bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Serum Soluble TACI, a BLyS Receptor, Is a Powerful Prognostic Marker of Outcome in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Authors: Kyrtsonis Marie-Christine , Sarris Katerina , Koulieris Efstathios , Maltezas Dimitrios , Nikolaou Eftychia , Angelopoulou Maria K. , Bartzis Vassiliki , Tzenou Tatiana , Dimou Maria , Siakandaris Mariana P. , Viniou Nora A. , Sachanas Sotirios , Kalpadakis Christina , Sfikakis Petros P. , Pangalis Gerassimos A. , Panayiotidis Panayiotis
Published: August 2014

BLyS is involved in CLL biology and its low soluble serum levels related to a shorter time to first treatment (TFT). TACI is a BLyS receptor and can be shed from cells’ surface and circulate in soluble form (sTACI). We investigated the impact of serum BLyS and sTACI levels at diagnosis in CLL patients and their relationship with disease parameters and patients’ outcome. Serum BLyS was determined in 73 patients, while sTACI in 60. Frozen sera drawn at diagnosis were tested by ELISA. sTACI concentrations correlated with BLyS (P=-0.000021), b2-microglobulin (P=0.005), anemia (P=-0.03), thrombocytopenia (P=0.04), Binet stage (P=0.02), and free light chains ratio (P=0.0003). Soluble BLyS levels below median and sTACI values above median were related to shorter TFT (P=0.0003and 0.007). During a ten-year followup, sTACI levels, but not BLyS, correlated with survival (P=0.048). In conclusion, we confirmed the prognostic significance of soluble BLyS levels with regard to TFT in CLL patients, and, more importantly, we showed for the first time that sTACI is a powerful prognostic marker, related to parameters of disease activity and staging and, more importantly, to TFT and OS.
Ethylene Response FactorSl-ERF.B.3Is Responsive to Abiotic Stresses and Mediates Salt and Cold Stress Response Regulation in Tomato
Authors: Klay Imen , Pirrello Julien , Riahi Leila , Bernadac Anne , Cherif Ameur , Bouzayen Mondher , Bouzid Sadok
Published: August 2014

Sl-ERF.B.3 (Solanum lycopersicum ethylene response factor B.3)gene encodes for a tomato transcription factor of the ERF (ethylene responsive factor) family. Our results of real-time RT-PCR showed thatSl-ERF.B.3is an abiotic stress responsive gene, which is induced by cold, heat, and flooding, but downregulated by salinity and drought. To get more insight into the role ofSl-ERF.B.3in plant response to separate salinity and cold, a comparative study between wild type and twoSl-ERF.B.3antisense transgenic tomato lines was achieved. Compared with wild type,Sl-ERF.B.3antisense transgenic plants exhibited a salt stress dependent growth inhibition. This inhibition was significantly enhanced in shoots but reduced in roots, leading to an increased root to shoot ratio. Furthermore, the cold stress essay clearly revealed that introducing antisenseSl-ERF.B.3in transgenic tomato plants reduces their cell injury and enhances their tolerance against 14 d of cold stress. All these results suggest thatSl-ERF.B.3gene is involved in plant response to abiotic stresses and may play a role in the layout of stress symptoms under cold stress and in growth regulation under salinity.
Epidemiology of Dementia among the Elderly in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Olayinka Olaniyi O. , Mbuyi Nadine N.
Published: August 2014

Objectives.To review epidemiologic studies on the prevalence, incidence, and risk factors of dementia in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).Methods.A MEDLINE search (from January 1992 to December 31, 2013) of epidemiologic studies, with no language restriction, was conducted using the keywords “dementia” or “Alzheimer’s” and “Africa.” We selected for review population and hospital-based studies that reported the prevalence, incidence, or risk factors of dementia in SSA in people aged 60 years and above. References of selected articles were reviewed to identify additional relevant articles that met our selection criteria.Results.Of a total of 522 articles, 41 were selected and reviewed. The reported prevalence of dementia in SSA varied widely (range: 2.29%–21.60%); Alzheimer’s disease was the most prevalent type of dementia. Only two studies conducted in Nigeria reported incidence data. Major risk factors identified include older age, female gender, cardiovascular disease, and illiteracy.Conclusion.Data on the epidemiology of dementia in SSA is limited. While earlier studies reported a lower prevalence of dementia in older persons, recent studies have put these findings into question suggesting that dementia prevalence rates in SSA in fact parallel data from Western countries.
Effects ofAstrocaryum aculeatumMeyer (Tucumã) on Diet-Induced Dyslipidemic Rats
Authors: Craveiro Holanda Malveira Maia Geórgia , da Silva Campos Mozer , Barros-Monteiro Janice , Eduardo Lucas Castillo Juan , Soares Faleiros Murilo , Souza de Aquino Sales Rejane , Moraes Lopes Galeno Denise , Lira Edson , das Chagas do Amaral Souza Francisca , Ortiz Carmen , Morales Luisa , Piccolotto Carvalho Rosany
Published: August 2014

