bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electrochemical Reactivity of Magnesium Ions with Sn-Based Binary Alloys (Cu-Sn, Pb-Sn, and In-Sn)
Authors: Kitada Atsushi , Kang Yuu , Uchimoto Yoshiharu , Murase Kuniaki
Published: April 2014

We explored tin (Sn) alloys (Cu-Sn, In-Sn, Pb-Sn) as possible candidates for negative electrode materials of magnesium ion secondary batteries. Cyclic voltammograms revealed that In-Sn, Pb-Sn, and elemental Sn are active against Mg insertion and desertion at room temperature in a Grignard reagent, while Cu-Sn intermetallics are considerably inactive. Moreover, more than ten times of reversible peak currents were obtained for In-Sn and Pb-Sn alloys compared to pure Sn, suggesting the low-melting-point alloys enable the faster diffusion of Mg2+ ions.
Conversion of CH4 into H2 at 300˚C Using Pd/MnO2 Catalyst Made with an Effect of Water Oxidation
Authors: Koyanaka Hideki , Takeuchi Ken , Kolesnikov Alexander I.
Published: April 2014

A novel electricity-free deposition of palladium on the surface of manganese dioxide, which has a crystal structure of ramsdellite, was studied. Using the Pd deposition, a nano-particle of Pd/MnO2 was prepared, and it was used for a catalytic performance for reforming methane into hydrogen at 300°C.
Kinetics of the Carbon Anode in Molten Salt
Authors: Cooper John Frederick , Selman Jan Robert
Published: April 2014

Efficiency in the C/CO3
2-/O2 system (725 °C) is related to the distribution of current in the porous anode. Efficiency below 50% results when oxidation occurs within matrix at low local rates, producing CO and CO2 by a 2-e- net reaction. Efficiency of 75% HHV requires concentration of current on a polarized exterior surface and produces CO2 product. This picture is supported by segmentation of the I-V curve into two distinct "regimes" separated by an inflection. We present the following model: as applied current is raised, CO2 accumulates within micropores forming supersaturated levels of CO2. This raises the anode potential by 100-250 mV--enough to promote pure CO2 production. Concentration increases until (1) overall polarization drives CO2 production to the exterior surface, or, (2) bubbles nucleate and block the pores, shifting the reaction to the accessible exterior. Support for this interpretation is found in suppression of bubble nucleation by surface tension effects leading to high supersaturation; in comparing amplitudes (0.1-0.25 V) of I/V hysteresis loops with the overpotential required for 4 e- pathways; and in the magnitude of limiting current for the porous anode.
Comparison of Acid and Alkaline Hydrogen-Bromine Fuel Cell Systems
Authors: Nguyen Trung Van , Yarlagadda Venkata , Lin Guangyu , Weng Guoming , Li Vanessa Chi-Ying , Chan Kwong-Yu
Published: April 2014

The hydrogen bromine (H2-Br2) fuel cell system is an attractive system for electrical energy storage because of its high round-trip conversion efficiency, high power density capability, and anticipated low costs. The hydrogen-bromine fuel cell system can be operated in the acid or alkaline modes. The alkaline H2-Br2 fuel cell was evaluated because of its advantages over the acid system such as higher cell potential and low cost catalyst for the hydrogen evolution and oxidation reactions. A fuel cell was assembled to validate the feasibility of the alkaline system and evaluate its performance. The results confirmed that an alkaline H2-Br2 fuel cell has higher cell voltage and fast electrode reaction kinetics like in the acid system. However, the performance is currently limited by the low ionic conductivity of the membranes which is attributed to the slow diffusivity of the K+ ions.
Pressurized Regenerative Solid Oxide Cells for Electrical Energy Storage
Authors: Kazempoor Pejman , Wendel Christopher , Braun Robert J.
Published: April 2014

The high potential of reversible (or regenerative) solid oxide cell (rSOCs) systems for energy storage application motivates the present study which focuses on predicting rSOC performance through mathematical modeling. An intermediate fidelity model that can be used for identifying favorable electrochemical and thermal performance of rSOCs is developed and briefly reported here. The model is employed to investigate the rSOC performance particularly for pressurized operation. It has been observed that rSOCs can benefit from pressurized operation particularly in solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) mode of operation. In the solid oxide electrolysis (SOEC) mode there are also advantages from pressurized operation, particularly above a certain current density. It has also been observed that the SOEC performance is more affected by changing the inlet feedstock condition (pressure and temperature) than the SOFC mode at pressurized operation.
Influence of pH on the Corrosion Protection of Epoxy-Silica-Zirconia Sol-Gel Coatings Applied on EN AW-6063 Aluminium Alloy
Authors: Fontinha I Rute , Salta Maria Manuela , Zheludkevich Mikhail L. , Ferreira Mário G. S. , Figueira Rita Bacelar , Pereira Elsa Vaz , Silva Carlos J. R.
Published: April 2014

Aluminium alloys of 6000 series can suffer severe corrosion in polluted (acidic) and/or marine environments and in contact with alkaline media like fresh cementitious materials. Therefore, architectural aluminium components are often coated, what requires its surface pre-treatment. Organic-inorganic hybrid (OIH) sol-gel coatings have been proposed as an effective, environmental compliant new pre-treatment for aluminium coating. In this work, an epoxy-silica-zirconia sol-gel coating was synthesized and applied on EN AW-6063 alloy. Cerium nitrate was incorporated as corrosion inhibitor. Cerium doped and undoped OIH coatings were exposed to neutral, acidic (pH~3) and alkaline (pH~10) chloride solutions. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and SEM/EDS characterization of coated samples revealed that the best performance is achieved in the neutral and the worst in the acidic solution. In the alkaline solution, the cerium doped coatings exhibited much better anticorrosive performance than the undoped ones, clearly evidencing the beneficial role of the corrosion inhibitor in this media.
Corrosion Resistance and Mechanism of Zinc Rich Paint in Corrosive Media
Authors: Sofian Azizul Helmi , Noda Kazuhiko
Published: April 2014

