Asymptotically exact a posteriori error estimators for first-order div least-squares methods in local and global L₂ norm

Cai, Z.,Carey, V.,Ku, J.,Park, E.J. Pergamon Press ; Elsevier Science Ltd 2015 COMPUTERS & MATHEMATICS WITH APPLICATIONS - Vol.70 No.4

A new asymptotically exact a posteriori error estimator is developed for first-order div least-squares (LS) finite element methods. Let (u<SUB>h</SUB>,σ<SUB>h</SUB>) be LS approximate solution for (u,σ=-A@?u). Then, E=@?A<SUP>-½</SUP>(σ<SUB>h</SUB>+A@?u<SUB>h</SUB>)@?<SUB>0</SUB> is asymptotically exact a posteriori error estimator for @?A<SUP>½</SUP>@?(u-u<SUB>h</SUB>)@?<SUB>0</SUB> or @?A<SUP>-½</SUP>(σ-σ<SUB>h</SUB>)@?<SUB>0</SUB> depending on the order of approximate spaces for σ and u. For E to be asymptotically exact for @?A<SUP>½</SUP>@?(u-u<SUB>h</SUB>)@?<SUB>0</SUB>, we require higher order approximation property for σ, and vice versa. When both A@?u and σ are approximated in the same order of accuracy, the estimator becomes an equivalent error estimator for both errors. The underlying mesh is only required to be shape regular, i.e., it does not require quasi-uniform mesh nor any special structure for the underlying meshes. Confirming numerical results are provided and the performance of the estimator is explored for other choice of spaces for (u<SUB>h</SUB>,σ<SUB>h</SUB>).

Prostate calcifications: A case series supporting the microbial biofilm theory

Tommaso Cai,Francesco Tessarolo,Iole Caola,Federico Piccoli,Giandomenico Nollo,Patrizio Caciagli,Sandra Mazzoli,Alessandro Palmieri,Paolo Verze,Gianni Malossini,Vincenzo Mirone,Truls E. Bjerklund Joha 대한비뇨의학회 2018 Investigative and Clinical Urology Vol.59 No.3

Purpose: Prostate calcifications are a common finding during transrectal prostate ultrasound in both healthy subjects and patients, but their etiopathogenesis and clinical significance are not fully understood. We aimed to establish a new methodology for evaluating the role of microbial biofilms in the genesis of prostate calcifications. Materials and Methods: Ten consecutive patients who had undergone radical prostatectomy were enrolled in this study. All of the patients presented with prostate calcifications during transrectal ultrasound evaluation before surgery and underwent Meares-Stamey tests and clinical evaluation with the National Institutes of Health Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index and the International Prostate Symptom Score. At the time of radical prostatectomy, the prostate specimen, after removal, was analyzed with ultrasonography under sterile conditions in the operating room. Core biopsy specimens were taken from the site of prostate calcification and subjected to ultrastructural and microbiological analysis. Results: The results of the Meares-Stamey test showed only 1 of 10 patients (10%) with positive cultures for Escherichia coli. Two of five patients (40%) had positive cultures from prostate biopsy specimens. Enterococcus faecalis, Enterococcus raffinosus, and Citrobacter freundii were isolated. Ultrastructural analysis of the prostate biopsy specimens showed prostate calcifications in 6 of 10 patients (60%), and a structured microbial biofilm in 1 patient who had positive cultures for E. faecalis and E. raffinosus. Conclusions: Although the findings are supported by a low number of patients, this study highlights the validity of the proposed methodology for investigating the role of bacterial biofilms in the genesis of prostate calcification.

Accidents and Attributions: Differential Consequences for Religious Bias

Rachel Smith,Edward L. Fink,Deborah Cai,Carolyn E. Montagnolo 한국언론학회 2023 Asian Communication Research Vol.20 No.1

As people hear about accidents, they may wonder who is responsible. We extended this work by testing a model of a two-party attribution process that starts with perceptions of self-other overlap. How we communicate about accidents can also shape how people think about the parties involved. To that end, we also examined the effects of including extra-evidential (social) information about the parties involved (e.g., a person’s religion) on self-other overlap and group bias. Participants (N = 252) read one of 12 versions of a vignette about a two-party car accident that varied accident severity, accident commission (i.e., implicit responsibility), and the driver’s stated religion (Christian, Muslim, or unstated). Results showed that as people perceived larger differences between themselves and the accident victim, they judged the victim as more responsible for the accident, the driver as less responsible, and the victim’s behavior as a more essential aspect of the victim’s character. In addition, we found that the driver’s religious label and accident commission interact to influence participants’ perceptions of themselves in relation to the driver (self driver) and in relation to the victim (self-victim) in ways that advantaged the Christian driver but not the Muslim driver. The attribution process also had consequences for Muslim, but responsibility attribution, religious bias, self-other overlap, two-party accidents, accident severity ssed.

