklist. Adverse events are poorly defined, with 6 studies failing to exceed 50% adherence to the items in the checklist.

Conclusions

Readers of RCT publications need to be able to balance the trade-offs between benefits and harms of interventions. This systematic review suggests that this is compromised due to poor reporting of harms which is evident across a range of clinical areas. Improvements in quality could be achieved by wider adoption of the CONSORT harms criteria by journals reporting RCTs.
A qualitative study of patients’ perceptions and priorities when living with primary frozen shoulder
Authors: Jones Susan , Hanchard Nigel , Hamilton Sharon , Rangan Amar
Published: September 2013

Objectives

To elucidate the experiences and perceptions of people living with primary frozen shoulder and their priorities for treatment.

Design

Qualitative study design using semistructured interviews.

Setting

General practitioner (GP) and musculoskeletal clinics in primary and secondary care in one National Health Service Trust in England.

Participants

12 patients diagnosed with primary frozen shoulder were purposively recruited from a GP's surgery, community clinics and hospital clinics. Recruitment targeted the phases of frozen shoulder: pain predominant (n=5), stiffness predominant (n=4) and residual stiffness predominant following hospital treatment (n=2). One participant dropped out. Inclusion criteria: adult, male and female patients of any age, attending the clinics, who had been diagnosed with primary frozen shoulder.

Results

The most important experiential themes identified by participants were: pain which was severe as well as inexplicable; inconvenience/disability arising from increasing restriction of movement (due to pain initially, gradually giving way to stiffness); confusion/anxiety associated with delay in diagnosis and uncertainty about the implications for the future; and treatment-related aspects. Participants not directly referred to a specialist (whether physiotherapist, physician or surgeon) wanted a faster, better-defined care pathway. Specialist consultation brought more definitive diagnosis, relief from anxiety and usually self-rated improvement. The main treatment priority was improved function, though there was recognition that this might be facilitated by relief of pain or stiffness. There was a general lack of information from clinicians about the condition with over-reliance on verbal communication and very little written information.

Conclusions

Awareness of frozen shoulder should be increased among non-specialists and the best available information made accessible for patients. Our results also highlight the importance of patient participation in frozen shoulder research.
THE 2–3 SYMMETRY AND LARGE REACTOR MIXING ANGLE
Authors: RASHED AHMED , DATTA ALAKABHA
Published: September 2013

We introduce a 2–3 symmetric structure of the charged lepton mass matrix except for one breaking by the muon mass. Symmetry breaking effects are provided both in the charged lepton and the neutrino sector to produce corrections to the leptonic mixing and explain the recent θ13 measurements. A model that extends the SM by three right-handed neutrinos, an extra Higgs doublet, and multi-singlet scalars is introduced to generate the leptonic mixing.
ENTANGLEMENT ENTROPY OF d-DIMENSIONAL BLACK HOLE AND QUANTUM ISOLATED HORIZON
Authors: ZHAO HUI-HUA , LI GUANG-LIANG , ZHAO REN , MA MENG-SEN , ZHANG LI-CHUN
Published: September 2013

Based on the works of Ghosh et al. who view the black hole entropy as the logarithm of the number of quantum states on the Quantum Isolated Horizon (QIH), the entropy of d-dimensional black hole is studied. According to the Unruh–Verlinde temperature deduced from the concept of entropic force, the statistical entropy of quantum fields under the background of d-dimensional spacetime is calculated by means of quantum statistics. The results reveal the relation between the entanglement entropy of black hole and the logarithm of the number of quantum states and display the effects of dimensions on the correction terms of the entanglement entropy.
THE "COINCIDENCE" PROBLEM IN MODIFIED HOLOGRAPHIC DARK ENERGY MODEL
Authors: ZHANG YI , GONG YUNGUI
Published: September 2013

We discuss the possible solution of "coincidence" problem in the modified holographic dark energy (MHDE) model with an interacting term Q = 3γρm. Theoretically, the phase-space analytical results of the automatic system of the equation of state (EoS) parameter ωd and its evolution ω′d show a scaling solution FM appears in the interacting case which hints a possibility of alleviating the "coincidence" problem. On the observational side, the results from the combined data Supernova Legacy Survey (SNLS)+Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB)/Baryon Acoustic Oscillations (BAO)+H0 slightly favor a positive interaction which meets the existing and unstable requirements of the scaling solution.
CONSTRAINTS ON RADION IN A WARPED EXTRA DIMENSION MODEL FROM HIGGS BOSON SEARCHES AT THE LHC
Authors: CHO GI-CHOL , NOMURA DAISUKE , OHNO YOSHIKO
Published: September 2013

