bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Employment predicts decreased mortality among HIV-seropositive illicit drug users in a setting of universal HIV care
Authors: Richardson Lindsey A , Milloy M-J S , Kerr Thomas H , Parashar Surita , Montaner Julio S G , Wood Evan
Published: October 2013

Objective

Given the link between employment and mortality in the general population, we sought to assess this relationship among HIV-positive people who use illicit drugs in Vancouver, Canada.

Methods

Data were derived from a prospective cohort study of HIV seropositive people who use illicit drugs (n=666) during the period of May 1996–June 2010 linked to comprehensive clinical data in Vancouver, Canada, a setting where HIV care is delivered without charge. We estimated the relationship between employment and mortality using proportional hazards survival analysis, adjusting for relevant behavioural, clinical, social and socioeconomic factors.

Results

In a multivariate survival model, a time-updated measure of full time, temporary or self-employment compared with no employment was significantly associated with a lower risk of death (adjusted HR=0.44, 95% CI 0.22 to 0.91). Results were robust to adjustment for relevant confounders, including age, injection and non-injection drug use, plasma viral load and baseline CD4 T-cell count.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that employment may be an important dimension of mortality risk of HIV-seropositive illicit drug users. The potentially health-promoting impacts of labour market involvement warrant further exploration given the widespread barriers to employment and persistently elevated levels of preventable mortality among this highly marginalised population.
Percutaneous sclerotherapy with ethanolamine oleate for lymphatic malformations of the head and neck
Authors: Alexander Matthew David , McTaggart Ryan A , Choudhri Omar A , Marcellus Mary L , Do Huy M
Published: October 2013

Introduction

Lymphatic malformations are low flow congenital lesions that frequently occur in the head and neck, and often require treatment. Multiple therapeutic modalities exist, including percutaneous sclerotherapy, which has been performed successfully with numerous sclerosants. Few data exist on use of ethanolamine oleate to treat lymphatic malformations. This study reports single center results using this agent to treat lymphatic malformations of the head and neck.

Materials and methods

Prospectively maintained procedural records were retrospectively reviewed to identify all patients with lymphatic malformations who underwent percutaneous sclerotherapy. The Mulliken and Glowacki classification was used to diagnose lymphatic malformations. Medical records and images were reviewed to record demographic information, lesion characteristics, treatment sessions, and clinical and imaging response. Lesions and outcomes were evaluated with both qualitative and quantitative volumetric analysis. Response was assessed after each session and after all sessions in those patients undergoing more than one intervention, and χ2analysis was performed to evaluate the effects of lesion and demographic characteristics on outcomes.

Results

12 interventions were performed for lesions in 10 patients. No procedural complications occurred following any procedures. Four (40.0%) patients had an excellent result after treatment, which was accomplished in one session for each of these lesions. Four (40.0%) had good results. One (10.0%) had a fair result after three sessions. One (10.0%) patient with an indeterminate syndrome with multiple congenital anomalies had a poor response following treatment. The family decided to withdraw care, and the airway was compromised. Average lesion volume reduction was 28% for all lesions and 42% when excluding the lesion for which future treatments were declined. Purely macrocystic lesions were more likely to have an excellent response to treatment than lesions with both macrocystic and microcystic components.

Conclusions

Percutaneous sclerotherapy using ethanolamine oleate to treat lymphatic malformations of the head and neck appears safe and efficacious. This agent should be considered when treating these complex lesions, particularly those that are exclusively macrocystic. Further investigation of such treatments should evaluate this agent alongside the many others currently utilized.
Deubiquitinating activity of Sdu1, a putative member of the PPPDE peptidase family, inSchizosaccharomyces pombe
Authors: Kim Yunsik , Jo Hannah , Lim Chang-Jin
Published: October 2013

The Schizosaccharomyces pombe sdu+gene encoding a putative member of the PPPDE (Permuted Papain fold Peptidases of DsRNA viruses and Eukaryotes) superfamily was cloned into an Escherichia coli – yeast shuttle vector pRS316, resulting in the recombinant plasmid pYSTP. The determined nucleotide sequence carries 1207 bp, which would encode a protein of 201 amino acid residues. The S. pombe cells harboring pYSTP contained higher sdu1+mRNA and deubiquitinating activity levels than the vector control cells, indicating that the sdu1+gene is functioning. They exhibited a better growth in normal rich medium than the vector control cells. When shifted into the fresh medium containing hydrogen peroxide, menadione, or sodium nitroprusside, the S. pombe cells harboring pYSTP were able to grow reasonably well, while the growth of the vector control cells was arrested. The reactive oxygen species and total glutathione levels of the S. pombe cells harboring pYSTP were lower and higher than those of the vector control cells under the same stressful conditions, respectively. They exhibited a lower nitric oxide level than the vector control cells when subjected to sodium nitroprusside. Taken together, the sdu1+gene encodes an actual protein having deubiquitinating activity and is involved in the response against oxidative and nitrosative stresses in S. pombe.
A NOVEL EFFICIENT ACCESS CONTROL SCHEME FOR LARGE-SCALE DISTRIBUTED WIRELESS SENSOR NETWORKS
Authors: DAS ASHOK KUMAR , CHATTERJEE SANTANU , SING JAMUNA KANTA
Published: October 2013

