bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The vascular renin-angiotensin system contributes to blunted vasodilation induced by transient high pressure in human adipose microvessels
Authors: Durand Matthew J. , Phillips Shane A. , Widlansky Michael E. , Otterson Mary F. , Gutterman David D.
Published: April 2014

Increased intraluminal pressure can reduce endothelial function in resistance arterioles; however, the mechanism of this impairment is unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of local renin-angiotensin system inhibition on the pressure-induced blunting of endothelium-dependent vasodilation in human adipose arterioles. Arterioles (100–200 μm) were dissected from fresh adipose surgical specimens, cannulated onto glass micropipettes, pressurized to an intraluminal pressure of 60 mmHg, and constricted with endothelin-1. Vasodilation to ACh was assessed at 60 mmHg and again after a 30-min exposure to an intraluminal pressure of 150 mmHg. The vasodilator response to ACh was significantly reduced in vessels exposed to 150 mmHg. Exposure of the vessels to the superoxide scavenger polyethylene glycol-SOD (100 U/ml), the ANG II type 1 receptor antagonist losartan (10−6 mol/l), or the angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor captopril (10−5 mol/l) prevented the pressure-induced reduction in ACh-dependent vasodilation observed in untreated vessels. High intraluminal pressure had no effect on papaverine-induced vasodilation or ANG II sensitivity. Increased intraluminal pressure increased dihydroethidium fluorescence in cannulated vessels, which could be prevented by polyethylene glycol-SOD or losartan treatment and endothelial denudation. These data indicate that high intraluminal pressure can increase vascular superoxide and reduce nitric oxide-mediated vasodilation via activation of the vascular renin-angiotensin system. This study provides evidence showing that the local renin-angiotensin system in the human microvasculature may be pressure sensitive and contribute to endothelial dysfunction after acute bouts of hypertension.
An electrocardiographic sign of ischemic preconditioning
Authors: Meijs Loek P. B. , Galeotti Loriano , Pueyo Esther P. , Romero Daniel , Jennings Robert B. , Ringborn Michael , Warren Stafford G. , Wagner Galen S. , Strauss David G.
Published: April 2014

Ischemic preconditioning is a form of intrinsic cardioprotection where an episode of sublethal ischemia protects against subsequent episodes of ischemia. Identifying a clinical biomarker of preconditioning could have important clinical implications, and prior work has focused on the electrocardiographic ST segment. However, the electrophysiology biomarker of preconditioning is increased action potential duration (APD) shortening with subsequent ischemic episodes, and APD shortening should primarily alter the T wave, not the ST segment. We translated findings from simulations to canine to patient models of preconditioning to test the hypothesis that the combination of increased [delta (Δ)] T wave amplitude with decreased ST segment elevation characterizes preconditioning. In simulations, decreased APD caused increased T wave amplitude with minimal ST segment elevation. In contrast, decreased action potential amplitude increased ST segment elevation significantly. In a canine model of preconditioning (9 mongrel dogs undergoing 4 ischemia-reperfusion episodes), ST segment amplitude increased more than T wave amplitude during the first ischemic episode [ΔT/ΔST slope = 0.81, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.46–1.15]; however, during subsequent ischemic episodes the T wave increased significantly more than the ST segment (ΔT/ΔST slope = 2.43, CI 2.07–2.80) ( P < 0.001 for interaction of occlusions 2 vs. 1). A similar result was observed in patients (9 patients undergoing 2 consecutive prolonged occlusions during elective percutaneous coronary intervention), with an increase in slope of ΔT/ΔST of 0.13 (CI −0.15 to 0.42) in the first occlusion to 1.02 (CI 0.31–1.73) in the second occlusion ( P = 0.02). This integrated analysis of the T wave and ST segment goes beyond the standard approach to only analyze ST elevation, and detects cellular electrophysiology changes of preconditioning.
Physiological and structural differences in spatially distinct subpopulations of cardiac mitochondria: influence of cardiac pathologies
Authors: Hollander John M. , Thapa Dharendra , Shepherd Danielle L.
Published: April 2014

Cardiac tissue contains discrete pools of mitochondria that are characterized by their subcellular spatial arrangement. Subsarcolemmal mitochondria (SSM) exist below the cell membrane, interfibrillar mitochondria (IFM) reside in rows between the myofibrils, and perinuclear mitochondria are situated at the nuclear poles. Microstructural imaging of heart tissue coupled with the development of differential isolation techniques designed to sequentially separate spatially distinct mitochondrial subpopulations have revealed differences in morphological features including shape, absolute size, and internal cristae arrangement. These findings have been complemented by functional studies indicating differences in biochemical parameters and, potentially, functional roles for the ATP generated, based upon subcellular location. Consequently, mitochondrial subpopulations appear to be influenced differently during cardiac pathologies including ischemia/reperfusion, heart failure, aging, exercise, and diabetes mellitus. These influences may be the result of specific structural and functional disparities between mitochondrial subpopulations such that the stress elicited by a given cardiac insult differentially impacts subcellular locales and the mitochondria contained within. The goal of this review is to highlight some of the inherent structural and functional differences that exist between spatially distinct cardiac mitochondrial subpopulations as well as provide an overview of the differential impact of various cardiac pathologies on spatially distinct mitochondrial subpopulations. As an outcome, we will instill a basis for incorporating subcellular spatial location when evaluating the impact of cardiac pathologies on the mitochondrion. Incorporation of subcellular spatial location may offer the greatest potential for delineating the influence of cardiac pathology on this critical organelle.
Manipulation of central blood volume and implications for respiratory control function
Authors: Miyamoto Tadayoshi , Bailey Damian Miles , Nakahara Hidehiro , Ueda Shinya , Inagaki Masashi , Ogoh Shigehiko
Published: April 2014

