bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Heat Shock Protein 70 Gene Polymorphisms and Cancer Risk: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: He Lei , Deng Tao , Luo He-sheng
Published: July 2014

The polymorphisms in the three main heat shock protein 70 (HSP70-1, HSP70-2, and HSP70-hom) genes were identified to be associated with cancer risk. However, the results are inconsistent. We perform a meta-analysis to evaluate the association between the three HSP70 polymorphisms and cancer risk. Relevant studies were identified using PubMed, Web of Science, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and Wanfang databases up to March 29, 2014. The cancer risk associated with the HSP70 polymorphisms was estimated for each study by odds ratios (OR) together with its 95% confidence interval (CI), respectively. Twenty case-control studies from eighteen publications were included; a significant association was observed for HSP70-2 polymorphism (dominant model: OR = 1.53, 95% CI: 1.11–2.09; recessive model: OR = 1.91, 95% CI: 1.06–3.45; AG versus AA: OR = 1.38, 95% CI: 1.03–1.84; GG versus AA: OR = 2.34, 95% CI: 1.21–4.54), while there was no significant association for HSP70-1 and HSP70-hom polymorphisms. Besides, in stratification analyses by ethnicity, cancer type, and source of control, significant association was detected for HSP70-2 polymorphism, while for HSP70-hom polymorphism, we found a significant association in hospital-based population under homozygote comparison model. This meta-analysis suggests that the HSP70-2 polymorphism rather than HSP70-hom and HSP70-1 polymorphisms was associated with the risk of cancer.
On the Stability of a Functional Equation Associated with the Fibonacci Numbers
Authors: Mortici Cristinel , Rassias Michael Th. , Jung Soon-Mo
Published: July 2014

We prove the Hyers-Ulam stability of the generalized Fibonacci functional equationF(x)-g(x)F(h(x))=0, wheregandhare given functions.
On Convergence of Fixed Points in G-Complete Fuzzy Metric Spaces
Authors: Qiu Dong , Deng Shuai
Published: July 2014

We provide some results on the convergence of the sequence of fixed points for some different sequences of contraction mappings or fuzzy metrics in G-complete fuzzy metric spaces with the H-typet-norms. We improve the corresponding conclusions in the literature.
Chemical Profiling of an Antimigraine Herbal Preparation, Tianshu Capsule, Based on the Combination of HPLC, LC‐DAD‐MSn, and LC‐DAD‐ESI‐IT‐TOF/MS Analyses
Authors: Liang Juanjuan , Gao Huimin , Chen Liangmian , Xiao Wei , Wang Zhenzhong , Wang Yongyan , Wang Zhimin
Published: July 2014

Chemical profiling is always the first task in the standardization and modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine. HPLC and LC‐MS were employed to find out the common chromatographic peaks in various batches of Tianshu Capsule (TSC) and the contribution of the characteristic peaks from individual herbs to the whole chromatographic profile of TSC sample. A total of 38 constituents were identified in TSC sample based on the comparison of retention time and UV spectra with authentic compounds as well as by summarized MS fragmentation rules and matching of empirical molecular formula with those of published components. This is the first systematic report on the chemical profiling of the commercial TSC product, which provides the sufficiently chemical evidence for the global quality evaluation of TSC products.
Chlorogenic and Caftaric Acids in Liver Toxicity and Oxidative Stress Induced by Methamphetamine
Authors: Koriem Khaled M. M. , Soliman Rowan E.
Published: July 2014

Methamphetamine intoxication can cause acute hepatic failure. Chlorogenic and caftaric acids are the major dietary polyphenols present in various foods. The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective role of chlorogenic and caftaric acids in liver toxicity and oxidative stress induced by methamphetamine in rats. Thirty-two male albino rats were divided into 4 equal groups. Group 1, which was control group, was injected (i.p) with saline (1 mL/kg) twice a day over seven-day period. Groups 2, 3, and 4 were injected (i.p) with methamphetamine (10 mg/kg) twice a day over seven-day period, where groups 3 and 4 were injected (i.p) with 60 mg/kg chlorogenic acid and 40 mg/kg caftaric acid, respectively, one day before methamphetamine injections. Methamphetamine increased serum aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin, cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, and triglycerides. Also, malondialdehyde in serum, liver, and brain and plasma and liver nitric oxide levels were increased while methamphetamine induced a significant decrease in serum total protein, albumin, globulin, albumin/globulin ratio, brain serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine, blood and liver superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase levels. Chlorogenic and caftaric acids prior to methamphetamine injections restored all the above parameters to normal values. In conclusion, chlorogenic and caftaric acids before methamphetamine injections prevented liver toxicity and oxidative stress where chlorogenic acid was more effective.
An Evaluation and Implementation of Rule-Based Home Energy Management System Using the Rete Algorithm
Authors: Kawakami Tomoya , Fujita Naotaka , Yoshihisa Tomoki , Tsukamoto Masahiko
Published: July 2014

In recent years, sensors become popular and Home Energy Management System (HEMS) takes an important role in saving energy without decrease in QoL (Quality of Life). Currently, many rule-based HEMSs have been proposed and almost all of them assume “IF-THEN” rules. The Rete algorithm is a typical pattern matching algorithm for IF-THEN rules. Currently, we have proposed a rule-based Home Energy Management System (HEMS) using the Rete algorithm. In the proposed system, rules for managing energy are processed by smart taps in network, and the loads for processing rules and collecting data are distributed to smart taps. In addition, the number of processes and collecting data are reduced by processing rules based on the Rete algorithm. In this paper, we evaluated the proposed system by simulation. In the simulation environment, rules are processed by a smart tap that relates to the action part of each rule. In addition, we implemented the proposed system as HEMS using smart taps.
Use of Electrocautery for Coagulation and Wound Complications in Caesarean Sections
Authors: Moreira Cristiane M. , Amaral Eliana
Published: July 2014

