bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nonlinear time evolution of coherent states with observation of super revivals in a generalized isotonic oscillator
Authors: Chithiika Ruby V. , Muruganandam P. , Senthilvelan M.
Published: November 2013

In this paper, we investigate revival and super revivals of nonlinear coherent states while generating these states through the interaction of coherent states of a generalized isotonic oscillator with the nonlinear media during time evolution. We construct the f-deformed generalized isotonic oscillator which is a non-isochronous partner of the generalized isotonic oscillator. We connect these two nonlinear oscillators through deformed ladder operators. The generalized isotonic oscillator possesses linear energy spectrum whereas f-deformed generalized isotonic oscillator exhibits nonlinear energy spectrum. The presence of the cubic nonlinearity in the f-deformed oscillator motivates us to study revivals, super and fractional revivals of coherent states which are nonlinearly evolved. We also investigate time-dependent expectation values of uncertainties in certain canonically conjugate variables and demonstrate that at revival and super revival times the uncertainty relation attains its minimum value.
Higgs-like field from extended theory of gravitation
Authors: Fatibene L. , Ferraris M. , Magnano G. , Palese M. , Capone M. , Garruto S. , Mercadante S. , Winterroth E.
Published: November 2013

We shall consider possible potentials emerging in (purely metric) f(R)-theories for the conformal scalar field. We shall discuss possible approaches to determine models with specific potentials and show that some potentials qualitatively similar to the typical Higgs potentials are allowed.
Noether symmetries in extended gravity quantum cosmology
Authors: Capozziello Salvatore , De Laurentis Mariafelicia
Published: November 2013

We summarize the use of Noether symmetries in Minisuperspace Quantum Cosmology. In particular, we consider minisuperspace models, showing that the existence of conserved quantities gives selection rules that allow to recover classical behaviors in cosmic evolution according to the so-called Hartle criterion. Such a criterion selects correlated regions in the configuration space of dynamical variables whose meaning is related to the emergence of classical observable universes. Some minisuperspace models are worked out starting from Extended Gravity, in particular coming from scalar-tensor, f(R) and f(T) theories. Exact cosmological solutions are derived.
HEPATITIS C VIRUS AND INTRAVENOUS DRUG MISUSE: A MODELING APPROACH
Authors: MUSHAYABASA STEADY , BHUNU CLAVER P.
Published: November 2013

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a blood-borne infection that can lead to progressive liver failure, cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma and death. A deterministic mathematical model for assessing the impact of daily intravenous drug misuse on the transmission dynamics of HCV is presented and analyzed. A threshold quantity known as the reproductive number has been computed. Stability of the steady states has been investigated. The dynamical analysis reveals that the model has globally asymptotically stable steady states. The impact of daily intravenous drug misuse on the transmission dynamics of HCV has been discussed through the basic reproductive number and numerical simulations.
COHERENT HEMODYNAMICS SPECTROSCOPY BASED ON A PACED BREATHING PARADIGM — REVISITED
Authors: KAINERSTORFER JANA M. , SASSAROLI ANGELO , PIERRO MICHELE L. , HALLACOGLU BERTAN , FANTINI SERGIO
Published: November 2013

A novel hemodynamic model has been recently introduced, which provides analytical relationships between the changes in cerebral blood volume (CBV), cerebral blood flow (CBF), and cerebral metabolic rate of oxygen ( CMRO 2), and associated changes in the tissue concentrations of oxy- and deoxy-hemoglobin (ΔO and ΔD) measured with near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) [S. Fantini, Neuroimage85, 202–221 (2014)]. This novel model can be applied to measurements of the amplitude and phase of induced hemodynamic oscillations as a function of the frequency of oscillation, realizing the novel technique of coherent hemodynamics spectroscopy (CHS) [S. Fantini, Neuroimage85, 202–221 (2014); M. L. Pierro et al., Neuroimage85, 222–233 (2014)]. In a previous work, we have demonstrated an in vivo application of CHS on human subjects during paced breathing [M. L. Pierro et al., Neuroimage85, 222–233 (2014)]. In this work, we present a new analysis of the collected data during paced breathing based on a slightly revised formulation of the hemodynamic model and an efficient fitting procedure. While we have initially treated all 12 model parameters as independent, we have found that, in this new implementation of CHS, the number of independent parameters is eight. In this article, we identify the eight independent model parameters and we show that our previous results are consistent with the new formulation, once the individual parameters of the earlier analysis are combined into the new set of independent parameters.
CO2 rebreathing: an undergraduate laboratory to study the chemical control of breathing
Authors: Domnik N. J. , Turcotte S. E. , Yuen N. Y. , Iscoe S. , Fisher J. T.
Published: November 2013