Anin vivostudy was conducted to assess the effects of the consumption ofAstrocaryum aculeatum Amazon Meyer(tucumã) in the treatment of diet-induced dyslipidemia in sedentary and exercised Wistar rats. With an average weight of 350 grams, 40 male rats were divided into 4 subgroups of 10. The sedentary control group (SCG) was fed with commercial feed, while the sedentary treatment group (STG) was fed with a ration of tucumã. In addition to the sedentary groups, two exercise groups were formed. The Exercised control group (ECG) was fed with commercial food and the exercised treatment group (ETG) was fed with a ration of tucumã. Body weight gain and food intake were monitored during the experiment. Plasma was analyzed for cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL-C, LDL-C, VLDL, total protein, glucose, insulin, and leptin concentrations. Our results show that the ECG group tended to consume more food, while the groups that were fed with tucumã pulp (STG and ETG) presented a greater tendency to gain body mass. ECG group showed a tendency towards a higher concentration of cholesterol in plasma, while STG and ETG presented higher absolute values for triglycerides and VLDL. No hypolipiemic effect was observed related to tucuma ingestion.
Production of Extracellular Polymeric Substances by Halophilic Bacteria of Solar Salterns
Authors: Biswas Jhuma , Paul A. K.
Published: August 2014

Moderately halophilic aerobic bacteria were isolated from 31 soil and 18 water samples collected from multipond solar salterns of Gujarat, Orissa, and West Bengal, India. A total of 587 bacterial isolates with distinct morphological features were obtained from these samples following dilution and plating on MH agar medium supplemented with NaCl. The isolates were screened for growth associated extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) production in MY medium under batch culture. In all, 20 isolates were selected as potent ones producing more than 1 g/L of EPS. These EPS producing isolates were characterized in detail for their morphological, physiological, and biochemical features and tentatively identified as members belonging to the generaHalomonas,Salinicoccus,Bacillus,Aidingimonas,Alteromonas, andChromohalobacter. Apart from EPS production, these isolates also hold promise towards the production of various biomolecules of industrial importance.
Solving Fuzzy Multiproduct Aggregate Production Planning Problems Based on Extension Principle
Authors: Chen Shih-Pin , Huang Wen-Lung
Published: August 2014

Aggregate production planning (APP) plays a critical role in supply chain management (SCM). This paper investigates multiproduct, multiperiod APP problems with several distinct types of fuzzy uncertainties. In contrast to the existing studies, the modelling in this work conserves the fuzziness such that the obtained APP is more effective. Based on Zadeh’s extension principle, the results obtained are fuzzy solutions described by membership functions, in contrast to results from previous studies. A pair of two-level parametric mathematical programs is formulated to calculate the lower and upper bounds of the optimum fuzzy performance measure. The membership function of the fuzzy total cost is constructed by enumerating various possibility levels. A case studied in previous research is investigated to demonstrate the validity of the proposed model and solution procedure. Because the optimal objective value and associated decision variables are expressed using fuzzy numbers rather than crisp values, the proposed approach is able to represent APP systems more accurately, and therefore, the results obtained can provide decision makers with more effective and informative APPs and more chance to achieve the optimal disaggregate plan.
Memory Functioning in Children with Epilepsy: Frontal Lobe Epilepsy, Childhood Absence Epilepsy, and Benign Epilepsy with Centrotemporal Spikes
Authors: Lopes Ana Filipa , Monteiro José Paulo , Fonseca Maria José , Robalo Conceição , Simões Mário Rodrigues
Published: August 2014

Specific cognitive deficits have been identified in children with epilepsy irrespective of results on intelligence tests. Memory deficits are traditionally attributed to temporal lobe epilepsy, whereas the impact of frontal lobe epilepsy on memory functions has remained controversial. The aim of this study was the examination of memory abilities in other childhood common epilepsy syndromes (frontal lobe epilepsy (FLE), childhood absence epilepsy (CAE), and benign epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes (BECTS)) and the influence of epilepsy-related variables. Memory was examined in 90 children with epilepsy (each epilepsy group consisted of 30 children), aged 6–15, and compared with 30 control children. Children with FLE showed significant deficits in verbal and visual memory. In addition, type of epilepsy, earlier age at epilepsy onset, and longer active duration of epilepsy were associated with memory problems. Seizure frequency and treatment, however, did not influence memory performance. This study indicates that children with FLE show greater risk of developing memory deficits than children with CAE or BECTS, thus highlighting the importance of assessing also memory functions in frontal lobe epilepsy.
Absolute Viscosities of Vegetable Oils at Different Temperatures and Shear Rate Range of 64.5 to 4835 s−1
Authors: Diamante Lemuel M. , Lan Tianying
Published: August 2014

A study was carried out to determine the effect of higher shear rates (64.5 to 4835 s−1) on the absolute viscosities of different vegetable oils at different temperatures (26 to 90°C). The absolute viscosities of the different vegetable oils were determined using a Lamy Viscometer RM100, a rotating viscometer with coaxial cylinder. The torque of each sample at different temperatures was recorded at different shear rates. Based on the rheograms (plot of mean shear stress against shear rate), all of the vegetable oils studied were found to be Newtonian fluids. Rice bran oil was the most viscous (0.0398 Pa·s at 38°C) while walnut oil was the least viscous (0.0296 Pa·s at 38°C) among the oils studied. The higher shear range used did not significantly affect the absolute viscosities of the vegetable oils at the different temperatures. The absolute viscosities of the vegetable oils decreased with increasing temperature and can be fitted with an Arrhenius type relationship. The activation energies for the different vegetable oils ranged from 21 to 30 kJ/mole. The peanut and safflower oils had the highest and lowest activation energies, respectively. This means that greater energy was needed to effect a viscosity change in the peanut oil.
Chinese Herbal Medicine (Weijing Decoction) Combined with Pharmacotherapy for the Treatment of Acute Exacerbations of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Liu Shaonan , Shergis Johannah , Chen Xiankun , Yu Xuhua , Guo Xinfeng , Zhang Anthony Lin , Lu Chuanjian , Xue Charlie Changli
Published: August 2014

