bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Maps Preserving Peripheral Spectrum of Generalized Jordan Products of Self-Adjoint Operators
Authors: Zhang Wen , Hou Jinchuan
Published: October 2014

LetA1andA2  be standard real Jordan algebras of self-adjoint operators on complex Hilbert spacesH1  and  H2, respectively. For  k≥2, let  (i1,…,im)be a fixed sequence withi1,…,im∈{1,…,k}and assume that at least one of the terms in(i1,…,im)appears exactly once. Define the generalized Jordan product  T1∘T2∘⋯∘Tk=Ti1Ti2⋯Tim+Tim⋯Ti2Ti1on elements in  Ai. LetΦ:A1→A2be a map with the range containing all rank-one projections and trace zero-rank two self-adjoint operators. We show thatΦsatisfies thatσπ(Φ(A1)∘⋯∘Φ(Ak))=σπ(A1∘⋯∘Ak)for allA1,…,Ak, whereσπ(A)stands for the peripheral spectrum ofA, if and only if there exist a scalarc∈{-1,1}and a unitary operatorU:H1→H2such thatΦ(A)=cUAU*for allA∈A1, orΦ(A)=cUAtU*for allA∈A1, whereAtis the transpose ofAfor an arbitrarily fixed orthonormal basis ofH1. Moreover,c=1whenevermis odd.
Statistical Analysis of Rainfall Trend for Volta Region in Ghana
Authors: Nyatuame M. , Owusu-Gyimah V. , Ampiaw F.
Published: October 2014

Climate change is global in nature, but potential changes are not expected to be globally uniform; rather, there may be dramatic regional differences. Considerable effort should be invested to understand climate change at the regional level. The study was conducted to establish the rainfall trends in Volta Region and also to provide the evidence of climate change by analyzing available rainfall record for 30-year period of 1981 to 2011. Records of monthly and yearly rainfall were obtained from the headquarters of Ghana Meteorological Department, Accra, for analysis. The region was grouped into three zones characteristic of the whole country, namely, coastal zone, middle zone, and northern zone, respectively. Graphs were constructed to illustrate the changing trends within the months and years of the zones. Statistical analysis (i.e., LSD, ANOVA) was performed to assess any significant difference among the three zones and within the months and years under study. Significant differences were observed among the three zones. Northern zone recorded the highest precipitation followed by the middle zone and lastly the coastal zone. However the rainfall trends within the aforementioned zones were oscillatory. The highest annual mean rainfall was 202.6 mm and the lowest was 29.9 mm. Linear regression analysis revealed upward and downward trend in the data in some months and years in the mentioned zones but statistically insignificant.
Conservation Laws and Self-Consistent Sources for an Integrable Lattice Hierarchy Associated with a Three-by-Three Discrete Matrix Spectral Problem
Authors: Li Yu-Qing , Yin Bao-Shu
Published: October 2014

A lattice hierarchy with self-consistent sources is deduced starting from a three-by-three discrete matrix spectral problem. The Hamiltonian structures are constructed for the resulting hierarchy. Liouville integrability of the resulting equations is demonstrated. Moreover, infinitely many conservation laws of the resulting hierarchy are obtained.
Genetic Multipartitions Based on D-Loop Sequences and Chromosomal Patterns in Brown Chromis,Chromis multilineata(Pomacentridae), in the Western Atlantic
Authors: Cunha Inailson Márcio Costa da , Souza Allyson Santos de , Dias Eurico Azevedo , Amorim Karlla Danielle Jorge , Soares Rodrigo Xavier , Costa Gideão Wagner Werneck Félix da , García-Machado Erik , Galetti Pedro Manoel , Molina Wagner Franco
Published: October 2014

Connectivity levels among Brazilian reef fish fauna populations have attracted growing interest, mainly between mainland shores and oceanic islands. The Pomacentridae, whose phylogeographic patterns are largely unknown in the Atlantic, are a family of dominant fish in reef regions. We present data on the variability and population structure of damselfishChromis multilineatain different areas along the northeast coast of Brazil and in the waters around the oceanic islands of Fernando de Noronha (FNA) and Saint Peter and Saint Paul Archipelago (SPSPA) through analysis of the HVR1 mtDNA sequence of the control region. The remote SPSPA exhibits the highest level of genetic divergence among populations. Conventional and molecular cytogenetic analysis showed similar karyotype patterns (2n= 48 acrocentrics) between these insular areas. Our estimates reveal three genetically different population groups ofC. multilineataon the Brazilian coast. The level of genetic structure is higher than previous data suggested, indicating complex panel of interactions between the oceanic island and coastal populations of Brazil.
Independent Validation of the SEND-PD and Correlation with the MDS-UPDRS Part IA
Authors: Rodríguez-Violante Mayela , Cervantes-Arriaga Amin , Velázquez-Osuna Salvador , Llorens-Arenas Rodrigo , Calderón-Fajardo Humberto , Piña-Fuentes Dan , Martinez-Martin Pablo
Published: October 2014