Objective. To evaluate the safety of electrocautery for coagulation during Caesarean sections.Study Design. A randomized, controlled, clinical pilot study was performed at a university maternity hospital. After admission for delivery and decision to perform a C-section, volunteers were randomized to either the intervention group (use of electrocautery for coagulation) or nonintervention group. The women were examined at the time of postpartum discharge (day 3), at days 7 to 10, and again at days 30 to 40 for signs of infection, hematoma, seroma, or dehiscence. Data were analyzed using an intention-to-treat analysis, and risk ratios were calculated.Results. No significant differences were found between the two groups. Only 2.8% of patients in the intervention group developed surgical wound complications during hospitalization. However, 7 to 10 days following discharge, these rates reached 23.0% and 15.4% in the intervention and nonintervention groups, respectively (RR = 1.50, 95% CI = 0.84–2.60).Conclusion. Further studies should confirm whether the use of electrocautery for coagulation does not increase the risk of surgical wound complications in patients undergoing Caesarean sections.
Anterior Segment Optical Coherence Tomography Imaging of Conjunctival Filtering Blebs after Glaucoma Surgery
Authors: Mastropasqua Rodolfo , Fasanella Vincenzo , Agnifili Luca , Curcio Claudia , Ciancaglini Marco , Mastropasqua Leonardo
Published: July 2014

Time domain (TD) and spectral domain (SD) optical coherence tomography (OCT) are cross-sectional, noncontact, high-resolution diagnostic modalities for posterior and anterior segment (AS) imaging. The AS-OCT provides tomographic imaging of the cornea, iris, lens, and anterior chamber (AC) angle in several ophthalmic diseases. In glaucoma, AS-OCT is utilized to evaluate the morphology of AS structures involved in the pathogenesis of the disease, to obtain morphometric measures of the AC, to evaluate the suitability for laser or surgical approaches, and to assess modifications after treatment. In patients undergoing surgery, AS-OCT is crucial in the evaluation of the filtering bleb functionality, permitting a combined qualitative and quantitative analysis. In this field, AS-OCT may help clinicians in distinguishing between functioning and nonfunctioning blebs by classifying their macroscopic morphology, describing bleb-wall features, bleb cavity, and scleral opening. This information is critical in recognizing signs of filtration failure earlier than the clinical approach and in planning the appropriate timing for management procedures in failing blebs. In this review, we summarize the applications of AS-OCT in the conjunctival bleb assessment.
The Role of Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Cardiovascular Aging
Authors: Wu Junzhen , Xia Shijin , Kalionis Bill , Wan Wenbin , Sun Tao
Published: July 2014

Age is an independent risk factor of cardiovascular disease, even in the absence of other traditional factors. Emerging evidence in experimental animal and human models has emphasized a central role for two main mechanisms of age-related cardiovascular disease: oxidative stress and inflammation. Excess reactive oxygen species (ROS) and superoxide generated by oxidative stress and low-grade inflammation accompanying aging recapitulate age-related cardiovascular dysfunction, that is, left ventricular hypertrophy, fibrosis, and diastolic dysfunction in the heart as well as endothelial dysfunction, reduced vascular elasticity, and increased vascular stiffness. We describe the signaling involved in these two main mechanisms that include the factors NF-κB, JunD, p66Shc, and Nrf2. Potential therapeutic strategies to improve the cardiovascular function with aging are discussed, with a focus on calorie restriction, SIRT1, and resveratrol.
Oscillation Theorems for Second-Order Half-Linear Neutral Delay Dynamic Equations with Damping on Time Scales
Authors: Zhang Quanxin , Liu Shouhua
Published: July 2014

We establish the oscillation criteria of Philos type for second-order half-linear neutral delay dynamic equations with damping on time scales by the generalized Riccati transformation and inequality technique. Our results are new even in the continuous and the discrete cases.
Covert Network Analysis for Key Player Detection and Event Prediction Using a Hybrid Classifier
Authors: Butt Wasi Haider , Akram M. Usman , Khan Shoab A. , Javed Muhammad Younus
Published: July 2014

National security has gained vital importance due to increasing number of suspicious and terrorist events across the globe. Use of different subfields of information technology has also gained much attraction of researchers and practitioners to design systems which can detect main members which are actually responsible for such kind of events. In this paper, we present a novel method to predict key players from a covert network by applying a hybrid framework. The proposed system calculates certain centrality measures for each node in the network and then applies novel hybrid classifier for detection of key players. Our system also applies anomaly detection to predict any terrorist activity in order to help law enforcement agencies to destabilize the involved network. As a proof of concept, the proposed framework has been implemented and tested using different case studies including two publicly available datasets and one local network.
Equal Angle Distribution of Polling Directions in Direct-Search Methods
Authors: Van Dyke Benjamin
Published: July 2014

