bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Heterogeneity of intrinsic biophysical properties among cochlear nucleus neurons improves the population coding of temporal information
Authors: Ahn J. , Kreeger L. J. , Lubejko S. T. , Butts D. A. , MacLeod K. M.
Published: March 2014

Reliable representation of the spectrotemporal features of an acoustic stimulus is critical for sound recognition. However, if all neurons respond with identical firing to the same stimulus, redundancy in the activity patterns would reduce the information capacity of the population. We thus investigated spike reliability and temporal fluctuation coding in an ensemble of neurons recorded in vitro from the avian auditory brain stem. Sequential patch-clamp recordings were made from neurons of the cochlear nucleus angularis while injecting identical filtered Gaussian white noise currents, simulating synaptic drive. The spiking activity in neurons receiving these identically fluctuating stimuli was highly correlated, measured pairwise across neurons and as a pseudo-population. Two distinct uncorrelated noise stimuli could be discriminated using the temporal patterning, but not firing rate, of the spike trains in the neural ensemble, with best discrimination using information at time scales of 5–20 ms. Despite high cross-correlation values, the spike patterns observed in individual neurons were idiosyncratic, with notable heterogeneity across neurons. To investigate how temporal information is being encoded, we used optimal linear reconstruction to produce an estimate of the original current stimulus from the spike trains. Ensembles of trains sampled across the neural population could be used to predict >50% of the stimulus variation using optimal linear decoding, compared with ∼20% using the same number of spike trains recorded from single neurons. We conclude that heterogeneity in the intrinsic biophysical properties of cochlear nucleus neurons reduces firing pattern redundancy while enhancing representation of temporal information.
Acid Corrosion Inhibition and Adsorption Behaviour of Ethyl Hydroxyethyl Cellulose on Mild Steel Corrosion
Authors: Arukalam I. O. , Madu I. O. , Ijomah N. T. , Ewulonu C. M. , Onyeagoro G. N.
Published: March 2014

The corrosion inhibition of mild steel in 1.0 M H2SO4solution by ethyl hydroxyethyl cellulose has been studied in relation to the concentration of the additive using weight loss measurement, EIS, polarization, and quantum chemical calculation techniques. The results indicate that EHEC inhibited corrosion reaction in the acid medium and inhibition efficiency increased with EHEC concentration. Further increase in inhibition efficiency is observed in the presence of iodide ions, due to synergistic effect. Impedance results reveal that EHEC is adsorbed on the corroding metal surface. Adsorption followed a modified Langmuir isotherm, with very high negative values of the free energy of adsorption(ΔGads). The polarization data indicate that the inhibitor was of mixed type, with predominant effect on the cathodic partial reaction. The frontier molecular orbitals, HOMO (the highest occupied molecular orbital) and LUMO (the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital) as well as local reactivity of the EHEC molecule, were analyzed theoretically using the density functional theory to explain the adsorption characteristics at a molecular level. The theoretical predictions showed good agreement with experimental results.
Dynamic Pricing of Fashion‐Like Multiproducts with Customers’ Reference Effect and Limited Memory
Authors: Liu Mengqi , Bi Wenjie , Chen Xiaohong , Li Guo
Published: March 2014

We study a fashion retailer’s dynamic pricing problem in which consumers present reference effect and memory window. Based on the theory of Baucells et al. (2011), we propose a new reference‐price updating mechanism in fashion and textile (FT) industry where consumers have a bounded memory window and anchor on the first and most recent price in any memory window. Moreover, we study the impacts of this mechanism on optimal pricing policy for a retailer selling multiple fashion‐like products and analyze optimal price’s steady state, monotonicity, and convergence. For two‐product case, we find that, for otherwise identical products, the steady‐state price of a core product is lower than that of a noncore product. We compute the retailer’s loss of revenue if he incorrectly assumes the reference‐price effect to be at the product level and prices the products individually. Further, as illustrated with numerical results, our model is a flexible way to make pricing strategy if the retailer can anticipate the length of consumers’ memory window.
Cultural‐Based Genetic Tabu Algorithm for Multiobjective Job Shop Scheduling
Authors: Yang Yuzhen , Gu Xingsheng
Published: March 2014

The job shop scheduling problem, which has been dealt with by various traditional optimization methods over the decades, has proved to be an NP‐hard problem and difficult in solving, especially in the multiobjective field. In this paper, we have proposed a novel quadspace cultural genetic tabu algorithm (QSCGTA) to solve such problem. This algorithm provides a different structure from the original cultural algorithm in containing double brief spaces and population spaces. These spaces deal with different levels of populations globally and locally by applying genetic and tabu searches separately and exchange information regularly to make the process more effective towards promising areas, along with modified multiobjective domination and transform functions. Moreover, we have presented a bidirectional shifting for the decoding process of job shop scheduling. The computational results we presented significantly prove the effectiveness and efficiency of the cultural‐based genetic tabu algorithm for the multiobjective job shop scheduling problem.
Caristi Fixed Point Theorem in Metric Spaces with a Graph
Authors: Alfuraidan M. R. , Khamsi M. A.
Published: March 2014

