bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Stonity of a pseudo-complemented ADL
Authors: Santhi Sundar Raj Ch. , Venkateswarlu B. , Vasu Babu R.
Published: August 2014

The notion of Stonity of a pseudo-complemented Almost Distributive Lattice A is introduced and several properties of the Stonity S(A) of A are proved. Mainly, it is proved that the Stonity S(A) is the largest sub-ADL of A which is a Stone ADL and that S(A) is independent of the pseudo-complementation on A.
Gorenstein n-flat modules and their covers
Authors: Selvaraj C. , Udhayakumar R. , Umamaheswaran A.
Published: August 2014

In this paper, we introduce the notion of Gorenstein n-flat modules and Gorenstein n-absolutely pure modules. First, we prove that the direct limit of Gorenstein n-flat modules over a right n-coherent ring is again a Gorenstein n-flat module. Also we prove that over a right n-coherent ring, any pure submodule of a Gorenstein n-flat module is a Gorenstein n-flat module. Finally, the class of all Gorenstein n-flat left modules over a ring R is a Kaplansky class and then we prove that all left modules over a right n-coherent ring have Gorenstein n-flat covers.
Distribution dynamics and functional importance of NHERF1 in regulation of Mrp-2 trafficking in hepatocytes
Authors: Karvar Serhan , Suda Jo , Zhu Lixin , Rockey Don C.
Published: August 2014

Na+/H+ exchanger regulatory factor 1 (NHERF1) is a multifunctional scaffolding protein that interacts with receptors and ion transporters in its PDZ domains and with the ezrin-radixin-moesin (ERM) family of proteins in its COOH terminus. The role of NHERF1 in hepatocyte function remains largely unknown. We examine the distribution and physiological significance of NHERF1 and multidrug resistance-associated protein 2 (Mrp-2) in hepatocytes. A WT radixin binding site mutant (F355R) and NHERF1 PDZ1 and PDZ2 domain adenoviral mutant constructs were tagged with yellow fluorescent protein and expressed in polarized hepatocytes to study localization and function of NHERF1. Cellular distribution of NHERF1 and radixin was visualized by fluorescence microscopy. A 5-chloromethylfluorescein diacetate (CMFDA) assay was used to characterize Mrp-2 function. Similar to Mrp-2, WT NHERF1 and the NHERF1 PDZ2 deletion mutant were localized to the canalicular membrane. In contrast, the radixin binding site mutant (F355R) and the NHERF1 PDZ1 deletion mutant, which interacts poorly with Mrp-2, were rarely associated with the canalicular membrane. Knockdown of NHERF1 led to dramatically impaired CMFDA secretory response. Use of CMFDA showed that the NHERF1 PDZ1 and F355R mutants were devoid of a secretory response, while WT NHERF1-infected cells exhibited increased secretion of glutathione-methylfluorescein. The data indicate that NHERF1 interacts with Mrp-2 via the PDZ1 domain of NHERF1 and, furthermore, that NHERF1 is essential for maintaining the localization and function of Mrp-2.
Endothelial-mesenchymal transition in normal human esophageal endothelial cells cocultured with esophageal adenocarcinoma cells: role of IL-1β and TGF-β2
Authors: Nie Linghui , Lyros Orestis , Medda Rituparna , Jovanovic Nebojsa , Schmidt Jamie L. , Otterson Mary F. , Johnson Christopher P. , Behmaram Behnaz , Shaker Reza , Rafiee Parvaneh
Published: August 2014

Endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EndoMT) has been recognized as a key determinant of tumor microenvironment in cancer progression and metastasis. Endothelial cells undergoing EndoMT lose their endothelial markers, acquire the mesenchymal phenotype, and become more invasive with increased migratory abilities. Early stages of esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) are characterized by strong microvasculature whose impact in tumor progression remains undefined. Our aim was to determine the role of EndoMT in EAC by investigating the impact of tumor cells on normal primary human esophageal microvascular endothelial cells (HEMEC). HEMEC were either cocultured with OE33 adenocarcinoma cells or treated with IL-1β and transforming growth factor-β2 (TGF-β2) for indicated periods and analyzed for EndoMT-associated changes by real-time PCR, Western blotting, immunofluorescence staining, and functional assays. Additionally, human EAC tissues were investigated for detection of EndoMT-like cells. Our results demonstrate an increased expression of mesenchymal markers [fibroblast-specific protein 1 (FSP1), collagen1α2, vimentin, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), and Snail], decreased expression of endothelial markers [CD31, von Willebrand factor VIII (vWF), and VE-cadherin], and elevated migration ability in HEMEC following coculture with OE33 cells. The EndoMT-related changes were inhibited by IL-1β and TGF-β2 gene silencing in OE33 cells. Recombinant IL-1β and TGF-β2 induced EndoMT in HEMEC. Although the level of VEGF expression was elevated in EndoMT cells, the angiogenic property of these cells was diminished. In vivo, by immunostaining EndoMT-like cells were detected at the invasive front of EAC. Our findings underscore a significant role for EndoMT in EAC and provide new insights into the mechanisms and significance of EndoMT in the context of tumor progression.
Diabetes increases stiffness of live cardiomyocytes measured by atomic force microscopy nanoindentation
Authors: Benech Juan C. , Benech Nicolás , Zambrana Ana I. , Rauschert Inés , Bervejillo Verónica , Oddone Natalia , Damián Juan P.
Published: August 2014