The respiratory operating point (ventilatory or arterial Pco2 response) is determined by the intersection point between the controller and plant subsystem elements within the respiratory control system. However, to what extent changes in central blood volume (CBV) influence these two elements and the corresponding implications for the respiratory operating point remain unclear. To examine this, 17 apparently healthy male participants were exposed to water immersion (WI) or lower body negative pressure (LBNP) challenges to manipulate CBV and determine the corresponding changes. The respiratory controller was characterized by determining the linear relationship between end-tidal Pco2 (PetCO2) and minute ventilation (V̇e) [V̇e = S × (PetCO2 − B)], whereas the plant was determined by the hyperbolic relationship between V̇e and PetCO2 (PetCO2 = A/V̇e + C). Changes in V̇e at the operating point were not observed under either WI or LBNP conditions despite altered PetCO2 ( P < 0.01), indicating a moving respiratory operating point. An increase (WI) and a decrease (LBNP) in CBV were shown to reset the controller element (PetCO2 intercept B) rightward and leftward, respectively ( P < 0.05), without any change in S, whereas the plant curve remained unaltered at the operating point. Collectively, these findings indicate that modification of the controller element rather than the plant element is the major factor that contributes toward an alteration of the respiratory operating point during CBV shifts.
A Survey on Gain-Scheduled Control and Filtering for Parameter-Varying Systems
Authors: Wei Guoliang , Wang Zidong , Li Wangyan , Ma Lifeng
Published: April 2014

This paper presents an overview of the recent developments in the gain-scheduled control and filtering problems for the parameter-varying systems. First of all, we recall several important algorithms suitable for gain-scheduling method including gain-scheduled proportional-integral derivative (PID) control,H2,H∞and mixedH2/H∞gain-scheduling methods as well as fuzzy gain-scheduling techniques. Secondly, various important parameter-varying system models are reviewed, for which gain-scheduled control and filtering issues are usually dealt with. In particular, in view of the randomly occurring phenomena with time-varying probability distributions, some results of our recent work based on the probability-dependent gain-scheduling methods are reviewed. Furthermore, some latest progress in this area is discussed. Finally, conclusions are drawn and several potential future research directions are outlined.
Huge Cavernous Hemangiomas Enveloping the Optic Nerve Successfully Removed by a Vertical Lid Split Orbitotomy
Authors: Yum Jung-Hoon , Kim Yoon-Duck , Lee Jung Hye , Woo Kyung In
Published: April 2014

A 63-year-old woman presented with a 15-year history of gradually increasing proptosis of right eye. Ocular examination revealed proptosis of 9 mm with decreased visual acuity in her right eye. CT scan showed a well-circumscribed and enhancing orbital mass filling almost the entire right orbit. The tumor occupied the superolateral, superomedial, and inferomedial intraconal space, enveloping the optic nerve. Complete excision of two large intraconal tumors was performed successfully via a vertical lid split orbitotomy. Histopathologic examination confirmed the diagnosis of cavernous hemangioma. There were no intraoperative or postoperative complications. The patient achieved a satisfactory cosmetic outcome 1 year after surgery.
A Pitfall in Transrectal Prostate Biopsy: Malakoplakia Evaluation of Two Cases Based on the Literature Review
Authors: Solakoglu Kahraman Dudu , Sayhan Sevil , Diniz Gulden , Ayaz Duygu , Karadeniz Tugba , Can Ertan
Published: April 2014

Malakoplakia is a rarely seen inflammatory condition that is considered to develop secondary to a chronicEscherichia coliinfection. Although malakoplakia usually affects the genitourinary tract, it may also be observed in the colon, stomach, lungs, liver, bones, uterus, and skin. Malakoplakia of the genitourinary system usually involves the bladder, whereas it may also affect the prostate along with the bladder. Malakoplakia of the prostate is very rare, and it may be clinically mistaken for prostatic malignancies. Definitive diagnosis is only possible through histopathological examination. This study elaborates on two patients who presented to our hospital in 2013 with high PSA levels. The primary clinical consideration was prostate carcinoma. However, these two cases were diagnosed as malakoplakia based on the results of histopathological analysis of the transrectal prostate biopsy specimen.
Topological Properties of a 3-Regular Small World Network
Authors: Jia Huanshen , Hu Guona , Zhao Haixing
Published: April 2014

Complex networks have seen much interest from all research fields and have found many potential applications in a variety of areas including natural, social, biological, and engineering technology. The deterministic models for complex networks play an indispensable role in the field of network model. The construction of a network model in a deterministic way not only has important theoretical significance, but also has potential application value. In this paper, we present a class of 3-regular network model with small world phenomenon. We determine its relevant topological characteristics, such as diameter and clustering coefficient. We also give a calculation method of number of spanning trees in the 3-regular network and derive the number and entropy of spanning trees, respectively.
Fuzzy Adaptive Prescribed Performance Control for MIMO Uncertain Chaotic Systems in Nonstrict Feedback Form
Authors: Sun Yeguo , Liu Heng
Published: April 2014

