bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigation of Natural Convection in Heat Generating Molten Nuclear Fuel and Assessment of Core Damage Propagation
Authors: Ravi L. , Velusamy K. , Chellapandi P.
Published: March 2015

Total instantaneous blockage (TIB) is a severe subassembly accident in a sodium cooled fast reactor. During such an accident, a heat generating fuel pool is formed which is bounded by six neighboring subassemblies which are force-cooled by sodium. The molten fuel pool attacks the walls of the neighboring hexcan, melting them layer by layer. The rate of propagation of such damage and the temperature rise in sodium due to heat transfer from fuel pool through hexcan wall are investigated by a two-step mathematical approach. In the first step, natural convection in the fuel pool is studied by a 2D axisymmetric computational fluid dynamic model and correlations for effective conductivity as a function of internal Rayleigh number and aspect ratio have been developed. In the second step, rate of damage propagation to the hexcan wall and sodium temperature rise are predicted by a 1D transient enthalpy model. It is found that rate of damage propagation is accelerated by natural convection inside the pool. Further, the rate of heat transfer to neighboring subassembly sodium also increases due to natural convection in the pool. Eventually, the residual thickness of hexcan at the time of reactor trip is found to be insensitive to the presence/absence of natural convection in the pool.
Study of Two-Phase Natural Circulation Cooling of Core Catcher System Using Scaled Model
Authors: Revankar Shripad T. , Song Kiwon , Rhee B. W. , Park R. J. , Ha K. S. , Song J. H.
Published: March 2015

A two-phase natural circulation cooling has been proposed to remove melted core decay heat by external core catcher cooling system during sever accident scenario. In this paper, two types of the core catcher cooling loops, one with heated loop and the other adiabatic loop simulated with air water system are analytically studied. First, a scaling analysis was carried out for natural circulation flow in a closed loop. Based on the scaling analyses, simulation of two-phase natural circulation is carried out both for air–water and steam–water system in an inclined rectangular channel. The heat flux corresponding to the decay heat is simulated with steam generation rate or air flux into the test section to produce equivalent flow quality and void fraction. Design calculations were carried out for typical core catcher design to estimate the expected natural circulation rates. The natural circulation flow rate and two-phase pressure drop were obtained for different heat inputs or equivalent air injection rates expressed as void fraction for a select downcomer pipe size. These results can be used to scale a steam water system using scaling consideration presented. The results indicate that the air–water and steam water system show similar flow and pressure drop behavior.
A New Generalized-Type of Synchronization for Discrete-Time Chaotic Dynamical Systems
Authors: Ouannas Adel
Published: April 2015

In this paper, a new type of chaos synchronization in discrete-time is proposed by combining matrix projective synchronization (MPS) and generalized synchronization (GS). This new chaos synchronization type allows us to study synchronization between different dimensional discrete-time chaotic systems in different dimensions. Based on nonlinear controllers and Lyapunov stability theory, effective control schemes are introduced and new synchronization criterions are derived. Numerical simulations are used to validate the theoretical results and to verify the effectiveness of the proposed schemes.
Radiofrequency ablation changes the quality of life of children with supraventricular tachycardias
Authors: Abo-Haded Hany Mahmoud
Published: April 2015

Objective

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has rapidly become the first-line therapy for children with supraventricular tachycardia (SVT). Recently, more attention has been given to the measurement of health-related quality of life (QoL) in children. The primary aim of this study was to determine if there is a change in the QoL in children with SVT pre and post RFA procedure using the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) cardiac inventory. In addition, the study discusses the impact of age, gender and variety of SVT mechanisms on the QoL.

Design, setting and patients

All consecutive children with SVT referred for RFA at Mansoura University Children's Hospital were enrolled in this study. The PedsQL cardiac module questionnaire was given to the children/parents to be filled out before and 1 month following RFA procedure. Evaluated areas were physical, emotional, social, school and psychosocial function. The paired t test was used to test the difference between pre-time and post-time points for the study groups. Demographic and clinical data were collected.

Results

The study sample consisted of 38 patients who underwent a successful ablation. The mean age of the patients at the time of RFA procedure was 12.4±5.3 years. There was a statistically significant improvement in all measured areas 1 month post successful RFA as compared with pre ablation. Post ablation, the greatest score improvement was in physical functioning. Older children (>12 years) showed the greatest benefit, but gender and type of SVT did not influence outcome.

Conclusions

RFA therapy is useful in improving QoL and perceptions in children with recurrent SVT.
Hospital costs of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients treated in intensive care; a single centre evaluation using the national tariff-based system
Authors: Petrie J , Easton S , Naik V , Lockie C , Brett S J , Stümpfle R
Published: April 2015

Objectives

There is a scarcity of literature reporting hospital costs for treating out of hospital cardiac arrest (OOHCA) survivors, especially within the UK. This is essential for assessment of cost-effectiveness of interventions necessary to allow just allocation of resources within the National Health Service. We set out primarily to calculate costs stratified against hospital survival and neurological outcomes. Secondarily, we estimated cost effectiveness based on estimates of survival and utility from previous studies to calculate costs per quality adjusted life year (QALY).

Setting

We performed a single centre (London) retrospective review of in-hospital costs of patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) following return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) after OOHCA over 18 months from January 2011 (following widespread introduction of targeted temperature management and primary percutaneous intervention).

Participants

Of 69 successive patients admitted over an 18-month period, survival and cerebral performance category (CPC) outcomes were obtained from review of databases and clinical notes. The Trust finance department supplied ICU and hospital costs using the Payment by Results UK system.

