bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phytoliths in Taxonomy of Phylogenetic Domains of Plants
Authors: Golokhvast Kirill S. , Seryodkin Ivan V. , Chaika Vladimir V. , Zakharenko Alexander M. , Pamirsky Igor E.
Published: August 2014

We discuss, from the aspect of phylogeny, the interrelationships of the phytolith types in plants from the main taxonomical groups (algae, lichens, horsetails, gymnosperms, and floral plants) with homologues of known proteins of biomineralization. Phytolith morphotypes in various phylogenetic plant domains have different shapes. We found that, in ancient types of plants (algae, horsetails, and gymnosperms), there are fewer different phytolith morphotypes compared to more modern plants (floral plants). The phytolith morphotypes in primitive plants are generally larger than the morphotypes in more highly organized plants. We found that the irregular ruminate and irregular smooth morphotypes are the two most frequently encountered phytolith morphotypes in the tested plants (from algae to floral plants). These two morphotypes probably have a universal role. Silacidins, silicon transporters, silicateins, silaffins, and silicase homologues are often found in the major taxonomic groups of plants. Red algae had the smallest number of homologues of the biomineralization proteins (70–80), Monocotyledonous: 142, Coniferous: 166, Mosses: 227, and Dicotyledones: 336.
Drag Reduction of a Pipe Flow Using Nata de Coco Suspensions
Authors: Ogata Satoshi , Gunawan  , Warashina Jun , Yanuar
Published: August 2014

The addition of drag-reducing agents to reduce pipe friction loss has attracted attention as a method to conserve energy. In addition to reducing drag, these agents are required to have a low environmental load and conserve natural resources. Therefore, naturally occurring biopolymer additives, which are considered to have a low environmental load, have recently received much attention. Here we focused on nata de coco, a type of biopolymer that exhibits low mechanical degradation, and found that it reduced drag by up to 25% at a concentration of 50 ppm. With respect to the drag reduction (DR) mechanism, we investigated the relation between DR phenomena and the fiber structure of nata de coco by visualization. As a result, we found that the DR effect appeared only when a network of nata de coco fibers was formed in the suspension. In addition, DR increased as the size of the network of nata de coco fibers increased.
Enhanced Prevalence of Plasmatic Soluble MHC Class I Chain-Related Molecule in Vascular Pregnancy Diseases
Authors: Haumonte Jean Baptiste , Caillat-Zucman Sophie , Bretelle Florence , Lambert Marion , Lyonnet Luc , Levy-Mozziconacci Annie , Farnarier Catherine , Aubert Agostini , Boubli Leon , Camoin-Jau Laurence , Dignat George Françoise , Paul Pascale
Published: August 2014

The major histocompatibility complex class I related chain (MIC) is a stress-inducible protein modulating the function of immune natural killer (NK) cells, a major leukocyte subset involved in proper trophoblast invasion and spiral artery remodeling. Aim of the study was to evaluate whether upregulation of soluble MIC (sMIC) may reflect immune disorders associated to vascular pregnancy diseases (VPD). sMIC was more frequently detected in the plasma of women with a diagnostic of VPD (32%) than in normal term-matched pregnancies (1.6%,P<0.0001), with highest prevalence in intrauterine fetal death (IUDF, 44%) and vascular intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR, 39%). sMIC levels were higher in preeclampsia (PE) than in IUFD (P<0.01) and vascular IUGR (P<0.05). sMIC detection was associated with bilateral early diastolic uterine notches (P=0.037), thrombocytopenia (P=0.03), and high proteinuria (P=0.03) in PE and with the vascular etiology of IUGR (P=0.0038). Incubation of sMIC-positive PE plasma resulted in downregulation of NKG2D expression and NK cell-mediated IFN-γproduction in vitro. Our work thus suggests that detection of sMIC molecule in maternal plasma may constitute a hallmark of altered maternal immune functions that contributes to vascular disorders that complicate pregnancy, notably by impairing NK-cell mediated production of IFN-γ, an essential cytokine favoring vascular modeling.
Monitoring of Ground Deformation due to Excessive Withdrawal of Natural Gas Using SBAS
Authors: Hu Bo
Published: August 2014

The excessive withdrawal of natural gas can generate a wide range of ground deformation. The aim of this paper is to investigate ground deformation in Chiba Prefecture, Japan, using the Small Baseline Subset (SBAS) technique. In recent years, the local government has taken a series of measures such as artificial recharge and reduction of groundwater withdrawal to alleviate the ground settlement. In order to more fully investigate the spatial and temporal variation of deformation that occurred in Chiba Prefecture, we process a dataset of 34 ASAR images acquired from September 2006 to August 2010 based on SBAS technique and generate the mean deformation velocity map and time series deformation maps. The results show that (1) a relatively stable in Mao Yuan area, with an average subsidence velocity of −0.91 mm/y. (2) large uplift rates were highlighted in albino Ding and Kujukuri, which average deformation velocity were about 5.11 mm/y and 6.15 mm/y respectively.
Optimal Vaccine Distribution Strategy for Different Age Groups of Population: A Differential Evolution Algorithm Approach
Authors: Hu Xiao-Min , Zhang Jun , Chen Haihong
Published: August 2014

