bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development and Characterization of Novel Porous 3D Alginate-Cockle Shell Powder Nanobiocomposite Bone Scaffold
Authors: Bharatham B. Hemabarathy , Abu Bakar Md. Zuki , Perimal Enoch Kumar , Yusof Loqman Mohamed , Hamid Muhajir
Published: July 2014

A novel porous three-dimensional bone scaffold was developed using a natural polymer (alginate/Alg) in combination with a naturally obtained biomineral (nano cockle shell powder/nCP) through lyophilization techniques. The scaffold was developed in varying composition mixture of Alg-nCP and characterized using various evaluation techniques as well as preliminaryin vitrostudies on MG63 human osteoblast cells. Morphological observations using SEM revealed variations in structures with the use of different Alg-nCP composition ratios. All the developed scaffolds showed a porous structure with pore sizes ideal for facilitating new bone growth; however, not all combination mixtures showed subsequent favorable characteristics to be used for biological applications. Scaffolds produced using the combination mixture of 40% Alg and 60% nCP produced significantly promising results in terms of mechanical strength, degradation rate, and increased cell proliferation rates making it potentially the optimum composition mixture of Alg-nCP with future application prospects.
Assessment of Food Processing and Pharmaceutical Industrial Wastes as Potential Biosorbents: A Review
Authors: El-Sayed Hanan E. M. , El-Sayed Mayyada M. H.
Published: July 2014

There is a growing need for the use of low-cost and ecofriendly adsorbents in water/wastewater treatment applications. Conventional adsorbents as well as biosorbents from different natural and agricultural sources have been extensively studied and reviewed. However, there is a lack of reviews on biosorption utilizing industrial wastes, particularly those of food processing and pharmaceuticals. The current review evaluates the potential of these wastes as biosorbents for the removal of some hazardous contaminants. Sources and applications of these biosorbents are presented, while factors affecting biosorption are discussed. Equilibrium, kinetics, and mechanisms of biosorption are also reviewed. In spite of the wide spread application of these biosorbents in the treatment of heavy metals and dyes, more research is required on other classes of pollutants. In addition, further work should be dedicated to studying scaling up of the process and its economic feasibility. More attention should also be given to enhancing mechanical strength, stability, life time, and reproducibility of the biosorbent. Environmental concerns regarding disposal of consumed biosorbents should be addressed by offering feasible biosorbent regeneration or pollutant immobilization options.
Detecting Community Structures in Networks by Label Propagation with Prediction of Percolation Transition
Authors: Zhang Aiping , Ren Guang , Lin Yejin , Jia Baozhu , Cao Hui , Zhang Jundong , Zhang Shubin
Published: July 2014

Though label propagation algorithm (LPA) is one of the fastest algorithms for community detection in complex networks, the problem of trivial solutions frequently occurring in the algorithm affects its performance. We propose a label propagation algorithm with prediction of percolation transition (LPAp). After analyzing the reason for multiple solutions of LPA, by transforming the process of community detection into network construction process, a trivial solution in label propagation is considered as a giant component in the percolation transition. We add a prediction process of percolation transition in label propagation to delay the occurrence of trivial solutions, which makes small communities easier to be found. We also give an incomplete update condition which considers both neighbor purity and the contribution of small degree vertices to community detection to reduce the computation time of LPAp. Numerical tests are conducted. Experimental results on synthetic networks and real-world networks show that the LPAp is more accurate, more sensitive to small community, and has the ability to identify a single community structure. Moreover, LPAp with the incomplete update process can use less computation time than LPA, nearly without modularity loss.
Station Stopping of Freight Trains with Pneumatic Braking
Authors: Bai Yun , Mao Baohua , Ho Tinkin , Feng Yu , Chen Shaokuan
Published: July 2014

In Chinese mainline railway, freight trains need to stop within passenger stations at times because of the delayed passenger trains. Without any decision‐support system, it is very difficult for drivers to stop trains within stations with consistency in one braking action. The reasons are that braking performance of train changes with the conditions of braking equipment and the drivers’ subjective evaluations of track profiles and braking distance are vague and imprecise. This paper presents a fuzzy neural network (FNN), which is based on the historical datasets of train stops, to model the latest condition of train braking equipment and to attain the braking distance under a predefined braking rate, track profiles, and initial braking speed. The braking distance is used to find the initial braking position to advise the drivers on commencing braking action. Case studies confirm that it is feasible to stop trains within stations in one braking action by applying the proposed approach. Furthermore, the runtime and energy consumption of train movement are both reduced in comparison to the practical two‐step action train stopping (TATS); that is, drivers stop trains before entering stations and remotor at a low speed before slowly stopping within stations.
Development of the Rat Model of Lapatinib-Induced Diarrhoea
Authors: Bowen Joanne M.
Published: July 2014

Targeted therapy of cancer is often associated with clinically significant diarrhoea; however, the mechanisms underpinning this adverse effect are currently unknown. Diarrhoea following treatment with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) of EGFR is particularly troublesome. Until recently, understanding of EGFR TKI-induced diarrhoea has been limited to clinical observation. However, our group has recently developed the first rat model of EGFR TKI-induced diarrhoea. This paper reviews the published and unpublished findings.
Changes in Stream Peak Flow and Regulation in Naoli River Watershed as a Result of Wetland Loss
Authors: Yao Yunlong , Wang Lei , Lv Xianguo , Yu Hongxian , Li Guofu
Published: July 2014