Results

Of those patients with ROSC admitted to ICU, survival to hospital discharge (any CPC) was 33/69 (48%) with 26/33 survivors in CPC 1–2 at hospital discharge. Cost per survivor to hospital discharge (including total cost of survivors and non-survivors) was £50 000, cost per CPC 1–2 survivor was £65 000. Cost and length of stay of CPC 1–2 patients was considerably lower than CPC 3–4 patients. The majority of the costs (69%) related to intensive care. Estimated cost per CPC 1–2 survivor per QALY was £16 000.

Conclusions

The costs of in-hospital patient care for ICU admissions following ROSC after OOHCA are considerable but within a reasonable threshold when assessed from a QALY perspective.
Antibodies to myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein in idiopathic optic neuritis
Authors: Nakajima Hideki , Motomura Masakatsu , Tanaka Keiko , Fujikawa Azusa , Nakata Ruka , Maeda Yasuhiro , Shima Tomoaki , Mukaino Akihiro , Yoshimura Shunsuke , Miyazaki Teiichiro , Shiraishi Hirokazu , Kawakami Atsushi , Tsujino Akira
Published: April 2015

Objectives

To investigate the differences of clinical features, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), MRI findings and response to steroid therapies between patients with optic neuritis (ON) who have myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) antibodies and those who have seronegative ON.

Setting

We recruited participants in the department of neurology and ophthalmology in our hospital in Japan.

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated the clinical features and response to steroid therapies of patients with ON. Sera from patients were tested for antibodies to MOG and aquaporin-4 (AQP4) with a cell-based assay.

Participants

Between April 2009 and March 2014, we enrolled serial 57 patients with ON (27 males, 30 females; age range 16–84 years) who ophthalmologists had diagnosed as having or suspected to have ON with acute visual impairment and declined critical flicker frequency, abnormal findings of brain MRI, optical coherence tomography and fluorescein fundus angiography at their onset or recurrence. We excluded those patients who fulfilled the diagnostic criteria of neuromyelitis optica (NMO)/NMO spectrum disorders (NMOSD), MS McDonald's criteria, and so on. Finally we defined 29 patients with idiopathic ON (14 males, 15 females, age range 16–84 years).

Results

27.6% (8/29) were positive for MOG antibodies and 3.4% (1/29) were positive for AQP4. Among the eight patients with MOG antibodies, five had optic pain (p=0.001) and three had prodromal infection (p=0.179). Three of the eight MOG-positive patients showed significantly high CSF levels of myelin basic protein (p=0.021) and none were positive for oligoclonal band in CSF. On MRIs, seven MOG-positive patients showed high signal intensity on optic nerve, three had a cerebral lesion and one had a spinal cord lesion. Seven of the eight MOG-positive patients had a good response to steroid therapy.

Conclusions

Although not proving primary pathogenicity of anti-MOG antibodies, the present results indicate that the measurement of MOG antibodies is useful in diagnosing and treating ON.
Improving the Quality of Assessment and Management of Hypoglycaemia in Hospitalised Patients with Diabetes Mellitus by Introducing 'Hypo Boxes' to General Medical Wards with a Specialist Interest in Diabetes
Authors: Livingstone Rachel , Boyle James
Published: April 2015

Diabetes is becoming more prevalent in the UK and this is represented in the in-patient cohort, such that 1 in 6 hospital patients have diabetes (1). The UK National Diabetes In-Patient Audit in 2012 estimated that 30% of patients experience one episode of hypoglycaemia during admission. Hypoglycaemia is associated with increased morbidity and mortality, and longer length of hospital stay.

It is therefore important that hypoglycaemia is managed promptly and effectively to reduce associated morbidity. The Joint British Diabetes Society recommends that all wards should have access to ‘Hypo Boxes’ (2).

We assessed all episodes of hypoglycaemia (<4.0 mmol/l) in the diabetes wards in over a 4 week period. ‘Hypo Boxes’ were installed to the wards and the appropriateness of treatment and time to correction of hypoglycaemia was re-assessed.

Assessment of hypoglycaemia pre-intervention revealed 45 episodes of hypoglycaemia in 14 patients, and 42% (n=19) of episodes were deemed to have been treated appropriately. Only 17.8% of episodes were corrected within 30 minutes, and 33.3% were corrected within 60 minutes. A third of patients (35%) did not have a further blood glucose checked.

Following intervention, there was a marked improvement in management. The proportion of appropriately managed episodes increased to 82% (n=35) and management of episodes of severe hypoglycaemia (<3.0 mmol/l) increased to 94%. The time to correction increased with 40% of episodes corrected to >4.0 mmol/l within 30 minutes, and a further 54% between 30-60 minutes.

