bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
RTX Toxin Plays a Key Role in Kingella kingae Virulence in an Infant Rat Model
Authors: Chang Dennis W. , Nudell Yoav A. , Lau Jenny , Zakharian Eleonora , Balashova Nataliya V.
Published: March 2014

Kingella kingae
is a human oral bacterium that can cause diseases of the skeletal system in children and infective endocarditis in children and adults.
K. kingae
produces a toxin of the RTX group, RtxA. To investigate the role of RtxA in disease pathogenesis
in vivo
,
K. kingae
strain PYKK081 and its isogenic RtxA-deficient strain KKNB100 were tested for their virulence and pathological consequences upon intraperitoneal injections in 7-day-postnatal (PN 7) rats. At the doses above 8.0 × 10
6
cells/animal, PYKK081 was able to cause a fatal illness, resulting in rapid weight loss, bacteremia, and abdominal necrotic lesion formation. Significant histopathology was observed in thymus, spleen, and bone marrow. Strain KKNB100 was less toxic to animals. Neither weight loss, bacteremia, nor histopathological changes were evident. Animals injected with KKNB100 exhibited a significantly elevated circulating white blood cell (WBC) count, whereas animals injected with PYKK081 had a WBC count that resembled that of the uninfected control. This observation parallels the subtleties associated with clinical presentation of
K. kingae
disease in humans and suggests that the toxin contributes to WBC depletion. Thus, our results demonstrate that RtxA is a key
K. kingae
virulence factor. Furthermore, our findings suggest that the PN 7 rat can serve as a useful model for understanding disease caused by
K. kingae
and for elucidating diagnostic parameters in human patients.
Aerobactin Mediates Virulence and Accounts for Increased Siderophore Production under Iron-Limiting Conditions by Hypervirulent (Hypermucoviscous) Klebsiella pneumoniae
Authors: Russo Thomas A. , Olson Ruth , MacDonald Ulrike , Metzger Daniel , Maltese Lauren M. , Drake Eric J. , Gulick Andrew M.
Published: March 2014

Hypervirulent (hypermucoviscous)
Klebsiella pneumoniae
(hvKP) strains are an emerging variant of “classical”
K. pneumoniae
(cKP) that cause organ and life-threatening infection in healthy individuals. An understanding of hvKP-specific virulence mechanisms that enabled evolution from cKP is limited. Observations by our group and previously published molecular epidemiologic data led us to hypothesize that hvKP strains produced more siderophores than cKP strains and that this trait enhanced hvKP virulence. Quantitative analysis of 12 hvKP strains in iron-poor minimal medium or human ascites fluid showed a significant and distinguishing 6- to 10-fold increase in siderophore production compared to that for 14 cKP strains. Surprisingly, high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC)-mass spectrometry and characterization of the hvKP strains hvKP1, A1142, and A1365 and their isogenic aerobactin-deficient (Δ
iucA
) derivatives established that aerobactin accounted for the overwhelming majority of increased siderophore production and that this was not due to gene copy number. Further, aerobactin was the primary factor in conditioned medium that enhanced the growth/survival of hvKP1 in human ascites fluid. Importantly the
ex vivo
growth/survival of hvKP1 Δ
iucA
was significantly less than that of hvKP1 in human ascites fluid, and the survival of outbred CD1 mice challenged subcutaneously or intraperitoneally with hvKP1 was significantly less than that of mice challenged with hvKP1 Δ
iucA
. The lowest subcutaneous and intraperitoneal challenge inocula of 3 × 10
2
and 3.2 × 10
1
CFU, respectively, resulted in 100% mortality, demonstrating the virulence of hvKP1 and its ability to cause infection at a low dose. These data strongly support that aerobactin accounts for increased siderophore production in hvKP compared to cKP (a potential defining trait) and is an important virulence factor.
The development of fatigue during match-play tennis
Authors: Reid Machar , Duffield Rob
Published: March 2014

Data describing the activity profile and physiological characteristics of tennis match-play are extensive. However, these data have generally provided descriptive accounts of the one-off match-play of amateur or lowly ranked professional players lasting <3 h. Accordingly, these research efforts have likely failed to fully capture the demands of Grand Slam tennis match-play, particularly in the men's game where matches can last >5 h. Furthermore, there is a distinct lack of evidence-based insight regarding the manifestation of fatigue within and between tennis matches, notwithstanding that skeletal muscle function has been reported to reduce following prolonged match-play. Moreover, it is evident that match-play evokes pronounced and prolonged physiological, neuromuscular and psychological perturbations that may be exacerbated with consecutive days of match-play. Separate to these internal load responses, a collection of non-uniform movement and technical performance changes are reported, though rarely from match-play data. Consequently, direct or causal links between altered physiological or muscle contractile function and subsequent match-play outcomes are lacking. Indeed, emerging evidence seems to infer that players adjust their game strategy, and the resultant execution of stroke play, to accommodate any such deterioration in physiological function. The purpose of this review was to discuss the available literature in terms of the physiological, mechanical and psychological responses that occur during prolonged match-play in the context of their likely effect on match-play performance.
Interhospital variation in reperfusion rates following endovascular treatment for acute ischemic stroke
Authors: Liggins John T P , Mlynash Michael , Jovin Tudor G , Straka Matus , Kemp Stephanie , Bammer Roland , Marks Michael P , Albers Gregory W , Lansberg Maarten G
Published: March 2014