Hydrology helps determine the character of wetlands; wetlands, in turn, regulate water flow, which influences regional hydrology. To understand these dynamics, we studied the Naoli basin where, from 1954 to 2005, intensive marshland cultivation took place, and the watershed’s wetland area declined from94.4×104 ha to17.8×104 ha. More than 80% of the wetland area loss was due to conversion to farmland, especially from 1976 to 1986. The processes of transforming wetlands to cultivated land in the whole Naoli basin and subbasins can be described using a first order exponential decay model. To quantify the effects of wetlands cultivation, we analyzed daily rainfall and streamflow data measured from 1955 to 2005 at two stations (Baoqing Station and Caizuizi Station). We defined a streamflow regulation index (SRI) and applied a Mann-Kendall-Sneyers test to further analyze the data. As the wetland area decreased, the peak streamflow at the Caizuizi station increased, and less precipitation generated heavier peak flows, as the runoff was faster than before. The SRI from 1959 to 2005 showed an increasing trend; the SRI rate of increase was 0.05/10a, demonstrating that the watershed’s regulation of streamflow regulation was declined as the wetlands disappeared.
Evidence for Association of the E23K Variant ofKCNJ11Gene with Type 2 Diabetes in Tunisian Population: Population-Based Study and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Lasram Khaled , Ben Halim Nizar , Hsouna Sana , Kefi Rym , Arfa Imen , Ghazouani Welid , Jamoussi Henda , Benrahma Houda , Kharrat Najla , Rebai Ahmed , Ben Ammar Slim , Bahri Sonia , Barakat Abdelhamid , Abid Abdelmajid , Abdelhak Sonia
Published: July 2014

Aims. Genetic association studies have reported the E23K variant ofKCNJ11gene to be associated with Type 2 diabetes. In Arab populations, only four studies have investigated the role of this variant. We aimed to replicate and validate the association between the E23K variant and Type 2 diabetes in Tunisian and Arab populations.Methods. We have performed a case-control association study including 250 Tunisian patients with Type 2 diabetes and 267 controls. Allelic association has also been evaluated by 2 meta-analyses including all population-based studies among Tunisians and Arabs (2 and 5 populations, resp.).Results. A significant association between the E23K variant and Type 2 diabetes was found (OR = 1.6, 95% CI = 1.14–2.27, andP=0.007). Furthermore, our meta-analysis has confirmed the significant role of the E23K variant in susceptibility of Type 2 diabetes in Tunisian and Arab populations (OR = 1.29, 95% CI = 1.15–1.46, andP<10-3and OR = 1.33, 95% CI = 1.13–1.56, andP=0.001, resp.).Conclusion. Both case-control and meta-analyses results revealed the significant association between the E23K variant ofKCNJ11and Type 2 diabetes among Tunisians and Arabs.
Nonlinear Analysis in a Nutrient-Algae-Zooplankton System with Sinking of Algae
Authors: Dai Chuanjun , Zhao Min
Published: July 2014

A reaction-diffusion-advection model is proposed for the Zeya Reservoir to study interactions between algae and zooplankton, including the diffusive spread of algae and zooplankton and the sinking of algae. The model is investigated both with and without sinking. Conditions of Hopf and Turing bifurcation in the spatial domain are obtained, and conditions for differential-flow instability that gives rise to the formation of spatial patterns are derived. Using numerical simulation, the authors examine the impacts on algae of different nutrient concentrations, different sinking rates, and various diffusive spreading patterns. Finally, the models with and without sinking are compared, revealing that the sinking of algae plays an important role in the oscillations of algae and zooplankton. All these results may help to achieve a better understanding of the impact of algae in the Zeya Reservoir.
Technology Efficacy in Active Prosthetic Knees for Transfemoral Amputees: A Quantitative Evaluation
Authors: El-Sayed Amr M. , Hamzaid Nur Azah , Abu Osman Noor Azuan
Published: July 2014

Several studies have presented technological ensembles of active knee systems for transfemoral prosthesis. Other studies have examined the amputees’ gait performance while wearing a specific active prosthesis. This paper combined both insights, that is, a technical examination of the components used, with an evaluation of how these improved the gait of respective users. This study aims to offer a quantitative understanding of the potential enhancement derived from strategic integration of core elements in developing an effective device. The study systematically discussed the current technology in active transfemoral prosthesis with respect to its functional walking performance amongst above-knee amputee users, to evaluate the system’s efficacy in producing close-to-normal user performance. The performances of its actuator, sensory system, and control technique that are incorporated in each reported system were evaluated separately and numerical comparisons were conducted based on the percentage of amputees’ gait deviation from normal gait profile points. The results identified particular components that contributed closest to normal gait parameters. However, the conclusion is limitedly extendable due to the small number of studies. Thus, more clinical validation of the active prosthetic knee technology is needed to better understand the extent of contribution of each component to the most functional development.
New Region-Scalable Discriminant and Fitting Energy Functional for Driving Geometric Active Contours in Medical Image Segmentation
Authors: Wang Xuchu , Niu Yanmin , Tan Liwen , Zhang Shao-Xiang
Published: July 2014

