bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Combined therapy with COX-2 inhibitor and 20-HETE inhibitor reduces colon tumor growth and the adverse effects of ischemic stroke associated with COX-2 inhibition
Authors: Zhang Yi , Hoda Md Nasrul , Zheng Xuan , Li Weiguo , Luo Pengcheng , Maddipati Krishna Rao , Seki Tsugio , Ergul Adviye , Wang Mong-Heng
Published: July 2014

20-Hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (20-HETE), Cyp4a-derived eicosanoid, is a lipid mediator that promotes tumor growth, as well as causing detrimental effects in cerebral circulation. We determined whether concurrent inhibition of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and 20-HETE affects colon tumor growth and ischemic stroke outcomes. The expression of Cyp4a and COXs and production of 20-HETE and PGE2were determined in murine colon carcinoma (MC38) cells. We then examined the effects of combined treatment with rofecoxib, a potent COX-2 inhibitor, and HET0016, a potent Cyp4a inhibitor, on the growth and proliferation of MC38 cells. Subsequently, we tested the effects of HET0016 plus rofecoxib in MC38 tumor and ischemic stroke models. Cyp4a and COXs are highly expressed in MC38 cells. Respectively, HET0016 and rofecoxib inhibited 20-HETE and PGE2formation in MC38 cells. Moreover, rofecoxib combined with HET0016 had greater inhibitory effects on the growth and proliferation of MC38 cells than did rofecoxib alone. Importantly, rofecoxib combined with HET0016 provided greater inhibition on tumor growth than did rofecoxib alone in MC38 tumor-bearing mice. Prolonged treatment with rofecoxib selectively induced circulating 20-HETE levels and caused cerebrovascular damage after ischemic stroke, whereas therapy with rofecoxib and HET0016 attenuated 20-HETE levels and reduced rofecoxib-induced cerebrovascular damage and stroke outcomes during anti-tumor therapy. Thus these results demonstrate that combination therapy with rofecoxib and HET0016 provides a new treatment of colon tumor, which can not only enhance the anti-tumor efficacy of rofecoxib, but also reduce rofecoxib-induced cerebrovascular damage and stroke outcomes.
Regulation of (pro)renin receptor expression in mIMCD via the GSK-3β-NFAT5-SIRT-1 signaling pathway
Authors: Quadri Syed , Siragy Helmy M.
Published: July 2014

The localization and regulation of (pro)renin receptor (PRR) expression in kidney collecting duct cells are not well established. We hypothesized that low salt (LS) contributes to the regulation of PRR expression in these cells via the GSK-3β-NFAT5-sirtuin1 (SIRT-1) signaling pathway. Mouse inner medullary collecting duct (mIMCD) cells were treated with NaCl at 130 (normal salt; NS), 63 (LS), or 209 mM (high salt; HS) alone or in combination with NFAT5 scrambled small interfering (si) RNA, NFAT5 siRNA, or the SIRT-1 inhibitor EX-527. Compared with NS, LS increased the mRNA and protein expression of PRR by 71% and 69% ( P < 0.05), and reduced phosphorylation of GSK-3β by 62% ( P < 0.01), mRNA and protein expressions of NFAT5 by 65% and 45% ( P < 0.05), and SIRT-1 by 44% and 50% ( P < 0.01), respectively. LS also enhanced p65 NF-κB by 102% ( P < 0.01). Treatment with HS significantly reduced the mRNA and protein expression of PRR by 32% and 23% ( P < 0.05), and increased the mRNA and protein expression of NFAT5 by 39% and 45% ( P < 0.05) and SIRT-1 by 51% and 56% ( P < 0.05), respectively. HS+NFAT5 siRNA reduced the mRNA and protein expression of NFAT5 by 51% and 35% ( P < 0.01) and increased the mRNA and protein expression of PRR by 148% and 70% ( P < 0.01), respectively. HS+EX-527 significantly increased the mRNA and protein expression of PRR by 96% and 58% ( P < 0.05), respectively. We conclude that expression of PRR in mIMCD cells is regulated by the GSK-3β-NFAT5- SIRT-1 signaling pathway.
Renal cortical hexokinase and pentose phosphate pathway activation through the EGFR/Akt signaling pathway in endotoxin-induced acute kidney injury
Authors: Smith Joshua A. , Stallons L. Jay , Schnellmann Rick G.
Published: July 2014

While disruption of energy production is an important contributor to renal injury, metabolic alterations in sepsis-induced AKI remain understudied. We assessed changes in renal cortical glycolytic metabolism in a mouse model of sepsis-induced AKI. A specific and rapid increase in hexokinase (HK) activity (∼2-fold) was observed 3 h after LPS exposure and maintained up to 18 h, in association with a decline in renal function as measured by blood urea nitrogen (BUN). LPS-induced HK activation occurred independently of HK isoform expression or mitochondrial localization. No other changes in glycolytic enzymes were observed. LPS-mediated HK activation was not sufficient to increase glycolytic flux as indicated by reduced or unchanged pyruvate and lactate levels in the renal cortex. LPS-induced HK activation was associated with increased glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activity but not glycogen production. Mechanistically, LPS-induced HK activation was attenuated by pharmacological inhibitors of the EGF receptor (EGFR) and Akt, indicating that EGFR/phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt signaling is responsible. Our findings reveal LPS rapidly increases renal cortical HK activity in an EGFR- and Akt-dependent manner and that HK activation is linked to increased pentose phosphate pathway activity.
Self-identification with another person's face: the time relevant role of multimodal brain areas in the enfacement illusion
Authors: Bufalari Ilaria , Porciello Giuseppina , Sperduti Marco , Minio-Paluello Ilaria
Published: July 2014