Introduction. Neuropsychiatric symptoms in Parkinson’s disease can be assessed by the MDS-UPDRS part IA. The Scale for Evaluation of Neuropsychiatric Disorders in Parkinson’s disease (SEND-PD) has been recently developed to assess the severity of some neuropsychiatric symptoms. The objective of this study is to compare the performance of the SEND-PD with the corresponding items of the MDS-UPDRS part IA.Methods. Patients with Parkinson’s disease were evaluated using the MDS-UPDRS and the SEND-PD by independent raters. Partial SEND-PD and neuropsychiatric MDS-UPDRS part IA were constructed with equivalent items for comparison.Results. A total of 260 consecutive patients were included. Overall, 61.2% of the patients did not report any psychotic symptom and 83.5% did not report any ICD symptom. On the other hand, 78.5% of the patients did report at least one symptom related to apathy, depression, or anxiety. The partial SEND-PD score was2.9±3.1(range from 0 to 16). The neuropsychiatric MDS-UPDRS part IA score was2.9±3(range from 0 to 14). The correlation coefficient between corresponding items ranged from 0.67 to 0.98 and between both summary indexes wasrs=0.93(all,P<0.001).Conclusion. A high association between equivalent items of the SEND-PD and the MDS-UPDRS was found.
Hypertension Subtypes among Hypertensive Patients in Ibadan
Authors: Adeoye Abiodun M. , Adebiyi Adewole , Tayo Bamidele O. , Salako Babatunde L. , Ogunniyi Adesola , Cooper Richard S.
Published: October 2014

Background.Certain hypertension subtypes have been shown to increase the risk for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality and may be related to specific underlying genetic determinants. Inappropriate characterization of subtypes of hypertension makes efforts at elucidating the genetic contributions to the etiology of hypertension largely vapid. We report the hypertension subtypes among patients with hypertension from South-Western Nigeria.Methods.A total of 1858 subjects comprising 76% female, hypertensive, aged 18 and above were recruited into the study from two centers in Ibadan, Nigeria. Hypertension was identified using JNCVII definition and was further grouped into four subtypes: controlled hypertension (CH), isolated systolic hypertension (ISH), isolated diastolic hypertension (IDH), and systolic-diastolic hypertension (SDH).Results.Systolic-diastolic hypertension was the most prevalent. Whereas SDH (77.6% versus 73.5%) and IDH (4.9% versus 4.7%) were more prevalent among females, ISH (10.1% versus 6.2%) was higher among males(P=0.048). Female subjects were more obese(P<0.0001)and SDH was prevalent among the obese group.Conclusion.Gender and obesity significantly influenced the distribution of the hypertension subtypes. Characterization of hypertension by subtypes in genetic association studies could lead to identification of previously unknown genetic variants involved in the etiology of hypertension. Large-scale studies among various ethnic groups may be needed to confirm these observations.
Effectiveness of Counseling Provided by Primary Care Doctors and Nurses in Increasing Glaucoma Screening Rates
Authors: Rezner Witold , Rezner Anna , Dutkiewicz Sławomir
Published: October 2014

Introduction.An effective screening that can prevent glaucoma-related blindness largely depends on successful recruitment. This study was to assess the effectiveness of one-on-one counseling carried out by primary care doctors and nurses to increase glaucoma screening rates.Material and Methods.The study, carried out in an urban primary care center, involved 308 persons aged 35–87 years who were assigned to a doctor’s, nurse’s, or control group (N=109, 110, and 89, resp.). Interventions by doctors and nurses included a brief one-on-one counseling session, while only a screening history was taken from controls. The number of people in each group with a positive screening status was assessed by telephone interview three months after the visit.Results.The percentage of persons in the nurse’s counseling group who claimed being subjected to screening was more than four times higher than in the control group (20.9% versus 4.5%,P=0.002). The doctor’s interventions resulted in almost a tripled screening rate as compared to the control group (12.8% versus 4.5%,P=0.052). There was no significant difference between screening rates in doctor’s and nurse’s groups(P= 0.212).Conclusions.In the studied population, counseling provided by nurses proved to be an efficacious method to encourage patients to undergo glaucoma screening.
Foggy Scene Rendering Based on Transmission Map Estimation
Authors: Guo Fan , Tang Jin , Xiao Xiaoming
Published: October 2014

Realistic rendering of foggy scene is important in game development and virtual reality. Traditional methods have many parameters to control or require a long time to compute, and they are usually limited to depicting a homogeneous fog without considering the foggy scene with heterogeneous fog. In this paper, a new rendering method based on transmission map estimation is proposed. We first generate perlin noise image as the density distribution texture of heterogeneous fog. Then we estimate the transmission map using the Markov random field (MRF) model and the bilateral filter. Finally, virtual foggy scene is realistically rendered with the generated perlin noise image and the transmission map according to the atmospheric scattering model. Experimental results show that the rendered results of our approach are quite satisfactory.
Ground States for the Schrödinger Systems with Harmonic Potential and Combined Power-Type Nonlinearities
Authors: Liu Baiyu
Published: October 2014

We consider a class of coupled nonlinear Schrödinger systems with potential terms and combined power-type nonlinearities. We establish the existence of ground states, by using a variational method. As an application, some symmetry results for ground states of Schrödinger systems with harmonic potential terms are obtained.
Performance of BFRP Retrofitted RCC Piles Subjected to Axial Loads
Authors: Ramaswamy Anandakumar , Chachithanantham Selvamony , Arumugam Seeni
Published: October 2014