Zinc is widely used as sacrificial protecting coating in process industries, constructions and buildings. Due to the fact that, zinc is less noble metal and cathodically protects the steel from corrosion. A zinc rich paint (ZRP) was sprayed onto metal substrate, using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) the electrochemical properties was investigated. Coated samples were immersed in 0.5 M NaCl solution in various time period, EIS measurements were regularly performed. Then, an electrical equivalent circuit (EEC) was applied to model electrochemical mechanism. Using this model, it was found that the dispersion of the zinc particles was inhomogeneous. The electrochemical responses was slightly different with the increases of coating thickness and zinc contents.
Electrochemical Evaluation of Hot-Dip Galvanized Steel (HDGS) Coated with Organic-Inorganic Hybrid Sol-Gel in Cementitious Materials
Authors: Figueira Rita Bacelar , Silva Carlos J. R. , Pereira Elsa Vaz
Published: April 2014

Chromate based chemical conversion layers (CCC) are commonly used as surface treatments as they exhibit enhanced corrosion resistance and improved coating adhesion. However, the restrictions imposed on the use of hexavalent chromium, due to health and environmental concerns, has led to R&D efforts in the last few decades to search for new coating materials that fulfill the regulations and economic constraints imposed. Among these new coating materials, sol-gel methods are shown to be environmentally and economically advantageous in producing coatings that can provide effective corrosion protection. This work describes the studies performed for applying a sol-gel method to the production of organic-inorganic hybrid (OIH) coatings over HDGS reinforcement. The evaluation of their efficiency as a corrosion protection layer, to prevent the initial excessive reaction between mortar and the zinc, during the first days after concreting was studied.
Finite-Elements Simulation of Etch Front Propagation in Silicon Electropolishing Process
Authors: Ivanov Alexey , Mescheder Ulrich , Woias Peter
Published: April 2014

Finite-elements simulation of etch front propagation during the process of electrochemical etching of silicon in electropolishing regime is presented. Electrical and diffusion models are developed and simulations are compared to experimental results. A general electrochemical model is proposed. It is shown, that the mechanism of shape transformation of the etch form from convex to concave during the process for the applied conditions is due to diffusion transport of reactants in electrolyte. Limitations of the presented models are discussed.
Enhancement of Electrocatalytic Activity of Novel Ruthenium Based Nanocatalyst Supported on Nitrogen Doped Carbons for Oxygen Reduction
Authors: Dobrzeniecka Anna , Blicharska Magdalena , Kulesza Pawel J.
Published: April 2014

Herein, ruthenium nanoparticles modified with mixed selenium and nitrogen overlayers (RuSexNy) were prepared via chelatation method onto the N-doped and undoped carbons (Norit and MWCNTs) under analogous experimental conditions. . The crystalographic data reveals the same type of crystallographic phases in RuSexNy crystallites, regardless of the doping of carbon support, nevertheless, as transmission electron microscopy measurements have shown the nanoparticles fabricated onto the N-doped carbons were found to be of smaller diameters. The studies of oxygen reduction reaction in acid (0.5 M H2SO4) medium using rotating ring disk voltammetry and impedance spectroscopy show that RuSexNy nanoparticles supported on the N-doped carbons exhibit higher ORR catalytic activity with generation of lower amounts of hydrogen peroxide. The spillover effect due to N- doping of carbon support was suggested to be responsible for improved decomposition of adsorbed ORR intermediates in carbon supported RuSexNy materials.
Nano-Sized Titanium Oxides as Electrocatalyst for Oxygen Reduction Reaction toward PEFC
Authors: Suito Kazuaki , Ishihara Akimitsu , Hayashi Tomoaki , Matsumoto Masashi , Arao Masazumi , Kohno Yuji , Matsuzawa Koichi , Imai Hideto , Mitsushima Shigenori , Ota Ken-ichiro
Published: April 2014

Platinum, which is used as cathode electrocatalysts for polymer electrolyte fuel cell, have many problems such as its high cost, small amount of resources, insufficient activity for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and instability. In this study, we focused on titanium which had larger amount of resources. Although we prepared titanium oxide-based cathodes by oxidation of titanium carbonitrides, the ORR activity was lower due to its large primary particle size. Therefore, we tried to prepare fine primary particles by oxidation of oxytitanium phthalocyanine in low p
O2 atmosphere and fine secondary particles by planetary ball milling in dry process. We obtained the primary and secondary particle diameter of titanium oxide-based catalyst was 10 nm and ~50 mm, respectively. The ORR activity was 140 times larger than that of oxide-based compounds prepared from carbonitrides. This result indicated that titanium oxide-based compounds had great potential as alternative cathodes for platinum.
Electrochemical Dealloying of Gold-Silver Nanoparticles - Selective Dissolution of the Less and More Noble Species
Authors: Starr Christopher A. , Buttry Daniel A.
Published: April 2014

