bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chlamydial Infection and Its Role in Male Infertility
Authors: Samplaski Mary K. , Domes Trustin , Jarvi Keith A.
Published: June 2014

Introduction. Chlamydia trachomatis is an established cause of tubal factor infertility; however its role in male fertility is not as clear. We sought to determine the prevalence of Chlamydia in infertile men and evaluate its impact on male reproductive potential. Materials and Methods. We compared the incidence of Chlamydia in our infertile male population with that reported in the literature. We then reviewed the impact of Chlamydia infection on male fertility. Results. The incidence of Chlamydia infection in our population of infertile men was 0.3%. There is considerable variability in the reported incidence, likely due to variation in the population studied, and detection technique. The optimal testing method and sample are presently unclear. The effect of Chlamydia on male reproductive function is also variable in the literature, but appears to be relatively minimal and may be related primarily to sperm DNA fragmentation or female partner transmission. Conclusions. The prevalence of Chlamydia in the infertile male population is low and routine testing is not supported by the literature. For high-risk infertile men, nucleic acid testing of urine +/− semen is the most sensitive method to detect Chlamydia. A validated testing system for semen needs to be developed, so that a standardized methodology can be recommended. In this way the full implications of Chlamydia on male fertility can be elucidated.
Bilateral Acromioclavicular Septic Arthritis as an Initial Presentation ofStreptococcus pneumoniaeEndocarditis
Authors: Hashemi-Sadraei Neda , Gupta Rohan , Machicado Jorge D. , Govindu Rukma
Published: June 2014

Infective endocarditis (IE) is infrequently associated with septic arthritis. Moreover, septic arthritis of the acromioclavicular (AC) joint is rarely reported in the literature. We report a case ofStreptococcus pneumoniaeIE in a patient who presented with bilateral AC joint septic arthritis and we review the literature on the topic.
Ranking DMUs by Calculating the Interval Efficiency with a Common Set of Weights in DEA
Authors: Rezaie Vahideh , Ahmad Tahir , Awang Siti-Rahmah , Khanmohammadi Masumeh , Maan Normah
Published: June 2014

To evaluate the performance of decision making units (DMUs), data envelopment analysis (DEA) was introduced. Basically, the traditional DEA scheme calculates the best relative efficiency score (i.e., the “optimistic” efficiency) of each DMU with the most favorable weights. A decision maker may be unable to compare and fully rank the efficiencies of different DMUs that are calculated using these potentially distinct sets of weights on the same basis. Based on the literature, the assignable worst relative efficiency score (i.e., the “pessimistic” efficiency) for each DMU can also be determined. In this paper, the best and the worst relative efficiencies are considered simultaneously. To measure the overall performance of the DMUs, an integration of both the best and the worst relative efficiencies is considered in the form of an interval. The advantage of this efficiency interval is that it provides all of the possible efficiency values and an expanded overview to the decision maker. The proposed method determines the lower- and upper-bounds of the interval efficiency over a common set of weights. To demonstrate the implementation of the introduced method, a numerical example is provided.
Determination of Mineral, Trace Element, and Pesticide Levels in Honey Samples Originating from Different Regions of Malaysia Compared to Manuka Honey
Authors: Moniruzzaman Mohammed , Chowdhury Muhammed Alamgir Zaman , Rahman Mohammad Abdur , Sulaiman Siti Amrah , Gan Siew Hua
Published: June 2014

The present study was undertaken to determine the content of six minerals, five trace elements, and ten pesticide residues in honeys originating from different regions of Malaysia. Calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), and zinc (Zn) were analyzed by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS), while sodium (Na) and potassium (K) were analyzed by flame emission spectrometry (FAES). Trace elements such as arsenic (As), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), and cobalt (Co) were analyzed by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS) following the microwave digestion of honey. High mineral contents were observed in the investigated honeys with K, Na, Ca, and Fe being the most abundant elements (mean concentrations of 1349.34, 236.80, 183.67, and 162.31 mg/kg, resp.). The concentrations of the trace elements were within the recommended limits, indicating that the honeys were of good quality. Principal component analysis reveals good discrimination between the different honey samples. The pesticide analysis for the presence of organophosphorus and carbamates was performed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). No pesticide residues were detected in any of the investigated honey samples, indicating that the honeys were pure. Our study reveals that Malaysian honeys are rich sources of minerals with trace elements present within permissible limits and that they are free from pesticide contamination.
Combustion Characteristics for Turbulent Prevaporized Premixed Flame Using Commercial Light Diesel and Kerosene Fuels
Authors: Shehata Mohamed S. , ElKotb Mohamed M. , Salem Hindawi
Published: June 2014