Background

Patients who have successful reperfusion following endovascular therapy for acute ischemic stroke have improved clinical outcomes. We sought to determine if the chance of successful reperfusion differs among hospitals, and if hospital site is an independent predictor of reperfusion.

Methods

Nine hospitals recruited patients in the Diffusion and Perfusion Imaging Evaluation for Understanding Stroke Evolution Study 2 (DEFUSE 2), a prospective cohort study of endovascular stroke treatment conducted between 2008 and 2011. Patients were included for analysis if they had a baseline Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (TICI) score of 0 or 1. Successful reperfusion was defined as a TICI reperfusion score of 2b or 3 at completion of the procedure. Collaterals were assessed using the Collateral Flow Grading System and were dichotomized as poor (0–2) or good (3–4). The association between hospital site and successful reperfusion was first assessed in an unadjusted analysis and subsequently in a multivariate analysis that adjusted for predictors of successful reperfusion.

Results

36 of 89 patients (40%) achieved successful reperfusion. The rate of reperfusion varied from 0% to 77% among hospitals in the univariate analysis (χ2p<0.001) but hospital site did not remain as an independent predictor of reperfusion in multivariate analysis (p=0.81) after adjustment for the presence of good collaterals (p<0.01) and use of the Merci retriever (p<0.05).

Conclusions

Reperfusion rates vary among hospitals, which may be related to differences in treatment protocols and patient characteristics. Additional studies are needed to identify all of the factors that underlie this variability as this could lead to strategies that reduce interhospital variability in reperfusion rates and improve clinical outcomes.
Bonded continuously reinforced concrete overlay on jointed concrete pavement
Authors: Chen Dar Hao , Hong Feng
Published: March 2014

A cost-effective strategy is needed to remedy the decaying jointed concrete pavements (JCP). The distress problems continue to cause poor ride quality and continued expense and delay to the traveling public. To explore the bonded concrete overlay (BCO), a half mile section was constructed with a 178 mm continuously reinforced concrete (CRC) overlay. Two other nearby sections were monitored along with the CRC BCO section, over the following 3 years. Over the 3 year period, the CRC BCO section was far less expensive to maintain than the other sections that continued to receive conventional full-depth repair (FDR). The ride quality of the CRC BCO section is also improved by approximately 60–100 inches/mile over conventionally FDR sections. It is believed that the CRC BCO offers a cost advantage over the conventional FDR strategy, and should be considered for future JCP rehabilitation projects.
Seasonal variation in the feeding ecology of pumas (Puma concolor) in northern California
Authors: Allen M.L. , Elbroch L.M. , Casady D.S. , Wittmer H.U.
Published: March 2014

Direct effects of predators depend upon factors that can vary across seasons, including variations in the abundance and vulnerability of migrating prey. Past studies show conflicting results of whether puma (Puma concolor (L., 1771)) feeding ecology varies among seasons. We employed GPS collars to study puma feeding ecology in a single-prey system with migratory black-tailed deer (Odocoileus hemionus columbianus (Richardson, 1829)). We hypothesized that puma feeding ecology would vary based on changes in prey abundance and spatial distribution, as well as competition with scavengers and decomposers. Our results supported these hypotheses. Kill rates in number of ungulates/week were significantly higher in summer and autumn than in winter, likely owing to the increased availability and density of black-tailed deer fawns. The handling times of black-tailed deer ≥1 year old were significantly higher in winter than in spring, summer, or autumn. We speculated that reduced handling time in summer may have been influenced by black bear (Ursus americanus Pallas, 1780) kleptoparasitism and the decomposition of kills. Pumas killed black-tailed deer at higher elevations in summer than in winter, spring, or autumn, and the elevations correlated significantly with seasonal elevations used by black-tailed deer, suggesting that pumas exhibited seasonal foraging behaviours and tracked prey availability in a system with migrating prey.
High power ytterbium-doped fiber lasers — fundamentals and applications
Authors: Zervas Michalis N.
Published: March 2014