Gold-silver alloy nanoparticles (NPs) capped with adenosine 5'-triphosphate with average diameters ~4 nm were immobilized into layer-by-layer (LbL) films deposited on indium-tin oxide (ITO) electrodes. Irreversible oxidative dissolution (dealloying) of the less noble silver atoms from the alloy NPs was performed by cyclic voltammetry (CV) in sulfuric acid. Alloy NPs with higher gold content required larger overpotentials for silver dealloying. Dealloying of the more-noble gold atoms from the alloy NPs was also achieved by CV in sodium chloride. The silver was oxidized first to cohesive silver chloride, and then gold dealloying to soluble HAuCl4
- occurred at higher potentials. Silver oxidation was inhibited during the first oxidative scan, but subsequent cycles showed typical, reversible silver-to-silver chloride voltammetry. The potentials for both silver oxidation and gold dealloying also shifted to more oxidizing potentials with increasing gold content, and both processes converged for alloy NPs with >60% gold content.
Hydrogen-Carbon Bond on the Nanostructured Graphite for Hydrogen Sensor
Authors: Zhang Y. , Book David
Published: April 2014

There is a need to understand the hydrogen sorption mechanism(s). In this work, hydrogenated graphite samples were characterized by TGA-Mass Spectrometry, Raman spectros-copy and high resolution TEM. It was found that graphite milled for various times (0-40 h) had different d-spacings and CHx (x≤3) ratios. Graphite milled up to 10 h that was subsequently heated (under argon to 990 °C) desorbed only hydrogen, while above 10 h the amount of desorbed hydrogen decreased and an increasing amount of methane was also evolved. The 10 h sample had no measurable sp3 bonding, and desorbed 5.5 wt% hydrogen when heated. While the 40 h sample had a d-spacing of 0.48 nm, both sp2 and sp3 bonding, and desorbed 5.1 wt% pure hydrogen. The mechanism of graphite hydrogenation is discussed in terms of hydrogen atoms being predominately trapped at the graphite edges, rather than between graphene layers.
Surface Morphology and Electrical Properties of ZnO:Ga Films Formed by Magnetron Sputtering
Authors: Yamamoto Naoki , Morisawa Kirihiko
Published: April 2014

In a previous study, it was found that the resistivity of ZnO:Ga films sputtered-deposited at 250 °C initially decreased with increasing film thickness up to 200 nm, but then began to increase. In the present study, the cause of this anomalous increase in resistivity was investigated, and was found to be related to an increase in the porosity of thicker films. For the film deposited at a nominal substrate temperature of 250 °C, this was the result of surface agglomeration due to unintentional substrate heating to about 290 °C caused by plasma irradiation during the deposition process. On the other hand, no such agglomeration was observed for undoped ZnO films, even when heated to 410 °C, indicating that the Ga doping plays a crucial role in the agglomeration process.
Endothelial cells respond to hyperglycemia by increasing the LPL transporter GPIHBP1
Authors: Pei-Ling Chiu Amy , Wang Fulong , Lal Nathaniel , Wang Ying , Zhang Dahai , Hussein Bahira , Wan Andrea , Vlodavsky Israel , Rodrigues Brian
Published: April 2014

In diabetes, when glucose uptake and oxidation are impaired, the heart is compelled to use fatty acid (FA) almost exclusively for ATP. The vascular content of lipoprotein lipase (LPL), the rate-limiting enzyme that determines circulating triglyceride clearance, is largely responsible for this FA delivery and increases following diabetes. Glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored high-density lipoprotein-binding protein [GPIHBP1; a protein expressed abundantly in the heart in endothelial cells (EC)] collects LPL from the interstitial space and transfers it across ECs onto the luminal binding sites of these cells, where the enzyme is functional. We tested whether ECs respond to hyperglycemia by increasing GPIHBP1. Streptozotocin diabetes increased cardiac LPL activity and GPIHBP1 gene and protein expression. The increased LPL and GPIHBP1 were located at the capillary lumen. In vitro, passaging EC caused a loss of GPIHBP1, which could be induced on exposure to increasing concentrations of glucose. The high-glucose-induced GPIHBP1 increased LPL shuttling across EC monolayers. GPIHBP1 expression was linked to the EC content of heparanase. Moreover, active heparanase increased GPIHBP1 gene and protein expression. Both ECs and myocyte heparan sulfate proteoglycan-bound platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) released by heparanase caused augmentation of GPIHBP1. Overall, our data suggest that this protein “ensemble” (heparanase-PDGF-GPIHBP1) cooperates in the diabetic heart to regulate FA delivery and utilization by the cardiomyocytes. Interrupting this axis may be a novel therapeutic strategy to restore metabolic equilibrium, curb lipotoxicity, and help prevent or delay heart dysfunction that is characteristic of diabetes.
Inhibition of connexin 36 hemichannels by glucose contributes to the stimulation of insulin secretion
Authors: Pizarro-Delgado Javier , Fasciani Ilaria , Temperan Ana , Romero María , González-Nieto Daniel , Alonso-Magdalena Paloma , Nualart-Marti Anna , Estil'les Elisabet , Paul David L. , Martín-del-Río Rafael , Montanya Eduard , Solsona Carles , Nadal Angel , Barrio Luis Carlos , Tamarit-Rodríguez J.
Published: April 2014

