bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Control of thermochromic behaviour in crystal violet lactone (CVL)/alkyl gallate/alcohol ternary mixtures
Authors: Bourque Alexander N. , White Mary Anne
Published: June 2014

Three-component thermochromic mixtures generally consist of a leuco dye, a phenolic colour developer, and a high-melting organic solvent (listed in order of increasing mass). Their colouring behaviour is controlled by competing binary interactions, with the dye–developer interaction responsible for colour formation and the developer–solvent interaction responsible for solid-state colour erasure. In the present study, the reversible thermochromic properties of twelve systems of three-component mixtures comprising crystal violet lactone (CVL, dye), one of four alkyl gallates (developer), and one of three long-chain alkyl alcohols (solvent) were examined, as bulk samples, with slow heating and cooling rates. The thermochromic behaviour (i.e., melt-lightened vs melt-darkened thermochromism) of these mixtures was examined as a function of the difference in length of the alkyl chains attached to the developer and solvent. When the alkyl chain lengths were well-matched, the developer–solvent interaction dominated in the solid state and melt-darkened thermochromism was observed. When the alkyl chain lengths were poorly matched, the dye–developer interaction dominated in the solid state, and melt-lightened thermochromism was observed. Ternary thermochromic phase diagrams define compositional regions of optimal thermochromic behaviour (i.e., demonstrating high colour contrast), showing the intricate balance between developer–dye and developer–solvent interactions, and component concentration, in determining thermochromic behaviour.
The motion of test particles and cosmological interpretations: the role of MOND
Authors: Bothun G.
Published: June 2014

Throughout history, observations of the motions of objects in the Universe have provided the foundation for various cosmological models. In many cases, the invoked causes of the observed motion appeal to mysterious elements. Indeed, the very first test motion was that of the retrograde motion of Mars, which lead to a required epicycle to save the model (e.g., Ptolemy’s unmoving Earth). By the early 1840s, from approximately 50 years of orbital data (since its 1789 discovery) it was apparent that Uranus was disobeying the Newtonian rules in its orbit and speculation mounted that a “large unseen mass” was perturbing the orbit. Using Uranus as a test particle then yields the first notion of dark matter (DM). Alas, it was not DM but merely Neptune, discovered in September 1846. By 1859 enough data had been gathered to reveal that Mercury is also not obeying Newtonian physics but rather revealing curved space–time. The continuation of this history is now set in scales larger than the Solar System. Observations suggest two basic choices: (i) gravity is fully understood and Newton’s second law is invariant (except in very strong gravity) and observed motions on galactic scales require the existence of DM (a currently unproven “epicycle”) or (ii) Newton’s second law can be modified (e.g., MOND) in certain low acceleration scale environments. In this contribution we discuss the case for and against MOND on various scales and conclude that neither MOND nor our current cosmology (ΛCDM) consistently explain all observed phenomena. In general, MOND works much better on small scales than ΛCDM but encounters difficulties on large scales. Moreover, the nature of the acoustic power spectrum of the CMB now pretty clearly shows that a fully baryonic Universe is ruled out, thus necessitating some DM component. But this should not diminish the consideration of MOND as its introduced acceleration scale; ao is fully consistent with the observed structural properties of galaxies in a way that the DM halo paradigm cannot match. Indeed, despite many attempts to falsify MOND, it has always come back from its proclaimed death to provide unique insights into the gravitational nature of galaxies, consistently raising the specter that our current understanding of gravity acting over large spatial scales may be flawed.
Heterogeneous multidimensional scaling for complex networks
Authors: Xuan Qi , Ma Xiaodi , Fu Chenbo , Dong Hui , Zhang Guijun , Yu Li
Published: June 2014

Many real-world networks are essentially heterogeneous, where the nodes have different abilities to gain connections. Such networks are difficult to be embedded into low-dimensional Euclidean space if we ignore the heterogeneity and treat all the nodes equally. In this paper, based on a newly defined heterogeneous distance and a generalized network distance under the constraints of network and triangle inequalities, respectively, we propose a new heterogeneous multidimensional scaling method (HMDS) to embed different networks into proper Euclidean spaces. We find that HMDS behaves much better than the traditional multidimensional scaling method (MDS) in embedding different artificial and real-world networks into Euclidean spaces. Besides, we also propose a method to estimate the appropriate dimensions of Euclidean spaces for different networks, and find that the estimated dimensions are quite close to the real dimensions for those geometrical networks under study. These methods thus can help to better understand the evolution of real-world networks, and have practical importance in network visualization, community detection, link prediction and localization of wireless sensors.
Traffic dynamics around weaving section influenced by accident: Cellular automata approach
Authors: Kong Lin-Peng , Li Xin-Gang , Lam William H. K.
Published: June 2014

The weaving section, as a typical bottleneck, is one source of vehicle conflicts and an accident-prone area. Traffic accident will block lanes and the road capacity will be reduced. Several models have been established to study the dynamics around traffic bottlenecks. However, little attention has been paid to study the complex traffic dynamics influenced by the combined effects of bottleneck and accident. This paper presents a cellular automaton model to characterize accident-induced traffic behavior around the weaving section. Some effective control measures are proposed and verified for traffic management under accident condition. The total flux as a function of inflow rates, the phase diagrams, the spatial-temporal diagrams, and the density and velocity profiles are presented to analyze the impact of accident. It was shown that the proposed control measures for weaving traffic can improve the capacity of weaving section under both normal and accident conditions; the accidents occurring on median lane in the weaving section are more inclined to cause traffic jam and reduce road capacity; the capacity of weaving section will be greatly reduced when the accident happens downstream the weaving section.
MULTI-OUTPUT CURRENT FOLLOWER BASED CURRENT-MODE UNIVERSAL FILTER EMPLOYING ONLY GROUNDED CAPACITORS
Authors: ALPASLAN HALIL , YUCE ERKAN
Published: June 2014

