bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Whole body and regional body composition changes following 10-day hypoxic confinement and unloading–inactivity
Authors: Debevec Tadej , McDonnell Adam C. , Macdonald Ian A. , Eiken Ola , Mekjavic Igor B.
Published: October 2013

Future planetary habitats will expose inhabitants to both reduced gravity and hypoxia. This study investigated the effects of short-term unloading and normobaric hypoxia on whole body and regional body composition (BC). Eleven healthy, recreationally active, male participants with a mean (SD) age of 24 (2) years and body mass index of 22.4 (3.2) kg·m−2 completed the following 3 10-day campaigns in a randomised, cross-over designed protocol: (i) hypoxic ambulatory confinement (HAMB; FIO2 = 0.147 (0.008); PIO2 = 93.8 (0.9) mm Hg), (ii) hypoxic bed rest (HBR; FIO2 = 0.147 (0.008); PIO2 = 93.8 (0.9) mm Hg), and (iii) normoxic bed rest (NBR; FIO2 = 0.209; PIO2 = 133.5 (0.7) mm Hg). Nutritional requirements were individually precalculated and the actual intake was monitored throughout the study protocol. Body mass, whole body, and regional BC were assessed before and after the campaigns using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. The calculated daily targeted energy intake values were 2071 (170) kcal for HBR and NBR and 2417 (200) kcal for HAMB. In both HBR and NBR campaigns the actual energy intake was within the targeted level, whereas in the HAMB the intake was lower than targeted (–8%, p < 0.05). Body mass significantly decreased in all 3 campaigns (–2.1%, –2.8%, and –2.0% for HAMB, HBR, and NBR, respectively; p < 0.05), secondary to a significant decrease in lean mass (–3.8%, –3.8%, –4.3% for HAMB, HBR, and NBR, respectively; p < 0.05) along with a slight, albeit not significant, increase in fat mass. The same trend was observed in the regional BC regardless of the region and the campaign. These results demonstrate that, hypoxia per se, does not seem to alter whole body and regional BC during short-term bed rest.
Cadmium toxicity induces lipid peroxidation and alters cytokinin content and antioxidant enzyme activities in soybean
Authors: Hashem H.A.
Published: October 2013

The short-term effect of exposure (24 to 72 h) to various concentrations of CdCl2 on cytokinin content, lipid peroxidation, hydrogen peroxide level, and reduced glutathione content, as well as the activities of representative enzymes of the antioxidant defense system, were investigated in soybean. In addition, the deleterious effects of cadmium poisoning on soybean growth and photosynthetic pigment content were recorded. Exposure to cadmium significantly inhibited growth and severely reduced photosynthetic pigment content. Cadmium treatment was also found to increase lipid peroxidation and hydrogen peroxide levels, indicating that cadmium can induce an oxidative stress response in leaves. Inhibition of cytokinin fractions (zeatin and zeatine riboside) were also detected in all tested cadmium concentrations, zeatin being most severely affected. We also found that exposure to cadmium increased the activities of superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, catalase, and ascorbate peroxidase and altered glutathione content. This is representative of a cadmium-induced defense mechanism required to cope with elevated oxidative stress.
Investigating the properties of subcritical water extraction with pharmaceutical tablets
Authors: Murakami Jillian N. , Thurbide Kevin B.
Published: October 2013

The properties of subcritical water extraction (SWE) in the sample preparation of pharmaceutical tablets were investigated. Tablets comprised of microcrystalline cellulose excipients broke apart up to 80 times faster in subcritical water than they did in room temperature water, while those containing starch readily broke apart in either. Tablets containing starch were also observed to gelatinize or “paste” over several SWE conditions, impeding subsequent filtration and analysis. This effect was avoidable, however, since it was demonstrated to disappear with increases in extraction time and temperature or decreases in sample size. Using SWE, two common over-the-counter pharmaceuticals were extracted under optimized conditions from tablets comprised of either microcrystalline cellulose or starch excipients. Analyte recoveries of 95% or more were obtained at 150 °C for vitamin C (ascorbic acid) tablets in as little as 8 min for the extraction of a whole intact tablet, 6 min for two half tablets, and 5 min for a ground tablet. By comparison, this occurred at 250 °C in just 2 min for an intact slice of an acetaminophen tablet. Reproducibility was generally quite good with these trials producing RSD values of less than 2%. The results indicate that SWE can be a potentially viable and efficient method for the sample preparation of whole, sliced, or ground pharmaceutical tablets, and further exploration of this approach is promising.
Improving accuracy of canopy hemispherical photography by a constant threshold value derived from an unobscured overcast sky
Authors: Song Guo-Zhang Michael , Doley David , Yates David , Chao Kuo-Jung , Hsieh Chang-Fu
Published: October 2013

