bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Extracts ofArtocarpus communisDecreaseα-Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone-Induced Melanogenesis through Activation of ERK and JNK Signaling Pathways
Authors: Fu Yi-Tzu , Lee Chiang-Wen , Ko Horng-Huey , Yen Feng-Lin
Published: March 2014

Artocarpus communisis an agricultural plant that is also used in folk medicine to prevent skin diseases, including acne and dermatitis. Extracts ofA. communishave been used to effectively inhibit melanogenesis; however, the antimelanogenesis mechanism of these extracts has not yet been investigated. The present study utilized a cell-free tyrosinase assay as well asα-melanocyte stimulating hormone- (-MSH-) induced tyrosinase assay conducted in B16F10 cells, performed a cytotoxicity assay, and determined cellular melanin content to examine the effects of a methanolic extract ofA. communis(ACM) and various organic partition fractions ofA. communison melanogenesis. In addition, we performed western blot analysis to elucidate the mechanism of their antimelanogenesis effect. Our results indicated that, except for the n-hexane extract, ACM and the various partition extracts at noncytotoxic concentrations effectively decreased melanin content and tyrosinase activity by downregulating microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) and phosphorylated cAMP response element-binding protein (p-CREB). Moreover, ACM and the partition fractions activated phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) to inhibit the synthesis of MITF and finally to decrease melanin production. In conclusion, we suggest that noncytotoxic concentrations of ACM and the various partition fractions may be useful as references for developing skin-lighting agents for use in medicines or cosmetics.
A New Type Fuzzy Module over Fuzzy Rings
Authors: Yetkin Ece , Olgun Necati
Published: March 2014

A new kind of fuzzy module over a fuzzy ring is introduced by generalizing Yuan and Lee’s definition of the fuzzy group and Aktaş and Çağman’s definition of fuzzy ring. The concepts of fuzzy submodule, and fuzzy module homomorphism are studied and some of their basic properties are presented analogous of ordinary module theory.
Orthodontic Management of Congenitally Missing Maxillary Lateral Incisors: A Case Report
Authors: Paduano Sergio , Cioffi Iacopo , Rongo Roberto , Cupo Antonello , Bucci Rosaria , Valletta Rosa
Published: March 2014

This case report describes the orthodontic treatment of a woman, aged 15 years, with permanent dentition, brachyfacial typology, with congenitally missing maxillary lateral incisors. Multibracket straightwire fixed appliance was used to open the space for dental implant placement, and treat the impaired occlusion. The missing lateral incisors were substituted with oral implants.
Ruptured Sinus of Valsalva Aneurysm and Coarctation of Aorta in a Woman at Early Postpartum Period
Authors: Sener Erol , Kucuker Aslihan , Bayram Huseyin , Kurt Kadir , Uguz Emrah , Saglam Muhammed Fethi
Published: March 2014

Coarctation of aorta and sinus of Valsalva aneurysm are frequently missed congenital cardiac defects that their diagnosis might be delayed. To our knowledge, coincidence of these cardiac defects is unusual and has not been reported in the literature before. Here, we present a patient with coarctation of aorta and ruptured noncoronary sinus of Valsalva aneurysm leading to aorto-right atrial fistula in the early postpartum period and our management of this unusual case.
Simple and Objective Prediction of Survival in Patients with Lung Cancer: Staging the Host Systemic Inflammatory Response
Authors: Grose Derek , Devereux Graham , Brown Louise , Jones Richard , Sharma Dave , Selby Colin , Morrison David S. , Docherty Kirsty , McIntosh David , McElhinney Penny , Nicolson Marianne , McMillan Donald C. , Milroy Robert
Published: March 2014

Background. Prediction of survival in patients diagnosed with lung cancer remains problematical. The aim of the present study was to examine the clinical utility of an established objective marker of the systemic inflammatory response, the Glasgow Prognostic Score, as the basis of risk stratification in patients with lung cancer. Methods. Between 2005 and 2008 all newly diagnosed lung cancer patients coming through the multidisciplinary meetings (MDTs) of four Scottish centres were included in the study. The details of 882 patients with a confirmed new diagnosis of any subtype or stage of lung cancer were collected prospectively. Results. The median survival was 5.6 months (IQR 4.8–6.5). Survival analysis was undertaken in three separate groups based on mGPS score. In the mGPS 0 group the most highly predictive factors were performance status, weight loss, stage of NSCLC, and palliative treatment offered. In the mGPS 1 group performance status, stage of NSCLC, and radical treatment offered were significant. In the mGPS 2 group only performance status and weight loss were statistically significant. Discussion. This present study confirms previous work supporting the use of mGPS in predicting cancer survival; however, it goes further by showing how it might be used to provide more objective risk stratification in patients diagnosed with lung cancer.
Relationship between Neural Activity and Executive Function: An NIRS Study
Authors: Yasumura Akira , Inagaki Masumi , Hiraki Kazuo
Published: March 2014

Objective. This study examined the relationship between neural activity and executive function (EF) by near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). In addition, an oral reading span test (RST) was used to explore this association.
Methods. Fifteen adults participated in the study. We used the RST and simple reading as the two tasks.
Results. The RST score and cortical hemodynamic response in the left inferior frontal gyrus were significantly correlated.
Conclusion. Based on the oral RST performance assessment and NIRS examination, the present findings suggest a relationship between EF and cortical activation.
Computational Investigation on Fully Developed Periodic Laminar Flow Structure in Baffled Circular Tube with Various BR
Authors: Jedsadaratanachai Withada , Jayranaiwachira Nuthvipa , Promvonge Pongjet
Published: March 2014