The existence of functional connexin36 ( Cx36) hemichannels in β-cells was investigated in pancreatic islets of rat and wild-type ( Cx36+/+), monoallelic ( Cx36+/−), and biallelic ( Cx36−/−) knockout mice. Hemichannel opening by KCl depolarization was studied by measuring ATP release and changes of intracellular ATP (ADP). Cx36+/+ islets lost ATP after depolarization with 70 mM KCl at 5 mM glucose; ATP loss was prevented by 8 and 20 mM glucose or 50 μM mefloquine (connexin inhibitor). ATP content was higher in Cx36−/− than Cx36+/+ islets and was not decreased by KCl depolarization; Cx36+/− islets showed values between that of control and homozygous islets. Five minimolar extracellular ATP increased ATP content and ATP/ADP ratio and induced a biphasic insulin secretion in depolarized Cx36+/+ and Cx36+/− but not Cx36−/− islets. Cx36 hemichannels expressed in oocytes opened upon depolarization of membrane potential, and their activation was inhibited by mefloquine and glucose (IC50 ∼8 mM). It is postulated that glucose-induced inhibition of Cx36 hemichannels in islet β-cells might avoid depolarization-induced ATP loss, allowing an optimum increase of the ATP/ADP ratio by sugar metabolism and a biphasic stimulation of insulin secretion. Gradual suppression of glucose-induced insulin release in Cx36+/− and Cx36−/− islets confirms that Cx36 gap junction channels are necessary for a full secretory stimulation and might account for the glucose intolerance observed in mice with defective Cx36 expression. Mefloquine targeting of Cx36 on both gap junctions and hemichannels also suppresses glucose-stimulated secretion. By contrast, glucose stimulation of insulin secretion requires Cx36 hemichannels' closure but keeping gap junction channels opened.
Neuronostatin inhibits glucose-stimulated insulin secretion via direct action on the pancreatic α-cell
Authors: Salvatori Alison S. , Elrick Mollisa M. , Samson Willis K. , Corbett John A. , Yosten Gina L. C.
Published: April 2014

Neuronostatin is a recently described peptide hormone encoded by the somatostatin gene. We previously showed that intraperitoneal injection of neuronostatin into mice resulted in c-Jun accumulation in pancreatic islets in a pattern consistent with the activation of glucagon-producing α-cells. We therefore hypothesized that neuronostatin could influence glucose homeostasis via a direct effect on the α-cell. Neuronostatin enhanced low-glucose-induced glucagon release in isolated rat islets and in the immortalized α-cell line αTC1-9. Furthermore, incubation with neuronostatin led to an increase in transcription of glucagon mRNA, as determined by RT-PCR. Neuronostatin also inhibited glucose-stimulated insulin secretion from isolated islets. However, neuronostatin did not alter insulin release from the β-cell line INS 832/13, indicating that the effect of neuronostatin on insulin secretion may be secondary to a direct action on the α-cell. In agreement with our in vitro data, intra-arterial infusion of neuronostatin in male rats delayed glucose disposal and inhibited insulin release during a glucose challenge. These studies suggest that neuronostatin participates in maintaining glucose homeostasis through cell-cell interactions between α-cells and β-cells in the endocrine pancreas, leading to attenuation in insulin secretion.
Coinjection of CCK and leptin reduces food intake via increased CART/TRH and reduced AMPK phosphorylation in the hypothalamus
Authors: Akieda-Asai Sayaka , Poleni Paul-Emile , Date Yukari
Published: April 2014

CCK and leptin are anorectic hormones produced in the small intestine and white adipose tissue, respectively. Investigating how these hormones act together as an integrated anorectic signal is important for elucidating the mechanisms by which energy balance is maintained. We found here that coadministration of subthreshold CCK and leptin, which individually have no effect on feeding, dramatically reduced food intake in rats. Phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) in the hypothalamus significantly decreased after coinjection of CCK and leptin. In addition, coadministration of these hormones significantly increased mRNA levels of anorectic cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) and thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) in the hypothalamus. The interactive effect of CCK and leptin on food intake was abolished by intracerebroventricular preadministration of the AMPK activator AICAR or anti-CART/anti-TRH antibodies. These findings indicate that coinjection of CCK and leptin reduces food intake via reduced AMPK phosphorylation and increased CART/TRH in the hypothalamus. Furthermore, by using midbrain-transected rats, we investigated the role of the neural pathway from the hindbrain to the hypothalamus in the interaction of CCK and leptin to reduce food intake. Food intake reduction induced by coinjection of CCK and leptin was blocked in midbrain-transected rats. Therefore, the neural pathway from hindbrain to hypothalamus plays an important role in transmitting the anorectic signals provided by coinjection of CCK and leptin. Our findings give further insight into the mechanisms of feeding and energy balance.
Tuboovarian Abscess as Primary Presentation for Imperforate Hymen
Authors: Ho Jeh Wen , Angstetra D. , Loong R. , Fleming T.
Published: April 2014

Objective.Imperforate hymen represents the extreme in the spectrum of hymenal embryological variations. The archetypal presentation in the adolescent patient is that of cyclical abdominopelvic pain in the presence of amenorrhoea. We reported a rare event of imperforate hymen presenting as a cause of tuboovarian abscess (TOA).Case Study.A 14-year-old girl presented to the emergency department complaining of severe left iliac fossa pain. It was her first episode of heavy bleeding per vagina, and she had a history of cyclical pelvic pain. She was clinically unwell, and an external genital examination demonstrated a partially perforated hymen. A transabdominal ultrasound showed grossly dilated serpiginous fallopian tubes. The upper part of the vagina was filled with homogeneous echogenic substance. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated complex right adnexa mass with bilateral pyo-haemato-salpinges, haematometra, and haematocolpos. In theatre, the imperforate hymen was opened via cruciate incision and blood was drained from the vagina. At laparoscopy, dense purulent material was evacuated prior to an incision and drainage of the persistent right TOA.Conclusion.Ideally identification of imperforate hymen should occur during neonatal examination to prevent symptomatic presentation. Our case highlights the risks of late recognition resulting in the development of sepsis and TOA.
Bimodal Imaging Probes for Combined PET and OI: Recent Developments and Future Directions for Hybrid Agent Development
Authors: Seibold Uwe , Wängler Björn , Schirrmacher Ralf , Wängler Carmen
Published: April 2014

