bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gene expression and localization of two types of AQP5 inXenopus tropicalisunder hydration and dehydration
Authors: Shibata Yuki , Sano Takahiro , Tsuchiya Nobuhito , Okada Reiko , Mochida Hiroshi , Tanaka Shigeyasu , Suzuki Masakazu
Published: April 2014

Two types of aquaporin 5 (AQP5) genes ( aqp-xt5a and aqp-xt5b) were identified in the genome of Xenopus tropicalis by synteny comparison and molecular phylogenetic analysis. When the frogs were in water, AQP-xt5a mRNA was expressed in the skin and urinary bladder. The expression of AQP-xt5a mRNA was significantly increased in dehydrated frogs. AQP-xt5b mRNA was also detected in the skin and increased in response to dehydration. Additionally, AQP-xt5b mRNA began to be slightly expressed in the lung and stomach after dehydration. For the pelvic skin of hydrated frogs, immunofluorescence staining localized AQP-xt5a and AQP-xt5b to the cytoplasm of secretory cells of the granular glands and the apical plasma membrane of secretory cells of the small granular glands, respectively. After dehydration, the locations of both AQPs in their respective glands did not change, but AQP-xt5a was visualized in the cytoplasm of secretory cells of the small granular glands. For the urinary bladder, AQP-xt5a was observed in the apical plasma membrane and cytoplasm of a number of granular cells under normal hydration. After dehydration, AQP-xt5a was found in the apical membrane and cytoplasm of most granular cells. Injection of vasotocin into hydrated frogs did not induce these changes in the localization of AQP-xt5a in the small granular glands and urinary bladder, however. The results suggest that AQP-xt5a might be involved in water reabsorption from the urinary bladder during dehydration, whereas AQP-xt5b might play a role in water secretion from the small granular gland.
Motor cortical control of movement speed with implications for brain-machine interface control
Authors: Golub Matthew D. , Yu Byron M. , Schwartz Andrew B. , Chase Steven M.
Published: April 2014

Motor cortex plays a substantial role in driving movement, yet the details underlying this control remain unresolved. We analyzed the extent to which movement-related information could be extracted from single-trial motor cortical activity recorded while monkeys performed center-out reaching. Using information theoretic techniques, we found that single units carry relatively little speed-related information compared with direction-related information. This result is not mitigated at the population level: simultaneously recorded population activity predicted speed with significantly lower accuracy relative to direction predictions. Furthermore, a unit-dropping analysis revealed that speed accuracy would likely remain lower than direction accuracy, even given larger populations. These results suggest that the instantaneous details of single-trial movement speed are difficult to extract using commonly assumed coding schemes. This apparent paucity of speed information takes particular importance in the context of brain-machine interfaces (BMIs), which rely on extracting kinematic information from motor cortex. Previous studies have highlighted subjects' difficulties in holding a BMI cursor stable at targets. These studies, along with our finding of relatively little speed information in motor cortex, inspired a speed-dampening Kalman filter (SDKF) that automatically slows the cursor upon detecting changes in decoded movement direction. Effectively, SDKF enhances speed control by using prevalent directional signals, rather than requiring speed to be directly decoded from neural activity. SDKF improved success rates by a factor of 1.7 relative to a standard Kalman filter in a closed-loop BMI task requiring stable stops at targets. BMI systems enabling stable stops will be more effective and user-friendly when translated into clinical applications.
Primary motor cortex disinhibition during motor skill learning
Authors: Coxon James P. , Peat Nicola M. , Byblow Winston D.
Published: April 2014

Motor learning requires practice over a period of time and depends on brain plasticity, yet even for relatively simple movements, there are multiple practice strategies that can be used for skill acquisition. We investigated the role of intracortical inhibition in the primary motor cortex (M1) during motor skill learning. Event-related transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) was used to assess corticomotor excitability and inhibition thought to involve synaptic and extrasynaptic γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Short intracortical inhibition (SICI) was assessed using 1- and 2.5-ms interstimulus intervals (ISIs). Participants learned a novel, sequential pinch-grip task on a computer in either a repetitive or interleaved practice structure. Both practice structures showed equivalent levels of motor performance at the end of acquisition and at retention 1 wk later. There was a novel task-related modulation of 1-ms SICI. Repetitive practice elicited a greater reduction of 1- and 2.5-ms SICI, i.e., disinhibition, between rest and task acquisition, compared with interleaved practice. These novel findings support the use of a repetitive practice structure for motor learning because the associated effects within M1 have relevance for motor rehabilitation.
Code-Time Diversity for Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum Systems
Authors: Hassan A. Y.
Published: April 2014

Time diversity is achieved in direct sequence spread spectrum by receiving different faded delayed copies of the transmitted symbols from different uncorrelated channel paths when the transmission signal bandwidth is greater than the coherence bandwidth of the channel. In this paper, a new time diversity scheme is proposed for spread spectrum systems. It is called code-time diversity. In this new scheme,Nspreading codes are used to transmit one data symbol overNsuccessive symbols interval. The diversity order in the proposed scheme equals to the number of the used spreading codesNmultiplied by the number of the uncorrelated paths of the channelL. The paper represents the transmitted signal model. Two demodulators structures will be proposed based on the received signal models from Rayleigh flat and frequency selective fading channels. Probability of error in the proposed diversity scheme is also calculated for the same two fading channels. Finally, simulation results are represented and compared with that of maximal ration combiner (MRC) and multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO) systems.
Existence of Positive Solutions for a Nonlinear Higher-Order Multipoint Boundary Value Problem
Authors: Zhao Min , Sun Yongping
Published: April 2014