Objective. To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Weijing decoction combined with routine pharmacotherapy (RP) for the treatment of acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD). Methods. Randomized controlled trials (RCT) evaluating Weijing decoction for AECOPD were included. English, Chinese, and Japanese databases were searched from their respective inceptions to June 2013. The methodological quality was assessed according to the Cochrane Collaboration’s risk of bias tool. All data were analyzed and synthesized using RevMan 5.2 software. Results. Fifteen (15) studies involving 986 participants were included. Participants were diagnosed with COPD in the acute exacerbation stage. In addition, most of studies reported that they included participants with the Chinese medicine syndrome, phlegm‐heat obstructing the Lung. Weijing decoction combined with RP improved lung function (forced expiratory volume in one second; FEV1), arterial blood gases (PaO2 and PaCO2), clinical effective rate, and reduced inflammatory biomarkers (TNF‐α and IL‐8) when compared with RP alone. No severe adverse events were reported in these studies. Conclusions. Weijing decoction appeared to be beneficial for AECOPD and well‐tolerated when taken concurrently with RP, such as antibiotics, bronchodilators (oral and inhaled), and mucolytics.
Carbon Nanofibers‐Poly‐3‐hydroxyalkanoates Nanocomposite: Ultrasound‐Assisted Dispersion and Thermostructural Properties
Authors: Gumel A. M. , Annuar M. S. M. , Ishak K. A. , Ahmad N.
Published: August 2014

The conductivity and high surface‐to‐volume ratio of carbon nanofibers (CNFs) composited with the medium‐chain‐length poly‐3‐hydroxyalkanoate (mcl‐PHA) have attracted much attention as smart biomaterial. However, poor CNF dispersion leads to tactoid agglomerated composite with poor crystallite morphology resulting in inferior thermomechanical properties. We employed acoustic sonication to enhance the construction of exfoliated PHA/CNFs nanocomposites. The effects of CNF loading and the insonation variables (power intensity, frequency, and time) on the stability and microscopic morphology of the nanocomposites were studied. Sonication improved the dispersion of CNFs into the polymer matrix, thereby improving the physical morphology, crystallinity, and thermomechanical properties of the nanocomposites. For example, compositing the polymer with 10% w/w CNF resulted in 66% increase in crystallite size, 46% increase in micromolecular elastic strain, and 17% increase in lattice strain. Nevertheless, polymer degradation was observed following the ultrasound exposure. The constructed bionanocomposite could potentially be applied for organic electroconductive materials, biosensors and stimuli‐responsive drug delivery devices.
Estimation of the Iron Loss in Deep-Sea Permanent Magnet Motors considering Seawater Compressive Stress
Authors: Xu Yongxiang , Wei Yanyu , Zou Jibin , Li Jianjun , Qi Wenjuan , Li Yong
Published: August 2014

Deep-sea permanent magnet motor equipped with fluid compensated pressure-tolerant system is compressed by the high pressure fluid both outside and inside. The induced stress distribution in stator core is significantly different from that in land type motor. Its effect on the magnetic properties of stator core is important for deep-sea motor designers but seldom reported. In this paper, the stress distribution in stator core, regarding the seawater compressive stress, is calculated by 2D finite element method (FEM). The effect of compressive stress on magnetic properties of electrical steel sheet, that is, permeability, BH curves, and BW curves, is also measured. Then, based on the measured magnetic properties and calculated stress distribution, the stator iron loss is estimated by stress-electromagnetics-coupling FEM. At last the estimation is verified by experiment. Both the calculated and measured results show that stator iron loss increases obviously with the seawater compressive stress.
An Implement of FPGA Based PCI Controller Device and Improvement of DDA Arc Interpolation
Authors: Zhang Zhengjie , Yu Zhandong
Published: August 2014

The main purpose of this paper is to develop a new kind of PCI slave device serving as a motion controller for a biaxial motion control system. This kind of controller device is a new realization scheme of PCI devices, which is embedded with a deeply customized PCI interface block instead of traditional PCI interface chips, which will greatly promote the comprehensive performance of the device. Besides, we improved the popular and widely used DDA arc interpolation algorithm, promoting its performance in both accuracy and stability, and integrated it into our device, allowing the ability of the moving parts to move along nonlinear curve paths. Currently, this kind of controller device has been successfully applied on a surface mount machine which is also developed by our lab. As a result, the controller device performs well and is able to satisfy the requirement of accuracy and velocity of the surface mount machine. And its reliability and stability are also remarkable.
ESO-Based Fuzzy Sliding-Mode Control for a 3-DOF Serial-Parallel Hybrid Humanoid Arm
Authors: Wang Yueling , Shi Runjie , Wang Hongbin
Published: August 2014

