bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Algae Based Hydroprocessed Fuel Use on a Marine Gas Turbine
Authors: Quiñones Martín , Leung Richard , Williams Sherry
Published: December 2013

The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division (NSWCCD) Philadelphia conducted a full scale gas turbine engine test using Rolls Royce engine models 501-K34 and 250-KS4 to assess engine performance and fuel combustion characteristics of an algae based hydroprocessed fuel. The fuel, hereafter described as alternate fuel, consisted of a 50/50 blend of NATO F-76 fuel and the algae based formulation. It is the first time that the U.S. Navy uses a non-petroleum based fuel on a marine gas turbine. The test was conducted at the DDG 51 Land Based Engineering Site (LBES) of NSWCCD during 16–21 January 2011.

The alternate fuel test conducted on the 501-K34 engine consisted of 7 cycles of engine operation, one using NATO F-76 fuel to develop a baseline run and six cycles using alternate fuel. Each cycle was 7 hours, twenty minutes in duration and was composed of 27 distinct load scenarios. The total duration of the test was forty four hours. The 250-KS4 engine was used as the starter mechanism for the 501-K34 engine. During the test, parameters for combustion temperature, fuel demand, fuel manifold pressure, engine start time, and operation under various load conditions were recorded.

This paper discusses the results of the above test by comparing engine operation using alternate fuel to engine performance using NATO F-76 fuel.
Rotor Model Validation for an Active Magnetic Bearing Machining Spindle Using mu-Synthesis Approach
Authors: Madden Ryan J. , Sawicki Jerzy T.
Published: December 2013

Model-based identification and μ-synthesis are employed for model updating of the rotor for a high-speed machining spindle supported on active magnetic bearings. The experimentally validated model is compared with a nominal engineering model to identify the unmodeled dynamics. This extracted missing dynamics from the nominal rotor model provides engineering insight into an effective model correction strategy. The corrected rotor model is validated by successful implementation of a number of μ-synthesized controllers, providing robust and stable levitation of the spindle over its entire operating speed range.
Rotordynamics of a 2-Phase Flow Twin Screw Pump
Authors: Muhammed Ameen R. A. , Childs Dara W.
Published: December 2013

Twin-screw pumps are positive displacement machines. Two meshing screws connected by timing gears push the fluid trapped in the screw cavities axially from suction to discharge. Available steady state hydraulic models predict pump performance and axial pressure distribution in the chambers in single and two phase flow conditions. However, no model is available for their rotordynamics. Due to the helix angle of the screw, the pressure distribution around the rotor is not balanced; giving rise to both static and dynamic lateral forces. The work presented here introduces a starting point for rotordynamic analysis of twin screw-pumps. We first show that the screw rotors geometry can be represented by axisymmetric beam elements. Second, we extend the steady state hydraulic model to predict both the static and dynamic lateral forces resulting from the unbalanced pressure field. Finally, hydraulic forces are applied to the rotor to predict static, synchronous and nonsynchronous responses. Predictions of the dynamic pressure were compared to measurements from the literature and were found to be in good agreement.
A Tool for Probabilistic Damage Tolerance of Hole Features in Turbine Engine Rotors
Authors: Enright Michael P. , McClung R. Craig , Liang Wuwei , Lee Yi-Der , Moody Jonathan P. , Fitch Simeon
Published: December 2013

Over the past two decades, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the aircraft engine industry (organized through the Rotor Integrity Sub-Committee (RISC) of the Aerospace Industries Association) have been developing enhanced life management methods to address the rare but significant threats posed by undetected material or manufacturing anomalies in high-energy rotating components of gas turbine engines. This collaborative effort has led to the release of several FAA advisory circulars providing guidance for the use of probabilistic damage tolerance methods as a supplement to traditional safe-life methods. The most recent such document is Advisory Circular (AC) 33.70-2 on “Damage Tolerance of Hole Features in High-Energy Turbine Rotors.” In parallel with this effort, the FAA has also been funding research and development activities to develop the technology and tools necessary to implement the new methods, including a series of grants led by Southwest Research Institute® (SwRI®). The most significant outcome of these grants is a probabilistic damage tolerance computer code called DARWIN® (Design Assessment of Reliability With INspection). DARWIN integrates finite element models and stress analysis results, fracture mechanics models, material anomaly data, probability of crack detection, and uncertain inspection schedules with a user-friendly graphical user interface (GUI) to determine the probability of fracture of a rotor disk as a function of operating cycles with and without inspection. This paper provides an overview of new DARWIN models and features that directly support implementation of the new AC on hole features. The paper also simultaneously provides an overview of the AC methodology itself. Component geometry and stresses are addressed through an interface with commercial three-dimensional finite element (FE) models, including management of multiple load steps and multiple missions. Calculations of fatigue crack growth (FCG) life employ a unique interface with the FE models, sophisticated new stress intensity factor solutions for typical crack geometries at holes, shakedown modules, a menu of common FCG equations, and algorithms to address the effects of varying temperatures on crack growth rates. The primary random variables are based on the default anomaly distributions and probability-of-detection (POD) curves provided directly in the AC. Fracture risk is computed on a per-feature basis using one of several available computational methods including importance sampling, response surface, and Monte Carlo simulation. The approach is illustrated for risk prediction of a representative gas turbine engine disk. The results can be used to gain a better understanding of the AC and how the problem is solved using the probabilistic damage tolerance framework provided in DARWIN.
Probabilistic Analysis of Turbine Blade Tolerancing and Tip Shroud Gap
Authors: Jafarali P. , Krikunov Dmitry , Mujezinović Amir , Tisenchek Nicholas A.
Published: December 2013

This paper consists of two parts. Part I presents a probabilistic based approach to determine an allowable manufacturing tolerance range on a steam turbine blade when the allowable Defects Per Million Opportunity (DPMO) are known a priori. The method allows simulating the entire row of blades with geometrical deviations by using only a few representative blade models. The proposed method takes into account the probabilistic nature of the dimensional variation within the tolerance ranges. Furthermore, the method allows the designer to understand the impact on critical blade design parameters.