Experimental study has been carried out for investigating fuel type, fuel blends, equivalence ratio, Reynolds number, inlet mixture temperature, and holes diameter of perforated plate affecting combustion process for turbulent prevaporized premixed air flames for different operating conditions. CO2, CO, H2, N2, C3H8, C2H6, C2H4, flame temperature, and gas flow velocity are measured along flame axis for different operating conditions. Gas chromatographic (GC) and CO/CO2infrared gas analyzer are used for measuring different species. Temperature is measured using thermocouple technique. Gas flow velocity is measured using pitot tube technique. The effect of kerosene percentage on concentration, flame temperature, and gas flow velocity is not linearly dependent. Correlations for adiabatic flame temperature for diesel and kerosene-air flames are obtained as function of mixture strength, fuel type, and inlet mixture temperature. Effect of equivalence ratio on combustion process for light diesel-air flame is greater than for kerosene-air flame. Flame temperature increases with increased Reynolds number for different operating conditions. Effect of Reynolds number on combustion process for light diesel flame is greater than for kerosene flame and also for rich flame is greater than for lean flame. The present work contributes to design and development of lean prevaporized premixed (LPP) gas turbine combustors.
A Comparison between Chemical Synthesis Magnetite Nanoparticles and Biosynthesis Magnetite
Authors: Kahani Seyed Abolghasem , Yagini Zahra
Published: June 2014

The preparation of Fe3O4from ferrous salt by air in alkaline aqueous solution at various temperatures was proposed. The synthetic magnetites have different particle size distributions. We studied the properties of the magnetite prepared by chemical methods compared with magnetotactic bacterial nanoparticles. The results show that crystallite size, morphology, and particle size distribution of chemically prepared magnetite at 293 K are similar to biosynthesis of magnetite. The new preparation of Fe3O4helps to explain the mechanism of formation of magnetosomes in magnetotactic bacteria. The products are characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), infrared (IR) spectra, vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM).
Effect of Parental Migration Background on Childhood Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Body Mass Index
Authors: Besharat Pour Mohsen , Bergström Anna , Bottai Matteo , Kull Inger , Wickman Magnus , Håkansson Niclas , Wolk Alicja , Moradi Tahereh
Published: June 2014

Background. Poor nutrition, lack of physical activity, and obesity in children have important public health implications but, to date, their effects have not been studied in the growing population of children in Sweden with immigrant parents.Methods. We estimated the association between parental migration background and nutrition, physical activity, and weight in 8-year-old children born in Stockholm between 1994 and 1996 of immigrants and Swedish parents (n=2589). Data were collected through clinical examination and questionnaires filled out by parents. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated using multivariable logistic regression.Results. Children of immigrants complied more closely with Nordic Nutrition Recommendations compared with those of Swedes (OR = 1.35, 95% CI 1.11–1.64). They had higher intake of dietary fibre, vitamins C, B6, and E, folic acid, and polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega-3 and omega-6) reflecting higher consumption of foods of plant origin, but lower intake of vitamins A and D, calcium, and iron reflecting lower consumption of dairy products. Children of immigrants had higher intake of sucrose reflecting higher consumption of sugar and sweets. Furthermore, these children had a higher risk of having low physical activity (OR = 1.31, 95% CI 1.06–1.62) and being overweight (OR = 1.33, 95% CI 1.06–1.65) compared with children of Swedish parents. The odds of having low physical activity and being overweight were even higher in children whose parents were both immigrants. A low level of parental education was associated with increased risk of low physical activity regardless of immigration background.Conclusions. Culturally appropriate tools to capture the diverse range of ethnic foods and other lifestyle habits are needed. Healthcare professionals should be aware of the low levels of physical activity, increased weight, and lack of consumption of some important vitamins among children of immigrants.
Primary Genetic Investigation of a Hyperlipidemia Model: Molecular Characteristics and Variants of the Apolipoprotein E Gene in Mongolian Gerbil
Authors: Liu Yuehuan , Wu Jiusheng , Shi Qiaojuan , Guo Honggang , Ying Huazhong , Xu Ningying
Published: June 2014

The objective of this work was to establish a novel Mongolian gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus) hyperlipidemia model and to investigate its susceptibility genetic basis. Two rodent (gerbil and rat) hyperlipidemia models were induced by feeding a high fat/high-cholesterol (HF/HC) diet. There were significant increases of serum total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) in gerbils within a 4-week modeling period. About 10–30% of >8-month-old individuals developed hyperlipidemia spontaneously. The apolipoprotein E (ApoE) gene was cloned by merging a sequence of rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) and nested polymerase chain reaction products. The results revealed an open reading frame of 948 bp, encoding a protein of 298 amino acids. The gene without a 5′-UTR region in the first intron was highly homologous to human Apo-A-I and rat Apo-A-IV. The distribution of expression of the ApoE gene in liver, brain, heart, lung, kidney, and adrenal gland was detected by an ABC immunohistochemical procedure. Three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs; C97T, G781T, and A1774T) were first found using PCR-single-strand conformation polymorphism (PCR-SSCP) in a closed population containing 444 animals. Correlation analysis confirmed that new SNPs , age, and gender were associated significantly (P<0.05) with hyperlipidemia.
Breastfeeding Education: A Physician and Patient Assessment
Authors: Stolzer J. M. , Hossain Syed Afzal
Published: June 2014