We propose a novel region-based geometric active contour model that uses region-scalable discriminant and fitting energy functional for handling the intensity inhomogeneity and weak boundary problems in medical image segmentation. The region-scalable discriminant and fitting energy functional is defined to capture the image intensity characteristics in local and global regions for driving the evolution of active contour. The discriminant term in the model aims at separating background and foreground in scalable regions while the fitting term tends to fit the intensity in these regions. This model is then transformed into a variational level set formulation with a level set regularization term for accurate computation. The new model utilizes intensity information in the local and global regions as much as possible; so it not only handles better intensity inhomogeneity, but also allows more robustness to noise and more flexible initialization in comparison to the original global region and regional-scalable based models. Experimental results for synthetic and real medical image segmentation show the advantages of the proposed method in terms of accuracy and robustness.
Energy Efficient Low‐Cost Virtual Backbone Construction for Optimal Routing in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Pitchai K. Mohaideen , Paramasivan B.
Published: July 2014

Many prominent applications in wireless sensor networks which require collected information have to be routed to end nodes in an efficient manner. In general, weighted connected dominating Sets (WCDS) based routing is a promising approach for enhancing the routing efficiency in sensor networks. Backbone has been used extensively in routing. Here an efficient WCDS algorithm for constructing a virtual backbone with low total cost, hop spanning ratio, and minimum number of dominators is proposed. We report a systematic approach, which has three phases. Initial phase considers the issues of revoking a partial CDS tree from a complete CDS tree. Secondary and final phases make the design of the complete algorithm by considering the determination of dominators using an iteration process. Our findings reveal better performance than the existing algorithms in terms of total cost, hop spanning ratio, and number of dominators.
On Angrisani and Clavelli Synthetic Approaches to Problems of Fixed Points in Convex Metric Space
Authors: Gajić Ljiljana , Stojaković Mila , Carić Biljana
Published: July 2014

The purpose of this paper is to prove some fixed point results for mapping without continuity condition on Takahashi convex metric space as an application of synthetic approaches to fixed point problems of Angrisani and Clavelli. Our results are generalizations in Banach space of fixed point results proved by Kirk and Saliga, 2000; Ahmed and Zeyada, 2010.
Homoclinic Solutions of a Class of Nonperiodic Discrete Nonlinear Systems in Infinite Higher Dimensional Lattices
Authors: Lin Genghong , Zhou Zhan
Published: July 2014

By using critical point theory, we obtain a new sufficient condition on the existence of homoclinic solutions of a class of nonperiodic discrete nonlinear systems in infinite lattices. The classical Ambrosetti-Rabinowitz superlinear condition is improved by a general superlinear one. Some results in the literature are improved.
Improved Normalized Collinearity DV-Hop Algorithm for Node Localization in Wireless Sensor Network
Authors: Zhang Yunzhou , Xiang Shu , Fu Wenyan , Wei Dongfei
Published: July 2014

In recent years, collinearity theory is widely used in large-scale sensor network. When the anchor nodes are located at almost a straight line, the collinearity phenomenon will happen and usually cause negative influence on positioning accuracy. From detailed analysis of the relation between DV-Hop localization error and the collinearity, we proposed to select the anchor nodes which can meet the condition of hop count threshold and collinearity to participate in the localization procedure. Since there is uncertain situation that the anchor node's region is hard to be decided for the sensor nodes in one hop area, Voronoi diagram is adopted to divide the sensor network into several regions. Then, we can get the anchor node information in each Voronoi polygon. With this information and the collinearity condition, we can estimate the unknown node's position with relatively higher accuracy. Compared with the traditional DV-Hop and collinearity algorithm, our proposed algorithm can get better positioning accuracy in both homogeneous network and anisotropic network.
Serum 25-OH Vitamin D in relation to Bone Mineral Density and Bone Turnover
Authors: Napoli Nicola , Strollo Rocky , Sprini Delia , Maddaloni Ernesto , Rini Giovam Battista , Carmina Enrico
Published: July 2014

It is unclear which vitamin D status is optimal for bone health. In this study, we aimed to assess cutoffs of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) derived by the literature (20, 25, or 30 ng/mL) in relation to bone turnover and bone mineral density (BMD). Serum 25OHD, PTH, osteocalcin, bone alkaline phosphatase, and C-telopeptide were measured in 274 consecutive postmenopausal women. BMD of the lumbar spine (L1–L4) and of femoral neck were also evaluated. 50 patients had normal BMD, while 124 had osteopenia and 100 had osteoporosis. 37.6%, 56.2%, and 70.8% subjects had serum 25OHD lower than 20, 25, or 30 ng/mL, respectively. No differences in bone turnover markers were found when comparing patients with low 25OHD defined according to the different cutoffs. However, a cutoff of 25 ng/mL appeared to differentiate better than a cutoff of 30 ng/mL in those subjects with reduced femoral neck BMD. The PTH plateau occurred at 25OHD levels of 26–30 ng/mL. In conclusion, vitamin D deficiency is common in Sicilian postmenopausal women and it may be associated with low BMD and increased bone turnover markers. Further studies are needed to better define the right cutoff for normal vitamin D levels in postmenopausal women.
Dimensional Model for Estimating Factors influencing Childhood Obesity: Path Analysis Based Modeling
Authors: Kheirollahpour Maryam , Shohaimi Shamarina
Published: July 2014