Stiffness of live cardiomyocytes isolated from control and diabetic mice was measured using the atomic force microscopy nanoindentation method. Type 1 diabetes was induced in mice by streptozotocin administration. Histological images of myocardium from mice that were diabetic for 3 mo showed disorderly lineup of myocardial cells, irregularly sized cell nuclei, and fragmented and disordered myocardial fibers with interstitial collagen accumulation. Phalloidin-stained cardiomyocytes isolated from diabetic mice showed altered (i.e., more irregular and diffuse) actin filament organization compared with cardiomyocytes from control mice. Sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA2a) pump expression was reduced in homogenates obtained from the left ventricle of diabetic animals compared with age-matched controls. The apparent elastic modulus (AEM) for live control or diabetic isolated cardiomyocytes was measured using the atomic force microscopy nanoindentation method in Tyrode buffer solution containing 1.8 mM Ca2+ and 5.4 mM KCl (physiological condition), 100 nM Ca2+ and 5.4 mM KCl (low extracellular Ca2+ condition), or 1.8 mM Ca2+ and 140 mM KCl (contraction condition). In the physiological condition, the mean AEM was 112% higher for live diabetic than control isolated cardiomyocytes (91 ± 14 vs. 43 ± 7 kPa). The AEM was also significantly higher in diabetic than control cardiomyocytes in the low extracellular Ca2+ and contraction conditions. These findings suggest that the material properties of live cardiomyocytes were affected by diabetes, resulting in stiffer cells, which very likely contribute to high diastolic LV stiffness, which has been observed in vivo in some diabetes mellitus patients.
Physiological responses of a rodent to heliox reveal constancy of evaporative water loss under perturbing environmental conditions
Authors: Cooper Christine Elizabeth , Withers Philip Carew
Published: August 2014

Total evaporative water loss of endotherms is assumed to be determined essentially by biophysics, at least at temperatures below thermoneutrality, with evaporative water loss determined by the water vapor deficit between the animal and the ambient air. We present here evidence, based on the first measurements of evaporative water loss for a small mammal in heliox, that mammals may have a previously unappreciated ability to maintain acute constancy of total evaporative water loss under perturbing environmental conditions. Thermoregulatory responses of ash-grey mice ( Pseudomys albocinereus) to heliox were as expected, with changes in metabolic rate, conductance, and respiratory ventilation consistent with maintaining constancy of body temperature under conditions of enhanced heat loss. However, evaporative water loss did not increase in heliox. This is despite our confirmation of the physical effect that heliox augments evaporation from nonliving surfaces, which should increase cutaneous water loss, and increases minute volume of live ash-grey mice in heliox to accommodate their elevated metabolic rate, which should increase respiratory water loss. Therefore, mice had not only a thermoregulatory but also a hygroregulatory response to heliox. We interpret these results as evidence that ash-grey mice can acutely control their evaporative water loss under perturbing environmental conditions and suggest that hygroregulation at and below thermoneutrality is an important aspect of the physiology of at least some small mammals.
Role of caveolin 1 in AT1a receptor-mediated uptake of angiotensin II in the proximal tubule of the kidney
Authors: Li Xiao C. , Gu Victor , Miguel-Qin Elise , Zhuo Jia L.
Published: August 2014

Caveolin 1 (CAV-1) functions not only as a constitutive scaffolding protein of caveolae but also as a vesicular transporter and signaling regulator. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that CAV-1 knockout (CAV-1 KO) inhibits ANG II type 1 [AT1 (AT1a)] receptor-mediated uptake of ANG II in the proximal tubule and attenuates blood pressure responses in ANG II-induced hypertension. To determine the role of CAV-1 in mediating the uptake of FITC-labeled ANG II, wild-type (WT) mouse proximal convoluted tubule cells were transfected with CAV-1 small interfering (si)RNA for 48 h before AT1 receptor-mediated uptake of FITC-labeled ANG II was studied. CAV-1 siRNA knocked down CAV-1 expression by >90% ( P < 0.01) and inhibited FITC-labeled ANG II uptake by >50% ( P < 0.01). Moreover, CAV-1 siRNA attenuated ANG II-induced activation of MAPK ERK1/2 and Na+/H+ exchanger 3 expression, respectively ( P < 0.01). To determine whether CAV-1 regulates ANG II uptake in the proximal tubule, Alexa 488-labeled ANG II was infused into anesthetized WT and CAV-1 KO mice for 60 min (20 ng/min iv). Imaging analysis revealed that Alexa 488-labeled ANG II uptake was decreased by >50% in CAV-1 KO mice ( P < 0.01). Furthermore, Val5-ANG II was infused into WT and CAV-1 KO mice for 2 wk (1.5 mg·kg−1·day−1 ip). Basal systolic pressure was higher, whereas blood pressure and renal excretory and signaling responses to ANG II were attenuated, in CAV-1 KO mice ( P < 0.01). We concluded that CAV-1 plays an important role in AT1 receptor-mediated uptake of ANG II in the proximal tubule and modulates blood pressure and renal responses to ANG II.
Inhibition of soluble epoxide hydrolase prevents renal interstitial fibrosis and inflammation
Authors: Kim Jinu , Imig John D. , Yang Jun , Hammock Bruce D. , Padanilam Babu J.
Published: August 2014