High image discrimination threshold values tend to be given to canopy hemispherical photographs (CHPs) with high exposure (resulting in bright images), but the effects of exposure on image threshold have been overlooked. A model canopy system was developed to precisely manipulate exposure (in relation to reference exposure measured from an unobscured overcast model sky), canopy openness, gap fragmentation and sky illumination of CHPs. We showed that there was a numerical trade-off relationship between exposure and image threshold of CHPs, whereas the last three factors had negligible effects on image threshold. A new thresholding method based on this relationship was shown to be applicable in the field and to allow users of hemispherical photography (HP) to compensate for the effects of higher exposure on CHPs with higher empirical threshold values. The advantages of this method are as follows: (i) it is an objective method; (ii) its overall performance is better than that of automatic thresholding methods throughout a wide range of canopy openness and exposure; and (iii) its efficiency of image analysis is higher than that of conventional manual and automatic thresholding methods, because all CHPs can be analysed with a constant empirical threshold value. Our results highlight the necessity of integrating both exposure and thresholding for optimal CHP results and the contribution that model canopies can make to methodological studies of HP.
Genome analysis of seven species of Kengyilia (Triticeae: Poaceae) with FISH and GISH
Authors: Dou Quanwen , Wang Richard R.-C. , Lei Yuting , Yu Feng , Li Yuan , Wang Haiqing , Chen Zhiguo
Published: October 2013

The genome compositions and genetic relationships of seven species of Kengyilia were assessed using a sequential fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and genomic in situ hybridization (GISH) technique. Five species, K. kokonorica, K. rigidula, K. hirsuta, K. grandiglumis, and K. thoroldiana, are native to Qinghai (China). The other two, K. alatavica and K. batalinii, are distributed in Xinjiang (China) and Kyrgyzstan, respectively. Each chromosome could be easily identified using chromosome markers (45S rDNA, 5S rDNA, pAs1, and AAG repeats) by FISH and allocated to the St, P, or Y genome by GISH. Molecular karyotype comparison indicated that K. alatavica and K. batalinii were distinct from the Qinghai species in all three genomes. These results support that the species of Kengyilia from Central Asia and the Qinghai–Tibetan plateau have independent origins. Genomic differentiation was still detected among the species of Kengyilia from Qinghai. Specifically, a common species-specific pericentric inversion was identified in both K. grandiglumis and K. thoroldiana, and an identical St-P non-Robertsonian translocation was frequently detected in K. hirsuta. The Qinghai species formed three genetic groups, K. kokonorica–K. rigidula, K. hirsuta, and K. grandiglumis–K. thoroldiana. The possible role of species-specific inversions and translocations in the evolution of StPY species is discussed.
Testing first-order properties for subclasses of sparse graphs
Authors: Dvořák Zdeněk , Král Daniel , Thomas Robin
Published: October 2013

We present a linear-time algorithm for deciding first-order (FO) properties in classes of graphs with bounded expansion, a notion recently introduced by Nešetřil and Ossona de Mendez. This generalizes several results from the literature, because many natural classes of graphs have bounded expansion: graphs of bounded tree-width, all proper minor-closed classes of graphs, graphs of bounded degree, graphs with no subgraph isomorphic to a subdivision of a fixed graph, and graphs that can be drawn in a fixed surface in such a way that each edge crosses at most a constant number of other edges. We deduce that there is an almost linear-time algorithm for deciding FO properties in classes of graphs with locally bounded expansion.

More generally, we design a dynamic data structure for graphs belonging to a fixed class of graphs of bounded expansion. After a linear-time initialization the data structure allows us to test an FO property in constant time, and the data structure can be updated in constant time after addition/deletion of an edge, provided the list of possible edges to be added is known in advance and their simultaneous addition results in a graph in the class. All our results also hold for relational structures and are based on the seminal result of Nešetřil and Ossona de Mendez on the existence of low tree-depth colorings.
Legal issues with robots
Authors: Kirkpatrick Keith
Published: October 2013

Who is responsible when property is damaged or someone is injured by an automated system? Existing product liability laws have not yet been tested in the context of robots.
Centip3De
Authors: Dreslinski Ronald G. , Fick David , Giridhar Bharan , Kim Gyouho , Seo Sangwon , Fojtik Matthew , Satpathy Sudhir , Lee Yoonmyung , Kim Daeyeon , Liu Nurrachman , Wieckowski Michael , Chen Gregory , Sylvester Dennis , Blaauw David , Mudge Trevor
Published: October 2013

Process scaling has resulted in an exponential increase of the number of transistors available to designers. Meanwhile, global interconnect has not scaled nearly as well, because global wires scale only in one dimension instead of two, resulting in fewer, high-resistance routing tracks. This paper evaluates the use of three-dimensional (3D) integration to reduce global interconnect by adding multiple layers of silicon with vertical connections between them using through-silicon vias (TSVs). Because global interconnect can be millimeters long, and silicon layers tend to be only tens of microns thick in 3D stacked processes, the power and performance gains by using vertical interconnect can be substantial. To address the thermal issues that arise with 3D integration, this paper also evaluates the use of near-threshold computing---operating the system at a supply voltage just above the threshold voltage of the transistors.

Specifically, we will discuss the design and test of Centip3De, a large-scale 3D-stacked near-threshold chip multiprocessor. Centip3De uses Tezzaron's 3D stacking technology in conjunction with Global Foundries' 130 nm process. The Centip3De design comprises 128 ARM Cortex-M3 cores and 256MB of integrated DRAM. Silicon measurements are presented for a 64-core version of the design.
The expressibility of functions on the boolean domain, with applications to counting CSPs
Authors: Bulatov Andrei A. , Dyer Martin , Goldberg Leslie Ann , Jerrum Mark , Mcquillan Colin
Published: October 2013