Vaccination is one of the effective ways for protecting susceptible individuals from infectious diseases. Different age groups of population have different vulnerability to the disease and different contact frequencies. In order to achieve the maximum effects, the distribution of vaccine doses to the groups of individuals needs to be optimized. In this paper, a differential evolution (DE) algorithm is proposed to address the problem. The performance of the proposed algorithm has been tested by a classical infectious disease transmission model and a series of simulations have been made. The results show that the proposed algorithm can always obtain the best vaccine distribution strategy which can minimize the number of infectious individuals during the epidemic outbreak. Furthermore, the effects of vaccination on different days and the vaccine coverage percentages have also been discussed.
The Iteration Solution of Matrix EquationAXB=CSubject to a Linear Matrix Inequality Constraint
Authors: Huang Na , Ma Changfeng
Published: August 2014

We propose a feasible and effective iteration method to find solutions to the matrix equationAXB=Csubject to a matrix inequality constraintDXE≥F, whereDXE≥Fmeans that the matrixDXE-Fis nonnegative. And the global convergence results are obtained. Some numerical results are reported to illustrate the applicability of the method.
Numerical Simulation of Frost Heave in Soils around the Buried Oil Pipeline in Island Talik Permafrost Region
Authors: Fu Zaiguo , Yu Bo , Zhao Yu , Kawaguchi Yasuo
Published: August 2014

A systematic method to obtain the freezing characteristics and the amounts of frost heave in the soils around a buried oil pipeline in island talik permafrost region is presented on the basis of the simulation of soil temperature fields and a classic segregated potential frost heave model. The finite thermal effect domain and the equivalent heat capacity method were adopted to analyze the heat transfer process with phase change. The calculation parameters were derived from the China-Russia Crude Oil Pipeline engineering. The developments of the annual maximum freezing circles and frost penetrations emerging in typical years within the pipeline operation life cycle under different oil temperature, different thickness of thermal insulation layer, and different water content of soils were investigated. The maximum frost heaves in four typical sections of island talik were predicted. The results can be used to further mechanical calculation and can provide references for risk evaluation and site management of the buried pipelines in island talik permafrost regions.
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Increases during Blood-Brain Barrier-Enhanced Permeability Caused byPhoneutria nigriventerSpider Venom
Authors: Mendonça Monique C. P. , Soares Edilene S. , Stávale Leila M. , Kalapothakis Evanguedes , Cruz-Höfling Maria Alice
Published: August 2014

Phoneutria nigriventerspider accidental envenomation provokes neurotoxic manifestations, which when critical, results in epileptic-like episodes. In rats,P. nigriventervenom (PNV) causes blood-brain barrier breakdown (BBBb). The PNV-induced excitotoxicity results from disturbances on Na+, K+and Ca2+channels and glutamate handling. The vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), beyond its angiogenic effect, also, interferes on synaptic physiology by affecting the same ion channels and protects neurons from excitotoxicity. However, it is unknown whether VEGF expression is altered following PNV envenomation. We found that adult and neonates rats injected with PNV showed immediate neurotoxic manifestations which paralleled with endothelial occludin,β-catenin, and laminin downregulation indicative of BBBb. In neonate rats, VEGF, VEGF mRNA, and Flt-1 receptors, glutamate decarboxylase, and calbindin-D28k increased in Purkinje neurons, while, in adult rats, the BBBb paralleled with VEGF mRNA, Flk-1, and calbindin-D28k increases and Flt-1 decreases. Statistically, the variable age had a role in such differences, which might be due to age-related unequal maturation of blood-brain barrier (BBB) and thus differential cross-signaling among components of the glial neurovascular unit. The concurrent increases in the VEGF/Flt-1/Flk-1 system in the cerebellar neuron cells and the BBBb following PNV exposure might imply a cytokine modulation of neuronal excitability consequent to homeostatic perturbations induced by ion channels-acting PNV neuropeptides. Whether such modulation represents neuroprotection needs further investigation.
Hybrid Iterations for the Fixed Point Problem and Variational Inequalities
Authors: Zhu Li-Jun , Kang Shin Min , Yao Zhangsong , Kwun Young Chel
Published: August 2014

A hybrid iterative algorithm with Meir-Keeler contraction is presented for solving the fixed point problem of the pseudocontractive mappings and the variational inequalities. Strong convergence analysis is given aslimn→∞d(STxn,TSxn).
Anatomic Imaging of the Prostate
Authors: Bhavsar Anil , Verma Sadhna
Published: August 2014

The important role of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the anatomic evaluation, detection, and staging of prostate cancer is well established. This paper focuses on the pertinent embryologic, anatomic, and imaging facts regarding both the normal prostate and the several examples of prostate cancers as well as staging implications. The discussion primarily includes findings related to T2-weighted imaging as opposed to the other functional sequences, including diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) or dynamic contrast enhanced MRI and MR spectroscopic imaging, respectively.
High Guanidinium Permeability Reveals Dehydration-Dependent Ion Selectivity in the Plasmodial Surface Anion Channel
Authors: Bokhari Abdullah A. B. , Mita-Mendoza Neida K. , Fuller Alexandra , Pillai Ajay D. , Desai Sanjay A.
Published: August 2014