The pathophysiological events that lead to renal interstitial fibrogenesis are incompletely understood. Epoxyeicosatrienoic acid (EET), an arachidonic acid metabolite, has anti-inflammatory and profibrinolytic functions. Soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) converts EET to less active dihydroxyeicosatrienoic acid. Here, we tested the hypothesis that sEH deficiency would prevent tubulointerstitial fibrosis and inflammation induced by unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) in mouse kidneys. The loss of sEH enhanced levels of EET regioisomers and abolished tubulointerstitial fibrosis as demonstrated by reduced collagen deposition and myofibroblast formation at 3 and 10 days after UUO. The inflammatory response was prevented as demonstrated by decreased influx of neutrophil and macrophage, expression of inflammatory cytokines, and chemotactic factors in sEH-deficient UUO kidneys. Pharmacological inhibition of sEH also prevented inflammation and fibrosis after UUO. Next, we delved into the molecular mechanisms piloting the beneficial effects of sEH deficiency in renal fibrosis. UUO upregulated profibrotic factors associated with transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1/Smad3 signaling, oxidative stress, and NF-κB activation, and downregulated antifibrotic factors including peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) isoforms, especially PPARγ, but the loss of sEH prevented these adverse effects in UUO kidneys. Furthermore, administration of PPAR antagonists enhanced myofibroblast formation and activation of Smad3 and NF-κB p65, effects that were prevented by sEH deficiency in UUO kidneys. These data demonstrate that loss of sEH promotes anti-inflammatory and fibroprotective effects in UUO kidneys via activation of PPAR isoforms and downregulation of NF-κB, TGF-β1/Smad3, and inflammatory signaling pathways. Our data suggest the potential use of sEH inhibitors in treating fibrotic diseases.
Approximate Sparsity and Nonlocal Total Variation Based Compressive MR Image Reconstruction
Authors: Deng Chengzhi , Wang Shengqian , Tian Wei , Wu Zhaoming , Hu Saifeng
Published: August 2014

Recent developments in compressive sensing (CS) show that it is possible to accurately reconstruct the magnetic resonance (MR) image from undersampled k‐space data by solving nonsmooth convex optimization problems, which therefore significantly reduce the scanning time. In this paper, we propose a new MR image reconstruction method based on a compound regularization model associated with the nonlocal total variation (NLTV) and the wavelet approximate sparsity. Nonlocal total variation can restore periodic textures and local geometric information better than total variation. The wavelet approximate sparsity achieves more accurate sparse reconstruction than fixed wavelet and norm. Furthermore, a variable splitting and augmented Lagrangian algorithm is presented to solve the proposed minimization problem. Experimental results on MR image reconstruction demonstrate that the proposed method outperforms many existing MR image reconstruction methods both in quantitative and in visual quality assessment.
Reliability Analysis of the Proportional Mean Residual Life Order
Authors: Kayid M. , Izadkhah S. , Alhalees H.
Published: August 2014

The concept of mean residual life plays an important role in reliability and life testing. In this paper, we introduce and study a new stochastic order called proportional mean residual life order. Several characterizations and preservation properties of the new order under some reliability operations are discussed. As a consequence, a new class of life distributions is introduced on the basis of the anti‐star‐shaped property of the mean residual life function. We study some reliability properties and some characterizations of this class and provide some examples of interest in reliability.
Quinolone-Containing Therapies in the Eradication ofHelicobacter pylori
Authors: Chuah Seng-Kee , Tai Wei-Chen , Lee Chen-Hsiang , Liang Chih-Ming , Hu Tsung-Hui
Published: August 2014

Fluoroquinolones, especially levofloxacin, are used in the eradication ofHelicobacter pyloriworldwide. Many consensus guidelines recommend that the second-line rescue therapy forH. pylorieradication consists of a proton pump inhibitor, a quinolone, and amoxicillin as an option. Unfortunately, quinolone is well associated with a risk of developing bacterial resistance. In this paper, we review quinolone-containingH. pylorieradication regimens and the challenges that influence the efficacy of eradication. It is generally suggested that the use of levofloxacin should be confined to “rescue” therapy only, in order to avoid a further rapid increase in the resistance ofH. pylorito quinolone. The impact of quinolone-containingH. pylorieradication regimens on public health issues such as tuberculosis treatment must always be taken into account. Exposure to quinolone is relevant to delays in diagnosing tuberculosis and the development of drug resistance. Extending the duration of treatment to 14 days improves eradication rates by >90%. Tailored therapy to detect fluoroquinolone-resistant strains can be done by culture-based and molecular methods to provide better eradication rates. Molecular methods are achieved by using a real-time polymerase chain reaction to detect the presence of agyrAmutation, which is predictive of treatment failure with quinolones-containing triple therapy.
Smoothing Strategies Combined with ARIMA and Neural Networks to Improve the Forecasting of Traffic Accidents
Authors: Barba Lida , Rodríguez Nibaldo , Montt Cecilia
Published: August 2014