We discuss Caristi’s fixed point theorem for mappings defined on a metric space endowed with a graph. This work should be seen as a generalization of the classical Caristi’s fixed point theorem. It extends some recent works on the extension of Banach contraction principle to metric spaces with graph.
Improved Design of Anaerobic Digesters for Household Biogas Production in Indonesia: One Cow, One Digester, and One Hour of Cooking per Day
Authors: Usack Joseph G. , Wiratni Wiratni , Angenent Largus T.
Published: March 2014

A government-sponsored initiative in Indonesia to design and implement low-cost anaerobic digestion systems resulted in 21 full-scale systems with the aim to satisfy the cooking fuel demands of rural households owning at least one cow. The full-scale design consisted of a 0.3 m diameter PVC pipe, which was operated as a conventional plug-flow system. The system generated enough methane to power a cooking stove for∼1 h. However, eventual clogging from solids accumulation inside the bioreactor proved to be a major drawback. Here, we improved the digester configuration to remedy clogging while maintaining system performance. Controlled experiments were performed using four 9-L laboratory-scale digesters operated at a temperature of27±1°C, a volatile solids loading rate of 2.0 g VS·L−1·day−1, and a 21-day hydraulic retention time. Two of the digesters were replicates of the original design (control digesters), while the other two digesters included internal mixing or effluent recycle (experimental digesters). The performance of each digester was compared based on methane yields, VS removal efficiencies, and steady-state solids concentrations during an operating period of 311 days. Statistical analyses revealed that internal mixing and effluent recycling resulted in reduced solids accumulation compared to the controls without diminishing methane yields or solids removal efficiencies.
The Cores for Fuzzy Games Represented by the Concave Integral
Authors: Pang Jinhui , Li Shujin
Published: March 2014

We propose a new fuzzy game model by the concave integral by assigning subjective expected values to random variables in the interval[0,1]. The explicit formulas of characteristic functions which are determined by coalition variables are discussed in detail. After illustrating some properties of the new game, its fuzzy core is defined; this is a generalization of crisp core. Moreover, we give a further discussion on the core for the new games. Some notions and results from classical games are extended to the model. The nonempty fuzzy core is given in terms of the fuzzy convexity. Our results develop some known fuzzy cooperative games.
Internal Leakage Fault Detection and Tolerant Control of Single‐Rod Hydraulic Actuators
Authors: Yao Jianyong , Yang Guichao , Ma Dawei
Published: March 2014

The integration of internal leakage fault detection and tolerant control for single‐rod hydraulic actuators is present in this paper. Fault detection is a potential technique to provide efficient condition monitoring and/or preventive maintenance, and fault tolerant control is a critical method to improve the safety and reliability of hydraulic servo systems. Based on quadratic Lyapunov functions, a performance‐oriented fault detection method is proposed, which has a simple structure and is prone to implement in practice. The main feature is that, when a prescribed performance index is satisfied (even a slight fault has occurred), there is no fault alarmed; otherwise (i.e., a severe fault has occurred), the fault is detected and then a fault tolerant controller is activated. The proposed tolerant controller, which is based on the parameter adaptive methodology, is also prone to realize, and the learning mechanism is simple since only the internal leakage is considered in parameter adaptation and thus the persistent exciting (PE) condition is easily satisfied. After the activation of the fault tolerant controller, the control performance is gradually recovered. Simulation results on a hydraulic servo system with both abrupt and incipient internal leakage fault demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed fault detection and tolerant control method.
A New Biplane Ultrasound Probe for Real-Time Visualization and Cannulation of the Internal Jugular Vein
Authors: Kaplowitz Jeremy , Bigeleisen Paul
Published: March 2014

Ultrasound guidance is recommended for cannulation of the internal jugular vein. Use of ultrasound allows you to identify relevant anatomy and possible anatomical anomalies. The most common approach is performed while visualizing the vein transversely and inserting the needle out of plane to the probe. With this approach needle tip visualization may be difficult. We report the use of a new biplane ultrasound probe which allows the user to simultaneously view the internal jugular vein in transverse and longitudinal views in real time. Use of this probe enhances needle visualization during venous cannulation.
A New Optimal Eighth-Order Ostrowski-Type Family of Iterative Methods for Solving Nonlinear Equations
Authors: Lotfi Taher , Eftekhari Tahereh
Published: March 2014

Based on Ostrowski's method, a new family of eighth-order iterative methods for solving nonlinear equations by using weight function methods is presented. Per iteration the new methods require
three evaluations of the function and one evaluation of its first derivative. Therefore, this family of methods has the efficiency index which equals 1.682. Kung and Traub conjectured that a multipoint iteration without
memory based on n evaluations could achieve optimal convergence order
2n−1. Thus, we provide a new class which agrees with the conjecture of Kung-Traub for n=4. Numerical comparisons are made to show the performance of the presented methods.
Local Convexity-PreservingC2Rational Cubic Spline for Convex Data
Authors: Abbas Muhammad , Abd Majid Ahmad , Ali Jamaludin Md.
Published: March 2014