An important tool in the study of the complexity of Constraint Satisfaction Problems (CSPs) is the notion of a relational clone, which is the set of all relations expressible using primitive positive formulas over a particular set of base relations. Post's lattice gives a complete classification of all Boolean relational clones, and this has been used to classify the computational difficulty of CSPs. Motivated by a desire to understand the computational complexity of (weighted) counting CSPs, we develop an analogous notion of functional clones and study the landscape of these clones. One of these clones is the collection of log-supermodular (lsm) functions, which turns out to play a significant role in classifying counting CSPs. In the conservative case (where all nonnegative unary functions are available), we show that there are no functional clones lying strictly between the clone of lsm functions and the total clone (containing all functions). Thus, any counting CSP that contains a single nontrivial non-lsm function is computationally as hard to approximate as any problem in #P. Furthermore, we show that any nontrivial functional clone (in a sense that will be made precise) contains the binary function “implies”. As a consequence, in the conservative case, all nontrivial counting CSPs are as hard to approximate as #BIS, the problem of counting independent sets in a bipartite graph. Given the complexity-theoretic results, it is natural to ask whether the “implies” clone is equivalent to the clone of lsm functions. We use the Möbius transform and the Fourier transform to show that these clones coincide precisely up to arity 3. It is an intriguing open question whether the lsm clone is finitely generated. Finally, we investigate functional clones in which only restricted classes of unary functions are available.
Intrahypothalamic pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide regulates energy balance via site-specific actions on feeding and metabolism
Authors: Resch Jon M. , Maunze Brian , Gerhardt Adriana K. , Magnuson Samuel K. , Phillips Kailynn A. , Choi SuJean
Published: October 2013

Numerous studies have demonstrated that both the hypothalamic paraventricular nuclei (PVN) and ventromedial nuclei (VMN) regulate energy homeostasis through behavioral and metabolic mechanisms. Receptors for pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) are abundantly expressed in these nuclei, suggesting PACAP may be critical for the regulation of feeding behavior and body weight. To characterize the unique behavioral and physiological responses attributed to select hypothalamic cell groups, PACAP was site-specifically injected into the PVN or VMN. Overall food intake was significantly reduced by PACAP at both sites; however, meal pattern analysis revealed that only injections into the PVN produced significant reductions in meal size, duration, and total time spent eating. PACAP-mediated hypophagia in both the PVN and VMN was abolished by PAC1R antagonism, whereas pretreatment with a VPACR antagonist had no effect. PACAP injections into the VMN produced unique changes in metabolic parameters, including significant increases in core body temperature and spontaneous locomotor activity that was PAC1R dependent whereas, PVN injections of PACAP had no effect. Finally, PACAP-containing afferents were identified using the neuronal tracer cholera toxin subunit B (CTB) injected unilaterally into the PVN or VMN. CTB signal from PVN injections was colocalized with PACAP mRNA in the medial anterior bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, VMN, and lateral parabrachial nucleus (LPB), whereas CTB signal from VMN injections was highly colocalized with PACAP mRNA in the medial amygdala and LPB. These brain regions are known to influence energy homeostasis perhaps, in part, through PACAP projections to the PVN and VMN.
Metallothionein deficiency exacerbates diabetic nephropathy in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice
Authors: Tachibana Hiromi , Ogawa Daisuke , Sogawa Norio , Asanuma Masato , Miyazaki Ikuko , Terami Naoto , Hatanaka Takashi , Horiguchi Chikage Sato , Nakatsuka Atsuko , Eguchi Jun , Wada Jun , Yamada Hiroshi , Takei Kohji , Makino Hirofumi
Published: October 2013

Oxidative stress and inflammation play important roles in diabetic complications, including diabetic nephropathy. Metallothionein (MT) is induced in proximal tubular epithelial cells as an antioxidant in the diabetic kidney; however, the role of MT in renal function remains unclear. We therefore investigated whether MT deficiency accelerates diabetic nephropathy through oxidative stress and inflammation. Diabetes was induced by streptozotocin injection in MT-deficient (MT−/−) and MT+/+ mice. Urinary albumin excretion, histological changes, markers for reactive oxygen species (ROS), and kidney inflammation were measured. Murine proximal tubular epithelial (mProx24) cells were used to further elucidate the role of MT under high-glucose conditions. Parameters of diabetic nephropathy and markers of ROS and inflammation were accelerated in diabetic MT−/− mice compared with diabetic MT+/+ mice, despite equivalent levels of hyperglycemia. MT deficiency accelerated interstitial fibrosis and macrophage infiltration into the interstitium in the diabetic kidney. Electron microscopy revealed abnormal mitochondrial morphology in proximal tubular epithelial cells in diabetic MT−/− mice. In vitro studies demonstrated that knockdown of MT by small interfering RNA enhanced mitochondrial ROS generation and inflammation-related gene expression in mProx24 cells cultured under high-glucose conditions. The results of this study suggest that MT may play a key role in protecting the kidney against high glucose-induced ROS and subsequent inflammation in diabetic nephropathy.
Modulation of high- and low-frequency components of the cortical local field potential via nicotinic and muscarinic acetylcholine receptors in anesthetized mice
Authors: Kalmbach Abigail , Waters Jack
Published: October 2013