The purpose of this paper is twofold: first, to introduce deterministic strategies for directional direct-search methods, including new instances of the mesh adaptive direct-search (MADS) and the generating set search (GSS) class of algorithms, which utilize a nice distribution of PoLLdirections when compared to other strategies, and second, to introduce variants of each algorithm which utilize a minimal positive basis at each step. The strategies base their PoLLdirections on the use of the QR decomposition to obtain an orthogonal set of directions or on using the equal angular directions from a regular simplex centered at the origin with vertices on the unit sphere. Test results are presented on a set of smooth, nonsmooth, unconstrained, and constrained problems that give comparisons between the various implementations of these directional direct-search methods.
AlGaN/GaN High Electron Mobility Transistors with Multi‐MgxNy/GaN Buffer
Authors: Chang P. C. , Lee K. H. , Wang Z. H. , Chang S. J.
Published: July 2014

We report the fabrication of AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistors with multi‐MgxNy/GaN buffer. Compared with conventional HEMT devices with a low‐temperature GaN buffer, smaller gate and source‐drain leakage current could be achieved with this new buffer design. Consequently, the electron mobility was larger for the proposed device due to the reduction of defect density and the corresponding improvement of crystalline quality as result of using the multi‐MgxNy/GaN buffer.
The Influence of the Coexpression of CD4 and CD8 in Cutaneous Lesions on Prognosis of Mycosis Fungoides: A Preliminary Study
Authors: De Marchi Sergio Umberto , Stinco Giuseppe , Errichetti Enzo , Bonin Serena , di Meo Nicola , Trevisan Giusto
Published: July 2014

Background. Although techniques of immunophenotyping have been successful in characterizing the cells in the cutaneous infiltrates of mycosis fungoides little evidence suggests that variations in the phenotypic characterization correlate with prognosis.Objectives. In a preliminary prospective, single-centre, study we correlated the T-cell phenotype in cutaneous biopsies with the progression of the disease to determine whether the coexpression of CD4 and CD8 has an impact on prognosis.Methods. Skin biopsy specimens from 30 newly diagnosed patients were stained with immunoperoxidase techniques to determine their phenotypic characteristics. After a median followup of 42 months patients were divided into two groups with stable and progressive disease.Results. Eighteen patients had the conventional CD4+CD8− T-cell phenotype. Ten patients showed the coexpression of CD4 and CD8 and had a slightly lower rate of progressive disease.Conclusions. The coexpression of CD4 and CD8 in cutaneous lesions is not rare and is associated with a slightly lower rate of progressive disease. Since double positive CD4/CD8 phenotype is rarely reported in mycosis fungoides the presence on conventional immunophenotyping of both CD may be due to a “mixture” of neoplastic cells and inflammatory CD8+ tumor infiltrating lymphocytes. Immunohistochemical study combined with confocal microscopy could clarify this issue.
Role of Interleukin-6 Correlated to C. pneumoniae Infection as a Biomarker for Prediction of Stroke Severity in Young Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Srivastava M. V. Padma , Bhasin Ashu , Chaudhry Rama , Sharma Sakshi , Vivekanandhan S. , Bhatia Rohit , Tripathi Manjari
Published: July 2014

Background. Stroke in young is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the Indian subcontinent with a reported incidence of 15–30% of all stroke patients. The mechanisms for stroke in the young may include unconventional risk factors such as infections. Causative role of C. pneumoniae infection in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) remains unresolved till date, although the link between C. pneumoniae and cerebrovascular disease has been investigated in many studies. This study examined the upregulation of IL-6 after acute cerebral ischemia and correlated the same with the C. pneumoniae antibody titres (IgG, IgA, and IgM). Methods. We studied blood samples from eighty (n=80) acute stroke patients and healthy age- and sex-matched controls. Venous blood samples were drawn within one week from the onset of stroke. Detection of IgA, IgG, and IgM antibodies to C. pneumoniae was done with a validated microimmunofluorescence (MIF) technique from 5 mL of serum in all subjects. Interleukin-6 was estimated with sandwich ELISA method. Results. The IL-6 levels were elevated in patients with a mean 28.9 ± 8.6 pg/mL as compared to 4.7 + 1.8 pg/mL in healthy age-matched controls (95% CI: 37.7 to 78.4; P=0.004). On correlation of IL-6 to stroke severity, it was found that 30 patients with NIHSS between 0 and 15 had mean IL-6 of 24.6 pg/mL and 50 patients had NIHSS of 18.8 (severely affected) with a mean IL-6 of 43.8 pg/mL. On multivariate analysis after adjusting for sex, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, smoking, and alcohol, the IgA seropositivity yielded an adjusted OR for stroke (4.72; 95% CI: 1.61, 13.83; P=0.005), while IgG seropositivity did not show a statistically significant result. We also observed that 81% of cases were seropositive for IgA versus 32% of controls (P=0.003) followed by IgG, as 52.7% of cases were seropositive versus 17.3% of controls (P=0.05). Multiple regression analysis was done with IL-6 as dependent variable to antibody with IL-6 as dependent variable to Cp-IgA, Cp-IgG, and IgM with 10.4% change in the IL-6 titres showing statistical significant result F(4,115) = 3.32, P=0.01. Conclusions. IL-6 has important role after acute ischemic stroke and is correlated with stroke severity and may correlate to acute or chronic infectious states with C. pneumonia.
T CD3+CD8+Lymphocytes Are More Susceptible for Apoptosis in the First Trimester of Normal Human Pregnancy
Authors: Darmochwal-Kolarz Dorota , Sobczak Ewelina , Pozarowski Piotr , Kolarz Bogdan , Rolinski Jacek , Oleszczuk Jan
Published: July 2014