In conclusion, the introduction of ‘Hypo Boxes’ improved the assessment and management of hypoglycaemia.
Fasting upregulates adipose triglyceride lipase and hormone-sensitive lipase levels and phosphorylation in mouse kidney
Authors: Marvyn Phillip M. , Bradley Ryan M. , Button Emily B. , Mardian Emily B. , Duncan Robin E.
Published: March 2015

Circulating non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) rise during fasting and are taken up by the kidneys, either directly from the plasma or during re-uptake of albumin from glomerular filtrate, and are stored as triacylglycerol (TAG). Subsequent utilization of stored fatty acids requires their hydrolytic release from cellular lipid droplets, but relatively little is known about renal lipolysis. We found that total [3H]triolein hydrolase activity of kidney lysates was significantly increased by 15% in the fasted state. Adipose triglyceride lipase (Atgl) and hormone-sensitive lipase (Hsl) mRNA expression was time-dependently increased by fasting, along with other fatty acid metabolism genes (Pparα, Cd36, and Aox). ATGL and HSL protein levels were also significantly induced (by 239 ± 7% and 322 ± 8%, respectively). Concomitant with changes in total protein levels, there was an increase in ATGL phosphorylation at the AMPK-regulated serine 406 site in the 14-3-3 binding motif, and an increase in HSL phosphorylation at serines 565 and 660 that are regulated by AMPK and PKA, respectively. Using immunofluorescence, we further demonstrate nearly ubiquitous expression of ATGL in the renal cortex with a concentration on the apical/lumenal surface of some cortical tubules. Our findings suggest a role for ATGL and HSL in kidney lipolysis.
Synthesis and photochromic circular dichroism of 2,7-di-tert-butyl-10b,10c-dimethyl-pyrazino[2,3-e]dihydropyrene
Authors: Sawada Tsuyoshi , Akazawa Yukari , Narazaki Yu , Kubo Shingo , Nanamura Kazuaki
Published: March 2015

2,7-Di-tert-butyl-10b,10c-dimethyl-pyrazino[2,3-e]dihydropyrene was prepared and its photochromic properties were studied. The open form of the molecule was separated into its constituent enantiomers by chiral HPLC. The absolute structures of the enantiomers were determined by using spectra predicted with time-dependent density functional theory. Photoswitchable circular dichroism properties of 2,7-di-tert-butyl-10b,10c-dimethyl-pyrazino[2,3-e]dihydropyrene were observed, suggesting its potential for application in molecular devices.
Wavelet basis of cubic splines on the hypercube satisfying homogeneous boundary conditions
Authors: Černá Dana , Finěk Václav
Published: March 2015

In this paper, we propose a construction of a new cubic spline-wavelet basis on the hypercube satisfying homogeneous Dirichlet boundary conditions. Wavelets have two vanishing moments. Stiffness matrices arising from discretization of elliptic problems using a constructed wavelet basis have uniformly bounded condition numbers and we show that these condition numbers are small. We present quantitative properties of the constructed basis and we provide a numerical example to show the efficiency of the Galerkin method using the constructed basis.
An Evaluation of Gamesourced Data for Human Pose Estimation
Authors: Spurlock Scott , Souvenir Richard
Published: April 2015

Gamesourcing has emerged as an approach for rapidly acquiring labeled data for learning-based, computer vision recognition algorithms. In this article, we present an approach for using RGB-D sensors to acquire annotated training data for human pose estimation from 2D images. Unlike other gamesourcing approaches, our method does not require a specific game, but runs alongside any gesture-based game using RGB-D sensors. The automatically generated datasets resulting from this approach contain joint estimates within a few pixel units of manually labeled data, and a gamesourced dataset created using a relatively small number of players, games, and locations performs as well as large-scale, manually annotated datasets when used as training data with recent learning-based human pose estimation methods for 2D images.
From RGB-D Images to RGB Images
Authors: Zhang Quanshi , Song Xuan , Shao Xiaowei , Zhao Huijing , Shibasaki Ryosuke
Published: April 2015

Mining object-level knowledge, that is, building a comprehensive category model base, from a large set of cluttered scenes presents a considerable challenge to the field of artificial intelligence. How to initiate model learning with the least human supervision (i.e., manual labeling) and how to encode the structural knowledge are two elements of this challenge, as they largely determine the scalability and applicability of any solution. In this article, we propose a model-learning method that starts from a single-labeled object for each category, and mines further model knowledge from a number of informally captured, cluttered scenes. However, in these scenes, target objects are relatively small and have large variations in texture, scale, and rotation. Thus, to reduce the model bias normally associated with less supervised learning methods, we use the robust 3D shape in RGB-D images to guide our model learning, then apply the properly trained category models to both object detection and recognition in more conventional RGB images. In addition to model training for their own categories, the knowledge extracted from the RGB-D images can also be transferred to guide model learning for a new category, in which only RGB images without depth information in the new category are provided for training. Preliminary testing shows that the proposed method performs as well as fully supervised learning methods.
Shrinking the Gap Between Research and Practice: Tailoring and Testing Youth Psychotherapies in Clinical Care Contexts
Authors: Weisz John R. , Krumholz Lauren S. , Santucci Lauren , Thomassin Kristel , Ng Mei Yi
Published: March 2015

Most youth psychotherapy research involves conditions quite unlike the clinical practice it is designed to strengthen. Most studies have not tested interventions with clinically referred youths and practicing clinicians in clinical care settings, nor have they tested whether new treatments produce better outcomes than usual practice. Limited exposure to real-world conditions and questions may partially explain why empirically supported treatments show such modest effects when tested under more representative conditions, against usual care. Our deployment-focused model calls for intervention development and testing with the kinds of participants (e.g., clients and clinicians) and in the contexts (e.g., clinics) for which the interventions are ultimately intended, and for randomized comparisons to usual clinical care. Research with the Child STEPs (system and treatment enhancement projects) treatment approach illustrates the methods and potential benefits of the deployment-focused model. Findings supporting Child STEPs are but one part of a rich research matrix needed to shrink the gap between intervention research and clinical practice.
Household Debt: Facts, Puzzles, Theories, and Policies
Authors: Zinman Jonathan
Published: April 2015