Part II of this paper proposes a probabilistic evaluation of gap / interference between shrouds of two adjacent blades of a steam turbine. The method uses manufacturing process capability of the relevant design parameter: tip shroud pitch for the tip shroud gap. This method allows for a probabilistic optimization of the shroud gap between two adjacent blades in order to balance reliability and ease of assembly.
Enfumafungin Derivative MK-3118 Shows Increased
In Vitro
Potency against Clinical Echinocandin-Resistant Candida Species and Aspergillus Species Isolates
Authors: Jiménez-Ortigosa Cristina , Paderu Padmaja , Motyl Mary R. , Perlin David S.
Published: December 2013

MK-3118 is as an orally active new antifungal in the early stage of clinical development that inhibits the biosynthesis of β-(1,3)-glucan. We evaluated the
in vitro
activity of this compound against wild-type and echinocandin-resistant (ER) isolates containing mutations in the
FKS
gene(s) of
Candida
spp. and
Aspergillus
spp. MK-3118 demonstrated enhanced efficacy for most
C. albicans
and
C. glabrata
ER isolates relative to caspofungin, with decreased MICs and half-maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC
50
s).
Immunogenicity of a Prime-Boost Vaccine Containing the Circumsporozoite Proteins of Plasmodium vivax in Rodents
Authors: Teixeira Lais H. , Tararam Cibele A. , Lasaro Marcio O. , Camacho Ariane G. A. , Ersching Jonatan , Leal Monica T. , Herrera Sócrates , Bruna-Romero Oscar , Soares Irene S. , Nussenzweig Ruth S. , Ertl Hildegund C. J. , Nussenzweig Victor , Rodrigues Mauricio M.
Published: December 2013

Plasmodium vivax
is the most widespread and the second most prevalent malaria-causing species in the world. Current measures used to control the transmission of this disease would benefit from the development of an efficacious vaccine. In the case of the deadly parasite
P. falciparum
, the recombinant RTS,S vaccine containing the circumsporozoite antigen (CSP) consistently protects 30 to 50% of human volunteers against infection and is undergoing phase III clinical trials in Africa with similar efficacy. These findings encouraged us to develop a
P. vivax
vaccine containing the three circulating allelic forms of
P. vivax
CSP. Toward this goal, we generated three recombinant bacterial proteins representing the CSP alleles, as well as a hybrid polypeptide called PvCSP-All-CSP-epitopes. This hybrid contains the conserved N and C termini of
P. vivax
CSP and the three variant repeat domains in tandem. We also generated simian and human recombinant replication-defective adenovirus vectors expressing PvCSP-All-CSP-epitopes. Mice immunized with the mixture of recombinant proteins in a formulation containing the adjuvant poly(I·C) developed high and long-lasting serum IgG titers comparable to those elicited by proteins emulsified in complete Freund's adjuvant. Antibody titers were similar in mice immunized with homologous (protein-protein) and heterologous (adenovirus-protein) vaccine regimens. The antibodies recognized the three allelic forms of CSP, reacted to the repeated and nonrepeated regions of CSP, and recognized sporozoites expressing the alleles VK210 and VK247. The vaccine formulations described in this work should be useful for the further development of an anti-
P. vivax
vaccine.
Presenting Fake Figures: A Tool to Teach Effective Scientific Figure Design
Authors: Segarra Verónica A. , Pulford Stephanie , Walsh Susan
Published: December 2013

As trained scientists, we become adept not only at analyzing and understanding figures in the scientific literature, but also at designing figures to effectively represent our own data and findings. As educators, we strive to pass on these skills to our students, some of whom will ultimately become scientists themselves. Conveying the principles of effective figure design can be challenging, particularly when students have had little exposure to the process of reading scientific literature, much less writing a piece of scientific literature. Improvisational activities in the classroom reinforce teaching goals such as spontaneity, risk-taking, creativity, communication skills, team-building, and critical thinking (2). Indeed, improv training for scientists is becoming more common, helping scientists to communicate more spontaneously about their work and connect with their audience (1). In this article, we present an improvisational game that can aid in the teaching of effective scientific figure design. This “Present-a-Fake-Figure Exercise” is applicable to both the classroom and laboratory settings. In this learning activity, students improvise presenting fake scientific figures to an audience of their peers. These fake figures are prepared beforehand by the instructor and exemplify the do’s and don’ts of scientific figure design. Some of the learning outcomes of the activity include (1) identifying what makes a scientific figure cohesive, easy to analyze, and reader-friendly, and (2) identifying strategies that are useful in the design of a multi-panel figure to convey a scientific story.
Future of the Higher Education Conglomerates: Evolve (in a Hurry) or Go ExtinctReview of:	College (Un)bound: The Future of Higher Education and What It Means for Students;	SelingoJeffrey J.; (	2013).	New Harvest (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt),	Boston, MA.	238 pages.
Authors: Kuddus Ruhul H.
Published: December 2013