Aims.Normal human pregnancy is a complex process of many immunoregulatory mechanisms which protect fetus from the activation of the maternal immune system. The aim of the study was to investigate the apoptosis of lymphocytes in peripheral blood of normal pregnant patients and healthy nonpregnant women.Methods.Sixty pregnant women and 17 nonpregnant women were included in the study. Lymphocytes were isolated and labeled with anti-CD3, anti-CD4, and anti-CD8 monoclonal antibodies. Apoptosis was detected by CMXRos staining and analyzed using the flow cytometric method.Results.We found significantly higher apoptosis of total lymphocytes in peripheral blood of pregnant patients when compared to healthy nonpregnant women. The percentage of apoptotic T CD3+CD8+cells in the first trimester was significantly higher when compared to the third trimester of normal pregnancy. The ratio of T CD3+CD4+ : T CD3+CD8+apoptotic lymphocytes was significantly lower in the first trimester when compared to other trimesters of pregnancy and to both of the phases of the menstrual cycle.Conclusions.The higher apoptosis of T CD3+CD8+lymphocytes and the lower ratio of T CD3+CD4+ : T CD3+CD8+apoptotic cells in the first trimester of normal pregnancy may suggest a higher susceptibility of T CD3+CD8+cells for apoptosis as a protective mechanism at the early stage of pregnancy.
A Modified Analytic Function Space Feynman Integral and Its Applications
Authors: Chang Seung Jun , Choi Jae Gil , Chung Hyun Soo
Published: July 2014

We analyze the generalized analytic function space Feynman integral and then defined a modified generalized analytic function space Feynman integral to explain the physical circumstances. Integration formulas involving the modified generalized analytic function space Feynman integral are established which can be applied to several classes of functionals.
Strong Convergence of an Iterative Algorithm for Hierarchical Problems
Authors: Kumam Poom , Jitpeera Thanyarat
Published: July 2014

We introduce the triple hierarchical problem over the solution set of the variational inequality problem and the fixed point set of a nonexpansive mapping. The strong convergence of the algorithm is proved under some mild conditions. Our results extend those of Yao et al., Iiduka, Ceng et al., and other authors.
Efficient Expression of Acetylcholine-Binding Protein fromAplysia californicain Bac-to-Bac System
Authors: Lin Bo , Meng Hailing , Bing Hui , Zhangsun Dongting , Luo Sulan
Published: July 2014

The Bac-to-Bac baculovirus expression system can efficiently produce recombinant proteins, but the system may have to be optimized to achieve high-level expression for different candidate proteins. We reported here the efficient expression of acetylcholine-binding proteins from sea haresAplysia californica(Ac-AChBP) and a convenient method to monitor protein expression level in this expression system. Three key factors affecting expression of Ac-AChBP were optimized for maximizing the yield, which included the cell density, volume of the infecting baculovirus inoculums, and the culturing time of postinfection. We have found it to reach a high yield of ∼5 mg/L, which needs 55 h incubation after infection at the cell density of 2 × 106 cells/mL with an inoculum volume ratio of 1 : 100. The optimized expression system in this study was also applied for expressing another protein Ls-AChBP fromLymnaea stagnalissuccessfully. Therefore, this established method is helpful to produce high yields of AChBP proteins for X-ray crystallographic structural and functional studies.
A Novel Multiple Attribute Satisfaction Evaluation Approach with Hesitant Intuitionistic Linguistic Fuzzy Information
Authors: Yang Shanghong , Sun Zhuo , Ju Yanbing , Qiao Chengya
Published: July 2014

This paper investigates the multiple attribute decision making (MADM) problems in which the attribute values take the form of hesitant intuitionistic linguistic fuzzy element (HILFE). Firstly, motivated by the idea of intuitionistic linguistic variables (ILVs) and hesitant fuzzy elements (HFEs), the concept, operational laws, and comparison laws of HILFE are defined. Then, some aggregation operators are developed for aggregating the hesitant intuitionistic linguistic fuzzy information, such as hesitant intuitionistic linguistic fuzzy weighted aggregation operators, hesitant intuitionistic linguistic fuzzy ordered weighted aggregation operators, and generalized hesitant intuitionistic linguistic fuzzy weighted aggregation operators. Moreover, some desirable properties of these operators and the relationships between them are discussed. Based on the hesitant intuitionistic linguistic fuzzy weighted average (HILFWA) operator and the hesitant intuitionistic linguistic fuzzy weighted geometric (HILFWG) operator, an approach for evaluating satisfaction degree is proposed under hesitant intuitionistic linguistic fuzzy environment. Finally, a practical example of satisfaction evaluation for milk products is given to illustrate the application of the proposed method and to demonstrate its practicality and effectiveness.
Numerical Simulation of an Industrial Absorber for Dehydration of Natural Gas Using Triethylene Glycol
Authors: Dagde Kenneth Kekpugile , Akpa Jackson Gunorubon
Published: July 2014

Models of an absorber for dehydration of natural gas using triethylene glycol are presented. The models were developed by applying the law of conservation of mass and energy to predict the variation of water content of gas and the temperature of the gas and liquid with time along the packing height. The models were integrated numerically using the finite divided difference scheme and incorporated into the MATLAB code. The results obtained agreed reasonably well with industrial plant data obtained from an SPDC TEG unit in Niger-Delta, Nigeria. Model prediction showed a percentage deviation of 8.65% for gas water content and 3.41% and 9.18% for exit temperature of gas and liquid, respectively.
Lattice Boltzmann Simulation of Permeability and Tortuosity for Flow through Dense Porous Media
Authors: Wang Ping
Published: July 2014