In this paper, a new two-input three-output second-order universal filter is proposed. Two multi-output voltage controlled current followers (MO-VCCFs) and two capacitors are used in the proposed filter. The proposed filter does not have external passive resistors. It has high output impedances yielding easy cascadability. It has the property of electronic tunability. It does not need any critical passive component matching conditions. Also, it is composed of only grounded capacitors; accordingly, it is suitable for integration. Theoretical knowledge is supported via SPICE simulations.
Symmetry results for stable and monotone solutions to fibered systems of PDEs
Authors: Dipierro Serena , Pinamonti Andrea
Published: June 2014

We study the symmetry properties for solutions of elliptic systems of the type [Formula: see text] where x ∈ ℝm with 1 ≤ m < N, X = (x, y) ∈ ℝm × ℝN-m, and F1,…,Fn are the derivatives with respect to ξ1,…,ξn of some F = F(x,ξ1,…,ξn) such that for any i = 1,…,n and any fixed (x,ξ1,…,ξi-1,ξi+1,…,ξn) ∈ ℝm × ℝn-1 the map ξi → F(x,ξ1,…,ξi,…,ξn) belongs to C2(ℝ). We obtain a Poincaré-type formula for the solutions of the system and we use it to prove a symmetry result both for stable and for monotone solutions.
Singularities of solutions to the weighted p-Laplacian with an isolated singular point
Authors: Song Huijuan , Yin Jingxue
Published: June 2014

We study the weighted p-Laplacian with an isolated singular point and Kato-type potentials, and establish some sufficient conditions for solutions to have removable isolated singular point.
On existence of solution of variational multivalued elliptic equations with critical growth via the Ekeland principle
Authors: Alves Claudianor O. , Carvalho Marcos L. M. , Gonçalves José V. A.
Published: June 2014

We study the existence and regularity of the solution to the multivalued equation -ΔΦu ∈ ∂j(u) + λh in Ω, where Ω ⊂ RN is a bounded smooth domain, Φ is an N-function, ΔΦ is the corresponding Φ-Laplacian, λ > 0 is a parameter, h is a measurable function, and j is a continuous function with critical growth where ∂j(u) denotes its subdifferential. We apply the Ekeland Variational Principle to an associated locally Lipschitz energy functional. A major point in our study is that in order to deal with the obtained Ekeland sequence we developed a generalized version for the framework of Orlicz–Sobolev spaces of a well-known Brézis–Lieb lemma which was employed together with a variant of the Lions concentration-compactness theory to get a solution of the equation.
Almost critical local well-posedness for the space-time monopole equation in Lorenz gauge
Authors: Tesfahun Achenef
Published: June 2014

Recently, Candy and Bournaveas proved local well-posedness of the space-time monopole equation in Lorenz gauge for initial data in Hs with [Formula: see text]. The equation is L2-critical, and hence a [Formula: see text] derivative gap is left between their result and the scaling prediction. In this paper, we consider initial data in the Fourier–Lebesgue space [Formula: see text] for 1 < p ≤ 2 which coincides with Hs when p = 2 but scales like lower regularity Sobolev spaces for 1 < p < 2. In particular, we will see that as p → 1+, the critical exponent [Formula: see text], in which case [Formula: see text] is the critical space. We shall prove almost optimal local well-posedness to the space-time monopole equation in Lorenz gauge with initial data in the aforementioned spaces that correspond to p close to 1.
Quantum information in communication and imaging
Authors: Simon David S. , Jaeger Gregg , Sergienko Alexander V.
Published: June 2014

A brief introduction to quantum information theory in the context of quantum optics is presented. After presenting the fundamental theoretical basis of the subject, experimental evaluation of entanglement measures are discussed, followed by applications to communication and imaging.
On rational approximations of certain Mahler functions with a connection to the Thue–Morse sequence
Authors: Väänänen Keijo
Published: June 2014

We shall obtain the irrationality exponent 2 for some values of two special Mahler functions. This gives a new proof for the recent result of Bugeaud on Thue–Morse–Mahler numbers.
TWO-DIMENSIONAL NANOSHEETS-ASSEMBLED FLOWER-LIKE Co3O4 MICROSPHERES AND THEIR GAS SENSING PERFORMANCES
Authors: CHE HONGWEI , LIU AIFENG , ZHANG XIAOLIANG , HOU JUNXIAN , MU JINGBO , HE HONGJIANG
Published: June 2014

In this paper, three-dimensional (3D) Co 3 O 4 flower-like microspheres have been successfully synthesized via a facile ethylene glycol (EG)-mediated solvothermal method followed by calcination. The as-prepared flower-like precursors microspheres are formed from the assembly of 2D nanosheets in the presence of hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB). The flower-like architectures of the prepared precursors could be tailored by changing the amount of CTAB. Furthermore, when evaluated as a gas sensor, the obtained Co 3 O 4 flower-like microspheres exhibit a good response and sensitivity toward ethanol gas, suggesting their promising potential for gas sensors application.
Synthesis and characterization of electrically conducting copolymers of poly(aniline-co-o-iodoaniline)
Authors: Waware Umesh S. , Rashid Mohd
Published: June 2014