This paper deals with the behaviour of basalt fibre reinforced polymer (BFRP) composites retrofitted RCC piles subjected to axial compression loads. Currently the awareness of using FRP increases rapidly in engineering fields and also among public. Retrofitting becomes vital for aged and damaged concrete structures, piles, and so forth, to improve its load carrying capacity and to extend the service life. The load carrying capacity of piles retrofitted with basalt unidirectional fabric was studied experimentally. 15 nos. of RCC end bearing pile elements were cast with same reinforcement for axial compression experiment. Three piles were used as conventional elements, another 3 piles were used as double BFRP wrapped pile elements, and remaining 9 piles were used as retrofitted piles with BFRP double wrapping after preloaded to 30%, 60%, and 90% of ultimate load of conventional element. The effects of retrofitting of RCC pile elements were observed and a mathematical prediction was developed for calculation of retrofitting strength. The stress vs. strain relationship curve, load vs. deformation curve, preloaded elements strength losses are tabulated and plotted. Besides, crack patterns of conventional elements and tearing BFRP wrapped elements were also observed. The BFRP wrapped elements and retrofitted elements withstand more axial compressive load than the conventional elements.
The Association between Bile Salt Export Pump Single-Nucleotide Polymorphisms and Primary Biliary Cirrhosis Susceptibility and Ursodeoxycholic Acid Response
Authors: Chen Rui-rui , Li Yuan-jun , Zhou Xin-min , Wang Lu , Xing Juan , Han Shuang , Cui Li-na , Zheng Lin-hua , Wu Kai-chun , Shi Yong-quan , Han Zhe-yi , Han Ying , Fan Dai-ming
Published: October 2014

Background. Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) is a chronic and progressive cholestasis liver disease. Bile salt export pump (BSEP) is the predominant bile salt efflux system of hepatocytes. BSEP gene has been attached great importance in the susceptibility of PBC and the response rate of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) treatment of PBC patients.Methods. In this study, TaqMan assay was used to genotype four variants of BSEP, and the Barcelona criteria were used for evaluating the response rate of UDCA treatment.Results. Variant A allele of BSEP rs473351 (dominant model, OR = 2.063; 95% CI, 1.254–3.393;P=0.004) was highly associated with PBC susceptibility. On the contrary, variant A allele of BSEP rs2287618 (dominant model, OR = 0.617; 95% CI, 0.411–0.928;P=0.020) provided a protective role and Barcelona evaluation criterion indicated that the frequency of variant allele at BSEP rs2287618 was significantly decreased in UDCA-responsive PBC patients (P=0.021).Conclusion. These results suggested that BSEP rs473351 was closely associated with the susceptibility of PBC and if people with BSEP rs2287618 were diagnosed as PBC, the UDCA treatment was not satisfactory. Larger studies with mixed ethnicity subjects and stratified by clinical and subclinical characteristics are needed to validate our findings.
NF-κB/AP-1-Targeted Inhibition of Macrophage-Mediated Inflammatory Responses by Depigmenting Compound AP736 Derived from Natural 1,3-Diphenylpropane Skeleton
Authors: Ha Van Thai , Beak Heung Soo , Kim Eunji , Baek Kwang-Soo , Hossen Muhammad Jahangir , Yang Woo Seok , Kim Yong , Kim Jun Ho , Yang Sungjae , Kim Jeong-Hwan , Joo Yung Hyup , Lee Chang Seok , Choi Joonho , Shin Hong-Ju , Hong Sungyoul , Shin Song Seok , Cho Jae Youl
Published: October 2014

AP736 was identified as an antimelanogenic drug that can be used for the prevention of melasma, freckles, and dark spots in skin by acting as a suppressor of melanin synthesis and tyrosinase expression. Since macrophage-mediated inflammatory responses are critical for skin health, here we investigated the potential anti-inflammatory activity of AP736. The effects of AP736 on various inflammatory events such as nitric oxide (NO)/prostaglandin (PG) E2production, inflammatory gene expression, phagocytic uptake, and morphological changes were examined in RAW264.7 cells. AP736 was found to strongly inhibit the production of both NO and PGE2in lipopolysaccharide- (LPS-) treated RAW264.7 cells. In addition, AP736 strongly inhibited both LPS-induced morphological changes and FITC-dextran-induced phagocytic uptake. Furthermore, AP736 also downregulated the expression of multiple inflammatory genes, such as inducible NO synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase- (COX-) 2, and interleukin- (IL-) 1βin LPS-treated RAW264.7 cells. Transcription factor analysis, including upstream signalling events, revealed that both NF-κB and AP-1 were targeted by AP736 via inhibition of the IKK/IκBαand IRAK1/TAK1 pathways. Therefore, our results strongly suggest that AP736 is a potential anti-inflammatory drug due to its suppression of NF-κB-IKK/IκBαand AP-1-IRAK1/TAK1 signalling, which may make AP736 useful for the treatment of macrophage-mediated skin inflammation.
Biosorption of Microelements bySpirulina: Towards Technology of Mineral Feed Supplements
Authors: Dmytryk Agnieszka , Saeid Agnieszka , Chojnacka Katarzyna
Published: October 2014

Surface characterization and metal ion adsorption properties ofSpirulinasp. andSpirulina maximawere verified by various instrumental techniques. FTIR spectroscopy and potentiometric titration were used for qualitative and quantitative determination of metal ion-binding groups. Comparative FTIR spectra of natural and Cu(II)-treated biomass proved involvement of both phosphoryl and sulfone groups in metal ions sorption. The potentiometric titration data analysis provided the best fit with the model assuming the presence of three types of surface functional groups and the carboxyl group as the major binding site. The mechanism of metal ions biosorption was investigated by comparing the results from multielemental analyses by ICP-OES and SEM-EDX. Biosorption of Cu(II), Mn(II), Zn(II), and Co(II) ions by lyophilizedSpirulinasp. was performed to determine the metal affinity relationships for single- and multicomponent systems. Obtained results showed the replacement of naturally bound ions: Na(I), K(I), or Ca(II) with sorbed metal ions in a descending order of Mn(II) > Cu(II) > Zn(II) > Co(II) for single- and Cu(II) > Mn(II) > Co(II) > Zn(II) for multicomponent systems, respectively. Surface elemental composition of natural and metal-loaded material was determined both by ICP-OES and SEM-EDX analysis, showing relatively high value of correlation coefficient between the concentration of Na(I) ions in algal biomass.
Airborne Measurement in the Ash Plume from Mount Sakurajima: Analysis of Gravitational Effects on Dispersion and Fallout
Authors: Eliasson Jonas , Yoshitani Junichi , Weber Konradin , Yasuda Nario , Iguchi Masato , Vogel Andreas
Published: October 2014