We study the existence of positive solutions for a nonlinear higher-order multipoint boundary value problem. By applying a monotone iterative method, some existence results of positive solutions are obtained. The main result is illustrated with an example.
The Hierarchical Minimax Inequalities for Set-Valued Mappings
Authors: Lin Yen-Cherng , Pang Chin-Tzong
Published: April 2014

We study the minimax inequalities for set-valued mappings with hierarchical process and propose two versions of minimax inequalities in topological vector spaces settings. As applications, we discuss the existent results of solutions for set equilibrium problems. Some examples are given to illustrate the established results.
Functional Verification of High Performance Adders in COQ
Authors: Wang Qian , Song Xiaoyu , Gu Ming , Sun Jiaguang
Published: April 2014

Addition arithmetic design plays a crucial role in high performance digital systems. The paper proposes a systematic method to formalize and verify adders in a formal proof assistant COQ. The proposed approach succeeds in formalizing the gate-level implementations and verifying the functional correctness of the most important adders of interest in industry, in a faithful, scalable, and modularized way. The methodology can be extended to other adder architectures as well.
Multisensor Estimation Fusion of Nonlinear Cost Functions in Mixed Continuous‐Discrete Stochastic Systems
Authors: Song Il Young , Shin Vladimir , Lee Seokhyoung , Choi Won
Published: April 2014

We propose centralized and distributed fusion algorithms for estimation of nonlinear cost function (NCF) in multisensory mixed continuous‐discrete stochastic systems. The NCF represents a nonlinear multivariate functional of state variables. For polynomial NCFs, we propose a closed‐form estimation procedure based on recursive formulas for high‐order moments for a multivariate normal distribution. In general case, the unscented transformation is used for calculation of nonlinear estimates of a cost functions. To fuse local state estimates, the mixed differential difference equations for error cross‐covariance between local estimates are derived. The subsequent application of the proposed fusion estimators for a multisensory environment demonstrates their effectiveness.
Plasma-Mediated Immobilization of Antibody with PEG as Spacer for Enhanced Endothelial Cell Adhesion and Proliferation
Authors: Yuan Yuan , Zhang Jing , Yin Min , Liu Changsheng
Published: April 2014

Immobilization of anti-CD34 antibody is proven to be an effective strategy to accelerate reendothelialization and thereby lower the thrombosis of blood contacting grafts. To realize highly efficient immobilization of anti-CD34 antibody, an argon cold plasma-mediated graft process was developed with PEG as spacer arm in this study. In this process, the 316L stainless steel (316LSS) model substrate was first coated with ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) followed by argon plasma treatment and PEG400 modification (EVA-PEG). The EVA-PEG was further ignited by argon plasma and then the anti-CD34 antibody was immobilized. XPS measurement indicated the successful immobilization of the EVA and the anti-CD34 antibody molecules. Compared with the anti-CD34 antibody anchored without PEG, the immobilized EVA-PEG-anti-CD34 antibody exhibited better capturing efficiency (increase about 1-fold) of specific antigen. Consequently, the endothelial cell attachment (before 12 h) and proliferation (1~4 days) were significantly improved. Further study showed that this EVA-PEG-anti-CD34 coating could reduce blood coagulation. Therefore, this cold plasma-mediated graft process with PEG spacer arm developed here is a promising strategy to immobilize antibody with higher bioactivity for rapid reendothelialization of the cardiovascular implants.
Gradient Based Multipath Reliable Transmission Strategy with Fault Tolerance for Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Li Hongbing , Xiong Qingyu , Shi Weiren , Zeng Cheng , Fan Min
Published: April 2014

Fault tolerance and reliable transmission are hot issues in wireless sensor networks. For the problems that the fault of nodes or links will affect the transmission stability and reliability of the network, a gradient based multipath reliable transmission strategy with fault tolerance is presented for wireless sensor networks. Firstly nonuniform clustering topology is established in nonequal clustering probability based on twice K-means algorithm. Then it calculates the comprehensive measurements (CM) of cluster heads by the quality evaluation function and establishes the contour lines. Finally gradient based multiple disjoint transmission paths are established by the mechanisms of load balance and linear erasure coding. It also establishes the transmission mathematical model to analyze the performance of the network. Simulation shows that this strategy has good performance of fault tolerance. It improves the transmission reliability of the network and energy efficiency.
Review of Response and Damage of Linear and Nonlinear Systems under Multiaxial Vibration
Authors: Habtour Ed , Connon William (Skip) , Pohland Michael F. , Stanton Samuel C. , Paulus Mark , Dasgupta Abhijit
Published: April 2014