Borrowing decisions affect most households, with large stakes and implications for research subfields as varied as macroeconomics and industrial organization. I review theoretical and empirical work on household debt: its prevalence, level, growth, and composition, as well as various measures of consumer choice and market (in)efficiency, elasticities, and prices, including new evidence on how borrowing heterogeneity affects the distribution of the opportunity cost of consumption. I also discuss opportunities and challenges in policy evaluation. A key takeaway is that puzzles abound, and I highlight numerous avenues for further research.
Validation of a high-power, time-resolved, near-infrared spectroscopy system for measurement of superficial and deep muscle deoxygenation during exercise
Authors: Koga Shunsaku , Barstow Thomas J. , Okushima Dai , Rossiter Harry B. , Kondo Narihiko , Ohmae Etsuko , Poole David C.
Published: April 2015

Near-infrared assessment of skeletal muscle is restricted to superficial tissues due to power limitations of spectroscopic systems. We reasoned that understanding of muscle deoxygenation may be improved by simultaneously interrogating deeper tissues. To achieve this, we modified a high-power (∼8 mW), time-resolved, near-infrared spectroscopy system to increase depth penetration. Precision was first validated using a homogenous optical phantom over a range of inter-optode spacings (OS). Coefficients of variation from 10 measurements were minimal (0.5-1.9%) for absorption (μa), reduced scattering, simulated total hemoglobin, and simulated O2 saturation. Second, a dual-layer phantom was constructed to assess depth sensitivity, and the thickness of the superficial layer was varied. With a superficial layer thickness of 1, 2, 3, and 4 cm (μa = 0.149 cm−1), the proportional contribution of the deep layer (μa = 0.250 cm−1) to total μa was 80.1, 26.9, 3.7, and 0.0%, respectively (at 6-cm OS), validating penetration to ∼3 cm. Implementation of an additional superficial phantom to simulate adipose tissue further reduced depth sensitivity. Finally, superficial and deep muscle spectroscopy was performed in six participants during heavy-intensity cycle exercise. Compared with the superficial rectus femoris, peak deoxygenation of the deep rectus femoris (including the superficial intermedius in some) was not significantly different (deoxyhemoglobin and deoxymyoglobin concentration: 81.3 ± 20.8 vs. 78.3 ± 13.6 μM, P > 0.05), but deoxygenation kinetics were significantly slower (mean response time: 37 ± 10 vs. 65 ± 9 s, P ≤ 0.05). These data validate a high-power, time-resolved, near-infrared spectroscopy system with large OS for measuring the deoxygenation of deep tissues and reveal temporal and spatial disparities in muscle deoxygenation responses to exercise.
Listeriosis Outbreaks in British Columbia, Canada, Caused by Soft Ripened Cheese Contaminated from Environmental Sources
Authors: McIntyre Lorraine , Wilcott Lynn , Naus Monika
Published: March 2015

Soft ripened cheese (SRC) caused over 130 foodborne illnesses in British Columbia (BC), Canada, during two separate listeriosis outbreaks. Multiple agencies investigated the events that lead to cheese contamination withListeria monocytogenes (L.m.), an environmentally ubiquitous foodborne pathogen. In both outbreaks pasteurized milk and the pasteurization process were ruled out as sources of contamination. In outbreak A, environmental transmission ofL.m.likely occurred from farm animals to personnel to culture solutions used during cheese production. In outbreak B, birds were identified as likely contaminating the dairy plant’s water supply and cheese during the curd-washing step. Issues noted during outbreak A included the risks of operating a dairy plant in a farm environment, potential for transfer ofL.m.from the farm environment to the plant via shared toilet facilities, failure to clean and sanitize culture spray bottles, and cross-contamination during cheese aging.L.m.contamination in outbreak B was traced to wild swallows defecating in the plant’s open cistern water reservoir and a multibarrier failure in the water disinfection system. These outbreaks led to enhanced inspection and surveillance of cheese plants, test and release programs for all SRC manufactured in BC, improvements in plant design and prevention programs, and reduced listeriosis incidence.
The Mitochondrial Translocator Protein and Arrhythmogenesis in Ischemic Heart Disease
Authors: Motloch Lukas J. , Hu Jun , Akar Fadi G.
Published: March 2015

Mitochondrial dysfunction is a hallmark of multiple cardiovascular disorders, including ischemic heart disease. Although mitochondria are well recognized for their role in energy production and cell death, mechanisms by which they control excitation-contraction coupling, excitability, and arrhythmias are less clear. The translocator protein (TSPO) is an outer mitochondrial membrane protein that is expressed in multiple organ systems. The abundant expression of TSPO in macrophages has been leveraged to image the immune response of the heart to inflammatory processes. More recently, the recognition of TSPO as a regulator of energy-dissipating mitochondrial pathways has extended its utility from a diagnostic marker of inflammation to a therapeutic target influencing diverse pathophysiological processes. Here, we provide an overview of the emerging role of TSPO in ischemic heart disease. We highlight the importance of TSPO in the regenerative process of reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced ROS release through its effects on the inner membrane anion channel (IMAC) and the permeability transition pore (PTP). We discuss evidence implicating TSPO in arrhythmogenesis in the settings of acute ischemia-reperfusion injury and myocardial infarction.
Rotationplasty with Vascular Reconstruction for Prosthetic Knee Joint Infection
Authors: Fujiki Masahide , Miyamoto Shimpei , Nakatani Fumihiko , Kawai Akira , Sakuraba Minoru
Published: March 2015