Malaria parasites grow within vertebrate erythrocytes and increase host cell permeability to access nutrients from plasma. This increase is mediated by the plasmodial surface anion channel (PSAC), an unusual ion channel linked to the conservedclaggene family. Although PSAC recognizes and transports a broad range of uncharged and charged solutes, it must efficiently exclude the small Na+ion to maintain infected cell osmotic stability. Here, we examine possible mechanisms for this remarkable solute selectivity. We identify guanidinium as an organic cation with high permeability into human erythrocytes infected withPlasmodium falciparum, but negligible uptake by uninfected cells. Transport characteristics and pharmacology indicate that this uptake is specifically mediated by PSAC. The rank order of organic and inorganic cation permeabilities suggests cation dehydration as the rate-limiting step in transport through the channel. The high guanidinium permeability of infected cells also allows rapid and stringent synchronization of parasite cultures, as required for molecular and cellular studies of this pathogen. These studies provide important insights into how nutrients and ions are transported via PSAC, an established target for antimalarial drug development.
Optimization of Bi2O3, TiO2, and Sb2O3Doped ZnO-Based Low-Voltage Varistor Ceramic to Maximize Nonlinear Electrical Properties
Authors: Dorraj Masoumeh , Zakaria Azmi , Abdollahi Yadollah , Hashim Mansor , Moosavi Seyedehmaryam
Published: August 2014

In ZnO-based low voltage varistor, the two essential features of microstructure determining its nonlinear response are the formation Bi-enriched active grain boundaries as well as a controlled ZnO grain size by secondary spinel-type phases. Besides, the microstructure and phase composition are strongly affected by the dopant concentration during sintering process. In this study, the optimal dopant levels of Bi2O3, TiO2, and Sb2O3to achieve maximized nonlinear electrical property (alpha) were quantified by the response surface methodology (RSM). RSM was also used to understand the significance and interaction of the factors affecting the response. Variables were determined as the molar ratio of Bi2O3, TiO2, and Sb2O3. The alpha was chosen as response in the study. The 5-level-3-factor central composite design, with 20 runs, was used to conduct the experiments by ball milling method. A quadratic model was established as a functional relationship between three independent variables and alpha. According to the results, the optimum values of Bi2O3, TiO2, and Sb2O3were obtained 0.52, 0.50, and 0.30, respectively. Under optimal conditions the predicted alpha (9.47) was calculated using optimal coded values from the model and the theoretical value is in good agreement with the value (9.43) obtained by confirmation experiment.
A MD Simulation and Analysis for Aggregation Behaviors of Nanoscale Zero-Valent Iron Particles in Water via MS
Authors: Zhao Ying , Liu Dongmei , Tang Huan , Lu Jing , Cui Fuyi
Published: August 2014

With the development of nanotechnology, more nanomaterials will enter into water environment system. Studying the existing form of nanomaterials in water environment will help people benefit from the correct use of them and to reduce the harm to human caused by them for some nanomaterials can bring polluting effect. Aggregation is a main behavior for nanoparticle in water environment. NZVI are used widely in many fields resulting in more NZVI in water environment. Molecular dynamics simulations and Materials Studio software are used to investigate the microaggregation behaviors of NZVI particles. Two scenes are involved: (1) particle size of NZVI in each simulation system is the same, but initial distance of two NZVI particles is different; (2) initial distance of two NZVI particles in each simulation system is the same, but particle size of NZVI is different. Atomistic trajectory, NP activity, total energy, and adsorption of H2O are analyzed with MS. The method provides new quantitative insight into the structure, energy, and dynamics of the aggregation behaviors of NZVI particles in water. It is necessary to understand microchange of NPs in water because it can provide theoretical research that is used to reduce polluting effect of NPs on water environment.
Self-Organized Service Negotiation for Collaborative Decision Making
Authors: Zhang Bo , Huang Zhenhua , Zheng Ziming
Published: August 2014

This paper proposes a self-organized service negotiation method for CDM in intelligent and automatic manners. It mainly includes three phases: semantic-based capacity evaluation for the CDM sponsor, trust computation of the CDM organization, and negotiation selection of the decision-making service provider (DMSP). In the first phase, the CDM sponsor produces the formal semantic description of the complex decision task for DMSP and computes the capacity evaluation values according to participator instructions from different DMSPs. In the second phase, a novel trust computation approach is presented to compute the subjective belief value, the objective reputation value, and the recommended trust value. And in the third phase, based on the capacity evaluation and trust computation, a negotiation mechanism is given to efficiently implement the service selection. The simulation experiment results show that our self-organized service negotiation method is feasible and effective for CDM.
Novel Study on N-Nitrosamines as Risk Factors of Cardiovascular Diseases
Authors: Sheweita Salah A. , El-Bendery Heba A. , Mostafa Mostafa H.
Published: August 2014

Millions of people are exposed daily to N-nitrosamines from different environmental sources. The present study aims at investigating the role of N-nitrosamines in the alteration of homocysteine, lipid profile, oxidative stress, paraoxonase activity, antioxidant enzymes, and free radicals which are important risk factors for CVD. In addition, biomarkers of cardiovascular diseases such as creatine kinase MB activity (CK-MB) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) as well as protein expression of both glutathione peroxidase and glutathione S-transferaseπisozyme were assayed after treatment of rats with 0.2 mg/kg body weight of N-nitrosodibutylamine (NDBA), N-nitrosoethylbutylamine (NEBA), N-nitrosobutylpropylamine (NBPA), N-nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA), N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), and N-nitrosodiphenylamine (NDPA) as a daily dose for two weeks. LDL levels, paraoxonase activity, reduced glutathione levels, and glutathione reductase activities were increased, whereas HDL levels decreased after treatment of rats with most of N-nitrosamines compared to control group. Moreover, levels of free radicals and catalase activity increased, whereas protein expression of both glutathione peroxidase and glutathione S-transferase decreased after treatment of rats with some N-nitrosamines. The data showed that most N-nitrosamines increased CK-MB and LDH activities. It is concluded that N-nitrosamines increased levels of free radicals, and decreased the activity of antioxidant enzymes which may consequently increase the incidence of CVDs.
A Web‐Based Tool for Product Ideas Screening and Lifestyle Analysis
Authors: Huang Shih-Yen
Published: August 2014