In a wireless sensor network, we often require the deployment of new nodes to extend the lifetime of the network because some sensor nodes may be lost due to power exhaustion problem or they may be also malicious nodes. In order to protect malicious nodes from joining the sensor network, access control mechanism becomes a major challenging problem in the design of sensor network protocols. Existing access control protocols designed for wireless sensor networks require either high communication overheads or they are not scalable due to involvement of the base station during authentication and key establishment processes. In this paper, we propose a new access control scheme for large-scale distributed wireless sensor networks, which not only identifies the identity of each node but it has also ability to differentiate between old nodes and new nodes. The proposed scheme does not require involvement of the base station during authentication and key establishment processes, and it can be easily implemented as a dynamic access control protocol. In addition, our scheme significantly reduces communication costs in order to authenticate neighbor nodes among each other and establish symmetric keys between neighbor nodes as compared with existing approaches. Further, our scheme is secure against different attacks and unconditionally secure against node capture attacks. The simulation results of our scheme using the AVISPA (Automated Validation of Internet Security Protocols and Applications) tool ensure that our scheme is safe.
AN IMPROVED PREFIX-FREE REGULAR-EXPRESSION MATCHING
Authors: HAN YO-SUB
Published: October 2013

We revisit the regular-expression matching problem with respect to prefix-freeness of the pattern. It is known that a prefix-free pattern gives only a linear number of matching substrings in the size of an input text. We improve the previous algorithm and suggest an efficient algorithm that finds all pairs (start, end) of start and end positions of all matching substrings with a single scan of the input when the pattern is a prefix-free regular expression.
PROBING THE STATES OF MATTER IN QCD
Authors: SATZ HELMUT
Published: October 2013

The ultimate aim of high energy heavy ion collisions is to study quark deconfinement and the quark–gluon plasma predicted by quantum chromodynamics. This requires the identification of observables calculable in QCD and measurable in heavy ion collisions. I concentrate on three such phenomena, related to specific features of strongly interacting matter. The observed pattern of hadrosynthesis corresponds to that of an ideal resonance gas in equilibrium at the pseudo-critical temperature determined in QCD. The critical behavior of QCD is encoded in the fluctuation patterns of conserved quantum numbers, which are presently being measured. The temperature of the quark–gluon plasma can be determined by the dissociation patterns of the different quarkonium states, now under study at the LHC for both charmonia and bottomonia.
THE SOLITON–SOLITON INTERACTION IN THE CHIRAL DILATON MODEL
Authors: MANTOVANI-SARTI VALENTINA , PARK BYUNG-YOON , VENTO VICENTE
Published: October 2013

We study the interaction between two B = 1 states in the Chiral Dilaton Model where baryons are described as nontopological solitons arising from the interaction of chiral mesons and quarks. By using the hedgehog solution for B = 1 states we construct, via a product ansatz, three possible B = 2 configurations to analyse the role of the relative orientation of the hedgehog quills in the dynamics of the soliton–soliton interaction and investigate the behavior of these solutions in the range of long/intermediate distance. One of the solutions is quite binding due to the dynamics of the π and σ fields at intermediate distance and should be used for nuclear matter studies. Since the product ansatz break down as the two solitons get close, we explore the short range distance regime with a model that describes the interaction via a six-quark bag ansatz. We calculate the interaction energy as a function of the inter-soliton distance and show that for small separations the six quarks bag, assuming a hedgehog structure, provides a stable bound state that at large separations connects with a special configuration coming from the product ansatz.
AN IMPROVED CHAOTIC MASKING SCHEME VIA SYSTEM-ALTERNATING
Authors: WANG XING-YUAN , XU BING , MA YUTIAN
Published: October 2013

Aiming at the drawbacks of the chaotic masking scheme, this paper optimizes this conventional scheme by using improved state observer method and system-alternating method, proposes a new secure communication scheme which can improve these drawbacks of chaotic method: (1) Restriction that the power of useful signal must be smaller than that of chaotic signal. (2) Low security. In addition, the model of this whole communication system is constructed under the system simulation environment of Simulink.
A MULTIPLE-PLAINTEXTS-ORIENTED CHAOTIC CRYPTOSYSTEM
Authors: WANG XING-YUAN , TAN YISONG
Published: October 2013

In recent years, a lot of chaotic cryptosystems have been proposed. However, most of these cryptosystems can encrypt only one plaintext in one encryption process. We call these cryptosystems single-plaintext-oriented cryptosystems. In this paper, the authors propose a new chaotic cryptosystem which can encrypt multiple plaintexts in one encryption process. The proposed cryptosystem is dedicated to encrypting multiple plaintexts in the situation of transmitting multiple secret files over public data communication network in one secure transmission. Experiments and theoretic analysis show that the proposed cryptosystem possesses high security and fast performance speed. They also show that the proposed cryptosystem is more secure than single-plaintext-oriented chaotic cryptosystems in this special situation.
IS QUANTUM GRAVITY A SUPER-QUANTUM THEORY?
Authors: CHANG LAY NAM , LEWIS ZACHARY , MINIC DJORDJE , TAKEUCHI TATSU
Published: October 2013