The Read CO2 rebreathing method (Read DJ. A clinical method for assessing the ventilatory response to carbon dioxide. Australas Ann Med 16: 20–32, 1967) provides a simple and reproducible approach for studying the chemical control of breathing. It has been widely used since the modifications made by Duffin and coworkers. Our use of a rebreathing laboratory to challenge undergraduate science students to investigate the control of breathing provided 8 yr of student-generated data for comparison with the literature. Students (age: 19–22 yr, Research Ethics Board approval) rebreathed from a bag containing 5% CO2 and 95% O2 (to suppress the peripheral chemoreflex to hypoxia). Rebreathing was performed, and ventilation measured, after hyperventilation to deplete tissue CO2 stores and enable the detection of the central chemoreflex threshold. We analyzed 43 data sets, of which 10 were rejected for technical reasons. The mean threshold and ventilatory sensitivity to CO2 were 43.3 ± 3.8 mmHg and 4.60 ± 3.04 l·min−1·mmHg−1 (means ± SD), respectively. Threshold values were normally distributed, whereas sensitivity was skewed to the left. Both mean values agreed well with those in the literature. We conclude that the modified rebreathing protocol is a robust method for undergraduate investigation of the chemical control of breathing.
Mechanism of Stochastic Resonance in a Quorum Sensing Network Regulated by Small RNAs
Authors: Zhu Ya-nan , Shen Jianwei , Xu Yong
Published: November 2013

Bacterial quorum sensing (QS) is an important process of cell communication and more and more attention is paid to it. Moreover, the noises are ubiquitous in nature and often play positive role. In this paper, we investigate how the noise enhances the QS though the stochastic resonance (SR) and explain the mechanism of SR in this quorum sensing network. In addition, we also discuss the interaction between the small RNA and the other genes in this network and discover the biological importance.
Effects of Transverse Baffle Design on Reducing Liquid Sloshing in Partially Filled Tank Vehicles
Authors: Zheng Xue-lian , Li Xian-sheng , Ren Yuan-yuan , Wang Yu-ning , Ma Jie
Published: November 2013

Longitudinal liquid sloshing in partially filled clear-bore tanks causes extensive degradation of tankers braking performance. To reduce the negative effect of longitudinal liquid sloshing on tankers, three kinds of transverse baffles were designed, namely, the conventional baffle, the circular baffle, and the staggered baffle. Each kind of baffle took several forms to investigate the impact of baffle installation angle, the sizes of holes pierced on the baffle, and their arrangement on the antisloshing effect. FLUENT software was used to simulate liquid sloshing in tanks equipped with different kinds of transverse baffles and subject to constant braking deceleration. A time-series analysis of the forces act on tank walls and transverse baffles was carried out. It was drawn that the baffle shape and its installation angle have great impact on the antisloshing effect of baffles. The study on the antisloshing effect of different transverse baffles is of great significance for tank vehicle driving and braking safety, as well as for the design of optimal transverse baffles.
Residual Renal Function in Children Treated with Chronic Peritoneal Dialysis
Authors: Roszkowska-Blaim Maria , Skrzypczyk Piotr
Published: November 2013

Residual renal function (RRF) in patients with end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) receiving renal replacement therapy is defined as the ability of native kidneys to eliminate water and uremic toxins. Preserved RRF improves survival and quality of life in adult ESRD patients treated with peritoneal dialysis. In children, RRF was shown not only to help preserve adequacy of renal replacement therapy but also to accelerate growth rate, improve nutrition and blood pressure control, reduce the risk of adverse myocardial changes, facilitate treatment of anemia and calcium‐phosphorus balance abnormalities, and result in reduced serum and dialysate fluid levels of advanced glycation end‐products. Factors contributing to RRF loss in children treated with peritoneal dialysis include the underlying renal disease such as hemolytic‐uremic syndrome and hereditary nephropathy, small urine volume, severe proteinuria at the initiation of renal replacement therapy, and hypertension. Several approaches can be suggested to decrease the rate of RRF loss in pediatric patients treated with chronic peritoneal dialysis: potentially nephrotoxic drugs (e.g., aminoglycosides), episodes of hypotension, and uncontrolled hypertension should be avoided, urinary tract infections should be treated promptly, and loop diuretics may be used to increase salt and water excretion.
Analysis and Design of Magnetic Shielding System for Breast Cancer Treatment with Hyperthermia Inductive Heating
Authors: Thongsopa Chanchai , Thosdeekoraphat Thanaset
Published: November 2013

An analysis and design of magnetic shielding system are presented for breast cancer treatment with hyperthermia inductive heating. It is a technique to control magnetic field intensity and relocate the heating area by using a rectangular shielding with aperture. The distribution of the lossy medium was analyzed using the finite difference time domain method. Theoretical analyses investigate whether a novel shielded system is effective for controlling the magnetic field distribution or heating position. Theoretical and experimental investigations were carried out using a lossy medium. The inductive applicator is a ferrite core with diameter of 7 cm, excited by 4 MHz signal and a maximum output power of 750 W. The results show that size of heating region can be controlled by varying the aperture size. Moreover, the investigation result revealed that the position of heating region can be relocated by changing the orientation of the ferrite core with shielded system inx-axis direction. The advantage of the magnetic shielding system is that it can be applied to prevent the side effects of hyperthermia cancer treatment by inductive heating.
Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Water-Soluble Polysaccharide ofAgaricus blazeiMurill on Ovariectomized Osteopenic Rats
Authors: Wang Peng , Li Xiao-Tao , Sun Lei , Shen Lei
Published: November 2013