This paper presents a 3D numerical analysis of fully developed periodic laminar flow in a circular tube fitted with 45° inclined baffles with inline arrangement. The computations are based on a finite volume method, and the SIMPLE algorithm has been implemented. The characteristics of fluid flow are presented for Reynolds number, Re = 100–1000, based on the hydraulic diameter (D) of the tube. The angled baffles were repeatedly inserted at the middle of the test tube with inline arrangement to generate vortex flows over the tested tube. Effects of different Reynolds numbers and blockage ratios (b/D, BR) with a single pitch ratio of 1 on flow structure in the tested tube were emphasized. The flows in baffled tube show periodic flow at x/D ≈ 2‐3, and become a fully developed periodic flow profiles at x/D ≈ 6‐7, depending on Re, BR and transverse plane positions. The computational results reveal that the higher of BR and closer position of turbulators, the faster of fully developed periodic flow profiles.
Peri- and Postanalgesic Properties of Lidokain, Lornoxicam, and Nitroglycerine Combination at Intravenous Regional Anesthesia
Authors: Cakmak Biricik Melis , Cakmak Gokhan , Akpek Elif , Arslan Gulnaz , Sahin Mehmet Sukru
Published: March 2014

Background.This study was conducted to compare and evaluate the effect of adding lornoxicam or nitroglycerine as adjuncts to lidocaine in intravenous regional anesthesia (IVRA).Methods.60 patients were randomly separated into three groups, lidocaine group (group L), lidocaine + lornoxicam group (group LL), and lidocaine + lornoxicam + transdermal nitroglycerine group (group LL-N). Hemodynamic parameters, sensory and motor blocks onset, and recovery times were recorded. Analgesic consumption for tourniquet pain and postoperative period were recorded.Results.Sensory block onset times and motor block onset times were shorter in the LL-N and LL groups compared with L group. Sensory block recovery time and motor block recovery time were prolonged in the LL and LL-N groups compared with group L. The amount of fentanyl required for tourniquet pain was less in group LL and group LL-N when compared with group L. VAS scores of tourniquet pain were higher in group L compared with the other study groups. Postoperative VAS scores were higher for the first 4 hours in group L compared with the other study groups.Conclusion.The adjuvant drugs (lornoxicam or TNG) when added to lidocaine in IVRA were effective in improving the overall quality of anesthesia, reducing tourniquet pain, increasing tourniquet tolerance, and improving the postoperative analgesia.
A Zone-Based Media Independent Information Service for IEEE 802.21 Networks
Authors: Buiati Fábio , Garcia Villalba Luis Javier , Rupérez Cañas Delfín , Sandoval Orozco Ana Lucila , Kim Tai-hoon
Published: March 2014

Next generation networks integrate different wireless technologies, including Wi-Fi, Wi-Max, and 3GPP (UMTS, HSPA, and/or LTE), in which the mobile node (MN) has the opportunity to switch from one network to another, under an always best connected scheme. In such heterogeneous environment, discovering which types of network connectivity and services are available is a critical challenge. The IEEE 802.21 standard specifies a network information server entity providing network information within a geographical area by which the MN can discover a service or a network. In this paper, we propose a zone-based media independent information service using the IEEE 802.21 standard to accelerate the neighbor discovery procedure. In the proposed scheme, the access networks are associated and grouped in mobility zones, through an efficient set of rules, to minimize the amount of control messages flowing in the core network. Through a NS-2 based simulation, the results demonstrate that the proposed scheme reduces the neighbor discovery delay as well as the signaling overhead if compared with the standard MIIS deployment.
An Inventory Model under Trapezoidal Type Demand, Weibull-Distributed Deterioration, and Partial Backlogging
Authors: Zhao Lianxia
Published: March 2014

This paper studies an inventory model for Weibull-distributed deterioration items with trapezoidal type demand rate, in which shortages are allowed and partially backlogging depends on the waiting time for the next replenishment. The inventory models starting with no shortage is are to be discussed, and an optimal inventory replenishment policy of the model is proposed. Finally, numerical examples are provided to illustrate the theoretical results, and a sensitivity analysis of the major parameters with respect to the optimal solution is also carried out.
A New Multistage Medical Segmentation Method Based on Superpixel and Fuzzy Clustering
Authors: Ji Shiyong , Wei Benzheng , Yu Zhen , Yang Gongping , Yin Yilong
Published: March 2014

The medical image segmentation is the key approach of image processing for brain MRI images. However, due to the visual complex appearance of image structures and the imaging characteristic, it is still challenging to automatically segment brain MRI image. A new multi-stage segmentation method based on superpixel and fuzzy clustering (MSFCM) is proposed to achieve the good brain MRI segmentation results. The MSFCM utilizes the superpixels as the clustering objects instead of pixels, and it can increase the clustering granularity and overcome the influence of noise and bias effectively. In the first stage, the MRI image is parsed into several atomic areas, namely, superpixels, and a further parsing step is adopted for the areas with bigger gray variance over setting threshold. Subsequently, designed fuzzy clustering is carried out to the fuzzy membership of each superpixel, and an iterative broadcast method based on the Butterworth function is used to redefine their classifications. Finally, the segmented image is achieved by merging the superpixels which have the same classification label. The simulated brain database from BrainWeb site is used in the experiments, and the experimental results demonstrate that MSFCM method outperforms the traditional FCM algorithm in terms of segmentation accuracy and stability for MRI image.
Coexistence of Ankylosing Spondylitis and Löfgren’s Syndrome
Authors: Kobak Senol , Sever Fidan , Sivrikoz Oya , Karaarslan Ahmet
Published: March 2014