We argue that quantum gravity should be a super-quantum theory, that is, a theory whose nonlocal correlations are stronger than those of canonical quantum theory. As a super-quantum theory, quantum gravity should display distinct experimentally observable super-correlations of entangled stringy states.
LECTURE NOTES ON INTERACTING QUANTUM FIELDS IN DE SITTER SPACE
Authors: AKHMEDOV E. T.
Published: October 2013

We discuss peculiarities of quantum fields in de Sitter (dS) space on the example of the self-interacting massive real scalar, minimally coupled to the gravity background. Nonconformal quantum field theories (QFTs) in dS space show very special infrared behavior, which is not shared by quantum fields neither in flat nor in anti-dS space: in dS space loops are not suppressed in comparison with tree level contributions because there are strong infrared corrections. That is true even for massive fields. Our main concern is the interrelation between these infrared effects, the invariance of the QFT under the dS isometry and the (in)stability of dS invariant states (and of dS space itself) under nonsymmetric perturbations.
SCALAR FIELDS RECONSTRUCTION OF VISCOUS GDE WITH VARYING G
Authors: SHARIFIAN MOSTAFA , SHEYKHI AHMAD
Published: October 2013

In this paper, we first study the effects of the varying gravitational constant G as well as the bulk viscosity on the evolution of the Universe field with pressureless dark matter and ghost dark energy (GDE). Then, we establish a correspondence between viscous GDE and scalar field models of dark energy including quintessence, tachyon, K-essence and dilaton energy density in a flat FRW universe. This correspondence allows us to reconstruct the potential and dynamics of the scalar fields according to the evolution of interacting viscous GDE with varying G.
Palaeomagnetic evidence for the age of the Cumbrian and Manx hematite ore deposits: implications for the origin of hematite mineralization at the margins of the East Irish Sea Basin, UK
Authors: Crowley Stephen F. , Piper John D. A. , Bamarouf Turki , Roberts Andrew P.
Published: October 2013

Examples of epigenetic hematite mineralization located at the margins of the East Irish Sea Basin have been sampled for palaeomagnetic investigation to establish the timing of ore formation. Samples collected from 10 sites in Cumbria are dominated by hematite of near-pure composition and characterized by dual polarity and, in part, dual component magnetizations that yield palaeopoles (nine sites) between 50°N, 130°E and 50°N, 150°E. In contrast, samples recovered from seven sites on the Isle of Man have more varied mineralogical compositions that include ferromagnets with lower unblocking temperatures. Manx hematite mineralization also exhibits dual polarity, but magnetizations yield steeper inclinations with palaeopoles lying between 55°N, 130°E and 70°N, 150°E. Steeper directions probably reflect minor tilting of the Manx block following hematite emplacement. Correlation of poles with the European apparent polar wander path indicates that these ore deposits formed during the Middle Triassic. Results show that hematite mineralization sited at the margins of the East Irish Sea Basin is essentially contemporaneous and establishes, for the first time, an underlying temporal relationship between these geographically dispersed ore bodies. Dating places the mineralization within a broader extensional geotectonic regime associated with the early rifting of Pangaea in the North Atlantic. The context implies a causal link between crustal extension, development of ore-forming fluids within the evolving East Irish Sea Basin, and subsequent migration of fluids to basin margins where iron was precipitated as hematite.

Supplementary materials:

Locations and details of palaeomagnetic sample sites and a tabulation of selected reference palaeomagnetic poles defining the Triassic and Early Jurassic segment of the apparent polar wander path for the European sector of the Eurasian plate are available at
www.geolsoc.org.uk/SUP18691
.
Holocene coastal environments and processes in subantarctic/temperate cold Tierra del Fuego, Argentina-Chile
Authors: Bujalesky G. G. , González Bonorino G. , Abascal Liliana
Published: October 2013

Holocene coastal environments in the Tierra del Fuego archipelago, southernmost South America, evolved in a temperate cold climate characterized by strong and persistent mid-latitude westerly winds, and under stable to falling relative sea-level. Southern and western coasts are rocky, microtidal and generally devoid of Holocene accretionary coastal landforms. They are young, having originated from flooding by the early Holocene. Northern and eastern coasts are lined by receding cliffs that supply abundant sediment to macro/mesotidal embayments lodging extensive accretionary coastal landforms. Spit growth on the Atlantic shore played a major part in modifying the development of other landforms by barring the shoreline from wave attack. Sediment was mainly supplied from Pleistocene glacial deposits exposed at eroding headlands and, more locally, obtained by cannibalization and from elevated Pleistocene beaches. In places, westerly winds combined with Atlantic swell to foster spit growth under high-energy wave power on both bay and ocean flanks – a unique occurrence. In addition, the westerlies caused widespread deflation on supratidal marshes and delivered fine-grained sediment inland and to the sea. Recent acceleration of glacio-eustatic rise is gradually changing the coastal zone to a condition of relative sea-level rise. The generally high and steep coastlines will not be greatly affected. A few gently-dipping lowlands might be flooded and biodiversity will be negatively affected.
Tanshinone IIA inhibits lipopolysaccharide-induced MUC1 overexpression in alveolar epithelial cells
Authors: Zhang Kedong , Wang Jian , Jiang Hua , Xu Xiaoming , Wang Sheng , Zhang Chenting , Li Zhengtu , Gong Xuefang , Lu Wenju
Published: October 2013