Discrete element method (DEM) is used to produce dense and fixed porous media with rigid mono spheres. Lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) is adopted to simulate the fluid flow in interval of dense spheres. To simulating the same physical problem, the permeability is obtained with different lattice number. We verify that the permeability is irrelevant to the body force and the media length along flow direction. The relationships between permeability, tortuosity and porosity, and sphere radius are researched, and the results are compared with those reported by other authors. The obtained results indicate that LBM is suited to fluid flow simulation of porous media due to its inherent theoretical advantages. The radius of sphere should have ten lattices at least and the media length along flow direction should be more than twenty radii. The force has no effect on the coefficient of permeability with the limitation of slow fluid flow. For mono spheres porous media sample, the relationship of permeability and porosity agrees well with the K‐C equation, and the tortuosity decreases linearly with increasing porosity.
The Pro12Ala Polymorphism of PPAR-γGene Is Associated with Sepsis Disease Severity and Outcome in Chinese Han Population
Authors: Ma Guoda , Wang Haiyang , Mo Guixi , Cui Lili , Li You , Shao Yiming , Liu Xin , Xie Yuliu , Li Jia , Fu Jiawu , Tao Hua , Zhao Bin , Zhang Liangqing , Li Keshen
Published: July 2014

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ(PPAR-γ) is a ligand-binding nuclear receptor, and its activation plays a prominent role in regulating the inflammatory response. Therefore, PPAR-γhas been suggested as a candidate gene for sepsis. In the present study, we investigated the association between the Pro12Ala polymorphism of PPAR-γand sepsis in a Han Chinese population. A total of 308 patients with sepsis and 345 healthy controls were enrolled in this study. Genotyping was performed using the polymerase chain reaction-ligation detection reaction (PCR-LDR) method. No significant differences were detected in the allele and genotype distributions of the PPAR-γPro12Ala SNP between septic patients and controls (P=0.622for genotype;P=0.629for allele). However, stratification by subtypes (sepsis, septic shock, and severe sepsis) revealed a statistically significant difference in the frequency of the Ala allele and Ala-carrier genotype between the patients with the sepsis subtype and the healthy controls (P=0.014for allele andP=0.012, for genotype). Moreover, significant differences were found in the frequency of the Ala allele and genotype between the sepsis survivors and nonsurvivors (allP=0.002). In the survivors, the PPAR-γPro12Ala genotype was significantly associated with decreased disease severity and recovery time (allP<0.001). Thus, genetic polymorphism is thought to play a role in the development and outcome of sepsis.
A Novel Chaotic Map and an Improved Chaos-Based Image Encryption Scheme
Authors: Zhang Xianhan , Cao Yang
Published: July 2014

In this paper, we present a novel approach to create the new chaotic map and propose an improved image encryption scheme based on it. Compared with traditional classic one-dimensional chaotic maps like Logistic Map and Tent Map, this newly created chaotic map demonstrates many better chaotic properties for encryption, implied by a much larger maximal Lyapunov exponent. Furthermore, the new chaotic map and Arnold’s Cat Map based image encryption method is designed and proved to be of solid robustness. The simulation results and security analysis indicate that such method not only can meet the requirement of imagine encryption, but also can result in a preferable effectiveness and security, which is usable for general applications.
A Method to Determine Lysine Acetylation Stoichiometries
Authors: Nakayasu Ernesto S. , Wu Si , Sydor Michael A. , Shukla Anil K. , Weitz Karl K. , Moore Ronald J. , Hixson Kim K. , Kim Jong-Seo , Petyuk Vladislav A. , Monroe Matthew E. , Pasa-Tolic Ljiljiana , Qian Wei-Jun , Smith Richard D. , Adkins Joshua N. , Ansong Charles
Published: July 2014

Lysine acetylation is a common protein posttranslational modification that regulates a variety of biological processes. A major bottleneck to fully understanding the functional aspects of lysine acetylation is the difficulty in measuring the proportion of lysine residues that are acetylated. Here we describe a mass spectrometry method using a combination of isotope labeling and detection of a diagnostic fragment ion to determine the stoichiometry of protein lysine acetylation. Using this technique, we determined the modification occupancy for ~750 acetylated peptides from mammalian cell lysates. Furthermore, the acetylation on N-terminal tail of histone H4 was cross-validated by treating cells with sodium butyrate, a potent deacetylase inhibitor, and comparing changes in stoichiometry levels measured by our method with immunoblotting measurements. Of note we observe that acetylation stoichiometry is high in nuclear proteins, but very low in mitochondrial and cytosolic proteins. In summary, our method opens new opportunities to study in detail the relationship of lysine acetylation levels of proteins with their biological functions.
Displacement Back Analysis for a High Slope of the Dagangshan Hydroelectric Power Station Based on BP Neural Network and Particle Swarm Optimization
Authors: Liang Zhengzhao , Gong Bin , Tang Chunan , Zhang Yongbin , Ma Tianhui
Published: July 2014