Release of acetylcholine (ACh) in neocortex is important for learning, memory and attention tasks. The primary source of ACh in neocortex is axons ascending from the basal forebrain. Release of ACh from these axons evokes changes in the cortical local field potential (LFP), including a decline in low-frequency spectral power that is often referred to as desynchronization of the LFP and is thought to result from the activation of muscarinic ACh receptors. Using channelrhodopsin-2, we selectively stimulated the axons of only cholinergic basal forebrain neurons in primary somatosensory cortex of the urethane-anesthetized mouse while monitoring the LFP. Cholinergic stimulation caused desynchronization and two brief increases in higher-frequency power at stimulus onset and offset. Desynchronization (1–6 Hz) was localized, extending ≤ 1 mm from the edge of stimulation, and consisted of both nicotinic and muscarinic receptor-mediated components that were inhibited by mecamylamine and atropine, respectively. Hence we have identified a nicotinic receptor-mediated component to desynchronization. The increase in higher-frequency power (>10 Hz) at stimulus onset was also mediated by activation of nicotinic and muscarinic receptors. However, the increase in higher-frequency power (10–20 Hz) at stimulus offset was evoked by activation of muscarinic receptors and inhibited by activation of nicotinic receptors. We conclude that the activation of nicotinic and muscarinic ACh receptors in neocortex exerts several effects that are reflected in distinct frequency bands of the cortical LFP in urethane-anesthetized mice.
Dual sensitivity of inferior colliculus neurons to ITD in the envelopes of high-frequency sounds: experimental and modeling study
Authors: Wang Le , Devore Sasha , Delgutte Bertrand , Colburn H. Steven
Published: October 2013

Human listeners are sensitive to interaural time differences (ITDs) in the envelopes of sounds, which can serve as a cue for sound localization. Many high-frequency neurons in the mammalian inferior colliculus (IC) are sensitive to envelope-ITDs of sinusoidally amplitude-modulated (SAM) sounds. Typically, envelope-ITD-sensitive IC neurons exhibit either peak-type sensitivity, discharging maximally at the same delay across frequencies, or trough-type sensitivity, discharging minimally at the same delay across frequencies, consistent with responses observed at the primary site of binaural interaction in the medial and lateral superior olives (MSO and LSO), respectively. However, some high-frequency IC neurons exhibit dual types of envelope-ITD sensitivity in their responses to SAM tones, that is, they exhibit peak-type sensitivity at some modulation frequencies and trough-type sensitivity at other frequencies. Here we show that high-frequency IC neurons in the unanesthetized rabbit can also exhibit dual types of envelope-ITD sensitivity in their responses to SAM noise. Such complex responses to SAM stimuli could be achieved by convergent inputs from MSO and LSO onto single IC neurons. We test this hypothesis by implementing a physiologically explicit, computational model of the binaural pathway. Specifically, we examined envelope-ITD sensitivity of a simple model IC neuron that receives convergent inputs from MSO and LSO model neurons. We show that dual envelope-ITD sensitivity emerges in the IC when convergent MSO and LSO inputs are differentially tuned for modulation frequency.
A mixed Ca2+ channel blocker, A-1264087, utilizes peripheral and spinal mechanisms to inhibit spinal nociceptive transmission in a rat model of neuropathic pain
Authors: Xu Jun , Chu Katharine L. , Zhu Chang Z. , Niforatos Wende , Swensen Andrew , Searle Xenia , Lee Lance , Jarvis Michael F. , McGaraughty Steve
Published: October 2013

N-, T- and P/Q-type voltage-gated Ca2+ channels are critical for regulating neurotransmitter release and cellular excitability and have been implicated in mediating pathological nociception. A-1264087 is a novel state-dependent blocker of N-, T- and P/Q-type channels. In the present studies, A-1264087 blocked (IC50 = 1.6 μM) rat dorsal root ganglia N-type Ca2+ in a state-dependent fashion. A-1264087 (1, 3 and 10 mg/kg po) dose-dependently reduced mechanical allodynia in rats with a spinal nerve ligation (SNL) injury. A-1264087 (4 mg/kg iv) inhibited both spontaneous and mechanically evoked activity of spinal wide dynamic range (WDR) neurons in SNL rats but had no effect in uninjured rats. The inhibitory effect on WDR neurons remained in spinally transected SNL rats. Injection of A-1264087 (10 nmol/0.5 μl) into the spinal cord reduced both spontaneous and evoked WDR activity in SNL rats. Application of A-1264087 (300 nmol/20 μl) into the receptive field on the hindpaw attenuated evoked but not spontaneous firing of WDR neurons. Using electrical stimulation, A-1264087 (4 mg/kg iv) inhibited Aδ- and C-fiber evoked responses and after-discharge of WDR neurons in SNL rats. These effects by A-1264087 were not present in uninjured rats. A-1264087 moderately attenuated WDR neuron windup in both uninjured and SNL rats. In summary, these results indicate that A-1264087 selectively inhibited spinal nociceptive transmission in sensitized states through both peripheral and central mechanisms.
Identification of KCNJ11 as a functional candidate gene for bovine meat tenderness
Authors: Tizioto Polyana C. , Gasparin Gustavo , Souza Marcela M. , Mudadu Mauricio A. , Coutinho Luiz L. , Mourão Gerson B. , Tholon Patricia , Meirelles Sarah L. C. , Tullio Rymer R. , Rosa Antônio N. , Alencar Maurício M. , Medeiros Sérgio R. , Siqueira Fabiane , Feijó Gelson L. D. , Nassu Renata T. , Regitano Luciana C. A.
Published: October 2013