The anti-inflammatory function of tanshinone IIA (TIIA), an active natural compound from Chinese herbal medicine Danshen, has been well recognized, and therefore TIIA has been widely used to treat various inflammatory conditions associated with cardiac and lung diseases. Mucin 1 (Muc1) plays important anti-inflammatory roles in resolution of acute lung inflammation. In this study, we investigated the effects of TIIA on LPS-induced acute lung inflammation, as well as its relationship to Muc1 expression in mouse lung and MUC1 in human alveolar epithelial cells. TIIA pretreatment significantly inhibited LPS-induced pulmonary inflammation in both Muc1 wild-type ( Muc1+/+) and knockout ( Muc1−/−) mice, as manifested by reduced neutrophil infiltration and reduced TNF-α and keratinocyte chemoattractant levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. The inhibitory effects of TIIA on airway inflammation were associated with reduced expression of Muc1 in Muc1+/+ mouse lung. Moreover, pretreatment with TIIA significantly inhibited LPS-induced MUC1 expression and TNF-α release in A549 alveolar epithelial cells. TNF-α upregulated MUC1 mRNA and protein expression in A549 cells, which was inhibited by pretreatment with TIIA. The LPS-induced MUC1 expression was blocked when A549 cells were transfected with siRNA targeting for TNF-α receptor 1. Furthermore, TIIA inhibited LPS-induced nuclear translocation of NF-κB and upregulation of Toll-like receptor 4 in A549 cells. Taken together, these results demonstrate that TIIA suppressed LPS-induced acute lung inflammation regardless of the presence of Muc1, and TIIA inhibited LPS- and TNF-α-induced MUC1/Muc1 expression in airway epithelial cells, suggesting that MUC1/Muc1 does not account for the mechanisms of the anti-inflammatory effects of TIIA in the airway.
Physical Biology in Cancer. 1. Cellular physics of cancer metastasis
Authors: Moore Nicole M. , Nagahara Larry A.
Published: October 2013

One of the major challenges in cancer research today is developing new therapeutic strategies to control metastatic disease, the spread of cancer cells from a primary tumor to seed in a distant site. Advances in diagnosis and treatment options have increased the survival rate for most patients with local tumors; however, less progress has been made in treatment of disseminated disease. According to the SEER Cancer Statistics Review, 1975–2010, in the case of breast and prostate cancers, only one in four patients diagnosed with distant metastatic disease will survive more than five years. Current research efforts largely focus on identifying biological targets, such as specific genes and signaling pathways that drive two key steps of metastasis, invasion from the primary tumor and growth in the secondary site. On the other hand, there are phenotypic traits and dynamics in the metastatic process that are not encoded by single genes or signaling pathways but, rather, a larger system of events and biophysical characteristics. Connecting genomic and pathway investigations with quantitative physical phenotypic characteristics of cells, the physical microenvironment, and the physical spatiotemporal interactions of the metastatic process provides a stronger complementary understanding of the disease.
Cinacalcet attenuates the renal endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition in rats with adenine-induced renal failure
Authors: Wu Min , Tang Ri-Ning , Liu Hong , Xu Min , Pan Ming-Ming , Liu Bi-Cheng
Published: October 2013

Elevated serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) is an important complicated phenomenon in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Emerging evidence indicates the involvement of PTH in organ fibrosis, and suppression of PTH by cinacalcet (CINA) ameliorates the progression of fibrotic disorders. However, the underlying mechanisms are largely unknown. The endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) has been shown to be an important mechanism involved in renal fibrosis. The present study aimed to investigate whether CINA treatment attenuated renal EndMT in rats with adenine-induced chronic renal failure (CRF). Compared with the control group, serum PTH was significantly higher in the CRF group and was suppressed after CINA treatment. Serum calcium, phosphorus, and calcium × phosphorus product levels were similar in the CRF group and CINA-treated CRF group. Renal collagen accumulation was significantly increased in the CRF group, which was markedly ameliorated by CINA treatment. Expression of the endothelial marker CD31 was significantly downregulated in rats with CRF, whereas expression of the mesenchymal markers fibroblast specific-protein 1 and α-smooth muscle actin was markedly upregulated. These changes were inhibited by CINA treatment. The protein levels of these EndMT-related markers were strongly correlated with serum PTH concentrations. Furthermore, the in vitro study showed that PTH could significantly increase the expression of fibroblast specific-protein 1 and α-smooth muscle actin and decrease CD31 in mRNA and protein levels in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. In conclusion, our study suggests that reducing serum PTH by CINA treatment could attenuate renal fibrosis via suppression of EndMT in the adenine-induced CRF rat model.
Inhibition of bladder overactivity by duloxetine in combination with foot stimulation or WAY-100635 treatment in cats
Authors: Schwen Zeyad , Matsuta Yosuke , Shen Bing , Wang Jicheng , Roppolo James R. , de Groat William C. , Tai Changfeng
Published: October 2013