In this paper, we summarize the fundamental properties and review the latest developments in high power ytterbium-doped fiber (YDF) lasers. The review is focused primarily on the main fiber laser configurations and the related cladding pumping issues. Special attention is placed on pump combination techniques and the parameters that affect the brightness enhancements observed in high power fiber lasers. The review also includes the major limitations imposed by fiber nonlinearities and other parasitic effects, such as optical damage, modal instabilities and photodarkening. The paper summarizes the power evolution in continuous-wave (CW) and pulsed YDF lasers and their impact on material processing and other industrial applications.
Integer and Fractional Order Multiwing Chaotic Attractors via the Chen System and the Lü System with Switching Controls
Authors: Xu Fei
Published: March 2014

In this work, we investigate the generation of multiwing chaotic attractors using integer and fractional order linear differential equation systems with switching controls. Based on the properties of the Chen system and the Lü system, a series of switching control strategies are proposed to link two linearized, integer or fractional order such systems. Numerical simulation results indicate that the controlled systems exhibit a variety of rich dynamical behaviors including multiwing and grid multiwing chaotic attractors.
Exploiting replication to improve performances of NUCA-based CMP systems
Authors: Foglia Pierfrancesco , Solinas Marco
Published: March 2014

Improvements in semiconductor nanotechnology made chip multiprocessors the reference architecture for high-performance microprocessors. CMPs usually adopt large Last-Level Caches (LLC) shared among cores and private L1 caches, whose performances depend on the wire-delay dominated response time of LLC. NUCA (NonUniform Cache Architecture) caches represent a viable solution for tolerating wire-delay effects. In this article, we present Re-NUCA, a NUCA cache that exploits replication of blocks inside the LLC to avoid performance limitations of D-NUCA caches due to conflicting access to shared data. Results show that a Re-NUCA LLC permits to improve performances of more than 5% on average, and up to 15% for applications that strongly suffer from conflicting access to shared data, while reducing network traffic and power consumption with respect to D-NUCA caches. Besides, it outperforms different S-NUCA schemes optimized with victim replication.
On-chip traffic regulation to reduce coherence protocol cost on a microthreaded many-core architecture with distributed caches
Authors: Yang Qiang , Fu Jian , Poss Raphael , Jesshope Chris
Published: March 2014

When hardware cache coherence scales to many cores on chip, over saturated traffic of the shared memory system may offset the benefit from massive hardware concurrency. In this article, we investigate the cost of a write-update protocol in terms of on-chip memory network traffic and its adverse effects on the system performance based on a multithreaded many-core architecture with distributed caches. We discuss possible software and hardware solutions to alleviate the network pressure. We find that in the context of massive concurrency, by introducing a write-merging buffer with 0.46% area overhead to each core, applications with good locality and concurrency are boosted up by 18.74% in performance on average. Other applications also benefit from this addition and even achieve a throughput increase of 5.93%. In addition, this improvement indicates that higher levels of concurrency per core can be exploited without impacting performance, thus tolerating latency better and giving higher processor efficiencies compared to other solutions.
Ultra-low-power adder stage design for exascale floating point units
Authors: Del Barrio Alberto A. , Bagherzadeh Nader , Hermida Román
Published: March 2014

Currently, the most powerful supercomputers can provide tens of petaflops. Future many-core systems are estimated to provide an exaflop. However, the power budget limitation makes these machines still unfeasible and unaffordable. Floating Point Units (FPUs) are critical from both the power consumption and performance points of view of today's microprocessors and supercomputers. Literature offers very different designs. Some of them are focused on increasing performance no matter the penalty, and others on decreasing power at the expense of lower performance. In this article, we propose a novel approach for reducing the power of the FPU without degrading the rest of parameters. Concretely, this power reduction is also accompanied by an area reduction and a performance improvement. Hence, an overall energy gain will be produced. According to our experiments, our proposed unit consumes 17.5%, 23% and 16.5% less energy for single, double and quadruple precision, with an additional 15%, 21.5% and 14.5% delay reduction, respectively. Furthermore, area is also diminished by 4%, 4.5 and 5%.
A Numerical Iterative Method for Solving Systems of First-Order Periodic Boundary Value Problems
Authors: AL-Smadi Mohammed , Abu Arqub Omar , El-Ajou Ahmad
Published: March 2014

The objective of this paper is to present a numerical iterative method for solving systems of first-order ordinary differential equations subject to periodic boundary conditions. This iterative technique is based on the use of the reproducing kernel Hilbert space method in which every function satisfies the periodic boundary conditions. The present method is accurate, needs less effort to achieve the results, and is especially developed for nonlinear case. Furthermore, the present method enables us to approximate the solutions and their derivatives at every point of the range of integration. Indeed, three numerical examples are provided to illustrate the effectiveness of the present method. Results obtained show that the numerical scheme is very effective and convenient for solving systems of first-order ordinary differential equations with periodic boundary conditions.
Design and Experiment Analysis of a Hadoop-Based Video Transcoding System for Next-Generation Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Xu Haoyu , Wang Liangyou , Xie Huang
Published: March 2014