A review of past and recent developments in multiaxial excitation of linear and nonlinear structures is presented. The objective is to review some of the basic approaches used in the analytical and experimental methods for kinematic and dynamic analysis of flexible mechanical systems, and to identify future directions in this research area. In addition, comparison between uniaxial and multiaxial excitations and their impact on a structure’s life-cycles is provided. The importance of understanding failure mechanisms in complex structures has led to the development of a vast range of theoretical, numerical, and experimental techniques to address complex dynamical effects. Therefore, it is imperative to identify the failure mechanisms of structures through experimental and virtual failure assessment based on correctly identified dynamic loads. For that reason, techniques for mapping the dynamic loads to fatigue were provided. Future research areas in structural dynamics due to multiaxial excitation are identified as (i) effect of dynamic couplings, (ii) modal interaction, (iii) modal identification and experimental methods for flexible structures, and (iv) computational models for large deformation in response to multiaxial excitation.
Interaction Tasks and Controls for Public Display Applications
Authors: Cardoso Jorge C. S. , José Rui
Published: April 2014

Public displays are becoming increasingly interactive and a broad range of interaction mechanisms can now be used to create multiple forms of interaction. However, the lack of interaction abstractions forces each developer to create specific approaches for dealing with interaction, preventing users from building consistent expectations on how to interact across different display systems. There is a clear analogy with the early days of the graphical user interface, when a similar problem was addressed with the emergence of high-level interaction abstractions that provided consistent interaction experiences to users and shielded developers from low-level details. This work takes a first step in that same direction by uncovering interaction abstractions that may lead to the emergence of interaction controls for applications in public displays. We identify a new set of interaction tasks focused on the specificities of public displays; we characterise interaction controls that may enable those interaction tasks to be integrated into applications; we create a mapping between the high-level abstractions provided by the interaction tasks and the concrete interaction mechanisms that can be implemented by those displays. Together, these contributions constitute a step towards the emergence of programming toolkits with widgets that developers could incorporate into their public display applications.
The CIMP Phenotype inBRAFMutant Serrated Polyps from a Prospective Colonoscopy Patient Cohort
Authors: Fernando Winnie C. , Miranda Mariska S. , Worthley Daniel L. , Togashi Kazutomo , Watters Dianne J. , Leggett Barbara A. , Spring Kevin J.
Published: April 2014

Colorectal cancers arising via the serrated pathway are often associated withBRAFV600E mutation, CpG island methylator phenotype (CIMP), and microsatellite instability. Previous studies have shown a strong association betweenBRAFV600E mutation and serrated polyps. This study aims to evaluate CIMP status of all the serrated polyp subtypes and its association with functionally important genes such asMLH1, p16,andIGFBP7. CIMP status and methylation were evaluated using the real-time based MethyLight assay in 154 serrated polyps and 63 conventional adenomas. Results showed that CIMP-high serrated polyps were strongly associated withBRAFmutation and proximal colon. CIMP-high was uncommon in conventional adenomas (1.59%), occurred in 8.25% of hyperplastic polyps (HPs), and became common in sessile serrated adenomas (SSAs) (51.43%).MLH1methylation was mainly observed in the proximal colon and was significantly associated withBRAFmutation and CIMP-high. The number of samples methylated forp16andIGFBP7was the highest in SSAs. The methylation panel we used to detect CIMP is highly specific for CIMP-high cancers. With this panel, we demonstrate that CIMP-high is much more common in SSAs than HPs. This suggests that CIMP-high correlates with increased risk of malignant transformation which was also observed in methylation of functionally important genes.
Active Disturbance Rejection Station‐Keeping Control of Unstable Orbits around Collinear Libration Points
Authors: Zhu Min , Karimi Hamid Reza , Zhang Hui , Gao Qing , Wang Yong
Published: April 2014

An active disturbance rejection station‐keeping control scheme is derived and analyzed for station‐keeping missions of spacecraft along a class of unstable periodic orbits near collinear libration points of the Sun‐Earth system. It is an error driven, rather than model‐based control law, essentially accounting for the independence of model accuracy and linearization. An extended state observer is designed to estimate the states in real time by setting an extended state, that is, the sum of unmodeled dynamic and external disturbance. This total disturbance is compensated by a nonlinear state error feedback controller based on the extended state observer. A nonlinear tracking differentiator is designed to obtain the velocity of the spacecraft since only position signals are available. In addition, the system contradiction between rapid response and overshoot can be effectively solved via arranging the transient process in tracking differentiator. Simulation results illustrate that the proposed method is adequate for station‐keeping of unstable Halo orbits in the presence of system uncertainties, initial injection errors, solar radiation pressure, and perturbations of the eccentric nature of the Earth′s orbit. It is also shown that the closed‐loop control system performance is improved significantly using our method comparing with the general LQR method.
An Algorithm for Critical Nodes Problem in Social Networks Based on Owen Value
Authors: Wang Xue-Guang
Published: April 2014

Discovering critical nodes in social networks has many important applications. For finding out the critical nodes and considering the widespread community structure in social networks, we obtain each node’s marginal contribution by Owen value. And then we can give a method for the solution of the critical node problem. We validate the feasibility and effectiveness of our method on two synthetic datasets and six real datasets. At the same time, the result obtained by using our method to analyze the terrorist network is in line with the actual situation.
Molecular Phylogeny of Suid Herpesvirus 1
Authors: Fonseca Antônio A. , Sales Érica B. , Heinemann Marcos B. , Reis Jenner K. P.
Published: April 2014