The potassium inwardly rectifying channel, subfamily J, member 11 ( KCNJ11) gene was investigated as a candidate for meat tenderness based on the effects reported on muscle for KCNJ11 gene knockout in rat models and its position in a quantitative trait locus (QTL) for meat tenderness in the bovine genome. Sequence variations in the KCNJ11 gene were described by sequencing six amplified fragments, covering almost the entire gene. We identified single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) and validated them by different approaches, taking advantage of simultaneous projects that are being developed with the same Nelore population. By sequencing the KCNJ11 in Nelore steers representing extreme phenotypes for Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF), it was possible to identify 22 SNPs. We validated two of the identified markers by genotyping the whole population ( n = 460). Analysis of association between genotypes and WBSF values revealed a significant additive effect of a SNP at different meat aging times ( P ≤ 0.05). In addition, an association between the expression levels of KCNJ11 and WBSF was found, with lower expression levels of KCNJ11 associated with more tender meat ( P ≤ 0.05). The results showed that the KCNJ11 gene is a candidate mapped to a QTL for meat tenderness previously identified on BTA15 and may be useful to identify animals with genetic potential to produce tender meat. The effect of KCNJ11 observed on muscle is potentially due to changes in activity of KATP channels, which in turn influence the flow of potassium in the intracellular space, allowing establishment of the membrane potential necessary for muscle contraction.
Optimization of Tribological Properties of Nonasbestos Brake Pad Material by Using Steel Wool
Authors: Vijay R. , Jees Janesh M. , Saibalaji M. A. , Thiyagarajan V.
Published: October 2013

The gradual phasing out of typical brake pad material led to the spark of extensive research in development of alternatives. Henceforth we have performed a tribological study to improve the performance characteristics of the friction product (brake pad) by using steel wool, a metallic material which has an excellent structural reinforcement property and high thermal stability which are indeed required to improve the performance of the brake pad. Under the study, five frictional composites were developed and optimized using the same ingredients in an appropriate proportion except steel wool (0%, 4%, 8%, 12%, and 16%) which is compensated by synthetic barite, and the synthesized compositions are designated as Na01 to Na05. The developed pads are tested for tribological behaviour under conventional environment in a standard pin on disc tribometer. It is observed that increase in steel wool concentration resulted in high coefficient of friction and low wear rate of pad as resulted in Na05 composition. SEM analysis of the wear surface has proved to be useful in understanding the wear behaviour of the composites.
Complexity Reduction in the Use of Evolutionary Algorithms to Function Optimization: A Variable Reduction Strategy
Authors: Wu Guohua , Pedrycz Witold , Li Haifeng , Qiu Dishan , Ma Manhao , Liu Jin
Published: October 2013

Discovering and utilizing problem domain knowledge is a promising direction towards improving the efficiency of evolutionary algorithms (EAs) when solving optimization problems. We propose a knowledge‐based variable reduction strategy (VRS) that can be integrated into EAs to solve unconstrained and first‐order derivative optimization functions more efficiently. VRS originates from the knowledge that, in an unconstrained and first‐order derivative optimization function, the optimal solution locates in a local extreme point at which the partial derivative over each variable equals zero. Through this collective of partial derivative equations, some quantitative relations among different variables can be obtained. These variable relations have to be satisfied in the optimal solution. With the use of such relations, VRS could reduce the number of variables and shrink the solution space when using EAs to deal with the optimization function, thus improving the optimizing speed and quality. When we apply VRS to optimization problems, we just need to modify the calculation approach of the objective function. Therefore, practically, it can be integrated with any EA. In this study, VRS is combined with particle swarm optimization variants and tested on several benchmark optimization functions and a real‐world optimization problem. Computational results and comparative study demonstrate the effectiveness of VRS.
Metabonomic Study on the Antidepressant-Like Effects of Banxia Houpu Decoction and Its Action Mechanism
Authors: Ma Zhanqiang , Ji Weiwei , Qu Rong , Wang Mingyan , Yang Wen , Zhan Zhen , Fu Qiang , Ma Shiping
Published: October 2013

The aim of this study was to establish an experimental model for metabonomic profiles of the rat’s brain and then to investigate the antidepressant effect of Banxia Houpu decoction (BHD) and its possible mechanisms. Behavioral research and metabonomics method based on UPLC-MS were used to assess the efficacy of different fractions of BHD on chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) model of depression. There was a significant difference between the BHD group and the model group. Eight endogenous metabolites, which are contributing to the separation of the model group and control group, were detected, while BHD group regulated the perturbed metabolites showing that there is a tendency of recovery compared to control group. Therefore, we think that those potential metabolite biomarkers have some relationship with BHD’s antidepression effect. This work appraised the antidepressant effect of Banxia Houpu decoction as well as revealing a metabonomics method, a valuable parameter in the TCM research.
Crystal Structure of Apraclonidine Hydrochloride
Authors: Hirayama Noriaki
Published: October 2013

Apraclonidine is used for the treatment of postsurgical elevated intraocular pressure. The crystal structure of its hydrochloride, C9H10Cl2N4·HCl, was determined by X-ray analysis. The crystal belongs to space group P21/n with the cell dimensions a=9.665(10), b=11.8624(14), c=10.5675(11) Å, and β=92.199(9)°. The final R (all reflections) value is 0.053. Apraclonidine has a more twisted structure than its related drug of clonidine. The nitrogen atom bridging the two rings is protonated.
Electrochemical Response for Spherical and Rod Shaped WO3 Nanoparticles
Authors: Adhikari Sangeeta , Sarkar Debasish
Published: October 2013