A 46-year-old male patient diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis presented to our polyclinic with complaints of pain, swelling, and limitation in joint mobility in both ankles and erythema nodosum skin lesions in both pretibial sites. The sacroiliac joint graphy and the MRI taken revealed active and chronic sacroiliitis. On the thorax CT, multiple mediastinal and hilar lymphadenopathies were reported. Mediastinoscopic excisional lymph node biopsy was taken and noncalcified granulomatous structures, lymphocytes, and histiocytes were determined on histopathological examination. The patients were diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis, sarcoidosis, and Löfgren’s syndrome. NSAIDs, sulfasalazine, and low dose corticosteroid were started. Significant regression was seen in the patient’s subjective and laboratory assessments.
Response of a Hypersonic Boundary Layer to Freestream Pulse Acoustic Disturbance
Authors: Wang Zhenqing , Tang Xiaojun , Lv Hongqing
Published: March 2014

The response of hypersonic boundary layer over a blunt wedge to freestream pulse acoustic disturbance was investigated. The stability characteristics of boundary layer for freestream pulse wave and continuous wave were analyzed comparatively. Results show that freestream pulse disturbance changes the thermal conductivity characteristics of boundary layer. For pulse wave, the number of main disturbance clusters decreases and the frequency band narrows along streamwise. There are competition and disturbance energy transfer among different modes in boundary layer. The dominant mode of boundary layer has an inhibitory action on other modes. Under continuous wave, the disturbance modes are mainly distributed near fundamental and harmonic frequencies, while under pulse wave, the disturbance modes are widely distributed in different modes. For both pulse and continuous waves, most of disturbance modes slide into a lower-growth or decay state in downstream, which is tending towards stability. The amplitude of disturbance modes in boundary layer under continuous wave is considerably larger than pulse wave. The growth rate for the former is also considerably larger than the later the disturbance modes with higher growth are mainly distributed near fundamental and harmonic frequencies for the former, while the disturbance modes are widely distributed in different frequencies for the latter.
Land Use Changes and Their Effects on the Value of Ecosystem Services in the Small Sanjiang Plain in China
Authors: Chen Jing , Sun Bo-Ming , Chen Dan , Wu Xin , Guo Long-Zhu , Wang Gang
Published: March 2014

The small Sanjiang plain is one of the most important commodity grain production bases and the largest fresh water wetland in China. Due to the rapid expansion of agricultural activities in the past 30 years, the contradiction between economic development and the loss of ecosystem services has become an issue of increasing concern in the area. In this study, we analysed land use changes and the loss of ecosystem services value caused by these changes. We found that cropland sprawl was predominant and occurred in forest, wetland, and grassland areas in the small Sanjiang plain from 1980 to 2010. Using a model to evaluate ecosystem services value, we calculated that the decreased values of ecosystem services were 169.88 × 108Yuan from 1980 to 2000 and 120.00 × 108Yuan from 2000 to 2010. All of the ecosystem services were diminished from 1980 to 2010 except for food production. Therefore, the loss of ecosystem services value should be considered by the policymakers of land use and development.
Estrogen Deficiency and the Origin of Obesity during Menopause
Authors: Lizcano Fernando , Guzmán Guillermo
Published: March 2014

Sex hormones strongly influence body fat distribution and adipocyte differentiation. Estrogens and testosterone differentially affect adipocyte physiology, but the importance of estrogens in the development of metabolic diseases during menopause is disputed. Estrogens and estrogen receptors regulate various aspects of glucose and lipid metabolism. Disturbances of this metabolic signal lead to the development of metabolic syndrome and a higher cardiovascular risk in women. The absence of estrogens is a clue factor in the onset of cardiovascular disease during the menopausal period, which is characterized by lipid profile variations and predominant abdominal fat accumulation. However, influence of the absence of these hormones and its relationship to higher obesity in women during menopause are not clear. This systematic review discusses of the role of estrogens and estrogen receptors in adipocyte differentiation, and its control by the central nervous systemn and the possible role of estrogen-like compounds and endocrine disruptors chemicals are discussed. Finally, the interaction between the decrease in estrogen secretion and the prevalence of obesity in menopausal women is examined. We will consider if the absence of estrogens have a significant effect of obesity in menopausal women.
Investigating the Impact of Shading Effect on the Characteristics of a Large-Scale Grid-Connected PV Power Plant in Northwest China
Authors: Sun Yunlin , Chen Siming , Xie Liying , Hong Ruijiang , Shen Hui
Published: March 2014