The illusory subjective experience of looking at one's own face while in fact looking at another person's face can surprisingly be induced by simple synchronized visuotactile stimulation of the two faces. A recent study (Apps MA, Tajadura-Jiménez A, Sereno M, Blanke O, Tsakiris M. Cereb Cortex. First published August 20, 2013; doi:10.1093/cercor/bht199) investigated for the first time the role of visual unimodal and temporoparietal multimodal brain areas in the enfacement illusion and suggested a model in which multisensory mechanisms are crucial to construct and update self-face representation.
Group Consensus with a Dynamic Leader for Multiagent Systems via Sampled-Data Control
Authors: Xia Hong , Huang Ting-Zhu , Shao Jin-Liang , Yu Jun-Yan
Published: July 2014

This paper considers a group consensus problem with a dynamic leader for multiagent systems in a sampled-data setting. With the leader’s state available to only a fraction of the followers, a distributed linear protocol based on sampled-data control is proposed for group consensus under fixed directed topology. On basis ofM-matrix theory, we derive a sufficient condition on the sampling period and the control parameter for ultimate boundedness of the tracking errors. Furthermore, simulation examples are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the theoretical results.
Atorvastatin Represses the Angiotensin 2-Induced Oxidative Stress and Inflammatory Response in Dendritic Cells via the PI3K/Akt/Nrf 2 Pathway
Authors: Ma Yuanji , Chen Zhaoyang , Zou Yunzeng , Ge Junbo
Published: July 2014

Dendritic cells (DCs), which are highly proficient antigen-presenting cells, play a complex role in both the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis. We tested the hypothesis that the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of atorvastatin may be partly mediated by the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B/transcription factor nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (PI3K/Akt/Nrf 2) pathway via the attenuation of DC maturation, thus reducing the inflammatory and oxidative stress responses. This study showed that angiotensin 2 (Ang 2) induced the maturation of DCs, stimulated CD83, CD40, CD80, and CD86 expression, and increased the secretion of IL-12p70, IL-6, and TNF-α. These effects were suppressed by atorvastatin. Atorvastatin also lowered the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA), counteracting their initial increases in response to Ang 2 stimulation. Atorvastatin activated Nrf 2 via the PI3K/Akt pathway and thereby promoted Nrf 2 translocation from the cytoplasm to the nucleus in bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs), a process that was reversed by the PI3K inhibitor LY294002. Therefore, the regulation of Nrf 2 expression by the PI3K/Akt pathway plays an important role in the regulation of the statin-mediated antioxidant and anti-inflammatory responses in DCs.
Aerobic Exercise as an Adjunct Therapy for Improving Cognitive Function in Heart Failure
Authors: Gary Rebecca A. , Brunn Kathryn
Published: July 2014

Persons with heart failure (HF) are typically older and are at a much higher risk for developing cognitive impairment (CI) than persons without HF. Increasingly, CI is recognized as a significant, independent predictor of worse clinical outcomes, more frequent hospital readmissions, and higher mortality rates in persons with HF. CI can have devastating effects on ability to carry out HF effective self-care behaviors. If CI occurs, however, there are currently no evidence based guidelines on how to manage or improve cognitive function in this population. Improvement in cognition has been reported following some therapies in HF and is thought to be the consequence of enhanced cerebral perfusion and oxygenation, suggesting that CI may be amenable to intervention. Because there is substantial neuronal loss with dementia and no effective restorative therapies, interventions that slow, reverse, or prevent cognitive decline are essential. Aerobic exercise is documented to increase cerebral perfusion and oxygenation by promoting neuroplasticity and neurogenesis and, in turn, cognitive functioning. Few studies have examined exercise as a potential adjunct therapy for attenuating or alleviating cognitive decline in HF. In this review, the potential benefit of aerobic exercise on cognitive functioning in HF is presented along with future research directions.
A Giant Case of Pyonephrosis Resulting from Nephrolithiasis
Authors: Erol Ali , Çoban Soner , Tekin Ali
Published: July 2014

Pyonephrosis is an uncommon disease that is associated with suppurative destruction of the renal parenchyma in adults. Upper urinary tract infection and obstruction play a role in its etiology. Immunosuppression from medications (steroids), diseases (diabetes mellitus, AIDS), and anatomic variations (pelvic kidney, horseshoe kidney) may also be risk factors for pyonephrosis. Fever, shivering, and flank pain are frequent clinical symptoms. On physical examination, a palpable abdominal mass may be associated with the hydronephrotic kidney. Septic shock and death can occur if the disorder is not treated with urgent surgery. After the acute phase, most patients are treated with nephrectomy. In this paper, we share the etiology, clinical features, diagnosis and treatment of pyonephrosis using the background of a case with giant pyonephrosis developing due to a kidney stone, the most common cause of upper urinary tract obstruction.
Sperm Nuclear Vacuoles in relation to Acrosome Reactions and Sperm Motility
Authors: Komiya Akira , Kawauchi Yoko , Kato Tomonori , Watanabe Akihiko , Tanii Ichiro , Fuse Hideki
Published: July 2014