Functionalized copolymers of poly(aniline-co-o-iodoaniline) have been synthesized by the chemical oxidative polymerization method by using o-iodoaniline (o-IA) and aniline (AN) as monomer units by changing their molar feed ratio in acid aqueous medium. The physical properties viz; solubility, electrical conductivity have been studied to characterize them. The copolymers possess better solubility than unsubstituted homopolymer in organic solvent such as N -methyl-2-pyrrodinone (NMP). The conductivity of the pressed pellets of as-synthesized copolymers depends upon the content of o-IA in the polyaniline (PANI). The structural confirmation of the copolymer has been explained by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy study which suggest that AN and o-IA units are uniformly distributed along the polymer chain and thus, the physical properties of copolymers may possibly be tailored by varying the molar feed ratio in copolymerization reactions. The conductivity of the copolymer decreases upon increasing the o-IA content in molar feed, because the introduction of –I- as a functional group reduces the extent of conjugation of the polymer chain.
Valuing American options by least-squares randomized quasi-Monte Carlo methods
Authors: Wu Xin-Yu , Zhou Hai-Lin , Wang Shou-Yang
Published: June 2014

Valuation of American options is a difficult and challenging problem encountered in financial engineering. Longstaff and Schwartz [Longstaff, FA and ES Schwartz (2001). Valuing American Options by Simulation: A Simple Least-squares Approach, Review of Financial Studies, 14(1), 113–147.] Proposed the least-squares Monte Carlo (LSM) method for valuing American options. As this approach is intuitive and easy to apply, it has received much attention in the finance literature. However, a drawback of the LSM method is the low efficiency. In order to overcome this problem, we propose the least-squares randomized quasi-Monte Carlo (LSRQM) methods which can be viewed as a use low-discrepancy sequences as a variance reduction technique in the LSM method for valuing American options in this paper. Numerical results demonstrate that our proposed LSRQM methods are more efficient than the LSM method in terms of the valuation accuracy, the computation time and the convergence rate.
Intercorporate default contagion from industry failures: Stress testing on creditee linkage networks of China
Authors: Yang Mingmin , Gao Haoyu , Cao Zhigang , Yang Xiaoguang
Published: June 2014

This paper explores a simulation framework to examine the financial contagion on the creditee linkage networks, owing to a comprehensive loan-level database of China Banking Regulatory Commission (CBRC). We merge two kinds of connections together, i.e., loan guarantee and shareholding relationships, when constructing our underlying network. Default transmission probabilities are characterized by the two-parameter logistic function with a variant of leverage. Our main finding is that, under the above channel, contagion spreads in a linear form. To be precise, as the scale of the initial shock grows, the total number of default firms and the amount of bad loans incurred both increase linearly. The main reason for this is that the underlying network is rather sparse. Within the same ratio of initially default companies, the Manufacturing Industry is likely to cause the largest number of companies to fail and the largest amount of bad loans. We also find that the default contagion mostly spreads within the same industries, explaining again why the domino effect is very limited. We investigate the impacts on different regions from industry failures, and get many interesting findings, e.g., most industries may influence the Yangtze Delta Economic Circle significantly except for Agriculture and the Mining Industry.
Discovery and refinement of muscle weight QTLs in B6 × D2 advanced intercross mice
Authors: Carbonetto P. , Cheng R. , Gyekis J. P. , Parker C. C. , Blizard D. A. , Palmer A. A. , Lionikas A.
Published: June 2014

The genes underlying variation in skeletal muscle mass are poorly understood. Although many quantitative trait loci (QTLs) have been mapped in crosses of mouse strains, the limited resolution inherent in these conventional studies has made it difficult to reliably pinpoint the causal genetic variants. The accumulated recombination events in an advanced intercross line (AIL), in which mice from two inbred strains are mated at random for several generations, can improve mapping resolution. We demonstrate these advancements in mapping QTLs for hindlimb muscle weights in an AIL ( n = 832) of the C57BL/6J (B6) and DBA/2J (D2) strains, generations F8–F13. We mapped muscle weight QTLs using the high-density MegaMUGA SNP panel. The QTLs highlight the shared genetic architecture of four hindlimb muscles and suggest that the genetic contributions to muscle variation are substantially different in males and females, at least in the B6D2 lineage. Out of the 15 muscle weight QTLs identified in the AIL, nine overlapped the genomic regions discovered in an earlier B6D2 F2 intercross. Mapping resolution, however, was substantially improved in our study to a median QTL interval of 12.5 Mb. Subsequent sequence analysis of the QTL regions revealed 20 genes with nonsense or potentially damaging missense mutations. Further refinement of the muscle weight QTLs using additional functional information, such as gene expression differences between alleles, will be important for discerning the causal genes.
Mapping the Slums of Dhaka from 2006 to 2010
Authors: Gruebner Oliver , Sachs Jonathan , Nockert Anika , Frings Michael , Khan Md. Mobarak Hossain , Lakes Tobia , Hostert Patrick
Published: June 2014