We present the smooth and visually pleasant display of 2D data when it is convex, which is contribution towards the improvements over existing methods. This improvement can be used to get the more accurate results. An attempt has been made in order to develop the local convexity-preserving interpolant for convex data usingC2rational cubic spline. It involves three families of shape parameters in its representation. Data dependent sufficient constraints are imposed on single shape parameter to conserve the inherited shape feature of data. Remaining two of these shape parameters are used for the modification of convex curve to get a visually pleasing curve according to industrial demand. The scheme is tested through several numerical examples, showing that the scheme is local, computationally economical, and visually pleasing.
Identification of Sphingomyelinase on the Surface ofChlamydia pneumoniae: Possible Role in the Entry into Its Host Cells
Authors: Peñate Medina Tuula A. , Korhonen Juha T. , Lahesmaa Riitta , Puolakkainen Mirja , Peñate Medina Oula , Kinnunen Paavo K. J.
Published: March 2014

We have recently suggested a novel mechanism, autoendocytosis, for the entry of certain microbes into their hosts, with a key role played by the sphingomyelinase-catalyzed topical conversion of sphingomyelin to ceramide, the differences in the biophysical properties of these two lipids providing the driving force. The only requirement for such microbes to utilize this mechanism is that they should have a catalytically active SMase on their outer surface while the target cells should expose sphingomyelin in the external leaflet of their plasma membrane. In pursuit of possible microbial candidates, which could utilize this putative mechanism, we conducted a sequence similarity search for SMase. Because of the intriguing cellular and biochemical characteristics of the poorly understood entry ofChlamydiainto its host cells these microbes were of particular interest. SMase activity was measuredin vitrofrom isolatedC. pneumoniaeelementary bodies (EB) and in the lysate fromE. colicells transfected with a plasmid expressing CPn0300 protein having sequence similarity to SMase. Finally, pretreatment of host cells with exogenous SMase resulting in loss plasma membrane sphingomyelin attenuated attachment of EB.
Experimental Inoculation of BFDV-Positive Budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus) with TwoMycobacterium aviumsubsp.aviumIsolates
Authors: Ledwoń Aleksandra , Sapierzyński Rafał , Augustynowicz-Kopeć Ewa , Szeleszczuk Piotr , Kozak Marcin
Published: March 2014

Beak and feather disease virus- (BFDV-) positive (naturally infected) but clinically healthy budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus) were inoculated with two isolates ofMycobacterium aviumsubsp.aviumisolated from naturally infected golden pheasant (Chrysolophus pictus) and peafowl (Pavo cristatus). During a period of more than two months after inoculation, samples of cloacal and crop swabs, faeces, and blood were obtained for BFDV andMycobacterium aviumtesting with PCR. Birds were euthanized nine weeks after inoculation. All infected budgerigars developed signs typical of mycobacteriosis, but more advanced clinical and pathological changes were visible in the group infected with the pheasant isolate. Only a few cloacal and crop swab samples were positive forMycobacterium aviumsubsp.aviumdespite advanced pathological changes in the internal organs. In the groups infected with mycobacterium isolates the frequency of BFDV-positive samples was higher than in the control group. In the infected groups the frequency of BFDV was substantially higher in the cloacal swabs of birds inoculated with the pheasant isolate than in the peafowl-isolate-infected group.
The Optimal Portfolio Selection Model underg-Expectation
Authors: Li Li
Published: March 2014

This paper solves the optimal portfolio selection model under the framework of the prospect theory proposed by Kahneman and Tversky in the 1970s with decision rule replaced by theg-expectation introduced by Peng. This model was established in the general continuous time setting and firstly adopted theg-expectation to replace Choquet expectation adopted in the work of Jin and Zhou, 2008. Using different S-shaped utility functions andg-functions to represent the investors' different uncertainty attitudes towards losses and gains makes the model not only more realistic but also more difficult to deal with. Although the models are mathematically complicated and sophisticated, the optimal solution turns out to be surprisingly simple, the payoff of a portfolio of two binary claims. Also I give the economic meaning of my model and the comparison with that one in the work of Jin and Zhou, 2008.
Mathematical Morphology on Hypergraphs Using Vertex-Hyperedge Correspondence
Authors: Sebastian Bino , Unnikrishnan A. , Balakrishnan Kannan , Ramkumar P. B.
Published: March 2014

The focus of this paper is to develop computationally efficient mathematical morphology operators on hypergraphs. To this aim we consider lattice structures on hypergraphs on which we build morphological operators. We develop a pair of dual adjunctions between the vertex set and the hyperedge set of a hypergraph H, by defining a vertex-hyperedge correspondence. This allows us to recover the classical notion of a dilation/erosion of a subset of vertices and to extend it to subhypergraphs of H. This paper also studies the concept of morphological adjunction on hypergraphs for which both the input and the output are hypergraphs.
Functional Balance and Motor Impairment Correlations with Gait Parameters during Timed Up and Go Test across Three Attentional Loading Conditions in Stroke Survivors
Authors: Manaf Haidzir , Justine Maria , Omar Mazlifah
Published: March 2014

The aim of this study was to determine whether stroke survivor’s gait performance during dual-task Timed Up and Go (TUG) test is correlated with the level of functional balance and motor impairment. Thirty stroke survivors (22 men, 8 women) were recruited for this study. The level of functional balance (Berg Balance Scale) and motor impairment (Fugl-Meyer assessment lower extremity) were assessed prior to the TUG test. TUG test was conducted under three attentional loading conditions (single, dual motor, and dual-cognitive). The time and number of steps were used to quantify gait parameters. The Spearmen’s rank correlation coefficient was used to evaluate the relationship between these variables. There was moderate to strong negative correlation between functional balance and gait parameters (range −0.53 to −0.73,P<0.05). There was a weak negative correlation observed between the time taken to complete the single task and motor impairment (rs=-0.43;P=0.02) dual motor task and motor impairment (rs=-0.41;P=0.02). However, there were no significant correlations between lower limb motor impairment and the number of steps in all conditions. These findings suggest that functional balance may be an influential domain of successful dual-task TUG in stroke.
Yarrowia lipolyticaand Its Multiple Applications in the Biotechnological Industry
Authors: Gonçalves F. A. G. , Colen G. , Takahashi J. A.
Published: March 2014

