bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
HIGH-RESOLUTION PHOTOELECTRON SPECTROSCOPY BY SPECTRAL PHASE STEP MODULATION
Authors: HUANG YUNXIA , XU SHUWU , YANG XIAOHUA
Published: January 2014

Femtosecond-induced resonance-enhanced multi-photon ionization photoelectron spectroscopy (REMPI-PES) has the drawback of low spectral resolution due to broadband spectrum of the laser. In this paper, we theoretically demonstrate that high-resolution REMPI-PES can be achieved by shaping the femtosecond laser pulse with spectral phase step modulation. Our results show that, by manipulating the phase step position and the modulation depth, a narrowband peak or hole in the photoelectron spectrum can be observed, and the position of the narrowband peak or hole is correlated with the eigenenergy of the excite state. Therefore, both high-resolution REMPI-PES and the excited state structure can be obtained by observing the narrowband peaks or holes.
Promoter islandsas a platform for interaction with nucleoid proteins and transcription factors
Authors: Purtov Yuri A. , Glazunova Olga A. , Antipov Sergey S. , Pokusaeva Viktoria O. , Fesenko Eugeny E. , Preobrazhenskaya Elena V. , Shavkunov Konstantin S. , Tutukina Maria N. , Lukyanov Viktor I. , Ozoline Olga N.
Published: January 2014

Seventy-eight promoter islands with an extraordinarily high density of potential promoters have been recently found in the genome of Escherichia coli. It has been shown that RNA polymerase binds internal promoters of these islands and produces short oligonucleotides, while the synthesis of normal mRNAs is suppressed. This quenching may be biologically relevant, as most islands are associated with foreign genes, which expression may deplete cellular resources. However, a molecular mechanism of silencing with the participation of these promoter-rich regions remains obscure. It has been demonstrated that all islands interact with histone-like protein H-NS — a specific sentinel of foreign genes. In this study, we demonstrated the inhibitory effect of H-NS using Δhns mutant of Escherichia coli and showed that deletion of dps, encoding another protein of bacterial nucleoid, tended to decrease rather than increase the amount of island-specific transcripts. This observation precluded consideration of promoter islands as sites for targeted heterochromatization only and a computer search for the binding sites of 53 transcription factors (TFs) revealed six proteins, which may specifically regulate their transcriptional output.
ON A FAMILY OF CONVEX SOLUTIONS TO A HYPERBOLIC PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATION
Authors: RÓZGA KRZYSZTOF
Published: January 2014

A family of convex solutions of Φxx - f(x)Φyy = 0, for x > 0 and y ∈ ℝ, where f is positive and continuously differentiable in (0, ∞), is discussed. It consists of all convex solutions of that equation which are of the form Φ(x, y) = p(x)q(y). The separation of variables is an easy task to perform. In particular, it results in an explicit form of q(y). Imposing convexity conditions requires however more insight. It is observed that a nonlinear part of those conditions, in case of f′ ≤ 0, is related to an asymptotic behavior of p(x) and p′(x) as x → ∞. Then, under an additional assumption that lim x→∞ f(x) > 0, a satisfactory description of the set of all the functions p(x), which determines convex Φ(x, y) via the formula Φ(x, y) = p(x)q(y), is obtained. So constructed functions Φ(x, y) are convex entropies for the corresponding p-system. Finally two nontrivial examples, involving a modified Bessel and hypergeometric equation are provided.
PLANE GRAPHS ARE ENTIRELY (Δ + 5)-CHOOSABLE
Authors: HU XIAOXUE , WANG YIQIAO
Published: January 2014

A plane graph G is entirely k-choosable if, for every list L of colors satisfying L(x) = k for x ∈ V(G) ∪ E(G) ∪ F(G), there exists a coloring which assigns to each vertex, each edge and each face a color from its list so that any adjacent or incident elements receive different colors. In this paper, we show that every plane graph G with maximum degree Δ ≤ 5 is entirely (Δ + 5)-choosable.
Extracellular membrane vesicles as a mechanism of cell-to-cell communication: advantages and disadvantages
Authors: Turturici Giuseppina , Tinnirello Rosaria , Sconzo Gabriella , Geraci Fabiana
Published: January 2014

Microvesicles represent a newly identified mechanism of intercellular communication. Two different types of microvesicles have been identified: membrane-derived vesicles (EVs) and exosomes. EVs originate by direct budding from the plasma membrane, while exosomes arise from ectocytosis of multivesicular bodies. Recent attention has focused on the capacity of EVs to alter the phenotype of neighboring cells to make them resemble EV-producing cells. Stem cells are an abundant source of EVs, and the interaction between stem cells and the microenvironment (i.e., stem cell niche) plays a critical role in determining stem cell phenotype. The stem cell niche hypothesis predicts that stem cell number is limited by the availability of niches releasing the necessary signals for self-renewal and survival, and the niche thus provides a mechanism for controlling and limiting stem cell numbers. EVs may play a fundamental role in this context by transferring genetic information between cells. EVs can transfer mRNA and microRNA to target cells, both of which may be involved in the change in target-cell phenotype towards that of EV-producing cells. The exchange of genetic information may be bidirectional, and EV-mediated transfer of genetic information after tissue damage may reprogram stem cells to acquire the phenotypic features of the injured tissue cells. In addition, stem cell-derived EVs may induce the de-differentiation of cells that survive injury by promoting their reentry into the cell cycle and subsequently increasing the possibility of tissue regeneration.
Effects of low cell pH and elevated inorganic phosphate on the pCa-force relationship in single muscle fibers at near-physiological temperatures
Authors: Nelson Cassandra R. , Fitts Robert H.
Published: January 2014