We investigated sperm nuclear vacuolation in relation to acrosome reactions and the maintenance of sperm motility. Thirty male patients who visited our Male Infertility Clinic were enrolled. These patients underwent conventional semen analyses, Acrobeads tests, and high-magnification observation of the sperm head to evaluate the degree of nuclear vacuolation on the Acrobeads test scoring after 24 hours of incubation. The presence of acrosome reactions was evaluated using the Acrobeads test. The spermatozoa were classified into three groups: (I) those bound to MH61-beads, (II) motile spermatozoa that did not bind to MH61-beads, and (III) immotile spermatozoa that did not bind to MH61-beads. The percentage of spermatozoa with large nuclear vacuoles (%LNV) was compared between the three groups. The degree of sperm nuclear vacuolation was evaluated in 17,992 ejaculated spermatozoa. The mean %LNVs were 2.4% in group I, 5.8% in group II, and 9.8% in group III. These values were significantly different from each other (P<0.001, pairedt-test). There were no correlations between the %LNV values and the Acrobeads scores. In conclusion, the degree of sperm nuclear vacuolation was significantly lower in the acrosome-reacted spermatozoa and spermatozoa with maintained motility, and higher in the immotile spermatozoa that did not bind to MH61-beads.
CT Scan Features of Presumptive Haemorrhagic Stroke in a Dog with Cushing’s Disease
Authors: Liotta A. , Cavrenne R. , Peeters D. , Manens J. , Bolen G.
Published: July 2014

A 9-year-old, intact male, Brie’s shepherd dog, with a 10-day history of depression and tachypnoea developed signs of central neurological dysfunction. 16 Multislice Computed Tomography (CT) pre- and postcontrast studies of the brain revealed a single intra-axial homogeneous well-circumscribed hyperattenuating (+/− 62 HU) and noncontrast-enhancing area, 5 mm in diameter, in the caudal part of the mesencephalon. This finding was highly suggestive of a haemorrhagic event. A pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism (PDH) was identified and is considered likely to be the underlying cause. A repeat CT scan examination, 2 months later, showed almost complete resolution of the brain lesion. The present case describes a solitary 5 mm diameter lesion: the result of intracranial haemorrhage in a dog with presumed PDH.
Fixed Point Theorems for a Class ofα-Admissible Contractions and Applications to Boundary Value Problem
Authors: Alsulami Hamed H. , Gülyaz Selma , Karapınar Erdal , Erhan İncı M.
Published: July 2014

A class ofα-admissible contractions defined via altering distance functions is introduced. The existence and uniqueness conditions for fixed points of such maps on complete metric spaces are investigated and related fixed point theorems are presented. The results are reconsidered in the context of partially ordered metric spaces and applied to boundary value problems for differential equations with periodic boundary conditions.
Osteoblastoma of the Os Capitatum
Authors: Kaptan Çağrı , Atmaca Halil
Published: July 2014

An osteoblastoma is a primary benign bone tumor, which is rarely seen in hand bones. Osteoblastoma is generally seen in spine, pelvis, and long bones. However, there are a few case reports of osteoblastoma in wrist and hand bones. To our knowledge, up to now, only one male patient with osteoblastoma in capitate bone was reported. We report the first female case of osteoblastoma of capitate bone and discuss diagnosis and treatment.
Decolorization of Methylene Blue by Ag/SrSnO3 Composites under Ultraviolet Radiation
Authors: Junploy Patcharanan , Thongtem Titipun , Thongtem Somchai , Phuruangrat Anukorn
Published: July 2014

SrSn(OH)6 precursors synthesized by a cyclic microwave radiation (CMR) process were calcined at 900°C for 3 h to form rod‐like SrSnO3. Further, the rod‐like SrSnO3 and AgNO3 in ethylene glycol (EG) were ultrasonically vibrated to form rod‐like Ag/SrSnO3 composites, characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), electron microscopy (EM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and UV‐visible analysis. The photocatalyses of rod‐like SrSnO3, 1 wt%, 5 wt%, and 10 wt% Ag/SrSnO3 composites were studied for degradation of methylene blue (MB, C16H18N3SCl) dye under ultraviolet (UV) radiation. In this research, the 5 wt% Ag/SrSnO3 composites showed the highest activity, enhanced by the electron‐hole separation process. The photoactivity became lower by the excessive Ag nanoparticles due to the negative effect caused by reduction in the absorption of UV radiation.
Determining Information on Cardiology Disease Risk Factors of Disease in Women
Authors: Yalçınöz Baysal Hasret , Bilgin Sonay , Cantekin Işın , Bilgin Gökhan
Published: July 2014

In an attempt to decrease the rate of mortality from cardiovascular diseases, first cardiovascular risk factors should be controlled. This study was carried out to reveal the level of knowledge about cardiovascular disease risk factors in women who presented to a primary healthcare center in Erzurum, Turkey, and the prevalence of such risk factors. Our study is a descriptive one and its data were collected between February and April 2013. The study included 168 women who presented to Filiz Dolunay Family Healthcare Center and who met the criteria and agreed to participate in the study. It was found that 22.6% of the women did not exercise at all above normal range, 53.6% of them had weights above normal, 23.8% smoked, and 22% had hypertension, type 2 diabetes, cholesterol, or excess fat around their waist. It was concluded that, although women were knowledgeable, they did not put this into practice in their lives.
Mycoplasma agalactiae, an Etiological Agent of Contagious Agalactia in Small Ruminants: A Review
Authors: Kumar Amit , Rahal Anu , Chakraborty Sandip , Verma Amit Kumar , Dhama Kuldeep
Published: July 2014