The purpose of this study was to determine whether duloxetine [a serotonin (5-HT)-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor] combined with transcutaneous foot stimulation or WAY-100635 (a 5-HT1A antagonist) can enhance inhibition of bladder overactivity in cats. Cystometrograms were performed on eight cats under α-chloralose anesthesia by infusing saline and then 0.25% acetic acid (AA) to induce bladder overactivity. To inhibit bladder overactivity, foot stimulation (5 Hz) was applied via transcutaneous pad electrodes to the right hindfoot at two and four times the threshold intensity for inducing a toe twitch. Duloxetine (0.003–3 mg/kg) was administered intravenously to determine the effect of combination treatment. After the 3 mg/kg dose of duloxetine, WAY-100635 (0.5 mg/kg) was given intravenously. AA irritation significantly ( P < 0.0001) reduced bladder capacity to 42.7 ± 7.4% of the saline control capacity. Foot stimulation alone at both two and four times the threshold intensity significantly ( P < 0.0001) inhibited bladder overactivity and increased bladder capacity to 66.7 ± 6.3% and 85.7 ± 6.5% of the saline control, respectively. Duloxetine alone dose dependently inhibited bladder overactivity and completely restored bladder capacity to the saline control (109 ± 15.5%) at 3 mg/kg. Although duloxetine combined with foot stimulation did not further enhance inhibition, WAY-100635 (0.5 mg/kg) given after 3 mg/kg duloxetine further increased ( P = 0.008) bladder capacity to 162.2 ± 22.5% of the saline control. Although duloxetine and foot stimulation independently inhibited bladder overactivity, combined treatment did not enhance inhibition. Duloxetine combined with WAY-100635, however, synergistically enhanced bladder inhibition, indicating a potential novel treatment for overactive bladder if duloxetine is combined with a 5-HT1A receptor antagonist drug.
The cerebral representation of scratching-induced pleasantness
Authors: Mochizuki Hideki , Tanaka Satoshi , Morita Tomoyo , Wasaka Toshiaki , Sadato Norihiro , Kakigi Ryusuke
Published: October 2013

Itch is an unpleasant sensation with the desire to scratch. Although it is well known that scratching itchy skin is pleasurable, the cerebral mechanisms underlying this phenomenon are poorly understood. We hypothesized that the reward system is associated with scratching-induced pleasantness. To investigate this hypothesis, a functional magnetic resonance imaging study was performed in 16 healthy subjects. Pleasantness was evoked by scratching the wrists where itch stimuli were applied, while scratching the dorsal forearms, far from itch stimuli, did not evoke pleasantness. Interestingly, pleasantness evoked by scratching activated not only the reward system (i.e., the striatum and midbrain) but also key regions of perception (i.e., the primary somatosensory cortex) and awareness of subjective feelings (i.e., the insular cortex), indicating that a broad network is involved in scratching-induced pleasantness. Moreover, although itch was suppressed by scratching, motor-related regions such as the supplementary motor area, premotor cortex, and cerebellum showed significant activation when pleasantness was evoked. This activation could explain why scratching-induced pleasantness potentially reinforces scratching behaviors. This study is the first to identify networks activated by scratching-induced pleasantness. The results of the present study provide important information on the cerebral mechanisms underlying why scratching itchy skin evokes pleasurable feelings that reinforce scratching behaviors.
Targeted disruption of layer 4 during development increases GABAAreceptor neurotransmission in the neocortex
Authors: Abbah J. , Braga Maria F. M. , Juliano S. L.
Published: October 2013

Cortical dysplasia (CD) associates with clinical pathologies, including epilepsy and mental retardation. CD results from impaired migration of immature neurons to their cortical targets, leading to clustering of neural cells and changes in cortical properties. We developed a CD model by administering methylazoxymethanol (MAM), an anti-mitotic, to pregnant ferrets on embryonic day 33; this leads to reduction in cortical thickness in addition to redistribution and increased expression of GABAAreceptors (GABAAR). We evaluated the impact of MAM treatment on GABAAR-mediated synaptic transmission in postnatal day 0–1 neurons, leaving the ganglionic eminence (GE) and in layer 2/3 pyramidal cells of postnatal day 28–38 ferrets. Embryonic day 33 MAM treatment significantly increases the amplitude and frequency of spontaneous GABAAR-mediated inhibitory postsynaptic currents (IPSCs) in the cells leaving the GE. In older MAM-treated animals, the amplitude and frequency of GABAAR-mediated spontaneous IPSCs in layer 2/3 pyramidal cells is increased, as are the amplitude and frequency of miniature IPSCs. The kinetics of GABAAR opening also altered following treatment with MAM. Western blot analysis shows that the expression of the GABAAα3R and GABAAγ2R subunits amplified in our model animals. We did not observe any significant change in the passive properties of either the layer 2/3 pyramidal cells or cells leaving the GE after MAM treatment. These observations reinforce the idea that synaptic neurotransmission through GABAAR enhances following treatment with MAM and coincides with our finding of increased GABAAαR expression within the upper cortical layers. Overall, we demonstrate that small amounts of toxins delivered during corticogenesis can result in long-lasting changes in ambient expression of GABAAR that influence intrinsic neuronal properties.
New Model for Evaluation of FRP Debonding Strain for Russian Design Code
Authors: Bykov Anton Alekseevich , Kalugin Aleksandr Vasilyevich
Published: October 2013