Northwest China is an ideal region for large-scale grid-connected PV system installation due to its abundant solar radiation and vast areas. For grid-connected PV systems in this region, one of the key issues is how to reduce the shading effect as much as possible to maximize their power generation. In this paper, a shading simulation model for PV modules is established and its reliability is verified under the standard testing condition (STC) in laboratory. Based on the investigation result of a 20 MWp grid-connected PV plant in northwest China, the typical shading phenomena are classified and analyzed individually, such as power distribution buildings shading and wire poles shading, plants and birds droppings shading, and front-row PV arrays shading. A series of experiments is also conducted on-site to evaluate and compare the impacts of different typical shading forms. Finally, some feasible solutions are proposed to avoid or reduce the shading effect of PV system during operation in such region.
Symmetric Spaces and Fixed Points of Generalized Contractions
Authors: Alshehri Sarah , Aranđelović Ivan , Shahzad Naseer
Published: March 2014

Some fixed point results in semi-metric spaces as well as in symmetric spaces are proved. Applications of our results to probabilistic spaces are also presented.
Acupuncture Modulates the Functional Connectivity of the Default Mode Network in Stroke Patients
Authors: Zhang Yong , Li Kuangshi , Ren Yi , Cui Fangyuan , Xie Zijing , Shin Jae-Young , Tan Zhongjian , Tang Lixin , Bai Lijun , Zou Yihuai
Published: March 2014

Abundant evidence from previous fMRI studies on acupuncture has revealed significant modulatory effects at widespread brain regions. However, few reports on the modulation to the default mode network (DMN) of stroke patients have been investigated in the field of acupuncture. To study the modulatory effects of acupuncture on the DMN of stroke patients, eight right hemispheric infarction and stable ischemic stroke patients and ten healthy subjects were recruited to undergo resting state fMRI scanning before and after acupuncture stimulation. Functional connectivity analysis was applied with the bilateral posterior cingulate cortices chosen as the seed regions. The main finding demonstrated that the interregional interactions between the ACC and PCC especially enhanced after acupuncture at GB34 in stroke patients, compared with healthy controls. The results indicated that the possible mechanisms of the modulatory effects of acupuncture on the DMN of stroke patients could be interpreted in terms of cognitive ability and motor function recovery.
A Note on Asymptotic Equilibrium for Fuzzy Differential Equations
Authors: Shao Yabin , Zhang Shengui , Xiao Yanping
Published: March 2014

The asymptotic equilibrium results for fuzzy differential systemsGCP x′=f1t,x,y,y′=f2(t,x,y)are investigated, wheref1t,x,ysatisfies the compactness-type andf2t,x,ysatisfies the dissipative-type conditions. It is worth mentioning that the uniformly continuous conditions offt,x,yare removed in Song et al. (2005). That is to say, the results of Song et al. (2005) are extended. In addition, the global existence and asymptotic equilibrium results of fuzzy differential systemsCP x′t=ft,x,x0=x0are obtained.
Unique Surgical Issues in the Management of a Giant Retroperitoneal Schwannoma and Brief Review of Literature
Authors: Kuriakose Santhosh , Vikram Syam , Salih Surij , Balasubramanian Satheesan , Mangalasseri Pareekutty Nizamudeen , Nayanar Sangeetha
Published: March 2014

Ancient Schwannoma, though benign, can cause diagnostic dilemma because of its clinical presentation and imaging features. We report the management of a giant retroperitoneal schwannoma in a 19-year-old young lady who presented with lower abdominal distension. CT scan reported a large heterogenous lesion in the abdominopelvic retroperitoneum (42 cm × 16 cm × 16 cm) as a malignant tumor. The unique problems we encountered were the enormous size, the location of major part of the tumor in the pelvis, the need for fertility preservation, the external iliac vessels stretching over the tumor making mobilization surgically demanding, and the prospects of neurological deficits. An en bloc resection of schwannoma with common iliac, external iliac and internal iliac veins, internal iliac artery, femoral and obturator nerves, and iliopsoas muscle was done maintaining oncological principles. External iliac artery that was cut to facilitate tumor mobilization was reanastomosed at the end of the procedure. Postoperatively patient had uneventful recovery with patchy sensory loss, foot drop, and quadriceps weakness which was rehabilitated with a foot drop splint and active physiotherapy.
Evolutionary Model of Moore’s Law
Authors: Kaldasch Joachim
Published: March 2014

Moore suggested an exponential growth of the number of transistors in integrated electronic circuits. In this paper, Moore’s law is derived from a preferential growth model of successive production technology generations. The theory suggests that products manufactured with a new production technology generating lower costs per unit have a competitive advantage on the market. Therefore, previous technology generations are replaced according to a Fisher-Pry law. Discussed is the case that a production technology is governed by a cost relevant characteristic. If this characteristic is bounded by a technological or physical boundary, the presented evolutionary model predicts an asymptotic approach to this limit. The model discusses the wafer size evolution and the long term evolution of Moore’s law for the case of a physical boundary of the lithographic production technology. It predicts that the miniaturization process of electronic devices will slow down considerably in the next two decades.
Are Adult Businesses Crime Hotspots? Comparing Adult Businesses to Other Locations in Three Cities
Authors: Seaman Christopher , Linz Daniel
Published: March 2014