Yarrowia lipolyticais a nonpathogenic dimorphic aerobic yeast that stands out due to its ability to grow in hydrophobic environments. This property allowed this yeast to develop an ability to metabolize triglycerides and fatty acids as carbon sources. This feature enables using this species in the bioremediation of environments contaminated with oil spill. In addition,Y. lipolyticahas been calling the interest of researchers due to its huge biotechnological potential, associated with the production of several types of metabolites, such as bio-surfactants,γ-decalactone, citric acid, and intracellular lipids and lipase. The production of a metabolite rather than another is influenced by the growing conditions to whichY. lipolyticais subjected. The choice of carbon and nitrogen sources to be used, as well as their concentrations in the growth medium, and the careful determination of fermentation parameters, pH, temperature, and agitation (oxygenation), are essential for efficient metabolites production. This review discusses the biotechnological potential ofY. lipolyticaand the best growing conditions for production of some metabolites of biotechnological interest.
Cloning and Expression of a Cytosolic HSP90 Gene inChlorella vulgaris
Authors: Liu Zhengyi , Zhang Lei , Pu Yang , Liu Zhaopu , Li Zhiling , Zhao Yushan , Qin Song
Published: March 2014

Heat shock protein 90 (HSP90), a highly conserved molecular chaperone, plays essential roles in folding, keeping structural integrity, and regulating the subset of cytosolic proteins. We cloned the cDNA ofChlorella vulgarisHSP90 (named CvHSP90) by combining homology cloning with rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE). Sequence analysis indicated that CvHSP90 is a cytosolic member of the HSP90 family. Quantitative RT-PCR was applied to determine the expression level of messenger RNA (mRNA) in CvHSP90 under different stress conditions.C. vulgariswas kept in different temperatures (5–45°C) for 1 h. The mRNA expression level of CvHSP90 increased with temperature from 5 to 10°C, went further from 35 to 40°C, and reached the maximum at 40°C. On the other hand, forC. vulgariskept at 35°C for different durations, the mRNA expression level of CvHSP90 increased gradually and reached the peak at 7 h and then declined progressively. In addition, the expression level of CvHSP90 at 40 or 45 in salinity (‰) was almost fourfold of that at 25 in salinity (‰) for 2 h. Therefore, CvHSP90 may be a potential biomarker to monitor environment changes.
Dynamics of a New Strain of the H1N1 Influenza A Virus Incorporating the Effects of Repetitive Contacts
Authors: Pongsumpun Puntani , Tang I-Ming
Published: March 2014

The respiratory disease caused by the Influenza A Virus is occurring worldwide. The transmission for new strain of the H1N1 Influenza A virus is studied by formulating a SEIQR (susceptible, exposed, infected, quarantine, and recovered) model to describe its spread. In the present model, we have assumed that a fraction of the infected population will die from the disease. This changes the mathematical equations governing the transmission. The effect of repetitive contact is also included in the model. Analysis of the model by using standard dynamical modeling method is given. Conditions for the stability of equilibrium state are given. Numerical solutions are presented for different values of parameters. It is found that increasing the amount of repetitive contacts leads to a decrease in the peak numbers of exposed and infectious humans. A stability analysis shows that the solutions are robust.
The Protective Effects of Insulin and Natural Honey against Hippocampal Cell Death in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats
Authors: Jafari Anarkooli Iraj , Barzegar Ganji Hossein , Pourheidar Maryam
Published: March 2014

We investigated the effects of insulin and honey as antioxidants to prevent the hippocampal cell death in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. We selected sixty Wister rats (5 groups of 12 animals each), including the control group (C), and four diabetic groups (control (D) and 3 groups treated with insulin (I), honey (H), and insulin plus honey (I + H)). Diabetes was induced by streptozotocin injection (IP, 60 mg/kg). Six weeks after the induction of diabetes, the group I received insulin (3-4 U/kg/day, SC), group H received honey (5 mg/kg/day, IP), and group I + H received a combination of the above at the same dose. Groups C and D received normal saline. Two weeks after treatment, rats were sacrificed and the hippocampus was extracted. Neuronal cell death in the hippocampal region was examined using trypan blue assay, “H & E” staining, and TUNEL assay. Cell viability assessment showed significantly lower number of living cells in group D than in group C. Besides, the mean number of living cells was significantly higher in group I, H, and I + H compared to group D. Therefore, it can be concluded that the treatment of the diabetic rats with insulin, honey, and a combination of insulin and honey can prevent neuronal cell death in different hippocampal areas of the studied samples.
Synthesis and Characterization of Cobalt Nanoparticles Using Hydrazine and Citric Acid
Authors: Salman S. A. , Usami T. , Kuroda K. , Okido M.
Published: March 2014