The most probable failure mode of FRP-strengthened RC beams is an intermediate crack-induced debonding. Over the last 13 years, researchers developed several methods for calculation strain corresponding to delamination of FRP. A significant number and diversity of existing foreign and domestic methods make the design complex process. The aim of this study was to propose a simple method for calculating FRP debonding strains, based on the best international achievements and adapted for use in Russia. To achieve this goal, the authors performed a review and reliability assessment of existing foreign and domestic meth-ods. Reliability assessment is made by comparing the calculated and experimental data. Experimental data were collected from the existing literature. After reliability assessment, the most simple and accurate method was selected among the considered. On the basis of the chosen method, the authors proposed a formula for calculating the design value and characteristic value strain corresponding to delamination of FRP. The results of calculations by the authors’ formula are more economical than the original method and have the required reliability for these variables. The proposed method is recommended for use in the design of flexural FRP-strengthened RC beams in Russia.
An Impulse-C Hardware Accelerator for Packet Classification Based on Fine/Coarse Grain Optimization
Authors: Ahmed O. , Areibi S. , Collier R. , Grewal G.
Published: October 2013

Current software-based packet classification algorithms exhibit relatively poor performance, prompting many researchers to concentrate on novel frameworks and architectures that employ both hardware and software components. The Packet Classification with Incremental Update (PCIU) algorithm, Ahmed et al. (2010), is a novel and efficient packet classification algorithm with a unique incremental update capability that demonstrated excellent results and was shown to be scalable for many different tasks and clients. While a pure software implementation can generate powerful results on a server machine, an embedded solution may be more desirable for some applications and clients. Embedded, specialized hardware accelerator based solutions are typically much more efficient in speed, cost, and size than solutions that are implemented on general-purpose processor systems. This paper seeks to explore the design space of translating the PCIU algorithm into hardware by utilizing several optimization techniques, ranging from fine grain to coarse grain and parallel coarse grain approaches. The paper presents a detailed implementation of a hardware accelerator of the PCIU based on an Electronic System Level (ESL) approach. Results obtained indicate that the hardware accelerator achieves on average 27x speedup over a state-of-the-art Xeon processor.
Dietary Anthocyanins as Nutritional Therapy for Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Valenti Luca , Riso Patrizia , Mazzocchi Alessandra , Porrini Marisa , Fargion Silvia , Agostoni Carlo
Published: October 2013

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), defined by excessive lipid accumulation in the liver, is the hepatic manifestation of insulin resistance and the metabolic syndrome. Due to the epidemics of obesity, NAFLD is rapidly becoming the leading cause of altered liver enzymes in Western countries. NAFLD encompasses a wide spectrum of liver disease ranging from simple uncomplicated steatosis, to steatohepatitis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Diet may affect the development of NAFLD either by increasing risk or by providing protective factors. Therefore, it is important to investigate the role of foods and/or food bioactives on the metabolic processes involved in steatohepatitis for preventive strategies. It has been reported that anthocyanins (ACNs) decrease hepatic lipid accumulation and may counteract oxidative stress and hepatic inflammation, but their impact on NAFLD has yet to be fully determined. ACNs are water-soluble bioactive compounds of the polyphenol class present in many vegetable products. Here, we summarize the evidence evaluating the mechanisms of action of ACNs on hepatic lipid metabolism in different experimental setting:in vitro,in vivo, and in human trials. Finally, a working model depicting the possible mechanisms underpinning the beneficial effects of ACNs in NAFLD is proposed, based on the available literature.
A Conceptual Design Approach of Coupled Shear Walls
Authors: Bhunia Dipendu , Prakash Vipul , Pandey Ashok D.
Published: October 2013

Earthquake causes considerable damage to a large number of RCC high-rise buildings and tremendous loss of life. Therefore, designers and structural engineers should ensure to offer adequate earthquake resistant provisions with regard to planning, design, and detailing in high-rise buildings to withstand the effect of an earthquake and minimize disaster. As an earthquake resistant system, the use of coupled shear walls is one of the potential options in comparison with moment resistant frame (MRF) and shear wall frame combination systems in RCC high-rise buildings. Furthermore, it is reasonably well established that it is uneconomical to design a structure considering its linear behavior during earthquake. Hence, an alternative design philosophy needs to be evolved in the Indian context to consider the postyield behavior wherein the damage state is evaluated through deformation considerations. In the present context, therefore, performance-based seismic design (PBSD) has been considered to offer significantly improved solutions as compared to the conventional design based on linear response spectrum analysis.
Efficacy of Thermally Conditioned Sisal FRP Composite on the Shear Characteristics of Reinforced Concrete Beams
Authors: Sen Tara , Reddy H. N. Jagannatha
Published: October 2013

The development of commercially viable composites based on natural resources for a wide range of applications is on the rise. Efforts include new methods of production and the utilization of natural reinforcements to make biodegradable composites with lignocellulosic fibers, for various engineering applications. In this work, thermal conditioning of woven sisal fibre was carried out, followed by the development of woven sisal fibre reinforced polymer composite system, and its tensile and flexural behaviour was characterized. It was observed that thermal conditioning improved the tensile strength and the flexural strength of the woven sisal fibre composites, which were observed to bear superior values than those in the untreated ones. Then, the efficacy of woven sisal fibre reinforced polymer composite for shear strengthening of reinforced concrete beams was evaluated using two types of techniques: full and strip wrapping techniques. Detailed analysis of the load deflection behaviour and fracture study of reinforced concrete beams strengthened with woven sisal under shearing load were carried out, and it was concluded that woven sisal FRP strengthened beams, underwent very ductile nature of failure, without any delamination or debonding of sisal FRP, and also increased the shear strength and the first crack load of the reinforced concrete beams.
Life Comparative Analysis of Energy Consumption and CO2 Emissions of Different Building Structural Frame Types
Authors: Kim Sangyong , Moon Joon-Ho , Shin Yoonseok , Kim Gwang-Hee , Seo Deok-Seok
Published: October 2013