Background. Rapid urban growth in low and middle income countries is frequently characterized by informal developments. The resulting social segregation and slums show disparities in health outcomes for the populations of the world’s megacities. To address these challenges, information on the spatial distribution of slums is necessary, yet the data are rarely available. The goal of this study was to use a remote sensing based approach to map urban slums in Dhaka, the second fastest growing megacity in the world. Methods. Slums were mapped through the visual interpretation of Quickbird satellite imagery between the years 2006 and 2010. Ancillary references included the 2005 census and mapping of slums, Google Earth, and geolocated photographs. The 2006 slums were first delineated and filtered in GIS to avoid small, isolated slums. For 2010, changes to the 2006 slums were defined over the latter’s polygons to retain border consistency. Conclusions. The dataset presented here can be considered a stepping stone for further research on slums and urban expansion in Dhaka. The slum distribution dataset is useful to be pooled with other data to reveal trends of informal settlement growth for local health policy advice in Dhaka.
Prevalence of Multiple Antibiotic Resistant Infections in Diabetic versus Nondiabetic Wounds
Authors: Trivedi Urvish , Parameswaran Shamini , Armstrong Andrew , Burgueno-Vega Diana , Griswold John , Dissanaike Sharmila , Rumbaugh Kendra P.
Published: June 2014

Diabetes mellitus (DM) affects 23.6 million people in the USA and approximately 20–25% of diabetic patients will develop foot ulceration during the course of their disease. Up to a quarter of these patients will develop infections that will necessitate amputation. Although many studies report that the rates of antibiotic resistant infections have increased dramatically in the DM population over the last decade, to our knowledge there have been no reports directly comparing the rates of antibiotic resistant infections in DM versus non-DM wounds. We performed a retrospective study comparing the wound infections of 41 DM patients to those of 74 non-DM patients to test the hypothesis that infections with multidrug resistant organisms (MDRO) were more prevalent in the DM population. We found that 63.4% of DM and 50% of non-DM patients had MDRO infections, which was not statistically different. However, 61% of the DM patients hadPseudomonasinfections compared to only 18.9% of non-DM patients. Furthermore, DM patients had significantly more coinfections with bothPseudomonasandStaphylococcus aureus. Though our initial hypothesis was incorrect, we demonstrated a significant correlation betweenPseudomonasandPseudomonas/S. aureuscoinfections within DM wounds.
Health Risks Faced by Turkish Agricultural Workers
Authors: Çakmur Hülya
Published: June 2014

Background. Individuals who make a living through agriculture and animal husbandry are faced with a variety of physical and psychological health risks. In many international studies, it has been shown that these risks can result in disease. The purpose of this study is to summarize the health risks faced by Turkish agricultural workers.Materials and Methods. This study used a nonrandom, convenience sample. The biopsychosocial health statuses of 177 farmers from 11 central villages in Kars, Turkey, were examined.Results. It was determined that the depression rate among the study group was 62.1%, the rate of physical health problems was 52.0%, and the rate of social isolation was 53.7%. There was a statistically significant difference between the depression scale scores and lower education levels, having ≥ three children, and physical health problems, as well as the physical condition of the farmers’ homes. There was a significant difference between poor physical health and older age, lower education levels, having ≥ three children, and social isolation.Conclusions. In providing data-based evidence, it is believed that this study will contribute considerably to understanding the causality of health problems in this population and in planning the development of public health and veterinary services based on regional needs.
Mebeverine for Pediatric Functional Abdominal Pain: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial
Authors: Pourmoghaddas Zahra , Saneian Hossein , Roohafza Hamidreza , Gholamrezaei Ali
Published: June 2014

We evaluated the effectiveness of an antispasmodic, mebeverine, in the treatment of childhood functional abdominal pain (FAP). Children with FAP (n = 115, aged 6–18 years) received mebeverine (135 mg, twice daily) or placebo for 4 weeks. Response was defined as ≥2 point reduction in the 6-point pain scale or “no pain.” Physician-rated global severity was also evaluated. Patients were followed up for 12 weeks. Eighty-seven patients completed the trial (44 with mebeverine). Per-protocol and intention-to-treat (ITT) analyses were conducted. Treatment response rate in the mebeverine and placebo groups based on per-protocol [ITT] analysis was 54.5% [40.6%] and 39.5% [30.3%] at week 4 (P = 0.117[0.469]) and 72.7% [54.2%] and 53.4% [41.0] at week 12, respectively (P = 0.0503[0.416]). There was no significant difference between the two groups in change of the physician-rated global severity score after 4 weeks (P = 0.723) or after 12 weeks (P = 0.870) in per-protocol analysis; the same results were obtained in ITT analysis. Mebeverine seems to be effective in the treatment of childhood FAP, but our study was not able to show its statistically significant effect over placebo. Further trials with larger sample of patients are warranted.
Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Novel Molecular Targets in Carcinogenesis for Future Therapies
Authors: Bertino Gaetano , Demma Shirin , Ardiri Annalisa , Proiti Maria , Malaguarnera Giulia , Bertino Nicoletta , Malaguarnera Michele , Malaguarnera Mariano
Published: June 2014