Cobalt nanoparticles were produced by employing the liquid-phase reduction method and hydrazine. The effect of citric acid additives on the formation and growth mechanism of cobalt nanoparticles was investigated using polarization methods. The cobalt nanoparticles produced in 0.2 M cobalt sulfate and 5 M hydrazine at 298 K had a spherical shape with a diameter of 400 nm. The dendritic nanoparticles formed with the decreasing of hydrazine concentration at 298 K. On the other hand, dendritic large particles are confirmed at 353 K. It was confirmed that the reduction reaction progressed with the addition of citric acid, and a hexagonal close-packed (εCo) phase was formed.
Strategies for Exploiting Independent Cloud Implementations of Biometric Experts in Multibiometric Scenarios
Authors: Peer P. , Emeršič Ž. , Bule J. , Žganec-Gros J. , Štruc V.
Published: March 2014

Cloud computing represents one of the fastest growing areas of technology and offers a new computing model for various applications and services. This model is particularly interesting for the area of biometric recognition, where scalability, processing power, and storage requirements are becoming a bigger and bigger issue with each new generation of recognition technology. Next to the availability of computing resources, another important aspect of cloud computing with respect to biometrics is accessibility. Since biometric cloud services are easily accessible, it is possible to combine different existing implementations and design new multibiometric services that next to almost unlimited resources also offer superior recognition performance and, consequently, ensure improved security to its client applications. Unfortunately, the literature on the best strategies of how to combine existing implementations of cloud‐based biometric experts into a multibiometric service is virtually nonexistent. In this paper, we try to close this gap and evaluate different strategies for combining existing biometric experts into a multibiometric cloud service. We analyze the (fusion) strategies from different perspectives such as performance gains, training complexity, or resource consumption and present results and findings important to software developers and other researchers working in the areas of biometrics and cloud computing. The analysis is conducted based on two biometric cloud services, which are also presented in the paper.
Chinese Location Word Recognition Using Service Context Information for Location‐Based Service
Authors: Cheng Jiujun , Hou Jingyu , Yan Chendan , Cheng Junlu , Zhang Qingyang
Published: March 2014

With the development of mobile networks and positioning technology, extensive attention focuses on the location‐based service (LBS) which processes the application data including user queries, information searches, and user comments by the location information. In LBS, the recognition of the location word in user messages is meaningful and important. The location word recognition in LBS is different from the traditional named entity recognition, owing to the additional information such as user location coordinates in LBS. This paper proposes a method that adds the service context information including user location coordinates and message timestamps into the machine learning to improve the accuracy of the Chinese location word recognition. The experiment based on microblog datasets in mobile environment proves the viability and effectiveness of this method.
The Architecture of Risk for Type 2 Diabetes: Understanding Asia in the Context of Global Findings
Authors: Abdullah Noraidatulakma , Attia John , Oldmeadow Christopher , Scott Rodney J. , Holliday Elizabeth G.
Published: March 2014

The prevalence of Type 2 diabetes is rising rapidly in both developed and developing countries. Asia is developing as the epicentre of the escalating pandemic, reflecting rapid transitions in demography, migration, diet, and lifestyle patterns. The effective management of Type 2 diabetes in Asia may be complicated by differences in prevalence, risk factor profiles, genetic risk allele frequencies, and gene-environment interactions between different Asian countries, and between Asian and other continental populations. To reduce the worldwide burden of T2D, it will be important to understand the architecture of T2D susceptibility both within and between populations. This review will provide an overview of known genetic and nongenetic risk factors for T2D, placing the results from Asian studies in the context of broader global research. Given recent evidence from large-scale genetic studies of T2D, we place special emphasis on emerging knowledge about the genetic architecture of T2D and the potential contribution of genetic effects to population differences in risk.
Hiding a Covert Digital Image by Assembling the RSA Encryption Method and the Binary Encoding Method
Authors: Lin Kuang Tsan , Yeh Sheng Lih
Published: March 2014

The Rivest‐Shamir‐Adleman (RSA) encryption method and the binary encoding method are assembled to form a hybrid hiding method to hide a covert digital image into a dot‐matrix holographic image. First, the RSA encryption method is used to transform the covert image to form a RSA encryption data string. Then, all the elements of the RSA encryption data string are transferred into binary data. Finally, the binary data are encoded into the dot‐matrix holographic image. The pixels of the dot‐matrix holographic image contain seven groups of codes used for reconstructing the covert image. The seven groups of codes are identification codes, covert‐image dimension codes, covert‐image graylevel codes, pre‐RSA bit number codes, RSA key codes, post‐RSA bit number codes, and information codes. The reconstructed covert image derived from the dot‐matrix holographic image and the original covert image are exactly the same.
Parameters Approach Applied on Nonlinear Oscillators
Authors: Khan Najeeb Alam , Riaz Fatima , Khan Nadeem Alam
Published: March 2014

We applied an approach to obtain the natural frequency of the generalized Duffing oscillatoru¨+u+α3u3+α5u5+α7u7+⋯+αnun=0and a nonlinear oscillator with a restoring force which is the function of a noninteger power exponent of deflectionu¨+αu|u|n−1=0. This approach is based on involved parameters, initial conditions, and collocation points. For any arbitrary power ofn, the approximate frequency analysis is carried out between the natural frequency and amplitude. The solution procedure is simple, and the results obtained are valid for the whole solution domain.
An Investigation on Algebraic Structure of Soft Sets and Soft Filters over Residuated Lattices
Authors: Rasouli S. , Davvaz B.
Published: March 2014