The right bank high slope of the Dagangshan Hydroelectric Power Station is located in complicated geological conditions with deep fractures and unloading cracks. How to obtain the mechanical parameters and then evaluate the safety of the slope are the key problems. This paper presented a displacement back analysis for the slope using an artificial neural network model (ANN) and particle swarm optimization model (PSO). A numerical model was established to simulate the displacement increment results, acquiring training data for the artificial neural network model. The backpropagation ANN model was used to establish a mapping function between the mechanical parameters and the monitoring displacements. The PSO model was applied to initialize the weights and thresholds of the backpropagation (BP) network model and determine suitable values of the mechanical parameters. Then the elastic moduli of the rock masses were obtained according to the monitoring displacement data at different excavation stages, and the BP neural network model was proved to be valid by comparing the measured displacements, the displacements predicted by the BP neural network model, and the numerical simulation using the back-analyzed parameters. The proposed model is useful for rock mechanical parameters determination and instability investigation of rock slopes.
Two Cases of Severe Preeclampsia Were Diagnosed with HELLP Postpartum after Caesarian Section
Authors: Han Xuechuan , Fan Yang , Yu Yan
Published: July 2014

HELLP occurs in 0.5%–0.9% of all pregnancies. About 30% of the cases happen within 48 hours after delivery. Women with postpartum HELLP syndrome have significantly higher incidences of complications. Because of the absence of classical signs of preeclampsia, it can confuse physicians and lead to delay in diagnosis. Therefore, it is associated with serious maternal morbidity. We present two cases of acute postpartum HELLP syndrome after caesarean section following severe preeclampsia. Our cases were successfully managed with the timely diagnosis and therapy.
Hyperthermia Differently Affects Connexin43 Expression and Gap Junction Permeability in Skeletal Myoblasts and HeLa Cells
Authors: Antanavičiūtė Ieva , Mildažienė Vida , Stankevičius Edgaras , Herdegen Thomas , Skeberdis Vytenis Arvydas
Published: July 2014

Stress kinases can be activated by hyperthermia and modify the expression level and properties of membranous and intercellular channels. We examined the role of c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK) in hyperthermia-induced changes of connexin43 (Cx43) expression and permeability of Cx43 gap junctions (GJs) in the rabbit skeletal myoblasts (SkMs) and Cx43-EGFP transfected HeLa cells. Hyperthermia (42°C for 6 h) enhanced the activity of JNK and its target, the transcription factor c-Jun, in both SkMs and HeLa cells. In SkMs, hyperthermia caused a 3.2-fold increase in the total Cx43 protein level and enhanced the efficacy of GJ intercellular communication (GJIC). In striking contrast, hyperthermia reduced the total amount of Cx43 protein, the number of Cx43 channels in GJ plaques, the density of hemichannels in the cell membranes, and the efficiency of GJIC in HeLa cells. Both in SkMs and HeLa cells, these changes could be prevented by XG-102, a JNK inhibitor. In HeLa cells, the changes in Cx43 expression and GJIC under hyperthermic conditions were accompanied by JNK-dependent disorganization of actin cytoskeleton stress fibers while in SkMs, the actin cytoskeleton remained intact. These findings provide an attractive model to identify the regulatory players within signalosomes, which determine the cell-dependent outcomes of hyperthermia.
Isolated Asymptomatic Short Sternum in a Healthy Young Girl
Authors: Turturro Francesco , Calderaro Cosma , Montanaro Antonello , Labianca Luca , Argento Giuseppe , Ferretti Andrea
Published: July 2014

Congenital sternal defects are rare deformities frequently associated with other anomalies of the chest wall and other organ systems. Although pectus excavatum, pectus carinatum, and cleft sternum can present as isolated deformity, in most cases they are associated with heart and inner organs anomalies and described as symptoms of syndromes like Marfan syndrome, Noonan syndrome, Poland anomaly, and Cantrell pentalogy. In contrast, the etiology of an isolated defect is not well understood. We observed a short sternum (dysmorphic manubrium, hypoplastic body, and complete absence of the xiphoid process) in a completely asymptomatic 13-year-old woman. A comprehensive instrumental exams panel was performed to exclude associated anomalies of the heart and of the other organ systems. The patient was completely asymptomatic and she did not need any medical or surgical treatment. To our knowledge, this is the first case of isolated short sternum reported in literature.
Photoirradiation Caused Controllable Wettability Switching of Sputtered Highly Alignedc-Axis-Oriented Zinc Oxide Columnar Films
Authors: Chi P. W. , Su C. W. , Jhuo B. H. , Wei D. H.
Published: July 2014

This study presents the microstructure morphology and UV photoirradiation coupling effects of the c-axis-oriented zinc oxide (ZnO) columnar films. Highly aligned c-axis-oriented films have been deposited onto glass substrates at room temperature by radio-frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering without introducing any oxygen source under different sputtering powers ranging from 50 to 150 W. Self-assembled ZnO columnar structures that were successfully obtained belong to wurtzite structure, and the corresponding columnar structures and crystalline orientation were confirmed by the FE-SEM and XRD, respectively. All the ZnO columnar films exhibit good transparency with a visible light averaged transmittance over 82%. According to water contact angle (CA) measurement, ZnO columnar films exhibit hydrophobic behavior. After exposing to photoirradiation under ultraviolet (UV) environment, all the ZnO samples showed remarkable transition from hydrophobic to superhydrophilic surfaces and could return to their original hydrophobicity after being placed in the dark. It is demonstrated that the controllable wettability of ZnO columnar films under changing between the UV photoirradiation and dark storage is due to the surface charges accumulation and discharging processes. As a result, this study could provide important applications for many fields such as ZnO-based hybrid sensors/solar cells functional devices with photoirradiation disinfection surfaces accompanied with reversible wettability switches.
Insecticidal Activity and Chemical Composition of theMorinda lucidaEssential Oil against Pulse BeetleCallosobruchus maculatus
Authors: Owolabi Moses S. , Padilla-Camberos Eduardo , Ogundajo Akintayo L. , Ogunwande Isiaka A. , Flamini Guido , Yusuff Olaniyi K. , Allen Kirk , Flores-Fernandez Karen Isabel , Flores-Fernandez Jose Miguel
Published: July 2014