Background. Hepatocellular carcinoma is one of the most common and lethal malignant tumors worldwide. Over the past 15 years, the incidence of HCC has more than doubled. Due to late diagnosis and/or advanced underlying liver cirrhosis, only limited treatment options with marginal clinical benefit are available in up to 70% of patients. During the last decades, no effective conventional cytotoxic systemic therapy was available contributing to the dismal prognosis in patients with HCC. A better knowledge of molecular hepatocarcinogenesis provides today the opportunity for targeted therapy. Materials and Methods. A search of the literature was made using cancer literature, the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science (WOS) database for the following keywords: “hepatocellular carcinoma,” “molecular hepatocarcinogenesis,” “targeted therapy,” and “immunotherapy.” Discussion and Conclusion. Treatment decisions are complex and dependent upon tumor staging, presence of portal hypertension, and the underlying degree of liver dysfunction. The knowledge of molecular hepatocarcinogenesis broadened the horizon for patients with advanced HCC. During the last years, several molecular targeted agents have been evaluated in clinical trials in advanced HCC. In the future, new therapeutic options will be represented by a blend of immunotherapy-like vaccines and T-cell modulators, supplemented by molecularly targeted inhibitors of tumor signaling pathways.
HIV Risk Perception, Sexual Behavior, and HIV Prevalence among Men-Who-Have-Sex-with-Men at a Community-Based Voluntary Counseling and Testing Center in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Authors: Koh Kwee Choy , Yong Lit Sin
Published: June 2014

We describe the HIV risk perception, sexual behavior, and HIV prevalence among 423 men-who-have-sex-with-men (MSM) clients who received voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) services at a community-based center in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The mean age was 29 years old. One hundred one (23.9%) clients rated themselves as low risk, 118 (27.9%) as medium risk, 36 (8.5%) as high risk, and 168 (39.7%) were unsure of their risk. Twenty-four (9.4%) clients tested HIV positive (4 (4%) low risk, 9 (7.6%) medium risk, 11 (30.6%) high risk, and 13 (7.7%) unsure risk). We found a positive correlation between risk perception and HIV infection in this study. Clients with high HIV risk perception have 17x the odds of testing HIV positive compared to low risk clients. High HIV risk perception was significantly associated with multiple sex partners, multiple types of sex partners, alcohol use before intercourse, unprotected sex beyond 6 months, and inconsistent condom use during anal sex compared to low risk clients. There were no statistically significant differences between medium risk and unsure risk clients compared to low risk clients. Strategies should be targeted towards change in sexual practices among those who are perceived to be at high risk.
A Comparison of Generalized Hyperbolic Distribution Models for Equity Returns
Authors: Konlack Socgnia Virginie , Wilcox Diane
Published: June 2014

We discuss the calibration of the univariate and multivariate generalized hyperbolic distributions, as well as their hyperbolic, variance gamma, normal inverse Gaussian, and skew Student’st-distribution subclasses for the daily log-returns of seven of the most liquid mining stocks listed on the Johannesburg Stocks Exchange. To estimate the model parameters from historic distributions, we use an expectation maximization based algorithm for the univariate case and a multicycle expectation conditional maximization estimation algorithm for the multivariate case. We assess the goodness of fit statistics using the log-likelihood, the Akaike information criterion, and the Kolmogorov-Smirnov distance. Finally, we inspect the temporal stability of parameters and note implications as criteria for distinguishing between models. To better understand the dependence structure of the stocks, we fit the MGHD and subclasses to both the stock returns and the two leading principal components derived from the price data. While the MGHD could fit both data subsets, we observed that the multivariate normality of the stock return residuals, computed by removing shared components, suggests that the departure from normality can be explained by the structure in the common factors.
Cross Talk between Cellular Regulatory Networks Mediated by Shared Proteins
Authors: Dolde Christine , Lu Jiongming , Suter Beat
Published: June 2014

Moonlighting proteins mediate cross talk between different pathways and cellular control networks. Sometimes, they even coordinate subsequent steps in the same pathway. For thisOutlook paperwe asked the question, which cellular processes employ multifunctional proteins (MFPs) and what makes them so attractive to cells and organisms. After reviewing their widespread occurrence, we will focus on higher eukaryotic model systems and on few examples that are linked to ongoing work in our laboratory. We will discuss the activities of transcription factor IIH (TFIIH), and its subcomplexes containing Xpd and Cdk7, and we will cover an aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase (LysRS) and DEAD box RNA helicases. Furthermore, we will analyze how cells are able to properly regulate the different biological activities of multifunctional proteins and which advantages such proteins offer to cells and organisms. Finally we also note that the proteins we discuss are linked to tumor formation or recruited by viruses that coopt the multifunctional protein for yet another purpose.
MPINet: Metabolite Pathway Identification via Coupling of Global Metabolite Network Structure and Metabolomic Profile
Authors: Li Feng , Xu Yanjun , Shang Desi , Yang Haixiu , Liu Wei , Han Junwei , Sun Zeguo , Yao Qianlan , Zhang Chunlong , Ma Jiquan , Su Fei , Feng Li , Shi Xinrui , Zhang Yunpeng , Li Jing , Gu Qi , Li Xia , Li Chunquan
Published: June 2014