This paper presents a unique ESO-based fuzzy sliding-mode controller (FSMC-ESO) for a 3-DOF serial-parallel hybrid humanoid arm (HHA) for the trajectory tracking control problem. The dynamic model of the HHA is obtained by Lagrange method and is nonlinear in dynamics with inertia uncertainty and external disturbance. The FSMC-ESO is based on the combination of the sliding-mode control (SMC), extended state observer (ESO) theory, and fuzzy control (FC). The SMC is insensitive to both internal parameter uncertainties and external disturbances. The motivation for using ESO is to estimate the disturbance in real-time. The fuzzy parameter self-tuning strategy is proposed to adjust the switching gain on line according to the running state of the system. The stability of the system is guaranteed in the sense of the Lyapunov stability theorem. The effectiveness and robustness of the designed FSMC-ESO are illustrated by simulations.
Global Stability for a Three-Species Food Chain Model in a Patchy Environment
Authors: Li Hongli , Jiang Yaolin , Zhang Long , Teng Zhidong
Published: August 2014

We investigate a three-species food chain model in a patchy environment where prey species, mid-level predator species, and top predator species can disperse amongndifferent patches(n≥2). By using the method of constructing Lyapunov functions based on graph-theoretical approach for coupled systems, we derive sufficient conditions under which the positive equilibrium of this model is unique and globally asymptotically stable if it exists.
A Variable Precision Attribute Reduction Approach in Multilabel Decision Tables
Authors: Li Hua , Li Deyu , Zhai Yanhui , Wang Suge , Zhang Jing
Published: August 2014

Owing to the high dimensionality of multilabel data, feature selection in multilabel learning will be necessary in order to reduce the redundant features and improve the performance of multilabel classification. Rough set theory, as a valid mathematical tool for data analysis, has been widely applied to feature selection (also called attribute reduction). In this study, we propose a variable precision attribute reduct for multilabel data based on rough set theory, calledδ-confidence reduct, which can correctly capture the uncertainty implied among labels. Furthermore, judgement theory and discernibility matrix associated withδ-confidence reduct are also introduced, from which we can obtain the approach to knowledge reduction in multilabel decision tables.
Seismic and Power Generation Performance of U-Shaped Steel Connected PV-Shear Wall under Lateral Cyclic Loading
Authors: Zhang Hongmei , Dong Jinzhi , Duan Yuanfeng , Lu Xilin , Peng Jinqing
Published: August 2014

BIPV is now widely used in office and residential buildings, but its seismic performance still remained vague especially when the photovoltaic (PV) modules are installed on high-rise building facades. A new form of reinforced concrete shear wall integrated with photovoltaic module is proposed in this paper, aiming to apply PV module to the facades of high-rise buildings. In this new form, the PV module is integrated with the reinforced concrete wall by U-shaped steel connectors through embedded steel plates. The lateral cyclic loading test is executed to investigate the seismic behavior and the electric and thermal performance with different drift angles. The seismic behavior, including failure pattern, lateral force-top displacement relationship, and deformation capacity, was investigated. The power generation and temperature variation on the back of the PV module and both sides of the shear wall were also tested. Two main results are demonstrated through the experiment: (1) the U-shaped steel connectors provide enough deformation capacity for the compatibility of the PV module to the shear wall during the whole cyclic test; (2) the electricity generation capacity is effective and stable during this seismic simulation test.
Numerical Simulation and Experimental Research on Coal Ash Collecting and Grading System
Authors: Xie Yuanhua , Li Xianjin , Wang Liwei , Yu Hong , Bai Bing , Xu Zhizhou , Zhu Tong
Published: August 2014

The grading separation of coal ash can not only increase its economic value but also decrease its pollution to environment. Based on the jet‐attracting flow technology and the gas‐solid two‐phase flow theory, the force and motion of coal ash particles in airflow were studied firstly. Focused on single coal ash particle, Matlab software was used to simulate the force conditions and separation parameters of various diameter coal ash particles in airflow. Fluent software was used to simulate the nozzle fluidization domain shape and to determine optimal jet flux. According to the theoretical results, a coal ash collecting and grading system was developed. Using the separation efficiency as the evaluation index, the optimal experiment parameters of jet flux, attracting flux, and separation time were obtained. At last, the calculated results and experimental results of coal ash particles median diameter from the first grading separation exit under various attracting fluxes were compared. The reasons that could cause the errors were discussed. This study has significant practical meaning and application value on coal ash collecting and grading separation.
Feasibility Tests on Concrete with Very-High-Volume Supplementary Cementitious Materials
Authors: Yang Keun-Hyeok , Jeon Yong-Su
Published: August 2014

The objective of this study is to examine the compressive strength and durability of very high-volume SCM concrete. The prepared 36 concrete specimens were classified into two groups according to their designed 28-day compressive strength. For the high-volume SCM, the FA level was fixed at a weight ratio of 0.4 and the GGBS level varied between the weight ratio of 0.3 and 0.5, which resulted in 70–90% replacement of OPC. To enhance the compressive strength of very high-volume SCM concrete at an early age, the unit water content was controlled to be less than 150 kg/m3, and a specially modified polycarboxylate-based water-reducing agent was added. Test results showed that as SCM ratio (RSCM) increased, the strength gain ratio at an early age relative to the 28-day strength tended to decrease, whereas that at a long-term age increased up toRSCMof 0.8, beyond which it decreased. In addition, the beneficial effect of SCMs on the freezing-and-thawing and chloride resistances of the concrete decreased atRSCMof 0.9. Hence, it is recommended thatRSCMneeds to be restricted to less than 0.8–0.85 in order to obtain a consistent positive influence on the compressive strength and durability of SCM concrete.
A Study on the Nature of Association betweenDemodexMites and Bacteria Involved in Skin and Meibomian Gland Lesions of Demodectic Mange in Cattle
Authors: Abu-Samra Mukhtar Taha , Shuaib Yassir Adam
Published: August 2014