Insecticidal activity of essential oil extracted fromMorinda lucidawas tested on pulse beetleCallosobruchus maculatus, which is a pest that causes serious damage to several pulses. The insecticidal activity was compared with two pesticides, Phostoxin and Primo-ban-20. 120 mixed sex adultC. maculatuswere introduced, along with 30 g of cowpeas. Four concentrations (0.40, 0.20, 0.10, and 0.05 μg/mL) of theM. lucidaessential oil, Phostoxin, and Primo-ban-20 were tested. Essential oil chemical composition was analyzed by GC-MS.M. lucidaessential oil showed a high toxicological effect, producing 100% mortality after 72 hours at a dose of 0.20 μg/mL.M. lucidaessential oil had a potent insecticidal activity (LC90= 0.629 μg/mL) compared to both pesticides, Phostoxin (LC90= 0.652 μg/mL) and Primo-ban-20 (LC90= 0.726 μg/mL), at 24 h. The main compounds of the essential oil were the oxygenated monoterpenoids, 1,8-cineole (43.4%), andα-terpinyl acetate (14.5%), and the monoterpene hydrocarbons, mostly sabinene (8.2%) andβ-pinene (4.0%). Results clearly indicate thatM. lucidaessential oil can be used as an effective alternative for pulse beetleC. maculatuscontrol, and it could be tested against other pulse beetles affecting Asia and Africa and throughout the world, thereby reducing use of synthetic pesticides.
Preclinical and Clinical Effects of Mistletoe against Breast Cancer
Authors: Marvibaigi Mohsen , Supriyanto Eko , Amini Neda , Abdul Majid Fadzilah Adibah , Jaganathan Saravana Kumar
Published: July 2014

Breast cancer is among the most frequent types of cancer in women worldwide. Current conventional treatment options are accompanied by side effects. Mistletoe is amongst the important herbal medicines traditionally used as complementary remedies. An increasing number of studies have reported anticancer activity of mistletoe extracts on breast cancer cells and animal models. Some recent evidence suggests that cytotoxic activity of mistletoe may be mediated through different mechanisms. These findings provide a good base for clinical trials. Various studies on mistletoe therapy for breast cancer patients revealed similar findings concerning possible benefits on survival time, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), remission rate, and alleviating adverse reactions to conventional therapy. This review provides an overview of the recent findings on preclinical experiments and clinical trials of mistletoe for its cytotoxic and antitumor activity and its effect on HRQoL in breast cancer patients. Moreover, studies investigating molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying antitumor activity of mistletoe are discussed in this paper. The analyzed trials provided evidence that there might be a combination of pharmacological and motivational aspects mediated by the mistletoe extract application which may contribute to the clinical benefit and positive outcome such as improved HRQoL and self-regulation in breast cancer patients.
Limit Cycles in a Cubic Kolmogorov System with Harvest and Two Positive Equilibrium Points
Authors: Zhang Qi-Ming , Li Feng , Zhao Yulin
Published: July 2014

A class of planar cubic Kolmogorov systems with harvest and two positive equilibrium points is investigated. With the help of computer algebra system MATHEMATICA, we prove that five limit cycles can be bifurcated simultaneously from the two critical points (1, 1) and (2, 2), respectively, in the first quadrant. Moreover, the necessary conditions of centers are obtained.
Heat and Mass Transfer of Droplet Vacuum Freezing Process Based on Dynamic Mesh
Authors: Zhao Lili , Zhang Yuekai , Zhang Zhijun , Li Xun , Zhang Wenhui
Published: July 2014

A numerical simulation using dynamic mesh method by COMSOL has been developed to model heat and mass transfer during vacuum freezing by evaporation of a single droplet. The initial droplet diameter, initial droplet temperature, and vacuum chamber pressure effect are studied. The surface and center temperature curve was predicted to show the effect. The mass transfer rate and radius displacement were also calculated. The results show the dynamic mesh shows well the freezing process with the radius reduction of droplet. The initial droplet diameter, initial droplet temperature, and vacuum pressure have obvious effect on freezing process. The total freezing time is about 200 s, 300 s, and 400 s for droplet diameter 7.5 mm, 10.5 mm, and 12.5 mm, respectively. The vacuum pressure less than 200 Pa is enough for the less time to freezing the droplet, that is, the key point in freezing time. The initial droplet temperature has obvious effect on freezing but little effect on freezing temperature.
Fermentative Polyhydroxybutyrate Production from a Novel Feedstock Derived from Bakery Waste
Authors: Pleissner Daniel , Lam Wan Chi , Han Wei , Lau Kin Yan , Cheung Lai Chun , Lee Ming Wui , Lei Ho Man , Lo Kin Yu , Ng Wai Yee , Sun Zheng , Melikoglu Mehmet , Lin Carol Sze Ki
Published: July 2014