Molecular imaging—and especially positron emission tomography (PET)—has gained increasing importance for diagnosis of various diseases and thus experiences an increasing dissemination. Therefore, there is also a growing demand for highly affine PET tracers specifically accumulating and visualizing target structures in the human body. Beyond the development of agents suitable for PET alone, recent tendencies aim at the synthesis of bimodal imaging probes applicable in PET as well as optical imaging (OI), as this combination of modalities can provide clinical advantages. PET, due to the high tissue penetration of theγ-radiation emitted by PET nuclides, allows a quantitative imaging able to identify and visualize tumors and metastases in the whole body. OI on the contrary visualizes photons exhibiting only a limited tissue penetration but enables the identification of tumor margins and infected lymph nodes during surgery without bearing a radiation burden for the surgeon. Thus, there is an emerging interest in bimodal agents for PET and OI in order to exploit the potential of both imaging techniques for the imaging and treatment of tumor diseases. This short review summarizes the available hybrid probes developed for dual PET and OI and discusses future directions for hybrid agent development.
Portfolio Selection with Subsistence Consumption Constraints and CARA Utility
Authors: Shim Gyoocheol , Shin Yong Hyun
Published: April 2014

We consider the optimal consumption and portfolio choice problem with constant absolute risk aversion (CARA) utility and a subsistence consumption constraint. A subsistence consumption constraint means there exists a positive constant minimum level for the agent’s optimal consumption. We use the dynamic programming approach to solve the optimization problem and also give the verification theorem. We illustrate the effects of the subsistence consumption constraint on the optimal consumption and portfolio choice rules by the numerical results.
Effect ofCentella asiaticaon Oxidative Stress and Lipid Metabolism in Hyperlipidemic Animal Models
Authors: Zhao Yun , Shu Ping , Zhang Youzhi , Lin Limin , Zhou Haihong , Xu Zhentian , Suo Daqin , Xie Anzhi , Jin Xin
Published: April 2014

Hyperlipidemia and many other metabolic diseases are related to oxidative stress.Centella asiaticais a traditional Chinese medicine whose antioxidant effect in vitro has been reported. We are interested in whether it possesses this effect in vivo and hence modulates lipid metabolism. Therefore, experiments were carried out on mice and golden hamsters regarding its antioxidant and hypolipidemic effect. We observed that a fraction (CAF3) of the ethanol extract (CAE) ofCentella asiaticahad a cholesterol decrease of 79% and a triglyceride decrease of 95% in acute mice model, so CAF3 was further investigated in high-fat-fed hamster model. It was shown that CAF3 increased SOD and GSH-Px activities and decreased MDA level, and it also improved TC, TG, LDL-C, HDL-C, AST, and ALT levels. L-CAT and SR-BI gene expression in hamsters were increased. Taken together, our data suggest that the CAF3 fraction ofCentella asiaticahas antioxidant and hypolipidemic properties.
Effect of the Combination of Gelam Honey and Ginger on Oxidative Stress and Metabolic Profile in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Sprague-Dawley Rats
Authors: Abdul Sani Nur Fathiah , Belani Levin Kesu , Pui Sin Chong , Abdul Rahman Siti Nor Amilah , Das Srijit , Zar Chi Thent , Makpol Suzana , Yusof Yasmin Anum Mohd
Published: April 2014

Diabetic complications occur as a result of increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) due to long term hyperglycaemia. Honey and ginger have been shown to exhibit antioxidant activity which can scavenge ROS. The main aim of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant and antidiabetic effects of gelam honey, ginger, and their combination. Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 2 major groups which consisted of diabetic and nondiabetic rats. Diabetes was induced with streptozotocin intramuscularly (55 mg/kg body weight). Each group was further divided into 4 smaller groups according to the supplements administered: distilled water, honey (2 g/kg body weight), ginger (60 mg/kg body weight), and honey + ginger. Body weight and glucose levels were recorded weekly, while blood from the orbital sinus was obtained after 3 weeks of supplementation for the estimation of metabolic profile: glucose, triglyceride (TG), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), reduced glutathione (GSH): oxidized glutathione (GSSG), and malondialdehyde (MDA). The combination of gelam honey and ginger did not show hypoglycaemic potential; however, the combination treatment reduced significantly (P<0.05) SOD and CAT activities as well as MDA level, while GSH level and GSH/GSSG ratio were significantly elevated (P<0.05) in STZ-induced diabetic rats compared to diabetic control rats.
Combined Cytogenotoxic Effects of Bee Venom and Bleomycin on Rat Lymphocytes: AnIn VitroStudy
Authors: Abd-Elhakim Yasmina M. , Khalil Samah R. , Awad Ashraf , AL-Ayadhi Laila Y.
Published: April 2014

This study was carried out to determine the cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of bee venom (BV) and/or the chemotherapeutic agent bleomycin (BLM) on healthy isolated rat lymphocytes utilizing morphometric and molecular techniques. Using the Ficoll-Histopaque density gradient centrifugation technique, lymphocytes were isolated, divided into groups, and subjected to BV and/or BLM at incubation medium concentrations of 10 or 20 μg/mL respectively for 24 and 72 hrs. An MTT assay and fluorescent microscopy examinations were used to assess the cytotoxic effects. To determine the predominant type of BV and/or BLM-induced cell death, LDH release assay was employed beside quantitative expression analyses of the apoptosis-related genes (Caspase-3 and Bcl-2). The genotoxic effects of the tested compounds were evaluated via DNA fragmentation assay. The results of these assays demonstrated that BV potentiates BLM-induced cytotoxicity through increased LDH release and diminished cell viability. Nevertheless, BV significantly inhibited the BLM-induced DNA damage. The results verify that BV significantly attenuates the genotoxic effects of BLM on noncancerous isolated rat lymphocytes but does not diminish BLM cytotoxicity.
The Pressure Drop Model of Liquid Flow with Wall Mass Transfer in Horizontal Wellbore with Perforated Completion
Authors: Yue Ping , Du Zhimin , Chen Xiaofan , Tang Chao
Published: April 2014