Review of:
College (Un)bound: The Future of Higher Education and What It Means for Students;
Jeffrey J. Selingo; (2013). New Harvest (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt), Boston, MA. 238 pages.
A Cautionary Tale of Damage to the Public Health from Miscommunication and Willful Misunder-standingReview of:	The Panic Virus. A True Story of Medicine, Science and Fear;	MnookinSeth; (	2011).	Simon and Schuster,	New York, NY.	427 pages.
Authors: Allen Mary E. , Stuligross John R.
Published: December 2013

Review of:
The Panic Virus. A True Story of Medicine, Science and Fear;
Seth Mnookin; (2011). Simon and Schuster, New York, NY. 427 pages.
Review of
Polar Microbiology: Life in a Deep Freeze
Review of	Polar Microbiology: Life in a Deep Freeze;	MillerRobert V.WhyteLyle G. (ed); (	2012).	ASM Press,	Washington, DC.	312 pages.
Authors: Leonardo Michael R.
Published: December 2013

Review of:
Polar Microbiology: Life in a Deep Freeze;
Robert V. Miller and Lyle G. Whyte (ed); (2012). ASM Press, Washington, DC. 312 pages.
THERMODYNAMICAL BEHAVIORS OF NONFLAT BRANS–DICKE GRAVITY WITH INTERACTING NEW AGEGRAPHIC DARK ENERGY
Authors: WU YA-BO , ZHANG XUE , LU JIAN-BO , ZHAO YUE-YUE , LU JUN-WANG , YU FANG
Published: December 2013

The dynamical behaviors of Brans–Dicke gravity with the interacting new agegraphic dark energy (NADE) model are studied in this paper. First of all, by considering the dark energy density ρ de = 3n2Φη-2, the evolutions of the equation of state and the deceleration parameter can be described in the framework of Friedmann–Robertson–Walker universe. Moreover, the field equations of the Brans–Dicke gravity can be cast to the form of the first law of thermodynamics with the so-called entropy production term [Formula: see text]. Furthermore, the generalized second law of thermodynamics can be given in nonflat Brans–Dicke gravity with the interacting NADE enclosed by the dynamical apparent horizon with Hawking temperature. Finally, when the interaction between NADE and dark matter is considered as a fluctuation around the thermal equilibrium, it can be written to a form of logarithmic correction, and the expression of the interaction term can be obtained.
NUMERICAL PROCEDURES FOR A WRONG WAY RISK MODEL WITH LOGNORMAL HAZARD RATES AND GAUSSIAN INTEREST RATES
Authors: NG LESLIE
Published: December 2013

In this work, we present some numerical procedures for a wrong way risk model that can be used for credit value adjustment (CVA) calculations. We look at a model that uses a multi-factor Hull–White model for interest rates and a single-factor lognormal Black–Karasinski default intensity model for counterparty credit, where the default intensity driver is correlated with all interest rate drivers. We describe how a trinomial tree-based approach for implementing single factor short rate models by Hull and White (1994) can be modified and used to calibrate the intensity model to credit default swaps (CDSs) in the presence of correlation. We also provide approximate pricing methods for CDS options and single swap contingent CDS contracts. The latter methods could also be used for model calibration purposes subject to data availability.
Explicit Optimal Hardness via Gaussian Stability Results
Authors: De Anindya , Mossel Elchanan
Published: December 2013

The results of Raghavendra [2008] show that assuming Khot’s Unique Games Conjecture [2002], for every constraint satisfaction problem there exists a generic semidefinite program that achieves the optimal approximation factor. This result is existential as it does not provide an explicit optimal rounding procedure nor does it allow to calculate exactly the Unique Games hardness of the problem.

Obtaining an explicit optimal approximation scheme and the corresponding approximation factor is a difficult challenge for each specific approximation problem. Khot et al. [2004] established a general approach for determining the exact approximation factor and the corresponding optimal rounding algorithm for any given constraint satisfaction problem. However, this approach crucially relies on results explicitly proving optimal partitions in the Gaussian space. Until recently, Borell’s result [1985] was the only nontrivial Gaussian partition result known.

In this article we derive the first explicit optimal approximation algorithm and the corresponding approximation factor using a new result on Gaussian partitions due to Isaksson and Mossel [2012]. This Gaussian result allows us to determine the exact Unique Games Hardness of MAX-3-EQUAL. In particular, our results show that Zwick’s algorithm for this problem achieves the optimal approximation factor and prove that the approximation achieved by the algorithm is ≈ 0.796 as conjectured by Zwick [1998].