In the present study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory activity of water-soluble polysaccharide ofAgaricus blazeiMurill (WSP-AbM) on ovariectomized osteopenic rats. The rats were administered orally WSP-AbM (200 mg/kg BW) for 8 weeks. Subsequent serum maleic dialdehyde (MDA) level, total antioxidant status (TAOS), nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) level, polymorphonuclear (PMN) cells level, interleukin-1β(IL-1β) level, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) level, tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) level, adhesion molecule (ICAM-1), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) were determined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and immunohistochemistry, respectively. WSP-AbM administration markedly (P<0.05) decreased serum IL-1βand TNF-αlevels and the expressions of ICAM-1, COX-2, and iNOS NF-κB compared with OVX rats. WSP-AbM administration alsomarkedly (P<0.05) decreased PMN infiltration. In conclusion, we observed that WSP-AbM supplementation had anti-inflammatory effects in a model of osteoporosis disease.
Acupuncture for Anxiety in Lactating Mothers with Preterm Infants: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Haddad-Rodrigues Mariana , Spanó Nakano Ana Márcia , Stefanello Juliana , Campos Pereira Silveira Renata Cristina
Published: November 2013

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of acupuncture versus placebo acupuncture on anxiety in lactating mothers with preterm infants. A parallel, randomized, patient-assessor blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted in a tertiary school hospital in Londrina, Brazil, between 2011 and 2012. Mothers (n=29) with very low birth weight infants born at this institution were randomly assigned to two treatment groups: acupuncture, AG (n=14), or placebo acupuncture, PG (n=15). Treatment sessions occurred once a week, using 5 Chinese auricular points unilaterally. The primary outcome measure was STAI-State scores, and secondary outcome measure was salivary cortisol levels. Both measures were collected before and after treatment and submitted to a blind assessor. Before-after treatment mean difference in STAI-State scores was observed in both groups (AG = 8.71 and PG = 8.20), not statistically significant (P=0.888), although within group analysis was significant for both groups (P<0.005). Salivary cortisol levels did not change after treatment in both groups (P=0.480). There was no correlation between STAI and salivary cortisol results. At infant’s hospital discharge, 76% subjects were breastfeeding exclusively. There was no difference between real and placebo acupuncture for anxiety in mothers with preterm infants.
Efficiency Optimization for Disassembly Tools via Using NN-GA Approach
Authors: Tian Guangdong , Qiang Tianggang , Chu Jiangwei , Xu Guan , Zhou Wei
Published: November 2013

Disassembly issues have been widely attracted in today’s sustainable development context. One of them is the selection of disassembly tools and their efficiency comparison. To deal with such issue, taking the bolt as a removal object, this work designs their removal experiments for different removal tools considering some factors influencing its removal process. Moreover, based on the obtained experimental data, the removal efficiency for different removal tools is optimized by a hybrid algorithm integrating neural networks (NN) and genetic algorithm (GA). Their efficiency comparison is discussed. Some numerical examples are given to illustrate the proposed idea and the effectiveness of the proposed methods.
Computation of the -Table Related to the Padé Approximation
Authors: Jedynak Radosław , Gilewicz Jacek
Published: November 2013

The aim of this paper is to give a complete and practical method for numerical application of Padé approximation with the help of the -table analysis. We present an exhaustive list of useful formulas to compute a -table related to a formal power series . Some of these formulas are not widely known, because they were presented in publications of limited circulation. Some others were never published, as three symmetric Paszkowski-like formulas to overcome the blocks in a -table or an extension of local error formula for Padé approximants in the blocks. All formulas are given in two versions: in terms of Toeplitz determinants (-table) and in the version of Hankel determinants (-table). We compare the theory with numerical observations by reproducing different computational aspects of software producing the -tables with the presence of blocks and their evolution following the evolution of computer environment.
Extraction and Separation of Fucoidan fromLaminaria japonicawith Chitosan as Extractant
Authors: Xing Ronge , Liu Song , Yu Huahua , Chen Xiaolin , Qin Yukun , Li Kecheng , Li Pengcheng
Published: November 2013

Herein the extraction method of fucoidan fromLaminaria japonicais reported. Firstly, chitosan, chitosan-N-2-hydroxypropyl trimethyl ammonium chloride (HACC), and hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (CPAB) were used to extract the fucoidan. The results showed that chitosan was the optimal extractant compared with the other two extractants. After extraction, different aqueous solutions, including NaCl, KCl, and HCl (pH2), were used to separate fucoidan from chitosan-fucoidan complex. The results showed that the separation ability of NaCl was slightly higher than that of KCl. Moreover, the price of NaCl is lower than that of KCl. Given the quality-price rate, NaCl solution was chosen as the separation solution. Thirdly, the concentration and ratio of NaCl solution : sediment influence the separation of fucoidan from chitosan-fucoidan complex. The results showed that the optimal separation conditions include 4 mol/L NaCl solution with the ratio of NaCl solution to sediment at 30 : 1. Fucoidan content was found to be affected by different separation time. Fucoidan content increased with the increase of separation time, and the optimal separation time was 6 h. Compared with traditional alkali extraction method, this method not only reduces the usage of alkali and acid and alleviate environment pollution, but also has the comparable extraction yield of fucoidan. It is a potential method for extraction of fucoidan.
Upset Prediction in Friction Welding Using Radial Basis Function Neural Network
Authors: Liu Wei , Wang Feifan , Yang Xiawei , Li Wenya
Published: November 2013