This paper presents a fuzzy adaptive control method for MIMO uncertain chaotic systems in nonstrict feedback form, which is capable of guaranteeing the prescribed performance bounds. For the prescribed performance bounds, we mean that the tracking error should converge to a predefined arbitrarily small set, with convergence rate no more than a prescribed value. A novel output error transformation is introduced to transform the original constrained system into an equivalent unconstrained one, and it is proved that the stabilization of the unconstrained system is sufficient to solve the problem. Based on the error transformation technique, a fuzzy adaptive controller is designed for the unconstrained system. For updating the parameters of the fuzzy logic systems, a proportional-integral adaptation law is proposed. Finally, an illustrative example is given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed results.
Thermomechanical Modeling of Shape Memory Alloys with Rate Dependency on the Pseudoelastic Behavior
Authors: Roh Jin-Ho
Published: April 2014

The loading‐rate dependency on the pseudoelastic behaviors of shape memory alloy (SMA) wires is experimentally and numerically investigated. The results are analyzed to estimate the parameters for a thermomechanical constitutive model of SMA wire with strain‐rate dependency of the hysteresis behavior. An analytical model of SMAs is developed by using nonconstant parameters during various strain rates. Numerical simulations are performed to demonstrate the accuracy of the improved model.
Exponential Stability Criteria for Nonautonomous Difference Systems
Authors: Medina Rigoberto
Published: April 2014

The aim of this paper is to characterize the exponential stability of linear systems of difference equations with slowly varying coefficients. Our approach is based on the generalization of the freezing method for difference equations combined with new estimates for the norm of bounded linear operators. The main novelty of this work is that we use estimates for the absolute values of entries of a matrix-valued function, instead of bounds on its eigenvalues. By this method, new explicit stability criteria for linear nonautonomous systems are derived.
Capacity Analysis and Optimization in Heterogeneous Network with Adaptive Cell Range Control
Authors: Gu Xinyu , Deng Xin , Li Qi , Zhang Lin , Li Wenyu
Published: April 2014

As an attractive means of expanding mobile network capacity, heterogeneous network is regarded as an important direction of mobile network evolution. To increase the capacity of, for example, hot spots, a typical scenario in heterogeneous network is that the coverage areas of low power nodes (LPNs) are overlapped with macrocell. To increase the utilization of small cells generated by LPNs, cell range extension (CRE) is used to extend the coverage of the small cells by adding cell specific offset (CSO) to small cells during cell selection procedure. The value of CSO, however, needs to be set carefully. In this paper, the capacity of users in macrocells, users in small cells, and users in range extension areas is analyzed thoroughly in conditions with and without CRE. Based on the analysis, an adaptive CSO updating algorithm is proposed. The proposed algorithm updates the CSO value periodically by predicting the overall capacity and a new CSO value is selected which can give the optimal overall capacity. The proposed algorithm is evaluated by system-level simulations. Simulation results indicate that the proposed algorithm can ensure a nearly optimal performance in all tested traffic load situations.
Alteration of Cytokine Profiles in Uranium Miners Exposed to Long-Term Low Dose Ionizing Radiation
Authors: Li Kun , Chen YiShui , Li XiaoLiang , Lei ShuJie , Chen QingFeng , Liu JianXiang , Sun QuanFu
Published: April 2014

Objective.The aim of the study is to estimate the immune function through cytokine profiles in sera of uranium mines.Methods.Antibody arrays were used to detect 50 cytokines in sera of uranium miners. Miners who had continuously worked underground for <5 years were treated as control group and those who worked for⩾5 years as experimental group.Results.Of 28 measurable cytokines, the release of IL-1α, IL-1RI, IL-15, IL-3, and IP-10 were significantly upregulated in the experimental group, and no cytokine was found significantly downregulated. Other proinflammatory cytokines such as IFN-γ, IL-10, IL-6, and TNFαlevels were slightly upregulated in the experimental group. With adjustment to age, BMI, and cigarette smoking, IL-1αand IL-3 levels increased significantly with underground time.Conclusion.Alteration of cytokine profiles in this study may indicate persistent inflammatory responses in uranium miners exposed to long-term low doses radiation.
Risk‐Controlled Multiobjective Portfolio Selection Problem Using a Principle of Compromise
Authors: Hasuike Takashi , Katagiri Hideki
Published: April 2014

This paper proposes a multiobjective portfolio selection problem with most probable random distribution derived from current market data and other random distributions of boom and recession under the risk‐controlled parameters determined by an investor. The current market data and information include not only historical data but also interpretations of economists’ oral and linguistic information, and hence, the boom and recession are often caused by these nonnumeric data. Therefore, investors need to consider several situations from most probable condition to boom and recession and to avoid the risk less than the target return in each situation. Furthermore, it is generally difficult to set random distributions of these cases exactly. Therefore, a robust‐based approach for portfolio selection problems using the only mean values and variances of securities is proposed as a multiobjective programming problem. In addition, an exact algorithm is developed to obtain an explicit optimal portfolio using a principle of compromise.
The Spectral Homotopy Analysis Method Extended to Systems of Partial Differential Equations
Authors: Motsa S. S. , Awad F. G. , Makukula Z. G. , Sibanda P.
Published: April 2014