Volcanic ash concentrations in the plume from Sakurajima volcano in Japan are observed from airplanes equipped with optical particle counters and GPS tracking devices. The volcano emits several puffs a day. The puffs are also recorded by the Sakurajima Volcanological Observatory. High concentrations are observed in the puffs and fallout driven by vertical air current, called streak fallout. Puffs dispersion is analyzed by the classical diffusion-advection method and a new gravitational dispersion method. The fluid mechanic of the gravitational dispersion, streak fallout, and classical diffusion-advection theory is described in three separate appendices together with methods to find the time gravitational dispersion constant and the diffusion coefficient from satellite photos. The diffusion-advection equation may be used to scale volcanic eruptions so the same eruption plumes can be scaled to constant flux and wind conditions or two eruptions can be scaled to each other. The dispersion analyses show that dispersion of volcanic plumes does not follow either theories completely. It is most likely diffusion in the interface of the plume and the ambient air, together with gravitational flattening of the plumes core. This means larger boundary concentration gradients and smaller diffusion coefficients than state of the art methods can predict.
Effect of Nanosilver Gel, Chlorhexidine Gluconate, and Camphorated Phenol on Enterococcus faecalis Biofilm
Authors: Bo Dong , Kayombo Cecilia Marcellino
Published: October 2014

Aim. To assess the effectiveness of nanosilver gel (NSG) in comparison to chlorhexidine gluconate (CHX) and camphorated phenol (CP) against Enterococcus faecalis (E.f) biofilm. Methods and Materials. Two tests were done, methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) analysis, to determine the effectiveness of NSG, CHX, and CP on E.f biofilm. Polystyrene microtiter 96- and 6-well plates were used for MTT and CLSM, respectively. Nanosilver gel was in three concentrations (0.05%, 0.1%, and 0.2%), chlorhexidine gluconate used was 2%, and camphorated phenol and normal saline were as control. Analysis was done using one-way ANOVA; the post hoc test was run for multiple comparisons. The level of statistical significance was set at P<0.05. Results. One-way ANOVA showed significant differences among groups (0.05% NSG and CP, 0.1% NSG and CP, 0.2% NSG and CP, 0.1% NSG and 2% CHX, 0.2% and NSG and 2% CHX) (P<0.001) and also showed significant difference between groups (P<0.001), f-ratio 87.823. A post hoc Tukey’s test revealed no significant difference between chlorhexidine gluconate and 0.05% nanosilver gel (P>0.05). Conclusions. 0.1% and 0.2% nanosilver gel is more effective on Enterococcus faecalis biofilm as compared to chlorhexidine gluconate and camphorated phenol.
Facial Expression Recognition Based on Discriminant Neighborhood Preserving Nonnegative Tensor Factorization and ELM
Authors: An Gaoyun , Liu Shuai , Jin Yi , Ruan Qiuqi , Lu Shan
Published: October 2014

A novel facial expression recognition algorithm based on discriminant neighborhood preserving nonnegative tensor factorization (DNPNTF) and extreme learning machine (ELM) is proposed. A discriminant constraint is adopted according to the manifold learning and graph embedding theory. The constraint is useful to exploit the spatial neighborhood structure and the prior defined discriminant properties. The obtained parts‐based representations by our algorithm vary smoothly along the geodesics of the data manifold and have good discriminant property. To guarantee the convergence, the project gradient method is used for optimization. Then features extracted by DNPNTF are fed into ELM which is a training method for the single hidden layer feed‐forward networks (SLFNs). Experimental results on JAFFE database and Cohn‐Kanade database demonstrate that our proposed algorithm could extract effective features and have good performance in facial expression recognition.
Microbes Associated with Freshly Prepared Juices of Citrus and Carrots
Authors: Aneja Kamal Rai , Dhiman Romika , Aggarwal Neeraj Kumar , Kumar Vikas , Kaur Manpreeet
Published: October 2014

Fruit juices are popular drinks as they contain antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that are essential for human being and play important role in the prevention of heart diseases, cancer, and diabetes. They contain essential nutrients which support the growth of acid tolerant bacteria, yeasts, and moulds. In the present study, we have conducted a microbiological examination of freshly prepared juices (sweet lime, orange, and carrot) by serial dilution agar plate technique. A total of 30 juice samples were examined for their microbiological quality. Twenty-five microbial species including 9 bacterial isolates, 5 yeast isolates, and 11 mould isolates were isolated from juices. Yeasts and moulds were the main cause of spoilage of juices.Aspergillus flavusandRhodotorula mucilaginosawere observed in the maximum number of juice samples. Among bacteriaBacillus cereusandSerratiawere dominant.Escherichia coliandStaphylococcus aureuswere detected in few samples.Candidasp.,Curvularia,Colletotrichum, andAcetobacterwere observed only in citrus juice samples.Alternaria,Aspergillus terreus,A. niger,Cladosporium, andFusariumwere also observed in tested juice samples. Some of the microorganisms detected in these juice samples can cause disease in human beings, so there is need for some guidelines that can improve the quality of fruit juices.
Limit Properties of Transition Functions of Continuous-Time Markov Branching Processes
Authors: Imomov Azam A.
Published: October 2014