This paper addresses the upset prediction problem of friction welded joints. Based on finite element simulations of inertia friction welding (IFW), a radial basis function (RBF) neural network was developed initially to predict the final upset for a number of welding parameters. The predicted joint upset by the RBF neural network was compared to validated finite element simulations, producing an error of less than 8.16% which is reasonable. Furthermore, the effects of initial rotational speed and axial pressure on the upset were investigated in relation to energy conversion with the RBF neural network. The developed RBF neural network was also applied to linear friction welding (LFW) and continuous drive friction welding (CDFW). The correlation coefficients of RBF prediction for LFW and CDFW were 0.963 and 0.998, respectively, which further suggest that an RBF neural network is an effective method for upset prediction of friction welded joints.
X(1870)andη2(1870): Which Can Be Assigned as a Hybrid State?
Authors: Chen Bing , Wei Ke-Wei , Zhang Ailin
Published: November 2013

The mass spectrum and strong decays of theX(1870)andη2(1870)are analyzed. Our results indicate thatX(1870)andη2(1870)are the two different resonances. The narrowerX(1870)seems likely a good hybrid candidate. We support theη2(1870)as theη2(21D2)quarkonium. We suggest to search the isospin partner ofX(1870)in the channels ofJ/ψ⟶ρf0980πandJ/ψ⟶ρb11235πin the future. The latter channel is very important for testing the hybrid scenario.
A Financing Model to Solve Financial Barriers for Implementing Green Building Projects
Authors: Lee Sanghyo , Lee Baekrae , Kim Juhyung , Kim Jaejun
Published: November 2013

Along with the growing interest in greenhouse gas reduction, the effect of greenhouse gas energy reduction from implementing green buildings is gaining attention. The government of the Republic of Korea has set green growth as its paradigm for national development, and there is a growing interest in energy saving for green buildings. However, green buildings may have financial barriers that have high initial construction costs and uncertainties about future project value. Under the circumstances, governmental support to attract private funding is necessary to implement green building projects. The objective of this study is to suggest a financing model for facilitating green building projects with a governmental guarantee based on Certified Emission Reduction (CER). In this model, the government provides a guarantee for the increased costs of a green building project in return for CER. And this study presents the validation of the model as well as feasibility for implementing green building project. In addition, the suggested model assumed governmental guarantees for the increased cost, but private guarantees seem to be feasible as well because of the promising value of the guarantee from CER. To do this, certification of Clean Development Mechanisms (CDMs) for green buildings must be obtained.
Polymorphism of the Transferrin Gene in Eye Diseases: Keratoconus and Fuchs Endothelial Corneal Dystrophy
Authors: Wójcik Katarzyna A. , Synowiec Ewelina , Jiménez-García Manuel P. , Kaminska Anna , Polakowski Piotr , Blasiak Janusz , Szaflik Jerzy , Szaflik Jacek P.
Published: November 2013

Oxidative stress may play a role in the pathogenesis of keratoconus (KC) and Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD). Iron may promote the stress by the Fenton reaction, so its homeostasis should be strictly controlled. Transferrin is essential for iron homeostasis because it transports iron from plasma into cells. The malfunction of transferrin, which may be caused by variation in its gene (TF) variation, may contribute to oxidative stress and change KC and FECD risk. To verify this hypothesis we investigated the association between three polymorphisms of theTFgene, g.3296G>A (rs8177178), g.3481A>G (rs8177179), and c.–2G>A (rs1130459), and KC and FECD occurrence. Genotyping was performed in blood lymphocytes in 216 patients with KC, 130 patients with FECD and 228 controls by PCR-RFLP. We studied also the influence of other risk factors. The A/A genotype and the A allele of the g.3296G>A polymorphism were associated with KC occurrence, while the G allele was negatively correlated with it. We observed a decrease in KC occurrence associated with the A/G genotype of the g.3481A>G polymorphism. We did not find any association between the c.–2G>A polymorphism and KC. No association was found between all three polymorphisms and FECD occurrence.
A Generalized Nonlinear Sum-Difference Inequality of Product Form
Authors: Qin YongZhou , Wang Wu-Sheng
Published: November 2013

We establish a generalized nonlinear discrete inequality of product form, which includes both nonconstant terms outside the sums and composite functions of nonlinear function and unknown function without assumption of monotonicity. Upper bound estimations of unknown functions are given by technique of change of variable, amplification method, difference and summation, inverse function, and the dialectical relationship between constants and variables. Using our result we can solve both the discrete inequality in Pachpatte (1995). Our result can be used as tools in the study of difference equations of product form.
Lidar Measurements of the Vertical Distribution of Aerosol Optical and Physical Properties over Central Asia
Authors: Chen Boris B. , Sverdlik Leonid G. , Imashev Sanjar A. , Solomon Paul A. , Lantz Jeffrey , Schauer James J. , Shafer Martin M. , Artamonova Maria S. , Carmichael Gregory R.
Published: November 2013

The vertical structure of aerosol optical and physical properties was measured by Lidar in Eastern Kyrgyzstan, Central Asia, from June 2008 to May 2009. Lidar measurements were supplemented with surface-based measurements of PM2.5 and PM10 mass and chemical composition in both size fractions. Dust transported into the region is common, being detected 33% of the time. The maximum frequency occurred in the spring of 2009. Dust transported to Central Asia comes from regional sources, for example, Taklimakan desert and Aral Sea basin, and from long-range transport, for example, deserts of Arabia, Northeast Africa, Iran, and Pakistan. Regional sources are characterized by pollution transport with maximum values of coarse particles within the planetary boundary layer, aerosol optical thickness, extinction coefficient, integral coefficient of aerosol backscatter, and minimum values of the Ångström exponent. Pollution associated with air masses transported over long distances has different characteristics during autumn, winter, and spring. During winter, dust emissions were low resulting in high values of the Ångström exponent (about 0.51) and the fine particle mass fraction (64%). Dust storms were more frequent during spring with an increase in coarse dust particles in comparison to winter. The aerosol vertical profiles can be used to lower uncertainty in estimating radiative forcing.
Mathematical Identification of Influential Parameters on the Elastic Buckling of Variable Geometry Plate
Authors: Djelosevic Mirko , Tepic Jovan , Tanackov Ilija , Kostelac Milan
Published: November 2013