The nature of association betweenDemodexmites and bacteria involved in bovine demodectic mange lesions and the normal flora inhabiting the skin of noninfected animals was investigated.Demodex bovisandD. ghanensismites were isolated from the infected purulent material extracted from skin and meibomian gland lesions, respectively. The mites could not be demonstrated in skin brushings or impression smears from the eyes of noninfected cattle. Pathogenic bacteria (Staphylococcus aureusandStreptococcus pyogenes(Group A)) and opportunistic organisms (Proteus vulgaris,Pseudomonas aeruginosa,Staphylococcus epidermidis, andTrueperella pyogenes) were isolated from skin lesions of demodectic mange, andMoraxella bovisandStaphylococcus aureuswere isolated from meibomian gland lesions.Bacillus subtilis,Escherichia coli,Proteus vulgaris,Staphylococcus aureus,Staphylococcus epidermidis, andStreptococcus pyogenes(Group A) were isolated from skin brushings from noninfected cattle. The nature of association betweenDemodexmites and bacteria in demodectic mange lesions is synergistic and of equal significance. Pathogenic and opportunistic bacteria facilitated the establishment ofDemodexmites in the lesions produced and provided an excellent microclimate for the mites to propagate and reproduce, resulting in severe and progressive disease. The “high-turnover” granulomatous reaction which characterized the histopathological changes proved thatDemodexmites and associated bacteria were persistent and immunogenic.
Oscillation Behavior for a Class of Differential Equation with Fractional-Order Derivatives
Authors: Xiang Shouxian , Han Zhenlai , Zhao Ping , Sun Ying
Published: August 2014

By using a generalized Riccati transformation technique and an inequality, we establish some oscillation theorems for the fractional differential equation[atpt+qtD-αxt)γ′ − b(t)f∫t∞‍(s-t)-αx(s)ds = 0, fort⩾t0>0, whereD-αxis the Liouville right-sided fractional derivative of orderα∈(0,1)ofxandγis a quotient of odd positive integers. The results in this paper extend and improve the results given in the literatures (Chen, 2012).
Anticancer Drug 2-Methoxyestradiol Protects against Renal Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury by Reducing Inflammatory Cytokines Expression
Authors: Chen Ying-Yin , Yeh Ching-Hua , So Edmund Cheung , Sun Ding-Ping , Wang Li-Yun , Hsing Chung-Hsi
Published: August 2014

Background. Ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury is a major cause of acute renal failure and allograft dysfunction in kidney transplantation. ROS/inflammatory cytokines are involved in I/R injury. 2-Methoxyestradiol (2ME2), an endogenous metabolite of estradiol, inhibits inflammatory cytokine expression and is an antiangiogenic and antitumor agent. We investigated the inhibitory effect of 2ME2 on renal I/R injury and possible molecular actions.Methods. BALB/c mice were intraperitoneally injected with 2ME2 (10 or 20 mg/kg) or vehicle 12 h before and immediately after renal I/R experiments. The kidney weight, renal function, tubular damages, and apoptotic response were examined 24 h after I/R injury. The expression of mRNA of interleukin-1β, tumor necrosis factor- (TNF)α, caspase-3, hypoxia inducible factor- (HIF) 1α, and proapoptotic Bcl-2/adenovirus E1B 19 kDa interacting protein 3 (BNIP3) in kidney tissue was determined using RT-PCR, while the expression of nuclear factorκB (NF-κB), BCL-2, and BCL-xL, activated caspase-9, and HIF-1αwas determined using immunoblotting.In vitro, we determined the effect of 2ME2 on reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and cell viability in antimycin-A-treated renal mesangial (RMC) and tubular (NRK52E) cells.Results. Serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen were significantly higher in mice with renal I/R injury than in sham control and in I/R+2ME2-treated mice. Survival in I/R+2ME2-treated mice was higher than in I/R mice. Histological examination showed that 2ME2 attenuated tubular damage in I/R mice, which was associated with lower expression TNF-α, IL-1β, caspase-9, HIF-1α, and BNIP3 mRNA in kidney tissue. Western blotting showed that 2ME2 treatment substantially decreased the expression of activated caspase-9, NF-κB, and HIF-1αbut increased the antiapoptotic proteins BCL-2 and BCL-xL in kidney of I/R injury.In vitro, 2MR2 decreased ROS production and increased cell viability in antimycin-A-treated RMC and NRK52E cells.Conclusions. 2ME2 reduces renal I/R injury in mice because it inhibits the expression of ROS and proinflammatory cytokines and induces antiapoptotic proteins.
A Meshless Method for the Numerical Solution of a Two-Dimension IHCP
Authors: Parzlivand F. , Shahrezaee A. M.
Published: August 2014

This paper uses the collocation method and radial basis functions (RBFs) to analyze the solution of a two-dimension inverse heat conduction problem (IHCP). The accuracy of the method is tested in terms of Error and RMS errors. Also, the stability of the technique is investigated by perturbing the additional specification data by increasing the amounts of random noise. The results of numerical experiments are compared with the analytical solution in illustrative examples to confirm the accuracy and efficiency of the presented scheme.
Singular Perturbation Theory-Based Qualitative Dynamics Investigation of Flywheel Energy Storage System in Discharge Mode
Authors: Zhang Weiya , Li Yongli , Chang Xiaoyong , Wang Nan
Published: August 2014