Pseudorabies is a disease that significantly impacts the swine industry. This disease is caused by Suid Herpesvirus 1 (SuHV-1), which is a double-stranded DNA virus that belongs to the Herpesviridae family and the Alphaherpesvirinae subfamily and exhibits a slow rate of genetic evolution. The aim of this study was to use both full and partial sequences of SuHV-1 genes available in GenBank to examine the evolution and divergence of viruses isolated in different parts of the world. Partial and complete sequences of SuHV-1 genes were obtained either from GenBank (i.e., us6, us7, us8, us9, ul14, ul49.5, and ul44) or from genetic sequencing of Brazilian SuHV-1 samples. The results of this study corroborate previous phylogenetic studies of SuHV-1 that demonstrated different evolutionary profiles of isolates from different parts of the globe, with a rapid genetic dispersion of Chinese isolates. All of the phylogenetic trees generated in this study demonstrated a large genetic distance between SuHV-1 isolates from the Western and Eastern regions of the world.
Unexpected Solutions of the Nehari Problem
Authors: Gritsans A. , Sadyrbaev F.
Published: April 2014

The Nehari characteristic numbers λn(a,b) are the minimal values of an integral functional associated with a boundary value problem (BVP) for nonlinear ordinary differential equation. In case of multiple solutions of the BVP, the problem of identifying of minimizers arises. It was observed earlier that for nonoscillatory (positive) solutions
of BVP those with asymmetric shape can provide the minimal value to a functional. At the same time, an even solution with regular shape is not a minimizer. We show by constructing the example that the same phenomenon can be observed in the Nehari problem for the fifth characteristic number λn(a,b) which is associated with oscillatory solutions of BVP (namely, with those having exactly four zeros in (a,b)).
Robust Synchronization of Fractional-Order Hyperchaotic Systems Subjected to Input Nonlinearity and Unmatched External Perturbations
Authors: Liao Teh-Lu , Yan Jun-Juh , Chang Jen-Fuh
Published: April 2014

This paper investigates the robust synchronization problem for a class of fractional-order hyperchaotic systems subjected to unmatched uncertainties and input nonlinearity. Based on the sliding mode control (SMC) technique, this approach only uses a single controller to achieve chaos synchronization, which reduces the cost and complexity for synchronization control implementation. As expected, the error states can be driven to zero or into predictable bounds for matched and unmatched perturbations, respectively, even with input nonlinearity.
A Postauthorization Survey to Document the Therapeutic Management of Oxaliplatin as a First-Line Chemotherapy Regimen in South Africa in Patients with Metastatic Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Dreosti Lydia M. , McMaster Alicia , Mothilal Rashem
Published: April 2014

Oxaliplatin is a standard first-line treatment for metastatic colorectal cancer. The objectives were to document the therapeutic management of oxaliplatin in South Africa, determine the incidence and severity of sensory neuropathy, and record the 2-year survival rate. Meccelox was a prospective, noncontrolled, open label, multicentre, observational survey of adult patients with stage IV metastatic colorectal cancer treated with oxaliplatin-based chemotherapeutic regimens. The study was conducted from August 2007 to November 2011 in 29 sites in South Africa by 66 participating treating physicians. Among the 195 enrolled patients, 61% were treated with FOLFOX regimen (5-fluorouracil/folinic acid plus oxaliplatin) for an average of 12 cycles and 32% patients were treated with XELOX (capecitabine plus oxaliplatin) for an average of 6–8 cycles, with the main reason for discontinuation being completion of the preplanned prescribed regimen. In Meccelox survey, 80% of patients were treated with intent of palliation. Overall 64% of patients reported symptoms of sensory neuropathy. The 2-year survival rate was 30%. Conclusions. Patients received a specified preplanned number of chemotherapy cycles rather than being treated until disease progression or toxicity. Both the incidence of neuropathy and the 2-year survival rate were less than previous reports.
Ak-Dimensional System of Fractional Neutral Functional Differential Equations with Bounded Delay
Authors: Baleanu Dumitru , Nazemi Sayyedeh Zahra , Rezapour Shahram
Published: April 2014

In 2010, Agarwal et al. studied the existence of a one-dimensional fractional neutral functional differential equation. In this paper, we study an initial value problem for a class ofk-dimensional systems of fractional neutral functional differential equations by using Krasnoselskii’s fixed point theorem. In fact, our main result generalizes their main result in a sense.
Wideband Circularly Polarized SIW Antenna Array That Uses Sequential Rotation Feeding
Authors: Fan Fang-Fang , Yan Ze-Hong , Wang Wei
Published: April 2014

A wideband right-handed circularly polarized (CP) substrate integrated waveguide- (SIW-) based diamond ring-slot antenna array at the X-band is presented in this study. The array consists of four elements that exhibit wideband impedance matching characteristics and good radiation performance. The array also employs a sequential rotation feeding method to achieve the wideband axial ratio (AR) bandwidth. The feeding network is based on the SIW power divider with a delay line related to sequential rotation feeding. To validate our design, an antenna array is fabricated and measured. The measured impedance and AR bandwidths are 19.2% (VSWR<2) and 14.1% (AR<3 dB), respectively. Moreover, the antenna has a stable CP peak gain of more than 12 dBic from 10.1 GHz to 10.7 GHz.
A Case of Psychosis in Disulfiram Treatment for Alcoholism
Authors: Melo Raquel Calvão de , Lopes Rui , Alves José Carlos
Published: April 2014