This study addresses three questions pertinent to the debate concerning the secondary crime effects of adult businesses. (1) Are adult businesses hotspots for crime? (2) How do adult businesses compare with controls with regard to crime? (3) What subclasses of adult business are most likely to be associated with crime? A study of three cities reveals that adult businesses tended to fall outside the heaviest concentrations of criminal activity. Further, adult bookstores were less related to crime than both cabarets and on-site liquor-serving establishments. While adult cabarets were associated with ambient crime, crime was generally equivalent to nonadult liquor-serving establishments. A weighted intensity value analyses revealed that crime generally was more “intense” around liquor-serving establishments than around adult cabarets across the municipalities. These findings suggest that the relationship between cabarets and crime is not due to the presence of adult entertainment per se but rather due to the presence of liquor service. This finding is consistent with central precept of routine activities theory that areas that contain public establishments that serve alcohol facilitate crime.
Sources of Life Strengths Appraisal Scale: A Multidimensional Approach to Assessing Older Adults’ Perceived Sources of Life Strengths
Authors: Fry Prem S. , Debats Dominique L.
Published: March 2014

Both cognitive and psychosocial theories of adult development stress the fundamental role of older adults’ appraisals of the diverse sources of cognitive and social-emotional strengths. This study reports the development of a new self-appraisal measure that incorporates key theoretical dimensions of internal and external sources of life strengths, as identified in the gerontological literature. Using a pilot study sample and three other independent samples to examine older adults’ appraisals of their sources of life strengths which helped them in their daily functioning and to combat life challenges, adversity, and losses, a psychometric instrument having appropriate reliability and validity properties was developed. A 24-month followup of a randomly selected sample confirmed that the nine-scale appraisal measure (SLSAS) is a promising instrument for appraising older adults’ sources of life strengths in dealing with stresses of daily life’s functioning and also a robust measure for predicting outcomes of resilience, autonomy, and well-being for this age group. A unique strength of the appraisal instrument is its critically relevant features of brevity, simplicity of language, and ease of administration to frail older adults.
Simultaneous Determination of Cortisol and Cortisone from Human Serum by Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Lee Sanghoo , Lim Hwan-Sub , Shin Hye-Jin , Kim Seol-A , Park Jimyeong , Kim Hyun-Chul , Kim Hyogyeong , Kim Hyung Joo , Kim Yun-Tae , Lee Kyoung-Ryul , Kim Young-Jin
Published: March 2014

A fast, sensitive, and selective liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method was validated and then the levels of cortisol and cortisone from sera of healthy adults were determined by the LC-MS/MS method. One hundredμL of serum sample was directly extracted by adding 2 mL ethyl acetate, followed by chromatographic separation on a C18 column with a mobile phase consisting of 5 mM ammonium acetate and methanol (25 : 75, v/v). The precision, accuracy, and average recovery of the method were 1.5–5.3%, 95.4–102.5%, and 96.4% for cortisol, and 1.9–6.0%, 89.2–98.8%, and 79.9% for cortisone, respectively. The method was linear from 1.0 to 500.0 ng/mLr2=0.999for cortisol and 2.5 to 100.0 ng/mLr2=0.998for cortisone. The limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) were 0.2 and 1.0 ng/mL for cortisol, and 1.0 and 2.5 ng/mL for cortisone, respectively. The average cortisol concentration (133.9±63.7 ng/mL) of samples collected between 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. was higher approximately 4.4 times than that of cortisone (30.5±10.7 ng/mL)P<0.0001. The average cortisone/cortisol ratio was 0.225. Therefore, the LC-MS/MS method may be useful for the diagnosis of some adrenal diseases and the assessment of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11β-HSD) activity in clinical laboratories.
In VitroAntioxidant and Cytotoxic Activities ofArnebia benthamii(Wall ex. G. Don): A Critically Endangered Medicinal Plant of Kashmir Valley
Authors: Ganie Showkat Ahmad , Dar Tanveer Ali , Hamid Rabia , Zargar Ovais , Abeer Shayaq Ul , Masood Akbar , Amin Shajrul , Zargar Mohammad Afzal
Published: March 2014

Arnebia benthamiiis a major ingredient of the commercial drug available under the name Gaozaban, which has antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing properties. In the present study,in vitroantioxidant and anticancer activity of different extracts ofArnebia benthamiiwere investigated. Antioxidant potential of plant extracts was evaluated by means of total phenolics, DPPH, reducing power, microsomal lipid peroxidation, and hydroxyl radical scavenging activity. The highest phenolic content (TPC) of 780 mg GAE/g was observed in ethyl acetate, while the lowest TPC of 462 mg GAE/g was achieved in aqueous extract. At concentration of 700 µg/mL, DPPH radical scavenging activity was found to be highest in ethyl acetate extract (87.99%) and lowest in aqueous extract (73%). The reducing power of extracts increased in a concentration dependent manner. We also observed its inhibition on Fe2+/ascorbic acid-induced lipid peroxidation (LPO) on rat liver microsomesin vitro. In addition,Arnebia benthamiiextracts exhibited antioxidant effects on Calf thymus DNA damage induced by Fenton reaction. Cytotoxicity of the extracts (10–100 µg/mL) was tested on five human cancer cell lines (lung, prostate, leukemia, colon, and pancreatic cell lines) using the Sulphorhodamine B assay.
Medicinal Plants and Ethnomedicine in Peril: A Case Study from Nepal Himalaya
Authors: Kunwar Ripu M. , Lamichhane Pandey Mina , Mahat Kunwar Laxmi , Bhandari Ananta
Published: March 2014