An investigation on qualitative dynamics in a voltage-current dual-loop controlled flywheel energy storage system (FESS) operating in discharge mode is presented in this paper, providing novel insights into the effect of two-timescale characteristics on the safety and stability of energy transmission of FESS. Based on singular perturbation theory, a two-timescale approach is proposed to separate the FESS into the fast and slow subsystems. Stability analysis of the transient fixed points confirms the effects of systemic parameters on FESS’s dynamics and indicates that the FESS shifts from the spiking state to the quiescent state when the slow variable crosses the bifurcation point of the fast subsystem. Mechanism analysis reveals that the root cause of the qualitative dynamics is the voltage instability of the FESS. Moreover, the feasibility boundaries of key parameters are derived, and application requirements of the proposed approach are also discussed, guiding the extension of the approach to engineering applications and solving the dynamics analysis problem to some extent at a theoretical analysis level. Constant voltage discharge experiment is performed based on the FESS test bench built in Key Laboratory of Smart Grid of Ministry of Education, Tianjin University, which validates the theoretical results.
Synthesis of Hierarchical CoO Nano/Microstructures as Anode Materials for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Qin Dan , Yan Peng , Li Guangzhong , Wang Yunchuang , An Yukuan , Xing Juan
Published: August 2014

Hierarchical CoO nano/microstructures are synthesized via a hydrothermal method and a subsequent annealed process. When evaluated for use in lithium‐ion batteries, hierarchical CoO nano/microstructures show a high initial discharge capacity of 1370 mAh/g and a high reversible capacity of 1148 mAh/g over 20 cycles at a current density of 100 mA/g. Superior rate performance with coulombic efficiency of about 100% upon galvanostatic cycling is also revealed. The excellent electrochemical properties of hierarchical CoO nano/microstructures make it a promising alternative anode material for high power lithium‐ion batteries applications.
Adaptive EWMA Method Based on Abnormal Network Traffic for LDoS Attacks
Authors: Tang Dan , Chen Kai , Chen XiaoSu , Liu HuiYu , Li Xinhua
Published: August 2014

The low‐rate denial of service (LDoS) attacks reduce network services capabilities by periodically sending high intensity pulse data flows. For their concealed performance, it is more difficult for traditional DoS detection methods to detect LDoS attacks; at the same time the accuracy of the current detection methods for LDoS attacks is relatively low. As the fact that LDoS attacks led to abnormal distribution of the ACK traffic, LDoS attacks can be detected by analyzing the distribution characteristics of ACK traffic. Then traditional EWMA algorithm which can smooth the accidental error while being the same as the exceptional mutation may cause some misjudgment; therefore a new LDoS detection method based on adaptive EWMA (AEWMA) algorithm is proposed. The AEWMA algorithm which uses an adaptive weighting function instead of the constant weighting of EWMA algorithm can smooth the accidental error and retain the exceptional mutation. So AEWMA method is more beneficial than EWMA method for analyzing and measuring the abnormal distribution of ACK traffic. The NS2 simulations show that AEWMA method can detect LDoS attacks effectively and has a low false negative rate and a false positive rate. Based on DARPA99 datasets, experiment results show that AEWMA method is more efficient than EWMA method.
Physicochemical Properties of Nanomaterials: Implication in Associated Toxic Manifestations
Authors: Gatoo Manzoor Ahmad , Naseem Sufia , Arfat Mir Yasir , Mahmood Dar Ayaz , Qasim Khusro , Zubair Swaleha
Published: August 2014

Nanotechnology has emerged as one of the leading fields of the science having tremendous application in diverse disciplines. As nanomaterials are increasingly becoming part of everyday consumer products, it is imperative to assess their impact on living organisms and on the environment. Physicochemical characteristics of nanoparticles and engineered nanomaterials including size, shape, chemical composition, physiochemical stability, crystal structure, surface area, surface energy, and surface roughness generally influence the toxic manifestations of these nanomaterials. This compels the research fraternity to evaluate the role of these properties in determining associated toxicity issues. Reckoning with this fact, in this paper, issues pertaining to the physicochemical properties of nanomaterials as it relates to the toxicity of the nanomaterials are discussed.
Exploration of Electrochemical Intermediates of the Anticancer Drug Doxorubicin Hydrochloride Using Cyclic Voltammetry and Simulation Studies with an Evaluation for Its Interaction with DNA
Authors: Guin Partha Sarathi , Das Saurabh
Published: August 2014

Electrochemical behavior of the anticancer drug doxorubicin hydrochloride was studied using cyclic voltammetry in aqueous medium using Hepes buffer (pH~7.4). At this pH, doxorubicin hydrochloride undergoes a reversible two-electron reduction withE1/2value −665±5 mV (versus Ag/AgCl, saturated KCl). Depending on scan rates, processes were either quasireversible (at low scan rates) or near perfect reversible (at high scan rates). This difference in behavior of doxorubicin hydrochloride with scan rate studied over the same potential range speaks of differences in electron transfer processes in doxorubicin hydrochloride. Attempt was made to identify and understand the species involved using simulation. The information obtained was used to study the interaction of doxorubicin hydrochloride with calf thymus DNA. Cathodic peak current gradually decreased as more calf thymus DNA was added. The decrease in cathodic peak current was used to estimate the interaction of the drug with calf thymus DNA. Nonlinear curve fit analysis was applied to evaluate the intrinsic binding constant and site size of interaction that was compared with previous results on doxorubicin hydrochloride-DNA interaction monitored by cyclic voltammetry or spectroscopic techniques.
Mechanism Design of Fashion Virtual Enterprise under Monitoring Strategy
Authors: Huang Min , Chen Kegui , Xu Chunhui , Ching Wai-Ki , Wang Xingwei
Published: August 2014