Two smoothing strategies combined with autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) and autoregressive neural networks (ANNs) models to improve the forecasting of time series are presented. The strategy of forecasting is implemented using two stages. In the first stage the time series is smoothed using either, 3-point moving average smoothing, or singular value Decomposition of the Hankel matrix (HSVD). In the second stage, an ARIMA model and two ANNs for one-step-ahead time series forecasting are used. The coefficients of the first ANN are estimated through the particle swarm optimization (PSO) learning algorithm, while the coefficients of the second ANN are estimated with the resilient backpropagation (RPROP) learning algorithm. The proposed models are evaluated using a weekly time series of traffic accidents of Valparaíso, Chilean region, from 2003 to 2012. The best result is given by the combination HSVD-ARIMA, with a MAPE of 0 : 26%, followed by MA-ARIMA with a MAPE of 1 : 12%; the worst result is given by the MA-ANN based on PSO with a MAPE of 15 : 51%.
Wave Breaking Phenomenon for DGH Equation with Strong Dissipation
Authors: Guo Zhengguang , Zhao Min
Published: August 2014

The present work is mainly concerned with the Dullin-Gottwald-Holm (DGH) equation with strong dissipative term. We establish some sufficient conditions to guarantee finite time blow-up of strong solutions.
Multiobjective Synergistic Scheduling Optimization Model for Wind Power and Plug‐In Hybrid Electric Vehicles under Different Grid‐Connected Modes
Authors: Ju Liwei , Tan Zhongfu , Li Huanhuan , Yu Xiaobao , Zhang Huijuan
Published: August 2014

In order to promote grid’s wind power absorptive capacity and to overcome the adverse impacts of wind power on the stable operation of power system, this paper establishes benefit contrastive analysis models of wind power and plug‐in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) under the optimization goal of minimum coal consumption and pollutant emission considering multigrid connected modes. Then, a two‐step adaptive solving algorithm is put forward to get the optimal system operation scheme with the highest membership degree based on the improved ε constraints method and fuzzy decision theory. Thirdly, the IEEE36 nodes 10‐unit system is used as the simulation system. Finally, the sensitive analysis for PHEV’s grid connected number is made. The result shows the proposed algorithm is feasible and effective to solve the model. PHEV’s grid connection could achieve load shifting effect and promote wind power grid connection. Especially, the optimization goals reach the optimum in fully optimal charging mode. As PHEV’s number increases, both abandoned wind and thermal power generation cost would decrease and the peak and valley difference of load curve would gradually be reduced.
Enhancement of Lignin Biopolymer Isolation from Hybrid Poplar by Organosolv Pretreatments
Authors: Wu Miao , Pang Jinhui , Zhang Xueming , Sun Runcang
Published: August 2014

Lignocellulosic biomass is an abundant renewable resource that has the potential to displace petroleum in the production of biomaterials and biofuels. In the present study, the fractionation of different lignin biopolymers from hybrid poplar based on organosolv pretreatments using 80% aqueous methanol, ethanol, 1-propanol, and 1-butanol at 220°C for 30 min was investigated. The isolated lignin fractions were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), high-performance anion exchange chromatography (HPAEC), 2D nuclear magnetic resonance (2D NMR), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The results showed that the lignin fraction obtained with aqueous ethanol (EOL) possessed the highest yield and the strongest thermal stability compared with other lignin fractions. In addition, other lignin fractions were almost absent of neutral sugars (1.16–1.46%) though lignin preparation extracted with 1-butanol (BOL) was incongruent (7.53%). 2D HSQC spectra analysis revealed that the four lignin fractions mainly consisted ofβ-O-4′ linkages combined with small amounts ofβ-β′andβ-5′ linkages. Furthermore, substitution ofCαinβ-O-4′ substructures had occurred due to the effects of dissolvent during the autocatalyzed alcohol organosolv pretreatments. Therefore, aqueous ethanol was found to be the most promising alcoholic organic solvent compared with other alcohols to be used in noncatalyzed processes for the pretreatment of lignocellulosic biomass in biorefinery.
Spontaneous Thrombosis in Giant Aneurysm of the Anterior Communicating Artery Complex in Pediatric Age: Five-Year Follow-Up
Authors: Gonçalves Vítor M. , Cristino N. , Cunha e Sá M.
Published: August 2014

Intracranial aneurysms are rare in the pediatric population, especially in infancy, representing less than 1% of all aneurysms. In this age group, they are more frequent at the carotid bifurcation and in the posterior circulation, with a greater number of giant aneurysms and spontaneous aneurysm thrombosis when compared with the adults. They are life-threatening, and, therefore, early investigation, characterization of the lesion, and treatment are essential. The appropriate management depends on the child’s condition, aneurysm characteristics, and the experience of a multidisciplinary team. Noninvasive and radiation-free imagiological studies play an important role in the diagnosis and follow-up of these young patients. We present the case of a 3-month-old boy with an intracranial hemorrhage secondary to the rupture of a giant aneurysm of the anterior communicating artery complex, with spontaneous thrombosis, which is a rare situation due to its location. A conservative approach was assumed and noninvasive evolutive imagiological studies revealed a reduction in the thrombosed aneurysm size and no signs of recanalization. The child recovered to his baseline neurological condition and has had no rehemorrhage until 5 years of follow-up.
Design of a Broadband Band-Pass Filter with Notch-Band Using New Models of Coupled Transmission Lines
Authors: Daryasafar Navid , Baghbani Somaye , Naser Moghaddasi Mohammad , Sadeghzade Ramezanali
Published: August 2014