In the era of consumerism nowadays, market needs are the key factors that trigger the commercial opportunity of a product. In addition to the functional and aesthetic requirements of products, designers need to consider user’s demands and preferences in product design and development. In this study, a web‐based tool was developed by the combination of life style questionnaire and image scale survey. The data obtained from the survey served as references for new product design and marketing promotion. In our study, proposals for public outdoor facilities with local cultural features were developed as an example to illustrate the application of the web‐based tool. Through such a web‐based tool, demographic data, attitudes in life style, and suitability of design proposals were collected in the form of coordinate and diagrams. In this way, a suitable design proposal for the community was selected and the life style characteristics of the target user group were specified for further design and development of the public facility.
GC Analyses of Salvia Seeds as Valuable Essential Oil Source
Authors: Ben Taârit Mouna , Msaada Kamel , Hosni Karim , Marzouk Brahim
Published: August 2014

The essential oils of seeds of Salvia verbenaca, Salvia officinalis, and Salvia sclarea were obtained by hydrodistillation and analyzed by gas chromatography (GC) and GC-mass spectrometry. The oil yields (w/w) were 0.050, 0.047, and 0.045% in S. verbenaca, S. sclarea, and S. officinalis, respectively. Seventy-five compounds were identified. The essential oil composition of S. verbenaca seeds showed that over 57% of the detected compounds were oxygenated monoterpenes followed by sesquiterpenes (24.04%) and labdane type diterpenes (5.61%). The main essential oil constituents were camphor (38.94%), caryophyllene oxide (7.28%), and 13-epi-manool (5.61%), while those of essential oil of S. officinalis were α-thujone (14.77%), camphor (13.08%), and 1,8-cineole (6.66%). In samples of S. sclarea, essential oil consists mainly of linalool (24.25%), α-thujene (7.48%), linalyl acetate (6.90%), germacrene-D (5.88%), bicyclogermacrene (4.29%), and α-copaene (4.08%). This variability leads to a large range of naturally occurring volatile compounds with valuable industrial and pharmaceutical outlets.
An Efficient Algorithm for Recognition of Human Actions
Authors: Khan Yaser Daanial , Khan Nabeel Sabir , Farooq Shoaib , Abid Adnan , Khan Sher Afzal , Ahmad Farooq , Mahmood M. Khalid
Published: August 2014

Recognition of human actions is an emerging need. Various researchers have endeavored to provide a solution to this problem. Some of the current state-of-the-art solutions are either inaccurate or computationally intensive while others require human intervention. In this paper a sufficiently accurate while computationally inexpensive solution is provided for the same problem. Image moments which are translation, rotation, and scale invariant are computed for a frame. A dynamic neural network is used to identify the patterns within the stream of image moments and hence recognize actions. Experiments show that the proposed model performs better than other competitive models.
A Multistep Framework for Vision Based Vehicle Detection
Authors: Wang Hai , Cai Yingfeng
Published: August 2014

Vision based vehicle detection is a critical technology that plays an important role in not only vehicle active safety but also road video surveillance application. In this work, a multistep framework for vision based vehicle detection is proposed. In the first step, for vehicle candidate generation, a novel geometrical and coarse depth information based method is proposed. In the second step, for candidate verification, a deep architecture of deep belief network (DBN) for vehicle classification is trained. In the last step, a temporal analysis method based on the complexity and spatial information is used to further reduce miss and false detection. Experiments demonstrate that this framework is with high true positive (TP) rate as well as low false positive (FP) rate. On road experimental results demonstrate that the algorithm performs better than state-of-the-art vehicle detection algorithm in testing data sets.
Delivery of Human EV71 Receptors by Adeno-Associated Virus Increases EV71 Infection-Induced Local Inflammation in Adult Mice
Authors: Hsiao Hung-Bo , Chou Ai-Hsiang , Lin Su-I , Lien Shu-Pei , Liu Chia-Chyi , Chong Pele , Chen Chih-Yeh , Tao Mi-Hua , Liu Shih-Jen
Published: August 2014

Enterovirus71 (EV71) is now recognized as an emerging neurotropic virus in Asia and one major causative agent of hand-foot-mouth diseases (HFMD). However potential animal models for vaccine development are limited to young mice. In this study, we used an adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector to introduce the human EV71 receptors P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 (hPSGL1) or a scavenger receptor class-B member-2 (hSCARB2) into adult ICR mice to change their susceptibility to EV71 infection. Mice were administered AAV-hSCARB2 or AAV-hPSGL1 through intravenous and oral routes. After three weeks, expression of human SCARB2 and PSGL1 was detected in various organs. After infection with EV71, we found that the EV71 viral load in AAV-hSCARB2- or AAV-hPSGL1-transduced mice was higher than that of the control mice in both the brain and intestines. The presence of EV71 viral particles in tissues was confirmed using immunohistochemistry analysis. Moreover, inflammatory cytokines were induced in the brain and intestines of AAV-hSCARB2- or AAV-hPSGL1-transduced mice after EV71 infection but not in wild-type mice. However, neurological disease was not observed in these animals. Taken together, we successfully infected adult mice with live EV71 and induced local inflammation using an AAV delivery system.
Normal Form for High-Dimensional Nonlinear System and Its Application to a Viscoelastic Moving Belt
Authors: Chen S. P. , Qian Y. H.
Published: August 2014