Intense muscle contraction induces high rates of ATP hydrolysis with resulting increases in Pi, H+, and ADP, factors thought to induce fatigue by interfering with steps in the cross-bridge cycle. Force inhibition is less at physiological temperatures; thus the role of low pH in fatigue has been questioned. Effects of pH 6.2 and collective effects with 30 mM Pi on the pCa-force relationship were assessed in skinned fast and slow rat skeletal muscle fibers at 15 and 30°C. At 30°C, pH 6.2 + 30 mM Pi significantly depressed peak force in all fiber types, with the greatest effect in type IIx fibers. Across fiber types, Ca2+ sensitivity was depressed by low pH and low pH + high Pi, with the greater effect at 30°C. For type IIx fibers at 30°C, half-maximal activation (pCa50) was 5.36 at pH 6.2 (no added Pi) and 4.98 at pH 6.2 + 30 mM Pi compared with 6.58 in the control condition (pH 7, no added Pi). At 30°C, n2, reflective of thick filament cooperativity, was unchanged by low cell pH but was depressed from 5.02 to 2.46 in type IIx fibers with pH 6.2 + 30 mM Pi. With acidosis, activation thresholds of all fiber types required higher free Ca2+ at 15 and 30°C. With the exception of type IIx fibers, the Ca2+ required to reach activation threshold increased further with added Pi. In conclusion, it is clear that fatigue-inducing effects of low cell pH and elevated Pi at near-physiological temperatures are substantial.
Brown adipose tissue thermogenesis contributes to emotional hyperthermia in a resident rat suddenly confronted with an intruder rat
Authors: Mohammed Mazher , Ootsuka Youichirou , Blessing William
Published: January 2014

Body temperature increases when individuals experience salient, emotionally significant events. There is controversy concerning the contribution of nonshivering thermogenesis in brown adipose tissue (BAT) to emotional hyperthermia. In the present study we compared BAT, core body, and brain temperature, and tail blood flow, simultaneously measured, to determine whether BAT thermogenesis contributes to emotional hyperthermia in a resident Sprague-Dawley rat when an intruder rat, either freely-moving or confined to a small cage, is suddenly introduced into the cage of the resident rat for 30 min. Introduction of the intruder rat promptly increased BAT, body, and brain temperatures in the resident rat. For the caged intruder these temperature increases were 1.4 ± 0.2, 0.8 ± 0.1, 1.0 ± 0.1°C, respectively, with the increase in BAT temperature being significantly greater ( P < 0.01) than the increases in body and brain. The initial 5-min slope of the BAT temperature record (0.18 ± 0.02°C/min) was significantly greater ( P < 0.01) than the corresponding value for body (0.10 ± 0.01°C/min) and brain (0.09 ± 0.02°C/min). Tail artery pulse amplitude fell acutely when the intruder rat was introduced, possibly contributing to the increases in body and brain temperature. Prior blockade of β3 adrenoceptors (SR59230A 10 mg/kg ip) significantly reduced the amplitude of each temperature increase. Intruder-evoked increases in BAT temperature were similar in resident rats maintained at 11°C for 3 days. In the caged intruder situation there is no bodily contact between the rats, so the stimulus is psychological rather than physical. Our study thus demonstrates that BAT thermogenesis contributes to increases in body and brain temperature occurring during emotional hyperthermia.
Role of estrogen on skeletal muscle mitochondrial function in ovariectomized rats: a time course study in different fiber types
Authors: Cavalcanti-de-Albuquerque J. P. A. , Salvador I. C. , Martins Eduarda Lopes , Jardim-Messeder D. , Werneck-de-Castro J. P. S. , Galina A. , Carvalho D. P.
Published: January 2014

Postmenopausal women are prone to develop obesity and insulin resistance, which might be related to skeletal muscle mitochondrial dysfunction. In a rat model of ovariectomy (OVX), skeletal muscle mitochondrial function was examined at short- and long-term periods after castration. Mitochondrial parameters in the soleus and white gastrocnemius muscle fibers were analyzed. Three weeks after surgery, there were no differences in coupled mitochondrial respiration (ATP synthesis) with pyruvate, malate, and succinate; proton leak respiration; or mitochondrial reactive oxygen species production. However, after 3 wk of OVX, the soleus and white gastrocnemius muscles of the OVX animals showed a lower use of palmitoyl-carnitine and glycerol-phosphate substrates, respectively, and decreased peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1α expression. Estrogen replacement reverted all of these phenotypes. Eight weeks after OVX, ATP synthesis was lower in the soleus and white gastrocnemius muscles of the OVX animals than in the sham-operated and estrogen-treated animals; however, when normalized by citrate synthase activity, these differences disappeared, indicating a lower muscle mitochondria content. No differences were observed in the proton leak parameter. Mitochondrial alterations did not impair the treadmill exercise capacity of the OVX animals. However, blood lactate levels in the OVX animals were higher after the physical test, indicating a compensatory extramitochondrial ATP synthesis system, but this phenotype was reverted by estrogen replacement. These results suggest early mitochondrial dysfunction related to lipid substrate use, which could be associated with the development of the overweight phenotype of ovariectomized animals.
WISE-2005: Countermeasures to prevent muscle deconditioning during bed rest in women
Authors: Lee Stuart M. C. , Schneider Suzanne M. , Feiveson Alan H. , Macias Brandon R. , Smith Scott M. , Watenpaugh Donald E. , Hargens Alan R.
Published: January 2014