Rotationplasty is used most often as a function-preserving salvage procedure after resection of sarcomas of the lower extremity; however, it is also used after infection of prosthetic knee joints. Conventional vascular management during rotationplasty is to preserve and coil major vessels, but recently, transection and reanastomosis of the major vessels has been widely performed. However, there has been little discussion regarding the optimal vascular management of rotationplasty after infection of prosthetic knee joints because rotationplasty is rarely performed for this indication. We reviewed four patients who had undergone resection of osteosarcomas of the femur, placement of a prosthetic knee joint, and rotationplasty with vascular reconstruction from 2010 to 2013. The mean interval between prosthetic joint replacement and rotationplasty was 10.4 years and the mean interval between the diagnosis of prosthesis infection and rotationplasty was 7.9 years. Rotationplasty was successful in all patients; however, in one patient, arterial thrombosis developed and necessitated urgent surgical removal and arterial reconstruction. All patients were able to walk independently with a prosthetic limb after rehabilitation. Although there is no consensus regarding the most appropriate method of vascular management during rotationplasty for revision of infected prosthetic joints, vascular transection and reanastomosis is a useful option.
Recent Progress in Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells for Improving Efficiency: TiO2 Nanotube Arrays in Active Layer
Authors: Rho Won-Yeop , Jeon Hojin , Kim Ho-Sub , Chung Woo-Jae , Suh Jung Sang , Jun Bong-Hyun
Published: March 2015

Dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) have been widely studied due to several advantages, such as low cost‐to‐performance ratio, low cost of fabrication, functionality at wide angles and low intensities of incident light, mechanical robustness, and low weight. This paper summarizes the recent progress in DSSC technology for improving efficiency, focusing on the active layer in the photoanode, with a part of the DSSC consisting of dyes and a TiO2 film layer. In particular, this review highlights a huge pool of studies that report improvements in the efficiency of DSSCs using TiO2 nanotubes, which exhibit better electron transport. Finally, this paper suggests opportunities for future research.
Colpitts Chaotic Oscillator Coupling with a Generalized Memristor
Authors: Lu Ling , Li Changdi , Zhao Zicheng , Bao Bocheng , Xu Quan
Published: March 2015

By introducing a generalized memristor into a fourth-order Colpitts chaotic oscillator, a new memristive Colpitts chaotic oscillator is proposed in this paper. The generalized memristor is equivalent to a diode bridge cascaded with a first-order parallel RC filter. Chaotic attractors of the oscillator are numerically revealed from the mathematical model and experimentally captured from the physical circuit. The dynamics of the memristive Colpitts chaotic oscillator is investigated both theoretically and numerically, from which it can be found that the oscillator has a unique equilibrium point and displays complex nonlinear phenomena.
1,2,3,4,6-Penta-O-galloylglucose within Galla Chinensis Inhibits Human LDH-A and Attenuates Cell Proliferation in MDA-MB-231 Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Deiab Shihab , Mazzio Elizabeth , Eyunni Suresh , McTier Oshlii , Mateeva Nelly , Elshami Faisel , Soliman Karam F. A.
Published: March 2015

A characteristic feature of aggressive malignancy is the overexpression of lactic acid dehydrogenase- (LDH-) A, concomitant to pericellular accumulation of lactate. In a recent high-throughput screening, we identifiedRhus chinensis(Mill.) gallnut (RCG) (also known as Galla Chinensis) extract as a potent (IC50< 1 µg/mL) inhibitor of human LDH-A (hLDH-A). In this study, through bioactivity guided fractionation of the crude extract, the data demonstrate that penta-1,2,3,4,6-O-galloyl-β-D-glucose (PGG) was a primary constituent responsible forhLDH-A inhibition, present at ~9.95 ± 0.34% dry weight. Theoretical molecular docking studies ofhLDH-A indicate that PGG acts through competitive binding at the NADH cofactor site, effects confirmed by functional enzyme studies where the IC50= 27.32 nM was reversed with increasing concentration of NADH. Moreover, we confirm protein expression ofhLDH-A in MDA-231 human breast carcinoma cells and show that PGG was toxic (LC50= 94.18 µM), parallel to attenuated lactic acid production (IC50= 97.81 µM). In a 72-hour cell proliferation assay, PGG was found to be a potent cytostatic agent with ability to halt cell division (IC50= 1.2 µM) relative to paclitaxel (IC50< 100 nM). In summary, these findings demonstrate that PGG is a potenthLDH-A inhibitor with significant capacity to halt proliferation of human breast cancer cells.
Renal Kallikrein Activation and Renoprotection after Dual Blockade of Renin-Angiotensin System in Diet-Induced Diabetic Nephropathy
Authors: Zou Xia , Zhang Xiao-xi , Liu Xin-yu , Li Rong , Wang Min , Wu Wei-jie , Sui Yi , Zhao Hai-lu
Published: March 2015