We further use the previously known optimal Gaussian partitions results to obtain a new Unique Games Hardness factor for MAX-k-CSP: Using the well-known fact that jointly normal pairwise independent random variables are fully independent, we show that the UGC hardness of Max-k-CSP is ⌈(
k
+1)/2⌉ 2
k−1
, improving on results of Austrin and Mossel [2009].
AS-MAC
Authors: Qin Fei , Mitchell John E.
Published: December 2013

In many modern advanced Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) applications, the system is expected to deliver intensive traffic loads in harsh RF environment. In this article, an MAC protocol has been proposed which will utilize the adaptive spreading code length technique to increase network performance for these applications. In this architecture, the system can automatically determine the time varying channel quality and set the optimum spreading code length to maximize the throughput while minimizing the energy usage. Due to this adaptive feature, the system is able to deliver reliable wireless service even in the harsh RF environment. The design of such a protocol is also backwards compatible to enable its employment in both traditional and advanced WSN scenarios. Finally, the proposed protocol has been implemented in a COTS WSN platform to obtain the experimental result, which demonstrates the ability of being implemented on typical resource constraints WSN devices. The experimental results have shown the efficiency advantages of the proposed MAC protocol delivering 139% higher throughput as well as having better energy performance than the standard IEEE 802.15.4 system.
Achieving full-view coverage in camera sensor networks
Authors: Wang Yi , Cao Guohong
Published: December 2013

Camera sensors are different from traditional scalar sensors, as cameras at different positions can form very different views of the object. However, traditional coverage model does not consider this intrinsic property of camera sensors. To address this issue, a novel model called full-view coverage is proposed. It uses the angle between the object's facing direction and the camera's viewing direction to measure the quality of coverage. An object is full-view covered if there is always a camera to cover it no matter which direction it faces and the camera's viewing direction is sufficiently close to the object's facing direction. An efficient method is proposed for full-view coverage detection in any given camera sensor networks, and a sufficient condition on the sensor density needed for full-view coverage in a random uniform deployment is derived. In addition, the article shows a necessary and sufficient condition on the sensor density for full-view coverage in a triangular lattice-based deployment. Based on the full-view coverage model, the article further studies the barrier coverage problem. Existing weak and strong barrier coverage models are extended by considering direction issues in camera sensor networks. With these new models, weak/strong barrier coverage verification problems are introduced, and new detection methods are proposed and evaluated.
Duty-cycle optimization for IEEE 802.15.4 wireless sensor networks
Authors: Park Pangun , Ergen Sinem Coleri , Fischione Carlo , Sangiovanni-Vincentelli Alberto
Published: December 2013

Most applications of wireless sensor networks require reliable and timely data communication with maximum possible network lifetime under low traffic regime. These requirements are very critical especially for the stability of wireless sensor and actuator networks. Designing a protocol that satisfies these requirements in a network consisting of sensor nodes with traffic pattern and location varying over time and space is a challenging task. We propose an adaptive optimal duty-cycle algorithm running on top of the IEEE 802.15.4 medium access control to minimize power consumption while meeting the reliability and delay requirements. Such a problem is complicated because simple and accurate models of the effects of the duty cycle on reliability, delay, and power consumption are not available. Moreover, the scarce computational resources of the devices and the lack of prior information about the topology make it impossible to compute the optimal parameters of the protocols. Based on an experimental implementation, we propose simple experimental models to expose the dependency of reliability, delay, and power consumption on the duty cycle at the node and validate it through extensive experiments. The coefficients of the experimental-based models can be easily computed on existing IEEE 802.15.4 hardware platforms by introducing a learning phase without any explicit information about data traffic, network topology, and medium access control parameters. The experimental-based model is then used to derive a distributed adaptive algorithm for minimizing the power consumption while meeting the reliability and delay requirements in the packet transmission. The algorithm is easily implementable on top of the IEEE 802.15.4 medium access control without any modifications of the protocol. An experimental implementation of the distributed adaptive algorithm on a test bed with off-the-shelf wireless sensor devices is presented. The experimental performance of the algorithms is compared to the existing solutions from the literature. The experimental results show that the experimental-based model is accurate and that the proposed adaptive algorithm attains the optimal value of the duty cycle, maximizing the lifetime of the network while meeting the reliability and delay constraints under both stationary and transient conditions. Specifically, even if the number of devices and their traffic configuration change sharply, the proposed adaptive algorithm allows the network to operate close to its optimal value. Furthermore, for Poisson arrivals, the duty-cycle protocol is modeled as a finite capacity queuing system in a star network. This simple analytical model provides insights into the performance metrics, including the reliability, average delay, and average power consumption of the duty-cycle protocol.
Acoustical ranging techniques in embedded wireless sensor networked devices
Authors: Misra Prasant , Kottege Navinda , Kusy Branislav , Ostry Diethelm , Jha Sanjay
Published: December 2013

Location sensing provides endless opportunities for a wide range of applications in GPS-obstructed environments, where, typically, there is a need for a higher degree of accuracy. In this article, we focus on robust
range estimation
, an important prerequisite for fine-grained localization. Motivated by the promise of acoustic in delivering high ranging accuracy, we present the design, implementation, and evaluation of acoustic (both ultrasound and audible) ranging systems. We distill the limitations of acoustic ranging and present efficient signal designs and detection algorithms to overcome the challenges of coverage, range, accuracy/resolution, tolerance to Doppler's effect, and audible intensity. We evaluate our proposed techniques experimentally on TWEET, a low-power platform purpose-built for acoustic ranging applications. Our experiments demonstrate an operational range of 20m (outdoor) and an average accuracy ≈2cm in the ultrasound domain. Finally, we present the design of an audible-range acoustic tracking service that encompasses the benefits of a near-inaudible acoustic broadband chirp and approximately two times increase in Doppler tolerance to achieve better performance.
Access privacy and correctness on untrusted storage
Authors: Williams Peter , Sion Radu
Published: December 2013