The fluids in horizontal wells can exhibit complicated flow behaviors with wall mass transfer, partly due to the interaction between the main flow and the radial influx along the wellbore and the completion parameters used. This paper presents a novel regression model established based on the experiment data retrieved from the available literatures to determine the apparent friction factor for a single phase wellbore flow. The proposed model has the potential to be readily applicable to different perforation parameters, such as shot phasing and shot density. Compared with other models in the same practical example which is offered by Ouyang et al., the model of this paper to calculate the wellbore pressure is applicable and reasonable. This new model can be easily incorporated into reservoir simulators or analytical reservoir and horizontal wellbore inflow coupling models.
Functional Development of the Circadian Clock in the Zebrafish Pineal Gland
Authors: Ben-Moshe Zohar , Foulkes Nicholas S. , Gothilf Yoav
Published: April 2014

The zebrafish constitutes a powerful model organism with unique advantages for investigating the vertebrate circadian timing system and its regulation by light. In particular, the remarkably early and rapid development of the zebrafish circadian system has facilitated exploring the factors that control the onset of circadian clock function during embryogenesis. Here, we review our understanding of the molecular basis underlying functional development of the central clock in the zebrafish pineal gland. Furthermore, we examine how the directly light-entrainable clocks in zebrafish cell lines have facilitated unravelling the general mechanisms underlying light-induced clock gene expression. Finally, we summarize how analysis of the light-induced transcriptome and miRNome of the zebrafish pineal gland has provided insight into the regulation of the circadian system by light, including the involvement of microRNAs in shaping the kinetics of light- and clock-regulated mRNA expression. The relative contributions of the pineal gland central clock and the distributed peripheral oscillators to the synchronization of circadian rhythms at the whole animal level are a crucial question that still remains to be elucidated in the zebrafish model.
Astrocyte Elevated Gene-1 Mediates Glycolysis and Tumorigenesis in Colorectal Carcinoma CellsviaAMPK Signaling
Authors: Song Hong-tao , Qin Yu , Yao Guo-dong , Tian Zhen-nan , Fu Song-bin , Geng Jing-shu
Published: April 2014

To investigate the role of AEG-1 in glycolysis and tumorigenesis, we construct myc-AEG-1 expression vector and demonstrate a novel mechanism that AEG-1 may increase the activity of AMPK by Thr172 phosphorylation. The higher expression levels of AEG-1 in colorectal carcinoma cells were found but showed significant difference in different cell lines. To study the role of AEG-1 in colorectal cells, myc-AEG-1 vector was constructed and transfected into NCM460 colonic epithelial cells. We observed consistent increasing of glucose consumption and lactate production, typical features of anaerobic glycolysis, suggesting that AEG-1 may promote anaerobic glycolysis. Moreover, we noted that AMPK phosphorylation at Thr172 as well as pPFK2 (Ser466) was increased in NCM460 cells overexpressing AEG-1. Compound C may block AMPK and PFK2 phosphorylation in both control and AEG-1-overexpressed cells and decrease the glucose consumption and lactate production. The present findings indicated that reduced AEG-1 protein levels by RNAi may decrease the glucose consumption and lactate production in HCT116 colorectal carcinoma cells. The present identified AEG-1/AMPK/PFK2 glycolysis cascade may be essential to cell proliferation and tumor growth. The present results may provide us with a mechanistic insight into novel targets controlled by AEG-1, and the components in the AEG-1/AMPK/PFK2 glycolysis process may be targeted for the clinical treatment of cancer.
Evaluating the Impact of PSA as a Selection Criteria for Nerve Sparing Radical Prostatectomy in a Screened Cohort
Authors: Tanguturi Shyam K. , Chen Ming-Hui , Loffredo Marian , Richie Jerome P. , D’Amico Anthony V.
Published: April 2014

Purpose. We investigated whether NS-RP increased risk of PSA failure and whether PSA should be included as a selection criterion for NS.Methods. We evaluated 357 consecutive men with screen-detected PC who underwent open RP without adjuvant radiotherapy between 9/11/2001 and 12/30/2008. Criteria for NS included Gleason score ≤3 + 4, percentage of positive biopsies (PPB) ≤50%, percentage of core involvement ≤50%, nonapical location, no perineural invasion, and no palpable disease on pre- or intraoperative exam but did not include a PSA threshold. Cox multivariable regression assessed whether increasing PSA or unilateral- or bilateral-NS versus non-NS-RP was associated with PSA failure adjusting for prognostic factors.Results. After a median follow-up of 3.96 years, 34 men sustained PSA failure (9.5%). Increasing PSA was significantly associated with increased risk of PSA failure in the interaction model (adjusted hazard ratio (AHR): 1.09 [95% CI: 1.03–1.16];P=0.005), whereas unilateral (AHR: 1.24 [95% CI: 0.36–4.34];P=0.73) or bilateral NS (AHR: 0.41 [95% CI: 0.06–2.59];P=0.34) versus non-NS RP was not.Conclusion. NS-RP in a screened cohort did not increase risk of PSA failure using NS criteria not including PSA.
Surface Characteristics and Bioactivity of a Novel Natural HA/Zircon Nanocomposite Coated on Dental Implants
Authors: Karamian Ebrahim , Khandan Amirsalar , Kalantar Motamedi Mahmood Reza , Mirmohammadi Hesam
Published: April 2014