Purpose. The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of dual blockage of renin-angiotensin system (RAS) on renal kallikrein expression and inflammatory response in diabetic nephropathy (DN).Methods. Rats were randomly divided into 5 groups with 10 rats in each group: normal control; DN model induced by high fat and high sucrose diets; and DN treated with either benazepril 10 mg/kg/d, irbesartan 30 mg/kg/d, or both. After 8-week treatment, we examined changes in the kidney histopathology, function and immunohistochemical stain of kallikrein, macrophage marker CD68, and profibrotic markers transforming growth factor- (TGF-)βandα-smooth muscle action (SMA).Results. DN rats showed enlarged kidneys with glomerulosclerosis, interstitial chronic inflammation and fibrosis, and proteinuria. All the pathological damage and functional impairments were improved after the RAS blockades (allP<0.05). Compared with monotherapy, combined treatment further alleviated the kidney impairments in parallel to increased tubular immunoreactivity for kallikrein and decreased immunopositive cells for CD68, TGF-β, andα-SMA.Conclusion. The renoprotective effects of the dual RAS blockade in diabetic nephropathy may be attributed to improved tubular kallikrein expression and interstitial inflammatory response.
Effects of PMA (PHORBOL-12-MYRISTATE-13-ACETATE) on the Developing Rodent Brain
Authors: Dzietko Mark , Hahnemann Maria , Polley Oliver , Sifringer Marco , Felderhoff-Mueser Ursula , Bührer Christoph
Published: March 2015

Perinatal infections have a negative impact on brain development. However, the underlying mechanisms leading to neurological impairment are not completely understood and reliable models of inflammation are urgently needed. Using phorbol-myristate-acetate as an activator of inflammation, we investigated the effect on the developing rodent brain. Neonatal rats and mice deficient in IL-18 or IRAK-4 were exposed to PMA. Brains were assessed for regulation of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines and cell death 24 hrs, 7 and 14 days after treatment. PMA induced an inflammatory response and caused widespread neurodegeneration in the brains of 3- and 7-day-old rats. In contrast, 14-day-old rats were resistant to the neurotoxic effect of PMA. Histological evaluation at the age of 14 and 21 days revealed a destruction of the cortical microstructure with decreased numerical density of neuronal cells. Mice deficient in IL-18 or IRAK-4 were protected against PMA induced brain injury. PMA treatment during a vulnerable period can alter brain development. IL-18 and IRAK-4 appear to be important for the development of PMA induced injury.
Optimization of the Switch Mechanism in a Circuit Breaker Using MBD Based Simulation
Authors: Jang Jin-Seok , Yoon Chang-Gyu , Ryu Chi-Young , Kim Hyun-Woo , Bae Byung-Tae , Yoo Wan-Suk
Published: March 2015

A circuit breaker is widely used to protect electric power system from fault currents or system errors; in particular, the opening mechanism in a circuit breaker is important to protect current overflow in the electric system. In this paper, multibody dynamic model of a circuit breaker including switch mechanism was developed including the electromagnetic actuator system. Since the opening mechanism operates sequentially, optimization of the switch mechanism was carried out to improve the current breaking time. In the optimization process, design parameters were selected from length and shape of each latch, which changes pivot points of bearings to shorten the breaking time. To validate optimization results, computational results were compared to physical tests with a high speed camera. Opening time of the optimized mechanism was decreased by 2.3 ms, which was proved by experiments. Switch mechanism design process can be improved including contact‐latch system by using this process.
Duck RIG-I CARD Domain Induces the Chicken IFN-βby Activating NF-κB
Authors: Chen Yang , Huang Zhengyang , Wang Bin , Yu Qinming , Liu Ran , Xu Qi , Chang Guobin , Ding Jiatong , Chen Guohong
Published: March 2015

Retinoic acid-inducible gene I- (RIG-I-) like receptors (RLRs) have recently been identified as cytoplasmic sensors for viral RNA. RIG-I, a member of RLRs family, plays an important role in innate immunity. Although previous investigations have proved that RIG-I is absent in chickens, it remains largely unknown whether the chicken can respond to RIG-I ligand. In this study, the eukaryotic expression vectors encoding duRIG-I full length (duck RIG-I, containing all domains), duRIG-I N-terminal (containing the two caspase activation and recruitment domain, CARDs), and duRIG-I C-terminal (containing helicase and regulatory domains) labeled with 6*His tags were constructed successfully and detected by western blotting. Luciferase reporter assay and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) detected the duRIG-I significantly activated NF-κB and induced the expression of IFN-βwhen polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (poly[I:C], synthetic double-stranded RNA) challenges chicken embryonic fibroblasts cells (DF1 cells), while the duRIG-I was inactive in the absence of poly[I:C]. Further analysis revealed that the CARDs (duRIG-I-N) induced IFN-βproduction regardless of the presence of poly[I:C], while the CARD-lacking duRIG-I (duRIG-I-C) was not capable of activating downstream signals. These results indicate that duRIG-I CARD domain plays an important role in the induction of IFN-βand provide a basis for further studying the function of RIG-I in avian innate immunity.
Preparation of Na2Ti3O7/Titanium Peroxide Composites and Their Adsorption Property on Cationic Dyes
Authors: Zhao Meixia , Huang Jiguo , Guo Xueting , Chen Haitao , Zhao Hai , Dong Lili , Liu Xing-juan
Published: March 2015

Na2Ti3O7/titanium peroxide composites (TN-TP) were successfully prepared with the reaction of Ti foils, NaOH, and H2O2at 60°C for 24 h in water bath. The Na2Ti3O7appeared as nanorods in composites. Water bath temperature, water bath time, and the concentration of H2O2and NaOH were crucial. The reaction mechanism was proposed. TN-TP was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and thermogravimetric and differential scanning calorimetry (TG-DSC). TN-TP was a mesoporous material and exhibited stronger adsorption capability for neutral red (NR), malachite green (MG), methylene blue (MB), and crystal violet (CV) than pure Na2Ti3O7and pure titanium peroxide, and the saturated adsorption capacities were 490.21, 386.13, 322.81, and 292.74 mg/g at 25°C, respectively. It was found that the pseudo-second-order kinetic model and the Langmuir model could well describe the adsorption kinetic and isotherm of cationic dyes studied. The results of this work are of great significance for environmental applications of TN-TP as a promising adsorbent material for dyeing water purification.
A Novel Analytical Solution Method for Constraint Forces of the Kinematic Pair and Its Applications
Authors: Zhi Changjian , Wang Sanmin , Sun Yuantao , Li Bo
Published: March 2015