The problem of elastic stability of plates with square, rectangular, and circular holes as well as slotted holes was discussed. The existence of the hole reduces the deformation energy of the plate and it affects the redistribution of stress flow in comparison to a uniform plate which causes a change of the external operation of compressive forces. The distribution of compressive force is defined as the approximate model of plane state of stress. The significant parameters of elastic stability compared to the uniform plate, including the dominant role of the shape, size, and orientation of the hole were identified. Comparative analysis of the shape of the hole was carried out on the data from the literature, which are based on different approaches and methods. Qualitative and quantitative accordance of the results has been found out and it verifies exposed methodology as applicable in the study of the phenomenon of elastic stability. Sensitivity factor is defined that is proportional to the reciprocal value of the buckling coefficient and it is a measure of sensitivity of plate to the existence of the hole. Mechanism of loss of stability is interpreted through the absorption of the external operation, induced by the shape of the hole.
3‐Dimensional Microorifice Fabricated Utilizing Single Undercut Etching Process for Producing Ultrasmall Water and Chitosan Droplets
Authors: Lin Che-Hsin , Lan Chun-Hung , Yang Chih-Hui
Published: November 2013

This research reports a microfluidic device for producing small droplets via a microorifice and a T‐junction structure. The orifice is fabricated using an isotropic undercut etching process of amorphous glass materials. Since the equivalent hydraulic diameter of the produced microorifice can be as small as 1.1 μm, the microdevice can easily produce droplets of the size smaller than 10 μm in diameter. In addition, a permanent hydrophobic coating technique is also applied to modify the main channel to be hydrophobic to enhance the formation of water‐based droplets. Experimental results show that the developed microfluidic chip with the ultrasmall orifice can steadily produce water‐in‐oil droplets with different sizes. Uniform water‐in‐oil droplets with the size from 60 μm to 6.5 μm in diameter can be formed by adjusting the flow rate ratio of the continuous phase and the disperse phases from 1 to 7. Moreover, curable linear polymer of chitosan droplets with the size smaller than 100 μm can also be successfully produced using the developed microchip device. The microfluidic T‐junction with a micro‐orifice developed in the present study provides a simple yet efficient way to produce various droplets of different sizes.
Single Step Formation of C-TiO2Nanotubes: Influence of Applied Voltage and Their Photocatalytic Activity under Solar Illumination
Authors: Lai Chin Wei , Sreekantan Srimala
Published: November 2013

Self-aligned and high-uniformity carbon (C)- titania (TiO2) nanotube arrays were successfully formed via single step anodization of titanium (Ti) foil at 30 V for 1 h in a bath composed of ethylene glycol (EG), ammonium fluoride (NH4F), and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). It was well established that applied voltage played an important role in controlling field-assisted oxidation and field-assisted dissolution during electrochemical anodization process. Therefore, the influences of applied voltage on the formation of C-TiO2nanotube arrays were discussed. It was found that a minimal applied voltage of 30 V was required to form the self-aligned and high-uniformity C-TiO2nanotube arrays with diameter of ~75 nm and length of ~2 μm. The samples synthesized using different applied voltages were then subjected to heat treatment for the conversion of amorphous phase to crystalline phase. The photocatalytic activity evaluation of C-TiO2samples was made under degradation of organic dye (methyl orange (MO) solution). The results revealed that controlled nanoarchitecture C-TiO2photocatalyst led to a significant enhancement in photocatalytic activity due to the creation of more specific active surface areas for incident photons absorption from the solar illumination.
Controlled Cohort Study of Serum Gonadal and Adrenocortical Steroid Levels in Males Prior to Onset of Rheumatoid Arthritis (pre-RA): A Comparison to pre-RA Females and Sex Differences among the Study Groups
Authors: Masi Alfonse T. , Rehman Azeem A. , Chatterton Robert T. , Wang Huaping , Goertzen Ned J. , Elmore Kevin B. , Aldag Jean C.
Published: November 2013

Serum testosterone levels are generally reported to be lower in male rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, but it is not determined if a deficiency may occur before clinical onset of disease (pre-RA). Lower testosterone levels were recently reported in males many years before RA onset but were predictive only of rheumatoid factor (RF)—negative disease. A preceding prospective study did not reveal androgenic-anabolic hormone association with risk of RA in men or women. This cohort study of males analyzed baseline serum levels of gonadal and adrenocortical steroids, luteinizing hormone, and prolactin in 18 pre-RA versus 72 matched non-RA control (CN) subjects. Findings in males were compared to those in female pre-RA and CN subjects in the same cohort, and sex differences were analyzed. Steroidal and hormonal levels, including total testosterone, were similar between male study groups. In females, mean (±SE) serum androstenedione (nmol/L) was slightly (P=0.048) lower in 36 pre-RA (6.7 ± 0.36) than 144 CN (7.6 ± 0.22). With the exception of 3 partial correlations of hormonal variables observed to differ between pre-RA versus CN subjects, the patterns were similar overall. However, partial correlations of hormonal variables differed frequently by sex, both within and between study groups.
Analysis and Testing of Chain Characteristics and Rheological Properties for Magnetorheological Fluid
Authors: Chen Song , Huang Jin , Shu Hongyu , Sun Tiger , Jian Kailin
Published: November 2013