In this study,Halomonas boliviensiswas cultivated on bakery waste hydrolysate and seawater in batch and fed-batch cultures for polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) production. Results demonstrated that bakery waste hydrolysate and seawater could be efficiently utilized byHalomonas boliviensiswhile PHB contents between 10 and 30% (w/w) were obtained. Furthermore, three methods for bakery waste hydrolysis were investigated for feedstock preparation. These include: (1) use of crude enzyme extracts fromAspergillus awamori, (2)Aspergillus awamorisolid mashes, and (3) commercial glucoamylase. In the first method, the resultant free amino nitrogen (FAN) concentration in hydrolysates was 150 and 250 mg L−1after 20 hours at enzyme-to-solid ratios of 6.9 and 13.1 U g−1, respectively. In both cases, the final glucose concentration was around 130–150 g L−1. In the second method, the resultant FAN and glucose concentrations were 250 mg L−1and 150 g L−1, respectively. In the third method, highest glucose and lowest FAN concentrations of 170–200 g L−1and 100 mg L−1, respectively, were obtained in hydrolysates after only 5 hours. The present work has generated promising information contributing to the sustainable production of bioplastic using bakery waste hydrolysate.
Caffeamide 36‐13 Regulates the Antidiabetic and Hypolipidemic Signs of High‐Fat‐Fed Mice on Glucose Transporter 4, AMPK Phosphorylation, and Regulated Hepatic Glucose Production
Authors: Kuo Yueh-Hsiung , Lin Cheng-Hsiu , Shih Chun-Ching
Published: July 2014

This study was to investigate the antidiabetic and antihyperlipidemic effects of (E)‐3‐[3, 4‐dihydroxyphenyl‐1‐(piperidin‐1‐yl)prop‐2‐en‐1‐one] (36-13) (TS), one of caffeic acid amide derivatives, on high‐fat (HF‐) fed mice. The C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into the control (CON) group and the experimental group, which was firstly fed a HF diet for 8 weeks. Then, the HF group was subdivided into four groups and was given TS orally (including two doses) or rosiglitazone (Rosi) or vehicle for 4 weeks. Blood, skeletal muscle, and tissues were examined by measuring glycaemia and dyslipidemia‐associated events. TS effectively prevented HF diet‐induced increases in the levels of blood glucose, triglyceride, insulin, leptin, and free fatty acid (FFA) and weights of visceral fa; moreover, adipocytes in the visceral depots showed a reduction in size. TS treatment significantly increased the protein contents of glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) in skeletal muscle; TS also significantly enhanced Akt phosphorylation in liver, whereas it reduced the expressions of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) and glucose‐6‐phosphatase (G6Pase). Moreover, TS enhanced phosphorylation of AMP‐activated protein kinase (phospho‐AMPK) both in skeletal muscle and liver tissue. Therefore, it is possible that the activation of AMPK by TS resulted in enhanced glucose uptake in skeletal muscle, contrasting with diminished gluconeogenesis in liver. TS exhibits hypolipidemic effect by decreasing the expressions of fatty acid synthase (FAS). Thus, antidiabetic properties of TS occurred as a result of decreased hepatic glucose production by PEPCK and G6Pase downregulation and improved insulin sensitization. Thus, amelioration of diabetic and dyslipidemic state by TS in HF‐fed mice occurred by regulation of GLUT4, G6Pase, and FAS and phosphorylation of AMPK.
Visual Tracking Using Max-Average Pooling and Weight-Selection Strategy
Authors: Zhu Suguo , Du Junping
Published: July 2014

Many modern visual tracking algorithms incorporate spatial pooling, max pooling, or average pooling, which is to achieve invariance to feature transformations and better robustness to occlusion, illumination change, and position variation. In this paper, max-average pooling method and Weight-selection strategy are proposed with a hybrid framework, which is combined with sparse representation and particle filter, to exploit the spatial information of an object and make good compromises to ensure the correctness of the results in this framework. Challenges can be well considered by the proposed algorithm. Experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed algorithm compared with the state-of-the-art methods on challenging sequences.
Minimally Invasive Esophagectomy for Esophageal Cancer: The First Experience from Pakistan
Authors: Rizvi Farrukh Hassan , Rizvi Syed Shahrukh Hassan , Syed Aamir Ali , Khattak Shahid , Khan Ali Raza
Published: July 2014

Background. Two common procedures for esophageal resection are Ivor Lewis esophagectomy and transhiatal esophagectomy. Both procedures have high morbidity rates of 20–46%. Minimally invasive esophagectomy has been introduced to decrease morbidity. We report initial experience of MIE to determine the morbidity and mortality associated with this procedure during learning phase.Material and Methods. Patients undergoing MIE at our institute from January 2011 to May 2013 were reviewed. Record was kept for any morbidity and mortality. Descriptive statistics were presented as frequencies and continuous variables were presented as median. Survival analysis was performed using Kaplan Meier curves.Results. We performed 51 minimally invasive esophagectomies. Perioperative morbidity was in 16 (31.37%) patients. There were 3 (5.88%) anastomotic leaks. We encountered 1 respiratory complication. Reexploration was required in 3 (5.88%) patients. Median operative time was 375 minutes. Median hospital stay was 10 days. The most frequent long-term morbidity was anastomotic narrowing observed in 5 (9.88%) patients. There were no perioperative mortalities. Our mean overall survival was 37.66 months (95% confidence interval 33.75 to 41.56 months). Mean disease-free survival was 24.43 months (95% CI 21.26 to 27.60 months).Conclusion. Minimally invasive esophagectomy, when performed in the learning phase, has acceptable morbidity and mortality.