This paper is concerned with the computation of the normal form and its application to a viscoelastic moving belt. First, a new computation method is proposed for significantly refining the normal forms for high-dimensional nonlinear systems. The improved method is described in detail by analyzing the four-dimensional nonlinear dynamical systems whose Jacobian matrices evaluated at an equilibrium point contain three different cases, that are, (i) two pairs of pure imaginary eigenvalues, (ii) one nonsemisimple double zero and a pair of pure imaginary eigenvalues, and (iii) two nonsemisimple double zero eigenvalues. Then, three explicit formulae are derived, herein, which can be used to compute the coefficients of the normal form and the associated nonlinear transformation. Finally, employing the present method, we study the nonlinear oscillation of the viscoelastic moving belt under parametric excitations. The stability and bifurcation of the nonlinear vibration system are studied. Through the illustrative example, the feasibility and merit of this novel method are also demonstrated and discussed.
Effect of Passive Pile on 3D Ground Deformation and on Active Pile Response
Authors: Yuan Bingxiang , Chen Rui , Teng Jun , Peng Tao , Feng Zhongwen
Published: August 2014

Using a series of model tests, this study investigated the effect of a passive pile on 3D ground deformation around a laterally loaded pile and on that laterally loaded pile’s response in sand. The active pile head was subjected to lateral loads, and the passive pile was arranged in front of the active pile. In the model tests, the distance between the two pile centers was set to zero (i.e., a single pile test), 2.5, 4, and 6 times the pile width (B). The 3D ground surface deformations around the active and passive piles were obtained using a newly developed Stereo-PIV technique. The experimental results showed that the ground surface movements were restrained by the passive pile when the pile spacing was less than 6B. The response of the active pile was affected by the passive pile when the pile spacing was less than 4B. This study combined the response of the active pile and surrounding 3D ground deformation to investigate the effect of the passive pile, which is useful to further understand the pile-soil-pile interactions and to enhance pile foundation design in engineering practice.
Suppression Effects of Betaine-Enriched Spinach on Hyperhomocysteinemia Induced by Guanidinoacetic Acid and Choline Deficiency in Rats
Authors: Liu Yi-Qun , Jia Zheng , Han Feng , Inakuma Takahiro , Miyashita Tatsuya , Sugiyama Kimio , Sun Li-Cui , Xiang Xue-Song , Huang Zhen-Wu
Published: August 2014

Betaine is an important natural component of rich food sources, especially spinach. Rats were fed diets with betaine or spinach powder at the same level of betaine for 10 days to investigate the dose-dependent effects of spinach powder supplementation on hyperhomocysteinemia induced by guanidinoacetic acid (GAA) addition and choline deprivation. The GAA-induced hyperhomocysteinemia in rats fed 25% casein diet (25C) was significantly suppressed by supplementation with betaine or spinach, and it was completely suppressed by taking 11.0% spinach supplementation. The choline deprivation-induced enhancement of plasma homocysteine concentration in rats fed 25% soybean protein diet (25S) was markedly suppressed by 3.82% spinach. Supplementation with betaine or spinach partially prevented the effects of GAA on hepatic concentrations of methionine metabolites. The decrease in activity of betaine-homocysteine S-methyltransferase (BHMT) and cystathionineβ-synthase (CBS) in GAA-induced hyperhomocysteinemia was recovered by supplementation with betaine or spinach. Supplementation with betaine or spinach did not affect BHMT activity, whereas it partially restored CBS activity in choline-deprived 25S. The results indicated that betaine or spinach could completely suppress the hyperhomocysteinemia induced by choline deficiency resulting from stimulating the homocysteine removal by both remethylation and cystathionine formation.
Soil Diversity as Affected by Land Use in China: Consequences for Soil Protection
Authors: Shangguan Wei , Gong Peng , Liang Lu , Dai YongJiu , Zhang Keli
Published: August 2014

Rapid land-use change in recent decades in China and its impact on terrestrial biodiversity have been widely studied, particularly at local and regional scales. However, the effect of land-use change on the diversity of soils that support the terrestrial biological system has rarely been studied. Here, we report the first effort to assess the impact of land-use change on soil diversity for the entire nation of China. Soil diversity and land-use effects were analyzed spatially in grids and provinces. The land-use effects on different soils were uneven. Anthropogenic soils occupied approximately 12% of the total soil area, which had already replaced the original natural soils. About 7.5% of the natural soil classes in China were in danger of substantial loss, due to the disturbance of agriculture and construction. More than 80% of the endangered soils were unprotected due to the overlook of soil diversity. The protection of soil diversity should be integrated into future conservation activities.
Mathematical Model of Hybrid Precast Gravity Frames for Smart Construction and Engineering
Authors: Park Seon-Chee , Hong Won-Kee , Kim Sunkuk , Wang Xiangyu
Published: August 2014