Allergic Identification for Ginkgo Kernel Protein in Guinea Pigs

Cai-e Wu,Jian-Ting Yang,Gong-Jian Fan,Ting-Ting Li,Zhen-Xing Tang,Fu-Liang Cao 한국식품과학회 2016 Food Science and Biotechnology Vol.25 No.3

Ginkgo biloba L. can cause allergic reactions when consumed. In this paper, an allergy test to guinea pig was investigated. Guinea pigs were sensitized with 50 mg/mL of ginkgo kernel protein orally on days 1, 3, and 5, and intraperitoneally challenged with 100mg/mL of the protein on day 7 after the last sensitization. The volume of sensitization and challenge was 0.20mL/100 g weight. The results showed the average allergy grade for guinea pigs reached four and the allergy rate was 100%. The immunoglobulin G and E levels in sera were significantly higher than those in the controls. Footpads swelled distinctly, and the passive cutaneous allergy test manifested a positive response. There were inflammatory changes in the lungs and intestines. In conclusion, the present results may indicate that gingko kernel protein has an allergenic capacity.

Crocetin Induces Cytotoxicity in Colon Cancer Cells Via p53-independent Mechanisms

Li, Cai-Yan,Huang, Wen-Feng,Wang, Qun-Li,Wang, Fan,Cai, E.,Hu, Bing,Du, Jia-Cheng,Wang, Jing,Chen, Rong,Cai, Xiao-Jing,Feng, Jing,Li, Hui-Hui Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2012 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.13 No.8

Objective: Crocin has been proposed as a promising candidate for cancer chemoprevention. The purpose of this investigation was to investigate the chemopreventive action and the possible mechanisms of crocin against human colon cancer cells in vitro. Methods: Cell proliferation was examined using MTT assay and the cell cycle distribution fractions were analyzed using fow cytometric analysis after propidium iodide staining. Apoptosis was detected using theTUNEL Apoptosis Detection Kit with laser scanning confocal microscope. DNA damage was assessed using the alkaline single-cell gel electrophoresis assay, while expression levels of p53, cdk2, cyclinA and P21 were examined by Western blot analysis. Results: Treatment of SW480 cells with crocetin (0.2, 0.4, 0.8 mmol/L) for 48 h signifcantly inhibited their proliferation in a concentration-dependent manner. Crocetin (0.8 mmol/L) signifcantly induced cell cycle arrest through p53-independent mechanisms accompanied by P21 induction. Crocetin (0.8 mmol/L) caused cytotoxicity in the SW480 cells by enhancing apoptosis and decreasing DNA repair capacity in a time-dependent manner. Conclusions: This report provides evidence that crocetin is a potential anticancer agent, which may be used as a chemotherapeutic drug.

Bee Venom Ameliorates Cognitive Dysfunction Caused by Neuroinflammation in an Animal Model of Vascular Dementia

Cai, M.,Lee, J. H.,Yang, E. J. Humana Press 2017 Molecular Neurobiology Vol. No.

<P>Vascular dementia (VaD) is caused by the reduction of blood supply by vessel occlusion and is characterized by progressive cognitive decline. VaD incidence has been growing due to the aging population, placing greater strain on social and economic resources. However, the pathological mechanisms underlying VaD remain unclear. Many studies have used the bilateral common carotid artery occlusion (BCCAO) animal model to investigate potential therapeutics for VaD. In this study, we investigated whether bee venom (BV) improves cognitive function and reduces neuroinflammation in the hippocampus of BCCAO animals. Animals were randomly divided into three groups: a sham group (n = 15), BCCAO control group (n = 15), and BV-treated BCCAO group (n = 15). BCCAO animals were treated with 0.1 mu g/g BV at ST36 ('Joksamli' acupoint) four times every other day. In order to investigate the effect of BV treatment on cognitive function, we performed a Y-maze test. In order to uncover any potential relationship between these results and neuroinflammation, we also performed Western blotting in the BCCAO group. Animals that had been treated with BV showed an improved cognitive function and a reduced expression of neuroinflammatory proteins in the hippocampus, including Iba-1, TLR4, CD14, and TNF-alpha. Furthermore, we demonstrated that BV treatment increased pERK and BDNF in the hippocampus. The present study thus underlines the neuroprotective effect of BV treatment against BCCAO-induced cognitive impairment and neuroinflammation. Our findings suggest that BV may be an effective complementary treatment for VaD, as it may improve cognitive function and attenuate neuroinflammation associated with dementia.</P>

Oral Administration and Intralesional Injection of Hyaluronic Acid Versus Intralesional Injection Alone in Peyronie’s Disease: Results from a Phase III Study

Cai Tommaso,Tiscione Daniele,Favilla Vincenzo,Puglisi Marco,Palumbo Fabrizio,Zucchi Alessandro,Malossini Gianni,Palmieri Alessandro,Bjerklund Johansen Truls E. 대한남성과학회 2021 The World Journal of Men's Health Vol.39 No.3

Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare the effect of combined oral administration and intralesional injection of hyaluronic acid (HA) with intralesional injections alone, in patients with early onset of Peyronie’s disease (PD). Materials and Methods: For this prospective, randomized phase III clinical trial we included patients with recent diagnosis of PD. Eighty-one patients were randomized into two groups. Group A consisted of 41 patients receiving oral administration of HA in combination with weekly intralesional injection of HA for 6 weeks. Group B consisted of 40 patients group B who received weekly intralesional injections of HA for 6 weeks, only. The main outcome measures were the changes from baseline to the end of therapy after three months in penile curvature (°) and changes in the international index of erectile function (IIEF-5) score and patient’s global impressions of improvement (PGI-I) score. Results: Group A had a significantly larger reduction in penile curvature as compared with group B (Group A: -7.8°, Group B: -4.1° [p<0.001]). Group A also showed a higher improvement in IIEF-5 and PGI-I scores in comparison with Group B (Group A: +4 IIEF-5, Group B: +2 IIEF-5 [p<0.001]; Group A: 3 PGI-I, Group B: 1 PGI-I, [p<0.001]). At three months both groups had a significant reduction of penile curvature from baseline (p<0.001). Conclusions: Oral administration combined with intralesional treatment with HA shows greater efficacy to improve penile curvature and overall sexual satisfaction in comparison with intralesional HA treatment alone.

Effects of a multi-strain Bacillus species-based direct-fed microbial on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood profile, and gut health in nursery pigs fed corn-soybean meal-based diets1

Cai, L.,Indrakumar, S.,Kiarie, E.,Kim, I. H. Oxford University Press 2015 Journal of Animal Science Vol.93 No.9

<P>This experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of a spp.-based direct-fed microbial (DFM) on growth performance, apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD), blood profile, intestinal histomorphology, and fecal gas emission in piglets fed corn and soybean meal-based diets. The DFM product was based on 1 strain of and 2 strains of and formulated to supply 1.5 ?? 10 cfu/g of feed. A total of 128 piglets ([Yorkshire ?? Landrace] ?? Duroc; 6.8 ± 0.6 kg BW; weaning age: 24 d) were housed in groups (4 pigs/pen, 2 barrows and 2 gilts) and fed diets ( = 16) without or with DFM in a 2-phase feeding program: d 0 to 14 (phase I) and 15 to 42 (phase II). Feed intake and BW were measured weekly. At the end of each phase, samples for blood urea nitrogen (BUN), blood creatinine, ATTD, and fecal noxious gas emission were taken. At termination, 12 piglets per treatment were killed to access intestinal tissues for histomorphology. Overall, pigs fed DFM had a greater ( < 0.05) G:F than pigs fed the control diet. In phase I, pigs fed DFM showed a greater ( < 0.05) ADG and lower ( < 0.05) concentration of BUN and fecal ammonia emission than the control group. In phase II, a greater ( < 0.05) ATTD of nitrogen and longer ( < 0.05) duodenum and jejunum villi were observed in pigs fed the DFM diet compared with the control group. In conclusion, inclusion of DFM improved growth performance and villi length of the duodenum and jejunum in nursery pigs. Furthermore, DFM enhanced protein utilization as demonstrated by increased nitrogen digestibility, lower BUN, and lower fecal ammonia release.</P>

Decrease in the CO2 Uptake Capacity in an Ice-Free Arctic Ocean Basin

Cai, W.-J.,Chen, L.,Chen, B.,Gao, Z.,Lee, S. H.,Chen, J.,Pierrot, D.,Sullivan, K.,Wang, Y.,Hu, X.,Huang, W.-J.,Zhang, Y.,Xu, S.,Murata, A.,Grebmeier, J. M.,Jones, E. P.,Zhang, H. American Association for the Advancement of Scienc 2010 Science Vol.329 No.5991

The neuroprotective effect of eupatilin against ischemia/reperfusion-induced delayed neuronal damage in mice

Cai, M.,Phan, P.T.T.,Hong, J.G.,Kim, D.H.,Kim, J.M.,Park, S.J.,Liu, X.,Han, J.E.,Park, H.,Choi, J.W.,Ryu, J.H. North-Holland ; Elsevier Science Ltd 2012 european journal of pharmacology Vol.689 No.1

Eupatilin, a pharmacologically active flavone derived from the Artemisia plant species, has been reported to have anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, and anti-tumor activities. In the present study, we investigated whether eupatilin exhibits neuroprotective activities against ischemia/reperfusion-induced delayed neuronal injury in mice. Transient global cerebral ischemia was induced in mice by bilateral common carotid artery occlusion (BCCAO) for 15min followed by reperfusion for 4 days. Eupatilin (1, 3, or 10mg/kg, p.o.) was administered immediately after the reperfusion. Histochemical studies showed that eupatilin (10mg/kg) increased the number of viable cells detected by Nissl staining and decreased the number of degenerating neuronal cells detected by Fluoro-Jade B staining in the hippocampal CA1 region. Western blotting indicated that eupatilin further increased the level of Akt phosphorylation at 8h after BCCAO. Furthermore, wortmannin, a phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase inhibitor, attenuated the eupatilin-induced increase of Akt phosphorylation. In addition, wortmannin completely reversed the eupatilin-induced neuroprotective effects observed at 4 days after reperfusion. These findings suggest that eupatilin is a promising therapeutic agent against global cerebral ischemia-induced neuronal damage and that its neuroprotective effects may be mediated in part by increased Akt phosphorylation.