We introduce a new practical mechanism for remote data storage with
access pattern privacy
and
correctness
. A storage client can deploy this mechanism to issue encrypted reads, writes, and inserts to a potentially curious and malicious storage service provider, without revealing information or access patterns. The provider is unable to establish any correlation between successive accesses, or even to distinguish between a read and a write. Moreover, the client is provided with strong correctness assurances for its operations—illicit provider behavior does not go undetected. We describe a practical system that can execute an unprecedented several queries per second on terabyte-plus databases while maintaining full computational privacy and correctness.
Scheduling of synchronous data flow models onto scratchpad memory-based embedded processors
Authors: Che Weijia , Chatha Karam S.
Published: December 2013

In this article, we propose a heuristic algorithm for scheduling synchronous data flow (SDF) models on scratch pad memory (SPM) enhanced processors with the objective of minimizing its steady-state execution time. The task involves partitioning the limited on-chip SPM for actor code and data buffer, and executing actors in such a manner that the physical SPM is time shared with different actors and buffers (formally defined as code overlay and data overlay, respectively). In our setup, a traditional minimum buffer schedule could result in very high code overlay overhead and therefore may not be optimal. To reduce the number of direct memory access (DMA) transfers, actors need to be grouped into segments. Prefetching of code and data overlay that overlaps DMA transfers with actor executions also need to be exploited. The efficiency of the our heuristic was evaluated by compiling ten stream applications onto one synergistic processing engine (SPE) of an IBM Cell Broadband Engine. We compare the performance results of our heuristic approach with a minimum buffer scheduling approach and a 3-stage ILP approach, and show that our heuristic is able to generate high quality solutions with fast algorithm run time.
Multiobjective Optimization of Low-Specific-Speed Multistage Pumps by Using Matrix Analysis and CFD Method
Authors: Si Qiaorui , Yuan Shouqi , Yuan Jianping , Wang Chuan , Lu Weigang
Published: December 2013

The implementation of energy-saving and emission-reduction techniques has become a worldwide consensus. Thus, special attention should be provided to the field of pump optimization. With the objective of focusing on multiobjective optimization problems in low-specific-speed pumps, 10 parameters were carefully selected in this study for anL27(310) orthogonal experiment. The parameters include the outlet width of the impeller blade, blade number, and inlet setting angle of the guide vane. The numerical calculation appropriate for forecasting the performance of multistage pumps, such as the head, efficiency, and shaft power, was analyzed. Results were obtained after calculating the two-stage flow field of the pump through computational fluid dynamics (CFD) methods. A matrix method was proposed to optimize the results of the orthographic experiment. The optimal plan was selected according to the weight of each factor. Calculated results indicate that the inlet setting angle of the guide vane influences efficiency significantly and that the outlet angle of blades has an effect on the head and shaft power. A prototype was produced with the optimal plan for testing. The efficiency rating of the prototype reached 58.61%; maximum shaft power was within the design requirements, which verifies that the proposed method is feasible for pump optimization.
Acute and Subchronic Toxicity Study ofEuphorbia hirtaL. Methanol Extract in Rats
Authors: Yuet Ping Kwan , Darah Ibrahim , Chen Yeng , Sreeramanan Subramaniam , Sasidharan Sreenivasan
Published: December 2013

DespiteEuphorbia hirtaL. ethnomedicinal benefits, very few studies have described the potential toxicity. The aim of the present study was to evaluate thein vivotoxicity of methanolic extracts ofE. hirta. The acute and subchronic oral toxicity ofE. hirtawas evaluated in Sprague Dawley rats. The extract at a single dose of 5000 mg/kg did not produce treatment related signs of toxicity or mortality in any of the animals tested during the 14-day observation period. Therefore, the LD 50 of this plant was estimated to be more than 5000 mg/kg. In the repeated dose 90-day oral toxicity study, the administration of 50 mg/kg, 250 mg/kg, and 1000 mg/kg/day ofE. hirtaextract per body weight revealed no significant difference (P>0.05) in food and water consumptions, body weight change, haematological and biochemical parameters, relative organ weights, and gross findings compared to the control group. Macropathology and histopathology examinations of all organs including the liver did not reveal morphological alteration. Analyses of these results with the information of signs, behaviour, and health monitoring could lead to the conclusion that the long-term oral administration ofE. hirtaextract for 90 days does not cause sub-chronic toxicity.
Singular Initial Value Problem for Certain Classes of Systems of Ordinary Differential Equations
Authors: Diblík Josef , Rebenda Josef , Šmarda Zdeněk
Published: December 2013