In the study presented here, Likert scaled surveys derived from the Surgeon General’s Blueprint for Action on Breastfeeding (2000) were mailed to 400 practicing physicians in a Midwestern state to assess medical school breastfeeding education. In addition, 500 surveys were mailed to women in the same Midwestern state who had given birth within the last year to determine what type of breastfeeding information they were receiving from their attending physicians. The purpose of this study is to analyze physician breastfeeding education and to ascertain if the data collected from the physicians is congruent with the data collected from the women who had recently given birth. Results of this study indicate that while the majority of physicians reported sufficient levels of breastfeeding education while in medical school, women participating in this study reported that they did not receive compendious breastfeeding information from their attending physicians.
Commutator Theorems for Fractional Integral Operators on Weighted Morrey Spaces
Authors: Wang Zhiheng , Si Zengyan
Published: June 2014

LetLbe the infinitesimal generator of an analytic semigroup onL2(Rn)with Gaussian kernel bounds, and letL-α/2be the fractional integrals ofLfor0<α<n. For any locally integrable functionb, the commutators associated withL-α/2are defined by[b,L-α/2](f)(x)=b(x)L-α/2(f)(x)-L-α/2(bf)(x). Whenb∈BMO(ω)(weightedBMOspace) orb∈BMO, the authors obtain the necessary and sufficient conditions for the boundedness of[b,L-α/2]on weighted Morrey spaces, respectively.
Gold Nanoparticles Inhibit VEGF165-Induced Migration and Tube Formation of Endothelial Cells via the Akt Pathway
Authors: Pan Yunlong , Wu Qing , Qin Li , Cai Jiye , Du Bin
Published: June 2014

The early stages of angiogenesis can be divided into three steps: endothelial cell proliferation, migration, and tube formation. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is considered the most important proangiogenic factor; in particular, VEGF165plays a critical role in angiogenesis. Here, we evaluated whether gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) could inhibit the VEGF165-induced human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) migration and tube formation. AuNPs and VEGF165were coincubated overnight at 4°C, after which the effects on cell migration and tube formation were assessed. Cell migration was assessed using a modified wound-healing assay and a transwell chamber assay; tube formation was assessed using a capillary-like tube formation assay and a chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay. We additionally detected the cell surface morphology and ultrastructure using atomic force microscopy (AFM). Furthermore, Akt phosphorylation downstream of VEGFR-2/PI3K in HUVECs was determined in a Western blot analysis. Our study demonstrated that AuNPs significantly inhibited VEGF165-induced HUVEC migration and tube formation by affecting the cell surface ultrastructure, cytoskeleton and might have inhibited angiogenesis via the Akt pathway.
Farm Animal Welfare and Handling in the Tropics: The Ethiopia Case
Authors: Asmare Bimrew
Published: June 2014

The issue of farm animal welfare has become increasingly of essence in many countries these days. Farm animal welfare concerns are expressed about the conditions in which farm animals are kept and management practices, particularly in systems where animals are kept in confinement for most of their lives, feed methods, health care, and expression of normal behaviors. The use of an ethical basis for animal welfare standards requires some generally accepted principles on how animals should be treated and used by humans. Animals have enormous capacity to feel a huge range of emotions, to learn from their experiences, to adapt to challenges, and to suffer when their needs are either ignored or disrespected. It is now time, in the evolution of the relationship between humans and animals, to move forward with this knowledge and take real action to improve the lives of farm animals. The use of behavioral principles should improve efficiency of livestock handling and reduce stress on animals. Changing public opinion about the importance of good animal welfare and applying legislative actions will be important in animal production systems especially in developing countries where the poor animal welfare is immense and production management is below substandards.
Random Attractors for Stochastic Ginzburg-Landau Equation on Unbounded Domains
Authors: Lu Qiuying , Deng Guifeng , Zhang Weipeng
Published: June 2014

We prove the existence of a pullback attractor inL2(ℝn)for the stochastic Ginzburg-Landau equation with additive noise on the entiren-dimensional spaceℝn. We show that the stochastic Ginzburg-Landau equation with additive noise can be recast as a random dynamical system. We demonstrate that the system possesses a uniqueD-random attractor, for which the asymptotic compactness is established by the method of uniform estimates on the tails of its solutions.
Hyers-Ulam Stability of Iterative Equation in the Class of Lipschitz Functions
Authors: Xia Chao , Song Wei
Published: June 2014

Hyers-Ulam stability is a basic sense of stability for functional equations. In the present paper we discuss the Hyers-Ulam stability of a kind of iterative equations in the class of Lipschitz functions. By the construction of a uniformly convergent sequence of functions we prove that, for every approximate solution of such an equation, there exists an exact solution near it.
New Classes of Generalized Seminormed Difference Sequence Spaces
Authors: Mursaleen M. , Alotaibi A. , Sharma Sunil K.
Published: June 2014

The purpose of this paper is to introduce new classes of generalized seminormed difference sequence spaces defined by a Musielak-Orlicz function. We also study some topological properties and prove some inclusion relations between resulting sequence spaces.
The Influence of the Bed with a Semiopen Hood on Bacteria Removal in a Negative-Pressure Isolation Room
Authors: Huang Jeng-Min , Cheng Hsiang-Tai
Published: June 2014