We introduce the notion of soft filters in residuated lattices and investigate their basic properties. We investigate relations between soft residuated lattices and soft filter residuated lattices. The restricted and extended intersection (union), ∨ and ∧-intersection, cartesian product, and restricted and extended difference of the family of soft filters residuated lattices are established. Also, we consider the set of all soft sets over a universe set U
and the set of parameters P with respect to U, SoftP(U), and we study its structure.
HLA-G Expression on Blasts and Tolerogenic Cells in Patients Affected by Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Locafaro Grazia , Amodio Giada , Tomasoni Daniela , Tresoldi Cristina , Ciceri Fabio , Gregori Silvia
Published: March 2014

Human Leukocyte Antigen-G (HLA-G) contributes to cancer cell immune escape from host antitumor responses. The clinical relevance of HLA-G in several malignancies has been reported. However, the role of HLA-G expression and functions in Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) is still controversial. Our group identified a subset of tolerogenic dendritic cells, DC-10 that express HLA-G and secrete IL-10. DC-10 are present in the peripheral blood and are essential in promoting and maintaining tolerance via the induction of adaptive T regulatory (Treg) cells. We investigated HLA-G expression on blasts and the presence of HLA-G-expressing DC-10 and CD4+T cells in the peripheral blood of AML patients at diagnosis. Moreover, we explored the possible influence of the 3′ untranslated region (3′UTR) ofHLA-G, which has been associated with HLA-G expression, on AML susceptibility. Results showed that HLA-G-expressing DC-10 and CD4+T cells are highly represented in AML patients with HLA-G positive blasts. None of the HLA-G variation sites evaluated was associated with AML susceptibility. This is the first report describing HLA-G-expressing DC-10 and CD4+T cells in AML patients, suggesting that they may represent a strategy by which leukemic cells escape the host’s immune system. Further studies on larger populations are required to verify our findings.
Simultaneous Quantitative and Qualitative Analysis of Flavonoids from Ultraviolet-B Radiation in Leaves and Roots ofScutellaria baicalensisGeorgi Using LC-UV-ESI-Q/TOF/MS
Authors: Tang Wen-Ting , Fang Min-Feng , Liu Xiao , Yue Ming
Published: March 2014

Scutellaria baicalensisGeorgi is one of the most widely used traditional Chinese herbal medicines. It has been used for anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antibacterial activities, and so forth. Long-term enhanced ultraviolet-B (UV-B) radiation caused more effect on leaves than on roots of the plant. Liquid chromatography-ultraviolet detection coupled with electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-UV-ESI-Q/TOF/MS) method was applied for simultaneous quantitative and qualitative analysis of flavonoids in leaves and roots ofS. baicalensisby enhanced UV-B radiation. Both low-intensity radiation and high-intensity radiation were not significantly increaseing the contents of baicalin, wogonoside, and wogonin in roots. However different intensity of radiation has different effects on several flavonoids in leaves. Both low-intensity radiation and high-intensity radiation had no significant effect on contents of baicalin and tectoridin in leaves; the content of scutellarin was significantly decreased by low-intensity radiation; chrysin was detected in low-intensity radiation and high-intensity radiation, and chrysin content is the highest in low-intensity radiation, but chrysin was not detected in control group. Different changes of different flavonoids under enhanced UV-B radiation indicate that induction on flavonoids is selective by enhanced UV-B radiation.
Quantitative Proteomics Analysis of Altered Protein Expression in the Placental Villous Tissue of Early Pregnancy Loss Using Isobaric Tandem Mass Tags
Authors: Ni Xiaobei , Li Xin , Guo Yueshuai , Zhou Tao , Guo Xuejiang , Zhao Chun , Lin Min , Zhou Zuomin , Shen Rong , Guo Xirong , Ling Xiufeng , Huo Ran
Published: March 2014

Many pregnant women suffer miscarriages during early gestation, but the description of these early pregnancy losses (EPL) can be somewhat confusing because of the complexities of early development. Thus, the identification of proteins with different expression profiles related to early pregnancy loss is essential for understanding the comprehensive pathophysiological mechanism. In this study, we report a gel-free tandem mass tags- (TMT-) labeling based proteomic analysis of five placental villous tissues from patients with early pregnancy loss and five from normal pregnant women. The application of this method resulted in the identification of 3423 proteins and 19647 peptides among the patient group and the matched normal control group. Qualitative and quantitative proteomic analysis revealed 51 proteins to be differentially abundant between the two groups (≥1.2-fold, Student'st-test,P<0.05). To obtain an overview of the biological functions of the proteins whose expression levels altered significantly in EPL group, gene ontology analysis was performed. We also investigated the twelve proteins with a difference over 1.5-fold using pathways analysis. Our results demonstrate that the gel-free TMT-based proteomic approach allows the quantification of differences in protein expression levels, which is useful for obtaining molecular insights into early pregnancy loss.
Sugammadex and Reversal of Neuromuscular Block in Adult Patient with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
Authors: Wefki Abdelgawwad Shousha Ahmed Abdelgawwad , Sanfilippo Maria , Sabba Antonio , Pinchera Paolo
Published: March 2014