The next-generation wireless sensor network (WSN) has the capability of carrying hundreds of high-definition video streams, beside the feature of massive employment of energy-efficient nodes. However, several challenges are identified with respect to the video bearing, such as the different video formats, enormous size of “raw” video, and compatibility with heterogeneous terminal devices. The video transcoding system (VTS) is widely believed to address these challenges. This paper introduces a cloud-based, more specifically, Hadoop-based, video transcoding system to fulfill the vision of bearing hundreds of HD video streams in the next generation WSN, with a discussion on optimization of several significant parameters. This paper obtains three remarkable results: (1) there is an optimal value of the number of Mappers; (2) the optimal value is closely related to the file size; (3) the transcoding time depends principally on the duration of video files rather than their sizes.
Multiscale Modeling of Residual Stress Development in Continuous Fiber-Reinforced Unidirectional Thick Thermoset Composites
Authors: Patham Bhaskar , Huang Xiaosong
Published: March 2014

The primary objective of this research is to develop a multiscale simulation framework to arrive at more realistic estimates of cure-induced residual stresses in the vicinity of the fiber-matrix interface in thick thermoset composites. The methodology involves simulations at the part level—employing homogenized rendering of the composite using micromechanics approach—within a finite element framework to obtain part-level temperature and degree-of-cure gradients and strains, and imposition of this information as boundary conditions at the mesoscale simulations, employing microstructural representative volume elements (RVE). A simple implementation of the multiscale framework, involving simulations at the part as well as the RVE levels, is demonstrated in the context of a thick, unidirectional continuous-glass-fiber-reinforced thermoset composite. The trends in the mesoscale residual stresses estimated by employing different RVE-level thermal and thermomechanical boundary conditions—displaying different degrees of coupling between the global and part-level simulations—are then examined. Significant differences are observed in the estimates of mesolevel cure-induced residual stress evolution obtained from simulations with a conventional symmetric RVE and those obtained by employing the multiscale approach involving detailed boundary conditions that realistically account for global thermal and mechanical strain histories.
Nutrigenomics: Definitions and Advances of This New Science
Authors: Sales N. M. R. , Pelegrini P. B. , Goersch M. C.
Published: March 2014

The search for knowledge regarding healthy/adequate food has increased in the last decades among the world population, researchers, nutritionists, and health professionals. Since ancient times, humans have known that environment and food can interfere with an individual’s health condition, and have used food and plants as medicines. With the advance of science, especially after the conclusion of the Human Genome Project (HGP), scientists started questioning if the interaction between genes and food bioactive compounds could positively or negatively influence an individual’s health. In order to assess this interaction between genes and nutrients, the term “Nutrigenomics” was created. Hence, Nutrigenomics corresponds to the use of biochemistry, physiology, nutrition, genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, transcriptomics, and epigenomics to seek and explain the existing reciprocal interactions between genes and nutrients at a molecular level. The discovery of these interactions (gene-nutrient) will aid the prescription of customized diets according to each individual’s genotype. Thus, it will be possible to mitigate the symptoms of existing diseases or to prevent future illnesses, especially in the area of Nontransmissible Chronic Diseases (NTCDs), which are currently considered an important world public health problem.
Mucin Gene Expression in Reflux Laryngeal Mucosa: Histological andIn SituHybridization Observations
Authors: Ali Mahmoud El-Sayed , Bulmer David M. , Dettmar Peter W. , Pearson Jeffrey P.
Published: March 2014

Objectives/Hypothesis. To determine if laryngopharyngeal reflux alters mucin gene expression in laryngeal mucosa.Methods.In situhybridization was employed to study the expression of the 8 well-characterised mucin genes MUC1-4, 5AC, 5B, 6, and 7 in reflux laryngeal mucosa from laryngeal ventricles, posterior commissures, and vocal folds compared to control/normal laryngeal mucosa.Results. MUC1-5 genes are expressed in normal and reflux laryngeal mucosa. MUC1, 3 and 4 are expressed in respiratory and squamous mucosa whereas MUC2 and 5AC are expressed in respiratory mucosa only. MUC3, 4 and 5AC are downregulated in reflux mucosa. MUC5AC expression is significantly reduced in the 3 mucosal sites and when mucosal type was taken into account, this remains significant in combined laryngeal and ventricular mucosa only.Conclusions. MUC3, 4 and 5AC expression is downregulated in laryngopharyngeal reflux. This may be due to laryngeal mucosal metaplasia and/or alteration of mucin gene expression in the preexisting mucosa. Altered mucin gene expression might predispose laryngeal mucosa to the damaging effect of reflux.
Hydatid Disease Located in the Cerebellomedullary Cistern
Authors: Kızılca Özgür , Altaş Murat , Şenol Utku , Öztek Murat Alp
Published: March 2014