The spectral homotopy analysis method is extended to solutions of systems of nonlinear partial differential equations. The SHAM has previously been successfully used to find solutions of nonlinear ordinary differential equations. We solve the nonlinear system of partial differential equations that model the unsteady nonlinear convective flow caused by an impulsively stretching sheet. The numerical results generated using the spectral homotopy analysis method were compared with those found using the spectral quasilinearisation method (SQLM) and the two results were in good agreement.
Laser Therapy and Dementia: A Database Analysis and Future Aspects on LED-Based Systems
Authors: Litscher Daniela , Litscher Gerhard
Published: April 2014

Mainly because of the movement in the age pyramid, one can assume that the incidence of Alzheimer’s disease or dementia in general will increase in the coming decades. This paper employs a database analysis to examine the profile of publication activity related to this topic. Two databases were searched: PubMed and Cochrane Library. About 600 papers related to the research area “dementia and laser” and about 450 papers related to the search terms “Alzheimer and laser” were found in these two most commonly used databases. Ten plus one papers are described in detail and are discussed in the context of the laser research performed at the Medical University of Graz. First results concerning the measurement of the transmission factor (TF) through the human skull of a new LED- (light emitting diode-) based system are presented (TF = 0.0434 ± 0.0104 (SD)). The measurements show that this LED system (using the QIT (quantum optical induced transparency) effect) might be used in the treatment of dementia.
A Comparative Study on Sideband Optimization in Time-Modulated Arrays
Authors: Aksoy Ertugrul , Afacan Erkan
Published: April 2014

A comparative analysis of the three different methods known as sideband level suppression (SBL), sideband radiation suppression (SR), and sideband bound suppression (SB) which are used in sideband calculations for time-modulated arrays (TMAs) is presented. The three methods are investigated in terms of sideband level, sideband power, time average directivity, and solution time for TMAs so as to show the performances and potentialities of these distinct techniques. The problems of interference suppression, sidelobe cancelling, and joint interference suppression and sidelobe cancelling are analyzed for a time-modulated linear array. In the linear array 30 elements are used and the interelement spacing is determined to be a half-wavelength. During the investigations, differential evolution (DE) algorithm is chosen as the optimization tool. The common variable aperture size (VAS) time schemes are optimized to synthesize the desired goals in order to compare the techniques. The results show that the SB method is more convenient than the other two compared methods.
Humoral Autoimmune Responses to Insulin-Like Growth Factor II mRNA-Binding Proteins IMP1 and p62/IMP2 in Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Liu Xinxin , Ye Hua , Li Liuxia , Li Wenjie , Zhang Yi , Zhang Jian-Ying
Published: April 2014

Ovarian cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women. There is an urgent need of better approaches for the identification of appropriate biomarkers in the early detection of ovarian cancer. The aim of this study was to elucidate the significance of autoantibodies against insulin-like growth factor II mRNA-binding proteins (IMPs) in patients with ovarian cancer. In this study, autoantibody responses to two members (IMP1 and p62/IMP2) of IMPs were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), western blotting, and indirect immunofluorescence assay in sera from patients with ovarian cancer and normal human individuals. The results have demonstrated that both IMP1 and p62/IMP2 can induce relatively higher frequency of autoantibody responses in patients with ovarian cancer (26.5% and 29.4%) compared to normal individuals(P<0.01). Our preliminary data suggest that IMP1 and p62/IMP2 can stimulate autoimmune responses in ovarian cancer, and anti-IMP1 and anti-p62/IMP2 autoantibodies could be used as potential biomarkers in immunodiagnosis of ovarian cancer.
Quantifying the Aggregation Factor in Carbon Nanotube Dispersions by Absorption Spectroscopy
Authors: Pathangi Hari , Vereecken Philippe M. , Klekachev Alexander , Groeseneken Guido , Witvrouw Ann
Published: April 2014

Absorption spectroscopy in the ultraviolet-visible-near infrared (UV-Vis-NIR) wavelength region has been used to quantify the aggregation factor of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) in liquid media through a series of controlled experiments. SWCNT bundles are dispersed in selected solvents using a calibrated ultrasonicator, which helps in determining the true amount of energy used in the exfoliation process. We also establish the selectivity of the centrifugation process, under the conditions used, in removing the nanotube aggregates as a function of the sonication time and the dispersion solvent. This study, along with the calibration of the sonication process, is shown to be very important for measuring the true aggregation factor of SWCNTs through a modified approach. We also show that the systematic characterization of SWCNT dispersions by optical spectroscopy significantly contributes to the success of dielectrophoresis (DEP) of nanotubes at predefined on-chip positions. The presence of individually dispersed SWCNTs in the dispersions is substantiated by dielectrophoretic assembly and post-DEP electromechanical measurements.
Synchronization of Two Different Dynamical Systems under Sinusoidal Constraint
Authors: Sun Xiaohui , Fu Xilin
Published: April 2014

This paper discusses the synchronization of the Van der Pol equation with a pendulum under the sinusoidal constraint through the theory of discontinuous dynamical systems. The analytical conditions for the sinusoidal synchronization of the Van der Pol equation with a periodically forced pendulum are developed. With the conditions, the sinusoidal synchronizations of the two systems are discussed. Switching points for appearance and vanishing of the partial synchronization are developed.
Bifurcation Analysis and Spatiotemporal Patterns of Nonlinear Oscillations in a Ring Lattice of Identical Neurons with Delayed Coupling
Authors: Jiang Jiao , Song Yongli
Published: April 2014