We intend to design a broadband band-pass filter with notch-band, which uses coupled transmission lines in the structure, using new models of coupled transmission lines. In order to realize and present the new model, first, previous models will be simulated in the ADS program. Then, according to the change of their equations and consequently change of basic parameters of these models, optimization and dependency among these parameters and also their frequency response are attended and results of these changes in order to design a new filter are converged.
Predictors of Compliance to Gluten-Free Diet in Children with Celiac Disease
Authors: Garg Anu , Gupta Rajkumar
Published: August 2014

Aim.To identify the predictors of compliance to gluten free diet in children with celiac disease.Methods.134 children in the study group were assessed for dietary compliance followed by a questionnaire based interview. Psychosocial parameters were assessed by standard Pediatric Symptom Checklist (PSC). Dietary compliant and noncompliant groups were compared and assessed for factors affecting the dietary compliance. Predictability of all of these factors was assessed using binary logistic regression analysis with backward elimination to find out the best predictors of compliance.Results.In the study group, 88 (65.67%) were found to be strictly compliant. Factors that were found to be significantly associated with compliance were age at presentation, nuclear families, mother’s education, and parents having better knowledge of celiac disease. Parents’ and child’s attitude towards his having to follow a restrictive diet and child’s feelings were also shown to be significantly associated with compliance. Binary logistic regression analysis with backward elimination demonstrated that age at presentation, family type, child’s attitude, and child’s behaviour made a significant contribution to prediction.Conclusions.These results will contribute to the current body of research by providing health care practitioners with a framework for better dietary instruction to ensure maximum adherence to GFD.
Prenatal Exposure to Nicotine in Pregnant Rat Increased Inflammatory Marker in Newborn Rat
Authors: Mohsenzadeh Yosouf , Rahmani Asghar , Cheraghi Javad , Pyrani Maryam , Asadollahi Khairollah
Published: August 2014

This study aimed to investigate any inflammatory effect of nicotine on rat embryo by exposing their mothers to different dosages of nicotine during pregnancy. During this experimental study, 32 pregnant healthy Wistar rats were divided into 4 equal groups, including a control and 3 nicotine exposure groups. Injections were performed subcutaneously starting at the first day of pregnancy until parturition. As the dosages of nicotine were increased, the weight gain by pregnant rats and the mean weight of their newborns were significantly reduced. Mean ± SD of hs-CRP was significantly higher among groups exposed to various dosages of nicotine (2, 4, and 6 mg/kg) compared to the control group (P<0.0001) and its increasing rate was also dose dependent. Mean ± SD serum level of IL-6 and TNF-αamong all groups exposed to nicotine, except for 2 mg/kg nicotine injected group, was increased significantly (P<0.0001). Mean ± SD of serum level of TGF-βand nitrite oxide among exposure groups showed significant differences compared to the control group only at the dosage of 6 mg/kg (P<0.0001). The current study showed that exposing pregnant rats to nicotine causes a dose dependent increase in the rate of all the studied inflammatory serum markers among their newborns.
Evaluation of Antifungal Activity and Mechanism of Action of Citral against Candida albicans
Authors: Leite Maria Clerya Alvino , Bezerra André Parente de Brito , Sousa Janiere Pereira de , Guerra Felipe Queiroga Sarmento , Lima Edeltrudes de Oliveira
Published: August 2014

Candida albicans is a yeast that commensally inhabits the human body and can cause opportunistic or pathogenic infections. Objective. To investigate the antifungal activity of citral against C. albicans. Methodology. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) were determined by the broth microdilution techniques. We also investigated possible citral action on cell walls (0.8 M sorbitol), cell membranes (citral to ergosterol binding), the time‐kill curve, and biological activity on the yeast’s morphology. Results. The MIC and MFC of citral were, respectively, 64 µg/mL and 256 µg/mL. Involvement with the cell wall and ergosterol binding were excluded as possible mechanisms of action. In the morphological interference assay, it was observed that the product inhibited pseudohyphae and chlamydoconidia formation. The MIC and the MFC of citral required only 4 hours of exposure to effectively kill 99.9% of the inoculum. Conclusion. Citral showed in vitro antifungal potential against strains of C. albicans. Citral’s mechanism of action does not involve the cell wall or ergosterol, and further study is needed to completely describe its effects before being used in the future as a component of new antifungals.
Explore the Most Potential Supplier’s Selection Determinants in Modern Supply Chain Management
Authors: Hsieh Ming-Yuan , Yan Tung-Ming , Huang Chih-Cheng , Jane Chuen-Jiuan
Published: August 2014

To increment the research reliability, validity, and representativeness, this study creatively cross‐employed the factor analysis (FA) and the grey relational analysis (GRA) methods. The results of the 144 fully completed questionnaires are analyzed by FA and then these results were utilized in second questionnaires design of 15 experts. Furthermore, the results of these second questionnaires were further analyzed by GRA in order to explore the most potential supplier’s selection determinants in the modern supply chain management (MSCM). Beyond a series of measurements, the measured results have induced three contributive findings: (1) the empirical interviewed industrialists reported concern that suppliers have to provide a higher material yield rate and material delivery on time rate for the qualitative increment as well as a higher supplier’s gross margin ROI for the financial stabilization in MSCM; (2) the 15 experts concluded that material insurance rate is an important attribute to estimate risky assessments and the supplier’s gross margin ROI and warehouse operations cost as a percentage of sales are critical elements in the financial evaluations of potential suppliers; and (3) Supplier’s gross margin ROI, outbound freight cost as a percentage of sales, and material insurance rate are the three most decisive determinants in MSCM.
Short-Term Effect of Vermicompost Application on Biological Properties of an Alkaline Soil with High Lime Content from Mediterranean Region of Turkey
Authors: Uz Ilker , Tavali Ismail Emrah
Published: August 2014