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the efficacy of two separate countermeasures, exercise and protein supplementation, to prevent muscle strength and lean tissue mass losses during 60 days of bed rest (BR) in women and whether countermeasure efficacy was influenced by pre-BR muscular fitness (strength, endurance, tissue mass). Twenty-four women were assigned to an exercise (EX, n = 8), a no-exercise control (CON, n = 8), or a no-exercise protein supplementation group (PROT, n = 8). EX performed supine treadmill exercise within lower body negative pressure 3–4 days/wk and maximal concentric and eccentric supine leg- and calf-press exercises 2–4 days/wk. PROT consumed a diet with elevated protein content compared with CON and EX (1.6 vs. 1.0 g·kg−1·day−1). Knee and calf isokinetic strength and endurance, isotonic leg-press strength, and leg lean mass were measured before and after BR. Post-BR knee extensor strength and endurance, ankle strength, and leg lean mass were significantly greater and leg-press strength tended to be higher in EX than in CON and PROT. Post-BR measures in PROT were not different than those in CON. Exercise countermeasure efficacy was less, and strength, endurance, and leg lean mass losses in CON and PROT were greater, in subjects who were more fit pre-BR. An exercise protocol combining resistive and aerobic exercise training protects against losses in strength, endurance, and leg lean mass in women during BR, while a nutritional countermeasure without exercise was not effective. Exercise countermeasures may require individualization to protect higher levels of strength and endurance.
The unusual symmetric reopening effect induced by pulmonary surfactant
Authors: Yamaguchi Eiichiro , Giannetti Matthew J. , Van Houten Matthew J. , Forouzan Omid , Shevkoplyas Sergey S. , Gaver Donald P.
Published: January 2014

This study investigates the stability of a finger of air as it propagates into a liquid-filled model of a liquid-filled model of a pulmonary bifurcation. We seek to elucidate the stability characteristics of the reopening of daughter airways, an event that may be important to the treatment of acute lung disease. To do so, we investigated the symmetry of reopening under conditions of nearly constant surface tension with 1) purified H2O or 2) an anionic surfactant (sodium dodecyl sulfate). Dynamic surface tension was investigated using pulmonary surfactant (Infasurf) with and without the presence of albumin. Flow visualization was accomplished using a microparticle image velocimetry (μ-PIV)/shadowgraph system through which we measured 1) the propagation velocity of the finger of air that reopens each daughter branch, and 2) the instantaneous and averaged velocity field of liquid phase surrounding the tip of the propagating bubble. Only pulmonary surfactant demonstrated the ability of maintaining a nearly symmetric propagation in the daughter channels, which is likely to lead to homogeneous airway reopening. In contrast, when pulmonary surfactant was inactivated by albumin or when the system was held at a nearly constant surface tension, reopening occurred asymmetrically. Our analysis suggests that Infasurf's dynamic surface tension qualities are important to stabilize the removal of liquid obstructions. This demonstrates a new important function of pulmonary surfactant for airway reopening of a multibranched network.
High-frequency electrical stimulation of the human skin induces heterotopical mechanical hyperalgesia, heat hyperalgesia, and enhanced responses to nonnociceptive vibrotactile input
Authors: van den Broeke Emanuel N. , Mouraux André
Published: January 2014

High-frequency electrical stimulation (HFS) of the human skin induces increased pain sensitivity in the surrounding unconditioned skin. The aim of the present study was to characterize the relative contribution of the different types of nociceptive and nonnociceptive afferents to the heterotopical hyperalgesia induced by HFS. In 17 healthy volunteers (9 men and 8 women), we applied HFS to the ventral forearm. The intensity of perception and event-related brain potentials (ERPs) elicited by vibrotactile stimuli exclusively activating nonnociceptive low-threshold mechanoreceptors and thermonociceptive stimuli exclusively activating heat-sensitive nociceptive afferents were recorded before and after HFS. The previously described mechanical hyperalgesia following HFS was confirmed by measuring the changes in the intensity of perception elicited by mechanical punctate stimuli. HFS increased the perceived intensity of both mechanical punctate and thermonociceptive stimuli applied to the surrounding unconditioned skin. The time course of the effect of HFS on the perception of mechanical and thermal nociceptive stimuli was similar. This indicates that HFS does not only induce mechanical hyperalgesia, but also induces heat hyperalgesia in the heterotopical area. Vibrotactile ERPs were also enhanced after HFS, indicating that nonnociceptive somatosensory input could contribute to the enhanced responses to mechanical pinprick stimuli. Finally, the magnitude of thermonociceptive ERPs was unaffected by HFS, indicating that type II A-fiber mechano-heat nociceptors, thought to be the primary contributor to these brain responses, do not significantly contribute to the observed heat hyperalgesia.
Maxillofacial Fractures in the Province of Pescara, Italy: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Ascani Giuliano , Di Cosimo Francesca , Costa Michele , Mancini Paolo , Caporale Claudio
Published: January 2014