We investigate the dynamics of a delayed neural network model consisting ofnidentical neurons. We first analyze stability of the zero solution and then study the effect of time delay on the dynamics of the system. We also investigate the steady state bifurcations and their stability. The direction and stability of the Hopf bifurcation and the pitchfork bifurcation are analyzed by using the derived normal forms on center manifolds. Then, the spatiotemporal patterns of bifurcating periodic solutions are investigated by using the symmetric bifurcation theory, Lie group theory andS1-equivariant degree theory. Finally, two neural network models with four or seven neurons are used to verify our theoretical results.
Chrysophanol Inhibits NALP3 Inflammasome Activation and Ameliorates Cerebral Ischemia/Reperfusion in Mice
Authors: Zhang Nan , Zhang Xiangjian , Liu Xiaoxia , Wang Hong , Xue Jing , Yu Jingying , Kang Ning , Wang Xiaolu
Published: April 2014

The most effective way to contain cerebral ischemic injury is reperfusion; however, reperfusion itself may result in tissue injury, for which inflammatory damage is one of the main causative factors. NALP3 inflammasome is a multiprotein complex. It consists of NALP3, ASC, and caspase-1, whose function is to switch on the inflammatory process. Chrysophanol is an extract from plants of Rheum genus and it possesses many pharmacological effects including its anti-inflammation activity. In this study, the effects of chrysophanol in cerebral ischemia/reperfusion and the potential mechanisms were investigated. Male CD1 mice were subject to transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO). The NALP3 inflammasome activation status and its dynamic expression during the natural inflammatory response induced by tMCAO were first profiled. The neuroprotective effects of chrysophanol were then assessed and the potential mechanisms mediating the observed neuroprotection were then explored. Physical parameters including neurological deficit, infarct size, brain edema, and BBB permeability were measured at 24 h after tMCAO. Confocal microscopy, Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and qRT-PCR techniques were utilized to analyze the expression of NALP3 inflammasome and IL-1β. Our results indicated that the brain tissue damage during cerebral ischemia/reperfusion is accompanied by NALP3 inflammasome activation. Chrysophanol could inhibit the activation of NALP3 inflammasome and protect cerebral ischemic stroke.
Effects of Different Vegetation Zones on CH4and N2O Emissions in Coastal Wetlands: A Model Case Study
Authors: Liu Yuhong , Wang Lixin , Bao Shumei , Liu Huamin , Yu Junbao , Wang Yu , Shao Hongbo , Ouyang Yan , An Shuqing
Published: April 2014

The coastal wetland ecosystems are important in the global carbon and nitrogen cycle and global climate change. For higher fragility of coastal wetlands induced by human activities, the roles of coastal wetland ecosystems in CH4and N2O emissions are becoming more important. This study used a DNDC model to simulate current and future CH4and N2O emissions of coastal wetlands in four sites along the latitude in China. The simulation results showed that different vegetation zones, including bare beach,Spartinabeach, andPhragmitesbeach, produced different emissions of CH4and N2O in the same latitude region. Correlation analysis indicated that vegetation types, water level, temperature, and soil organic carbon content are the main factors affecting emissions of CH4and N2O in coastal wetlands.
Potential Protein Phosphatase 2A Agents from Traditional Chinese Medicine against Cancer
Authors: Chen Kuan-Chung , Chen Hsin-Yi , Chen Calvin Yu-Chian
Published: April 2014

Protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) is an important phosphatase which regulates various cellular processes, such as protein synthesis, cell growth, cellular signaling, apoptosis, metabolism, and stress responses. It is a holoenzyme composed of the structural A and catalytic C subunits and a regulatory B subunit. As an environmental toxin, okadaic acid, is a tumor promoter and binds to PP2A catalytic C subunit and the cancer‐associated mutations in PP2A structural A subunit in human tumor tissue; PP2A may have tumor‐suppressing function. It is a potential drug target in the treatment of cancer. In this study, we screen the TCM compounds in TCM Database@Taiwan to investigate the potent lead compounds as PP2A agent. The results of docking simulation are optimized under dynamic conditions by MD simulations after virtual screening to validate the stability of H‐bonds between PP2A‐α protein and each ligand. The top TCM candidates, trichosanatine and squamosamide, have potential binding affinities and interactions with key residues Arg89 and Arg214 in the docking simulation. In addition, these interactions were stable under dynamic conditions. Hence, we propose the TCM compounds, trichosanatine and squamosamide, as potential candidates as lead compounds for further study in drug development process with the PP2A‐α protein.
Human Cytomegalovirus and Autoimmune Disease
Authors: Halenius Anne , Hengel Hartmut
Published: April 2014

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) represents a prototypic pathogenic member of theβ-subgroup of the herpesvirus family. A range of HCMV features like its lytic replication in multiple tissues, the lifelong persistence through periods of latency and intermitting reactivation, the extraordinary large proteome, and extensive manipulation of adaptive and innate immunity make HCMV a high profile candidate for involvement in autoimmune disorders. We surveyed the available literature for reports on HCMV association with onset or exacerbation of autoimmune disease. A causative linkage between HCMV and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), systemic sclerosis (SSc), diabetes mellitus type 1, and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is suggested by the literature. However, a clear association of HCMV seroprevalence and disease could not be established, leaving the question open whether HCMV could play a coresponsible role for onset of disease. For convincing conclusions population-based prospective studies must be performed in the future. Specific immunopathogenic mechanisms by which HCMV could contribute to the course of autoimmune disease have been suggested, for example, molecular mimicry by UL94 in SSc and UL83/pp65 in SLE patients, as well as aggravation of joint inflammation by induction and expansion of CD4+/CD28− T-cells in RA patients. Further studies are needed to validate these findings and to lay the grounds for targeted therapeutic intervention.
Compressed Sensing Based Fingerprint Identification for Wireless Transmitters
Authors: Zhao Caidan , Wu Xiongpeng , Huang Lianfen , Yao Yan , Chang Yao-Chung
Published: April 2014