This study was conducted to investigate direct short-term impact of vermicompost on some soil biological properties by monitoring changes after addition of vermicompost as compared to farmyard manure in an alkaline soil with high lime content from semiarid Mediterranean region of Turkey. For this purpose, mixtures of soil and organic fertilizers in different doses were incubated under greenhouse condition. Soil samples collected in regular intervals were analyzed for biological parameters including dehydrogenase,β-glucosidase, urease, alkaline phosphatase activities, and total number of aerobic mesophilic bacteria. Even though soil dehydrogenase activity appeared to be dose-independent based on overall evaluation, organic amendments were found to elevate dehydrogenase activity when sampling periods are evaluated individually.β-glucosidase, urease, alkaline phosphatase activity, and aerobic mesophilic bacterial numbers in vermicompost treatments fluctuated but remained significantly above the control. A slight but statistically significant difference was detected between organic amendments in terms of urease activity. Vermicompost appeared to more significantly increase bacterial number in soil. Clearly, vermicompost has a potential to be used as an alternative to farmyard manure to improve and maintain soil biological activity in alkaline calcareous soils from the Mediterranean region of Turkey. Further studies are needed to assess its full potential for these soils.
Extracts fromVatica diospyroidesType SS Fruit Show Low Dose Activity against MDA-MB-468 Breast Cancer Cell-Line via Apoptotic Action
Authors: Srisawat Theera , Sukpondma Yaowapa , Chimplee Siriphon , Kanokwiroon Kanyanatt , Tedasen Aman , Graidist Potchanapond
Published: August 2014

Very strong antiproliferative action ofV. diospyroidestype SS fruit extracts (IC50range of 1.60-17.45 µg/mL) in MDA-MB-468 cell-line was observed in an MTT assay. After dosing of an extract concentration at half IC50to cell line for 24 to 72 hours, treated cells were subjected to Annexin V-FITC/PI binding assay, followed by FACS and western blot analyses. Significant apoptotic death was observed with all extract treatments and both exposure times. Dosing with acetone extract of pericarp and cotyledon induced the highest apoptotic populations (33 and 32%, resp.), with the lowest populations of viable cells (65 and 67%, resp.). During 24 to 72 hours of dosing with methanolic extract of pericarp, the populations of viable and early apoptotic cells decreased significantly from 72.40 to 71.32% and from 12.00 to 6.36%, respectively, while the late apoptotic and nonviable cell populations continuously increased from 15.30 to 19.18% and from 0.30 to 3.14%, respectively. The expression of Bax increased within 12–48 hours of dosing, confirming apoptosis induced by time-dependent responses. The mutant p53 of MDA-MB-468 cells was expressed. Our results indicate that apoptosis and time-dependent therapeutic actions contribute to the cytotoxic effects ofV. diospyroidestype SS fruit on MDA-MB-468 cell.
Comparative Studies of Covering Rough Set Models
Authors: Wang Zhaohao
Published: August 2014

Many different proposals exist for the definition of lower and upper approximation operators in covering‐based rough sets and so many different covering rough set models are built correspondingly. It is meaningful to explore the connection of these covering rough set models for their applications in practice. In this paper, we establish relationships between the most commonly used operators in covering rough set models. We investigate the conditions under which two types of upper approximation operations are identical.
Unraveling the Complex Relationship Triad between Lipids, Obesity, and Inflammation
Authors: Khan Shahida A. , Ali Ashraf , Khan Sarah A. , Zahran Solafa A. , Damanhouri Ghazi , Azhar Esam , Qadri Ishtiaq
Published: August 2014

Obesity today stands at the intersection between inflammation and metabolic disorders causing an aberration of immune activity, and resulting in increased risk for diabetes, atherosclerosis, fatty liver, and pulmonary inflammation to name a few. Increases in mortality and morbidity in obesity related inflammation have initiated studies to explore different lipid mediated molecular pathways of attempting resolution that uncover newer therapeutic opportunities of anti-inflammatory components. Majorly the thromboxanes, prostaglandins, leukotrienes, lipoxins, and so forth form the group of lipid mediators influencing inflammation. Of special mention are the omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids that regulate inflammatory mediators of interest in hepatocytes and adipocytes via the cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase pathways. They also exhibit profound effects on eicosanoid production. The inflammatory cyclooxygenase pathway arising from arachidonic acid is a critical step in the progression of inflammatory responses. New oxygenated products of omega-3 metabolism, namely, resolvins and protectins, behave as endogenous mediators exhibiting powerful anti-inflammatory and immune-regulatory actions via the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) and G protein coupled receptors (GPCRs). In this review we attempt to discuss the complex pathways and links between obesity and inflammation particularly in relation to different lipid mediators.
Emerging Anticancer Potentials of Goniothalamin and Its Molecular Mechanisms
Authors: Seyed Mohamed Ali , Jantan Ibrahim , Bukhari Syed Nasir Abbas
Published: August 2014