The aim of the present study was to assess the etiology and pattern of maxillofacial fractures in the Province of Pescara, Abruzzo, Central Italy. Was performed a retrospective review of patients treated at the Department of Maxillofacial Surgery of Spirito Santo Hospital from January 2010 to December 2012. Data collected and analyzed included sex, age, cause of injury, site of fracture, monthly distribution, and alcohol misuse. A total of 306 patients sustaining 401 maxillofacial fractures were treated. There were 173 males (56.5%) and 133 females (43.5%). Most of the patients (36.9%) were in the age group of 18–44 years. The most common causes of injuries were road traffic accidents (26.4%); the second leading cause was interpersonal violence (23.2%), followed by injuries associated with falls (19.2%). Fractures of the mandible (31%) and zygoma (23%) were the most common maxillofacial fractures in our study. The monthly distribution peaked in the summer (July and August, 30.4%) and in October (13.1%). In conclusion, this study confirms the close correlation between the incidence and etiology of facial fractures and the geographical, cultural, and socioeconomic features of a population. The data obtained provide important information for the design of future plans for injury prevention and for education of citizens.
Prognostic Role of MicroRNA-210 in Various Carcinomas: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Li Minmin , Ma Xuelei , Li Mei , Zhang Binglan , Huang Juan , Liu Lei , Wei Yuquan
Published: January 2014

Objective. Many studies have shown that microRNAs (miRNAs) could play a potential role as prognostic biomarkers of tumors. The aim of this study is to summarize the global predicting role of microRNA-210 (miR-210) for survival in patients with a variety of carcinomas.Methods. Relevant literature was identified using PubMed and the information in eligible studies has been extracted. Then meta-analysis of hazard ratio (HR) was performed to evaluate the prognostic role of the miR-210 in different tumors.Results. This meta-analysis included 9 published studies dealing with various carcinomas. For recurrence free survival or disease free survival (RFS/DFS), the combined hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) of higher miR-210 expression were 2.47 [1.36, 4.46], which could significantly predict poor survival in general carcinomas. MicroRNA-210 was also a significant predictor for overall survival (OS), metastasis free survival or distant relapse free survival (MFS/DRFS), and disease specific survival (DSS). Importantly, subgroup analysis suggested that higher expression of miR-210 correlated with worse RFS/DFS, OS, and MFS/DRFS, especially in breast cancer, which were 3.36 [2.30, 4.93], 3.29 [1.65, 6.58], and 2.85 [1.76, 4.62] separately.Conclusion. Our studies suggested that microRNA-210 could predict the outcome of patients with varieties of tumors, especially in breast cancers.
C-Reactive Protein and Cognition Are Unrelated to Leukoaraiosis
Authors: Rizzi Liara , Marques Fabricio Correia , Rosset Idiane , Moriguchi Emilio Hideyuki , Picon Paulo Dornelles , Chaves Marcia Lorena Fagundes , Roriz-Cruz Matheus
Published: January 2014

Elevated serum levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) have been associated with leukoaraiosis in elderly brain. However, several studies indicate that leukoaraiosis is associated with an increased risk of cognitive impairment. It is unknown how the effect of CRP on cognition is mediated by leukoaraiosis. The purpose of this study is to assess the relationship between serum levels of CRP, the presence of leukoaraiosis, and cognitive impairment in a population of coronary patients over 50 years old. CRP levels explained 7.18% (P: 0.002) of the variance of the MMSE. The adjustment for the presence of leukoaraiosis little changed this variance (5.98%,P: 0.005), indicating that only a small portion of the CRP influence on cognition was mediated via leukoaraiosis. Patients with CRP levels ≥5.0 had 2.9 (95% CI: 1.26–6.44) times more chance to present cognitive impairment (P: 0.012). We found that elevated serum levels of CRP were associated with increased risk of cognitive impairment in elderly and it was not mediated by presence of leukoaraiosis.
The Proatherogenic Effect of Chronic Nitric Oxide Synthesis Inhibition in ApoE-Null Mice Is Dependent on the Presence of PPARα
Authors: Vechoropoulos Michal , Ish-Shalom Maya , Shaklai Sigal , Sack Jessica , Stern Naftali , Tordjman Karen M.
Published: January 2014

Inhibition of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) accelerates atherosclerosis in ApoE-null mice by impairing the balance between angiotensin II (AII) and NO. Our previous data suggested a role for PPARαin the deleterious effect of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS). We tested the hypothesis that ApoE-null mice lacking PPARα(DKO mice) would be resistant to the proatherogenic effect of NOS inhibition. DKO mice fed a Western diet were immune to the 23% worsening in aortic sinus plaque area seen in the ApoE-null animals under 12 weeks of NOS inhibition with a subpressor dose of L-NAME,P=0.002. This was accompanied by a doubling of reactive oxygen species (ROS-) generating aortic NADPH oxidase activity (a target of AII, which paralleled Nox1 expression) and by a 10-fold excess of the proatherogenic iNOS,P<0.01. L-NAME also caused a doubling of aortic renin and angiotensinogen mRNA level in the ApoE-null mice but not in the DKO, and it upregulated eNOS in the DKO mice only. These data suggest that, in the ApoE-null mouse, PPARαcontributes to the proatherogenic effect of unopposed RAS/AII action induced by L-NAME, an effect which is associated with Nox1 and iNOS induction, and is independent of blood pressure and serum lipids.
Adipose Tissue-Derived Stem Cell Secreted IGF-1 Protects Myoblasts from the Negative Effect of Myostatin
Authors: Gehmert Sebastian , Wenzel Carina , Loibl Markus , Brockhoff Gero , Huber Michaela , Krutsch Werner , Nerlich Michael , Gosau Martin , Klein Silvan , Schreml Stephan , Prantl Lukas , Gehmert Sanga
Published: January 2014