Duchenne’s muscular dystrophy (DMD) is the most common and severe form of myopathy. Patients with DMD are more sensitive to sedative, anesthetic, and neuromuscular blocking agents which may result in intraoperative and early postoperative cardiovascular and respiratory complications, as well as prolonged recovery from anesthesia. In this case report, we describe a 25-year-old male patient admitted for cholecystectomy under general anesthesia. We induced our anesthesia by oxygen, propofol, fentanyl, and rocuronium bromide. Maintenance was done by fentanyl, rocuronium bromide, sevoflurane, and O2. We report in this case the safety use of sugammadex to antagonize the neuromuscular block and rapid recovery in such category of patients.
Advances and Prospects in Cancer Immunotherapy
Authors: Zhou Juhua
Published: March 2014

Cancer immunotherapy is a promising and effective treatment modality for patients with cancers. Cytokine, anticytokine, and antibody therapies appear to be effective in treating various forms of cancer. The human papillomavirus vaccine is protective for cervical cancer, and this discovery has paved the way to the development of cancer vaccines for other forms of virus-associated cancers such as liver cancer and Merkel cell carcinoma. Clinical trials have demonstrated that adoptive cell therapy using tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes can induce tumor regression in approximately 75% of metastatic melanoma patients, suggesting the possibility of using similar technique to effectively treat breast, lung, and renal cancers in the near future. Besides, genetically engineered T cells transduced with genes encoding specific T cell receptors and chimeric antigen receptors have been shown effective in the treatment of cancer patients. These studies suggest that combination therapies are superior choices in cancer immunotherapy for patients.
Peptidases from Latex ofCarica candamarcensisUpregulate COX-2 and IL-1 mRNA Transcripts againstSalmonella entericaser. Typhimurium-Mediated Inflammation
Authors: Ralph Maria Taciana , Silva Ayrles Fernanda Brandão , da Silva Dayane Laíse , do Nascimento Danielle Cristina Oliveira , da Silva Diogo Manoel Farias , Gomes-Filho Manoel A. , Souza Paulo Roberto Eleutério , Evêncio-Neto Joaquim , Ramos Márcio Viana , Salas Carlos Edmundo , Lima-Filho José Vitor
Published: March 2014

The immunomodulatory properties of a mixture of cysteine peptidases (P1G10) obtained from the fruit lattice ofCarica candamarcensiswere investigated. P1G10 was obtained from fresh latex samples by chromatography in a Sephadex column and initially administered to Swiss mice (n=5; 1 or 10 mg/kg) via i.p. After 30 min, the mice were injected with carrageenan (0.5 mg/mouse) or heat-killedS.Typhimurium (107 CFU/mL; 100°C/30 min) into the peritoneal cavity. Afterwards, two animal groups were i.p. administered with P1G10 (n=6; 1, 5, or 10 mg/Kg) or PBS 24 hours prior to challenge with liveS.Typhimurium (107 CFU/mL). P1G10 stimulated the proliferation of circulating neutrophils and lymphocytes, 6 h after injection of carrageenan or heat-killed bacteria, respectively. Furthermore, survival after infection was dose-dependent and reached 60% of the animal group. On the other hand, control mice died 1–3 days after infection. The examination of mRNA transcripts in liver cells 24 h after infection confirmed fold variation increases of 5.8 and 4.8 times on average for IL-1 and COX-2, respectively, in P1G10 pretreated mice but not for TNF-α, IL-10,γ-IFN and iNOS, for which the results were comparable to untreated animals. These data are discussed in light of previous reports.
Advanced Imaging for the Early Diagnosis of Local Recurrence Prostate Cancer after Radical Prostatectomy
Authors: Panebianco Valeria , Barchetti Flavio , Musio Daniela , De Felice Francesca , Proietti Camilla , Indino Elena Lucia , Megna Valentina , Schillaci Orazio , Catalano Carlo , Tombolini Vincenzo
Published: March 2014

Currently the diagnosis of local recurrence of prostate cancer (PCa) after radical prostatectomy (RT) is based on the onset of biochemical failure which is defined by two consecutive values of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) higher than 0.2 ng/mL. The aim of this paper was to review the current roles of advanced imaging in the detection of locoregional recurrence. A nonsystematic literature search using the Medline and Cochrane Library databases was performed up to November 2013. Bibliographies of retrieved and review articles were also examined. Only those articles reporting complete data with clinical relevance for the present review were selected. This review article is divided into two major parts: the first one considers the role of PET/CT in the restaging of PCa after RP; the second part is intended to provide the impact of multiparametric-MRI (mp-MRI) in the depiction of locoregional recurrence. Published data indicate an emerging role for mp-MRI in the depiction of locoregional recurrence, while the performance of PET/CT still remains unclear. Moreover Mp-MRI, thanks to functional techniques, allows to distinguish between residual glandular healthy tissue, scar/fibrotic tissue, granulation tissue, and tumour recurrence and it may also be able to assess the aggressiveness of nodule recurrence.
Mixed Fungal Infection (Aspergillus,Mucor, andCandida) of Severe Hand Injury
Authors: Obradovic-Tomasev Milana , Popovic Aleksandra , Vuckovic Nada , Jovanovic Mladen
Published: March 2014