Hydatid disease is an endemic zoonotic disease in many areas of the world. Liver, followed by lung, is the most commonly affected organ and involvement of other organs is rare. When brain is involved, lesions are typically supratentorial, and infratentorial localisation is even rarer. We present a 45-year-old woman with hydatid disease located in premedullary location compressing the brain stem, an exceedingly rare location for cerebral echinococcosis. Relevant literature regarding typical properties of cerebral disease was reviewed.
MHC-DRB1/DQB1 Gene Polymorphism and Its Association with Resistance/Susceptibility to Cystic Echinococcosis in Chinese Merino Sheep
Authors: Shen Hong , Han Guohua , Jia Bin , Jiang Song , Du Yingchun
Published: March 2014

The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between polymorphism of the MHC-DRB1/DQB1 gene and its resistance to Cystic Echinococcosis (C.E), as well as to screen out the molecular genetic marker of antiechinococcosis in Chinese Merino sheep. The MHCII-DRB1/DQB1 exon 2 was amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) from DNA samples of healthy and hydatidosis sheep. PCR products were characterized by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) technique. Five restriction enzymes (Mval, HaeIII, SacI, SacII, and Hin1I) were employed to cut DRB1, while seven restriction enzymes (MroxI, ScaI, SacII, NciI, TaqI, Mval, and HaeIII) were employed to cut DQB1.Results showed that frequencies of patterns Mvalbb (P<0.01), SacIab in DRB1 exon 2 (P<0.05), and TaqIaa, HaeIIInn (P<0.01) in DQB1 exon 2 were significantly higher in the healthy group compared with the C.E individuals, which implied that there was a strong association between these genotypes and hydatidosis resistance or susceptibility. Chi-square test showed that individuals with the genic haplotype DRB1-SacIab/DRB1-Mvalbb/DQB1-TaqIaa/DQB1-HaeIIInn (P<0.01) were relatively resistant to C.E, while individuals with the genic haplotypes DRB1-Mvalbc/DQB1-Mvalyy/DQB1-TaqIab/DQB1-HaeIIImn (P<0.01) and DRB1-Mvalbb/DQB1-Mvalcc/DQB1-TaqIab/DQB1-HaeIIImn (P<0.01) were more susceptible to C.E. In addition, to confirm these results, a fielding experiment was performed with Chinese Merino sheep which were artificially infected withE.g. The result was in accordance with the results of the first study. In conclusion, MHC-DRB1/DQB1 exon 2 plays an important role as resistant to C.E in Chinese Merino sheep. In addition, the molecular genetic marker of antiechinococcosis (DRB1-SacIab/DRB1-Mvalbb/DQB1-TaqIaa/DQB1-HaeIIInn) was screened out in Chinese Merino sheep.
Empirical Pricing of Chinese Defaultable Corporate Bonds Based on the Incomplete Information Model
Authors: Ping Li , Xiaoxu Wang
Published: March 2014

The default of Suntech Power made the year 2013 in China “the first year of default” of bond markets. People are also clearly aware of the default risk of corporate bonds and find that fair pricing for defaultable corporate bonds is very important. In this paper we first give the pricing model based on incomplete information, then empirically price the Chinese corporate bond “11 super JGBS” from Merton’s model, reduced‐form model, and incomplete information model, respectively, and then compare the obtained prices with the real prices. Results show that all the three models can reflect the trend of bond prices, but the incomplete information model fits the real prices best. In addition, the default probability obtained from the incomplete information model can discriminate the credit quality of listed companies.
Evaluation of the Nutritive and Organoleptic Values of Food Products Developed by IncorporatedCatharanthus roseus(Sadabahar) Fresh Leaves Explore Their Hypoglycemic Potential
Authors: Bisla Gita , Choudhary Shailza , Chaudhary Vijeta
Published: March 2014