The structural stability, constructability, economic feasibility, environmental‐friendliness, and energy efficiency of hybrid composite frame systems have been demonstrated by practical application and research. A hybrid composite frame system combines the economy of precast concrete structures with the constructability of steel frame structures, including erection speed. Novel composite frames will ultimately maximize the efficiency of structural design and facilitate construction. This paper presents hybrid precast frames, which are precast composite frames based on a simple connection between precast concrete columns and beams. The hybrid precast frames designed to resist gravity loading consist of PC columns, PC beams, and steel inserted in the precast members. Steel sections located between the precast columns were simply connected to steel inserted at each end of the precast beams. Dynamic analysis of a 15‐story building designed with the proposed composite frame was performed to determine the dynamic characteristics of a building constructed of hybrid frames, including frequencies and mode shapes.
Recent Trends of Polymer Mediated Liposomal Gene Delivery System
Authors: Kundu Shyamal Kumar , Sharma Ashish Ranjan , Lee Sang-Soo , Sharma Garima , George Priya Doss C. , Yagihara Shin , Kim Do-Young , Nam Ju-Suk , Chakraborty Chiranjib
Published: August 2014

Advancement in the gene delivery system have resulted in clinical successes in gene therapy for patients with several genetic diseases, such as immunodeficiency diseases, X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD) blindness, thalassemia, and many more. Among various delivery systems, liposomal mediated gene delivery route is offering great promises for gene therapy. This review is an attempt to depict a portrait about the polymer based liposomal gene delivery systems and their future applications. Herein, we have discussed in detail the characteristics of liposome, importance of polymer for liposome formulation, gene delivery, and future direction of liposome based gene delivery as a whole.
Effects and Tolerance of Silymarin (Milk Thistle) in Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Infection Patients: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Yang Zongguo , Zhuang Liping , Lu Yunfei , Xu Qingnian , Chen Xiaorong
Published: August 2014

Objective. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of silymarin on chronic hepatitis C virus- (HCV-) infected patients.Methods. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of silymarin in chronic HCV-infected patients up to April 1, 2014 were systematically identified in PubMed, Ovid, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases.Results.A total of 222 and 167 patients in five RCTs were randomly treated with silymarin (or intravenous silibinin) and placebo, respectively. Serum HCV RNA relatively decreased in patients treated with silymarin compared with those administered with placebo, but no significance was found (P=0.09). Meta-analysis of patients orally treated with silymarin indicated that the changes of HCV RNA are similar in the two groups (P=0.19). The effect on alanine aminotransferase (ALT) of oral silymarin is not different from that of placebo (P=0.45). Improvements in quality-of-life (Short Form-36) in both silymarin and placebo recipients were impressive but relatively identical (P=0.09).Conclusion. Silymarin is well tolerated in chronic HCV-infected patients. However, no evidence of salutary effects of oral silymarin has yet been reported based on intermediate endpoints (ALT and HCV RNA) in this population. Moreover, intravenous administration of silymarin should be further studied.
Simulating Spatiotemporal Dynamics of Sichuan Grassland Net Primary Productivity Using the CASA Model and In Situ Observations
Authors: Tang Chuanjiang , Fu Xinyu , Jiang Dong , Fu Jingying , Zhang Xinyue , Zhou Su
Published: August 2014

Net primary productivity (NPP) is an important indicator for grassland resource management and sustainable development. In this paper, the NPP of Sichuan grasslands was estimated by the Carnegie-Ames-Stanford Approach (CASA) model. The results were validated with in situ data. The overall precision reached 70%; alpine meadow had the highest precision at greater than 75%, among the three types of grasslands validated. The spatial and temporal variations of Sichuan grasslands were analyzed. The absorbed photosynthetic active radiation (APAR), light use efficiency (ε), and NPP of Sichuan grasslands peaked in August, which was a vigorous growth period during 2011. High values of APAR existed in the southwest regions in altitudes from 2000 m to 4000 m. Light use efficiency (ε) varied in the different types of grasslands. The Sichuan grassland NPP was mainly distributed in the region of 3000–5000 m altitude. The NPP of alpine meadow accounted for 50% of the total NPP of Sichuan grasslands.
p53 Promotes Cell Survival due to the Reversibility of Its Cell-Cycle Checkpoints
Authors: Lukin Dana J. , Carvajal Luis A. , Liu Wen-jun , Resnick-Silverman Lois , Manfredi James J.
Published: August 2014

The tumor suppressor p53 (TP53) has a well-studied role in triggering cell-cycle checkpoint in response to DNA damage. Previous studies have suggested that functional p53 enhances chemosensitivity. In contrast, data are presented to show that p53 can be required for cell survival following DNA damage due to activation of reversible cell-cycle checkpoints. The cellular outcome to DNA damage is determined by the duration and extent of the stimulus in a p53-dependent manner. In response to transient or low levels of DNA damage, p53 triggers a reversible G2 arrest, whereas a sustained p53-dependent cell-cycle arrest and senescence follows prolonged or high levels of DNA damage. Regardless of the length of treatment, p53-null cells arrest in G2, but ultimately adapt and proceed into mitosis. Interestingly, they fail to undergo cytokinesis, become multinucleated, and then die from apoptosis. Upon transient treatment with DNA-damaging agents, wild-type p53 cells reversibly arrest and repair the damage, whereas p53-null cells fail to do so and die. These data indicate that p53 can promote cell survival by inducing reversible cell-cycle arrest, thereby allowing for DNA repair. Thus, transient treatments may exploit differences between wild-type p53 and p53-null cells.