Designing a revenue sharing contract to prevent the moral hazard is one of the most important issues in virtual enterprise (VE). As the partners’ productive effort level cannot be observed by the owner and other partners, there is usually moral hazard problem in VE. To mitigate the moral hazard, the owner sets the monitoring effort with monitoring cost. Considering a risk‐neutral owner and multiple downside risk‐averse partners, the owner’s problem of determining the monitoring effort and incentive intensity to maximize his profit while the partners determine their productive effort to maximize their profit is addressed. The principal agent based model of this problem is proposed. By solving the model, the optimal strategy of owner and partner is derived. By comparing with the no monitoring scenario, we find that implementing suitable monitoring strategy can reduce the moral hazard effectively. Finally, by analyzing the partners’ risk attitude, the result reveals that the lower the risk level of the partner is, the more the owner wants. These results suggest that VE should not only focus on the risk attitude but also on monitoring.
Design of Smart Power-Saving Architecture for Network on Chip
Authors: Lee Trong-Yen , Huang Chi-Han
Published: August 2014

In network-on-chip (NoC), the data transferring by virtual channels can avoid the issue of data loss and deadlock. Many virtual channels on one input or output port in router are included. However, the router includes five I/O ports, and then the power issue is very important in virtual channels. In this paper, a novel architecture, namely, Smart Power-Saving (SPS), for low power consumption and low area in virtual channels of NoC is proposed. The SPS architecture can accord different environmental factors to dynamically save power and optimization area in NoC. Comparison with related works, the new proposed method reduces 37.31%, 45.79%, and 19.26% on power consumption and reduces 49.4%, 25.5% and 14.4% on area, respectively.
Effect ofAllium cepaL. on Lipopolysaccharide-Stimulated Osteoclast Precursor Cell Viability, Count, and Morphology Using 4′,6-Diamidino-2-phenylindole-Staining
Authors: Oliveira Tatiane , Figueiredo Camila A. , Brito Carlos , Stavroullakis Alexander , Prakki Anuradha , Da Silva Velozo Eudes , Nogueira-Filho Getulio
Published: August 2014

Allium cepaL. is known to possess numerous pharmacological properties. Our aim was to examine thein vitroeffects ofAllium cepaL. extract (AcE) onPorphyromonas gingivalisLPS andEscherichia coliLPS-stimulated osteoclast precursor cells to determine cell viability to other future cell-based assays. Osteoclast precursor cells (RAW 264.7) were stimulated byPgLPS (1 μg/mL) andE. coliLPS (1 μg/mL) in the presence or absence of different concentrations of AcE (10–1000 μg/mL) for 5 days at 37°C/5% CO2. Resazurin reduction and total protein content assays were used to detect cell viability. AcE did not affect cell viability. Resazurin reduction assay showed that AcE, at up to 1000 μg/mL, did not significantly affect cell viability and cellular protein levels. Additionally a caspase 3/7 luminescence assay was used to disclose apoptosis and there was no difference in apoptotic activity between tested groups and control group. Fluorescence images stained by DAPI showed no alteration on the morphology and cell counts of LPS-stimulated osteoclast precursor cells with the use of AcE in all tested concentrations when compared to control. These findings suggest thatAllium cepaL. extract could be used forin vitrostudies onPorphyromonas gingivalisLPS andEscherichia coliLPS-stimulated osteoclast precursor cells.
Primary Pulmonary Synovial Sarcoma: A Very Rare Presentation
Authors: Seyhan Ekrem Cengiz , Sokucu Sinem Nedime , Gunluoglu Gulsah , Veske Nurdan Simsek , Altin Sedat
Published: August 2014

Synovial sarcoma (SS) is a rare tumor originating from mesenchymal tissue and accounting for approximately 5–10% of all soft tissue sarcomas. A rare case of primary pulmonary SS in an asymptomatic 18-year-old man admitted to our hospital for investigation of a 6 × 6.5 cm, oval-shaped, well-delineated pleural based peripheral mass in the left lower lobe in his thorax CT is presented. Left lower lobectomy was done. Immunohistochemically, tumor cells were positive for cytokeratin, epithelial membrane antigen (EMA), and vimentin so that the histopathological diagnosis was compatible with biphasic spindle cell type SS in the lung.
Spatial Characterization of Landscapes through Multifractal Analysis of DEM
Authors: Aguado P. L. , Del Monte J. P. , Moratiel R. , Tarquis A. M.
Published: August 2014