Mycoplasma agalactiaeis one of the causal agents of classical contagious agalactia (CA), a serious, economically important but neglected enzootic disease of small ruminants. It occurs in many parts of the world and most notably in the Mediterranean Basin. Following the infection common complications are septicaemia, mastitis, arthritis, pleurisy, pneumonia, and keratoconjunctivitis. Primary or tentative diagnosis of the organism is based upon clinical signs. Various serological tests, namely, growth precipitation, immunofluorescence, complement fixation test, haemagglutination inhibition, agglutination, immunodiffusion, enzyme immunoassays, immunoelectrophoresis, blotting techniques, and others, are available. Molecular tools seem to be much more sensitive, specific, and faster and help to differentiate various strains. The real-time PCR, multiplex PCR, quantitative PCR, PCR-RFLP, MLST, and gene probes, complementary to segments of chromosomal DNA or 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA), have strengthened the diagnosis ofM. agalactiae. Both live attenuated and adjuvant (alum precipitated or saponified) inactivated vaccines are available with greater use of inactivated ones due to lack of side effects. The present review discusses the etiology, epidemiology, pathogenesis, and clinical signs of contagious agalactia in small ruminants along with trends and advances in its diagnosis, treatment, vaccination, prevention, and control strategies that will help in countering this disease.
On-Road Driver Monitoring System Based on a Solar-Powered In-Vehicle Embedded Platform
Authors: Chen Yen-Lin , Yu Chao-Wei , Chien Zi-Jie , Liu Chin-Hsuan , Chiang Hsin-Han
Published: July 2014

This study presents an on-road driver monitoring system, which is implemented on a stand-alone in-vehicle embedded system and driven by effective solar cells. The driver monitoring function is performed by an efficient eye detection technique. Through the driver’s eye movements captured from the camera, the attention states of the driver can be determined and any fatigue states can be avoided. This driver monitoring technique is implemented on a low-power embedded in-vehicle platform. Besides, this study also proposed monitoring machinery that can detect the brightness around the car to effectively determine whether this in-vehicle system is driven by the solar cells or by the vehicle battery. On sunny days, the in-vehicle system can be powered by solar cell in places without the vehicle battery. While in the evenings or on rainy days, the ambient solar brightness is insufficient, and the system is powered by the vehicle battery. The proposed system was tested under the conditions that the solar irradiance is 10 to 113 W/m2and solar energy and brightness at 10 to 170. From the testing results, when the outside solar radiation is high, the brightness of the inside of the car is increased, and the eye detection accuracy can also increase as well. Therefore, this solar powered driver monitoring system can be efficiently applied to electric cars to save energy consumption and promote the driving safety.
MTHFR Gene Polymorphism and Age of Onset of Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder
Authors: El-Hadidy Mohamed A. , Abdeen Hanaa M. , Abd El-Aziz Sherin M. , Al-Harrass Mohammad
Published: July 2014

Objective. Several studies with contradictory results from different cultures about association of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T polymorphism in schizophrenia and bipolar disorders. Little is known about this association in Arab culture and Egypt. So the present study aimed to assess the association of MTHFR C677T polymorphism in bipolar disorder (BD) and schizophrenia in comparison to control group. The association between MTHFR C677T polymorphism and the age at onset in schizophrenia or BD was also studied.Methods. Polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) were used to examine the genotype and allele frequencies of MTHFR C677T polymorphism in 149 healthy subjects and 134 bipolar and 103 schizophrenia patients.Results. In BD and schizophrenia, there was a higher prevalence of MTHFR C677T polymorphism than healthy subjects. Earlier age at onset was found in patients with BD, carrying one copy of the T allele or CT genotypes but not in patients with schizophrenia.Conclusion. The present findings suggest that the MTHFR C677T polymorphisms are likely to be associated with the risk of developing BD and schizophrenia and influence the age at onset of BD but not the age at onset of schizophrenia.
Effects of the Eccentricity of a Perturbing Third Body on the Orbital Correction Maneuvers of a Spacecraft
Authors: Domingos R. C. , Prado A. F. B. A. , Gomes V. M.
Published: July 2014

The fuel consumption required by the orbital maneuvers when correcting perturbations on the orbit of a spacecraft due to a perturbing body was estimated. The main goals are the measurement of the influence of the eccentricity of the perturbing body on the fuel consumption required by the station keeping maneuvers and the validation of the averaged methods when applied to the problem of predicting orbital maneuvers. To study the evolution of the orbits, the restricted elliptic three‐body problem and the single‐ and double‐averaged models are used. Maneuvers are made by using impulsive and low thrust maneuvers. The results indicated that the averaged models are good to make predictions for the orbital maneuvers when the spacecraft is in a high inclined orbit. The eccentricity of the perturbing body plays an important role in increasing the effects of the perturbation and the fuel consumption required for the station keeping maneuvers. It is shown that the use of more frequent maneuvers decreases the annual cost of the station keeping to correct the orbit of a spacecraft. An example of an eccentric planetary system of importance to apply the present study is the dwarf planet Haumea and its moons, one of them in an eccentric orbit.
Obesity and Low-Grade Inflammation Increase Plasma Follistatin-Like 3 in Humans
Authors: Brandt Claus , Pedersen Maria , Rinnov Anders , Andreasen Anne S. , Møller Kirsten , Hojman Pernille , Pedersen Bente K. , Plomgaard Peter
Published: July 2014