Consider the Markov Branching Process with continuous time. Our focus is on the limit properties of transition functions of this process. Using differential analogue of the Basic Lemma we prove local limit theorems for all cases and observe invariant properties of considering process.
Dynamic Recrystallization Behavior of TA15 Titanium Alloy under Isothermal Compression during Hot Deformation
Authors: Luo Yuanxin , Heng Yuqing , Wang Yongqin , Yan Xingchun
Published: October 2014

In order to improve the understanding of the dynamic recrystallization (DRX) behaviors of TA15 titanium alloy (Ti-6Al-2Zr-1Mo-1V), a series of experiments were conducted on a TMTS thermal simulator at temperatures of 1173 K, 1203 K, 1223 K, and 1273 K with the strain rates of 0.005 s−1, 0.05 s−1, 0.5 s−1, and 1 s−1. By the regression analysis for conventional hyperbolic sine equation, the activation energy of DRX inα+βtwo-phase region isQS=588.7 Kg/moland inβregion isQD=225.8 Kg/mol, and a dimensionless parameter controlling the stored energy was determined asZ/A=ε˙exp(588.7×103)/RT/6.69×1026inα+βtwo-phase region and asZ/A=ε˙exp(225.8×103)/RT/5.13×1011inβregion. The DRX behaviors of TA15 titanium alloy were proposed on the strength of the experiment results. Finally, the theoretical prediction results of DRX volume fraction were shown to be in agreement with experimental observations.
Enhanced Transformation of Atrazine by High Efficient Visible Light-Driven N, S-Codoped TiO2Nanowires Photocatalysts
Authors: Zhang Yanlin , Wu Honghai , Liu Peihong
Published: October 2014

Advanced oxidation process using titanium dioxide as a photocatalyst under solar irradiation is one of the most attractive technologies to eliminate atrazine, an endocrine disrupting and carcinogen contaminant. The N, S-codoped TiO2nanowires at the calcination of 600°C obtained by a facile hydrothermal method revealed the best photocatalytic performance for the degradation of atrazine under visible light irradiation compared to N, S-codoped TiO2nanoparticles and S-doped TiO2nanowires. TOC removal experiment also exhibited the similar result and achieved 63% of atrazine mineralization within 6 h. The degradation of atrazine was driven mainly by•OH and holes during the photocatalytic process. Reactive species quantities such•OH andO2•-generated by N, S-codoped TiO2nanowires under visible light irradiation were much more than those of S-doped TiO2nanowires and N, S-codoped TiO2nanoparticles. These results were mainly attributed to the synergistic effect of N and S doping in narrowing the band gap, remarkable increase in electron-hole separation, extending the anatase-to-rutile transformation temperature above 600°C, and preferentially exposing high reactive{001}crystal facets of anatase.
Thermomechanical Fatigue Life Prediction for a Marine Diesel Engine Piston considering Ring Dynamics
Authors: He Tao , Lu Xiqun , Zou Dequan , Guo Yibin , Li Wanyou , Huang Minli
Published: October 2014

A newly designed marine diesel engine piston was modeled using a precise finite element analysis (FEA). The high cycle fatigue (HCF) safety factor prediction procedure designed in this study incorporated lubrication, thermal, and structure analysis. The piston ring dynamics calculation determined the predicted thickness of lubrication oil film. The film thickness influenced the calculated magnitude of the heat transfer coefficient (HTC) used in the thermal loads analysis. Moreover, the gas pressure of ring lands and ring grooves used in mechanical analysis is predicted based on the piston ring dynamics model.
Colonic Dieulafoy’s Lesion: A Rare Cause of Lower Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage and Review of Endoscopic Management
Authors: Ma Christopher , Hundal Rajveer , Cheng Edwin J.
Published: October 2014

Dieulafoy’s lesions are a rare cause of gastrointestinal hemorrhage. Extragastric Dieulafoy’s lesions are even more uncommon. We report the case of a 75-year-old woman who presented with gastrointestinal bleeding from a transverse colonic Dieulafoy’s lesion. She presented with two episodes of melena followed by one episode of fresh blood per rectum. In addition, there was associated presyncope and anemia (hemoglobin 69 g/L) in the setting of supratherapeutic warfarin anticoagulation (INR 6.2) for nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy was negative for an upper GI source of bleeding but on colonoscopy an actively oozing Dieulafoy’s lesion was identified in the transverse colon. Bipolar cautery and hemostatic endoclips were applied to achieve hemostasis. Clinicians should consider this rare entity as a potential cause of potentially life-threatening lower gastrointestinal bleeding and we review the endoscopic modalities effective for managing colonic Dieulafoy’s lesions.
Neonatal Pulmonary Hemosiderosis
Authors: Limme Boris , Nicolescu Ramona , Misson Jean-Paul
Published: October 2014