The paper is devoted to the study of the solvability of a singular initial value problem for systems of ordinary differential equations. The main results give sufficient conditions for the existence of solutions in the right-hand neighbourhood of a singular point. In addition, the dimension of the set of initial data generating such solutions is estimated. An asymptotic behavior of solutions is determined as well and relevant asymptotic formulas are derived. The method of functions defined implicitly and the topological method (Ważewski's method) are used in the proofs. The results generalize some previous ones on singular initial value problems for differential equations.
Polymorphisms of MTHFR Associated with Higher Relapse/Death Ratio and Delayed Weekly MTX Administration in Pediatric Lymphoid Malignancies
Authors: Fukushima Hiroko , Fukushima Takashi , Sakai Aiko , Suzuki Ryoko , Nakajima-Yamaguchi Ryoko , Kobayashi Chie , Iwabuchi Atsushi , Saito Makoto , Yoshimi Ai , Nakao Tomohei , Kato Keisuke , Tsuchida Masahiro , Takahashi Hideto , Koike Kazutoshi , Kiyokawa Nobutaka , Noguchi Emiko , Sumazaki Ryo
Published: December 2013

Backgrounds. Outcome of childhood malignancy has been improved mostly due to the advances in diagnostic techniques and treatment strategies. While methotrexate (MTX) related polymorphisms have been under investigation in childhood malignancies, many controversial results have been offered. Objectives. To evaluate associations of polymorphisms related MTX metabolisms and clinical course in childhood lymphoid malignancies. Method. Eighty-two acute lymphoblastic leukemia and 21 non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma children were enrolled in this study. Four single nucleotide polymorphisms in 2 genes (MTHFR (rs1801133/c.677C>T/p.Ala222Val and rs1801131/c.1298A>C/p.Glu429Ala) and SLCO1B1 (rs4149056/c.521T>C/p.V174A and rs11045879/c.1865+4846T>C)) were genotyped by Taqman PCR method or direct sequencing. Clinical courses were reviewed retrospectively. Results. No patient who had the AC/CC genotype of rs1801131 (MTHFR) had relapsed or died, in which distribution was statistically different among the AA genotype of rs1801131 (P=0.004). Polymorphisms of SLCO1B1 (rs11045879 and rs4149056) were not correlated with MTX concentrations, adverse events, or disease outcome. Conclusions. Polymorphisms of MTHFR (rs1801131) could be the plausive candidate for prognostic predictor in childhood lymphoid malignancies.
Ultrastructural Study of Alveolar Epithelial Type II Cells by High-Frequency Oscillatory Ventilation
Authors: Qin Xiaofei , Fu Wanhai , Zhao Youwei , Meng Qiong , You Chuming , Yu Qiuming
Published: December 2013

Alveolar epithelial type II cells (AECIIs) containing lamellar bodies (LBs) are alveolar epithelial stem cells that have important functions in the repair of lung structure and function after lung injury. The ultrastructural changes in AECIIs after high-frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV) with a high lung volume strategy or conventional ventilation were evaluated in a newborn piglet model with acute lung injury (ALI). After ALI with saline lavage, newborn piglets were randomly assigned into five study groups (three piglets in each group), namely, control (no mechanical ventilation), conventional ventilation for 24 h, conventional ventilation for 48 h, HFOV for 24 h, and HFOV for 48 h. The lower tissues of the right lung were obtained to observe the AECII ultrastructure. AECIIs with reduced numbers of microvilli, decreased LBs electron density, and vacuole-like LBs deformity were commonly observed in all five groups. Compared with conventional ventilation groups, the decrease in numbers of microvilli and LBs electron density, as well as LBs with vacuole-like appearance and polymorphic deformity, was less severe in HFOV with high lung volume strategy groups. AECIIs were injured during mechanical ventilation. HFOV with a high lung volume strategy resulted in less AECII damage than conventional ventilation.
Beneficial Regulation of Elastase Activity and Expression of Tissue Inhibitors of Matrixmetalloproteinases, Fibrillin, Transforming Growth Factor-β, and Heat Shock Proteins by P. leucotomos in Nonirradiated or Ultraviolet-Radiated Epidermal Keratinocytes
Authors: Philips Neena , Gonzalez Salvador
Published: December 2013

There is loss of the structural integrity of the extracellular matrix (ECM) with intrinsic aging as well as photoaging, largely due to reactive oxygen species (ROS). The structural ECM proteins include the microfibrils that are composed of fibrillin. The structural ECM proteins are primarily degraded by the matrixmetalloproteinases (MMPs) and elastase enzymes. The MMPs are inhibited by the tissue inhibitors of MMPs (TIMPs). A primary regulator of the ECM proteins is transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), and the chaperone proteins important for its formation are the heat shock proteins (HSP). P. leucotomos extract beneficially regulates of MMPs, TIMPs, and TGF-β in nonirradiated or ultraviolet (UV) radiated fibroblasts and melanoma cells. The hypothesis of this research was that the antioxidant activity or chemistry of P. leucotomos extract would also directly inhibit elastase activity, stimulate the cellular expression of TIMPs, fibrillins, and TGF-β, and regulate HSPs in nonirradiated and UVA or UVB radiated epidermal keratinocytes. P. leucotomos directly inhibited elastase activity, stimulated the cellular expression of TIMPs, fibrillins, and TGF-β, and differentially regulated HSPs in nonirradiated and UVA or UVB radiated epidermal keratinocytes. We infer that the P. leucotomos extract strengthens the ECM and is effective in the prevention or treatment of intrinsic and photoaging of skin.
The Range of Prey Size of the Royal Bengal Tiger of Sundarbans
Authors: Mukherjee Subrat , Sen Sarkar Neera
Published: December 2013