The surface characteristics of implant which influence the speed and strength of osseointegration include surface chemistry, crystal structure and crystallinity, roughness, strain hardening, and presence of impurities. The aim of this study was to evaluate the bioactivity and roughness of a novel natural hydroxyapatite/zircon (NHA/zircon) nanobiocomposite, coated on 316L stainless steel (SS) soaked in simulated body fluid (SBF). NHA/zircon nanobiocomposite was fabricated with 0 wt.%, 5 wt.%, 10 wt.%, and 15 wt.% of zircon in NHA using ball mill for 20 minutes. The composite mixture was coated on 316L SS using plasma spray method. The results are estimated using the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observation to evaluate surface morphology, X-ray diffraction (XRD) to analyze phase composition, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) technique to evaluate the shape and size of prepared NHA. Surfaces roughness tester was performed to characterize the coated nanocomposite samples. The maximum averageRa(14.54 μm) was found in the NHA 10 wt.% of zircon coating. In addition, crystallinity (Xc) was measured by XRD data, which indicated the minimum value (Xc = 41.1%) for the sample containing 10 wt.% of zircon. Maximum bioactivity occurred in the sample containing 10 wt.% of zircon, which was due to two reasons: first, the maximum roughness and, second, the minimum crystallinity of nanobiocomposite coating.
The Impact of Hyperglycemia on Risk of Severe Infections during Early Period of Induction Therapy in Patients with Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Jung Sung-Hoon , Jang Hee-Chang , Lee Seung-Shin , Ahn Jae-Sook , Yang Deok-Hwan , Kim Yeo-Kyeoung , Kim Hyeoung-Joon , Lee Je-Jung
Published: April 2014

The association between hyperglycemia and infections during induction chemotherapy has been reported in a number of hematologic disorders. This retrospective study evaluated the incidence of hyperglycemia during induction therapy in 155 patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (MM) and its effect on serious infections during the first 60 days of induction. A total of 20 (12.9%) patients developed overt hyperglycemia (≥200 mg/dL) during induction therapy. Serious infections occurred in 28 (18.1%) of 155 patients and infection-related mortality within 2 months after treatment was 0.6% (1 patient). In a univariate analysis, overt hyperglycemia, poor performance status (≥2), International Staging System III, lymphopenia (<500/μL), and elevated serum creatinine (≥2 mg/dL) were found to be associated with serious infections. In multivariate analysis, only overt hyperglycemia (HR 7.846, 95% CI 2.512–24.503,P<0.001) and poor performance status (HR 5.801, 95% CI 1.974–17.050,P=0.001) remained significant. In conclusion, this study demonstrated an association between hyperglycemia and serious infections during induction therapy in patients with MM.
Thermal Stability and Kinetic Study of Isotactic Polypropylene/Algerian Bentonite Nanocomposites Prepared via Melt Blending
Authors: Benhacine Fayçal , Yahiaoui Farida , Hadj-Hamou Assia Siham
Published: April 2014

Isotactic polypropylene (iPP)/bentonite nanocomposites were prepared via melt blending using bentonite clay originated from Maghnia (Algeria). This clay was, at a first stage, used in its pure form (PBT) and then organically modified by Hexadecyl ammonium chloride (OBT). The effect of Maghnia bentonite dispersion on the iPP matrix was investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electronic microscopy (TEM). DSC results evidenced that unmodified or organomodified bentonite can act as a nucleating agent increasing the rate of crystallites formation. Moreover, a thermogravimetry analysis confirmed a significant enhanced thermal stability of IPP/clay nanocomposites compared to pure IPP. The Flynn-Wall-Ozawa and Tang methods were applied to determine the activation energy Ea of the degradation process. The apparent activation energy  Eα of thermal degradation for IPP/clay nanocomposites was much higher than that of virgin iPP. Comparatively to PBT, results indicate that OBT has an important effect on pure iPP thermal stability. Tensile modulus, tensile strength, and elongation at break were also measured and compared with those of pure iPP.
The Research of Periodic Solutions of Time-Varying Differential Models
Authors: Liu Wenjun , Pan Yingxin , Zhou Zhengxin
Published: April 2014

We have studied the periodicity of solutions of some nonlinear time-varying differential models by using the theory of reflecting functions. We have established a new relationship between the linear differential system and the Riccati equations and applied the obtained results to discuss the behavior of periodic solutions of the Riccati equations.
Protective Effects of Pretreatment with Oleanolic Acid in Rats in the Acute Phase of Hepatic Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury: Role of the PI3K/Akt Pathway
Authors: Gui Bo , Hua Fuzhou , Chen Jie , Xu Zeping , Sun Hongbin , Qian Yanning
Published: April 2014