Myostatin, a TGF-βfamily member, is associated with inhibition of muscle growth and differentiation and might interact with the IGF-1 signaling pathway. Since IGF-1 is secreted at a bioactive level by adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs), these cells (ASCs) provide a therapeutic option for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). But the protective effect of stem cell secreted IGF-1 on myoblast under high level of myostatin remains unclear. In the present study murine myoblasts were exposed to myostatin under presence of ASCs conditioned medium and investigated for proliferation and apoptosis. The protective effect of IGF-1 was further examined by using IGF-1 neutralizing and receptor antibodies as well as gene silencing RNAi technology. MyoD expression was detected to identify impact of IGF-1 on myoblasts differentiation when exposed to myostatin. IGF-1 was accountable for 43.6% of the antiapoptotic impact and 48.8% for the proliferative effect of ASCs conditioned medium. Furthermore, IGF-1 restored mRNA and protein MyoD expression of myoblasts under risk. Beside fusion and transdifferentiation the beneficial effect of ASCs is mediated by paracrine secreted cytokines, particularly IGF-1. The present study underlines the potential of ASCs as a therapeutic option for Duchenne muscular dystrophy and other dystrophic muscle diseases.
Response of Nitrogen and Potassium Fertigation to “Waris” Almond (Prunus dulcis) under Northwestern Himalayan Region of India
Authors: Kumar Dinesh , Ahmed N.
Published: January 2014

A field experiment was conducted on almond (Prunus dulcis) to study the effect of N&K fertigation on growth, yields and leaf nutrient status over two seasons (2011 and 2012) in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India. There were six treatments, namely, T1—100% recommended dose of fertilizers as soil application, T2—100% RDF through fertigations, T3—75% RDF through fertigation, T4—75% RDF through fertigation (split application), T5—50% RDF through fertigation and T6—50% RDF through fertigation (split application) with three replications under randomized block design. The results indicated that the maximum tree height (3.21 m and 3.56 m), nut weight (2.73 g and 1.94 g), nut yield (2.41 kg/tree and 5.98 kg/tree; 2.67 t/ha and 6.64 t/ha), and leaf nutrient content (2.34 and 2.38% N; 0.14 and 0.17% P; 1.37 and 1.41% K) were recorded in T4treatment, whereas the highest TCSA of main trunk, primary, secondary, and tertiary branches (72.67 and 90.28 cm2; 16.75 and 24.26 cm2; 3.83 and 7.49 cm2; 0.47 and 1.23 cm2), canopy volume (7.15 and 8.11 m3), and fruit number (990 and 3083/tree) were recorded in T2in almond variety Waris.
Reconstruction of Vital Blade Signal from Unsteady Casing Vibration
Authors: Lim Meng Hee , Leong M. S.
Published: January 2014

Some important information pertaining to blade fault is thought to be concealed in highly unsteady casing vibration. This paper explores suitable methods to best reconstruct blade related signals from raw casing vibration, which could be used for diagnosis of blade fault. The feasibility of translation invariant wavelet transform and cycle spinning (TIWT-CS) technique in reconstruction of these signals is investigated in this paper. Subsequently, a new parameter for blade fault diagnosis, namely, the energy profile of blade signal (EPBS), is formulated. Experimental results show that TIWT-CS method effectively retained blade related signals, while other unwanted signals such as system noises and aerodynamic induced vibration are reasonably suppressed. EPBS provides an indication of the condition of blade faults in rotor system, whereby the exact position and the quantity of faulty blades, as well as the root cause of blade fault, can be identified. In comparison, the energy profile plots using unfiltered casing vibration were found to be highly unstable and therefore provides inconsistent results for diagnosis of blade fault.
A Novel Approach for Nonstationary Time Series Analysis with Time‐Invariant Correlation Coefficient
Authors: Liu Chengrui , Wang Zhihua , Fu Huimin , Zhang Yongbo
Published: January 2014

We will concentrate on the modeling and analysis of a class of nonstationary time series, called correlation coefficient stationary series, which commonly exists in practical engineering. First, the concept and scope of correlation coefficient stationary series are discussed to get a better understanding. Second, a theorem is proposed to determine standard deviation function for correlation coefficient stationary series. Third, we propose a moving multiple‐point average method to determine the function forms for mean and standard deviation, which can help to improve the analysis precision, especially in the context of limited sample size. Fourth, the conditional likelihood approach is utilized to estimate the model parameters. In addition, we discuss the correlation coefficient stationarity test method, which can contribute to the verification of modeling validity. Monte Carlo simulation study illustrates the authentication of the theorem and the validity of the established method. Empirical study shows that the approach can satisfactorily explain the nonstationary behavior of many practical data sets, including stock returns, maximum power load, China money supply, and foreign currency exchange rate. The effectiveness of these processes is addressed by forecasting performance.
Mitochondrial Stress Signaling Promotes Cellular Adaptations
Authors: Barbour Jayne Alexandra , Turner Nigel
Published: January 2014

Mitochondrial dysfunction has been implicated in the aetiology of many complex diseases, as well as the ageing process. Much of the research on mitochondrial dysfunction has focused on how mitochondrial damage may potentiate pathological phenotypes. The purpose of this review is to draw attention to the less well-studied mechanisms by which the cell adapts to mitochondrial perturbations. This involves communication of stress to the cell and successful induction of quality control responses, which include mitophagy, unfolded protein response, upregulation of antioxidant and DNA repair enzymes, morphological changes, and if all else fails apoptosis. The mitochondrion is an inherently stressful environment and we speculate that dysregulation of stress signaling or an inability to switch on these adaptations during times of mitochondrial stress may underpin mitochondrial dysfunction and hence amount to pathological states over time.
On Asymptotic Behavior of Solutions of Generalized Emden-Fowler Differential Equations with Delay Argument
Authors: Domoshnitsky Alexander , Koplatadze Roman
Published: January 2014