We study constraints on the radion mass and couplings in the Randall–Sundrum model from the recent LHC data on the Standard Model (SM) Higgs boson searches. When the radion is heavy enough so that it can decay into a pair of on-shell Z-bosons, we find that the ZZ channel gives a stringent constraint. For example, if the radion mass mϕ is 200 GeV, the scale Λϕ which characterizes the interactions of the radion with the SM fields must be larger than 5 TeV. Even for mϕ = 1 TeV, we find that the lower bound on Λϕ is 2 TeV.
SUPERSYMMETRIC WILSON LOOPS WITH GENERAL CONTOURS IN ABJM THEORY
Authors: KIM NAKWOO
Published: September 2013

We consider general supersymmetric Wilson loops in ABJM model, which is Chern–Simons-matter theory in (2+1) dimensions with 𝒩 = 6 supersymmetry. The Wilson loops of our interest are so-called Zarembo-type: they have generic contours in spacetime, but the scalar field coupling is arranged accordingly so that there are unbroken supersymmetries. Following the supermatrix construction of Wilson loops by Drukker and Trancanelli and the generalization by Griguolo et al., we study 1/6-BPS Wilson loops and check that their expectation value is protected using perturbation up to two loops. We also study the dual string configuration in AdS4×ℂℙ3 background and check the supersymmetry.
THERMAL AND TRANSPORT PROPERTIES OF A NONRELATIVISTIC QUANTUM GAS INTERACTING THROUGH A DELTA-SHELL POTENTIAL
Authors: POSTNIKOV SERGEY , PRAKASH MADAPPA
Published: September 2013

This work extends the seminal work of Gottfried on the two-body quantum physics of particles interacting through a delta-shell potential to many-body physics by studying a system of nonrelativistic particles when the thermal De-Broglie wavelength of a particle is larger than the range of the potential and the density is such that average distance between particles is larger than the above range. The ability of the delta-shell potential to reproduce some basic properties of the deuteron are examined. Relations for moments of bound-states are derived. The virial expansion is used to calculate the first quantum correction to the ideal gas pressure in the form of the second virial coefficient. Additionally, all thermodynamical functions are calculated up to the first-order quantum corrections. For small departures from equilibrium, the net flows of mass, energy and momentum, characterized by the coefficients of diffusion, thermal conductivity and shear viscosity, respectively, are calculated. Properties of the gas are examined for various values of physical parameters including the case of infinite scattering length when the unitary limit is achieved.
The Effects of Pterostilbene on Neutrophil Activity in Experimental Model of Arthritis
Authors: Perecko Tomas , Drabikova Katarina , Lojek Antonin , Ciz Milan , Ponist Silvester , Bauerova Katarina , Nosal Radomir , Harmatha Juraj , Jancinova Viera
Published: September 2013

It has been demonstrated that pterostilbene inhibits reactive oxygen species production in neutrophilsin vitro. However, little is known about its effects on neutrophils during inflammationin vivo. In this study, the effect of pterostilbene on neutrophil activity was investigated in experimental arthritis model. Lewis rats were injected by a single intradermal injection of heat-killedMycobacterium butyricumin Freund’s adjuvant to develop arthritis. Another group of arthritic animals received pterostilbene 30 mg/kg, daily, p.o. The number and activity of neutrophils in blood were measured on a weekly basis during the whole experiment. Moreover, the total radical trapping potential in plasma was measured at the end of the experiment. In the pterostilbene treated arthritic group, the treatment significantly lowered the number of neutrophils in blood on days 14 and 21 without significant downregulation of neutrophil oxidative burst. Pterostilbene nonsignificantly increased total radical trapping potential in arthritic animals. These results indicate that the promising effects of pterostilbene on reactive oxygen species operate by different mechanismsin vitroand in the animal model of inflammation. In conclusion, the positive effects of pterostilbene in the model of arthritis may be attributed to regulation of neutrophil number.
Mesenchymal Stem Cells Migration Homing and Tracking
Authors: Sohni Abhishek , Verfaillie Catherine M.
Published: September 2013

In this review, we discuss the migration and homing ability of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and MSC-like cells and factors influencing this. We also discuss studies related to the mechanism of migration and homing and the approaches undertaken to enhance it. Finally, we describe the different methods available and frequently used to track and identify the injected cellsin vivo.
Early Time-Dependent Dynamic Changes of TBET and GATA3 mRNA Expressions in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome
Authors: Rainer Timothy H. , Graham Colin A. , Chan Rebecca W. Y. , Chan Cangel P. Y. , Tan Patrick C. F. , Yip Gabriel W. K. , Yu Cheuk-Man
Published: September 2013