High-throughput metabolomics technology, such as gas chromatography mass spectrometry, allows the analysis of hundreds of metabolites. Understanding that these metabolites dominate the study condition from biological pathway perspective is still a significant challenge. Pathway identification is an invaluable aid to address this issue and, thus, is urgently needed. In this study, we developed a network-based metabolite pathway identification method, MPINet, which considers the global importance of metabolites and the unique character of metabolomic profile. Through integrating the global metabolite functional network structure and the character of metabolomic profile, MPINet provides a more accurate metabolomic pathway analysis. This integrative strategy simultaneously captures the global nonequivalence of metabolites in a pathway and the bias from metabolomic experimental technology. We then applied MPINet to four different types of metabolite datasets. In the analysis of metastatic prostate cancer dataset, we demonstrated the effectiveness of MPINet. With the analysis of the two type 2 diabetes datasets, we show that MPINet has the potentiality for identifying novel pathways related with disease and is reliable for analyzing metabolomic data. Finally, we extensively applied MPINet to identify drug sensitivity related pathways. These results suggest MPINet’s effectiveness and reliability for analyzing metabolomic data across multiple different application fields.
Day-Ahead Crude Oil Price Forecasting Using a Novel Morphological Component Analysis Based Model
Authors: Zhu Qing , He Kaijian , Zou Yingchao , Lai Kin Keung
Published: June 2014

As a typical nonlinear and dynamic system, the crude oil price movement is difficult to predict and its accurate forecasting remains the subject of intense research activity. Recent empirical evidence suggests that the multiscale data characteristics in the price movement are another important stylized fact. The incorporation of mixture of data characteristics in the time scale domain during the modelling process can lead to significant performance improvement. This paper proposes a novel morphological component analysis based hybrid methodology for modeling the multiscale heterogeneous characteristics of the price movement in the crude oil markets. Empirical studies in two representative benchmark crude oil markets reveal the existence of multiscale heterogeneous microdata structure. The significant performance improvement of the proposed algorithm incorporating the heterogeneous data characteristics, against benchmark random walk, ARMA, and SVR models, is also attributed to the innovative methodology proposed to incorporate this important stylized fact during the modelling process. Meanwhile, work in this paper offers additional insights into the heterogeneous market microstructure with economic viable interpretations.
On the Role of Optimal Counseling and Antiviral Therapy on Controlling HCV among Intravenous Drug Misusers
Authors: Mushayabasa Steady
Published: June 2014

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) remains a major health challenge despite the availability of highly effective antiviral drugs. Prior studies suggest that many physicians are reluctant to treat intravenous drug misusers due to low levels of treatment adherence associated with intravenous drug misusers. HCV treatment guidelines and recommendations stipulate that HCV patients in treatment should abstain from intravenous drug misuse activities in order to reduce the likelihood of treatment failure, drug resistance, reinfection, superinfection, or mixed infection. In this paper, a mathematical model for exploring the transmission dynamics of HCV among intravenous drug misusers is proposed. The model incorporates essential characteristics of intravenous drug misusers such as relapse and nonadherence to treatment guidelines. With the aid of optimal control theory we assess the effects of time dependent HCV screening and treatment. Results from this study provide a framework for
designing the appropriate strategies on controlling the long-term dynamics of HCV among intravenous drug users.
Numerical Investigation of Galloping Instabilities in Z-Shaped Profiles
Authors: Gomez Ignacio , Chavez Miguel , Alonso Gustavo , Valero Eusebio
Published: June 2014

Aeroelastic effects are relatively common in the design of modern civil constructions such as office blocks, airport terminal buildings, and factories. Typical flexible structures exposed to the action of wind are shading devices, normally slats or louvers. A typical cross-section for such elements is a Z-shaped profile, made out of a central web and two-side wings. Galloping instabilities are often determined in practice using the Glauert-Den Hartog criterion. This criterion relies on accurate predictions of the dependence of the aerodynamic force coefficients with the angle of attack. The results of a parametric analysis based on a numerical analysis and performed on different Z-shaped louvers to determine translational galloping instability regions are presented in this paper. These numerical analysis results have been validated with a parametric analysis of Z-shaped profiles based on static wind tunnel tests. In order to perform this validation, the DLR TAU Code, which is a standard code within the European aeronautical industry, has been used. This study highlights the focus on the numerical prediction of the effect of galloping, which is shown in a visible way, through stability maps. Comparisons between numerical and experimental data are presented with respect to various meshes and turbulence models.
A Remark on the Regularity Criterion for the MHD Equations via Two Components in Morrey-Campanato Spaces
Authors: Zhang Zujin , Tang Tong , Zhang Fumin
Published: June 2014

We consider the regularity criterion for the 3D MHD equations. It is proved that if the horizontal components of the velocity and magnetic fields satisfy u~,b~∈L2/(1-r)(0,T;M˙2,3/r) with 0<r<1, then the solution smooth. This improves the result given by Gala (2012).
Lymphangiogenesis and Its Correlation with the VEGF Expression and the Sentinel Lymph Node in Cutaneous Melanomas
Authors: Buzrla Petr , Dvorackova Jana , Motyka Oldrich
Published: June 2014