This study numerically investigates the influence of a sickbed with a semiopened hood on bacteria removal in a negative-pressure isolation room. The parameters include air change rate, lying style, the length and height of hood, flow rate allotments, and the positions of outlets. The results show that the hood has excellent effect on the removal of contaminated air, which is much better than the case without hood. The flow field of patient's face up cough is very different from face side cough, and the contaminated air cannot be removed properly through one air outlet. There are three outlets on the hood, set straight above the patient's face and at both sides. The allotment of the exhaust flow rate of the upper outlet to that of side outlets is suggested to be 4: 6. When the total air change rate is above 6 ACH, the hood length has slight influence on pollutant removal. The increase of hood height has a negative impact when the patient coughs lying on back. When the side exhaust flow rate is high, the hood height has a slight impact for face side cough. The recommended air change rate for the negative-pressure ward with sickbed hood is above 5 ACH.
Single Amino Acid Arginine Deprivation Triggers Prosurvival Autophagic Response in Ovarian Carcinoma SKOV3
Authors: Shuvayeva Galyna , Bobak Yaroslav , Igumentseva Natalia , Titone Rossella , Morani Federica , Stasyk Oleh , Isidoro Ciro
Published: June 2014

Autophagy is a process of cytosol-to-lysosome vesicle trafficking of cellular constituents for degradation and recycling of their building blocks. Autophagy becomes very important for cell viability under different stress conditions, in particular under amino acid limitation. In this report we demonstrate that single amino acid arginine deprivation triggers profound prosurvival autophagic response in cultured human ovarian cancer SKOV3 cells. In fact, a significant drop in viability of arginine-starved SKOV3 cells was observed when autophagy was inhibited by either coadministration of chloroquine or transcriptional silencing of the essential autophagy protein BECLIN 1. Enzymatic arginine deprivation is a novel anticancer therapy undergoing clinical trials. This therapy is considered nontoxic and selective, as it allows controlling the growth of malignant tumours deficient in arginine biosynthesis. We propose that arginine deprivation-based combinational treatments that include autophagy inhibitors (e.g., chloroquine) may produce a stronger anticancer effect as a second line therapy for a subset of chemoresistant ovarian cancers.
Versatile Tunable Current-Mode Universal Biquadratic Filter Using MO-DVCCs and MOSFET-Based Electronic Resistors
Authors: Chen Hua-Pin
Published: June 2014

This paper presents a versatile tunable current-mode universal biquadratic filter with four-input and three-output employing only two multioutput differential voltage current conveyors (MO-DVCCs), two grounded capacitors, and a well-known method for replacement of three grounded resistors by MOSFET-based electronic resistors. The proposed configuration exhibits high-output impedance which is important for easy cascading in the current-mode operations. The proposed circuit can be used as either a two-input three-output circuit or a three-input single-output circuit. In the operation of two-input three-output circuit, the bandpass, highpass, and bandreject filtering responses can be realized simultaneously while the allpass filtering response can be easily obtained by connecting appropriated output current directly without using additional stages. In the operation of three-input single-output circuit, all five generic filtering functions can be easily realized by selecting different three-input current signals. The filter permits orthogonal controllability of the quality factor and resonance angular frequency, and no inverting-type input current signals are imposed. All the passive and active sensitivities are low. Postlayout simulations were carried out to verify the functionality of the design.
Discontinuous Galerkin Immersed Finite Volume Element Method for Anisotropic Flow Models in Porous Medium
Authors: Liu Zhong-yan , Chen Huan-zhen
Published: June 2014

By choosing the trial function space to the immersed finite element space and the test function space to be piecewise constant function space, we develop a discontinuous Galerkin immersed finite volume element method to solve numerically a kind of anisotropic diffusion models governed by the elliptic interface problems with discontinuous tensor-conductivity. The existence and uniqueness of the discrete scheme are proved, and an optimal-order energy-norm estimate andL2-norm estimate for the numerical solution are derived.
Transformation Algorithm of Dielectric Response in Time‐Frequency Domain
Authors: Liu Ji , Zhang Daning , Wei Xinlao , Karimi Hamid Reza
Published: June 2014

A transformation algorithm of dielectric response from time domain to frequency domain is presented. In order to shorten measuring time of low or ultralow frequency dielectric response characteristics, the transformation algorithm is used in this paper to transform the time domain relaxation current to frequency domain current for calculating the low frequency dielectric dissipation factor. In addition, it is shown from comparing the calculation results with actual test data that there is a coincidence for both results over a wide range of low frequencies. Meanwhile, the time domain test data of depolarization currents in dry and moist pressboards are converted into frequency domain results on the basis of the transformation. The frequency domain curves of complex capacitance and dielectric dissipation factor at the low frequency range are obtained. Test results of polarization and depolarization current (PDC) in pressboards are also given at the different voltage and polarization time. It is demonstrated from the experimental results that polarization and depolarization current are affected significantly by moisture contents of the test pressboards, and the transformation algorithm is effective in ultralow frequency of 10−3 Hz. Data analysis and interpretation of the test results conclude that analysis of time‐frequency domain dielectric response can be used for assessing insulation system in power transformer.
Vitamin D Binding Protein and Bone Health
Authors: Bhan Ishir
Published: June 2014