The main objective of this study is to identify and develop a comprehensive model which estimates and evaluates the overall relations among the factors that lead to weight gain in children by using structural equation modeling. The proposed models in this study explore the connection among the socioeconomic status of the family, parental feeding practice, and physical activity. Six structural models were tested to identify the direct and indirect relationship between the socioeconomic status and parental feeding practice general level of physical activity, and weight status of children. Finally, a comprehensive model was devised to show how these factors relate to each other as well as to the body mass index (BMI) of the children simultaneously. Concerning the methodology of the current study, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was applied to reveal the hidden (secondary) effect of socioeconomic factors on feeding practice and ultimately on the weight status of the children and also to determine the degree of model fit. The comprehensive structural model tested in this study suggested that there are significant direct and indirect relationships among variables of interest. Moreover, the results suggest that parental feeding practice and physical activity are mediators in the structural model.
Airglow Measurements of Gravity Wave Propagation and Damping over Kolhapur (16.5°N, 74.2°E)
Authors: Ghodpage R. N. , Taori A. , Patil P. T. , Gurubaran S. , Sharma A. K. , Nikte S. , Nade D.
Published: July 2014

Simultaneous mesospheric OH and O  (1S) night airglow intensity measurements from Kolhapur (16.8°N, 74.2°E) reveal unambiguous gravity wave signatures with periods varying from 01 hr to 9 hr with upward propagation. The amplitudes growth of these waves is found to vary from 0.4 to 2.2 while propagating from the OH layer (~87 km) to the O (1S) layer (~97 km). We find that vertical wavelength of the observed waves increases with the wave period. The damping factors calculated for the observed waves show large variations and that most of these waves were damped while traveling from the OH emission layer to the O (1S) emission layer. The damping factors for the waves show a positive correlation at vertical wavelengths shorter than 40 km, while a negative correlation at higher vertical wavelengths. We note that the damping factors have stronger positive correlation with meridional wind shears compared to the zonal wind shears.
Degree and Rate of Growth Discordance in Dichorionic Twins Conceived by In Vitro Fertilization
Authors: Egic Amira S. , Mojovic Donka V. , Milovanovic Zagorka M. , Jurisic Aleksandar B. , Srbinovic Ljubomir P. , Krsmanovic Suzana P. , Karadzov-Orlic Natasa T.
Published: July 2014

Objective.Our objective was to estimate degree and rate of discordant growth and its impact on perinatal outcome in dichorionic twin pregnancies conceived by in vitro fertilization (IVF) compared to those conceived spontaneously.Study Design.Growth discordance was defined as 90th percentiles for the study population. Adverse perinatal outcome was defined as 5-minute Apgar score<7and/or admission to neonatal intensive care unit.Results.In the total study population of dichorionic twins (176 conceived by IVF and 215 spontaneously), 30% discordant growth represented the 90th percentile. After adjusting for gestational age, discordant twins conceived by IVF or spontaneously were at higher risk for adverse perinatal outcome (hazard ratio 4.4; 95% CI 2.4–8.3,P<0.0001; hazard ratio 2.5; 95% CI 1.5–4.4,P=0.001, resp.). Similar rates of 5-minute Apgar score<7, admission to neonatal intensive care unit, and delivery<34weeks were found between discordant twins conceived by IVF and those conceived spontaneously.Conclusion.Dichorionic twins conceived by IVF are at similar risk for the rate and degree of discordant growth and adverse perinatal outcome compared to dichorionic twins conceived spontaneously.
Equilibrium Point Bifurcation and Singularity Analysis of HH Model with Constraint
Authors: Zhu Xinhe , Wu Zhiqiang
Published: July 2014

We present the equilibrium point bifurcation and singularity analysis of HH model with constraints. We investigate the effect of constraints and parameters on the type of equilibrium point bifurcation. HH model with constraints has more transition sets. The Matcont toolbox software environment was used for analysis of the bifurcation points in conjunction with Matlab. We also illustrate the stability of the equilibrium points.
Effort at Constructing Big Data Sensor Networks for Monitoring Greenhouse Gas Emission
Authors: Tang Haijing , Yang Xu , Zhang Yanjun
Published: July 2014

Global warming is an important environment issue rapidly becoming a part of popular culture. Scientists are 95–100% certain that it is primarily caused by increasing concentrations of greenhouse gases produced by human activities. Policies dealing with global warming depend on accurate and precise monitoring of the emissions of greenhouse gases. However, most greenhouse gas emissions management comes from bottom-up reporting, in which a company reports its energy use and other resource consumption metrics and maps out its carbon footprint. This is not a sufficient good way. A big data network of sensors has been constructed by us in Neimenggu province of China, which will gather huge amount of more accurate information on the dynamics of greenhouse gases in local areas and measure changes over time. Application specific instruction set processor is integrated in those sensor devices, to perform preliminary process of collected data. In this work, we have presented our efforts at constructing the big data sensor network for monitoring the greenhouse gases emission and mainly focused on building the ASIP's retargetable compiler framework designed and dedicated for our sensor network.
The Role of Interleukin 17 in Tumour Proliferation, Angiogenesis, and Metastasis
Authors: Yang Bob , Kang Heechan , Fung Anthony , Zhao Hailin , Wang Tianlong , Ma Daqing
Published: July 2014