Background. Disulfiram, a drug used in the treatment of alcohol dependence, is an inhibitor of dopamine-β-hydroxylase causing an increase in the concentration of dopamine in the mesolimbic system. In addition to the physical symptoms associated with concomitant use of alcohol, disulfiram may lead to adverse events, when used alone, including psychosis.Aims. To report a case of a rare complication when using disulfiram for alcoholism treatment in a patient in alcoholic abstinence.Case Report. We describe the case of a 42-year-old male patient, who developed psychotic symptoms 3 weeks after initiating treatment with disulfiram for alcohol dependency. The patient had a history of chronic alcoholism for 12 years and was under disulfiram treatment (250 mg/day) for 1 month, with no other past history of psychiatric illness. The symptoms worsened after he initiated alcohol consumption, while taking disulfiram. The patient was hospitalized and disulfiram was suspended. After 4 days he was asymptomatic and at 6-week follow-up remained asymptomatic.Conclusion. Treatment with disulfiram can lead to the appearance of psychosis in patients with increased vulnerability. In clinical practice, psychosis in the context of alcoholism with disulfiram therapy is often neglected and should be taken into account.
Effect of Parasitic Element on 408 MHz Antenna for Radio Astronomy Application
Authors: Anwar Radial , Islam Mohammad Tariqul , Misran Norbahiah , Gopir Geri , Yatim Baharudin , Asillam Mhd Fairos
Published: April 2014

Antenna is one of the important subsystem components in a radio telescope system. In this paper, analysis on the effect of parasitic element on 408 MHz antenna in a radio telescope system is presented. Higher gain up to 10.24 dBi with reduction on beamwidth size has been achieved by optimizing the position of parasitic element relative to the driven element. The proposed antenna is suitable to be utilized in a transient radio telescope array.
An Energy-Efficient Outlier Detection Based on Data Clustering in WSNs
Authors: Kim Hongyeon , Min Jun-Ki
Published: April 2014

Sensor nodes in wireless sensor networks are prone to malfunction because they are exposed to the nearby environment directly. Consequently, wrong sensor readings occurred from sensor nodes and these readings are called an outlier. Commonly, since an outlier deviates from normal sensor readings and it can bring about some problems, various techniques to detect the outliers have been proposed. In this paper, we propose an efficient outlier detection technique based on data clustering. In order to decide the width of the cluster that consists of the sensor readings, we applied the Pigeonhole Principle and then detected the outliers based on clusters. In experiments, we demonstrate the efficiency of our proposed technique compared to other outlier detection techniques.
Detection of Newcastle Disease Virus Minor Genetic Variants by Modified Single-Stranded Conformational Polymorphism Analysis
Authors: Rabalski Lukasz , Smietanka Krzysztof , Minta Zenon , Szewczyk Boguslaw
Published: April 2014

Newcastle disease and Avian Influenza are considered to be the most dangerous fowl diseases which may cause huge economic losses. Newcastle disease is caused by the enveloped, and single-stranded RNA virus (NDV, APMV-1; belonging to Paramyxoviridae family), which can be further divided into sixteen different genotypes grouped into five pathotypes according to their pathogenicity. It has been reported that low pathogenic virus can greatly increase its pathogenicity even during a single passage. Additionally, due to the widespread use of live vaccines, a mixture of two or more different viruses in one sample can be detected. Hence, there is a great need for establishment of fast, inexpensive, sensitive, and relatively simple diagnostic method for multistrain and quasispecies detection of NDV infection. In this paper we describe a diagnostic method based on RT-PCR followed by a modified version of single-stranded conformational polymorphism analysis using short DNA fragments of gene encoding viral F protein. The method allows for rapid diagnosis of genetic variant emerging from previously stable population which may prevent the spread of the pathogenic viral variant.
Yangjing Capsule Extract Promotes Proliferation of GC‐1 Spg Cells
Authors: Wang Zhiqiang , Jin Baofang , Zhang Xindong , Cui Yugui , Sun Dalin , Gao Chao
Published: April 2014

Objective. To investigate the effect of Yangjing Capsule (YC) extract on proliferation of GC‐1 spermatogonia (spg) cells and the mechanism. Methods. GC‐1 spg cells were treated with 0.01, 0.1, and 1 mg/mL YC extract. MTT assay was performed to detect the cell viability. Flow cytometry was used to measure the cell cycle and apoptosis of GC‐1 spg cells. Real‐time PCR and western blot were applied to determine the mRNA and protein expression of Oct‐4 and Plzf. Gfrα1 knockdown and LY294002 (PI3K inhibitor) were applied to explore the underlying mechanism. Results. After 48 h treatment of YC, the viability of GC‐1 spg cells increased significantly and the ratio of apoptotic cells reduced significantly. The increased mRNA and protein expression of Oct‐4 and Plzf suggested YC promoted self‐renewal of GC‐1 spg cells. Both Gfrα1 siRNAs and LY294002 treatments held back YC extract’s stimulation effects on mRNA and protein expression of Oct‐4 and Plzf and consequently inhibited the proliferation of GC‐1 spg cells induced by YC extract. Conclusion. YC extract could stimulate the proliferation of GC‐1 spg cells. Partly via Gfrα1, YC extract is able to trigger the activation of PI3K pathway and finally lead to self‐renewal of GC‐1 spg cells.
Renal Transplantation Dramatically Reduces IgA Anti-beta-2-glycoprotein I Antibodies in Patients with Endstage Renal Disease
Authors: Serrano Manuel , Martínez-Flores Jose Angel , Castro Maria José , García Florencio , Lora David , Pérez Dolores , Gonzalez Esther , Paz-Artal Estela , Morales Jose M. , Serrano Antonio
Published: April 2014