Vitamin D binding protein (DBP) is the major carrier protein of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH) D) in the circulation, where it may serve roles in maintaining stable levels during times of decreased 25(OH) availability and in regulating delivery of 25(OH) D to target tissues. Several genetic polymorphisms of DBP have been described that lead to phenotypic changes in the protein that may affect affinity, activity, and concentration. These polymorphisms have been linked with alterations in bone density in several populations. One of the mechanisms by which DBP may alter bone health involves regulating vitamin D bioavailability. DBP-bound vitamin is thought to be relatively unavailable to target tissues, and thus alterations in DBP levels or affinity could lead to changes in vitamin D bioactivity. As a result, functional vitamin D status may differ greatly between individuals with similar total 25(OH) D levels. Additionally, DBP may have independent roles on macrophage and osteoclast activation. This review will summarize recent findings about DBP with respect to measures of bone density and health.
Chebyshev-Fourier Spectral Methods for Nonperiodic Boundary Value Problems
Authors: Orel Bojan , Perne Andrej
Published: June 2014

A new class of spectral methods for solving two-point boundary value problems for linear ordinary differential equations is presented in the paper. Although these methods are based on trigonometric functions, they can be used for solving periodic as well as nonperiodic problems. Instead of using basis functions periodic on a given interval−1,1, we use functions periodic on a wider interval. The numerical solution of the given problem is sought in terms of the half-range Chebyshev-Fourier (HCF) series, a reorganization of the classical Fourier series using half-range Chebyshev polynomials of the first and second kind which were first introduced by Huybrechs (2010) and further analyzed by Orel and Perne (2012). The numerical solution is constructed as a HCF series via differentiation and multiplication matrices. Moreover, the construction of the method, error analysis, convergence results, and some numerical examples are presented in the paper. The decay of the maximal absolute error according to the truncation numberNfor the new class of Chebyshev-Fourier-collocation (CFC) methods is compared to the decay of the error for the standard class of Chebyshev-collocation (CC) methods.
Improving the Performance of Phase-Change Perfluorocarbon Droplets for Medical Ultrasonography: Current Progress, Challenges, and Prospects
Authors: Sheeran Paul S. , Dayton Paul A.
Published: June 2014

Over the past two decades, perfluorocarbon (PFC) droplets have been investigated for biomedical applications across a wide range of imaging modalities. More recently, interest has increased in “phase-change” PFC droplets (or “phase-change” contrast agents), which can convert from liquid to gas with an external energy input. In the field of ultrasound, phase-change droplets present an attractive alternative to traditional microbubble agents for many diagnostic and therapeutic applications. Despite the progress, phase-change PFC droplets remain far from clinical implementation due to a number of challenges. In this review, we survey our recent work to enhance the performance of phase-change agents for ultrasound through a variety of techniques in order to provide increased efficacy in therapeutic applications of ultrasound and enable previously unexplored applications in diagnostic and molecular imaging.
Current Status of Comprehensive Chromosome Screening for Elective Single-Embryo Transfer
Authors: Wu Ming-Yih , Chao Kuang-Han , Chen Chin-Der , Chang Li-Jung , Chen Shee-Uan , Yang Yu-Shih
Published: June 2014

Mostin vitrofertilization (IVF) experts and infertility patients agree that the most ideal assisted reproductive technology (ART) outcome is to have a healthy, full-term singleton born. To this end, the most reliable policy is the single-embryo transfer (SET). However, unsatisfactory results in IVF may result from plenty of factors, in which aneuploidy associated with advanced maternal age is a major hurdle. Throughout the past few years, we have got a big leap in advancement of the genetic screening of embryos on aneuploidy, translocation, or mutations. This facilitates a higher success rate in IVF accompanied by the policy of elective SET (eSET). As the cost is lowering while the scale of genome characterization continues to be up over the recent years, the contemporary technologies on trophectoderm biopsy and freezing-thaw, comprehensive chromosome screening (CCS) with eSET appear to be getting more and more popular for modern IVF centers. Furthermore, evidence has showen that, by these avant-garde techniques (trophectoderm biopsy, vitrification, and CCS), older infertile women with the help of eSET may have an opportunity to increase the success of their live birth rates approaching those reported in younger infertility patients.
Contributions of Nonleaf Organs to the Yield of Cotton Grown with Different Water Supply
Authors: Zhan Dongxia , Yang Ying , Hu Yuanyuan , Zhang Yali , Luo Honghai , Zhang Wangfeng
Published: June 2014

The objectives of this experiment were (i) to determine the effect of water supply on the photosynthetic capacity of leaves, bracts, capsule walls, and stalks of cotton at different growth stages and (ii) to determine the contributions of these nonleaf organs to whole plant photosynthesis. Water deficit reduced the total surface area per plant but increased the proportion of nonleaf to total plant surface area. Net photosynthetic rates of leaves declined rapidly beginning 25 days after anthesis. In contrast, the net photosynthetic rates of bracts and capsule walls were insensitive to soil moisture stress and decreased by a small amount between 25 and 45 days after anthesis. The relative contribution of bracts and stalks to canopy apparent photosynthesis (CAP) increased under water deficit conditions. Cotton seed weight in the conventional irrigation treatment decreased by 10.1–29.7% when the bolls (capsule walls plus bracts) were darkened and by 5.3–9.9% when the stalks were darkened. On a percentage basis, both boll photosynthesis and stalk photosynthesis contributed more to seed weight when the plants were grown under water deficit conditions rather than nondeficit conditions. In conclusion, nonleaf organs contribute significantly to yield when cotton plants are under water stress during late growth stages.
Localization of Transversal Cracks in Sandwich Beams and Evaluation of Their Severity
Authors: Gillich G. R. , Praisach Z. I. , Abdel Wahab M. , Vasile O.
Published: June 2014