Relatively little is known about the feeding habit of the Royal Bengal Tiger of Sundarbans and the relative biomass of individual prey base species that the predator consumes during each kill. This is the first attempt to collect such data from the study area. Data sets of two phases have been used. Identification of undigested remains of 214 tiger scat samples was carried out. A comparison with Sundarbans tigers in zoo has been made. In its natural habitat, the tiger consumes more of spotted deer, followed by wild boar, rhesus monkey, and water monitor. Though the tiger consumes a relatively low proportion of small prey species to meet its dietary requirements, it gains importance in the present perspective. Significant increase is noted in the relative number of prey species consumed in the second phase, which correlates well with increased prey availability. Hypotheses formulated to find the difference in prey biomass and relative number of prey consumed have been tested statistically. A significant difference in terms of relative number of prey consumed only was derived which has been qualitatively correlated with the positive effect of increased vigilance, as revealed by secondary data, on conserving tiger habitat vis-a-vis the increased prey availability in Sundarbans.
Oral Health, Temporomandibular Disorder, and Masticatory Performance in Patients with Charcot‐Marie‐Tooth Type 2
Authors: Rezende Rejane L. S. , Bonjardim Leonardo R. , Neves Eduardo L. A. , Santos Lidiane C. L. , Nunes Paula S. , Garcez Catarina A. , Souza Cynthia C. , Araújo Adriano A. S.
Published: December 2013

Background. The aim of this study was to evaluate the oral health status of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and bruxism, as well as to measure masticatory performance of subjects with Charcot‐Marie‐Tooth type 2 (CMT2). Methods and Results. The average number of decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) for both groups, control (CG) and CMT2, was considered low (CG = 2.46; CMT2 = 1.85, P = 0.227). The OHIP‐14 score was considered low (CG = 2.86, CMT2 = 5.83, P = 0.899). The prevalence of self‐reported TMD was 33.3% and 38.9% (P = 0.718) in CG and CMT2 respectively and for self‐reported bruxism was 4.8% (CG) and 22.2% (CMT2), without significant difference between groups (P = 0.162). The most common clinical sign of TMD was masseter (CG = 38.1%; CMT2 = 66.7%) and temporalis (CG = 19.0%; GCMT2 = 33.3%) muscle pain. The geometric mean diameter (GMD) was not significantly different between groups (CG = 4369; CMT2 = 4627, P = 0.157). Conclusion. We conclude that the CMT2 disease did not negatively have influence either on oral health status in the presence and severity of TMD and bruxism or on masticatory performance.
The Utility of Endoscopic Ultrasound Guided Fine Needle Aspiration in the Diagnosis of Infectious Diseases—Report of Three Cases
Authors: Saieg Mauro Ajaj , Yazawa Felipe , Horta Manuela , Rossini Lucio G. , Fracassi Mabel Tatty Medeiros , Del Carlo Bernardi Fabíola
Published: December 2013

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) is a fast and minimally invasive methodology with a crucial impact on patients’ management. It has an important and established role in the diagnosis and staging of mediastinal and abdominal malignancies, but little is discussed in the literature on the usefulness of this technique in the diagnosis of infectious diseases. In the current report, we present three different cases where EUS was essential for reaching the diagnosis of tuberculosis and paracoccidiodomicosis in cases otherwise seen as malignant. In conclusion, EUS was successful not only in obtaining enough cells for morphological analysis, but also for the production of cell blocks and assessment of the presence of the microorganisms by special stains. EUS allied to fine needle biopsy was an important tool in determining diagnoses of enlarged lymph nodes, revealing the diagnosis of infectious diseases in cases otherwise seen as malignant. The wide use of this methodology in cases such as those reported here cannot only rule out malignancy, but also aid critically ill patients by installing early proper therapy without the need for aggressive interventions.
Kinetic Study on the CsXH3−X PW12O40/Fe‐SiO2 Nanocatalyst for Biodiesel Production
Authors: Feyzi Mostafa , Norouzi Leila , Rafiee Hamid Reza
Published: December 2013

The kinetic of the transesterification reaction over the CsXH3−XPW12O40/Fe‐SiO2 catalyst prepared using sol‐gel and impregnation procedures was investigated in different operational conditions. Experimental conditions were varied as follows: reaction temperature 323–333 K, methanol/oil molar ratio = 12/1, and the reaction time 0–240 min. The H3PW12O40 heteropolyacid has recently attracted significant attention due to its potential for application in the production of biodiesel, in either homogeneous or heterogeneous catalytic conditions. Although fatty acids esterification reaction has been known for some time, data is still scarce regarding kinetic and thermodynamic parameters, especially when catalyzed by nonconventional compounds such as H3PW12O40. Herein, a kinetic study utilizing Gc‐Mas in situ allows for evaluating the effects of operation conditions on reaction rate and determining the activation energy along with thermodynamic constants including ΔG, ΔS, and ΔH. It indicated that the CsXH3−XPW12O40/Fe‐SiO2 magnetic nanocatalyst can be easily recycled with a little loss by magnetic field and can maintain higher catalytic activity and higher recovery even after being used 5 times. Characterization of catalyst was carried out by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform‐infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), N2 adsorption‐desorption measurements methods, thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC).
A Macrophage-Specific Fluorescent Probe for Intraoperative Lymph Node Staging
Authors: Yoo Jung Sun , Lee Sung-Chan , Jow Zhi Yen , Koh Pamela Yun Xiang , Chang Young-Tae
Published: December 2013