Most of the existing fingerprint identification techniques are unable to distinguish different wireless transmitters, whose emitted signals are highly attenuated, long-distance propagating, and of strong similarity to their transient waveforms. Therefore, this paper proposes a new method to identify different wireless transmitters based on compressed sensing. A data acquisition system is designed to capture the wireless transmitter signals. Complex analytical wavelet transform is used to obtain the envelope of the transient signal, and the corresponding features are extracted by using the compressed sensing theory. Feature selection utilizing minimum redundancy maximum relevance (mRMR) is employed to obtain the optimal feature subsets for identification. The results show that the proposed method is more efficient for the identification of wireless transmitters with similar transient waveforms.
Multigene Genetic Programming for Estimation of Elastic Modulus of Concrete
Authors: Mohammadi Bayazidi Alireza , Wang Gai-Ge , Bolandi Hamed , Alavi Amir H. , Gandomi Amir H.
Published: April 2014

This paper presents a new multigene genetic programming (MGGP) approach for estimation of elastic modulus of concrete. The MGGP technique models the elastic modulus behavior by integrating the capabilities of standard genetic programming and classical regression. The main aim is to derive precise relationships between the tangent elastic moduli of normal and high strength concrete and the corresponding compressive strength values. Another important contribution of this study is to develop a generalized prediction model for the elastic moduli of both normal and high strength concrete. Numerous concrete compressive strength test results are obtained from the literature to develop the models. A comprehensive comparative study is conducted to verify the performance of the models. The proposed models perform superior to the existing traditional models, as well as those derived using other powerful soft computing tools.
An Application of Variant Fountain Theorems to a Class of Impulsive Differential Equations with Dirichlet Boundary Value Condition
Authors: Yang Liu
Published: April 2014

We consider the existence of infinitely many classical solutions to a class of impulsive differential equations with Dirichlet boundary value condition. Our main tools are based on variant fountain theorems and variational method. We study the case in which the nonlinearity is sublinear. Some recent results are extended and improved.
Strong Convergence Theorems for Solutions of Equilibrium Problems and Common Fixed Points of a Finite Family of Asymptotically Nonextensive Nonself Mappings
Authors: Zhang Lijuan , Tong Hui , Liu Ying
Published: April 2014

An iterative algorithm for finding a common element of the set of common fixed points of a finite family of asymptotically nonextensive nonself mappings and the set of solutions for equilibrium problems is discussed. A strong convergence theorem of common element is established in a uniformly smooth and uniformly convex Banach space.
Protective Effect of Ligustrazine on Lumbar Intervertebral Disc Degeneration of Rats Induced by Prolonged Upright Posture
Authors: Liang Qian-Qian , Ding Dao-Fang , Xi Zhi-Jie , Chen Yan , Li Chen-Guang , Liu Shu-Fen , Lu Sheng , Zhao Yong-Jian , Shi Qi , Wang Yong-Jun
Published: April 2014

Most chronic low back pain is the result of degeneration of the lumbar intervertebral disc. Ligustrazine, an alkaloid from Chuanxiong, reportedly is able to relieve pain, suppress inflammation, and treat osteoarthritis and it has the protective effect on cartilage and chondrocytes. Therefore, we asked whether ligustrazine could reduce intervertebral disc degeneration. To determine the effect of ligustrazine on disc degeneration, we applied a rat model. The intervertebral disc degeneration of the rats was induced by prolonged upright posture. We found that pretreatment with ligustrazine for 1 month recovered the structural distortion of the degenerative disc; inhibited the expression of type X collagen, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐13, and MMP3; upregulated type II collagen; and decreased IL‐1β, cyclooxygenase (COX)‐2, and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression. In conclusion, ligustrazine is a promising agent for treating lumbar intervertebral disc degeneration disease.
Modeling, Design, and Implementation of a Cloud Workflow Engine Based on Aneka
Authors: Zhou Jiantao , Sun Chaoxin , Fu Weina , Liu Jing , Jia Lei , Tan Hongyan
Published: April 2014

This paper presents a Petri net-based model for cloud workflow which plays a key role in industry. Three kinds of parallelisms in cloud workflow are characterized and modeled. Based on the analysis of the modeling, a cloud workflow engine is designed and implemented in Aneka cloud environment. The experimental results validate the effectiveness of our approach of modeling, design, and implementation of cloud workflow.
Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus(Thunb.) Matsum. and Nakai) Juice Modulates Oxidative Damage Induced by Low Dose X-Ray in Mice
Authors: Mohammad Mohd Khairul Amran , Mohamed Muhamad Idham , Zakaria Ainul Mardhiyah , Abdul Razak Hairil Rashmizal , Saad Wan Mazlina Md.
Published: April 2014