An algorithm to assess transversal cracks in composite structures based on natural frequency changes due to damage is proposed. The damage assessment is performed in two steps; first the crack location is found, and afterwards an evaluation of its severity is performed. The technique is based on a mathematical relation that provides the exact solution for the frequency changes of bending vibration modes, considering two terms. The first term is related to the strain energy stored in the beam, while the second term considers the increase of flexibility due to damage. Thus, it is possible to separate the problems of localization and severity assessment, which makes the localization process independent of the beams cross-section shape and boundary conditions. In fact, the process consists of comparing vectors representing the measured frequency shifts with patterns constructed using the mode shape curvatures of the undamaged beam. Once the damage is localized, the evaluation of its severity is made taking into account the global rigidity reduction. The damage identification algorithm was validated by experiments performed on numerous sandwich panel specimens.
Experimental and Mathematical Studies on the Drug Release Properties of Aspirin Loaded Chitosan Nanoparticles
Authors: Shi Yixiang , Wan Ajun , Shi Yifei , Zhang Yueyue , Chen Yupeng
Published: June 2014

The study of drug release dynamic is aiming at understanding the process that drugs release in human body and its dynamic characteristics. It is of great significance since these characteristics are closely related to the dose, dosage form, and effect of the drugs. The Noyes-Whitney function is used to represent how the solid material is dissolved into solution, and it is well used in study of drug dynamic. In this research, aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid (ASA)) has been encapsulated with different grades of chitosan (CS) varying in molecular weight (Mw) for the purpose of controlled release. The encapsulation was accomplished by ionic gelation technology based on assembly of positively charged chitosan and negatively charged sodium tripolyphosphate (TPP). The encapsulation efficiency, loading capacity, and drug release behavior of aspirin loaded chitosan nanoparticles (CS-NPs) were studied. It was found that the concentration of TPP and Aspirin, molecular weights of chitosan have important effect on the drug release patterns from chitosan nanoparticles. The results for simulation studies show that the Noyes-Whitney equation can be successfully used to interpret the drug release characteristics reflected by our experimental data.
Interactive Effects of Moss-Dominated Crusts andArtemisia ordosicaon Wind Erosion and Soil Moisture in Mu Us Sandland, China
Authors: Yang Yongsheng , Bu Chongfeng , Mu Xingmin , Shao Hongbo , Zhang Kankan
Published: June 2014

To better understand the effects of biological soil crusts (BSCs) on soil moisture and wind erosion and study the necessity and feasibility of disturbance of BSCs in the Mu Us sandland, the effects of four treatments, including moss-dominated crusts alone,Artemisia ordosicaalone, bare sand, andArtemisia ordosicacombined with moss-dominated crusts, on rainwater infiltration, soil moisture, and annual wind erosion were observed. The major results are as follows. (1) The development of moss-dominated crusts exacerbated soil moisture consumption and had negative effects on soil moisture in the Mu Us sandland. (2) Moss-dominated crusts significantly increased soil resistance to wind erosion, and when combined withArtemisia ordosica, this effect became more significant. The contribution of moss-dominated crusts underArtemisia ordosicawas significantly lower than that of moss-dominated crusts alone in sites where vegetative coverage > 50%. (3) Finally, an appropriate disturbance of moss-dominated crusts in the rainy season in sites with high vegetative coverage improved soil water environment and vegetation succession, but disturbance in sites with little or no vegetative cover should be prohibited to avoid the exacerbation of wind erosion.
Inhibition of 5-Lipoxygenase Pathway Attenuates Acute Liver Failure by Inhibiting Macrophage Activation
Authors: Li Lu , Liu Yi-Rong , Gao Shan , Li Jun-Feng , Li Shan-Shan , Zhang Dan-Dan , Liu Shuang , Bai Li , Zheng Su-Jun , Duan Zhong-Ping , Qi Min , Chen Yu
Published: June 2014

This study aimed to investigate the role of 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) in acute liver failure (ALF) and changes in macrophage activation by blocking it. ALF was induced in rats by administration of D-galactosamine (D-GalN)/lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Rats were injected intraperitoneally with AA-861 (a specific 5-LO inhibitor), 24 hr before D-GalN/LPS administration. After D-GalN/LPS injection, the liver tissue was collected for assessment of histology, macrophage microstructure, macrophage counts, 5-LO mRNA formation, protein expression, and concentration of leukotrienes. Serum was collected for detecting alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), total bilirubin (Tbil), and tumor necrosis factor- (TNF-)α. Twenty-four hours after injection, compared with controls, ALF rats were characterized by widespread hepatocyte necrosis and elevated ALT, AST, and Tbil, and 5-LO protein expression reached a peak. Liver leukotriene B4 was also significantly elevated. However, 5-LO mRNA reached a peak 8 hr after D-GalN/LPS injection. Simultaneously, the microstructure of macrophages was changed most significantly and macrophages counts were increased significantly. Moreover, serum TNF-αwas also elevated. By contrast, AA-861 pretreatment significantly decreased liver necrosis as well as all of the parameters compared with the rats without pretreatment. Macrophages, via the 5-LO pathway, play a critical role in ALF, and 5-LO inhibitor significantly alleviates ALF, possibly related to macrophage inhibition.
An Improved Geometric Programming Approach for Optimization of Biochemical Systems
Authors: Xu Gongxian , Wang Lei
Published: June 2014