The impacts of climate change were severe on indigenous medicinal plant species and their dependent communities. The harvesting calendar and picking sites of these species were no longer coinciding and the changes were affecting harvesters’ and cultivators’ abilities to collect and use those species. Secondary sites: road‐heads, wastelands, regenerated forests, and so forth, were being prioritized for collection and the nonindigenous medicinal plant species were being increasingly introduced into the medical repertoire as a substitution and to diversify the local medicinal stock. Acceptance and application of nonindigenous species and sites for livelihood and ethnopharmacopoeias with caution were considered as an important adaptation strategy. Findings on species and site specific accounts urged further researches on medicinal plants, ethnomedicine, and their interrelationship with impacts of climate change.
Multivariate Analysis, Mass Balance Techniques, and Statistical Tests as Tools in Igneous Petrology: Application to the Sierra de las Cruces Volcanic Range (Mexican Volcanic Belt)
Authors: Velasco-Tapia Fernando
Published: March 2014

Magmatic processes have usually been identified and evaluated using qualitative or semiquantitative geochemical or isotopic tools based on a restricted number of variables. However, a more complete and quantitative view could be reached applying multivariate analysis, mass balance techniques, and statistical tests. As an example, in this work a statistical and quantitative scheme is applied to analyze the geochemical features for the Sierra de las Cruces (SC) volcanic range (Mexican Volcanic Belt). In this locality, the volcanic activity (3.7 to 0.5 Ma) was dominantly dacitic, but the presence of spheroidal andesitic enclaves and/or diverse disequilibrium features in majority of lavas confirms the operation of magma mixing/mingling. New discriminant-function-based multidimensional diagrams were used to discriminate tectonic setting. Statistical tests of discordancy and significance were applied to evaluate the influence of the subducting Cocos plate, which seems to be rather negligible for the SC magmas in relation to several major and trace elements. A cluster analysis following Ward’s linkage rule was carried out to classify the SC volcanic rocks geochemical groups. Finally, two mass-balance schemes were applied for the quantitative evaluation of the proportion of the end-member components (dacitic and andesitic magmas) in the comingled lavas (binary mixtures).
Volatile Organic Compounds from the ClonePopulus x canadensis“Conti” Associated withMegaplatypus mutatusAttack
Authors: Lucia Alejandro , González-Audino Paola , Masuh Héctor
Published: March 2014

Megaplatypus mutatus(Chapuis) (Coleoptera, Platypodidae) is an ambrosia beetle native to South America. It builds internal galleries that weaken the tree trunks, causing them severe stem breakage and mortality in commercial poplar plantations. The host selection by maleM. mutatushas previously been correlated with the increasing diameter. This work explores the possibility that differential susceptibility of individual plants toM. mutatuscould be associated with volatiles emitted. The comparison of the VOCs profiles of attacked and nonattackedP.x canadensis“Conti” 12 duringM. mutatusflying season showed both qualitative and quantitative differences. The attacked plants, but not the nonattacked ones, showed the following compounds: a long chain aldehyde,α-ylangene,δ-cadinene,α-gurjunene, andβ-cubebene; on the other side,β-sesquiphellandrene andβ-chamigrene were detected only in nonattacked plants.α-Copaene is a common component of all the samples analyzed, but its proportion is increased in attacked individuals. Behavioral bioassays showed that males but not femalesM. mutatusare attracted toα-copaene. The relative increase ofα-copaene in attacked individuals and the positive behavioral answer of males to it suggest that this compound could play a role in the orientation of the pioneer male towards the most suitable host.
Can Morning Rise in Salivary Cortisol Be a Biological Parameter in an Occupational Rehabilitation Clinic? A Feasibility Study
Authors: Storetvedt Kari , Garde Anne Helene
Published: March 2014

Objective.To test the feasibility of measuring salivary cortisol in an inpatient clinic for occupational rehabilitation, and cortisol as a biological parameter.Methods.In 17 patients in vocational rehabilitation, cortisol in saliva was measured at awakening, 30 min after and before bedtime. The cortisol measures were taken on day 2 and day 22 of the rehabilitation period. Cortisol awakening response was estimated in absolute value and as percent rise of the value at awakening.Results.The cortisol awakening response in absolute value was 6.7 (SD = 4.9) nmol/L on day 2 and 2.7 (SD = 5.6) nmol/L on day 22. The change was not statistically significant. The mean value for cortisol morning rise calculated in percent was 186% on day 2 and 51% on day 22.Conclusion.It is possible to conduct a clinical study including salivary cortisol in a rehabilitation clinic. This study indicates that cortisol morning rise may be a useful biological parameter for effect of intervention in a rehabilitation clinic; this remains to be tested in a larger population.
Researching on Hawking Effect in a Kerr Space Time via Open Quantum System Approach
Authors: Liu Xian-Ming , Liu Wen-Biao
Published: March 2014