A rapid and new technique describes synthesis technique of spherical and rod shaped tungsten trioxide (WO3) nanoparticles with similar band gap at visible wavelength. Acid catalyzed exothermic reaction and structure directing reagent follows the formation of two different morphologies and monoclinic WO3 phase. Rod shaped WO3 nanoparticle coated ITO glass electrode exhibits high current density at identical low voltage and scan rate due to its better adherence and coating uniformity in comparison with spherical nanoparticles. WO3-ITO electrode alters to blue tungsten bronze in color at low voltage, and further the color restores after removing the same applied voltage.
Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells with Anatase TiO2Nanorods Prepared by Hydrothermal Method
Authors: Jeng Ming-Jer , Wung Yi-Lun , Chang Liann-Be , Chow Lee
Published: October 2013

The hydrothermal method provides an effective reaction environment for the synthesis of nanocrystalline materials with high purity and well-controlled crystallinity. In this work, we started with various sizes of commercial TiO2powders and used the hydrothermal method to prepare TiO2thin films. We found that the synthesized TiO2nanorods were thin and long when smaller TiO2particles were used, while larger TiO2particles produced thicker and shorter nanorods. We also found that TiO2films prepared by TiO2nanorods exhibited larger surface roughness than those prepared by the commercial TiO2particles. It was found that a pure anatase phase of TiO2nanorods can be obtained from the hydrothermal method. The dye-sensitized solar cells fabricated with TiO2nanorods exhibited a higher solar efficiency than those fabricated with commercial TiO2nanoparticles directly. Further, triple-layer structures of TiO2thin films with different particle sizes were investigated to improve the solar efficiency.
Robust Estimation for Discrete Markov System with Time-Varying Delay and Missing Measurements
Authors: You Jia , Yin Shen , Karimi Hamid Reza
Published: October 2013

This paper addresses theℋ∞filtering problem for time-delayed Markov jump systems (MJSs) with intermittent measurements. Within network environment, missing measurements are taken into account, since the communication channel is supposed to be imperfect. A Bernoulli process is utilized to describe the phenomenon of the missing measurements. The original system is transformed into an input-output form consisting of two interconnected subsystems. Based on scaled small gain (SSG) theorem and proposed Lyapunov-Krasovskii functional (LKF), the scaled small gains of the subsystems are analyzed, respectively. New conditions for the existence of theℋ∞filters are established, and the correspondingℋ∞filter design scheme is proposed. Finally, a simulation example is provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
The Design and Implementation of Multiterminal Based Proactive Information Delivery System
Authors: Xia Shixiong , Yuan Guan , Zhang Yanmei
Published: October 2013

Currently, the development of various communication terminal devices has greatly promoted people’s daily life, while information using efficiency with these devices decreases rapidly due to the information overload. To solve this problem, a multiterminal based proactive information delivery system (MPIDS) is designed and implemented in this paper. Firstly, users’ interests are computed comprehensively from the historical data, taking full consideration of users’ behaviors when visiting web pages. Secondly, a proactive information monitor service is introduced to monitor users’ data requirements and their interest changes, with which, user data are pushed to their online device automatically according to the strategies. Finally, a data self-adapter is given to encode and transform the data according to users’ online parameters and a series of data self-adaptive strategies. The experimental results show that MPIDS provides richly featured, secure, and robust personalized functions, reduces the running cost, and promotes the end-user experience and business efficiency.
Supraventricular Arrhythmias after Thoracotomy: Is There a Role for Autonomic Imbalance?
Authors: Vretzakis George , Simeoforidou Marina , Stamoulis Konstantinos , Bareka Metaxia
Published: October 2013

Supraventricular arrhythmias are common rhythm disturbances following pulmonary surgery. The overall incidence varies between 3.2% and 30% in the literature, while atrial fibrillation is the most common form. These arrhythmias usually have an uneventful clinical course and revert to normal sinus rhythm, usually before patent’s discharge from hospital. Their importance lies in the immediate hemodynamic consequences, the potential for systemic embolization and the consequent long-term need for prophylactic drug administration, and the increased cost of hospitalization. Their incidence is probably related to the magnitude of the performed operative procedure, occurring more frequently after pneumonectomy than after lobectomy. Investigators believe that surgical factors (irritation of the atria per se or on the ground of chronic inflammation of aged atria), direct injury to the anatomic structure of the autonomic nervous system in the thoracic cavity, and postthoracotomy pain may contribute independently or in association with each other to the development of these arrhythmias. This review discusses currently available information about the potential mechanisms and risk factors for these rhythm disturbances. The discussion is in particular focused on the role of postoperative pain and its relation to the autonomic imbalance, in an attempt to avoid or minimize discomfort with proper analgesia utilization.
Combined First- and Second-Order Variational Model for Image Compressive Sensing
Authors: Feng Can , Xiao Liang , Wei Zhihui
Published: October 2013

A hybrid variational model combined first- and second-order total variation for image reconstruction from its finite number of noisy compressive samples is proposed in this paper. Inspired by majorization-minimization scheme, we develop an efficient algorithm to seek the optimal solution of the proposed model by successively minimizing a sequence of quadratic surrogate penalties. Both the nature and magnetic resonance (MR) images are used to compare its numerical performance with four state-of-the-art algorithms. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm obtained a significant improvement over related state-of-the-art algorithms in terms of the reconstruction relative error (RE) and peak signal to noise ratio (PSNR).
The Strong Convergence of Prediction-Correction and Relaxed Hybrid Steepest-Descent Method for Variational Inequalities
Authors: Xu Haiwen
Published: October 2013