This paper proposes an improved geometric programming approach to address the optimization of biochemical systems. In the proposed method we take advantage of a special and interesting class of nonlinear kinetic models known as generalized mass action (GMA) models. In most situations optimization problems with GMA models are nonconvex and difficult problems to solve for global optimality. To deal with this difficulty, in this work, some transformation strategy is first used to convert the optimization problem with GMA models into an equivalent problem. Then a convexification technique is applied to transform this resulting optimization problem into a series of standard geometric programming problems that can be solved to reach a global solution. Two case studies are presented to demonstrate the advantages of the proposed method in terms of computational efficiency.
Theq-Difference Theorems for Meromorphic Functions of Several Variables
Authors: Wen Zhi-Tao
Published: June 2014

We investigateq-shift analogue of the lemma on logarithmic derivative of several variables. Letfbe a meromorphic function inℂnof zero order such thatf(0)≠0,∞, and letq∈ℂn\{0}. Then we havem(r,f(qz)/f(z))=o(T(r,f))on a set of logarithmic density 1. Theq-shift analogue of the first and the second main theorems of Nevanlinna theory of several variables and their applications is also shown.
Correlation of Dry Deposition Velocity and Friction Velocity over Different Surfaces for PM2.5 and Particle Number Concentrations
Authors: Donateo Antonio , Contini Daniele
Published: June 2014

Dry deposition of particles is an important way of aerosol removal from the atmosphere and a key process in surface-atmosphere exchanges. The deposition velocities, Vd, are often parameterised in air quality and climate modelling as function of the friction velocity,u*, atmospheric stability, and particle size (if size-segregated information is available). In this work, a study of the correlation between Vd andu*over different surfaces is presented for both PM2.5 and particle number fluxes. Results indicate an almost linear increase of Vd withu*with slopes similar for PM2.5 fluxes and particle number fluxes over the different surfaces analysed. This means that the ratios Vd/u*tend to collapse over similar values even if Vd andu*are significantly different becauseu*take into account most of the surface effects. There is a limited difference between stable cases and unstable/neutral cases with slightly lower deposition velocities in stable cases for fixed values ofu*. The average value of Vd/u*is 0.010 ± 0.0017 (median 0.0062 ± 0.0015) (considering all stabilities) and 0.0097 ± 0.002 (median 0.005 ± 0.001) for stable cases. This could be the base for an empirical parameterisation of deposition velocities in air quality models.
A New Methodology of Design and Development of Serious Games
Authors: Barbosa André F. S. , Pereira Pedro N. M. , Dias João A. F. F. , Silva Frutuoso G. M.
Published: June 2014

The development of a serious game requires perfect knowledge of the learning domain to obtain the desired results. But it is also true that this may not be enough to develop a successful serious game. First of all, the player has to feel that he is playing a game where the learning is only a consequence of the playing actions. Otherwise, the game is viewed as boring and not as a fun activity and engaging. For example, the player can catch some items in the scenario and then separate them according to its type (i.e., recycle them). Thus, the main action for player is catching the items in the scenario where the recycle action is a second action, which is viewed as a consequence of the first action. Sometimes, the game design relies on a detailed approach based on the ideas of the developers because some educational content are difficult to integrate in the games, while maintaining the fun factor in the first place. In this paper we propose a new methodology of design and development of serious games that facilitates the integration of educational contents in the games. Furthermore, we present a serious game, called “Clean World”, created using this new methodology.
A Low-Cost Biofeedback System for Electromyogram-Triggered Functional Electrical Stimulation Therapy: An Indo-German Feasibility Study
Authors: Banerjee Alakananda , Khattar Bhawna , Dutta Anirban
Published: June 2014