Digital holographic microscopy is presented in this study, which can measure the magnetorheological (MR) fluid in different volume fractions of particles and different magnetic field strengths. Based on the chain structure of magnetic particle under applied magnetic field, the relationships between shear yield stress, magnetic field, size, and volume fraction of MR fluid in two parallel discs are established. In this experiment, we choose three MR fluid samples to check the rheological properties of MR fluid and to obtain the material parameters with the test equipment of MR fluid; the conclusion is effective.
Vertical Dynamic Impedance of Tapered Pile considering Compacting Effect
Authors: Wu Wenbing , Jiang Guosheng , Dou Bin , Leo Chin Jian
Published: November 2013

Based on complex stiffness transfer model, the vertical vibration of tapered pile embedded in layered soil is theoretically investigated by considering the compacting effect of the soil layer surrounding the tapered pile in the piling process. Allowing for the stratification of the surrounding soil and variable crosssection of the tapered pile, the pile-soil system is discretized into finite segments. By virtue of the complex stiffness transfer model to simulate the compacting effect, the complex stiffness of different soil segments surrounding the tapered pile is obtained. Then, substituting the complex stiffness into the vertical dynamic governing equation of tapered pile, the analytical solution of vertical dynamic impedance of tapered pile under vertical exciting force is derived by means of the Laplace technique and impedance function transfer method. Based on the presented solutions, the influence of compacting effect of surrounding soil on vertical dynamic impedance at the pile head is investigated within the low frequency range concerned in the design of dynamic foundation.
A Location-Allocation Model for Seaport-Dry Port System Optimization
Authors: Feng Xuejun , Zhang Yan , Li Yuwei , Wang Wei
Published: November 2013

Seaports participate in hinterland economic development through partnerships with dry ports, and the combined seaport-dry port network serves as the backbone of regional logistics. This paper constructs a location-allocation model for the regional seaport-dry port network optimization problem and develops a greedy algorithm and a genetic algorithm to obtain its solution. This model is applicable to situations under which the geographic distribution of demand is known. A case study involving configuration of dry ports near the west bank of the Taiwan Strait is conducted, and the model is successfully applied.
Improved Glucose-Stimulated Insulin Secretion by Selective Intraislet Inhibition of Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor Expression in Isolated Islets of db/db Mice
Authors: Zhang Zhen , Liu Chunyan , Gan Zhenhua , Wang Xinyi , Yi Qiuyan , Liu Yanqing , Wang Yingzhijie , Lu Bin , Du Hong , Shao Jiaqing , Wang Jun
Published: November 2013

Recent evidence supported the presence of a local renin-angiotensin system (RAS) in the pancreas, which is implicated in many physiological and pathophysiological processes. We utilized small interfering RNA (siRNA) to investigate the effects of angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R) knockdown on glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) in isolated islets of db/db mice and to explore the potential mechanisms involved. We found that Ad-siAT1R treatment resulted in a significant decrease both in AT1R mRNA level and in AT1R protein expression level. With downexpression of AT1R, notable increased insulin secretion and decreased glucagon secretion levels were found by perifusion. Simultaneously, significant increased protein levels of IRS-1 (by 85%), IRS-2 (by 95%), PI3K(85) (by 112.5%), and p-Akt2 (by 164%) were found by western blot. And upregulation of both GLUT-2 (by 190%) and GCK (by 121%) was achieved after AT1R inhibition by Ad-siAT1R. Intraislet AT1R expression level is a crucial physiological regulator of insulin sensitivity ofβcell itself and thus affects glucose-induced insulin and glucagon release. Therefore, the characteristics of AT1R inhibitors could make it a potential novel therapeutics for prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes.
Establishment of an Experimental Breast Cancer ZHENG Model and Curative Effect Evaluation of Zuo-Jin Wan
Authors: Du Jia , Sun Yang , Wang Xiu-Feng , Lu Yi-Yu , Zhou Qian-Mei , Su Shi-Bing
Published: November 2013

Herbal formulas based on the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome (ZHENG) have been used as alternative treatments for breast cancer. However, there is a lack of the experimental animal ZHENG model for the evaluation of the herbal formulas. In this study, we have established 4T1 mouse breast cancer with Liver Fire Invading Stomach Syndrome model (4T1 LFISS mice) and investigated the effects of the herbal formula, Zuo-Jin Wan (ZJW). Our results showed that 4T1 LFISS mice have the features of LFISS including irritability, loss of appetite, yellow urine, chow, and a tail hot. Compared to untreated 4T1 LFISS mice, ZJW significantly reduced tumor weight and volume (P<0.05), although it was weaker than Cisplatin. However, ZJW significantly increased the body weight and food intake of 4T1 LFISS mice and decreased serum ALT, AST, Cr, and BUN levels and ZHENG score (P<0.05), while Cisplatin reduced the food intake, and body weight and increased serum ALT, AST, Cr, and BUN levels in 4T1 LFISS mice. Our study has provided a mouse breast cancer ZHENG model and showed that ZJW suppresses tumor growth and improves LFISS and kidney and liver functions in the 4T1 LFISS mice.
Immunomodulatory Effect of Bisphosphonate Risedronate Sodium on CD163+Arginase 1+M2 Macrophages: The Development of a Possible Supportive Therapy for Angiosarcoma
Authors: Fujimura Taku , Kambayashi Yumi , Furudate Sadanori , Kakizaki Aya , Aiba Setsuya
Published: November 2013