The following differential equationu(n)(t)+p(t)|u(σ(t))|μ(t) sign  u(σ(t))=0is considered. Herep∈Lloc(R+;R+),  μ∈C(R+;(0,+∞)),  σ∈C(R+;R+),  σ(t)≤t, andlimt→+∞⁡σ(t)=+∞. We say that the equation is almost linear if the conditionlimt→+∞⁡μ(t)=1is fulfilled, while iflim⁡supt→+∞⁡μ(t)≠1orlim⁡inft→+∞⁡μ(t)≠1, then the equation is an essentially nonlinear differential equation. In the case of almost linear and essentially nonlinear differential equations with advanced argument, oscillatory properties have been extensively studied, but there are no results on delay equations of this sort. In this paper, new sufficient conditions implying PropertyAfor delay Emden-Fowler equations are obtained.
Removal of the 2-Mercaptobenotiazole from Model Wastewater by Ozonation
Authors: Derco Jan , Kassai Angelika , Melicher Michal , Dudas Jozef
Published: January 2014

The feasibility of ozonation process for 2-mercaptobenzothiazole (2-MBT) removal follows from results of ozonation of the model wastewater. Total removal of 2-MBT was observed after 20 minutes of ozonation. Very good reproducibility of repeated ozonation trials including sampling and analysis was observed. However, the majority of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and chemical oxygen demand (COD) remained in the reaction mixture. Benzothiazole (BT) and 2-hydroxybenzothiazole (OBT) intermediates were identified during degradation of 2-MBT with ozone. In addition to the above benzothiazole derivatives, the creation of some other organic compounds follows from results of mass balance. The best fits of experimental data were obtained using the first kinetic model for 2-MBT and zero-order kinetic model for COD and DOC. The reaction time of 60 minutes can be considered as effective with regard to controlled oxidation in order to increase a portion of partially oxidized substances. Higher biodegradability and lower toxicity of ozonation products on respiration activity of activated sludge microorganisms was observed at higher ozonation time.
Time-Lapse Electrical Resistivity Investigations for Imaging the Grouting Injection in Shallow Subsurface Cavities
Authors: Farooq Muhammad , Park Samgyu , Kim Jung Ho , Song Young Soo , Amjad Sabir Mohammad , Umar Muhammad , Tariq Mohammad , Muhammad Said
Published: January 2014

The highway of Yongweol-ri, Muan-gun, south-western part of the South Korean Peninsula, is underlain by the abandoned of subsurface cavities, which were discovered in 2005. These cavities lie at shallow depths with the range of 5∼15 meters below the ground surface. Numerous subsidence events have repeatedly occurred in the past few years, damaging infrastructure and highway. As a result of continuing subsidence issues, the Korean Institute of Geosciences and Mineral Resources (KIGAM) was requested by local administration to resolve the issue. The KIGAM used geophysical methods to delineate subsurface cavities and improve more refined understanding of the cavities network in the study area. Cement based grouting has been widely employed in the construction industry to reinforce subsurface ground. In this research work, time-lapse electrical resistivity surveys were accomplished to monitor the grouting injection in the subsurface cavities beneath the highway, which have provided a quasi-real-time monitoring for modifying the subsurface cavities related to ground reinforcement, which would be difficult with direct methods. The results obtained from time-lapse electrical resistivity technique have satisfactory imaged the grouting injection experiment in the subsurface cavities beneath the highway. Furthermore, the borehole camera confirmed the presence of grouting material in the subsurface cavities, and hence this procedure increases the mechanical resistance of subsurface cavities below the highway.
Artificial Neural Networks to Predict the Power Output of a PV Panel
Authors: Lo Brano Valerio , Ciulla Giuseppina , Di Falco Mariavittoria
Published: January 2014

The paper illustrates an adaptive approach based on different topologies of artificial neural networks (ANNs) for the power energy output forecasting of photovoltaic (PV) modules. The analysis of the PV module’s power output needed detailed local climate data, which was collected by a dedicated weather monitoring system. The Department of Energy, Information Engineering, and Mathematical Models of the University of Palermo (Italy) has built up a weather monitoring system that worked together with a data acquisition system. The power output forecast is obtained using three different types of ANNs: a one hidden layer Multilayer perceptron (MLP), a recursive neural network (RNN), and a gamma memory (GM) trained with the back propagation. In order to investigate the influence of climate variability on the electricity production, the ANNs were trained using weather data (air temperature, solar irradiance, and wind speed) along with historical power output data available for the two test modules. The model validation was performed by comparing model predictions with power output data that were not used for the network's training. The results obtained bear out the suitability of the adopted methodology for the short-term power output forecasting problem and identified the best topology.
Optimization of Unnickedβ2-Glycoprotein I and High Avidity Anti-β2-Glycoprotein I Antibodies Isolation
Authors: Artenjak Andrej , Leonardi Adrijana , Križaj Igor , Ambrožič Aleš , Sodin-Semrl Snezna , Božič Borut , Čučnik Saša
Published: January 2014