The aim of the study is to evaluate the density of intratumoral and peritumoral lymphatic vessels in primary cutaneous melanomas and to assess their correlation with the status of sentinel lymph nodes and the VEGF expression in tumor cells and stromal cells. A total of 40 patients were enrolled in the study: the melanomas were radically excised with the extirpation of the sentinel lymph node. The study subjects were divided into two groups: 20 cases with positive and 20 cases with negative sentinel lymph node results. The density of lymphatic vessels was evaluated by the antibody D2-40 and the VEGF expression was investigated in the semiquantitative way. The VEGF expression in melanoma cells and the stromal cells was negative to variable positive at both SLN negative and SLN positive patients in all pT stages. In the group of SLN positive patients, the density of intratumoral lymphatic vessels was low up to moderate, while it was observed to be absent, somewhere on the low level in the group of SLN negative patients. On the other side, the density of peritumoral lymphatic vessels was equally numerous at both SLN negative and SLN positive patients. The lymphatic invasion was found out at 4 SLN positive patients only. The ulceration was chiefly in the group of LN positive patients. The results show that the density of lymphangiogenesis and the intensity of the VEGF expression are considered to be an unreliable predictor of melanoma metastasis to the sentinel lymph node, but the ulceration and the lymphatic invasion can predict the potential for metastasis.
Regional Convergence in Greece (1995–2005): A Dynamic Panel Perspective
Authors: Tsionas Mike , Sakkas Stylianos , Baltas Nikolaos C.
Published: June 2014

This paper discusses the issue of regional convergence in Greece during the period 1995–2005. Following the theoretical concept of Barro and Salla-i-Martin, 1990 (β- and σ-convergence concepts), several tests are conducted to test for conditional or unconditional convergence across Greek regions including GMM estimation of Barro regressions. The results indicate absence of convergence across NUTS II regions while there is evidence of convergence at prefectural level (NUTS III). The effect of agriculture industry and services sector is examined and services are found to have significant impact on growth and convergence. Finally, we examine the effect of the implementation of the European funding programs in some detail.
Application of Variational Iteration Method for Dropping Damage Evaluation of the Suspension Spring Packaging System
Authors: Song Shuang , Duan Ning-ning , Chen An-jun
Published: June 2014

The dropping damage evaluation for packaging system is essential for safe transportation and storage. A dynamic model of nonlinear cubic-quintic Duffing oscillator for the suspension spring packaging system was proposed. Then, a first-order approximate solution was obtained by applying He’s variable iteration method. Based on the results, a damage evaluation equation was derived, which reveals the main controlling physical parameters for damage potential of drop to packaged products concretely. Finally, the dropping damage boundary curves and surfaces for the system were discussed. It was found that decreasing the suspension angle can improve the safe region of the system.
Living with Advanced Breast Cancer among Ghanaian Women: Emotional and Psychosocial Experiences
Authors: Bonsu Adwoa Bemah , Aziato Lydia , Clegg-Lamptey Joe Nat A.
Published: June 2014

The purpose of this study was to explore the emotional and psychosocial experiences of Ghanaian women living with advanced breast cancer in the Kumasi metropolis. The study employed a qualitative exploratory descriptive design. Purposive sampling approach was used and data was saturated with 10 participants aged between 32 and 65 years. All interviews were audio-taped and transcribed. Data was analyzed concurrently based on the techniques of content analysis. Anonymity and confidentiality were ensured. Women experienced emotional reactions such as sadness, fear, and anxiety. Pain was severe and led to suicidal ideations. Women experienced lost hopes regarding their marriage, parenting, and work. They received support from their families, spouses, colleagues, health professionals, and spiritual leaders. Women coped by accepting the disease and surrendering to God and having the will to live. Five major themes described were emotional reactions, pain, lost hope, support, and coping. It was recommended that health care providers involved in breast cancer management should be trained to enhance effective and holistic care of women and their families. Also, patients with advanced disease should be given effective pain management and a multidisciplinary palliative care team should be instituted to care for the women.
Phytochemicals fromKaempferia angustifoliaRosc. and Their Cytotoxic and Antimicrobial Activities
Authors: Tang Sook Wah , Sukari Mohd Aspollah , Neoh Bee Keat , Yeap Yunie Soon Yu , Abdul Ahmad Bustamam , Kifli Nurolaini , Cheng Lian Ee Gwendoline
Published: June 2014

Phytochemical investigation on rhizomes ofKaempferia angustifoliahas afforded a new abietene diterpene, kaempfolienol (1) along with crotepoxide (2), boesenboxide (3), 2′-hydroxy-4,4′,6′-trimethoxychalcone (4), zeylenol (5), 6-methylzeylenol (6), (24S)-24-methyl-5α-lanosta-9(11), 25-dien-3β-ol (7), sucrose,β-sitosterol, and its glycoside (8). The structures of the compounds were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic methods (IR, MS, and NMR). Isolation of 6-methylzeylenol (6), (24S)-24-methyl-5α-lanosta-9(11), 25-dien-3β-ol (7), andβ-sitosterol-3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (8) from this plant species has never been reported previously. The spectroscopic data of (7) is firstly described in this paper. Cytotoxic screening indicated that most of the pure compounds tested showed significant activity with (4) showing the most potent activity against HL-60 (human promyelocytic leukemia) and MCF-7 (human breast cancer) cell lines. However, all extracts and most of the pure compounds tested were found to be inactive against HT-29 (human colon cancer) and HeLa (human cervical cancer) cell lines. Similarly, none of the extracts or compounds showed activity in the antimicrobial testing.
In SilicoInvestigation of Potential TRAF6 Inhibitor from Traditional Chinese Medicine against Cancers
Authors: Chen Kuan-Chung , Lee Wen-Yuan , Chen Hsin-Yi , Chen Calvin Yu-Chian
Published: June 2014