Background. T-box expressed in T cells (TBET) and guanine adenine thymine adenine sequence-binding protein 3 (GATA3) play important roles in the differentiation of Th1 and Th2 subsets, which contributes to the progression of acute coronary syndrome (ACS).Objective. This study aimed to investigate the temporal change of TBET/GATA3 mRNA ratio in ACS.Methods. Thirty-three patients suspected of ACS with symptom onset within 24 hours were recruited. Blood samples were taken after arrival at the emergency department and at hourly intervals until the 6th hour. The mRNA expressions of TBET and GATA3 were quantified by a real-time RT-qPCR.Results. The TBET/GATA3 mRNA ratio was elevated dramatically in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and exhibited biphasic M-shaped release kinetics with two distinct peaks. The ratio was elevated 2 hours after symptom onset, dropped to the lowest level at 10 hours, and rose to the second peak at 14 hours. A similar biphasic M-shaped curve was observed in AMI patients with blood samples taken prior to any intervention.Conclusions. The TBET/GATA3 mRNA ratio was elevated in AMI patients throughout most of the first 20 hours after symptom onset. The biphasic M-shaped release kinetics was more likely to reflect pathophysiological changes rather than treatment effects.
Association of theKLF14rs4731702 SNP and Serum Lipid Levels in the Guangxi Mulao and Han Populations
Authors: Huang Ping , Yin Rui-Xing , Huang Ke-Ke , Zeng Xiao-Na , Guo Tao , Lin Quan-Zhen , Wu Jian , Wu Dong-Feng , Li Hui , Pan Shang-Ling
Published: September 2013

The objective of the present study was to detect the association of the rs4731702 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and serum lipid levels in the Guangxi Mulao and Han populations. A total of 727 subjects of Mulao and 740 subjects of Han Chinese were included. Serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and apolipoprotein (Apo) B levels were higher in Mulao than in Han (P<0.05). The T allele carriers had higher serum LDL-C and ApoAI levels in Mulao, whereas they had lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels and ratio of ApoAI to ApoB in Han (P<0.05) than the T allele noncarriers. Subgroup analyses showed that the T allele carriers had higher HDL-C, LDL-C, and ApoAI levels in Mulao males and lower ApoAI levels and ratio of ApoAI to ApoB in Han males than the T allele noncarriers. The subjects with TT genotype in Han females also had higher total cholesterol, LDL-C, ApoAI, and ApoB levels than the subjects with CT or CC genotype. Serum lipid parameters were also correlated with several environmental factors in both ethnic groups. The differences in the association ofKLF14rs4731702 SNP and serum lipid levels between the two ethnic groups might partly result from different gene-environmental interactions.
Approximate Bisimulation and Optimization of Software Programs Based on Symbolic-Numeric Computation
Authors: Deng Hui , Wu Jinzhao
Published: September 2013

To achieve behavior and structure optimization for a type of software program whose data exchange processes are represented by nonlinear polynomial systems, this paper establishes a novel formal description called a nonlinear polynomial transition system to represent the behavior and structure of the software program. Then, the notion of bisimulation for software programs is proposed based on the equivalence relation of corresponding nonlinear polynomial systems in their nonlinear polynomial transition systems. However, the exact equivalence is too strict in application. To enhance the flexibility of the relation among the different software systems, the notion of approximate bisimulation within a controllable error range and the calculation algorithm of approximate bisimulation based on symbolic-numeric computation are given. In this calculation, an approximate relation is represented as a MAX function that is resolved with the full filled method. At the same time, the actual error is calculable. An example on a multithreading program indicates that the approximate bisimulation relation is feasible and effective in behavior and structure optimization.
Improvement of L-Arabinose Fermentation by Modifying the Metabolic Pathway and Transport inSaccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Wang Chengqiang , Shen Yu , Zhang Yanyan , Suo Fan , Hou Jin , Bao Xiaoming
Published: September 2013