The objective of this research is to quantitatively measure and compare the environmental load and construction cost of different structural frame types. Construction cost also accounts for the costs of CO2 emissions of input materials. The choice of structural frame type is a major consideration in construction, as this element represents about 33% of total building construction costs. In this research, four constructed buildings were analyzed, with these having either reinforced concrete (RC) or steel (S) structures. An input‐output framework analysis was used to measure energy consumption and CO2 emissions of input materials for each structural frame type. In addition, the CO2 emissions cost was measured using the trading price of CO2 emissions on the International Commodity Exchange. This research revealed that both energy consumption and CO2 emissions were, on average, 26% lower with the RC structure than with the S structure, and the construction costs (including the CO2 emissions cost) of the RC structure were about 9.8% lower, compared to the S structure. This research provides insights through which the construction industry will be able to respond to the carbon market, which is expected to continue to grow in the future.
Inhibition of Cathepsin S Produces Neuroprotective Effects after Traumatic Brain Injury in Mice
Authors: Xu Jianguo , Wang Handong , Ding Ke , Lu Xinyu , Li Tao , Wang Jiawei , Wang Chunxi , Wang Jian
Published: October 2013

Cathepsin S (CatS) is a cysteine protease normally present in lysosomes. It has long been regarded as an enzyme that is primarily involved in general protein degradation. More recently, mounting evidence has shown that it is involved in Alzheimer disease, seizures, age-related inflammatory processes, and neuropathic pain. In this study, we investigated the time course of CatS protein and mRNA expression and the cellular distribution of CatS in a mouse model of traumatic brain injury (TBI). To clarify the roles of CatS in TBI, we injected the mice intraventricularly with LHVS, a nonbrain penetrant, irreversible CatS inhibitor, and examined the effect on inflammation and neurobehavioral function. We found that expression of CatS was increased as early as 1 h after TBI at both protein and mRNA levels. The increased expression was detected in microglia and neurons. Inhibition of CatS significantly reduced the level of TBI-induced inflammatory factors in brain tissue and alleviated brain edema. Additionally, administration of LHVS led to a decrease in neuronal degeneration and improved neurobehavioral function. These results imply that CatS is involved in the secondary injury after TBI and provide a new perspective for preventing secondary injury after TBI.
Circulating microRNAs and Kallikreins before and after Radical Prostatectomy: Are They Really Prostate Cancer Markers?
Authors: Egidi Maria Giulia , Cochetti Giovanni , Serva Maria Rita , Guelfi Gabriella , Zampini Danilo , Mechelli Luca , Mearini Ettore
Published: October 2013

The aim of our study was to monitor serum levels of two miRNAs (miR-21 and miR-141) and three KLKs (hK3/PSA, hK11, and hK13) before and 1, 5, and 30 days after radical prostatectomy, in order to characterize their fluctuations after surgery. 38 patients with prostate cancer were included. miR-21 and miR-141 were quantified through real-time PCR, while ELISA assays were used to quantify hK3 (PSA), hK11, and hK13. Both miR-21 and miR-141 showed a significant increase at the 5th postoperative day, after which a gradual return to the preoperative levels was recorded. These findings suggest that miR-21 and miR-141 could be involved in postsurgical inflammatory processes and that radical prostatectomy does not seem to alter their circulating levels. Postoperative serum kallikreins showed a significant decrease, highlighting the potential usefulness of kallikreins apart from PSA as potential prostate cancer markers.
Consensus Analysis for High-Order Multi-Agent Systems without or with Delays
Authors: Wang Zhengxin , Cao Yang
Published: October 2013

This paper studies the consensus problem for a high-order multi-agent systems without or with delays. Consensus protocols, which only depend on the own partial information of agents and partial relative information with its neighbors, are proposed for consensus and quasi-consensus, respectively. Firstly, some lemmas are presented, and then a necessary and sufficient condition for guaranteeing the consensus is established under the consensus protocol without delays. Furthermore, communication delays are considered. Some necessary and sufficient conditions for solving quasi-consensus problem with delays are obtained. Finally, some simulations are given to verify the theoretical results.
Improved Weighted Shapley Value Model for the Fourth Party Logistics Supply Chain Coalition
Authors: Xu Na
Published: October 2013