IgA anti-beta-2-glycoprotein I (aB2GPI) antibodies have been related to vascular pathology in the general population and mainly in hemodialyzed patients (prevalence 33%) in whom an elevated incidence of thrombosis and mortality is found. In this paper we have studied the presence of IgA aB2GPI antibodies at pretransplant and their evolution after transplantation with a cross-sectional-based follow-up study of a cohort of 288 endstage renal disease (ESRD) patients treated with kidney transplantation. Pretransplant IgA aB2GPI levels were elevated31.7±4.2 U/mL without differences in age or type of dialysis. Patients with different etiologies of ESRD showed higher levels of IgA aB2GPI than blood donors, except the groups of non-IgA glomerular disease and systemic erythematosus lupus, whose nonsignificant differences were observed. IgA aB2GPI antibodies dropped immediately after transplantation (10.7±1.0 U/mL,P<0.0001), coinciding with a high degree of immunosuppression, and remained significantly lower than that observed in pretransplant status. Prevalence of patients with elevated antibodies was also less in transplanted patients (8.9% versus 30.4%,P<0.0001). Among, positivity for IgA aB2GPI was higher than in patients who had received their first transplant that those were retransplanted. This finding could have important clinical implications and can suggest new therapeutic strategies in patients with IgA aB2GPI antibodies.
Common Fixed Point Theorems of Contractions in Partial Cone Metric Spaces over Nonnormal Cones
Authors: Li Zhilong , Jiang Shujun
Published: April 2014

We prove some common fixed point theorems of contractions restricted with variable positive linear bounded mappings inθ-complete partial cone metric spaces over nonnormal cones and present some examples to support the usability of our results.
Emergence of Drug Resistance in Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Infected Patients from Pune, India, at the End of 12 Months of First Line Antiretroviral Therapy Initiation
Authors: Patil Rajesh T. , Gupta Rajiv M. , Sen Sourav , Tripathy Srikanth P. , Chaturbhuj Devidas N. , Hingankar Nitin K. , Paranjape Ramesh S.
Published: April 2014

Introduction. In India, 4,86,173 HIV infected patients are on first line antiretroviral therapy (ART) as of January 2012. HIV drug resistance (HIVDR) is drug and regimen-specific and should be balanced against the benefits of providing a given ART regimen.Material & Methods.The emergence of HIVDR mutations in a cohort of 100 consecutive HIV-1 infected individuals attending ART centre, on first line ART for 12 months, was studied. CD4+T-cell counts and plasma HIV-1 RNA level were determined.Result.Out of the 100 HIV-1 infected individuals, 81 showed HIVDR prevention (HIV-1 RNA level < 1000/mL), while the remaining 19 had HIV-1 viral RNA level > 1000/mL. HIVDR genotyping was carried out for individuals with evidence of virologic failure (HIV-1 RNA level > 1000/mL). The most frequent NRTI-associated mutation observed was M184V, while K103N/S was the commonest mutation at NNRTI resistance position.Conclusion. Our study has revealed the emergence of HIVDR in HIV-1 infected patients at the end of 12 months of first line ART initiation. For NRTIs, the prevalence of HIVDR mutations was 9% and 10% for NNRTIs. Our findings will contribute information in evidence-based decision making with reference to first and second line ART delivery and prevention of HIVDR emergence.
Representation Bias, Return Forecast, and Portfolio Selection in the Stock Market of China
Authors: Zhao Daping , Fang Yong
Published: April 2014

Representation bias means a kind of cognitive tendency, and, for investors, it can affect their behavior in the stock market. Whether the representation bias can help the return forecast and portfolio selection is an interesting problem that is less studied. In this paper, based on the representation bias theory and current markets situation in China, a new hierarchy of stock measurement system is constructed and a corresponding set of criteria is also proposed. On each criterion, we try to measure the influence among stocks with adapted fuzzy AHP. Then the Hausdorff distance is applied to weight and compute the horizontal representation returns. For the forecast returns, according to representation behaviors, there is also a new computation method. Empirical results show that the representation bias information is useful to the return forecast as well as the portfolio selection.
Pomegranate Fruit as a Rich Source of Biologically Active Compounds
Authors: Sreekumar Sreeja , Sithul Hima , Muraleedharan Parvathy , Azeez Juberiya Mohammed , Sreeharshan Sreeja
Published: April 2014