The L-arabinose utilization pathway was established inSaccharomyces cerevisiae, by expressing the codon-optimizedaraA,araB, andaraDgenes ofLactobacillus plantarum. After overexpressing theTAL1,TKL1,RPE1,RKI1, andGAL2genes and adaptive evolution, the L-arabinose utilization of the recombinant strain became efficient. The resulting strain displayed a maximum specific growth rate of 0.075 h−1, a maximum specific L-arabinose consumption rate of 0.61 g h−1 g−1dry cell weight, and a promising ethanol yield of 0.43 g g−1from L-arabinose fermentation.
Highly Ordered Architecture of MicroRNA Cluster
Authors: Shi Bing , Zhu Mingxuan , Liu Shuang , Zhang Mandun
Published: September 2013

Although it is known that the placement of genes in a cluster may be critical for proper expression patterns, it remains largely unclear whether the orders of members in an miRNA cluster have biological insights. By investigating the relationship between expression and orders for miRNAs from the oncogenic miR-17-92 cluster, we observed a highly ordered architecture in this cluster. A significant correlation between miRNA expression level and its placement was revealed. More importantly, the placement of these miRNAs is associated with their dysregulation in cancer. Here, we presented the opinion that miRNA clusters are not arranged randomly but show highly ordered architectures, which may have critical roles in physiology and pathology.
A Multiple Attribute Decision Making Method Based on Uncertain Linguistic Heronian Mean
Authors: Liu Xiaodi , Zhu Jianjun , Liu Guodong , Hao Jingjing
Published: September 2013

The Heronian mean is a useful aggregation operator which can capture the interrelationship of the input arguments. In this paper, we develop some Heronian means based on uncertain linguistic variables, such as the generalized uncertain linguistic Heronian mean (GULHM) and uncertain linguistic geometric Heronian mean (ULGHM), and some of their desirable properties are also investigated. Considering the different importance of the input arguments, we define the generalized uncertain linguistic weighted Heronian mean (GULWHM) and uncertain linguistic weighted geometric Heronian mean (ULWGHM). Then, a method of multiple attribute decision making under uncertain linguistic environment is presented based on the GULWHM or the ULWGHM. In the end, an example is given to demonstrate the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed method.
He Chengtian’s Inequalities for a Coupled Tangent Nonlinear System Arisen in Packaging System
Authors: Wang Jun , Fan Zhi-geng , Lu Li-xin , Chen An-jun , Wang Zhi-wei
Published: September 2013

He Chengtian’s inequalities from ancient Chinese algorithm are applied to strong tangent nonlinear packaging system. The approximate solution is obtained and compared with the solution yielded by computer simulation, showing a great high accuracy of this method. The suggested approach provides a novel method to solve some essential problems in packaging engineering.
Matching Cost Filtering for Dense Stereo Correspondence
Authors: Lin Yimin , Lu Naiguang , Lou Xiaoping , Zou Fang , Yao Yanbin , Du Zhaocai
Published: September 2013

Dense stereo correspondence enabling reconstruction of depth information in a scene is of great importance in the field of computer vision. Recently, some local solutions based on matching cost filtering with an edge-preserving filter have been proved to be capable of achieving more accuracy than global approaches. Unfortunately, the computational complexity of these algorithms is quadratically related to the window size used to aggregate the matching costs. The recent trend has been to pursue higher accuracy with greater efficiency in execution. Therefore, this paper proposes a new cost-aggregation module to compute the matching responses for all the image pixels at a set of sampling points generated by a hierarchical clustering algorithm. The complexity of this implementation is linear both in the number of image pixels and the number of clusters. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm outperforms state-of-the-art local methods in terms of both accuracy and speed. Moreover, performance tests indicate that parameters such as the height of the hierarchical binary tree and the spatial and range standard deviations have a significant influence on time consumption and the accuracy of disparity maps.
Soluble Lectin-Like Oxidized Low Density Lipoprotein Receptor-1 as a Biochemical Marker for Atherosclerosis-Related Diseases
Authors: Pirillo Angela , Catapano Alberico Luigi
Published: September 2013

Lectin-like oxidized low density lipoprotein receptor-1 (LOX-1), the main oxidized low-density lipoprotein (OxLDL) in endothelial cells, is upregulated in atherosclerotic lesions and is involved in several cellular processes that regulate the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. The LOX-1 expressed on the cell surface can be proteolytically cleaved and released in a soluble form (sLOX-1) in the circulation under pathological conditions. Serum levels of sLOX-1, in fact, are elevated at the early stages of acute coronary syndrome and are associated with coronary plaque vulnerability and with the presence of multiple complex coronary lesions. Moreover, in subjects with stable CAD, levels of serum sLOX-1 are associated with the presence of lesions in the proximal and mid-segments of the left anterior descending artery that are the most prone to rupture; in subjects undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention, baseline preprocedural serum sLOX-1 levels are associated with the incidence of periprocedural myocardial infarction. Altogether, these findings suggest that circulating levels of sLOX-1 might be a diagnostic and prognostic marker for atherosclerotic-related events.
Immune Monitoring in Cancer Vaccine Clinical Trials: Critical Issues of Functional Flow Cytometry-Based Assays
Authors: Macchia Iole , Urbani Francesca , Proietti Enrico
Published: September 2013