Severe hand injuries are almost always heavily contaminated and hence wound infections in those patients are frequent. Fungal wound infections are rare in immunocompetent patients. A case of mixed fungal infection (Aspergillus,Mucor, andCandida) was documented in a young male patient, with a severe hand injury caused by a corn picker. The diagnosis of fungal infection was confirmed microbiologically and histopathologically. The treatment was conducted with repeated surgical necrectomy and administration of antifungal drugs according to the antimycogram. After ten weeks the patient was successfully cured. The aggressive nature ofMucorandAspergillusskin infection was described. A high degree of suspicion and a multidisciplinary approach are necessary for an early diagnosis and the initiation of the adequate treatment. Early detection, surgical intervention, and appropriate antifungal therapy are essential in the treatment of this rare infection that could potentially lead to loss of limbs or even death.
Reliability of a Simple Physical Therapist Screening Tool to Assess Errors during Resistance Exercises for Musculoskeletal Pain
Authors: Jay Kenneth , Sundstrup Emil , Andersen Lars L.
Published: March 2014

The main objective was to investigate the intra- and intertester reliability of a simple screening tool assessing errors in exercise execution by visual observation. 38 participants with no previous resistance exercise experience practiced for two weeks four typical upper limb exercises using elastic tubing. At 2-week follow-up, the participants were invited for a test-retest assessment on errors in technical execution. The assessment was based on ordinal deviation of joint position from neutral of the shoulder, elbow, and wrist in a single plane by visual observation. Moderate intratester reliability weighted kappa (wΚ) score ranging from 0.50 (0.21–0.71) to 0.57 (0.24–0.82) for observer 1 and a fair to moderate intratester reliability wΚscore ranging from 0.27 (0.09–0.43) to 0.52 (0.15–0.86) for observer 2 across the four exercises was observed. For intertester reliability moderate to substantial mean wΚscores were found between the two observers, slightly improving from round one to round two ranging from 0.40 (0.20–0.59) to 0.68 (0.45–0.91) in round one to 0.52 (0.20–0.80) to 0.69 (0.39–0.86) in round two. The exercise error assessment demonstrated fair to substantial intratester and intertester reliability, which is congruent with previously published studies. Hence the simplicity of defining a neutral joint position for each of the involved joints in the exercise and categorizing the deviation in “some deviation” and “substantial deviation” to either side in a single plane is a viable and inexpensive solution when assessing for errors during exercise.
Volumetric Analysis of Amygdala, Hippocampus, and Prefrontal Cortex in Therapy-Naive PTSD Participants
Authors: Starcevic Ana , Postic Srdjan , Radojicic Zoran , Starcevic Branislav , Milovanovic Srdjan , Ilankovic Andrej , Dimitrijevic Ivan , Damjanovic Aleksandar , Aksić Milan , Radonjic Vidosava
Published: March 2014

Objective. In our study we have hypothesized that volume changes of amygdala, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex are more pronounced in male posttraumatic stress disorder participants.Material and Methods. We have conducted a study of 79 male participants who underwent MRI brain scanning. PTSD diagnosis was confirmed in 49 participants. After MRI was taken all scans were software based volume computed and statistically processed.Results. We found that left amygdala is the most significant parameter for distinction between PTSD participants and participants without PTSD. There were no significant differences in volumes of hippocampi and prefrontal cortices. Roc curve method outlined left amygdala AUC = 0.898 (95% CI = 0.830–0.967) and right amygdala AUC = 0.882 (95% CI = 0.810–0.954) in the group of PTSD participants which makes both variables highly statistically significant.Conclusion. The present investigation revealed significant volume decrease of left amygdala in PTSD patients. Concerning important functions of the amygdala and her neuroanatomical connections with other brain structures, we need to increase number of participants to clarify the correlation between impared amygdala and possible other different brain structures in participants with PTSD.
BienzymaticAcetylcholinesteraseandCholine OxidaseImmobilized Biosensor Based on a Phenyl Carboxylic Acid-Grafted Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube
Authors: Lee So-Ra , Lee Hyo-Eun , Kang Yun Ok , Hwang Wan-Seok , Choi Seong-Ho
Published: March 2014

Bienzymaticacetylcholinesterase(AChE) andcholine oxidase(ChOx) immobilized biosensor based on a phenyl carboxylic acid-grafted multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWNT) modified glass carbon electrode (GCE) and carbon-screen printed electrode (SPE) was fabricated for acetylcholine detection in human blood samples. Phenyl carboxylic acid-modified MWNT supports were prepared by electrochemical polymerization of 4-carboxyphenyl diazonium salts, which were synthesized by an amine group and sodium nitrite, on the surface of the MWNT-modified GCE and SPE in 0.1 M PBS. The successful fabrication of the AChE-ChOx-immobilized biosensor was confirmed via scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and cyclic voltammetry (CV). The sensing range of the biosensor based on a GCE and SPE was 1.0~10 μM and 10~100 μM, respectively. The interfering effect of 0.1 M L-ascorbic acid, 0.1 M L-cysteine, and 0.1 M uric acid to 0.1 M acetylcholine was 3.00%, 9.00%, and 3.00%, respectively. Acetylcholine in a human blood sample was detected by the AChE-ChOx-immobilized biosensor.