Landscape evolution is driven by abiotic, biotic, and anthropic factors. The interactions among these factors and their influence at different scales create a complex dynamic. Landscapes have been shown to exhibit numerous scaling laws, from Horton’s laws to more sophisticated scaling of heights in topography and river network topology. This scaling and multiscaling analysis has the potential to characterise the landscape in terms of the statistical signature of the measure selected. The study zone is a matrix obtained from a digital elevation model (DEM) (map 10 × 10 m, and height 1 m) that corresponds to homogeneous region with respect to soil characteristics and climatology known as “Monte El Pardo” although the water level of a reservoir and the topography play a main role on its organization and evolution. We have investigated whether the multifractal analysis of a DEM shows common features that can be used to reveal the underlying patterns and information associated with the landscape of the DEM mapping and studied the influence of the water level of the reservoir on the applied analysis. The results show that the use of the multifractal approach with mean absolute gradient data is a useful tool for analysing the topography represented by the DEM.
Preclinical Evaluation of Antiurolithiatic Activity of Viburnum opulus L. on Sodium Oxalate‐Induced Urolithiasis Rat Model
Authors: İlhan Mert , Ergene Burçin , Süntar Ipek , Özbilgin Serkan , Saltan Çitoğlu Gülçin , Demirel M. Ayşe , Keleş Hikmet , Altun Levent , Küpeli Akkol Esra
Published: August 2014

The aim of the present research is to evaluate the antiurolithiatic effect of the various extracts prepared from the fruits of Viburnum opulus L., in regard to its ethnobotanical record. To induce urolithiasis, 70 mg/kg sodium oxalate was injected to the rats which were housed individually in metabolic cages. The test materials were applied during 7 days. Biochemical (urine and serum parameters), histopathological and antioxidant (TBARs, TSH and GSH) assays were conducted. The urine samples were examined by light microscope for the determination of the calcium oxalate crystals. Lyophilized juice of V. opulus (LJVO) and lyophilized commercial juice of V. opulus (LCJVO) exerted potential antiurolithiatic activity which was attributed to its diuretic effect along with the inhibitory action on the oxalate levels and free radical production. We also determined the chlorogenic acid content of the LJVO by high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Chlorogenic acid was determined by using Supelcosil LC‐18 (250 × 4.6 mm, 5 µm) column and acetonitrile: water: 0.2% o‐phosphoric acid as a mobile phase. The chlorogenic acid content of V. opulus was found to be 0.3227 mg/mL in fruit juice. The results obtained in this study have provided a scientific evidence for the traditional usage of V. opulus on passing kidney stones in Turkish folk medicine.
Effects of Different Pretreatments to the Seed on Seedling Emergence and Growth ofAcacia polyacantha
Authors: Missanjo Edward , Chioza Alfred , Kulapani Chikondi
Published: August 2014

Acacia polyacanthaWilld. is a multipurpose tree species prioritised as one of the agroforestry tree species in Malawi. However, its use in agroforestry practices is limited by the low seedling growth and survival at the nursery stage. A study was conducted to evaluate the seedling growth and survival ofAcacia polyacanthaas affected by different pretreatments on the seeds at Malawi College of Forestry and Wildlife nursery, Malawi. Seeds were subjected to five presowing seed treatments methods, namely, immersion in cold water at room temperature for 24 hours, immersion in hot water (100°C) for 5 minutes, immersion in concentrated sulfuric acid (0.3 M H2SO4) for 20 minutes, scarification by mechanically nicking using secateurs, and a control where seeds were sown without any treatment. The results indicate that presowing seed treatments have positive influence on the seedling growth and survival percentage. Nicked seeds exhibited the highest significant (P<0.001) performance for vegetative characteristics of height, root collar diameter, number of leaves, and survival percentage compared to other pretreatments. Therefore, it is suggested to use nicking as a pretreatment method onAcacia polyacanthaseeds in order to enhance the speed and the amount of early seedling growth at the nursery stage.
Factors Affecting Mortality in Elderly Patients Hospitalized for Nonmalignant Reasons
Authors: Ayaz Teslime , Sahin Serap Baydur , Sahin Osman Zikrullah , Bilir Ozlem , Rakıcı Halil
Published: August 2014

Elderly population is hospitalized more frequently than young people, and they suffer from more severe diseases that are difficult to diagnose and treat. The present study aimed to investigate the factors affecting mortality in elderly patients hospitalized for nonmalignant reasons. Demographic data, reason for hospitalization, comorbidities, duration of hospital stay, and results of routine blood testing at the time of first hospitalization were obtained from the hospital records of the patients, who were over 65 years of age and hospitalized primarily for nonmalignant reasons. The mean age of 1012 patients included in the study was 77.8 ± 7.6. The most common reason for hospitalization was diabetes mellitus (18.3%). Of the patients, 90.3% had at least a single comorbidity. Whilst 927 (91.6%) of the hospitalized patients were discharged, 85 (8.4%) died. Comparison of the characteristics of the discharged and dead groups revealed that the dead group was older and had higher rates of poor general status and comorbidity. Differences were observed between the discharged and dead groups in most of the laboratory parameters. Hypoalbuminemia, hypertriglyceridemia, hypopotassemia, hypernatremia, hyperuricemia, and high TSH level were the predictors of mortality. In order to meet the health necessities of the elderly population, it is necessary to well define the patient profiles and to identify the risk factors.
Dynamic Analysis of the Nonlinear Chaotic System with Multistochastic Disturbances
Authors: Geng Lingling , Yu Yongguang , Zhang Shuo
Published: August 2014

The nonlinear chaotic system with multistochastic disturbances is investigated. Based on the orthogonal polynomial approximation, the method of transforming the system into an equivalent deterministic system is given. Then dynamic analysis of the nonlinear chaotic system with multistochastic disturbances can be reduced into that of its equivalent deterministic system. Especially, the Lorenz system with multistochastic disturbances is studied to demonstrate the feasibility of the given method. And its dynamic behaviors are gained including the phase portrait, the bifurcation diagram, the Poincaré section, and the maximum Lyapunov exponent.