An imbalance of immunosuppressive cells and cytotoxic cells plays an important role in inhibiting the antitumor immune response of the tumor-bearing host. We previously reported the profiles of tumor infiltrating leukocytes in cutaneous angiosarcoma (AS) and suggested that a combination of docetaxel (DTX) with bisphosphonate risedronate sodium (RS) might be effective for MMP9-expressing AS by targeting immunosuppressive cells such as M2 macrophages. To further confirm the effect of this combination therapy, in this report we investigated the immunomodulatory effect of DTX and RS on CD163+arginase 1 (Arg1)+M2 macrophages in vitro. Interestingly, our present study demonstrated that DTX in combination with RS significantly upregulated the mRNA expression of CXCL10 on M2 macrophages and significantly decreased the mRNA expression of CCL17 and Arg1. Moreover, the production of CXCL10 and CXCL11 from M2 macrophages was significantly increased by DTX with RS though there was no effect of DTX with RS on the production of CCL5 and CCL17. Furthermore, DTX with RS significantly decreased the production of CCL18, which was previously reported to correlate with the severity and prognosis in cancer patients. Our present report suggests one of the possible mechanisms of DTX with RS in the supportive therapy for angiosarcoma.
Effect of Detail Design on Fatigue Performance of Aircraft Door Frame
Authors: Jianxiong Kang , Hangshan Gao , Fusheng Wang , Zhufeng Yue
Published: November 2013

The fatigue tests were carried out on door frame containing single-side design and double-side design to assess the effect of different designs on fatigue life. By contrast, the finite element method (FEM) was also used to analyze the stress distribution of the two frames. At last, the fracture morphologies of the specimens after fatigue test were examined by scanning electron microscopy. The results revealed that the double-side design could elevate about 18∼21 times of fatigue life. The direction of crack propagation is transverse in single-side frame, while it is longitudinal in double-side frame.
Study on Incompatibility of Traditional Chinese Medicine: Evidence from Formula Network, Chemical Space, and Metabolism Room
Authors: Long Wei , Zhang Xiao-Dong , Wu Hong-Ying , Jin Jin , Yu Guang-Yun , He Xin , Wang Hao , Shen Xiu , Zhou Ze-Wei , Liu Pei-Xun , Fan Sai-Jun
Published: November 2013

A traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula network including 362 TCM formulas was built by using complex network methodologies. The properties of this network were analyzed including network diameter, average distance, clustering coefficient, and average degree. Meanwhile, we built a TCM chemical space and a TCM metabolism room under the theory of chemical space. The properties of chemical space and metabolism room were calculated and analyzed. The properties of the medicine pairs in “eighteen antagonisms and nineteen mutual inhibitors,” an ancient rule for TCM incompatibility, were studied based on the TCM formula network, chemical space, and metabolism room. The results showed that the properties of these incompatible medicine pairs are different from those of the other TCM based on the analysis of the TCM formula network, chemical space, and metabolism room. The lines of evidence derived from our work demonstrated that the ancient rule of TCM incompatibility, “eighteen antagonisms and nineteen mutual inhibitors,” is probably scientifically based.
Assessment of Volatile Chemical Composition of the Essential Oil ofJatropha ribifolia(Pohl) Baill by HS-SPME-GC-MS Using Different Fibers
Authors: da Silva Celia Eliane de Lara , da Costa Willian Ferreira , Minguzzi Sandro , da Silva Rogério Cesar de Lara , Simionatto Euclésio
Published: November 2013

The chemical composition of essential oil and volatile obtained from the roots ofJatropha ribifolia(Pohl) Baill was performed in this work. The Clevenger extractor was utilized in hydrodistillation of oil and chemical composition determined by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry detector (GC-MS). The identification of compounds was confirmed by retention index (Kovats index) obtained from a series of straight chain alkanes (C7–C30) and by comparison with NIST and ADAMS library. A total of 61 compounds were identified in essential oil by GC-MS. The extraction of volatile was performed also by the use of the solid phase microextraction (SPME) with four different fibers. The essential oil extraction was extremely rapid (15 s) to avoid saturation of the fiber and the MS detector. The majority of the composition of essential oil is the terpenes:β-pinene (major compound 9.16%),β-vatirene (8.34%),α-gurjunene (6.98%),α-pinene (6.35%), camphene (4.34%), tricyclene (3.79%) and dehydro aromadendrene (3.52%) it and aldehydes and alcohols. Through the SPME it was possible to determine the nine volatile compounds not identified in oil 2,3,4-trimethyl-2-cyclopenten-1-one,α-phellandrene, 3-carene, trans-p-mentha-2,8-dienol, pinocamphone, D-verbenon, 1,3,3-trimethyl-2-(2-methyl-cyclopropyl)-cyclohexene, 2,4-diisocyanato-1-methylbenzene, and (6-hydroxymethyl-2,3-dimethylehenyl) methanol.
Immunoinflammatory Response in Critically Ill Patients: Severe Sepsis and/or Trauma
Authors: Surbatovic Maja , Veljovic Milic , Jevdjic Jasna , Popovic Nada , Djordjevic Dragan , Radakovic Sonja
Published: November 2013