The treatment of most cancers is still inadequate, despite tremendous steady progress in drug discovery and effective prevention. Nature is an attractive source of new therapeutics. Several medicinal plants and their biomarkers have been widely used for the treatment of cancer with less known scientific basis of their functioning. Although a wide array of plant derived active metabolites play a role in the prevention and treatment of cancer, more extensive scientific evaluation of their mechanisms is still required. Styryl-lactones are a group of secondary metabolites ubiquitous in the genusGoniothalamusthat have demonstrated to possess antiproliferative activity against cancer cells. A large body of evidence suggests that this activity is associated with the induction of apoptosis in target cells. In an effort to promote further research on the genusGoniothalamus, this review offers a broad analysis of the current knowledge onGoniothalamin(GTN) or 5, 6, dihydro-6-styryl-2-pyronone (C13H12O2), a natural occurring styryl-lactone. Therefore, it includes (i) the source of GTN and other metabolites; (ii) isolation, purification, and (iii) the molecular mechanisms of actions of GTN, especially the anticancer properties, and summarizes the role of GTN which is crucial for drug design, development, and application in future for well-being of humans.
Walking Adaptability after a Stroke and Its Assessment in Clinical Settings
Authors: Balasubramanian Chitralakshmi K. , Clark David J. , Fox Emily J.
Published: August 2014

Control of walking has been described by a tripartite model consisting of stepping, equilibrium, and adaptability. This review focuses on walking adaptability, which is defined as the ability to modify walking to meet task goals and environmental demands. Walking adaptability is crucial to safe ambulation in the home and community environments and is often severely compromised after a stroke. Yet quantification of walking adaptability after stroke has received relatively little attention in the clinical setting. The objectives of this review were to examine the conceptual challenges for clinical measurement of walking adaptability and summarize the current state of clinical assessment for walking adaptability. We created nine domains of walking adaptability from dimensions of community mobility to address the conceptual challenges in measurement and reviewed performance-based clinical assessments of walking to determine if the assessments measure walking adaptability in these domains. Our literature review suggests the lack of a comprehensive well-tested clinical assessment tool for measuring walking adaptability. Accordingly, recommendations for the development of a comprehensive clinical assessment of walking adaptability after stroke have been presented. Such a clinical assessment will be essential for gauging recovery of walking adaptability with rehabilitation and for motivating novel strategies to enhance recovery of walking adaptability after stroke.
Quantum Behaved Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm Based on Artificial Fish Swarm
Authors: Yumin Dong , Li Zhao
Published: August 2014

Quantum behaved particle swarm algorithm is a new intelligent optimization algorithm; the algorithm has less parameters and is easily implemented. In view of the existing quantum behaved particle swarm optimization algorithm for the premature convergence problem, put forward a quantum particle swarm optimization algorithm based on artificial fish swarm. The new algorithm based on quantum behaved particle swarm algorithm, introducing the swarm
and following activities, meanwhile using the adaptive parameters, to avoid it falling into local
extremum of population. The experimental results show the improved algorithm to improve the optimization ability of the algorithm.
Monitoring of the Deposition of PAHs and Metals Produced by a Steel Plant in Taranto (Italy)
Authors: Amodio M. , de Gennaro G. , Di Gilio A. , Tutino M.
Published: August 2014

A high time-resolved monitoring campaign of bulk deposition of PAHs and metals was conducted near the industrial area and at an urban background site in province of Taranto (Italy) in order to evaluate the impact of the biggest European steel plant. The deposition fluxes of the sum of detected PAHs at the industrial area ranged from 92 to 2432 ng m−2d−1. In particular the deposition fluxes of BaP, BaA, and BkF were, on average, 10, 14, and 8 times higher than those detected at the urban background site, respectively. The same finding was for metals. The deposition fluxes of Ni (19.8 µg m−2d−1) and As (2.2 µg m−2d−1) at the industrial site were about 5 times higher than those at the urban background site, while the deposition fluxes of Fe (57 mg m−2d−1) and Mn (1.02 mg m−2d−1) about 31 times higher. Precipitation and wind speed played an important role in PAH deposition fluxes. Fe and Mn fluxes at the industrial site resulted high when wind direction favored the transport of air masses from the steel plant to the receptor site. The impact of the industrial area was also confirmed by IP/(IP + BgP), IP/BgP, and BaP/BgP diagnostic ratios.
Analysis and Simulation of the Dynamic Spectrum Allocation Based on Parallel Immune Optimization in Cognitive Wireless Networks
Authors: Huixin Wu , Duo Mo , He Li
Published: August 2014

Spectrum allocation is one of the key issues to improve spectrum efficiency and has become the hot topic in the research of cognitive wireless network. This paper discusses the real-time feature and efficiency of dynamic spectrum allocation and presents a new spectrum allocation algorithm based on the master-slave parallel immune optimization model. The algorithm designs a new encoding scheme for the antibody based on the demand for convergence rate and population diversity. For improving the calculating efficiency, the antibody affinity in the population is calculated in multiple computing nodes at the same time. Simulation results show that the algorithm reduces the total spectrum allocation time and can achieve higher network profits. Compared with traditional serial algorithms, the algorithm proposed in this paper has better speedup ratio and parallel efficiency.
Viola tricolorInduces Apoptosis in Cancer Cells and Exhibits Antiangiogenic Activity on Chicken Chorioallantoic Membrane
Authors: Sadeghnia Hamid Reza , Ghorbani Hesari Taghi , Mortazavian Seyed Mohsen , Mousavi Seyed Hadi , Tayarani-Najaran Zahra , Ghorbani Ahmad
Published: August 2014