Diabetes becomes a real problem of public health in developing countries, where its prevalence is increasing steadily. Diabetes mellitus can be found in almost every population in the world. Since the Ayurvedic practice started in India, plants are being used in the cure of diseases. Although theCatharanthus roseushave been used for their alleged health benefits and avail their hypoglycemic effect, used as medicine by diabetics. Medicinal plants have rarely been incorporated in food preparations. To fill these lacunae, food products were prepared by usingCatharanthus roseus(Sadabahar) fresh leaves with hypoglycemic properties. Commonly consumed recipes in India are prepared for diabetic patients and were developed at different levels at 3 g, 4 g, and 6 g per serving. Food product development and their acceptability appraisal through organoleptic evaluation were carried out by semitrained panel comprising 15 trained panelists from the department of Food Science and Nutrition, Banasthali University. Seven products were developed by incorporatingCatharanthus roseusfresh leaves. Nine point hedonic scale was used as a medium to know about the product acceptability at various variances. All products are moderately acceptable at different concentrations except product fare “6 g” which was more acceptable than the standard. Among the three variations of incorporating theCatharanthus roseus(Sadabahar) Leaves, 3 g variation is more acceptable than other variations.
On Second-Order Differential Equations with Nonsmooth Second Member
Authors: Miranda M. Milla , Lourêdo A. T. , Medeiros L. A.
Published: March 2014

In an abstract framework, we consider the following initial value problem: u′′ + μAu + F(u)u = f  in  (0,T), u(0)=u0,u′(0)=u1, where μ is a positive function and f a nonsmooth function. Given u0, u1, and f we determine Fu in order to have a solution u of the previous equation. We analyze two cases of Fu. In our approach, we use the Theory of Linear Operators in Hilbert Spaces, the compactness Aubin-Lions Theorem, and an argument of Fixed Point. One of our two results provides an answer in a certain sense to an open question formulated by Lions in (1981, Page 284).
The Prediction of ADL and IADL Disability Using Six Physical Indicators of Frailty: A Longitudinal Study in the Netherlands
Authors: Gobbens Robbert J. J. , van Assen Marcel A. L. M.
Published: March 2014

Frailty is a predictor of disability. A proper understanding of the contribution of individual indicators of frailty in the prediction of disability is a requisite for preventive interventions. The aim of this study was to determine the predictive power of the individual physical frailty indicators: gait speed, physical activity, hand grip strength, Body Mass Index (BMI), fatigue, and balance, for ADL and IADL disability. The sample consisted of 505 community-dwelling persons (≥75 years, response rate 35.1%). Respondents first participated between November 2007 and June 2008, and a subset of all respondents participated again one year later (N=264, 52.3% response rate). ADL and IADL disability were assessed by the Groningen Activity Restriction Scale. BMI was assessed by self-report, and the other physical frailty indicators were assessed with the TUG test (gait speed), the LAPAQ (physical activity), a hand grip strength test, the SFQ (fatigue), and the Four-test balance scale. All six physical frailty indicators were associated with ADL and IADL disability. After controlling for previous disability, sociodemographic characteristics, self-perceived lifestyle, and chronic diseases, only gait speed was predictive of both ADL and IADL disability, whereas there was a small effect of fatigue on IADL disability. Hence, these physical frailty indicators should be included in frailty assessment when predicting future disability.
GBE50 Attenuates Inflammatory Response by Inhibiting the p38 MAPK and NF‐κB Pathways in LPS‐Stimulated Microglial Cells
Authors: He Gai-ying , Yuan Chong-gang , Hao Li , Xu Ying , Zhang Zhi-xiong
Published: March 2014

Overactivated microglia contribute to a variety of pathological conditions in the central nervous system. The major goal of the present study is to evaluate the potential suppressing effects of a new type of Ginko biloba extract, GBE50, on activated microglia which causes proinflammatory responses and to explore the underlying molecular mechanisms. Murine BV2 microglia cells, with or without pretreatmentof GBE50 at various concentrations, were activated by incubation with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). A series of biochemical and microscopic assays were performed to measure cell viability, cell morphology, release of tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) and interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), and signal transduction via the p38 MAPK and nuclear factor‐kappa B (NF‐κB) p65 pathways. We found that GBE50 pretreatment suppressed LPS‐induced morphological changes in BV2 cells. Moreover, GBE50 treatment significantly reduced the release of proinflammatory cytokines, TNF‐α and IL‐1β, and inhibited the associated signal transduction through the p38 MAPK and NF‐κB p65 pathways. These results demonstrated the anti‐inflammatory effect of GBE50 on LPS‐activated BV2 microglia cells, and indicated that GBE50 reduced the LPS‐induced proinflammatory TNF‐α and IL‐1β release by inhibiting signal transduction through the NF‐κB p65 and p38 MAPK pathways. Our findings reveal, at least in part, the molecular basis underlying the anti‐inflammatory effects of GBE50.
On Fractional Order Hybrid Differential Equations
Authors: Herzallah Mohamed A. E. , Baleanu Dumitru
Published: March 2014