Constraint forces of the kinematic pair are the basis of the kinematics and dynamics analysis of mechanisms. Exploring the solution method for constraint forces is a hot issue in the mechanism theory fields. Based on the observation method and the theory of reciprocal screw system, the solution method of reciprocal screw system is improved and its solution procedures become easier. This method is also applied to the solution procedure of the constraint force. The specific expressions of the constraint force are represented by the reciprocal screw system of twist. The transformation formula of twist under different coordinates is given and it make the expression of the twist of kinematic pair more facility. A slider-crank mechanism and a single loop spatial RUSR mechanism are taken as examples. It confirms that this method can be used to solve the constraint force of the planar and spatial mechanism.
Alteration of Mevalonate Pathway in Proliferated Vascular Smooth Muscle from Diabetic Mice: Possible Role in High-Glucose-Induced Atherogenic Process
Authors: Chen Guo-Ping , Zhang Xiao-Qin , Wu Tao , Li Liang , Han Jie , Du Chang-Qing
Published: March 2015

The proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) is one of the main features of atherosclerosis induced by high glucose. Mevalonate pathway is an important metabolic pathway that plays a key role in multiple cellular processes. The aim of this study was to define whether the enzyme expression in mevalonate pathway is changed in proliferated VSMCs during atherogenic process in diabetic mice. Diabetes was induced in BALB/c mice with streptozotocin (STZ, 50 mg/kg/day for 5 days). Induction of diabetes with STZ was associated with an increase of lesion area and media thickness after 8 and 16 weeks of diabetes. In aorta, there were overexpressions of some enzymes, including 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase (HMGR), farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase (FPPS), geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate synthase (GGPPS), farnesyltransferase (FNT), and geranylgeranyltransferase-1 (GGT-1), and unchanged expression of squalene synthase (SQS) and phosphor-3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase (P-HMGR) in 8 and 16 weeks of diabetes. In vitro, VSMCs were cultured and treated with different glucose concentrations for 48 h. High glucose (22.2 mM) induced VSMC proliferation and upregulation of HMGR, FPPS, GGPPS, FNT, and GGT-1 but did not change the expressions of SQS and P-HMGR. In conclusion, altered expression of several key enzymes in the mevalonate pathway may play a potential pathophysiological role in atherogenic process of diabetes macrovascular complication.
Formation of Silicon Carbide Using Volcanic Ash as Starting Material and Concentrated Sunlight as Energy Resource
Authors: Nishioka Kensuke , Komori Junki , Maeda Kouji , Ota Yasuyuki , Kaneko Hiroshi , Sato Kosei
Published: March 2015

SiC was formed using volcanic ash as starting material and concentrated sunlight as energy resource. The solar furnace was composed of two parts: Fresnel lens and reacting furnace. The reacting furnace was composed of a cylindrical vacuum chamber and quartz glass plate functioning to guide the concentrated sunlight into the furnace and was placed at the focal point of the Fresnel lens. The sample was made from the mixture of silica formed from volcanic ash and graphite and placed in the carbon crucible inside the reacting furnace. The temperature in the carbon crucible reached more than 1500°C. After the reaction using concentrated light,β-SiC was formed. The weight % of formed SiC was 90.5%.
Establishment of MDCK Stable Cell Lines Expressing TMPRSS2 and MSPL and Their Applications in Propagating Influenza Vaccine Viruses in Absence of Exogenous Trypsin
Authors: Wen Zhiyuan , Wu Chao , Chen Weiye , Zeng Xianying , Shi Jianzhong , Ge Jinying , Chen Hualan , Bu Zhigao
Published: March 2015

We established two Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cell lines stably expressing human airway transmembrane protease: transmembrane protease, serine 2 (TMPRSS2) and mosaic serine protease large form (MSPL) which support multicycle growth of two H5 highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses (HPAIV) recombinant vaccines (Re-5 and Re-6) and an H9 avian influenza virus (AIV) recombinant vaccine (Re-9) in the absence of trypsin. Data showed that the cell lines stably expressed TMPRSS2 and MSPL after 20 serial passages. Both MDCK-TMPRSS2 and MDCK-MSPL could proteolytically cleave the HA of Re-5, Re-6, and Re-9 and supported high-titer growth of the vaccine without exogenous trypsin. Re-5, Re-6, and Re-9 efficiently infected and replicated within MDCK-TMPRSS2 and MDCK-MSPL cells and viral titer were comparable to the virus grown in MDCK cells with TPCK-trypsin. Thus, our results indicate a potential application for these cell lines in cell-based influenza vaccine production and may serve as a useful tool for HA proteolytic cleavage-related studies.
The Synthesis of the Locating Substitution Derivatives of Chitosan by Click Reaction at the 6-Position of Chitin
Authors: Chen Yu , Ye Yanchun , Jing Yanyan , Gao YuanYuan , Guo Yanwen , Tan Huimin
Published: March 2015