Functional electrical stimulation (FES) facilitates ambulatory function after paralysis by activating the muscles of the lower extremities. The FES-assisted stepping can either be triggered by a heel-swich, or by an electromyogram-(EMG-) based gait event detector. A group of six chronic (>6 months poststroke) hemiplegic stroke survivors underwent transcutaneous FES-assisted training for 1 hour on stepping task with EMG biofeedback from paretic tibialis anterior (TA) and medial gastrocnemius (GM) muscles, where the stimulation of the paretic TA or GM was triggered with surface EMG from the same muscle. During the baseline, postintervention, and 2-day-postintervention assessments, a total of 5 minutes of surface EMG was recorded from paretic GM and TA muscles during volitional treadmill walking. Two-way ANOVA showed significant effects in terms of P values for the 6 stroke subjects, 0.002, the 3 assessments, 0, and the interaction between subjects and assessments, 6.21E-19. The study showed a significant improvement from baseline in paretic GM and TA muscles coordination during volitional treadmill walking. Moreover, it was found that the EMG-triggered FES-assisted therapy for stand-to-walk transition helped in convergence of the deviation in centroidal angular momentum from the normative value to a quasi-steady state during the double-support phase of the nonparetic. Also, the observational gait analysis showed improvement in ankle plantarflexion during late stance, knee flexion, and ground clearance of the foot during swing phase of the gait.
Collaborative Concept Mapping: Connecting with Research Team Capacities
Authors: De George-Walker Linda , Tyler Mark A.
Published: June 2014

Concept mapping has generally been used as a means to increase the depth and breadth of understanding within a particular knowledge domain or discipline. In this paper we trace the deployment of collaborative concept mapping by a research team in higher education and analyse its effectiveness using the crime metaphor ofmotive, means,andopportunity. This case study exemplifies two iterations of the research team’s collaborative concept map and shows how the process of the construction of such maps enabled the opportunity for team dialogue and coconstruction that was focused, hands-on, and visual. The concept mapping process provided the team with a meaning-making mechanism through which to share understandings and explore the team’s potential capacities.
A New Trend in Recording Subgingival Tissue around an Implant While Making a Direct Abutment Impression
Authors: Deogade Suryakant C. , Mantri Sneha S. , Dube Gunjan , Shrivastava Radhika , Noorani Syed
Published: June 2014

A successful implant-supported restoration must provide adequate function and esthetics. Osseointegrated implants have given an alternative choice for patients who have lost their teeth. Most commonly encountered problems while doing a transfer from patient to the master cast in restoring implant-supported crowns are an uneven distribution of occlusal loads and undue torquing forces on the various elements of implant. This is caused due to poor fit of frameworks connected to implant, which further leads to marginal bone loss, loosening of screws, fatigue fracture of implant components, and ultimately implant failure. This paper presents a simplified and easy solution to overcome such problems by introducing an innovative gingival retraction system for restoring implant-supported crowns to achieve superior and predictable long-term outcomes.
Analyses of Effects of Cutting Parameters on Cutting Edge Temperature Using Inverse Heat Conduction Technique
Authors: Santos Marcelo Ribeiro dos , Lima e Silva Sandro Metrevelle Marcondes de , Machado Álisson Rocha , Silva Márcio Bacci da , Guimarães Gilmar , Carvalho Solidônio Rodrigues de
Published: June 2014

During machining energy is transformed into heat due to plastic deformation of the workpiece surface and friction between tool and workpiece. High temperatures are generated in the region of the cutting edge, which have a very important influence on wear rate of the cutting tool and on tool life. This work proposes the estimation of heat flux at the chip‐tool interface using inverse techniques. Factors which influence the temperature distribution at the AISI M32C high speed steel tool rake face during machining of a ABNT 12L14 steel workpiece were also investigated. The temperature distribution was predicted using finite volume elements. A transient 3D numerical code using irregular and nonstaggered mesh was developed to solve the nonlinear heat diffusion equation. To validate the software, experimental tests were made. The inverse problem was solved using the function specification method. Heat fluxes at the tool‐workpiece interface were estimated using inverse problems techniques and experimental temperatures. Tests were performed to study the effect of cutting parameters on cutting edge temperature. The results were compared with those of the tool‐work thermocouple technique and a fair agreement was obtained.
Predictive Factors for Natural Pregnancy after Microsurgical Reconstruction in Patients with Primary Epididymal Obstructive Azoospermia
Authors: Harza Mihai , Voinea Sebastian , Ismail Gener , Gagiu Cristian , Baston Catalin , Preda Adrian , Manea Ioan , Priporeanu Tiberiu , Sinescu Ioanel
Published: June 2014

Primary epididymal obstructive azoospermia (OA) is the most prevalent form of OA in nonvasectomized patients and has been less studied. We aim to assess the results with microsurgical vasoepididymostomy used in the treatment of men diagnosed with primary epididymal obstructive azoospermia and to identify the factors associated with natural pregnancy occurring after microsurgical reconstruction. This prospective study included consecutive patients with epididymal OA who underwent microsurgical reconstruction in our center. Clinical and biological data were obtained every three months during follow-up. Occurrence of natural pregnancy was the primary study outcome. In total, 36 patients underwent microsurgical reconstruction. The mean age was34±4.5years (range 24–46 years). Median follow-up time was 15 [IQR 12–21] months. The total patency rate was 77.7% (n=28). During follow-up, 8 (22.2%) natural pregnancies occurred. The overall live birth rate was 100%. Low FSH levels (HR: 0.22; 95% CI: 0.052–0.88;P=0.032) and higher total motile sperm count (TMSC) (HR: 1.001; 95% CI 1–1.001;P=0.012) were associated with a higher rate of natural pregnancy. Our data suggest that microsurgical vasoepididymostomy is an effective therapy of primary epididymal OA. Baseline lower FSH and higher TMSC were independent predictors for natural pregnancy occurrence.