The development of immune monitoring assays is essential to determine the immune responses against tumor-specific antigens (TSAs) and tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) and their possible correlation with clinical outcome in cancer patients receiving immunotherapies. Despite the wide range of techniques used, to date these assays have not shown consistent results among clinical trials and failed to define surrogate markers of clinical efficacy to antitumor vaccines. Multiparameter flow cytometry- (FCM-) based assays combining different phenotypic and functional markers have been developed in the past decade for informative and longitudinal analysis of polyfunctional T-cells. These technologies were designed to address the complexity and functional heterogeneity of cancer biology and cellular immunity and to define biomarkers predicting clinical response to anticancer treatment. So far, there is still a lack of standardization of some of these immunological tests. The aim of this review is to overview the latest technologies for immune monitoring and to highlight critical steps involved in some of the FCM-based cellular immune assays. In particular, our laboratory is focused on melanoma vaccine research and thus our main goal was the validation of a functional multiparameter test (FMT) combining different functional and lineage markers to be applied in clinical trials involving patients with melanoma.
An Analysis and Design for Nonlinear Quadratic Systems Subject to Nested Saturation
Authors: Zhang Minsong , Chen Fu
Published: September 2013

This paper considers the stability problem for nonlinear quadratic systems with nested saturation input. The interesting treatment method proposed to nested saturation here is put into use a well-established linear differential control tool. And the new conclusions include the existing conclusion on this issue and have less conservatism than before. Simulation example illustrates the effectiveness of the established methodologies.
Photovoltaic System Modeling with Fuzzy Logic Based Maximum Power Point Tracking Algorithm
Authors: Mahamudul Hasan , Saad Mekhilef , Ibrahim Henk Metselaar
Published: September 2013

This paper represents a novel modeling technique of PV module with a fuzzy logic based MPPT algorithm and boost converter in Simulink environment. The prime contributions of this work are simplification of PV modeling technique and implementation of fuzzy based MPPT system to track maximum power efficiently. The main highlighted points of this paper are to demonstrate the precise control of the duty cycle with respect to various atmospheric conditions, illustration of PV characteristic curves, and operation analysis of the converter. The proposed system has been applied for three different PV modules SOLKAR 36 W, BP MSX 60 W, and KC85T 87 W. Finally the resultant data has been compared with the theoretical prediction and company specified value to ensure the validity of the system.
Oral Glutamine Supplement Inhibits Ascites Formation in Peritoneal Carcinomatosis Mouse Model
Authors: Chen Ming-Jen , Wang Tsang-En , Tsai Shu-Jung , Lin Ching-Chung , Liu Chia-Yuan , Wang Horng-Yuan , Shih Shou-Chuan , Chen Yu-Jen
Published: September 2013

Background. Peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) accompanied with ascites formation causes several distressing symptoms, resulting in poor quality of life.Methods. Twenty BALB/c nude mice generated by direct orthotopic injection of human pancreatic cancer PANC-1 cells were randomized to receive either a stock laboratory diet or a stock diet supplemented with glutamine. Half of the mice were sacrificed at day 76 to measure the amount of ascitic fluid and pancreatic tumor volume. The remaining mice were subject to survival analysis. Serum albumin levels were estimated every 2 weeks.Results. At day 76, the average amount of ascitic fluid measured in the control group was1.2±0.3 mL compared to0.5±0.5 mL from the glutamine-supplemented mice (P=0.045). The volume of pancreatic tumor was2.60±0.8 cm3in the control group and1.98±1.3 cm3in glutamine-supplemented mice (P=0.39). The mean survival time of glutamine-supplemented mice was prolonged from87±4to101±2days (P=0.0024). Mean serum albumin levels were higher in the glutamine-supplemented group.Conclusions. This preclinical study showed that oral supplementation of glutamine may provide ascites-reducing activity in pancreatic cancer patients with PC, via a cell-mediated immunity-independent mechanism.
Response of Simulated Surface Air Temperature to the Interannual Variability of Leaf Area Index in Eastern China
Authors: Zhang Xuezhen , Tang Qiuhong
Published: September 2013