With 7.6 million deaths globally, cancer according to the World Health Organisation is still one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Interleukin 17 (IL-17) is a cytokine produced by Th17 cells, a T helper cell subset developed from an activated CD4+ T-cell. Whilst the importance of IL-17 in human autoimmune disease, inflammation, and pathogen defence reactions has already been established, its potential role in cancer progression still needs to be updated. Interestingly studies have demonstrated that IL-17 plays an intricate role in the pathophysiology of cancer, from tumorigenesis, proliferation, angiogenesis, and metastasis, to adapting the tumour in its ability to confer upon itself both immune, and chemotherapy resistance. This review will look into IL-17 and summarise the current information and data on its role in the pathophysiology of cancer as well as its potential application in the overall management of the disease.
Osteometric Effects of Surgical Caponisation on Some Long Bones in Cockerel Chickens
Authors: Mahmud Muhammad Abdullahi , Shaba Peter , Gana James , Yisa Helen Yarubi , Ndagimba Ruth , Abdulsalam Wosilat , Ndagi Silas , Abubakar Habiba Lami
Published: July 2014

The study was conducted to assess the osteometric effects of surgical caponisation on long bones of cockerel chickens. Sixty- (60-) day-old chicks were distributed into two experimental groups with thirty (30) cockerels per group. The birds were caponised at eight (8) weeks of age. The mean of final body weights of caponized groups was significantly higher (P≤0.05) than the uncaponised group. The weights of all long bones measured as well as lengths between the two groups were not statistically different (P>0.05) from one another except the weight of femur of the caponized group and the lengths of tibia and tarsometatarsus (P<0.05) that differed significantly from one another (P<0.05). All the proximal, midshaft, and distal diameters of all the long bones measured between the two groups were not statistically different (P>0.05) from one another except the midshaft diameter of ulna that was significantly higher (P<0.05) in caponized group. It was concluded that caponisation of cockerel chickens at eight (8) weeks of age has no significant osteometric effects (P>0.05) on almost all the long bones studied when they were normalised to the final body weights.
Risk‐Sensitive Multiagent Decision‐Theoretic Planning Based on MDP and One‐Switch Utility Functions
Authors: Zeng Wei , Zhou Hongtao , You Mingshan
Published: July 2014

In high stakes situations decision‐makers are often risk‐averse and decision‐making processes often take place in group settings. This paper studies multiagent decision‐theoretic planning under Markov decision processes (MDPs) framework with considering the change of agent’s risk attitude as his wealth level varies. Based on one‐switch utility function that describes agent’s risk attitude change with his wealth level, we give the additive and multiplicative aggregation models of group utility and adopt maximizing expected group utility as planning objective. When the wealth level approaches infinity, the characteristics of optimal policy are analyzed for the additive and multiplicative aggregation model, respectively. Then a backward‐induction method is proposed to divide the wealth level interval from negative infinity to initial wealth level into subintervals and determine the optimal policy in states and subintervals. The proposed method is illustrated by numerical examples and the influences of agent’s risk aversion parameters and weights on group decision‐making are also analyzed.
Transverse Momentum and Pseudorapidity Distributions of Charged Particles and Spatial Shapes of Interacting Events in Pb-Pb Collisions at 2.76 TeV
Authors: Liu Fu-Hu , Gao Ya-Qin , Tian Tian , Li Bao-Chun
Published: July 2014

The transverse momentum and pseudorapidity distributions of charged particles produced in Pb-Pb collisions with different centrality intervals at center-of-mass energy per nucleon pairsNN=2.76 TeV have been analyzed by using the improved multisource thermal model in which the whole interacting system and then the sources are described by the Tsallis statistics. The modelling results are in agreement with experimental data of the ALICE Collaboration. The rapidity distributions of charged particles are obtained according to the extracted parameter values. The shapes of interacting events (the dispersion plots of charged particles) are given in the momentum, rapidity, velocity, and coordinate spaces. Meanwhile, the event shapes in different spaces consisted by different transverse quantities and longitudinal quantities are presented.
Effects of Nrf2 Deficiency on Bone Microarchitecture in an Experimental Model of Osteoporosis
Authors: Ibáñez Lidia , Ferrándiz María Luisa , Brines Rita , Guede David , Cuadrado Antonio , Alcaraz Maria José
Published: July 2014

Objective. Redox imbalance contributes to bone fragility. We have evaluated the in vivo role of nuclear factor erythroid derived 2-related factor-2 (Nrf2), an important regulator of cellular responses to oxidative stress, in bone metabolism using a model of postmenopausal osteoporosis.Methods. Ovariectomy was performed in both wild-type and mice deficient in Nrf2 (Nrf2−/−). Bone microarchitecture was analyzed byμCT. Serum markers of bone metabolism were also measured. Reactive oxygen species production was determined using dihydrorhodamine 123.Results. Sham-operated or ovariectomized Nrf2−/−mice exhibit a loss in trabecular bone mineral density in femur, accompanied by a reduction in cortical area in vertebrae. Nrf2 deficiency tended to increase osteoblastic markers and significantly enhanced osteoclastic markers in sham-operated animals indicating an increased bone turnover with a main effect on bone resorption. We have also shown an increased production of oxidative stress in bone marrow-derived cells from sham-operated or ovariectomized Nrf2−/−mice and a higher responsiveness of bone marrow-derived cells to osteoclastogenic stimuli in vitro.Conclusion. We have demonstrated in vivo a key role of Nrf2 in the maintenance of bone microarchitecture.
Sampled-Data Consensus for Nonlinear Multiagent Dynamical Systems via Reliable Control
Authors: Li Hongjie
Published: July 2014