Background. Rodent models suggest that follistatin-like 3 (fstl3) is associated with diabetes and obesity. In humans, plasma fstl3 is reduced with gestational diabetes.In vitro, TNF-αinduces fstl3 secretion, which suggests a link to inflammation.Objective. To elucidate the association between plasma fstl3 and obesity, insulin resistance, and low-grade inflammation in humans.Study Design. Plasma fstl3 levels were determined in a cross-sectional study including three groups: patients with type 2 diabetes, impaired glucose tolerance, and healthy controls. In addition, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), TNF-α, or interleukin-6 (IL-6) as well as a hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp were used to examine if plasma fstl3 was acutely regulated in humans.Results. Plasma fstl3 was increased in obese subjects independent of glycemic state. Moreover, plasma fstl3 was positively correlated with fat mass, plasma leptin, fasting insulin, and HOMA B and negatively with HOMA S. Furthermore plasma fstl3 correlated positively with plasma TNF-αand IL-6 levels. Infusion of LPS and TNF-α, but not IL-6 and insulin, increased plasma fstl3 in humans.Conclusion. Plasma fstl3 is increased in obese subjects and associated with fat mass and low-grade inflammation. Furthermore, TNF-αincreased plasma fstl3, suggesting that TNF-αis one of the inflammatory drivers of increased systemic levels of fstl3.
Active‐Varying Sampling‐Based Fault Detection Filter Design for Networked Control Systems
Authors: Wang Yu-Long , Wang Tian-Bao , Che Wei-Wei
Published: July 2014

This paper is concerned with fault detection filter design for continuous‐time networked control systems considering packet dropouts and network‐induced delays. The active‐varying sampling period method is introduced to establish a new discretized model for the considered networked control systems. The mutually exclusive distribution characteristic of packet dropouts and network‐induced delays is made full use of to derive less conservative fault detection filter design criteria. Compared with the fault detection filter design adopting a constant sampling period, the proposed active‐varying sampling‐based fault detection filter design can improve the sensitivity of the residual signal to faults and shorten the needed time for fault detection. The simulation results illustrate the merits and effectiveness of the proposed fault detection filter design.
Modeling and Bifurcation Research of a Worm Propagation Dynamical System with Time Delay
Authors: Yao Yu , Zhang Zhao , Xiang Wenlong , Yang Wei , Gao Fuxiang
Published: July 2014

Both vaccination and quarantine strategy are adopted to control the Internet worm propagation. By considering the interaction infection between computers and external removable devices, a worm propagation dynamical system with time delay under quarantine strategy is constructed based on anomaly intrusion detection system (IDS). By regarding the time delay caused by time window of anomaly IDS as the bifurcation parameter, local asymptotic stability at the positive equilibrium and local Hopf bifurcation are discussed. Through theoretical analysis, a threshold τ0 is derived. When time delay is less than τ0, the worm propagation is stable and easy to predict; otherwise, Hopf bifurcation occurs so that the system is out of control and the containment strategy does not work effectively. Numerical analysis and discrete‐time simulation experiments are given to illustrate the correctness of theoretical analysis.
Effect of Catalytic Cylinders on Autothermal Reforming of Methane for Hydrogen Production in a Microchamber Reactor
Authors: Yan Yunfei , Guo Hongliang , Zhang Li , Zhu Junchen , Yang Zhongqing , Tang Qiang , Ji Xin
Published: July 2014

A new multicylinder microchamber reactor is designed on autothermal reforming of methane for hydrogen production, and its performance and thermal behavior, that is, based on the reaction mechanism, is numerically investigated by varying the cylinder radius, cylinder spacing, and cylinder layout. The results show that larger cylinder radius can promote reforming reaction; the mass fraction of methane decreased from 26% to 21% with cylinder radius from 0.25 mm to 0.75 mm; compact cylinder spacing corresponds to more catalytic surface and the time to steady state is decreased from 40 s to 20 s; alteration of staggered and aligned cylinder layout at constant inlet flow rates does not result in significant difference in reactor performance and it can be neglected. The results provide an indication and optimize performance of reactor; it achieves higher conversion compared with other reforming reactors.
Analysis and Reduction of Stray-Current Attack in Reciprocated Traveling Wire Electrochemical Machining
Authors: Zeng Yongbin , Ji Huajian , Fang Xiaolong , Wang Yufeng , Qu Ningsong
Published: July 2014

Traveling wire electrochemical machining is a promising approach for the fabrication of various metal parts. However, the stray-current attack deteriorates the surface quality while it is employed to cut thick workpiece as a normal pulse or DC is used. In this paper, the characteristics of the stray-current attack in reciprocated traveling wire electrochemical machining are firstly identified, and special insulating methods are proposed to reduce the effect of the stray-current. The model of electric field is built. Both the simulation and the experimental results illustrate that the stray-current attack can be reduced significantly by the proposed insulating methods. Finally, structures with fine surface quality on stainless steel 304 with thickness of 20 mm were successfully produced.
Prophages in Enterococcal Isolates from Renal Transplant Recipients: Renal Failure Etiologies Promote Selection of Strains
Authors: Daca Agnieszka , Jarzembowski Tomasz , Witkowski Jacek M. , Bryl Ewa , Rutkowski Bolesław , Dębska-Ślizień Alicja
Published: July 2014