Using the coupled WRF-Noah model, we conducted two experiments to investigate impacts of the interannual variability of leaf area index (LAI) on the surface air temperature (SAT) in eastern China. The Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) observed dynamic LAI data from 2002 to 2009 were used in one modeling experiment, and the climatological seasonal cycle of the MODIS LAI was used in the other experiment. The results show that the use of dynamic LAI improves model performance. Compared with the use of climatological LAI, the use of dynamic LAI may reduce the warm (cool) bias in the years with large positive (negative) LAI anomalies. The reduction of the warm bias results from the modeled cooling effect of LAI increase through reducing canopy resistance, promoting transpiration, and decreasing sensible heat flux. Conversely, the reduction of cool bias is a result of the warming effect of negative anomaly of LAI. The use of dynamic LAI can improve model performance in summer and to a lesser extent, spring and autumn. Moreover, the dynamic LAI exerts a detectable influence on SAT in the WRF model when the LAI anomaly is at least 20% of the climatological LAI.
Low-Complexity Compression Algorithm for Hyperspectral Images Based on Distributed Source Coding
Authors: Nian Yongjian , He Mi , Wan Jianwei
Published: September 2013

A low-complexity compression algorithm for hyperspectral images based on distributed source coding (DSC) is proposed in this paper. The proposed distributed compression algorithm can realize both lossless and lossy compression, which is implemented by performing scalar quantization strategy on the original hyperspectral images followed by distributed lossless compression. Multilinear regression model is introduced for distributed lossless compression in order to improve the quality of side information. Optimal quantized step is determined according to the restriction of the correct DSC decoding, which makes the proposed algorithm achieve near lossless compression. Moreover, an effective rate distortion algorithm is introduced for the proposed algorithm to achieve low bit rate. Experimental results show that the compression performance of the proposed algorithm is competitive with that of the state-of-the-art compression algorithms for hyperspectral images.
Target Gene and Function Prediction of Differentially Expressed MicroRNAs in Lactating Mammary Glands of Dairy Goats
Authors: Dong Fei , Ji Zhi-Bin , Chen Cun-Xian , Wang Gui-Zhi , Wang Jian-Min
Published: September 2013

MicroRNAs are small noncoding RNAs that can regulate gene expression, and they can be involved in the regulation of mammary gland development. The differential expression of miRNAs during mammary gland development is expected to provide insight into their roles in regulating the homeostasis of mammary gland tissues. To screen out miRNAs that should have important regulatory function in the development of mammary gland from miRNA expression profiles and to predict their function, in this study, the target genes of differentially expressed miRNAs in the lactating mammary glands of Laoshan dairy goats are predicted, and then the functions of these miRNAs are analyzed via bioinformatics. First, we screen the expression patterns of 25 miRNAs that had shown significant differences during the different lactation stages in the mammary gland. Then, these miRNAs are clustered according to their expression patterns. Computational methods were used to obtain 215 target genes for 22 of these miRNAs. Combining gene ontology annotation, Fisher’s exact test, and KEGG analysis with the target prediction for these miRNAs, the regulatory functions of miRNAs belonging to different clusters are predicted.
Direct Biodiesel Production from Wet Microalgae Biomass ofChlorella pyrenoidosathroughIn SituTransesterification
Authors: Cao Hechun , Zhang Zhiling , Wu Xuwen , Miao Xiaoling
Published: September 2013

A one-step process was applied to directly converting wet oil-bearing microalgae biomass ofChlorella pyrenoidosacontaining about 90% of water into biodiesel. In order to investigate the effects of water content on biodiesel production, distilled water was added to dried microalgae biomass to form wet biomass used to produce biodiesel. The results showed that at lower temperature of 90°C, water had a negative effect on biodiesel production. The biodiesel yield decreased from 91.4% to 10.3% as water content increased from 0% to 90%. Higher temperature could compensate the negative effect. When temperature reached 150°C, there was no negative effect, and biodiesel yield was over 100%. Based on the above research, wet microalgae biomass was directly applied to biodiesel production, and the optimal conditions were investigated. Under the optimal conditions of 100 mg dry weight equivalent wet microalgae biomass, 4 mL methanol, 8 mL n-hexane, 0.5 M H2SO4, 120°C, and 180 min reaction time, the biodiesel yield reached as high as 92.5% and the FAME content was 93.2%. The results suggested that biodiesel could be effectively produced directly from wet microalgae biomass and this effort may offer the benefits of energy requirements for biodiesel production.