The paper studies sampled-data consensus for nonlinear multiagent dynamical systems. A distributed linear reliable consensus protocol is designed, where probabilistic actuators with different failure rates and random network-induced delay are considered. Based on the input delay approach, a new distribution-based fault multiagent system model with random delay is proposed. By using the stochastic analysis technique and Kronecker product properties, some consensus conditions are derived in terms of linear matrix inequalities, and the solvability of derived conditions depends on not only the failure rate of the actuator but also on the probability of the delay. Finally, a numerical example is provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the obtained theoretical results.
Service Life Assessment of Historical Building Envelopes Constructed Using Different Types of Sandstone: A Computational Analysis Based on Experimental Input Data
Authors: Kočí Václav , Maděra Jiří , Fořt Jan , Žumár Jaromír , Pavlíková Milena , Pavlík Zbyšek , Černý Robert
Published: July 2014

Service life assessment of three historical building envelopes constructed using different types of sandstone is presented. At first, experimental measurements of material parameters of sandstones are performed to provide the necessary input data for a subsequent computational analysis. In the second step, the moisture and temperature fields across the studied envelopes are calculated for a representative period of time. The computations are performed using dynamic climatic data as the boundary conditions on the exterior side of building envelope. The climatic data for three characteristic localities are experimentally determined by the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute and contain hourly values of temperature, relative humidity, rainfalls, wind velocity and direction, and sun radiation. Using the measured durability properties of the analyzed sandstones and the calculated numbers of freeze/thaw cycles under different climatic conditions, the service life of the investigated building envelopes is assessed. The obtained results show that the climatic conditions can play a very significant role in the service life assessment of historical buildings, even in the conditions of such a small country as the Czech Republic. In addition, the investigations reveal the importance of the material characteristics of sandstones, in particular the hygric properties, on their service life in a structure.
Familial Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm with Dissection Presenting as Flash Pulmonary Edema in a 26-Year-Old Man
Authors: Omar Sabry , Moore Tyler , Payne Drew , Momeni Parastoo , Mulkey Zachary , Paone Ralph , Nugent Kenneth
Published: July 2014

We are reporting a case of familial thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection in a 26-year-old man with no significant past medical history and a family history of dissecting aortic aneurysm in his mother at the age of 40. The patient presented with cough, shortness of breath, and chest pain. Chest X-ray showed bilateral pulmonary infiltrates. CT scan of the chest showed a dissection of the ascending aorta. The patient underwent aortic dissection repair and three months later he returned to our hospital with new complaints of back pain. CT angiography showed a new aortic dissection extending from the left carotid artery through the bifurcation and into the iliac arteries. The patient underwent replacement of the aortic root, ascending aorta, total aortic arch, and aortic valve. The patient recovered well postoperatively. Genetic studies of the patient and his children revealed no mutations in ACTA2, TGFBR1, TGFBR2, TGFB2, MYH11, MYLK, SMAD3, or FBN1. This case report focuses on a patient with familial TAAD and discusses the associated genetic loci and available screening methods. It is important to recognize potential cases of familial TAAD and understand the available screening methods since early diagnosis allows appropriate management of risk factors and treatment when necessary.
The Axioms Independence of Pseudo-Weak-R0Algebras and Filters
Authors: Liu Yong Lin
Published: July 2014

The most simplified axiom systems of pseudo-weak-R0algebras and pseudo-R0algebras are obtained, and the mutually independence of axioms is proved. We introduce the notions of filters and normal filters in pseudo-weak-R0algebras. The structures and properties of the generated filters and generated normal filters in pseudo-weak-R0algebras are obtained. These can be seen as noncommutative generalizations of the corresponding ones in weak-R0algebras.
Identification of the Causative Disease of Intermittent Claudication through Walking Motion Analysis: Feature Analysis and Differentiation
Authors: Watanabe Tetsuyou , Yoneyama Takeshi , Hayashi Hiroyuki , Toribatake Yasumitsu
Published: July 2014