Successful identification of nodal metastases in patients with cancer is crucial to prescribe suitable treatment regimens that can improve recurrence-free survival. Although some new imaging technologies for nodal staging have been developed, such as nanoparticle-enhanced MRI and quantum-dot–based fluorescence imaging, sound technologies for intraoperative differentiation of metastatic and inflamed lymph nodes remain lacking. In this study, we illustrate the feasibility of using a macrophage-specific fluorescent probe (MFP) to visualize sentinel lymph nodes during surgery, highlighting abnormalities related to inflammation and tumor infiltration with signal enhancement and reduction methods using this technology. MFP was identified by high-throughput screening of fluorescent small-molecule libraries synthesized with a diversity-oriented approach. It selectively visualized monocyte and macrophage cell populations in vitro, by live-cell imaging and flow cytometry, as well as in vivo, for imaging-guided surgery. Collectively, this study provides preclinical proof of concept for an intraoperative imaging platform to accurately assess lymph node status, eliminating the need for invasive nodal dissections that can contribute to complications of cancer therapy. Cancer Res; 74(1); 44–55. ©2013 AACR.
Molecular Pathways: Targeting the Microenvironment in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia—Focus on the B-Cell Receptor
Authors: ten Hacken Elisa , Burger Jan A.
Published: December 2013

Interactions between malignant B lymphocytes and the tissue microenvironment play a major role in the pathogenesis of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and other B-cell malignancies. The coexistence and coevolution of CLL cells with their tissue neighbors provided the basis for discovery of critical cellular and molecular drivers of the disease and identification of new therapeutic targets. Bone marrow stromal cells (BMSC), monocyte-derived nurselike cells (NLC), and T cells are key players in the CLL microenvironment, which activate and protect CLL cells within the tissues. CLL surface molecules, such as the B-cell antigen receptor (BCR), chemokine receptors, adhesion molecules, and TNF receptor superfamily members (e.g., CD40, BCMA, and BAFF-R) engage in cross-talk with respective tissue ligands. This cross-talk results in survival and expansion of the CLL clone, and protects CLL cells from conventional cytotoxic drugs. Inhibiting these pathways represents an alternative therapeutic strategy to more conventional chemoimmunotherapy. Here, we review central components of the CLL microenvironment, with a particular emphasis on BCR signaling, and we summarize the most relevant clinical advances with inhibitors that target the BCR-associated spleen tyrosine kinase/SYK (fostamatinib), Bruton's tyrosine kinase/BTK (ibrutinib), and PI3Kδ (idelalisib). Clin Cancer Res; 20(3); 548–56. ©2013 AACR.
Reexamining the Added Value of Intermittent Photic Stimulation and Hyperventilation in Routine EEG Practice
Authors: Ahdab Rechdi , Riachi Naji
Published: December 2013

Objective: Investigate the added value of hyperventilation (HV) and intermittent photic stimulation (IPS) to the routine electroencephalogram (EEG). Method: This is a retrospective review of 1,172 successive EEGs. The records with evidence of epileptogenic activity were identified and further analyzed to identify if the activation techniques could trigger the expression of epileptic activity not seen otherwise in the nonactivated tracing. Results: Activation procedures provided additional information in 9.5% of the abnormal EEG files. They helped establish the diagnosis of an epileptic disorder or further characterize the epileptic syndrome. This occurred exclusively in the younger age group (age <36 years), and predominantly in women. Conclusion: IPS and HV are easy to perform and remain important adjuncts to routine EEG. They may trigger the expression of epileptogenic activity in an otherwise uneventful EEG. Whereas their diagnostic value was obvious in the younger age group, we found no evidence to support their usefulness in the middle-age and elderly groups.
Brief Screening for Mild Cognitive Impairment in Subcortical Ischemic Vascular Disease: A Comparison Study of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment with the Mini-Mental State Examination
Authors: Xu Qun , Cao Wen-wei , Mi Jian-hua , Yu Ling , Lin Yan , Li Yan-sheng
Published: December 2013

Background and Purpose: To assess the validity of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) in the detection of vascular mild cognitive impairment (VaMCI) in patients with subcortical ischemic vascular disease (SIVD). Methods: Among 102 SIVD patients, both cutoff scores of the MMSE and MoCA for differentiating VaMCI from no cognitive impairment (NCI) or differentiating VaMCI from vascular dementia (VaD) were determined by the receiver operator characteristic (ROC) analysis. Optimal sensitivity with specificity of cutoff scores was obtained after the raw scores were adjusted for education. Results: After adjusting for education, the MoCA cutoff score for differentiating VaMCI from NCI was at 24/25 and that for differentiating VaMCI from VaD was at 18/19. After applying the adjusted MoCA scores from 19 to 24 to identify VaMCI in all SIVD patients, sensitivity was at 76.7% and specificity was at 81.4% (κ = 0.579). The adjusted cutoff score of the MMSE for differentiating VaMCI from NCI was at 28/29 and that for differentiating VaMCI from VaD was at 25/26. The sensitivity and specificity of the adjusted MMSE was at 58.1 and 71.2%, respectively, when using the score from 26 to 28 to identify VaMCI in SIVD patients (κ = 0.294). Conclusions: The MoCA detected subcortical VaMCI better than the MMSE.