Watermelon is a natural product that contains high level of antioxidants and may prevent oxidative damage in tissues due to free radical generation following an exposure to ionizing radiation. The present study aimed to investigate the radioprotective effects of watermelon (Citrullus lanatus(Thunb.) Matsum. and Nakai) juice against oxidative damage induced by low dose X-ray exposure in mice. Twelve adult male ICR mice were randomly divided into two groups consisting of radiation (Rx) and supplementation (Tx) groups. Rx received filtered tap water, while Tx was supplemented with 50% (v/v) watermelon juice for 28 daysad libitumprior to total body irradiation by 100 μGy X-ray on day 29. Brain, lung, and liver tissues were assessed for the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), apurinic/apyrimidinic (AP) sites, glutathione (GSH), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) inhibition activities. Results showed significant reduction of MDA levels and AP sites formation of Tx compared to Rx(P<0.05). Mice supplemented with 50% watermelon juice restore the intracellular antioxidant activities by significantly increased SOD inhibition activities and GSH levels compared to Rx. These findings may postulate that supplementation of 50% watermelon (Citrullus lanatus(Thunb.) Matsum. and Nakai) juice could modulate oxidative damage induced by low dose X-ray exposure.
Further Investigations on Rhizocarpon of North-Eastern Iran: R. geographicum
Authors: Haji Moniri Mahroo
Published: April 2014

Morphology, anatomy, secondary chemistry, ecology, and distribution of Rhizocarpon geographicum (Rhizocarpaceae, lichenized Ascomycota) in north-eastern Iran are investigated and discussed.
An Approximation of Hedberg’s Type in Sobolev Spaces with Variable Exponent and Application
Authors: Benkirane Abdelmoujib , El Moumni Mostafa , Fri Aziz
Published: April 2014

The aim of this paper is to extend the usual framework of PDE with Au=-div ax,u,∇u to include a large class of cases with Au=∑β≤α-1βDβAβx,u,∇u,…,∇αu, whose coefficient Aβ satisfies conditions (including growth conditions) which guarantee the solvability of the problem Au=f. This new framework is conceptually more involved than the classical one includes many more fundamental examples. Thus our main result can be applied to various types of PDEs such as reaction-diffusion equations, Burgers type equation, Navier-Stokes equation, and p-Laplace equation.
Estimating the Reliability Function for a Family of Exponentiated Distributions
Authors: Chaturvedi Ajit , Pathak Anupam
Published: April 2014

A family of exponentiated distributions is proposed. The problems of estimating the reliability function are considered. Uniformly minimum variance unbiased estimators and maximum likelihood estimators are derived. A comparative study of the two methods of estimation is done. Simulation study is preformed.
Postdeposition Annealing Effect on Cu2ZnSnS4Thin Films Grown at Different Substrate Temperature
Authors: Nadi Samia Ahmed , Chelvanathan Puvaneswaran , Zakaria Zaihasraf , Alam Mohammad Mezbaul , Alothman Zeid A. , Sopian Kamaruzzaman , Amin Nowshad
Published: April 2014

Cu2ZnSnS4(CZTS) thin films were deposited on top of Molybdenum (Mo) coated soda lime glass (SLG) substrates using a single target rf magnetron sputtering technique. The sputtering parameters such as base pressure, working pressure, rf power, argon (Ar) gas flow rate, and deposition time were kept consistent throughout the experiment. The effect of different substrate temperatures, for example, room temperature (RT), 300°C, 350°C, 370°C, 400°C, and 450°C, was analyzed by studying their structural, electrical, and optical properties. As-sputtered films were then annealed at 460°C. X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurement revealed the structure to be kesterite with peak of (112) plane in both annealed and as-sputtered CZTS thin films. The crystallinity of the films improved with the increasing substrate temperature until 370°C. Secondary phases of MoS2,CuxMoSx,CuxSnSx,CuxS, and Cu6MoSnS8(hemusite) were also observed in the annealed CZTS films. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) shows crystallite size of deposited CZTS thin film to be proportionally related to deposition temperature. The highest surface roughness of 67.318 nm is observed by atomic force microscopy (AFM). The conductivity type of the films was found to be p-type by Hall effect measurement system.
Genes Encoding Toxin ofClostridium difficilein Children with and without Diarrhea
Authors: Merino Victor R. C. , Nakano Viviane , Finegold Sydney M. , Avila-Campos Mario J.
Published: April 2014

The presence of gene 16S rRNA and genes encoding toxin A (tcdA), toxin B (tcdB), and binary toxin (cdtA/cdtB) ofClostridium difficilein stool samples from children with (110) and without (150) diarrhea was determined by using a TaqMan system. Fifty-seven (21.9%) out of 260 stool samples harbored the 16S rRNA gene. The genetic profile oftcdA+/tcdB−andcdtA+/cdtB+was verified in oneC. difficile-positive diarrhea sample and oftcdA+/tcdB+in threeC. difficile-positive nondiarrhea samples. The presence oftcdA+/tcdB+in stools obtained from children without diarrhea, suggests that they were asymptomatic carriers of toxigenic strains.
An Improvement of Global Error Bound for the Generalized Nonlinear Complementarity Problem over a Polyhedral Cone
Authors: Sun Hongchun , Wang Yiju , Zhou Houchun , Li Shengjie
Published: April 2014

We consider the global error bound for the generalized nonlinear complementarity problem over a polyhedral cone (GNCP). By a new technique, we establish an easier computed global error bound for the GNCP under weaker conditions, which improves the result obtained by Sun and Wang (2013) for GNCP.
Fault Detection for Wireless Networked Control Systems with Stochastic Uncertainties and Multiple Time Delays
Authors: Rong Lina , Yu Chengda , Guo Pengfei , Gao Hui
Published: April 2014