Patient biological material for isolation ofβ2-glycoprotein I (β2GPI) and high avidity IgG anti-β2-glycoprotein I antibodies (HAv anti-β2GPI) dictates its full utilization. The aim of our study was to evaluate/improve procedures for isolation of unnickedβ2GPI and HAv aβ2GPI to gain unmodified proteins in higher yields/purity. Isolation ofβ2GPI from plasma was a stepwise procedure combining nonspecific and specific methods. For isolation of polyclonal HAv aβ2GPI affinity chromatographies with immobilized protein G and humanβ2GPI were used. The unknown protein found during isolation was identified by liquid chromatography electrospray ionization mass spectrometry and the nonredundant National Center for Biotechnology Information database. The average mass of the isolated unnicked purifiedβ2GPI increased from 6.56 mg to 9.94 mg. In the optimized isolation procedure the high molecular weight protein (proteoglycan 4) was successfully separated fromβ2GPI in the 1st peaks with size exclusion chromatography. The average efficiency of the isolation procedure for polyclonal HAv anti-β2GPI from different matrixes was 13.8%, as determined by ourin-houseanti-β2GPI ELISA. We modified thein-houseisolation and purification procedures of unnickedβ2GPI and HAv anti-β2GPI, improving the purity of antigen and antibodies as well as increasing the number of tests routinely performed with thein-houseELISA by ~50%.
Radiative Impact of Fireworks at a Tropical Indian Location: A Case Study
Authors: Singh B. P. , Srivastava A. K. , Tiwari S. , Singh S. , Singh R. K. , Bisht D. S. , Lal D. M. , Singh A. K. , Mall R. K. , Srivastava Manoj K.
Published: January 2014

During Diwali festival, extensive burning of crackers and fireworks is made. Weeklong intensive observational campaign for aerosol study was carried out at a representative urban location in the eastern Indo-Gangetic Plain (IGP), Varanasi (25.3°N, 83.0°E), from October 29 to November 04, 2005 (Diwali on November 01, 2005), to investigate behavioral change of aerosol properties and radiative forcing between firework affected and nonaffected periods. Results show a substantial increase (~27%) in aerosol optical depth, aerosol absorption coefficients, and aerosol scattering coefficients during affected period as compared to non-affected periods. Magnitudes of radiative forcing at top of atmosphere during affected and non-affected periods are found to be +10 ± 1 and +12 ± 1 Wm−2, respectively, which are −31 ± 7 and −17 ± 5 Wm−2, respectively, at surface. It suggests an additional cooling of ~20% at top of atmosphere, ~45% cooling at surface, and additional atmospheric heating of 0.23 Kday−1during fireworks affected period, which is ~30% higher than the non-affected period average.
Decentralized Scheduling Algorithm for DAG Based Tasks on P2P Grid
Authors: Chauhan Piyush , Nitin
Published: January 2014

Complex problems consisting of interdependent subtasks are represented by a direct acyclic graph (DAG). Subtasks of this DAG are scheduled by the scheduler on various grid resources. Scheduling algorithms for grid strive to optimize the schedule. Nowadays a lot of grid resources are attached by P2P approach. Grid systems and P2P model both are newfangled distributed computing approaches. Combining P2P model and grid systems we get P2P grid systems. P2P grid systems require fully decentralized scheduling algorithm, which can schedule interreliant subtasks among nonuniform computational resources. Absence of central scheduler caused the need for decentralized scheduling algorithm. In this paper we have proposed scheduling algorithm which not only is fruitful in optimizing schedule but also does so in fully decentralized fashion. Hence, this unconventional approach suits well for P2P grid systems. Moreover, this algorithm takes accurate scheduling decisions depending on both computation cost and communication cost associated with DAG’s subtasks.
Comparison of Diagnostic Accuracy between Octopus 900 and Goldmann Kinetic Visual Fields
Authors: Rowe Fiona J. , Rowlands Alison
Published: January 2014

Purpose. To determine diagnostic accuracy of kinetic visual field assessment by Octopus 900 perimetry compared with Goldmann perimetry.Methods. Prospective cross section evaluation of 40 control subjects with full visual fields and 50 patients with known visual field loss. Comparison of test duration and area measurement of isopters for Octopus 3, 5, and 10°/sec stimulus speeds. Comparison of test duration and type of visual field classification for Octopus versus Goldmann perimetry. Results were independently graded for presence/absence of field defect and for type and location of defect. Statistical evaluation comprised of ANOVA and paired t test for evaluation of parametric data with Bonferroni adjustment. Bland Altman and Kappa tests were used for measurement of agreement between data.Results. Octopus 5°/sec perimetry had comparable test duration to Goldmann perimetry. Octopus perimetry reliably detected type and location of visual field loss with visual fields matched to Goldmann results in 88.8% of results(K=0.775).Conclusions. Kinetic perimetry requires individual tailoring to ensure accuracy. Octopus perimetry was reproducible for presence/absence of visual field defect. Our screening protocol when using Octopus perimetry is 5°/sec for determining boundaries of peripheral isopters and 3°/sec for blind spot mapping with further evaluation of area of field loss for defect depth and size.
Vocal Emotion of Humanoid Robots: A Study from Brain Mechanism
Authors: Wang Youhui , Hu Xiaohua , Dai Weihui , Zhou Jie , Kuo Taitzong
Published: January 2014

Driven by rapid ongoing advances in humanoid robot, increasing attention has been shifted into the issue of emotion intelligence of AI robots to facilitate the communication between man-machines and human beings, especially for the vocal emotion in interactive system of future humanoid robots. This paper explored the brain mechanism of vocal emotion by studying previous researches and developed an experiment to observe the brain response by fMRI, to analyze vocal emotion of human beings. Findings in this paper provided a new approach to design and evaluate the vocal emotion of humanoid robots based on brain mechanism of human beings.
Evaluation of the Effects of Vaccinium arctostaphylos L. Fruit Extract on Serum Lipids and hs‐CRP Levels and Oxidative Stress in Adult Patients with Hyperlipidemia: A Randomized, Double‐Blind, Placebo‐Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Soltani Rasool , Hakimi Mustafa , Asgary Sedigheh , Ghanadian Syed Mustafa , Keshvari Mahtab , Sarrafzadegan Nizal
Published: January 2014