Infections caused by commensal bacteria may be fatal for the patients under immunosuppressive therapy. This results also from difficulty in identification of high risk strains. Enterococcal infections are increasingly frequent but despite many studies on virulence traits, the difference between commensal and pathogenic strains remains unclear. Prophages are newly described as important elements in competition between strains during colonization, as well as pathogenicity of the strains. Here we evaluate a difference in presence of pp4, pp1, and pp7 prophages and ASA (aggregation substance) gene expression in enterococcal isolates from renal transplant recipients (RTx) with different etiology of the end-stage renal failure. Prophages sequence was screened by PCR in strains ofEnterococcus faecalisisolated from urine and feces of 19 RTx hospitalized at Medical University of Gdansk and 18 healthy volunteers. FLOW-FISH method with use of linear locked nucleic acid (LNA) probe was used to assess the ASA gene expression. Additionally, ability of biofilm formation was screened by crystal violet staining method. Presence of prophages was more frequent in fecal isolates from immunocompromised patients than in isolates from healthy volunteers. Additionally, both composition of prophages and ASA gene expression were related to the etiology of renal disease.
A New Energy-Efficient Cluster-Based Routing Protocol Using a Representative Path in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Lee Hyunjo , Jang Miyoung , Chang Jae-Woo
Published: July 2014

Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) have been broadly studied with advances in ubiquitous computing environment. Because the resource of a sensor node is limited, it is important to use energy-efficient routing protocol in WSNs. The cluster-based routing is an efficient way to reduce energy consumption by decreasing the number of transmitted messages to the sink node. LEACH is the most popular cluster-based routing protocol, which provides an adaptive cluster generation and cluster header rotation. However, its communication range is limited since it assumes a direct communication between sensor nodes and a sink node. To resolve this problem, we propose a new energy-efficient cluster-based routing protocol, which adopts a centralized clustering approach to select cluster headers by generating a representative path. To support reliable data communication, we propose a multihop routing protocol that allows both intra- and intercluster communications. Based on a message success rate and a representative path, the sensor nodes are uniformly distributed in clusters so that the lifetime of network can be prolonged. Through performance analysis, we show that our energy-efficient routing protocol outperforms the existing protocols up to 2 times, in terms of the distribution of cluster members, the energy consumption, and the reliability of a sensor network.
On the Existence and Uniqueness ofRv-Generalized Solution for Dirichlet Problem with Singularity on All Boundary
Authors: Rukavishnikov V. , Rukavishnikova E.
Published: July 2014

The existence and uniqueness of theRv-generalized solution for the first boundary value problem and a second order elliptic equation with coordinated and uncoordinated degeneracy of input data and with strong singularity solution on all boundary of a two-dimensional domain are established.
Online Measurement of Soil Organic Carbon as Correlated with Wheat Normalised Difference Vegetation Index in a Vertisol Field
Authors: Tekin Yücel , Ulusoy Yahya , Tümsavaş Zeynal , Mouazen Abdul M.
Published: July 2014

This study explores the potential of visible and near infrared (vis-NIR) spectroscopy for online measurement of soil organic carbon (SOC). It also attempts to explore correlations and similarities between the spatial distribution of SOC and normalized differential vegetation index (NDVI) of a wheat crop. The online measurement was carried out in a clay vertisol field covering 10 ha of area in Karacabey, Bursa, Turkey. Kappa statistics were carried out between different SOC and NDVI data to investigate potential similarities. Calibration model of SOC in full cross-validationresulted in a good accuracy (R2=0.75, root mean squares error of prediction (RMSEP) = 0.17%, and ratio of prediction deviation (RPD) = 1.81). The validation of the calibration model using laboratory spectra provided comparatively better prediction accuracy (R2=0.70, RMSEP = 0.15%, and RPD = 1.78), as compared to the online measured spectra (R2=0.60, RMSEP = 0.20%, and RPD = 1.41). Although visual similarity was clear, low similarity indicated by a low Kappa value of 0.259 was observed between the online vis-NIR predicted full-point (based on all points measured in the field, e.g., 6486 points) map of SOC and NDVI map.
A Simple Method to Estimate the Number of Autophagic Elements by Electron Microscopic Morphometry in Real Cellular Dimensions
Authors: Kovács Attila L.
Published: July 2014

Autophagic elements typically appear as spherical bodies. During their life they undergo a series of changes (e.g., fusion, degradation of content, and swelling) which influence their size in a way that may be characteristic for cell type, stage of maturation, or various experimentally manipulated parameters. A simple and time efficient method is suggested here to use exactly calculated specific surface values and estimate average diameter and number of autophagic elements in real cellular dimensions. The method is based on the easiest morphometric determination of relative surface (surface density) and volume (volume density) data by electron microscopy. A series of data from real experimental samples of liver and exocrine pancreatic cells are offered to illustrate the potential of these measurements and calculations.
Dynamical Analysis and Stabilizing Control of Inclined Rotational Translational Actuator Systems
Authors: Gao Bingtuan , Ye Fei
Published: July 2014

Rotational translational actuator (RTAC) system, whose motions occur in horizontal planes, is a benchmark for studying of control techniques. This paper presents dynamical analysis and stabilizing control design for the RTAC system on a slope. Based on Lagrange equations, dynamics of the inclined RTAC system is achieved by selecting cart position and rotor angle as the general coordinates and torque acting on the rotor as general force. The analysis of equilibriums and their controllability yields that controllability of equilibriums depends on inclining direction of the inclined RTAC system. To stabilize the system to its controllable equilibriums, a proper control Lyapunov function including system energy, which is used to show the passivity property of the system, is designed. Consequently, a stabilizing controller is achieved directly based on the second Lyapunov stability theorem. Finally, numerical simulations are performed to verify the correctness and feasibility of our dynamical analysis and control design.
Responses of Soil Organic Carbon to Long-Term Understory Removal in SubtropicalCinnamomum camphoraStands
Authors: Wu Yacong , Li Zhengcai , Cheng Caifang , Liu Rongjie
Published: July 2014