We develop the theory of fractional hybrid differential equations with linear and nonlinear perturbations involving the Caputo fractional derivative of order0<α<1. Using some fixed point theorems we prove the existence of mild solutions for two types of hybrid equations. Examples are given to illustrate the obtained results.
Effect of Antioxidants Supplementation on Aging and Longevity
Authors: Sadowska-Bartosz Izabela , Bartosz Grzegorz
Published: March 2014

If aging is due to or contributed by free radical reactions, as postulated by the free radical theory of aging, lifespan of organisms should be extended by administration of exogenous antioxidants. This paper reviews data on model organisms concerning the effects of exogenous antioxidants (antioxidant vitamins, lipoic acid, coenzyme Q, melatonin, resveratrol, curcumin, other polyphenols, and synthetic antioxidants including antioxidant nanoparticles) on the lifespan of model organisms. Mechanisms of effects of antioxidants, often due to indirect antioxidant action or to action not related to the antioxidant properties of the compounds administered, are discussed. The legitimacy of antioxidant supplementation in human is considered.
Pathological Conditions Associated with the Male Reproductive Tract of the Sahel Bucks
Authors: Abba Yusuf , Simon Suleiman , Idris Gambo Halima , Onyebuchi Igbokwe Ikechukwu , Iliyasu Yusuf
Published: March 2014

The study of pathological conditions of the male reproductive system is paramount to understanding reproductive inefficiency in the Sahel goat. In this study, 1048 Sahel bucks presented for slaughter at the Maiduguri metropolitan abattoir were evaluated for the presence of various pathological abnormalities of the reproductive system. A total incidence of 15.08% was recorded for various pathological conditions, with testicular, penile, and scrotal conditions having incidences of 7.82%, 4.80 and 2.50%, respectively. Bilateral testicular hypoplasia and atrophy and unilateral cryptorchidism accounted for incidences of 4.10%, 2.38%, and 1.24%, respectively, while paraphimosis and scrotal laceration had incidences of 1.72% and 1.05%, respectively. Age specific incidence of pathological conditions were not significant(P>0.05)between bucks aged <1–1.5 and 2–2.5 years. However, bucks aged 3–3.5 year a had lower(P<0.05)incidence of pathological conditions than other age groups. Histopathological evidence of inflammation, degeneration, and atrophy was observed in the testes, while inflammatory changes were observed in the prepuce.
Dual Approximate Solutions of the Unsteady Viscous Flow over a Shrinking Cylinder with Optimal Homotopy Asymptotic Method
Authors: Marinca Vasile , Ene Remus-Daniel
Published: March 2014

The unsteady viscous flow over a continuously shrinking surface with mass suction is investigated using the optimal homotopy asymptotic method (OHAM). The nonlinear differential equation is obtained by means of the similarity transformation. The dual solutions exist for a certain range of mass suction and unsteadiness parameters. A very good agreement was found between our approximate results and numerical solutions, which prove that OHAM is very efficient in practice, ensuring a very rapid convergence after only one iteration.
Accuracy Enhancement for Forecasting Water Levels of Reservoirs and River Streams Using a Multiple-Input-Pattern Fuzzification Approach
Authors: Valizadeh Nariman , El-Shafie Ahmed , Mirzaei Majid , Galavi Hadi , Mukhlisin Muhammad , Jaafar Othman
Published: March 2014

Water level forecasting is an essential topic in water management affecting reservoir operations and decision making. Recently, modern methods utilizing artificial intelligence, fuzzy logic, and combinations of these techniques have been used in hydrological applications because of their considerable ability to map an input-output pattern without requiring prior knowledge of the criteria influencing the forecasting procedure. The artificial neurofuzzy interface system (ANFIS) is one of the most accurate models used in water resource management. Because the membership functions (MFs) possess the characteristics of smoothness and mathematical components, each set of input data is able to yield the best result using a certain type of MF in the ANFIS models. The objective of this study is to define the different ANFIS model by applying different types of MFs for each type of input to forecast the water level in two case studies, the Klang Gates Dam and Rantau Panjang station on the Johor river in Malaysia, to compare the traditional ANFIS model with the new introduced one in two different situations, reservoir and stream, showing the new approach outweigh rather than the traditional one in both case studies. This objective is accomplished by evaluating the model fitness and performance in daily forecasting.
An Ultrawideband Monopole Fractal Antenna with Coplanar Waveguide Feed
Authors: Iqbal Muhammad Naeem , Hamood-Ur-Rahman  , Jilani Syeda Fizzah
Published: March 2014