It has been proposed that Hawking radiation from a Schwarzschild or a de Sitter spacetime can be understood as the manifestation of thermalization phenomena in the framework of an open quantum system. Through examining the time evolution of a detector interacting with vacuum massless scalar fields, it is found that the detector would spontaneously excite with a probability the same as the thermal radiation at Hawking temperature. Following the proposals, the Hawking effect in a Kerr space time is investigated in the framework of an open quantum systems. It is shown that Hawking effect of the Kerr space time can also be understood as the the manifestation of thermalization phenomena via open quantum system approach. Furthermore, it is found that near horizon local conformal symmetry plays the key role in the quantum effect of the Kerr space time.
Analysis of Volatile Components of Cape Gooseberry (Physalis peruvianaL.) Grown in Turkey by HS-SPME and GC-MS
Authors: Yilmaztekin Murat
Published: March 2014

Volatile components in cape gooseberry fruit at ripe stage were collected using headspace-solid phase microextraction, and analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Three solid phase microextraction fiber coatings (DVB/CAR/PDMS, CAR/PDMS, and PDMS/DVB) were tested for evaluation of volatile compounds. DVB/CAR/PDMS fiber showed a strong extraction capacity for volatile compounds and produced the best result in case of total peak areas. A total of 133 volatile compounds were identified in fruit pulp; among them 1-hexanol (6.86%), eucalyptol (6.66%), ethyl butanoate (6.47%), ethyl octanoate (4.01%), ethyl decanoate (3.39%), 4-terpineol (3.27%), and 2-methyl-1-butanol (3.10%) were the major components in the sample extracts.
Spatial Approximation of Nondivergent Type Parabolic PDEs with Unbounded Coefficients Related to Finance
Authors: Gonçalves Fernando F. , Grossinho Maria Rosário
Published: March 2014

We study the spatial discretisation of the Cauchy problem for a multidimensional linear parabolic PDE of second order, with nondivergent operator and unbounded time- and space-dependent coefficients. The equation free term and the initial data are also allowed to grow. Under a nondegeneracy assumption, we consider the PDE solvability in the framework of the variational approach and approximate in space the PDE problem's generalised solution, with the use of finite-difference methods. The rate of convergence is estimated.
Energy-Efficient Routing Control Algorithm in Large-Scale WSN for Water Environment Monitoring with Application to Three Gorges Reservoir Area
Authors: Zhong Yuanchang , Cheng Lin , Zhang Liang , Song Yongduan , Karimi Hamid Reza
Published: March 2014

The typical application backgrounds of large-scale WSN (wireless sensor networks) for the water environment monitoring in the Three Gorges Reservoir are large coverage area and wide distribution. To maximally prolong lifetime of large-scale WSN, a new energy-saving routing algorithm has been proposed, using the method of maximum energy-welfare optimization clustering. Firstly, temporary clusters are formed based on two main parameters, the remaining energy of nodes and the distance between a node and the base station. Secondly, the algorithm adjusts cluster heads and optimizes the clustering according to the maximum energy-welfare of the cluster by the cluster head shifting mechanism. Finally, in order to save node energy efficiently, cluster heads transmit data to the base station in single-hop and multihop way. Theoretical analysis and simulation results show that the proposed algorithm is feasible and advanced. It can efficiently save the node energy, balance the energy dissipation of all nodes, and prolong the network lifetime.
A Two-Grid Finite Element Method for a Second-Order Nonlinear Hyperbolic Equation
Authors: Chen Chuanjun , Liu Wei , Zhao Xin
Published: March 2014

We present a two-grid finite element scheme for the approximation of a second-order nonlinear hyperbolic equation in two space dimensions. In the two-grid scheme, the full nonlinear problem is solved only on a coarse grid of sizeH. The nonlinearities are expanded about the coarse grid solution on the fine gird of sizeh. The resulting linear system is solved on the fine grid. Some a priori error estimates are derived with theH1-normO(h+H2)for the two-grid finite element method. Compared with the standard finite element method, the two-grid method achieves asymptotically same order as long as the mesh sizes satisfyh=O(H2).
Knockdown of Zebrafish Blood Vessel Epicardial Substance Results in Incomplete Retinal Lamination
Authors: Wu Yu-Ching , Chen Ruei-Feng , Liu Chia-Yang , Hu Fung Rong , Huang Chang-Jen , Wang I-Jong
Published: March 2014

Cell polarity during eye development determines the normal retinal lamination and differentiation of photoreceptor cells in the retina. In vertebrates, blood vessel epicardial substance (Bves) is known to play an important role in the formation and maintenance of the tight junctions essential for epithelial cell polarity. In the current study, we generated a transgenic zebrafish Bves (zbves) promoter-EGFP zebrafish line to investigate the expression pattern of Bves in the retina and to study the role ofzbvesin retinal lamination. Immunostaining with different specific antibodies from retinal cells and transmission electron microscopy were used to identify the morphological defects in normal and Bves knockdown zebrafish. In normal zebrafish, Bves is located at the apical junctions of embryonic retinal neuroepithelia during retinogenesis; later, it is strongly expressed around inner plexiform layer (IPL) and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). In contrast, a loss of normal retinal lamination and cellular polarity was found with undifferentiated photoreceptor cells in Bves knockdown zebrafish. Herein, our results indicated that disruption of Bves will result in a loss of normal retinal lamination.
Constructing the Green Campus within the Internet of Things Architecture
Authors: Wang Hsing-I
Published: March 2014