We conducted a study on a 48-year-oldCinnamomum camphoraplantation in the subtropics of China, by removing understory gradually and then comparing this treatment with a control (undisturbed). This study analyzed the content and storage soil organic carbon (SOC) in a soil depth of 0–60 cm. The results showed that SOC content was lower in understory removal (UR) treatment, with a decrease range from 5% to 34%, and a decline of 10.16 g·kg−1and 8.58 g·kg−1was noticed in 0–10 cm and 10–20 cm layers, respectively, with significant differences (P<0.05). Carbon storage was reduced in UR, ranging from 2% to 43%, with a particular drastic decline of 15.39 t·hm−2and 11.58 t·hm−2in 0–10 cm (P<0.01) and 10–20 cm (P<0.01) layers, respectively. Content of SOC had an extremely significant (P<0.01) correlation with soil nutrients in the two stands, and the correlation coefficients of CK were higher than those of UR. Our data showed that the presence of understory favored the accumulation of soil organic carbon to a large extent. Therefore, long-term practice of understory removal weakens the function of forest ecosystem as a carbon sink.
Research on Palmprint Identification Method Based on Quantum Algorithms
Authors: Li Hui , Zhang Zhanzhan
Published: July 2014

Quantum image recognition is a technology by using quantum algorithm to process the image information. It can obtain better effect than classical algorithm. In this paper, four different quantum algorithms are used in the three stages of palmprint recognition. First, quantum adaptive median filtering algorithm is presented in palmprint filtering processing. Quantum filtering algorithm can get a better filtering result than classical algorithm through the comparison. Next, quantum Fourier transform (QFT) is used to extract pattern features by only one operation due to quantum parallelism. The proposed algorithm exhibits an exponential speed-up compared with discrete Fourier transform in the feature extraction. Finally, quantum set operations and Grover algorithm are used in palmprint matching. According to the experimental results, quantum algorithm only needs to apply square ofNoperations to find out the target palmprint, but the traditional method needsNtimes of calculation. At the same time, the matching accuracy of quantum algorithm is almost 100%.
A Local Stability Supported Parallel Distributed Constraint Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Peibo Duan , Changsheng Zhang , Bin Zhang
Published: July 2014

This paper presents a new distributed constraint optimization algorithm called LSPA, which can be used to solve large scale distributed constraint optimization problem (DCOP). Different from the access of local information in the existing algorithms, a new criterion called local stability is defined and used to evaluate which is the next agent whose value needs to be changed. The propose of local stability opens a new research direction of refining initial solution by finding key agents which can seriously effect global solution once they modify assignments. In addition, the construction of initial solution could be received more quickly without repeated assignment and conflict. In order to execute parallel search, LSPA finds final solution by constantly computing local stability of compatible agents. Experimental evaluation shows that LSPA outperforms some of the state-of-the-art incomplete distributed constraint optimization algorithms, guaranteeing better solutions received within ideal time.
Involvement of IL-13 and Tissue Transglutaminase in Liver Granuloma and Fibrosis afterSchistosoma japonicumInfection
Authors: Tang Juanjuan , Huang Huayi , Ji Xiaofang , Zhu Xunmin , Li Yinyan , She Mingmin , Yan Suikai , Fung Mingchiu , Li Zi
Published: July 2014

Schistosomiasis, one of the most devastating parasitic diseases, is caused bySchistosoma japonicum(Sj) infection resulting in serious liver fibrosis. Interleukin- (IL-) 13, which is produced byTH2  cells, is a critical profibrotic cytokine found in various organs, including the liver. Tissue transglutaminase (tTG), a group of multifunctional enzymes, serves a central function in the pathogenesis of chronic liver diseases. However, the relationship between IL-13, tTG, and liver fibrosis duringSchistosomainfection has not been established. This study investigated the involvement of IL-13 and tTG in liver fibrogenesis duringSjinfection in mice. Five weeks afterSjinfection, granuloma and fibrosis development in the liver coincided with an increase in IL-13 and tTG in the liver and the upregulation of serum IL-13 in infected mice. Administration of cystamine, an inhibitor of tTG, abrogated the increase in both tTG and IL-13 in infected mice and ameliorated liver fibrogenesis and granuloma development. This result establishes a novel link among IL-13, tTG, and liver granuloma and fibrosis underSjinfection. Based on their important functions in liver fibrosis induced bySjinfection, IL-13 and tTG could be promising potential drug targets against schistosomiasis.
Terminally Differentiated Epithelial Cells of the Thymic Medulla and Skin Express Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Subunitα3
Authors: Soultanova Aichurek , Panneck Alexandra R. , Rafiq Amir , Kummer Wolfgang
Published: July 2014