Pomegranate is a widely used plant having medicinal properties. In this review, we have mainly focused on the already published data from our laboratory pertaining to the effect of methanol extract of pericarp of pomegranate (PME) and have compared it with other relevant literatures onPunica. Earlier, we had shown its antiproliferative effect using human breast (MCF-7, MDA MB-231), and endometrial (HEC-1A), cervical (SiHa, HeLa), and ovarian (SKOV3) cancer cell lines, and normal breast fibroblasts (MCF-10A) at concentration of 20–320 μg/mL. The expressions of selected estrogen responsive genes (PR, pS2, and C-Myc) were downregulated by PME. Unlike estradiol, PME did not increase the uterine weight and proliferation in bilaterally ovariectomized Swiss-Albino mice models and its cardioprotective effects were comparable to that of 17β-estradiol. We had further assessed the protective role of PME on skeletal system, using MC3T3-E1 cells. The results indicated that PME (80 μg/mL) significantly increased ALP (Alkaline Phosphatase) activity, supporting its suggested role in modulating osteoblastic cell differentiation. The antiosteoporotic potential of PME was also evaluated in ovariectomized (OVX) rodent model. The results from our studies and from various other studies support the fact that pomegranate fruit is indeed a source of biologically active compounds.
Switchable Electromagnetic Bandgap Surface Wave Antenna
Authors: Bai Qiang , Ford Kenneth L. , Langley Richard J.
Published: April 2014

This paper presents a novel switchable electromagnetic bandgap surface wave antenna that can support both a surface wave and normal mode radiation for communications at 2.45 GHz. In the surface wave mode, the antenna has a monopole-like radiation pattern with a measured gain of 4.4 dBi at ±49° and a null on boresight. In the normal mode, the antenna operates like a back-fed microstrip patch antenna.
Preschool Power Play: Resource Control Strategies Associated with Health
Authors: Massey Amber R. , Byrd-Craven Jennifer , Swearingen CaSandra L.
Published: April 2014

Background. This exploratory study uses a multimethod approach to examine the relationship between social strategy usage and overall health in preschool children. Methods. Children's temperament, social strategies, and health assessments were obtained via reported behavior from parents and teachers. In addition, children's use of prosocial and coercive strategies was observed and recorded via one-way windows in the preschool facility. Results. Results revealed that the temperament characteristic of effortful control was related to the observed use of coercive strategies and that coercive strategies were not observed by teachers, who viewed these children as primarily prosocial. The reported use of both coercive and prosocial strategies was also related to decrease in illness. Conclusion. These findings in relation to previous work suggest that using both prosocial and coercive strategies can elevate status as well as maintain health even in young children.
Effect of Different Catalyst Deposition Technique on Aligned Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes Grown by Thermal Chemical Vapor Deposition
Authors: Mohamed Saheed Mohamed Shuaib , Mohamed Norani Muti , Burhanudin Zainal Arif
Published: April 2014

The paper reported the investigation of the substrate preparation technique involving deposition of iron catalyst by electron beam evaporation and ferrocene vaporization in order to produce vertically aligned multiwalled carbon nanotubes array needed for fabrication of tailored devices. Prior to the growth at 700°C in ethylene, silicon dioxide coated silicon substrate was prepared by depositing alumina followed by iron using two different methods as described earlier. Characterization analysis revealed that aligned multiwalled carbon nanotubes array of 107.9 µm thickness grown by thermal chemical vapor deposition technique can only be achieved for the sample with iron deposited using ferrocene vaporization. The thick layer of partially oxidized iron film can prevent the deactivation of catalyst and thus is able to sustain the growth. It also increases the rate of permeation of the hydrocarbon gas into the catalyst particles and prevents agglomeration at the growth temperature. Combination of alumina‐iron layer provides an efficient growth of high density multiwalled carbon nanotubes array with the steady growth rate of 3.6 µm per minute for the first 12 minutes and dropped by half after 40 minutes. Thicker and uniform iron catalyst film obtained from ferrocene vaporization is attributed to the multidirectional deposition of particles in the gaseous form.
High-Intensity Intermittent Swimming Improves Cardiovascular Health Status for Women with Mild Hypertension
Authors: Mohr Magni , Nordsborg Nikolai Baastrup , Lindenskov Annika , Steinholm Hildigunn , Nielsen Hans Petur , Mortensen Jann , Weihe Pal , Krustrup Peter
Published: April 2014

To test the hypothesis that high-intensity swim training improves cardiovascular health status in sedentary premenopausal women with mild hypertension, sixty-two women were randomized into high-intensity (n=21; HIT), moderate-intensity (n=21; MOD), and control groups (n=20; CON). HIT performed 6–10 × 30 s all-out swimming interspersed by 2 min recovery and MOD swam continuously for 1 h at moderate intensity for a 15-week period completing in total44±1and43±1sessions, respectively. In CON, all measured variables were similar before and after the intervention period. Systolic BP decreased (P<0.05) by6±1and4±1 mmHg in HIT and MOD; respectively. Resting heart rate declined (P<0.05) by5±1bpm both in HIT and MOD, fat mass decreased (P<0.05) by1.1±0.2and2.2±0.3 kg, respectively, while the blood lipid profile was unaltered. In HIT and MOD, performance improved (P<0.05) for a maximal 10 min swim (13±3% and22±3%), interval swimming (23±3% and8±3%), and Yo-Yo IE1 running performance (58±5% and45±4%). In conclusion, high-intensity intermittent swimming is an effective training strategy to improve cardiovascular health and physical performance in sedentary women with mild hypertension. Adaptations are similar with high- and moderate-intensity training, despite markedly less total time spent and distance covered in the high-intensity group.
Assessment of Slope Instability and Risk Analysis of Road Cut Slopes in Lashotor Pass, Iran
Authors: Taherynia Mohammad Hossein , Mohammadi Mojtaba , Ajalloeian Rasoul
Published: April 2014