Oleanolic acid (OA) has been used to treat liver disorders, but whether it can attenuate hepatic ischemia-reperfusion- (IR-) associated liver dysfunction remains unexplored. In the present study, 160 male Sprague-Dawley rats were equally divided into five groups: group SH received neither hepatic IR nor drugs; group IR received hepatic IR without drugs; group CM and group OA received 0.5% sodium carboxymethylcellulose and 100 mg/kg OA, intragastrically, once a day for seven days before the hepatic IR, respectively; on the basis of treatment in group OA, group OA+wortmannin further received 15 μg/kg of PI3K inhibitor wortmannin, intraperitoneally, 30 min before the hepatic IR. Then each group was equally divided into four subgroups according to four time points (preoperation, 0 h, 3 h, and 6 h after reperfusion). Serum ALT activity, IL-1βconcentration, and hepatic phosphorylation of PI3K, Akt, and GSK-3βprotein expression were serially studied. We found that OA pretreatment improved histological status and decreased serum ALT and IL-1βlevels. It also increased p-PI3K, p-Akt, and p-GSK-3βprotein expression at all the four time points. Prophylactic wortmannin partially reversed OA’s protective effects. The data indicate that OA pretreatment protects liver from IR injury during the acute phase partially through PI3K/Akt-mediated inactivation of GSK-3β.
Allocating Tradable Emissions Permits Based on the Proportional Allocation Concept to Achieve a Low‐Carbon Economy
Authors: Dai Qianzhi , Li Yongjun , Xie Qiwei , Liang Liang
Published: April 2014

A key issue within the emissions trading system is how tradable emissions permits (TEPs) are initially allocated among a set of entities. This study proposes an approach based on the proportional allocation concept to allocate TEPs among a set of decision making units (DMUs). We firstly deduce a TEP allocation set based on the rule that the TEPs allocated to DMUs should be proportional to their environmental contribution. We then obtain the allocation intervals of DMUs from the set, expressing the allocation as the convex combination between the upper and the lower bound. Finally, we define the satisfaction degree as the coefficient of the convex combination, and propose an algorithm based on the max‐min fairness of satisfaction degrees to obtain a unique TEP allocation plan. To illustrate our approach, we provide the example of how TEPs are allocated among 30 provincial administrative regions in China. Our findings indicate that our allocation method can be helpful for achieving a saving in energy consumption and reducing emissions. In addition, from the data envelopment analysis perspective, the TEP allocation set can ensure that both each individual DMU and the organization as a whole become efficient under a common set of variable weights.
Lactose Malabsorption Testing in Daily Clinical Practice: A Critical Retrospective Analysis and Comparison of the Hydrogen/Methane Breath Test and Genetic Test (C/T-13910Polymorphism) Results
Authors: Enko Dietmar , Rezanka Erwin , Stolba Robert , Halwachs-Baumann Gabriele
Published: April 2014

The aim of this study was to establish a retrospective evaluation and comparison of the hydrogen/methane (H2/CH4) breath test and genetic test (C/T−13910polymorphism) results in lactose malabsorption testing. In total 263 consecutive patients with suspected lactose malabsorption were included in this study. They underwent the H2/CH4breath test following the ingestion of 50 g lactose and were tested for the C/T−13910polymorphism. In total 51 patients (19.4%) had a C/C−13910genotype, indicating primary lactose malabsorption. Only 19 patients (7.2%) also had a positive H2/CH4breath test. All in all 136 patients (51.69%) had a C/T−13910and 76 patients (28.91%) a T/T−13910genotype, indicating lactase persistence. Four patients (1.5%) with the C/T−13910genotype and one patient (0.4%) with the T/T−13910genotype had a positive H2/CH4breath test result, indicating secondary lactose malabsorption. Cohen's Kappa measuring agreement between the two methods was 0.44. Twenty patients (7.6%) with a positive H2/CH4peak within 60 minutes after lactose ingestion were classified as patients with lactose-dependent small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). In conclusion, only moderate agreement between the breath test and the genetic test was shown. Secondary lactose malabsorption as well as preanalytical limitations of the combined H2/CH4breath test procedure can cause discrepant results. This trial is registered with K-42-13.
Almost Sure Asymptotical Adaptive Synchronization for Neutral‐Type Neural Networks with Stochastic Perturbation and Markovian Switching
Authors: Zhou Wuneng , Yang Xueqing , Yang Jun , Dai Anding , Liu Huashan
Published: April 2014

The problem of almost sure (a.s.) asymptotic adaptive synchronization for neutral‐type neural networks with stochastic perturbation and Markovian switching is researched. Firstly, we proposed a new criterion of a.s. asymptotic stability for a general neutral‐type stochastic differential equation which extends the existing results. Secondly, based upon this stability criterion, by making use of Lyapunov functional method and designing an adaptive controller, we obtained a condition of a.s. asymptotic adaptive synchronization for neutral‐type neural networks with stochastic perturbation and Markovian switching. The synchronization condition is expressed as linear matrix inequality which can be easily solved by Matlab. Finally, we introduced a numerical example to illustrate the effectiveness of the method and result obtained in this paper.
Multivariate-Statistical Assessment of Heavy Metals for Agricultural Soils in Northern China
Authors: Yang Pingguo , Yang Miao , Mao Renzhao , Shao Hongbo
Published: April 2014

The study evaluated eight heavy metals content and soil pollution from agricultural soils in northern China. Multivariate and geostatistical analysis approaches were used to determine the anthropogenic and natural contribution of soil heavy metal concentrations. Single pollution index and integrated pollution index could be used to evaluate soil heavy metal risk. The results show that the first factor explains 27.3% of the eight soil heavy metals with strong positive loadings on Cu, Zn, and Cd, which indicates that Cu, Zn, and Cd are associated with and controlled by anthropic activities. The average value of heavy metal is lower than the second grade standard values of soil environmental quality standards in China. Single pollution index is lower than 1, and the Nemerow integrated pollution index is 0.305, which means that study area has not been polluted. The semivariograms of soil heavy metal single pollution index fitted spherical and exponential models. The variable ratio of single pollution index showed moderately spatial dependence. Heavy metal contents showed relative safety in the study area.