We establish the strong convergence of prediction-correction and relaxed hybrid steepest-descent method (PRH method) for variational inequalities under some suitable conditions that simplify the proof. And it is to be noted that the proof is different from the previous results and also is not similar to the previous results. More importantly, we design a set of practical numerical experiments. The results demonstrate that the PRH method under some descent directions is more slightly efficient than that of the modified and relaxed hybrid steepest-descent method, and the PRH Method under some new conditions is more efficient than that under some old conditions.
Kinetic Study of Catalytic Esterification of Butyric Acid and Ethanol over Amberlyst 15
Authors: Singh Nisha , Raj kumar  , Sachan Pravin Kumar
Published: October 2013

The esterification reaction of butyric acid with ethanol has been studied in the presence of ion exchange resin (Amberlyst 15). Ethyl butyrate was obtained as the only product which is used in flavours and fragrances. Industrially speaking, it is also one of the cheapest chemicals, which only adds to its popularity. The influences of certain parameters such as temperature, catalyst loading, initial concentration of acid and alcohols, initial concentration of water, and molar ratio were studied. Conversions were found to increase with an increase in both molar ratio and temperature. The experiments were carried out in a batch reactor in the temperature range of 328.15–348.15 K. Variation of parameters on rate of reaction demonstrated that the reaction was intrinsically controlled. Experiment kinetic data were correlated by using pseudo-homogeneous model. The activation energy for the esterification of butyric acid with ethanol is found to be 30 k J/mol.
The Role of Hormonal Factors in Weight Loss and Recidivism after Bariatric Surgery
Authors: Pedersen S. D.
Published: October 2013

Substantial heterogeneity exists in weight loss trajectories amongst patients following bariatric surgery. Hormonal factors are postulated to be amongst the contributors to the variation seen. Several hormones involved in hunger, satiety, and energy balance are affected by bariatric surgery, with the alteration in hormonal milieu varying by procedure. Limited research has been conducted to examine potential hormonal mediators of weight loss failure or recidivism following bariatric surgery. While hormonal factors that influence weight loss success following gastric banding have not been identified, data suggest that hormonal factors may be involved in modulating weight loss success following gastric bypass. There may be hormonal mediators involved in determining the weight trajectory following sleeve gastrectomy, though the extremely limited data currently available prohibits definitive conclusions from being drawn. There is great need for future research studies to explore this knowledge gap, as improving this knowledge base could be of benefit to guide clinicians toward understanding the hormonal contributors to a patient’s postoperative weight loss failure or recidivism or perhaps be of value in selecting the most appropriate bariatric procedure based on the preoperative hormone milieu. Integrative interdisciplinary approaches exploring these complex interrelationships could potentially increase the explanatory power of such investigations.
The Concentration Function Problem for Locally Compact Groups Revisited: Nondissipating Space-Time Random Walks, -Decomposable Laws, and Their Continuous Time Analogues
Authors: Hazod Wilfried
Published: October 2013

The concentration function problem for locally compact groups is concerned with the structure of groups admitting adapted nondissipating random walks. It is closely related to discrete relatively compact M- or skew convolution semigroups and corresponding space-time random walks, and to -decomposable laws, respectively, where denotes an automorphism. Analogous results are obtained in the case of continuous time: nondissipating Lévy processes are related to relatively compact distributions of generalized Ornstein-Uhlenbeck processes and corresponding space-time processes and to -decomposable laws, respectively with denoting a continuous group of automorphisms acting as contracting mod. a compact subgroup.
Mechanical Properties and Tensile Fatigue of Graphene Nanoplatelets Reinforced Polymer Nanocomposites
Authors: Shen Ming-Yuan , Chang Tung-Yu , Hsieh Tsung-Han , Li Yi-Luen , Chiang Chin-Lung , Yang Hsiharng , Yip Ming-Chuen
Published: October 2013

Graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) are novel nanofillers possessing attractive characteristics, including robust compatibility with most polymers, high absolute strength, and cost effectiveness. In this study, GNPs were used to reinforce epoxy composite and epoxy/carbon fiber composite laminates to enhance their mechanical properties. The mechanical properties of GNPs/epoxy nanocomposite, such as ultimate tensile strength and flexure properties, were investigated. The fatigue life of epoxy/carbon fiber composite laminate with GPs‐added 0.25 wt% was increased over that of neat laminates at all levels of cyclic stress. Consequently, significant improvement in the mechanical properties of ultimate tensile strength, flexure, and fatigue life was attained for these epoxy resin composites and carbon fiber‐reinforced epoxy composite laminates.
Primary Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma of Stomach: To Report 54 Patients and Analysis of Major Reported Series
Authors: Ansari Mansour , Nasrolahi Hamid , Kani Amir Abbas , Hamedi Seyed Hasan , Razzaghi Samira , Ahmadloo Niloofar , Mohammadianpanah Mohammad , Omidvari Shahpour , Mosalaei Ahmad
Published: October 2013