It has been indicated that tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor-6 (TRAF6) will upregulate the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α(HIF-1α) and promote tumor angiogenesis. TRAF6 proteins can be treated as drug target proteins for a differentiation therapy against cancers. As structural disordered disposition in the protein may induce the side-effect and reduce the occupancy for ligand to bind with target protein, PONDR-Fit protocol was performed to predict the disordered disposition in TRAF6 protein before virtual screening. TCM compounds from the TCM Database@Taiwan were employed for virtual screening to identify potent compounds as lead compounds of TRAF6 inhibitor. After virtual screening, the MD simulation was performed to validate the stability of interactions between TRAF6 proteins and each ligand. The top TCM compounds, tryptophan, diiodotyrosine, and saussureamine C, extracted fromSaussurea lappaClarke,Bos taurus domesticusGmelin, andLycium chinenseMill., have higher binding affinities with target protein in docking simulation. However, the docking pose of TRAF6 protein with tryptophan is not stable under dynamic condition. For the other two TCM candidates, diiodotyrosine and saussureamine C maintain the similar docking poses under dynamic conditions. Hence, we propose the TCM compounds, diiodotyrosine and saussureamine C, as potential candidates as lead compounds for further study in drug development process with the TRAF6 protein against cancer.
Differential Expression of Osteo-Modulatory Molecules in Periodontal Ligament Stem Cells in Response to Modified Titanium Surfaces
Authors: Kim So Yeon , Yoo Ji-Yeon , Ohe Joo-Young , Lee Jung-Woo , Moon Ji-Hoi , Kwon Yong-Dae , Heo Jung Sun
Published: June 2014

This study assessed differential gene expression of signaling molecules involved in osteogenic differentiation of periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) subjected to different titanium (Ti) surface types. PDLSCs were cultured on tissue culture polystyrene (TCPS), and four types of Ti discs (PT, SLA, hydrophilic PT (pmodPT), and hydrophilic SLA (modSLA)) with no osteoinductive factor and then osteogenic activity, including alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, mRNA expression of runt-related gene 2, osterix, FOSB, FRA1, and protein levels of osteopontin and collagen type IA, were examined. The highest osteogenic activity appeared in PDLSCs cultured on SLA, compared with the TCPS and other Ti surfaces. The role of surface properties in affecting signaling molecules to modulate PDLSC behavior was determined by examining the regulation of Wnt pathways. mRNA expression of the canonical Wnt signaling molecules, Wnt3a andβ-catenin, was higher on SLA and modSLA than on smooth surfaces, but gene expression of the calcium-dependent Wnt signaling molecules Wnt5a, calmodulin, and NFATc1 was increased significantly on PT and pmodPT. Moreover, integrinα2/β1, sonic hedgehog, and Notch signaling molecules were affected differently by each surface modification. In conclusion, surface roughness and hydrophilicity can affect differential Wnt pathways and signaling molecules, targeting the osteogenic differentiation of PDLSCs.
Identification of Posttranslational Modifications in Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated ReceptorγUsing Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Katsura Shogo , Okumura Tomoko , Ito Ryo , Sugawara Akira , Yokoyama Atsushi
Published: June 2014

Posttranslational modification (PTM) of proteins is critical for various cellular processes. However, there are few studies examining PTMs in specific proteins using unbiased approaches. Here we report the attempt to identify the PTMs in peroxisome proliferator-activated receptorγ(PPARγ) proteins using our previously established PTM analysis system. In this study, we identified several PTMs in exogenously expressed PPARγ2 proteins from 293T cells as well as endogenous PPARγ1 proteins from a Caco-2 colon cancer cell line. The identified PTMs include phosphorylation of serine 112 and serine 81 in PPARγ2 and PPARγ1, respectively, both of which are well-known mitogen-activated protein kinase- (MAP kinase-) mediated PTMs in PPARγproteins, thus confirming our experimental approach. Furthermore, previously unknown PTMs were also identified, demonstrating that this method can be applied to find previously unidentified PTMs in PPARγproteins and other proteins including nuclear receptors.
Staphylococcus aureus: Screening for Nasal Carriers in a Community Setting with Special Reference to MRSA
Authors: Sharma Yukti , Jain Sanjay , Singh Harshvardhan , Govil Vasudha
Published: June 2014

Introduction.Emergence of MRSA infections among previously healthy persons in community settings (without exposure to health care facilities) has been noted recently. MRSA infections are now classified as health care-associated MRSA (HA-MRSA) and community-associated MRSA (CA-MRSA) infections. Its colonization is an important risk factor for subsequent MRSA infection.Aims and Objectives.The aim was to screen patients and health care workers for staphylococcal carriage, identify risk factors for MRSA colonization, and determine the sensitivity pattern.Materials and Methods.A total of 200 subjects were screened for nasal carriage after obtaining verbal consent. These were both healthy subjects attending various outpatient departments and health care workers. Specimens were collected from the anterior nares using premoistened sterile cotton swabs and inoculated onto blood agar and mannitol salt agar and incubated at 37°C for 24–48 h.Results. Staphylococcus aureuscolonisation was found to be 12% (n=24). MRSA was identified in 5% (n=10) which represents 41.66% of SA. A total of 10 strains of MRSA were isolated from 200 subjects, giving an overall positivity rate of 5%.Discussion.Staphylococcal colonization was found to be 12% (MRSA 5%). Fluoroquinolone resistance was remarkable whereas all strains were sensitive to vancomycin, teicoplanin, linezolid, quinupristin-dalfopristin.