A novel method to prepare the macrocyclic compound locating substitution derivatives of chitosan was investigated, by using cyclodextrin as the model of macrocyclic compound. The method combines the advantages of activated 6-OH of chitin and high efficiency of click reaction. Chitin C6-OHp-toluenesulfonate (CTN-6-OTs) was generated and subsequently transferred to chitin C6-N3via nucleophilic substitution. Afterwards,β-cyclodextrin was immobilized at 6-OH of chitin via click reaction to afford CTN-6-CD. Ultimately, CTS-6-CD was obtained by removing the acetyl group of chitin unit. The structures and properties of these products were characterized by FTIR, TG, and XRD, respectively. It was found that CTN-6-CD synthesized at the optimum conditions has an immobilized loading of1.6126×10-4 mol/g and that of the corresponding CTS-6-CD, generated by removal of the acetyl group, was1.6891×10-4 mol/g.
Robust Tracking Control for Robotic Manipulator via Fuzzy Logic System andH∞Approaches
Authors: Mu Kun , Liu Cong , Peng Jinzhu
Published: March 2015

Based on fuzzy logic system (FLS) andH∞control methodologies, a robust tracking control scheme is proposed for robotic system with uncertainties and external disturbances. FLS is employed to implement the framework of computed torque control (CTC) method via its approximate capability which is used to attenuate the nonlinearity of robotic manipulator. The robustH∞control can guarantee robustness to parametric and dynamics uncertainties and also attenuate the effect of immeasurable external disturbances entering the system. Moreover, a quadratic stability approach is used to reduce the conservatism of the conventional robust control approach. It can be guaranteed that all signals in the closed-loop are bounded by employing the proposed robust tracking control. The validity of the proposed control scheme is shown by simulation of a two-link robotic manipulator.
In VitroToxicity of Epigallocatechin Gallate in Rat Liver Mitochondria and Hepatocytes
Authors: Kucera Otto , Mezera Vojtech , Moravcova Alena , Endlicher Rene , Lotkova Halka , Drahota Zdenek , Cervinkova Zuzana
Published: March 2015

Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) is the main compound of green tea with well-described antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and tumor-suppressing properties. However, EGCG at high doses was reported to cause liver injury. In this study, we evaluated the effect of EGCG on primary culture of rat hepatocytes and on rat liver mitochondria in permeabilized hepatocytes. The 24-hour incubation with EGCG in concentrations of 10 μmol/L and higher led to signs of cellular injury and to a decrease in hepatocyte functions. The effect of EGCG on the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was biphasic. While low doses of EGCG decreased ROS production, the highest tested dose induced a significant increase in ROS formation. Furthermore, we observed a decline in mitochondrial membrane potential in cells exposed to EGCG when compared to control cells. In permeabilized hepatocytes, EGCG caused damage of the outer mitochondrial membrane and an uncoupling of oxidative phosphorylation. EGCG in concentrations lower than 10 μmol/L was recognized as safe for hepatocytesin vitro.
The Role of Hyaluronan in Innate Defense Responses of the Intestine
Authors: de la Motte Carol A. , Kessler Sean P.
Published: March 2015

Hyaluronan is an abundant extracellular matrix component prevalent in the vertebrate intestinal tract. Here we discuss what is known about hyaluronan distribution during homeostasis and inflammatory diseases of the gut and discuss ways in which this glycosaminoglycan can participate in regulating innate host defense mechanisms. These natural responses include mechanisms promoting rapid leukocyte recruitment after bacterial challenge/colon tissue damage as well as promoting epithelial defense mechanisms in the intestine.
Antibiotic-Resistant Vibrios in Farmed Shrimp
Authors: Albuquerque Costa Renata , Araújo Rayza Lima , Souza Oscarina Viana , Vieira Regine Helena Silva dos Fernandes
Published: March 2015

Antimicrobial susceptibility pattern was determined in 100 strains ofVibrioisolated from theLitopenaeus vannameishrimp and identified phenotypically. A high antibiotic-resistance index (75%) was observed, with the following phenotypic profiles: monoresistance (n=42), cross-resistance toβ-lactams (n=20) and multiple resistance (n=13). Plasmid resistance was characterized for penicillin (n=11), penicillin + ampicillin (n = 1), penicillin + aztreonam (n = 1), and ampicillin (n = 1). Resistance to antimicrobial drugs by the other strains (n=86) was possibly mediated by chromosomal genes. The findings of this study support the conclusion that the cultured shrimps can be vehicles of vibrios resistant toβ-lactam and tetracycline.
Collaborative Deformation Design Using Control Integrated Analysis Methods for Hypersonic Waverider
Authors: Liu Yanbin , Lu Yuping
Published: March 2015

Hypersonic waveriders have a large flight envelope, leading to the difficulty in keeping overall flight stability for a fixed geometry. Accordingly, hypersonic waveriders can be considered to design as a morphing vehicle such that the flight range is expanded for waveriding stability. To this end, this paper investigates the collaborative deformation design using control integrated analysis methods for the hypersonic waverider. Firstly, a parametric model is applied to combine the shape deformation with the geometrical properties. Secondly, the morphing process with regard to the change in a single geometric parameter and the static and dynamic characteristics affected by this deformation are analyzed. Afterwards, the collaborative relations are discussed for the changes in the lower forebody angle and elevon area. Furthermore, a flight control law is designed to guarantee flight stability while implementing the collaborative deformation, and the morphing results are evaluated based on the control-oriented idea. Finally, a simulation example is used to verify the effectiveness of the proposed methods for the hypersonic waverider.