Introduction. This study aimed to report the characteristics, prognostic factors,
and treatment outcomes of 54 patients with primary gastric lymphoma.
Materials and Methods. This retrospective study was carried out by reviewing the
medical records of 54 adult patients diagnosed at a tertiary academic hospital. All the patients were treated with curative intent. Forty-four patients
(81.5%) underwent gastrectomy followed by adjuvant chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy,
whereas 10 ones (18.5%) were treated with chemotherapy alone or with radiotherapy.
Results. The study was conducted on 25 males and 29
females with the median age of 50 years. Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma
(DLCL) (67%) and Mucosa Associated Lymphoid Tissue (MALT) lymphoma (26%) were
the most common histologic types. Besides, 36 (59%), 16 (30%), 5 (9%),
and 1 (2%) patients were in stages I, II, III, and IV, respectively. The 5-year
disease-free survival and overall survival were 64.7% and 67%, respectively.
In univariate analysis for overall survival, International Prognostic Index (IPI) (), the WHO performance status (), Ann Arbor stage (), age (), and LDH serum level () were the prognostic factors. Conclusion. Gastric lymphoma tends to present in early stage of the disease and has a favorable outcome.
Role of Gap Junctions and Hemichannels in Parasitic Infections
Authors: Vega José Luis , Subiabre Mario , Figueroa Felipe , Schalper Kurt Alex , Osorio Luis , González Jorge , Sáez Juan Carlos
Published: October 2013

In vertebrates, connexins (Cxs) and pannexins (Panxs) are proteins that form gap junction channels and/or hemichannels located at cell-cell interfaces and cell surface, respectively. Similar channel types are formed by innexins in invertebrate cells. These channels serve as pathways for cellular communication that coordinate diverse physiologic processes. However, it is known that many acquired and inherited diseases deregulate Cx and/or Panx channels, condition that frequently worsens the pathological state of vertebrates. Recent evidences suggest that Cx and/or Panx hemichannels play a relevant role in bacterial and viral infections. Nonetheless, little is known about the role of Cx- and Panx-based channels in parasitic infections of vertebrates. In this review, available data on changes in Cx and gap junction channel changes induced by parasitic infections are summarized. Additionally, we describe recent findings that suggest possible roles of hemichannels in parasitic infections. Finally, the possibility of new therapeutic designs based on hemichannel blokers is presented.
Comparison of the Radiopacities of Different Root‐End Filling and Repair Materials
Authors: Tanalp Jale , Karapınar-Kazandağ Meriç , Dölekoğlu Semanur , Kayahan Mehmet Baybora
Published: October 2013

This study evaluated the radiopacity of 3 repair materials, Biodentine, MM‐MTA, and MTA Angelus. Standardized cylindrical rings were prepared. Samples of Biodentine MM‐MTA and MTA Angelus were prepared (n = 10 in each group), filled into the rings, and preserved at 37°C until setting. A 1 mm thick dentin slice was used as control. All set specimens were removed and radiographed along with the dentine slice and a graduated aluminium step wedge. Digital images were transferred to the computer using a software. The radiographic densities of the specimens were determined, and the values were converted into millimetres of aluminium (mm Al). One‐way ANOVA was used for intergroup comparison, whereas Tukey HSD test was used for detecting the group with the difference. The mean radiopacities of Biodentine, MTA Angelus, and MM‐MTA were 2.8 ± 0.48, 4.72 ± 0.45, and 5.18 ± 0.51 mm Al, respectively. The radiopacity of Biodentine was significantly lower compared to other materials (P = 0.001), whereas no significant difference was noted between MTA Angelus and MM‐MTA (P = 0.109). All materials had significantly higher radiopacities compared to dentine. The relatively lower radiopacity of Biodentine can be improved to achieve more reliable results in procedures such as retrograde fillings.
Antidisturbance Fault Tolerant Control of Attitude Control Systems for Microsatellite with Unknown Input Delay
Authors: Qiao Jianzhong , Guo Lei
Published: October 2013

The antidisturbance fault tolerant control problem of attitude control systems for microsatellite is investigated in the presence of unknown input delay, stuck faults from the reaction wheel and the multiple disturbances. The multiple disturbances are supposed to include the vibration disturbance torque from the reaction wheel and modeling uncertainties. The fault diagnosis observer and disturbance observer are constructed to estimate stuck faults and vibration disturbance torque from the reaction wheel, respectively. A composite fault tolerant controller is designed by combining a PID controller, the fault accommodation estimation based on the fault diagnosis observer, and the disturbance compensator based on the disturbance observer. The controller and observer gains can be easily obtained via a set of linear matrix inequalities. Simulation results are given to show that the faults can be accommodated readily, and the disturbances can be rejected and attenuated simultaneously.
Characteristics Analysis and Testing of SMA Spring Actuator
Authors: Ma Jianzuo , Huang Haolei , Huang Jin
Published: October 2013

The biasing form two-way shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator composed of SMA spring and steel spring is analyzed. Based on the force equilibrium equation, the relationship between load capacity of SMA spring and geometric parameters is established. In order to obtain the characteristics of SMA spring actuator, the output force and output displacement of SMA spring under different temperatures are analyzed by the theoretical model and the experimental method. Based on the shape memory effect of SMA, the relationship of the SMA spring actuator's output displacement with the temperature, the stress and strain, the material parameters, and the size parameters is established. The results indicate that the trend of theoretical results is basically consistent with the experimental data. The output displacement of SMA spring actuator is increased with the increasing temperature.