Intermittent claudication is a walking symptom. Patients with intermittent claudication experience lower limb pain after walking for a short time. However, rest relieves the pain and allows the patient to walk again. Unfortunately, this symptom predominantly arises from not 1 but 2 different diseases: LSS (lumber spinal canal stenosis) and PAD (peripheral arterial disease). Patients with LSS can be subdivided by the affected vertebra into 2 main groups: L4 and L5. It is clinically very important to determine whether patients with intermittent claudication suffer from PAD, L4, or L5. This paper presents a novel SVM- (support vector machine-) based methodology for such discrimination/differentiation using minimally required data, simple walking motion data in the sagittal plane. We constructed a simple walking measurement system that is easy to set up and calibrate and suitable for use by nonspecialists in small spaces. We analyzed the obtained gait patterns and derived input parameters for SVM that are also visually detectable and medically meaningful/consistent differentiation features. We present a differentiation methodology utilizing an SVM classifier. Leave-one-out cross-validation of differentiation/classification by this method yielded a total accuracy of 83%.
Xiao Yao San Improves Depressive‐Like Behavior in Rats through Modulation of	β‐Arrestin 2‐Mediated Pathways in Hippocampus
Authors: Zhu Xiaoxia , Xia Oudong , Han Weili , Shao Meng , Jing Linlin , Fan Qin , Liu Yuanliang , Diao Jianxin , Lv Zhiping , Sun Xuegang
Published: July 2014

Xiao Yao San (XYS) is a classical Chinese medicine formula that has been widely used to treat mood disorders for hundreds of years. To confirm the effect of XYS and better understand its underlying mechanism, high‐performance liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry analysis‐based quality control of XYS extracts and proteomics‐based identification of differential proteins in the hippocampus were adopted in social isolation and chronic unpredictable mild stress‐ (CUMS‐) treated rats. The depressive‐like behavior of rats induced by CUMS resembled the manifestation of human depression. The upregulated corticosterone (CORT) and urocortin 2 (UCN2) levels demonstrated the existence of hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal (HPA) axis hyperactivity. XYS was effective in ameliorating the depressive‐like behavior and downregulating UCN2 and CORT. XYS decreased the expression of serine/threonine‐protein phosphatase 2A subunit B and increased the expression of β‐arrestin 2. The expressions of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), tyrosine receptor kinase B (TrkB), and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) were also elevated by XYS. In conclusion, XYS improves social isolation and CUMS‐induced depressive‐like behavior and ameliorates HPA hyperactivation through the downregulation of corticotrophin releasing hormone (CRH) receptor 2. The upregulation of BDNF/TrkB and the phosphorylation of mTOR require β‐arrestin 2 as a scaffold to regulate stress signaling.
Assessment of Potential Location of High Arsenic Contamination Using Fuzzy Overlay and Spatial Anisotropy Approach in Iron Mine Surrounding Area
Authors: Weerasiri Thanes , Wirojanagud Wanpen , Srisatit Thares
Published: July 2014

Fuzzy overlay approach on three raster maps including land slope, soil type, and distance to stream can be used to identify the most potential locations of high arsenic contamination in soils. Verification of high arsenic contamination was made by collection samples and analysis of arsenic content and interpolation surface by spatial anisotropic method. A total of 51 soil samples were collected at the potential contaminated location clarified by fuzzy overlay approach. At each location, soil samples were taken at the depth of 0.00-1.00 m from the surface ground level. Interpolation surface of the analysed arsenic content using spatial anisotropic would verify the potential arsenic contamination location obtained from fuzzy overlay outputs. Both outputs of the spatial surface anisotropic and the fuzzy overlay mapping were significantly spatially conformed. Three contaminated areas with arsenic concentrations of7.19±2.86,6.60±3.04, and4.90±2.67 mg/kg exceeded the arsenic content of 3.9 mg/kg, the maximum concentration level (MCL) for agricultural soils as designated by Office of National Environment Board of Thailand. It is concluded that fuzzy overlay mapping could be employed for identification of potential contamination area with the verification by surface anisotropic approach including intensive sampling and analysis of the substances of interest.
High Throughput Pseudorandom Number Generator Based on Variable Argument Unified Hyperchaos
Authors: Wang Kaiyu , Yan Qingxin , Yu Shihua , Qi Xianwei , Zhou Yudi , Tang Zhenan
Published: July 2014

This paper presents a new multioutput and high throughput pseudorandom number generator. The scheme is to make the homogenized Logistic chaotic sequence as unified hyperchaotic system parameter. So the unified hyperchaos can transfer in different chaotic systems and the output can be more complex with the changing of homogenized Logistic chaotic output. Through processing the unified hyperchaotic 4-way outputs, the output will be extended to 26 channels. In addition, the generated pseudorandom sequences have all passed NIST SP800-22 standard test and DIEHARD test. The system is designed in Verilog HDL and experimentally verified on a Xilinx Spartan 6 FPGA for a maximum throughput of 16.91 Gbits/s for the native chaotic output and 13.49 Gbits/s for the resulting pseudorandom number generators.
A Review on the Traditional Chinese Medicinal Herbs and Formulae with Hypolipidemic Effect
Authors: Sham Tung-Ting , Chan Chi-On , Wang You-Hua , Yang Jian-Mei , Mok Daniel Kam-Wah , Chan Shun-Wan
Published: July 2014