Implications: Although p53 status has been suggested as a clinical predictor of chemotherapeutic efficacy, studies to date have not always supported this. This study demonstrates that p53 is still an important determinant of cell fate in response to chemotherapy, under the appropriate treatment conditions. Mol Cancer Res; 13(1); 16–28. ©2014 AACR.
Autotaxin and LPA1 and LPA5 Receptors Exert Disparate Functions in Tumor Cells versus the Host Tissue Microenvironment in Melanoma Invasion and Metastasis
Authors: Lee Sue-Chin , Fujiwara Yuko , Liu Jianxiong , Yue Junming , Shimizu Yoshibumi , Norman Derek D. , Wang Yaohong , Tsukahara Ryoko , Szabo Erzsebet , Patil Renukadevi , Banerjee Souvik , Miller Duane D. , Balazs Louisa , Ghosh Manik C. , Waters Christopher M. , Oravecz Tamas , Tigyi Gabor J.
Published: August 2014

Autotaxin (ENPP2/ATX) and lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) receptors represent two key players in regulating cancer progression. The present study sought to understand the mechanistic role of LPA G protein–coupled receptors (GPCR), not only in the tumor cells but also in stromal cells of the tumor microenvironment. B16F10 melanoma cells predominantly express LPA5 and LPA2 receptors but lack LPA1. LPA dose dependently inhibited invasion of cells across a Matrigel layer. RNAi-mediated knockdown of LPA5 relieved the inhibitory effect of LPA on invasion without affecting basal invasion. This suggests that LPA5 exerts an anti-invasive action in melanoma cells in response to LPA. In addition, both siRNA-mediated knockdown and pharmacologic inhibition of LPA2 reduced the basal rate invasion. Unexpectedly, when probing the role of this GPCR in host tissues, it was found that the incidence of melanoma-derived lung metastasis was greatly reduced in LPA5 knockout (KO) mice compared with wild-type (WT) mice. LPA1-KO but not LPA2-KO mice also showed diminished melanoma-derived lung metastasis, suggesting that host LPA1 and LPA5 receptors play critical roles in the seeding of metastasis. The decrease in tumor cell residence in the lungs of LPA1-KO and LPA5-KO animals was apparent 24 hours after injection. However, KO of LPA1, LPA2, or LPA5 did not affect the subcutaneous growth of melanoma tumors.

Implications: These findings suggest that tumor and stromal LPA receptors, in particular LPA1 and LPA5, play different roles in invasion and the seeding of metastasis. Mol Cancer Res; 13(1); 174–85. ©2014 AACR.
Gonadotropin-Dependent Precocious Puberty in an 8-Year-Old Boy with Leydig Cell Testicular Tumor
Authors: Santos-Silva Rita , Bonito-Vítor Artur , Campos Miguel , Fontoura Manuel
Published: August 2014

Leydig cell testicular tumors are very rare in children. They can present as gonadotropin-independent precocious puberty due to excess androgen secretion. We report the case of an 8-year-old boy with isosexual precocity whose hormonal investigation showed luteinizing hormone-independent testosterone hypersecretion. Although no palpable mass was present, scrotal ultrasound revealed a testicular tumor. Testis-sparing tumor resection was performed and the histopathology analysis showed a Leydig cell tumor. After surgery the testosterone levels remained high and further examination showed gonadotropin-dependent precocious puberty, which is believed to be likely caused by the activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis due to a long-term exposition to sex steroids. He is currently being treated with a long-acting gonadotropin-releasing hormone analog and the process of sexual precocity has until now been suppressed.
Retinal Vascular Fractals and Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Ong Yi-Ting , Hilal Saima , Cheung Carol Yim-lui , Xu Xin , Chen Christopher , Venketasubramanian Narayanaswamy , Wong Tien Yin , Ikram Mohammad Kamran
Published: August 2014

Background: Retinal microvascular network changes have been found in patients with age-related brain diseases such as stroke and dementia including Alzheimer's disease. We examine whether retinal microvascular network changes are also present in preclinical stages of dementia. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study of 300 Chinese participants (age: ≥60 years) from the ongoing Epidemiology of Dementia in Singapore study who underwent detailed clinical examinations including retinal photography, brain imaging and neuropsychological testing. Retinal vascular parameters were assessed from optic disc-centered photographs using a semiautomated program. A comprehensive neuropsychological battery was administered, and cognitive function was summarized as composite and domain-specific Z-scores. Cognitive impairment no dementia (CIND) and dementia were diagnosed according to standard diagnostic criteria. Results: Among 268 eligible nondemented participants, 78 subjects were categorized as CIND-mild and 69 as CIND-moderate. In multivariable adjusted models, reduced retinal arteriolar and venular fractal dimensions were associated with an increased risk of CIND-mild and CIND-moderate. Reduced fractal dimensions were associated with poorer cognitive performance globally and in the specific domains of verbal memory, visuoconstruction and visuomotor speed. Conclusion: A sparser retinal microvascular network, represented by reduced arteriolar and venular fractal dimensions, was associated with cognitive impairment, suggesting that early microvascular damage may be present in preclinical stages of dementia.
Oligophrenin-1 Is Associated with Cell Adhesion and Migration in Prostate Cancer
Authors: Goto Keisuke , Oue Naohide , Hayashi Tetsutaro , Shinmei Shunsuke , Sakamoto Naoya , Sentani Kazuhiro , Teishima Jun , Matsubara Akio , Yasui Wataru
Published: August 2014