Assessment of the stability of natural and artificial rock slopes is an important topic in the rock mechanics sciences. One of the most widely used methods for this purpose is the classification of the slope rock mass. In the recent decades, several rock slope classification systems are presented by many researchers. Each one of these rock mass classification systems uses different parameters and rating systems. These differences are due to the diversity of affecting parameters and the degree of influence on the rock slope stability. Another important point in rock slope stability is appraisal hazard and risk analysis. In the risk analysis, the degree of danger of rock slope instability is determined. The Lashotor pass is located in the Shiraz-Isfahan highway in Iran. Field surveys indicate that there are high potentialities of instability in the road cut slopes of the Lashotor pass. In the current paper, the stability of the rock slopes in the Lashotor pass is studied comprehensively with different classification methods. For risk analyses, we estimated dangerous area by use of the RocFall software. Furthermore, the dangers of falling rocks for the vehicles passing the Lashotor pass are estimated according to rockfall hazard rating system.
Comparing Multicomponent Erlang Distribution and Lévy Distribution of Particle Transverse Momentums
Authors: Wei Hua-Rong , Chen Ya-Hui , Gao Li-Na , Liu Fu-Hu
Published: April 2014

The transverse momentum spectrums of final-state products produced in nucleus-nucleus and proton-proton collisions at different center-of-mass energies are analyzed by using a multicomponent Erlang distribution and the Lévy distribution. The results calculated by the two models are found in most cases to be in agreement with experimental data from the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC) and the Large Hadron Collider (LHC). The multicomponent Erlang distribution that resulted from a multisource thermal model seems to give a better description as compared with the Lévy distribution. The temperature parameters of interacting system corresponding to different types of final-state products are obtained. Light particles correspond to a low temperature emission, and heavy particles correspond to a high temperature emission. Extracted temperature from central collisions is higher than that from peripheral collisions.
Traveling Wave Solutions for a Delayed SIRS Infectious Disease Model with Nonlocal Diffusion and Nonlinear Incidence
Authors: Tian Xiaohong , Xu Rui
Published: April 2014

A delayed SIRS infectious disease model with nonlocal diffusion and nonlinear incidence is investigated. By constructing a pair of upper-lower solutions and using Schauder's fixed point theorem, we derive the existence of a traveling wave solution connecting the disease-free steady state and the endemic steady state.
Superior Antireflection Coating for a Silicon Cell with a Micronanohybrid Structure
Authors: Liu Hsi-Chien , Wang Gou-Jen
Published: April 2014

The object of this paper is to develop a high antireflection silicon solar cell. A novel two-stage metal-assisted etching (MAE) method is proposed for the fabrication of an antireflective layer of a micronanohybrid structure array. The processing time for the etching on an N-type high-resistance (NH) silicon wafer can be controlled to around 5 min. The resulting micronanohybrid structure array can achieve an average reflectivity of 1.21% for a light spectrum of 200–1000 nm. A P-N junction on the fabricated micronanohybrid structure array is formed using a low-cost liquid diffusion source. A high antireflection silicon solar cell with an average efficiency of 13.1% can be achieved. Compared with a conventional pyramid structure solar cell, the shorted circuit current of the proposed solar cell is increased by 73%. The major advantage of the two-stage MAE process is that a high antireflective silicon substrate can be fabricated cost-effectively in a relatively short time. The proposed method is feasible for the mass production of low-cost solar cells.
Optimization of p-GaN/InGaN/n-GaN Double Heterojunction p-i-n Solar Cell for High Efficiency: Simulation Approach
Authors: Kushwaha Aniruddha Singh , Mahala Pramila , Dhanavantri Chenna
Published: April 2014

We have conducted numerical simulation of p-GaN/In0.12Ga0.88N/n-GaN, p-i-n double heterojunction solar cell. The doping density, individual layer thickness, and contact pattern of the device are investigated under solar irradiance of AM1.5 for optimized performance of solar cell. The optimized solar cell characteristic parameters for cell area of 1  × 1 mm2are open circuit voltage of 2.26 V, short circuit current density of 3.31 mA/cm2, fill factor of 84.6%, and efficiency of 6.43% with interdigitated grid pattern.
Dyscalculia, Dysgraphia, and Left-Right Confusion from a Left Posterior Peri-Insular Infarct
Authors: Bhattacharyya S. , Cai X. , Klein J. P.
Published: April 2014

The Gerstmann syndrome of dyscalculia, dysgraphia, left-right confusion, and finger agnosia is generally attributed to lesions near the angular gyrus of the dominant hemisphere. A 68-year-old right-handed woman presented with sudden difficulty completing a Sudoku grid and was found to have dyscalculia, dysgraphia, and left-right confusion. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a focus of abnormal reduced diffusivity in the left posterior insula and temporoparietal operculum consistent with acute infarct. Gerstmann syndrome from an insular or peri-insular lesion has not been described in the literature previously. Pathological and functional imaging studies show connections between left posterior insular region and inferior parietal lobe. We postulate that the insula and operculum lesion disrupted key functional networks resulting in a pseudoparietal presentation.