Hyperlipidemia, characterized by the abnormal blood lipid profiles, is one of the dominant factors of many chronic diseases such as diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular diseases (CVD). For the low cost, effectiveness, and fewer side effects, the popularity of using traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) to handle hyperlipidemia is increasing and its role in health care has been recognized by the public at large. Despite the importance of TCM herbs and formulations, there is no comprehensive review summarizing their scientific findings on handling hyperlipidemia. This review summarizes the recent experimental and clinical results of nine representative single Chinese herbs and seven classic TCM formulae that could improve lipid profiles so as to help understand and compare their underlying mechanisms. Most of single herbs and formulae demonstrated the improvement of hyperlipidemic conditions with multiple and diverse mechanisms of actions similar to conventional Western drugs in spite of their mild side effects. Due to increasing popularity of TCM, more extensive, well-designed preclinical and clinical trials on the potential synergistic and adverse side effects of herb-drug interactions as well as their mechanisms are warranted. Hyperlipidemic patients should be warned about the potential risks of herb-drug interactions, particularly those taking anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs.
Nodular Lymphocyte Predominant Hodgkin Lymphoma versus T-Cell/Histiocyte-Rich Large B-Cell Lymphoma: A Diagnostic Challenge
Authors: Rets Anton V. , Gottesman Susan R. S.
Published: July 2014

Lymphomas with overlapping histological features of two distinct entities cause difficulty in classification. Their classification is of particular significance when the two alternatives require different treatment modalities. We present a diagnostically challenging case of a nodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin lymphoma (NLPHL) with features of T-cell/histiocyte-rich large B-cell lymphoma (THRLBCL). Our patient is a 39-year-old woman who presented with painless subclavicular and axillary lymphadenopathy. The biopsied lymph node showed diffuse architectural effacement and scattered large neoplastic cells with large irregular nuclei and prominent nucleoli. These cells were positive for CD20 and Bcl-6 and negative for CD15, CD30, IgD, and Bcl-2. The background cells were predominantly T lymphocytes, whereas B cells were markedly depleted. The lymph node was interpreted as NLPHL, consistent with THRLBCL-like variant. NLPHL, especially THRLBC-like variant, and de novo THRLBCL are characterized by significant morphologic and immunophenotypic overlap. Our case demonstrates a rare predominance of background T-cells in NLPHL and emphasizes the importance of thorough evaluation of multiple morphologic and immunophenotypic features as an essential approach for arriving at the correct diagnosis.
Advanced Image Analysis of Two-Phase Flow inside a Centrifugal Pump
Authors: Amoresano A. , Langella G. , Niola V. , Quaremba G.
Published: July 2014

The analysis two-phase flow inside centrifugal pumps is a fundamental issue in several engineering applications. This often represents a bad working condition with respect to single phase one, causing head reduction, efficiency decrease, and higher operational costs in terms of energy and money. The paper reports a numerical analysis of bubbles behavior inside centrifugal pumps. Equations regulating the air bubble motion within the rotor of a centrifugal pump have been solved considering the effects of all forces acting. Coalescence phenomena have been investigated too, in order to identify how gas zone presence in the rotor can lead to anomalous working condition. Results are reported in graphs and diagrams varying bubble dimension and water flow rate. An experimental approach to visualize the two-phase flow field inside the impeller is presented too. Images have been acquired, elaborated, compared with numerical results, and discussed in order to understand the interaction between gas phase and liquid phase and to correlate this behavior with the energy dissipation phenomena for a centrifugal pump.
Surface Thermal Insulation and Pipe Cooling of Spillways during Concrete Construction Period
Authors: Zhenhong Wang , Yi Liu , Shuping Yu
Published: July 2014

Given that spillways adopt a hydraulic thin concrete plate structure, this structure is difficult to protect from cracks. The mechanism of the cracks in spillways shows that temperature stress is the major reason for cracks. Therefore, an effective way of preventing cracks is a timely and reasonable temperature‐control program. Studies show that one effective prevention method is surface thermal insulation combined with internal pipe cooling. The major factors influencing temperature control effects are the time of performing thermal insulation and the ways of internal pipe cooling. To solve this problem, a spillway is taken as an example and a three‐dimensional finite element program and pipe cooling calculation method are adopted to conduct simulation calculation and analysis on the temperature fields and stress fields of concretes subject to different temperature‐control programs. The temperature‐control effects are then compared. Optimization results show that timely and reasonable surface thermal insulation and water‐flowing mode can ensure good temperature‐control and anticrack effects. The method has reference value for similar projects.
Positive Solutions for Impulsive Differential Equations with Mixed Monotonicity and Optimal Control
Authors: Zhang Lingling , Yamazaki Noriaki , Guo Rui
Published: July 2014

We consider positive solutions and optimal control problem for a second order impulsive differential equation with mixed monotone terms. Firstly, by using a fixed point theorem of mixed monotone operator, we study positive solutions of the boundary value problem for impulsive differential equations with mixed monotone terms, and sufficient conditions for existence and uniqueness of positive solutions will be established. Also, we study positive solutions of the initial value problem for our system. Moreover, we investigate the control problem of positive solutions to our equations, and then, we prove the existence of an optimal control and its stability. In addition, related examples will be given for illustrations.
SPSB1 May Have MET Its Match during Breast Cancer Recurrence
Authors: Qin Yuanbo , McAllister Sandra S.
Published: July 2014

Summary: Disease recurrence is the most common cause of death for patients with breast cancer, yet little is known about the molecular mechanisms underlying this process. Using inducible transgenic mouse model systems, Feng and colleagues identified SPSB1 as a determinant of breast cancer recurrence by virtue of its ability to protect tumor cells from apoptosis through c-MET activation. Cancer Discov; 4(7); 760–1. ©2014 AACR.

See related article by Feng et al., p. 790