How to make the individual get the reasonable and practical profit among the fourth party logistics supply chain coalition system is still a question for further study. Considering the characteristics of the fourth party logistics supply chain coalition, this paper combines Shapley Value with Distribution according to Contribution, two methods in the application, and then adjusts the profit allocated to each member reasonably based on the actual coalition situation named improved weighted Shapley Value model. In this paper, we first analyze the fourth party logistics supply chain coalition profit allocation models, the classical Shapley value method. Then, we analyze the weight of individual enterprise in the coalition by the analytic hierarchy process. To each enterprise, the weight is determined by the investment risks, information divulging risks, and failure risks. Finally, the numerical study shows that the profit allocation method improved weighted Shapley value model is relatively rational and practical. Thus, the proposed combined model is a useful profit allocation mechanism for the fourth party logistics supply chain coalition that the contribution and risks are fully considered.
Comparative Inference of Duplicated Genes Produced by Polyploidization in Soybean Genome
Authors: Yang Yanmei , Wang Jinpeng , Di Jianyong
Published: October 2013

Soybean (Glycine max) is one of the most important crop plants for providing protein and oil. It is important to investigate soybean genome for its economic and scientific value. Polyploidy is a widespread and recursive phenomenon during plant evolution, and it could generate massive duplicated genes which is an important resource for genetic innovation. Improved sequence alignment criteria and statistical analysis are used to identify and characterize duplicated genes produced by polyploidization in soybean. Based on the collinearity method, duplicated genes by whole genome duplication account for 70.3% in soybean. From the statistical analysis of the molecular distances between duplicated genes, our study indicates that the whole genome duplication event occurred more than once in the genome evolution of soybean, which is often distributed near the ends of chromosomes.
State Estimation for Neural Networks with Leakage Delay and Time-Varying Delays
Authors: Liang Jing , Chen Zengshun , Song Qiankun
Published: October 2013

The state estimation problem is investigated for neural networks with leakage delay and time-varying delay as well as for general activation functions. By constructing appropriate Lyapunov-Krasovskii functionals and employing matrix inequality techniques, a delay-dependent linear matrix inequalities (LMIs) condition is developed to estimate the neuron state with some observed output measurements such that the error-state system is globally asymptotically stable. An example is given to show the effectiveness of the proposed criterion.
The Use of Multiple Correspondence Analysis to Explore Associations between Categories of Qualitative Variables in Healthy Ageing
Authors: Costa Patrício Soares , Santos Nadine Correia , Cunha Pedro , Cotter Jorge , Sousa Nuno
Published: October 2013

The main focus of this study was to illustrate the applicability of multiple correspondence analysis (MCA) in detecting and representing underlying structures in large datasets used to investigate cognitive ageing. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to obtain main cognitive dimensions, and MCA was used to detect and explore relationships between cognitive, clinical, physical, and lifestyle variables. Two PCA dimensions were identified (general cognition/executive function and memory), and two MCA dimensions were retained. Poorer cognitive performance was associated with older age, less school years, unhealthier lifestyle indicators, and presence of pathology. The first MCA dimension indicated the clustering of general/executive function and lifestyle indicators and education, while the second association was between memory and clinical parameters and age. The clustering analysis with object scores method was used to identify groups sharing similar characteristics. The weaker cognitive clusters in terms of memory and executive function comprised individuals with characteristics contributing to a higher MCA dimensional mean score (age, less education, and presence of indicators of unhealthier lifestyle habits and/or clinical pathologies). MCA provided a powerful tool to explore complex ageing data, covering multiple and diverse variables, showing if a relationship exists and how variables are related, and offering statistical results that can be seen both analytically and visually.
Rapid Screening of Novel Agents for Combination Therapy in Sarcomas
Authors: Cubitt Christopher L. , Menth Jiliana , Dawson Jana , Martinez Gary V. , Foroutan Parastou , Morse David L. , Bui Marilyn M. , Letson G. Douglas , Sullivan Daniel M. , Reed Damon R.
Published: October 2013

For patients with sarcoma, metastatic disease remains very difficult to cure, and outcomes remain less than optimal. Treatment options have not largely changed, although some promising gains have been made with single agents in specific subtypes with the use of targeted agents. Here, we developed a system to investigate synergy of combinations of targeted and cytotoxic agents in a panel of sarcoma cell lines. Agents were investigated alone and in combination with varying dose ratios. Dose-response curves were analyzed for synergy using methods derived from Chou and Talalay (1984). A promising combination, dasatinib and triciribine, was explored in a murine model using the A673 cell line, and tumors were evaluated by MRI and histology for therapy effect. We found that histone deacetylase inhibitors were synergistic with etoposide, dasatinib, and Akt inhibitors across cell lines. Sorafenib and topotecan demonstrated a mixed response. Our systematic drug screening method allowed us to screen a large number of combinations of sarcoma agents. This method can be easily modified to accommodate other cell line models, and confirmatory assays, such as animal experiments, can provide excellent preclinical data to inform clinical trials for these rare malignancies.
Affecting the Ageing Behaviour of Injection-Moulded Microparts Using Variothermal Mould Tempering
Authors: Meister Steve , Drummer Dietmar
Published: October 2013

The fast cooling of the melt in an injection moulding process for manufacturing polymer microparts can lead to a modified inner structure, resulting in minor mechanical properties. Furthermore, the ageing can be also dependent on the process-induced properties. The results indicate that especially physical ageing processes occur in parts with unpropitious inner properties. Chemical ageing processes seem to occur independently of the process conditions in microparts. Tensile tests indicate that a process-induced favoured morphology can reduce the ageing-based change of mechanical properties.