Objective: We performed Escherichia coli ampicillin secretion trap (CAST) analysis in prostate cancer (PCa) to identify novel biomarkers. We show here that OPHN1, which encodes oligophrenin-1 protein, is upregulated in PCa. OPHN1 was first determined to be one of the genes associated with X-linked mental retardation; however, neither the gene's function nor the link between its expression and survival of patients has been investigated. Methods: We investigate the expression of oligophrenin-1 in 141 PCa tissue samples by immunohistochemistry and perform functional analysis using RNA interference. Results: Immunohistochemical analysis of oligophrenin-1 demonstrated that 60 (43%) PCa cases were positive for oligophrenin-1. Positive oligophrenin-1 expression was significantly correlated with a high Gleason score (p = 0.0198). Furthermore, patients with oligophrenin-1-positive PCa had a worse biochemical recurrence-free survival rate than patients with oligophrenin-1-negative PCa (p = 0.0079). Cell adhesion to fibronectin was significantly reduced in OPHN1 small interfering (si)RNA-transfected LNCaP and PC3 cells in comparison to negative-control siRNA-transfected cells. Knockdown of OPHN1 reduced the expression of ITGA5 and stress fiber formation in LNCaP and PC3 cells. Conclusion: These results suggest that oligophrenin-1 is involved in tumor progression in PCa.
The Clinical Use of Statistical Permutation Test Methodology: A Tool for Identifying Predictive Variables of Outcome
Authors: Racioppi M. , Salmaso L. , Brombin C. , Arboretti R. , D''Agostino D. , Colombo R. , Serretta V. , Brausi M. , Casetta G. , Gontero P. , Hurle R. , Tenaglia R. , Altieri V. , Bartoletti R. , Maffezzini M. , Siracusano S. , Morgia G. , Bassi P.F.
Published: August 2014

Objectives: To identify the predictive variables affecting the outcome after radical surgery for bladder cancer by a newer statistical methodology, i.e. nonparametric combination (NPC). Methods: A multicenter study enrolled 1,312 patients who had undergone radical cystectomy for bladder cancer in 11 Italian oncological centers from January 1982 to December 2002. A statistical analysis of their medical history and diagnostic, pathological and postoperative variables was performed using a NPC test. The patients were included in a comprehensive database with medical history and clinical and pathological data. Five-year survival was used as the dependent variable, and p values were corrected for multiplicity using a closed testing procedure. The newer nonparametric approach was used to evaluate the prognostic importance of the variables. All of the analyses were performed using routines developed in MATLAB© and the significance level was set at α = 0.05. Results: A significant prognostic predictive value (p < 0.01) for tumor clinical staging, hydronephrosis, tumor pathological staging, grading, presence of concomitant carcinoma in situ, regional lymph node involvement, corpora cavernosa invasion, microvascular invasion, lymphatic invasion and prostatic stroma involvement was found. Conclusions: The NPC test could handle any type of variable (categorical and quantitative) and take into account the multivariate relation among variables. This newer methodology offers a significant contribution in biomedical studies with several endpoints and is recommended in presence of non-normal data and missing values, as well as solving high-dimensional data and problems relating to small sample sizes.
Eyelid Tremor in a Patient with Anti-Caspr2 Antibody-Related Encephalitis
Authors: Ueno Shuichi , Hirano Makito , Sakamoto Hikaru , Kusunoki Susumu , Nakamura Yusaku
Published: August 2014

We describe the first case of a patient with eyelid tremor probably associated with anti-contactin-associated protein-like 2 (Caspr2) antibody. Encephalitis associated with anti-voltage-gated potassium channel antibody is now attributed to autoantibodies against leucine-rich glioma inactivated 1 (Lgi1) and less frequently against Caspr2. Eyelid tremor or blepharoclonus is a rare or underdiagnosed involuntary movement that has been found in patients with infarction in the thalamus or drug-induced or idiopathic parkinsonism. Since patients with anti-Caspr2 antibody-related encephalitis occasionally have extrapyramidal signs, we speculate that the eyelid tremor was also caused by anti-Caspr2 antibody in our patient. Partial resolution of his symptoms by plasmapheresis also supported the involvement in immunological processes.
A refugee in my own country: Evictions or property rights in the urban informal economy?
Authors: Brown Alison , Msoka Colman , Dankoco Ibrahima
Published: August 2014

Normative approaches to urban governance and planning and idealised visions of city space too often result in relocation or forced eviction of street traders and other informal economy workers from public space as a policy of choice. Often a response to a short-term political imperative, clearances take place with little understanding of the interconnected nature of the urban informal economy or widespread poverty impacts that result. As a result, street traders feel ostracised and often describe themselves as refugees. Drawing on a property rights perspective, and the ‘legal empowerment’ paradigm, this paper compares the major clearances of street traders that took place in Dar es Salaam in 2006–2007 and Dakar in 2007, with very different outcomes for traders. It explores the political initiatives behind the clearances, the dual property rights regimes in both countries, and the different roles of social movements, resulting in emerging political power in one city and passive marginalisation in another. Finally it argues that the conceptualisation of public space as a hybrid ‘public good’ would allow for a more appropriate property rights regime for the urban informal economy.
In the Union Now
Authors: Fowles Jacob , Cowen Joshua
Published: August 2014

Despite periodic consideration of public sector unions in the public management and administration literature, empirical evidence on the union membership decisions of public employees remains scant. In this article, we begin to address this issue by considering unique data on union membership drawn from a local educational agency in a midsize American city. We find union membership rates to be highest in schools that are hardest to staff and where working conditions may be most difficult. We consider this evidence in light of recent efforts to reform public sector unions in general and teacher unions in particular.