In the present study, the cytotoxic and apoptogenic properties of hydroalcoholic extract and ethyl acetate (EtOAc),n-butanol, and water fractions (0–800 μg/mL) ofViola tricolorwere investigated in Neuro2a mouse neuroblastoma and MCF-7 human breast cancer cells. In addition, antiangiogenic effect of EtOAc fraction was evaluated on chicken chorioallantoic membrane (CAM). The quality of EtOAc fraction was also characterized using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) fingerprint. Cytotoxicity assay revealed that EtOAc fraction was the most potent among all fractions with maximal effect on MCF-7 and minimal toxicity against normal murine fibroblast L929 cells. Apoptosis induction by EtOAc fraction was confirmed by increased sub-G1 peak of propidium iodide (PI) stained cells. This fraction triggered the apoptotic pathway by increased Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and cleaved caspase-3 level. Moreover, treatment with EtOAc fraction significantly decreased the diameter of vessels on CAM, while the number of newly formed blood vessels was not suppressed significantly. Analysis of quality of EtOAc fraction using HPLC fingerprint showed six major peaks with different retention times. The results of the present study suggest thatV. tricolorhas potential anticancer property by inducing apoptosis and inhibiting angiogenesis.
On the Maximum Estrada Index of 3-Uniform Linear Hypertrees
Authors: Li Faxu , Wei Liang , Cao Jinde , Hu Feng , Zhao Haixing
Published: August 2014

For a simple hypergraphHonnvertices, its Estrada index is defined asEE(H)=∑i=1n‍eλi, whereλ1,λ2,…,λnare the eigenvalues of its adjacency matrix. In this paper, we determine the unique 3-uniform linear hypertree with the maximum Estrada index.
IoT-Based Smart Garbage System for Efficient Food Waste Management
Authors: Hong Insung , Park Sunghoi , Lee Beomseok , Lee Jaekeun , Jeong Daebeom , Park Sehyun
Published: August 2014

Owing to a paradigm shift toward Internet of Things (IoT), researches into IoT services have been conducted in a wide range of fields. As a major application field of IoT, waste management has become one such issue. The absence of efficient waste management has caused serious environmental problems and cost issues. Therefore, in this paper, an IoT-based smart garbage system (SGS) is proposed to reduce the amount of food waste. In an SGS, battery-based smart garbage bins (SGBs) exchange information with each other using wireless mesh networks, and a router and server collect and analyze the information for service provisioning. Furthermore, the SGS includes various IoT techniques considering user convenience and increases the battery lifetime through two types of energy-efficient operations of the SGBs: stand-alone operation and cooperation-based operation. The proposed SGS had been operated as a pilot project in Gangnam district, Seoul, Republic of Korea, for a one-year period. The experiment showed that the average amount of food waste could be reduced by 33%.
Role of Circulating Lymphocytes in Patients with Sepsis
Authors: de Pablo Raul , Monserrat Jorge , Prieto Alfredo , Alvarez-Mon Melchor
Published: August 2014

Sepsis is a systemic inflammatory response syndrome due to infection. The incidence rate is estimated to be up to 19 million cases worldwide per year and the number of cases is rising. Infection triggers a complex and prolonged host response, in which both the innate and adaptive immune response are involved. The disturbance of immune system cells plays a key role in the induction of abnormal levels of immunoregulatory molecules. Furthermore, the involvement of effector immune system cells also impairs the host response to the infective agents and tissue damage. Recently, postmortem studies of patients who died of sepsis have provided important insights into why septic patients die and showed an extensive depletion of CD4 and CD8 lymphocytes and they found that circulating blood cells showed similar findings. Thus, the knowledge of the characterization of circulating lymphocyte abnormalities is relevant for the understanding of the sepsis pathophysiology. In addition, monitoring the immune response in sepsis, including circulating lymphocyte subsets count, appears to be potential biomarker for predicting the clinical outcome of the patient. This paper analyzes the lymphocyte involvement and dysfunction found in patients with sepsis and new opportunities to prevent sepsis and guide therapeutic intervention have been revealed.
Molecular Mechanisms Underlying the Role of MicroRNAs in the Chemoresistance of Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Garajová Ingrid , Le Large Tessa Y. , Frampton Adam E. , Rolfo Christian , Voortman Johannes , Giovannetti Elisa
Published: August 2014

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is an extremely severe disease where the mortality and incidence rates are almost identical. This is mainly due to late diagnosis and limited response to current treatments. The tumor macroenvironment/microenvironment have been frequently reported as the major contributors to chemoresistance in PDAC, preventing the drugs from reaching their intended site of action (i.e., the malignant duct cells). However, the recent discovery of microRNAs (miRNAs) has provided new directions for research on mechanisms underlying response to chemotherapy. Due to their tissue-/disease-specific expression and high stability in tissues and biofluids, miRNAs represent new promising diagnostic and prognostic/predictive biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Furthermore, several studies have documented that selected miRNAs, such as miR-21 and miR-34a, may influence response to chemotherapy in several tumor types, including PDAC. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on the role of miRNAs in PDAC and recent advances in understanding their role in chemoresistance through multiple molecular mechanisms.