Idiopathic pulmonary hemosiderosis (IPH) is a rare complex entity characterized clinically by acute or recurrent episodes of hemoptysis secondary to diffuse alveolar hemorrhage. The radiographic features are variable, including diffuse alveolar-type infiltrates, and interstitial reticular and micronodular patterns. We describe a 3-week-old infant presenting with hemoptysis and moderate respiratory distress. Idiopathic pulmonary hemosiderosis was the first working diagnosis at the Emergency Department and was confirmed, 2 weeks later, by histological studies (bronchoalveolar lavage). The immunosuppressive therapy by 1 mg/kg/d prednisone was immediately started, the baby returned home on steroid therapy at a dose of 0,5 mg/kg/d. The diagnosis of idiopathic pulmonary hemosiderosis should be evocated at any age, even in the neonate, when the clinical presentation (hemoptysis and abnormal radiological chest images) is strongly suggestive.
Concave Soft Sets, Critical Soft Points, and Union-Soft Ideals of Ordered Semigroups
Authors: Jun Young Bae , Song Seok Zun , Muhiuddin G.
Published: October 2014

The notions of union-soft semigroups, union-softl-ideals, and union-softr-ideals are introduced, and related properties are investigated. Characterizations of a union-soft semigroup, a union-softl-ideal, and a union-softr-ideal are provided. The concepts of union-soft products and union-soft semiprime soft sets are introduced, and their properties related to union-softl-ideals and union-softr-ideals are investigated. Using the notions of union-softl-ideals and union-softr-ideals, conditions for an ordered semigroup to be regular are considered. The concepts of concave soft sets and critical soft points are introduced, and their properties are discussed.
Molecular Chaperone Dysfunction in Neurodegenerative Diseases and Effects of Curcumin
Authors: Maiti Panchanan , Manna Jayeeta , Veleri Shobi , Frautschy Sally
Published: October 2014

The intra- and extracellular accumulation of misfolded and aggregated amyloid proteins is a common feature in several neurodegenerative diseases, which is thought to play a major role in disease severity and progression. The principal machineries maintaining proteostasis are the ubiquitin proteasomal and lysosomal autophagy systems, where heat shock proteins play a crucial role. Many protein aggregates are degraded by the lysosomes, depending on aggregate size, peptide sequence, and degree of misfolding, while others are selectively tagged for removal by heat shock proteins and degraded by either the proteasome or phagosomes. These systems are compromised in different neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, developing novel targets and classes of therapeutic drugs, which can reduce aggregates and maintain proteostasis in the brains of neurodegenerative models, is vital. Natural products that can modulate heat shock proteins/proteosomal pathway are considered promising for treating neurodegenerative diseases. Here we discuss the current knowledge on the role of HSPs in protein misfolding diseases and knowledge gained from animal models of Alzheimer’s disease, tauopathies, and Huntington’s diseases. Further, we discuss the emerging treatment regimens for these diseases using natural products, like curcumin, which can augment expression or function of heat shock proteins in the cell.
Edge-Disjoint Fibonacci Trees in Hypercube
Authors: Raman Indhumathi , Kuppusamy Lakshmanan
Published: October 2014

The Fibonacci tree is a rooted binary tree whose number of vertices admit a recursive definition similar to the Fibonacci numbers. In this paper, we prove that a hypercube of dimensionhadmits two edge-disjoint Fibonacci trees of heighth, two edge-disjoint Fibonacci trees of heighth-2, two edge-disjoint Fibonacci trees of heighth-4and so on, as subgraphs. The result shows that an algorithm with Fibonacci trees as underlying data structure can be implemented concurrently on a hypercube network with no communication latency.
Estimation of the Parameters of Burr Type III Distribution Based on Dual Generalized Order Statistics
Authors: Kim Chansoo , Kim Woosuk
Published: October 2014

The estimation of the parameters of Burr type III distribution based on dual generalized order statistics is considered by using the maximum likelihood (ML) approach as well as the Bayesian approach. The exact expression of the expected Fisher information matrix of the parameters in the distribution is obtained. Also, an approximation based on Lindley is used to obtain the Bayes estimator. To compare the maximum likelihood estimator and the Bayes estimator of the parameters, Monte Carlo simulation study is performed.
Rethinking Obesity Counseling: Having the French Fry Discussion
Authors: Bonnet Jonathan , George Aaron , Evans Pippa , Silberberg Mina , Dolinsky Diana
Published: October 2014

Childhood obesity is a complex problem that warrants early intervention. General recommendations for obesity prevention and nutrition counseling exist. However, these are notably imprecise with regard to early and targeted interventions to prevent and treat obesity in pediatric populations. This study examines family medicine primary care providers’ (PCPs) perceived barriers for preventing and treating pediatric obesity and their related practice behavior during well-child visits.Methods.A written survey addressing perceived barriers and current practices addressing obesity at well-child visits were administered to PCPs at eleven family medicine clinics in the Duke University Health System.Results.The most common perceived barriers identified by PCPs to prevention or treatment of obesity in children were families not getting enough exercise (93%) and families too often having fast food meals (86%). Most PCPs do not discuss fast foods at or prior to the twelve-month well-child visit. The two-year visit is the first well-child visit at which a majority of PCPs (68%) discuss fast food.Conclusion.No clear consensus exists as to when PCPs should discuss fast food in early well-child checks. Previous research has shown a profound shift in children’s dietary habits toward fast foods, such as French fries, that occurs between the one- and two-year well-child checks. Consideration should be given to having a “French Fry Discussion” at every twelve-month well-child care visit.
The Role of RaxST, a Prokaryotic Sulfotransferase, and RaxABC, a Putative Type I Secretion System, in Activation of the Rice XA21-Mediated Immune Response
Authors: Ronald Pamela C.
Published: October 2014