In the thymus, T cell maturation is influenced by cholinergic signaling, and the predominantly expressed receptor is theα3-subunit of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, encoded by thechrna3gene. We here determined its cellular distribution utilizing an appropriate eGFP-expressing reporter mouse strain. Neither T cells (CD4, CD8) nor mesenchymal cells (desmin-positive) expressed eGFP. In the thymic medulla, eGFP-positive cells either were scattered or, more frequently, formed small clusters resembling Hassall’s corpuscles. Immunolabeling revealed that these cells were indeed terminally differentiated epithelial cells expressing keratin 10 (K10) but neither typical cortical (K8, K18) nor medullary keratins (K5, K14). These labeling patterns reflected those in the epidermis of the skin, where overlap of K10 and eGFP expression was seen in the stratum granulosum, whereas underlying basal cells displayed K5-immunoreactivity. A substantial portion of thymic eGFP-positive cells was also immunoreactive to chromogranin A, a peptide previously reported in epidermal keratinocytes in the stratum granulosum. Its fragment catestatin has multiple biological activities, including suppression of proinflammatory cytokine release from macrophages and inhibition ofα3β4 nAChR. The present findings suggest that its thymic production and/or release are under cholinergic control involving nAChR containing theα3-subunit.
Effects of Maximal Sodium and Potassium Conductance on the Stability of Hodgkin-Huxley Model
Authors: Zhang Yue , Wang Kuanquan , Yuan Yongfeng , Sui Dong , Zhang Henggui
Published: July 2014

Hodgkin-Huxley (HH) equation is the first cell computing model in the world and pioneered the use of model to study electrophysiological problems. The model consists of four differential equations which are based on the experimental data of ion channels. Maximal conductance is an important characteristic of different channels. In this study, mathematical method is used to investigate the importance of maximal sodium conductanceg-Naand maximal potassium conductanceg-K. Applying stability theory, and takingg-Naandg-Kas variables, we analyze the stability and bifurcations of the model. Bifurcations are found when the variables change, and bifurcation points and boundary are also calculated. There is only one bifurcation point wheng-Nais the variable, while there are two points wheng-Kis variable. The (g-Na,  g-K) plane is partitioned into two regions and the upper bifurcation boundary is similar to a line when bothg-Naandg-Kare variables. Numerical simulations illustrate the validity of the analysis. The results obtained could be helpful in studying relevant diseases caused by maximal conductance anomaly.
Energy Efficient Routing in Wireless Sensor Networks Based on Fuzzy Ant Colony Optimization
Authors: Amiri Ehsan , Keshavarz Hassan , Alizadeh Mojtaba , Zamani Mazdak , Khodadadi Touraj
Published: July 2014

A wireless sensor network (WSN) is a collection of sensor nodes that dynamically self-organize themselves into a wireless network without the utilization of any preexisting infrastructure. One of the major problems in WSNs is the energy consumption, whereby the network lifetime is dependent on this factor. In this paper, we propose an optimal routing protocol for WSN inspired by the foraging behavior of ants. The ants try to find existing paths between the source and base station. Furthermore, we have combined this behavior of ants with fuzzy logic in order for the ants to make the best decision. In other words, the fuzzy logic is applied to make the use of these paths optimal. Our algorithm uses the principles of the fuzzy ant colony optimization routing (FACOR) to develop a suitable problem solution. The performance of our routing algorithm is evaluated by Network Simulator 2 (NS2). The simulation results show that our algorithm optimizes the energy consumption amount, decreases the number of routing request packets, and increases the network lifetime in comparison with the original AODV.
The Extracellular Matrix Contributes to Mechanotransduction in Uterine Fibroids
Authors: Leppert Phyllis C. , Jayes Friederike L. , Segars James H.
Published: July 2014

The role of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and mechanotransduction as an important signaling factor in the human uterus is just beginning to be appreciated. The ECM is not only the substance that surrounds cells, but ECM stiffness will either compress cells or stretch them resulting in signals converted into chemical changes within the cell, depending on the amount of collagen, cross-linking, and hydration, as well as other ECM components. In this review we present evidence that the stiffness of fibroid tissue has a direct effect on the growth of the tumor through the induction of fibrosis. Fibrosis has two characteristics: (1) resistance to apoptosis leading to the persistence of cells and (2) secretion of collagen and other components of the ECM such a proteoglycans by those cells leading to abundant disposition of highly cross-linked, disoriented, and often widely dispersed collagen fibrils. Fibrosis affects cell growth by mechanotransduction, the dynamic signaling system whereby mechanical forces initiate chemical signaling in cells. Data indicate that the structurally disordered and abnormally formed ECM of uterine fibroids contributes to fibroid formation and growth. An appreciation of the critical role of ECM stiffness to fibroid growth may lead to new strategies for treatment of this common disease.
Optical and Magnetic Properties of Fe Doped ZnO Nanoparticles Obtained by Hydrothermal Synthesis
Authors: Wu Xiaojuan , Wei Zhiqiang , Zhang Lingling , Wang Xuan , Yang Hua , Jiang Jinlong
Published: July 2014

Diluted magnetic semiconductors Zn1−xFexO nanoparticles with different doping concentration (x = 0, 0.01, 0.05, 0.10, and 0.20) were successfully synthesized by hydrothermal method. The crystal structure, morphology, and optical and magnetic properties of the samples were characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS), high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), Raman scattering spectra (Raman), photoluminescence spectra (PL), and the vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). The experiment results show that all samples synthesized by this method possess hexagonal wurtzite crystal structure with good crystallization, no other impurity phases are observed, and the morphology of the sample shows the presence of ellipsoidal nanoparticles. All the Fe3+ successfully substituted for the lattice site of Zn2+ and generates single‐phase Zn1−xFexO. Raman spectra shows that the peak shifts to higher frequency. PL spectra exhibit a slight blue shift and the UV emission is annihilated with the increase of Fe3+ concentration. Magnetic measurements indicated that Fe‐doped ZnO samples exhibit ferromagnetic behavior at room temperature and the saturation magnetization is enhanced with the increase of iron doping content.