The fault detection problem for a class of wireless networked control systems is investigated. A Bernoulli distributed parameter is introduced in modeling the system dynamics; moreover, multiple time delays arising in the communication are taken into account. The detection observer for tracking the system states is designed, which generates both the state errors and the output errors. By adopting the linear matrix inequality method, a sufficient condition for the stability of wireless networked control systems with stochastic uncertainties and multiple time delays is proposed, and the gain of the fault detection observer is obtained. Finally, an illustrated example is provided to show that the observer designed in this paper tracks the system states well when there is no fault in the systems; however, when fault happens, the observer residual signal rises rapidly and the fault can be quickly detected, which demonstrate the effectiveness of the theoretical results.
A System for Sentiment Analysis of Colloquial Arabic Using Human Computation
Authors: Al-Subaihin Afnan S. , Al-Khalifa Hend S.
Published: April 2014

We present the implementation and evaluation of a sentiment analysis system that is conducted over Arabic text with evaluative content. Our system is broken into two different components. The first component is a game that enables users to annotate large corpuses of text in a fun manner. The game produces necessary linguistic resources that will be used by the second component which is the sentimental analyzer. Two different algorithms have been designed to employ these linguistic resources to analyze text and classify it according to its sentimental polarity. The first approach is using sentimental tag patterns, which reached a precision level of 56.14%. The second approach is the sentimental majority approach which relies on calculating the number of negative and positive phrases in the sentence and classifying the sentence according to the dominant polarity. The results after evaluating the system for the first sentimental majority approach yielded the highest accuracy level reached by our system which is 60.5% while the second variation scored an accuracy of 60.32%.
Mas-Mediated Antioxidant Effects Restore the Functionality of Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2-Angiotensin-(1–7)-MasAxis in Diabetic Rat Carotid
Authors: Pernomian Larissa , Gomes Mayara Santos , Restini Carolina Baraldi Araujo , de Oliveira Ana Maria
Published: April 2014

We hypothesized that endothelial AT1-activated NAD(P)H oxidase-driven generation of reactive oxygen species during type I-diabetes impairs carotid ACE2-angiotensin-(1–7)-Masaxis functionality, which accounts for the impaired carotid flow in diabetic rats. We also hypothesized that angiotensin-(1–7) chronic treatment of diabetic rats restores carotid ACE2-angiotensin-(1–7)-Masaxis functionality and carotid flow. Relaxant curves for angiotensin II or angiotensin-(1–7) were obtained in carotid from streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Superoxide or hydrogen peroxide levels were measured by flow cytometry in carotid endothelial cells. Carotid flow was also determined. We found that endothelial AT1-activated NAD(P)H oxidase-driven generation of superoxide and hydrogen peroxide in diabetic rat carotid impairs ACE2-angiotensin-(1–7)-Masaxis functionality, which reduces carotid flow. In this mechanism, hydrogen peroxide derived from superoxide dismutation inhibits ACE2 activity in generating angiotensin-(1–7) seemingly by activatingICl,SWELL, while superoxide inhibits the nitrergicMas-mediated vasorelaxation evoked by angiotensin-(1–7). Angiotensin-(1–7) treatment of diabetic rats restored carotid ACE2-angiotensin-(1–7)-Masaxis functionality by triggering a positive feedback played by endothelialMasreceptors, that blunts endothelial AT1-activated NAD(P)H oxidase-driven generation of reactive oxygen species.Mas-mediated antioxidant effects also restored diabetic rat carotid flow, pointing to the contribution of ACE2-angiotensin-(1–7)-Masaxis in maintaining carotid flow.
Linear Stability Analysis of Thermal Convection in an Infinitely Long Vertical Rectangular Enclosure in the Presence of a Uniform Horizontal Magnetic Field
Authors: Kitaura Takashi , Tagawa Toshio
Published: April 2014

Stability of thermal convection in an infinitely long vertical channel in the presence of a uniform horizontal magnetic field applied in the direction parallel to the hot and cold walls was numerically studied. First, in order to confirm accuracy of the present numerical code, the one-dimensional computations without the effect of magnetic field were computed and they agreed with a previous study quantitatively for various values of the Prandtl number. Then, linear stability analysis for the thermal convection flow in a square horizontal cross section under the magnetic field was carried out for the case of Pr = 0.025. The thermal convection flow was once destabilized at certain low Hartmann numbers, and it was stabilized at high Hartmann numbers.
Severe Pulmonary Suppuration with Infection-Induced Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome following Tongue Cancer Surgery in a Patient Undergoing Tocilizumab Therapy for Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Yamagata Kenji , Shimojo Nobutake , Ito Hiroyuki , Ijima Junya , Hasegawa Shogo , Yanagawa Toru , Mizutani Taro , Bukawa Hiroki
Published: April 2014

A 65-year-old woman with rheumatoid arthritis treated by tocilizumab (TCZ) presented with tongue squamous cell carcinoma. While surgery was performed without any complications the aspiration pneumonia rapidly worsened by postoperative day 2 and severe pulmonary suppuration in the right lung field with infection-induced systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) was diagnosed. Antibiotic and respirator treatment improved her condition. The anti-inflammatory effect of TCZ may mask the symptoms and signs of severe infection with SIRS.