Tyrosine sulfation is an important posttranslational modification that determines the outcome of serious diseases in plants and animals. We have recently demonstrated that the plant pathogenXanthomonas oryzaepv.oryzae (Xoo)carries a functional sulfotransferase (RaxST). raxST is required for activation of rice Xa21-mediated immunity indicating the critical, but unknown, function of raxST in mediating theXoo/rice interaction. The raxST gene resides in the same operon (raxSTAB) as components of a predicted type I secretion and processing system (RaxA and RaxB). These observations suggest a model where RaxST sulfates a molecule that contains a leader peptide, which is cleaved by the peptidase domain of the RaxB protein and secreted outside the bacterial cell by the RaxABC T1SS.
How Do Thermal Recovery Methods Affect Wettability Alteration?
Authors: Punase Abhishek , Zou Amy , Elputranto Riza
Published: October 2014

We will investigate the effect of temperature on wettability. First, we will list and summarize the different schools of thoughts from previous literature describing wettability changes for sandstone and carbonate reservoirs at elevated temperature. Next, we will describe the properties that affect wettability: how they alter wettability and how they are affected by temperature. After that, we will present indications of wettability changes and current wettability measurement techniques. Following this, case studies describing how wettability change influences reservoir characteristics and field performance during thermal recovery processes will be discussed. The thermal recovery methods included in the case studies were steam flooding, cyclic steam injection, hot water flooding, and in situ combustion. The main and very important take away from this study is that temperature induced wettability change is determined by many possible mechanisms combined together and not by just one or two phenomena occurring simultaneously. Finally, we will propose a reasonable scheme for wettability alteration during dry forward combustion, which needs further investigation.
A Study of Correlations within the Dimensions of Lower Limb Parts for Personal Identification in a Sudanese Population
Authors: Ahmed Altayeb Abdalla
Published: October 2014

The presence of an isolated limb or limb parts from different individuals presents a major challenge for medicolegal investigators in establishing identification in cases of wars, mass disasters, and criminal assaults because different populations have different sizes and proportions. The measurement of lower limb dimensions showed a high success rate in establishing individual identity in terms of sex and stature in various populations. However, there is a paucity of data concerning the correlation within the lower limb parts. This study aims to assess the existence of relationships within lower limb parts and to develop regression formulae to reconstruct limb parts from one another. The tibial length, bimalleolar breadth, foot length, and foot breadth of 376 right-handed Sudanese adults were measured. The results showed that all variables were significantly larger in males than in females. A significant positive correlation(P<0.001)was found within the lower limb parts. Sex-specific linear equations and multiple regression equations were developed to reconstruct the lower limb parts in the presence of single dimension or multiple dimensions from the same limb. The use of multiple regression equations provided a better reconstruction than simple regression equations. These results are significant in forensics and orthopedic reconstructive surgery.
Identifying an Unknown Coefficient in the Reaction-Diffusion Equation Using He’s VIM
Authors: Parzlivand F. , Shahrezaee A. M.
Published: October 2014

An inverse heat problem of finding an unknown parameter p(t) in the parabolic initial-boundary value problem is solved with variational iteration method (VIM). For solving the discussed inverse problem, at first we transform it into a nonlinear direct problem and then use the proposed method. Also an error analysis is presented for the method and prior and posterior error bounds of the approximate solution are estimated. The main property of the method is in its flexibility and ability to solve nonlinear equation accurately and conveniently. Some examples are given to illustrate the effectiveness and convenience of the method.
MCM Paradox: Abundance of Eukaryotic Replicative Helicases and Genomic Integrity
Authors: Das Mitali , Singh Sunita , Pradhan Satyajit , Narayan Gopeshwar
Published: October 2014

As a crucial component of DNA replication licensing system, minichromosome maintenance (MCM) 2–7 complex acts as the eukaryotic DNA replicative helicase. The six related MCM proteins form a heterohexamer and bind with ORC, CDC6, and Cdt1 to form the prereplication complex. Although the MCMs are well known as replicative helicases, their overabundance and distribution patterns on chromatin present a paradox called the “MCM paradox.” Several approaches had been taken to solve the MCM paradox and describe the purpose of excess MCMs distributed beyond the replication origins. Alternative functions of these MCMs rather than a helicase had also been proposed. This review focuses on several models and concepts generated to solve the MCM paradox coinciding with their helicase function and provides insight into the concept that excess MCMs are meant for licensing dormant origins as a backup during replication stress. Finally, we extend our view towards the effect of alteration of MCM level. Though an excess MCM constituent is needed for normal cells to withstand stress, there must be a delineation of the threshold level in normal and malignant cells. This review also outlooks the future prospects to better understand the MCM biology.
The Effect of Chemical and High‐Pressure Homogenization Treatment Conditions on the Morphology of Cellulose Nanoparticles
Authors: Ren Suxia , Sun Xiuxuan , Lei Tingzhou , Wu Qinglin
Published: October 2014

Cellulose nanoparticles were fabricated from microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) through combined acid hydrolysis with sulfuric and hydrochloric acids and high‐pressure homogenization. The effect of acid type, acid‐to‐MCC ratio, reaction time, and numbers of high‐pressure homogenization passes on morphology and thermal stability of the nanoparticles was studied. An aggressive acid hydrolysis was shown to lead to rod‐like cellulose nanocrystals with diameter about 10 nm and lengths in the range of 50–200 nm. Increased acid‐to‐MCC ratio and number of homogenization treatments reduced the dimension of the nanocrystals produced. Weak acid hydrolysis treatment led to a network of cellulose nanofiber bundles having diameters in the range of 20–100 nm and lengths of a few thousands of nanometers. The high‐pressure homogenization treatment helped separate the nanofiber bundles. The thermal degradation behaviors characterized by thermogravimetric analysis at nitrogen atmosphere indicated that the degradation of cellulose nanocrystals from sulfuric acid hydrolysis started at a lower temperature and had two remarkable pyrolysis processes. The thermal stability of cellulose nanofibers produced from hydrochloric acid hydrolysis improved significantly.
A Note on Entire Functions That Share Two Small Functions
Authors: Chen Jun-Fan
Published: October 2014