Immunoinflammatory response in critically ill patients is very complex. This review explores some of the new elements of immunoinflammatory response in severe sepsis, tumor necrosis factor-alpha in severe acute pancreatitis as a clinical example of immune response in sepsis, immune response in severe trauma with or without secondary sepsis, and genetic aspects of host immuno-inflammatory response to various insults in critically ill patients.
Low-Dosed X-Ray Computed Tomography Imaging by Regularized Fully Spatial Fractional-Order Perona-Malik Diffusion
Authors: Liao Zhiwu
Published: November 2013

Existing fractional-order Perona-Malik Diffusion (FOPMD) algorithms used in noise suppressing suffer from undesired artifacts and speckle effect, which hamper FOPMD used in low-dosed X-ray computed tomography (LDCT) imaging. In this paper, we propose a new FOPMD method for low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) imaging, which is called regularized fully spatial FOPMD (RFS-FOPMD), whose numerical scheme is also given based on Grünwald-Letnikov derivative (G-L derivative). Here, fully spatial FOPMD represents all the integer-order derivatives (IODs) in the right hand of Perona-Malik Diffusion (PMD) which are replaced by fractional-order derivatives (FODs). Since the new scheme has advantages of both regularization and FOPMD, it has good abilities in singularities preserving while suppressing noise. Some real sinogram of LDCT are used to compare the different performances not only for some classical but also for some state-of-art diffusion schemes. These schemes include PMD, regularized PMD (RPMD), and FOPMD in (Hu et al. 2012). Experimental results show that besides good ability in edge preserving, the new scheme also has good stability for iteration number and can avoid artifacts and speckle effect with suitable parameters.
Reducibility for a Class of Almost-Periodic Differential Equations with Degenerate Equilibrium Point under Small Almost-Periodic Perturbations
Authors: Qiu Wenhua , Si Jianguo
Published: November 2013

This paper focuses on almost-periodic time-dependent perturbations of an almost-periodic differential equation near the degenerate equilibrium point. Using the KAM method, the perturbed equation can be reduced to a suitable normal form with zero as equilibrium point by an affine almost-periodic transformation. Hence, for the equation we can obtain a small almost-periodic solution.
Effect of Expansive Admixtures on the Shrinkage and Mechanical Properties of High‐Performance Fiber‐Reinforced Cement Composites
Authors: Choi Won-Chang , Yun Hyun-Do
Published: November 2013

High‐performance fiber‐reinforced cement composites (HPFRCCs) are characterized by strain‐hardening and multiple cracking during the inelastic deformation process, but they also develop high shrinkage strain. This study investigates the effects of replacing Portland cement with calcium sulfoaluminate‐based expansive admixtures (CSA EXAs) to compensate for the shrinkage and associated mechanical behavior of HPFRCCs. Two types of CSA EXA (CSA‐K and CSA‐J), each with a different chemical composition, are used in this study. Various replacement ratios (0%, 8%, 10%, 12%, and 14% by weight of cement) of CSA EXA are considered for the design of HPFRCC mixtures reinforced with 1.5% polyethylene (PE) fibers by volume. Mechanical properties, such as shrinkage compensation, compressive strength, flexural strength, and direct tensile strength, of the HPFRCC mixtures are examined. Also, crack width and development are investigated to determine the effects of the EXAs on the performance of the HPFRCC mixtures, and a performance index is used to quantify the performance of mixture. The results indicate that replacements of 10% CSA‐K (Type 1) and 8% CSA‐J (Type 2) considerably enhance the mechanical properties and reduce shrinkage of HPFRCCs.
Less Conservative Stability Criteria for Neutral Type Neural Networks with Mixed Time-Varying Delays
Authors: Shi Kaibo , Zhu Hong , Zhong Shouming , Zeng Yong , Zhang Yuping , Liang Li
Published: November 2013

This paper investigates the problem of dependent stability criteria for neutral type neural networks with mixed time-varying delays. Firstly, some new delay-dependent stability results are obtained by employing the more general partitioning approach and generalizing the famous Jensen inequality. Secondly, based on a new type of Lyapunov-Krasovskii functional with the cross terms of variables, less conservative stability criteria are proposed in terms of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). Furthermore, it is the first time that the idea of second-order convex combination and the property of quadratic convex function applied to the derivation of neutral type neural networks play an important role in reducing the conservatism of the paper. Finally, four numerical examples are given to show the effectiveness and the advantage of the proposed method.
Design of High Efficiency Illumination for LED Lighting
Authors: Chang Yong-Nong , Cheng Hung-Liang , Kuo Chih-Ming
Published: November 2013

A high efficiency illumination for LED street lighting is proposed. For energy saving, this paper uses Class-E resonant inverter as main electric circuit to improve efficiency. In addition, single dimming control has the best efficiency, simplest control scheme and lowest circuit cost among other types of dimming techniques. Multiple serial-connected transformers used to drive the LED strings as they can provide galvanic isolation and have the advantage of good current distribution against device difference. Finally, a prototype circuit for driving 112 W LEDs in total was built and tested to verify the theoretical analysis.