Background. Dyslipidemia produces atherosclerosis, which in turn results in coronary artery disease (CAD). Atherosclerosis is being considered as an inflammatory disease. Vaccinium arctostaphylos L. is a plant with fruits rich in anthocyanins. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of fruit extract of this plant on serum levels of lipids, hs‐CRP, and malondialdehyde (MDA) as a marker of oxidative stress, in hyperlipidemic adult patients. Methods. In this randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled clinical trial, 50 hyperlipidemic adult patients were randomly and equally assigned to receive either medicinal (V. arctostaphylos fruit extract) or placebo capsules twice daily for 4 weeks. Each medicinal capsule contained 45 ± 2 mg of anthocyanins. Fasting serum levels of total cholesterol, TG, LDL‐C, HDL‐C, hs‐CRP, and MDA were obtained before and after the intervention and compared. Results. V. arctostaphylos fruit extract significantly reduced total cholesterol (P < 0.001), LDL‐C (P = 0.004), TG (P < 0.001), and MDA (P = 0.013) compared to placebo but did not have any significant effect on HDL‐C (P = 0.631) and hs‐CRP (P = 0.190). Conclusion. Fruit extract of Vaccinium arctostaphylos has beneficial effects on serum lipid profile and oxidative stress in hyperlipidemic adult patients. Therefore, it could be considered as a supplement for treatment of dyslipidemia and prevention of atherosclerosis development.
Static and Free Vibration Analysis of Laminated Composite Plates Using Isogeometric Approach Based on the Third Order Shear Deformation Theory
Authors: Li Xinkang , Zhang Jifa , Zheng Yao
Published: January 2014

Isogeometric analysis (IGA) based on nonuniform rational B-splines (NURBS) is applied for static and free vibration analysis of laminated composite plates by using the third order shear deformation theory (TSDT). TSDT requires C1-continuity of generalized displacements and NURBS basis functions are well-suited for this requirement. Due to the noninterpolatory nature of NURBS basis functions, a penalty method is applied to enforce the essential boundary conditions. The validity and accuracy of the present method are demonstrated through a series of numerical examples of isotropic and laminated composite plates with different shapes, boundary conditions, fiber orientations, lay-up numbers, and so forth. The obtained numerical results are compared with either the analytical solutions or other available numerical methods.
Distributed Face Recognition Using Multiple Kernel Discriminant Analysis in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Liu Xiao-Zhang , Yang Guan
Published: January 2014

This paper proposes a module based distributed wireless face recognition system by integrating multiple kernel discriminant analysis with face recognition in wireless sensor networks. By maximizing the margin maximization criterion (MMC), we separately perform an iterative scheme for kernel parameter optimization for each module. The simulation on the FERET and CMU PIE face databases shows that our multiple kernel framework and the optimization procedure achieve high recognition performance, compared with single-kernel-based KDDA.
Regional MRI Perfusion Measures Predict Motor/Executive Function in Patients with Clinically Isolated Syndrome
Authors: Papadaki Efrosini Z. , Simos Panagiotis G. , Mastorodemos Vasileios C. , Panou Theodora , Maris Thomas G. , Karantanas Apostolos H. , Plaitakis Andreas
Published: January 2014

Background. Patients with clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) demonstrate brain hemodynamic changes and also suffer from difficulties in processing speed, memory, and executive functions.Objective. To explore whether brain hemodynamic disturbances in CIS patients correlate with executive functions.Methods. Thirty CIS patients and forty-three healthy subjects, matched for age, gender, education level, and FSIQ, were administered tests of visuomotor learning and set shifting ability. Cerebral blood volume (CBV), cerebral blood flow (CBF), and mean transit time (MTT) values were estimated in normal-appearing white matter (NAWM) and normal-appearing deep gray Matter (NADGM) structures, using a perfusion MRI technique.Results. CIS patients showed significantly elevated reaction time (RT) on both tasks, while their CBV and MTT values were globally increased, probably due to inflammatory vasodilation. Significantly, positive correlation coefficients were found between error rates on the inhibition condition of the visuomotor learning task and CBV values in occipital, periventricular NAWM and both thalami. On the set shifting condition of the respective task significant, positive associations were found between error rates and CBV values in the semioval center and periventricular NAWM bilaterally.Conclusion. Impaired executive function in CIS patients correlated positively with elevated regional CBV values thought to reflect inflammatory processes.
Correcting Positional Errors in Shore-Based Theodolite Measurements of Animals at Sea
Authors: Sagnol Ophélie , Reitsma Femke , Richter Christoph , Field Laurence H.
Published: January 2014

Determining the position of animals at sea can be particularly difficult and yet, accurate range and position of animals at sea are essential to answer a wide range of biological questions. Shore-based theodolite techniques have been used in a number of studies to examine marine mammal movement patterns and habitat use, offering reliable position measurements. In this study we explored the accuracy of theodolite measurements by comparing positional information of the same objects using two independent techniques: a shore-based theodolite station and an onboard GPS over a range of 25 km from the shore-based station. The technique was developed to study the habitat use of sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) off Kaikoura, New Zealand. We observed that the position accuracy fell rapidly with an increase in range from the shore-based station. Results showed that the horizontal angle was accurately determined, but this was not the case for the vertical angle. We calibrated the position of objects at sea with a regression-based correction to fit the difference in distance between simultaneously recorded theodolite fixes and GPS positions. This approach revealed the necessity to calibrate theodolite measurements with objects at sea of known position.