This note is to show that iffis a nonconstant entire function that shares two pairs of small functions ignoring multiplicities with its first derivativef', then there exists a close linear relationship betweenfandf'. This result is a generalization of some results obtained by Rubel and Yang, Mues and Steinmetz, Zheng and Wang, and Qiu. Moreover, examples are provided to show that the conditions in the result are sharp.
Highly Effective Crosstalk Mitigation Method Using Counter-Propagation in Semiconductor Optical Amplifier for Remodulation WDM-PONs
Authors: Pham Quang Thai
Published: October 2014

Remodulation-induced crosstalk mitigation in WDM-PON using remodulation approach is presented in this paper. Utilizing all-optical signal processing, the proposed method has been able to significantly improve system performance in terms of bit error rate (BER) and bit rate distance product. Moreover, the proposed method could be used for both baseband and modulated downstream electrical signals.
Study and Application on Stability Classification of Tunnel Surrounding Rock Based on Uncertainty Measure Theory
Authors: He Hujun , Yan Yumei , Qu Cuixia , Fan Yue
Published: October 2014

Based on uncertainty measure theory, a stability classification and order‐arranging model of surrounding rock was established. Considering the practical engineering geologic condition, 5 factors that influence surrounding rock stability were taken into account and uncertainty measure function was obtained based on the in situ data. In this model, uncertainty influence factors were analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively based on the real situation; the weight of index was given based on information entropy theory; surrounding rock stability level was judged based on credible degree recognition criterion; and surrounding rock was ordered based on order‐arranging criterion. Furthermore, this model was employed to evaluate 5 sections surrounding rock in Dongshan tunnel of Huainan. The results show that uncertainty measure method is reasonable and can have significance for surrounding rock stability evaluation in the future.
Yiqi Formula Enhances the Antitumor Effects of Erlotinib for Treatment of Triple‐Negative Breast Cancer Xenografts
Authors: Liao Ming-juan , Ye Mei-na , Zhou Rui-juan , Sheng Jia-yu , Chen Hong-feng
Published: October 2014

Yiqi formula (YF), a traditional herbal prescription, has long been used to treat triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) patients. The present study aims to investigate the effects and the related mechanism of YF for treatment of TNBC xenografts. MDA‐MB‐231 (human TNBC) cells were subcutaneously injected into the second mammary fat pad of 40 female nude mice, which were divided into four groups: control, erlotinib (an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitor), YF, and combination (YF plus erlotinib). All treatments were administered orally for 30 days. Inhibition rate of tumor weight by erlotinib, YF, and the combination was 26.47%, 17.24%, and 39.15%, respectively. Western blotting showed that YF, erlotinib, and the combination downregulated p‐EGFR (P < 0.01) and p‐Akt1 (pT308) (P < 0.05) and upregulated PTEN compared with control, and the combination was more efficacious than erlotinib alone (P < 0.05). Similar results were detected by immunohistochemistry. Real‐time quantitative PCR showed that YF, erlotinib, and the combination increased PTEN mRNA (P < 0.05, P < 0.01) compared with control, and the combination was more efficacious than erlotinib alone (P < 0.05). In conclusion, YF can regulate the main components of the PI3K/Akt pathway in TNBC xenografts. When YF was used in combination with erlotinib, it enhanced the antitumor effects of erlotinib on TNBC xenografts. These findings suggest that YF is suitable to use for the treatment of TNBC patients.
Contribution ofα,β-Amyrenone to the Anti-Inflammatory and Antihypersensitivity Effects ofAleurites moluccana(L.) Willd.
Authors: Quintão Nara Lins Meira , Rocha Lilian W. , Silva Gislaine Franciele , Reichert Simone , Claudino Vanessa D. , Lucinda-Silva Ruth Meri , Malheiros Angela , Souza Márcia Maria De , Filho Valdir Cechinel , Bellé Bresolin Tania M. , Machado Marina da Silva , Wagner Theodoro Marcel , Meyre-Silva Christiane
Published: October 2014

The aim of the study was to analyze the constituents of the dichloromethane fraction obtained fromA. moluccanaand also to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive properties ofα,β-amyrenone isolated fromA. moluccanain mice. The dichloromethane fraction was evaluated by gas chromatography and submitted to purification. The mixture ofα,β-amyrenone was isolated and then evaluated using the carrageenan-induced paw-oedema or pleurisy and CFA-induced arthritis models in mice. Five triterpenes,α,β-amyrenone, glutinol, andα,β-amyrin were isolated from dichloromethane fraction ofA. moluccanaleaf extract. The mixture ofα,β-amyrenone, dosed orally, was able to reduce mechanical hypersensitivity and paw-oedema induced by carrageenan, interfering with neutrophil migration. Similar results were observed in the carrageenan-induced pleurisy model. Repeated administration of the compounds was also effective in reducing the mechanical sensitization and oedema developed in the arthritis model induced by CFA. In conclusion, the results demonstrate thatα,β-amyrenone interferes in both acute and chronic inflammatory processes. We can infer that these effects involve, at least in part, a reduction in the neutrophil migration. Therefore, it seems reasonable to suggest thatα,β-amyrenone could represent a new therapeutic tool for the management of painful and inflammatory diseases, especially those presenting a chronic profile.