The “Internet of Things” radically changes the view of the “Internet” by embracing every physical object into network. The vision of “IoT” promises to enhance the capabilities of objects and forms a smart environment so that people will benefit from the IoT revolution. As the global population grows, the resources on earth are depleted quickly. In order to have a sustainable earth, governments around the world put a lot of efforts to advocate the reduction of carbon production as well as to emphasize the benefits of reducing the consumption of energy. The proposition has been promoted on campus of educational institutions as well. Smart campus is a trendy application in the paradigm of the IoT. This research adopts the concept of the “Internet of Things” to construct a green campus environment which will realize the idea of energy saving. The architecture of the construction of green campus is established and three application systems have been developed as well. The efforts of this work allow the campus to manage the computer labs and the air conditioners more efficiently. The sensor network will save more energy since data are reported periodically and the analysis will be carried out in time to locate the problems.
Evaluating Different Aspects of Prospective Memory in Amnestic and Nonamnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Hernandez Cardenache Rene , Burguera Lizmar , Acevedo Amarilis , Curiel Rosie , Loewenstein David A.
Published: March 2014

Prospective memory, the inability to remember an intended action, is a common complaint, but not formally assessed in most clinical and research studies of mild cognitive impairment (MCI). In this study, patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI), non-amnestic cognitive impairment (naMCI), and cognitively normal (CN) elders were assessed using the Miami Prospective Memory Test (MPMT). A unique aspect of the paradigm was that participants were scored for intention to perform, accuracy in recollection for specific elements of the task, and the need for reminder cues. Excellent test-retest stability was obtained for MPMT Event-Related (ER), combined Time-Related (TR) subscales, and total MPMT score for aMCI subjects. MPMT impairments were observed in 48.6% of aMCI, 29.4% of naMCI, and 10.0% of normal elderly participants. Prospective memory deficits were common in participants with aMCI, and occurred in almost a third of naMCI participants. Intention to perform and need for reminder cues were significantly more impaired than retrospective memory for specific details of the task. It is concluded that assessment of different elements of prospective memory is important in MCI research and that inability to remember intended actions is a significant feature in those as risk for Alzheimer’s disease.
Bone Mineral Density in Children and Adolescents with Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia
Authors: Garcia Alves Junior Paulo Alonso , Schueftan Daniel Luis Gilban , de Mendonça Laura Maria Carvalho , Farias Maria Lucia Fleiuss , Beserra Izabel Calland Ricarte
Published: March 2014

Chronic glucocorticoid therapy is associated with reduced bone mineral density. In paediatric patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia, increased levels of androgens could not only counteract this effect, but could also advance bone age, with interference in the evaluation of densitometry. We evaluate bone mineral density in paediatric patients with classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia taking into account chronological and bone ages at the time of the measurement. Patients aged between 5 and 19 years underwent radiography of the hand and wrist followed by total body and lumbar spine densitometry. Chronological and bone ages were used in the scans interpretation. In fourteen patients, mean bone mineral densityZ-score of total body to bone age was −0.76 and of lumbar spine to bone age was −0.26, lower than those related to chronological age (+0.03 and +0.62, resp.). MeanZ-score differences were statistically significant (P=0.004for total body andP=0.003for lumbar spine). One patient was classified as having low bone mineral density only when assessed by bone age. We conclude that there was a reduction in the bone mineral densityZ-score in classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia paediatric patients when bone age was taken into account instead of chronological age.
Modeling and Performance Analysis of an Improved Movement-Based Location Management Scheme for Packet-Switched Mobile Communication Systems
Authors: Chung Yun Won , Kwon Jae Kyun , Park Suwon
Published: March 2014

One of the key technologies to support mobility of mobile station (MS) in mobile communication systems is location management which consists of location update and paging. In this paper, an improved movement-based location management scheme with two movement thresholds is proposed, considering bursty data traffic characteristics of packet-switched (PS) services. The analytical modeling for location update and paging signaling loads of the proposed scheme is developed thoroughly and the performance of the proposed scheme is compared with that of the conventional scheme. We show that the proposed scheme outperforms the conventional scheme in terms of total signaling load with an appropriate selection of movement thresholds.
On Liouville Sequences in the Non-Archimedean Case
Authors: Menken Hamza , Aşan Abdulkadir
Published: March 2014

We study Liouville numbers in the non-Archimedean case. We deal with the concept of a Liouville sequence in the non-Archimedean case and we give some results both in thep-adic numbers fieldℚpand the functions fieldK〈x〉.
Variations in the Flow Approach to CFCLP‐TC for Multiobjective Supply Chain Design
Authors: Hertwin Minor P. , Elías Olivares-Benítez , Ruben Tapia-Olvera , Luis Martínez Flores J.
Published: March 2014

We review the problem for the design of supply chains called Capacitated Fixed Cost Facility Location Problem with Transportation Choices (CFCLP‐TC). The problem is based on a production network of two echelons with multiple plants, a set of potential distribution centers, and customers. The problem is formulated as an optimization model with two objective functions based on time and cost. This paper proposes three changes to the original model to compare the sets of efficient solutions and the computational time required to obtain them. The main contribution of this paper is to extend the existing literature by incorporating approaches for the supply of product to customers through multiple sources, the direct flow between plants and customers, without this necessarily implying removing the distribution centers, and the product flow between distribution centers. From these approaches, we generate mathematical programming models and propose to solve through the epsilon‐constraint approach for generating Pareto fronts and thus compare each of these approaches with the original model. The models are implemented in GAMS and solved with CPLEX.