A novel ultrawideband fractal antenna in monopole configuration is proposed. Wideband behavior and miniaturization is achieved using concentric heptagonal array structure. Coplanar waveguide is used to feed fractal antenna. Base shape for fractal antenna is heptagonal geometry. Final fractal shape is achieved by performing four base shape iterations. FR4 substrate is used for antenna fabrication. Simulated and measured results comparison shows a bandwidth of 7 GHz with 9 GHz center frequency. Radiation pattern of monopole fractal antenna is omni directional. Fundamental purpose of designing and fabricating UWB fractal antenna is its application in body area networks for remote patient health monitoring. Its application also includes C and X band frequencies.
Evolution of New Variants/Mutants of JE Virus, Its Effect on Neurovirulence, Antigenicity, Host Immune Responses and Disease Transmission in Endemic Areas
Authors: Kant Upadhyay Ravi
Published: March 2014

This paper highlights various reasons of evolution of new mutants/variants of JE virus and its effects on neurovirulence, antigenicity, host immune responses, and disease transmission in endemic areas. Virus is reorganizing its genome by making sequence alterations, single site mutations, cluster specific reversions, and amino acid substitutions in neutralizing antigenic sites mainly in N′ glycosylation sites and epitopic regions of S and E proteins. Virus is regularly changing gene order, gene density by making substitution point mutations in important structural genes which make virus envelope proteins. Further, JE virus acquiring new genetic variations and adaptabilities through genetic recombination of wild strains with vaccine strains and assimilating new lethal genes that lead to emergence of molecular variants/mutants. These newly emerged JE virus genotypes have attained the ability to escape the immune defense and show wider resistance against vaccines and therapeutic agents. Thus new strains did significant elevation in the level of neurovirulence, antigenicity and pathogenesis. It is causing very high mortalities in various infant groups and imposing lifelong irreversible disorders in survivors and showing a regular trend of emergence and reemergence in endemic areas. The present review article emphasizes methods to suppress virus replication, reversion of neurovirulence, attenuation and an utmost need of more potential vaccines against cross reactive heterologous genotypes of JE virus to control disease transmission and mortalities occurring in endemic areas.
Scattered and Fluorescent Photon Track Reconstruction in a Biological Tissue
Authors: Kholodtsova Maria N. , Grachev Pavel V. , Savelieva Tatiana A. , Kalyagina Nina A. , Blondel Walter , Loschenov Viktor B.
Published: March 2014

Appropriate analysis of biological tissue deep regions is important for tumor targeting. This paper is concentrated on photons’ paths analysis in such biotissue as brain, because optical probing depth of fluorescent and excitation radiation differs. A method for photon track reconstruction was developed. Images were captured focusing on the transparent wall close and parallel to the source fibres, placed in brain tissue phantoms. The images were processed to reconstruct the photons most probable paths between two fibres. Results were compared with Monte Carlo simulations and diffusion approximation of the radiative transfer equation. It was shown that the excitation radiation optical probing depth is twice more than for the fluorescent photons. The way of fluorescent radiation spreading was discussed. Because of fluorescent and excitation radiation spreads in different ways, and the effective anisotropy factor,geff, was proposed for fluorescent radiation. For the brain tissue phantoms it were found to be0.62±0.05and0.66±0.05for the irradiation wavelengths 532 nm and 632.8 nm, respectively. These calculations give more accurate information about the tumor location in biotissue. Reconstruction of photon paths allows fluorescent and excitation probing depths determination. Thegeffcan be used as simplified parameter for calculations of fluorescence probing depth.
Tunable Nanodielectric Composites
Authors: Tan Daniel Qi , Cao Yang , Fang Xiaomei , Irwin Patricia C.
Published: March 2014

This paper presents a progress update with the development of nanodielectric composites with electric field tunability for various high energy, high power electrical applications. It is demonstrated that nonlinear electrical/dielectric properties can be achieved via the nanostructure and interface engineering. A high level summary was given on the progress achieved as well as challenges remaining in nanodielectric engineering towards high energy density capacitors for energy storage and conversion, nonlinear dielectrics for tunable device, and high voltage varistor for surge suppression.
Compact Operators for Almost Conservative and Strongly Conservative Matrices
Authors: Mohiuddine S. A. , Mursaleen M. , Alotaibi A.
Published: March 2014

We obtain the necessary and sufficient conditions for an almost conservative matrix to define a compact operator. We also establish some necessary and sufficient (or only sufficient) conditions for operators to be compact for matrix classes(f,X), whereX=c,c0,l∞. These results are achieved by applying the Hausdorff measure of noncompactness.
Linguistic Extension for Group Multicriteria Project Manager Selection
Authors: Dodangeh Javad , Sorooshian Shahryar , Afshari Ali Reza
Published: March 2014

Qualified human resource selection is one of the organizational key success factors. Since choosing the best candidate to fill the defined vacancy in a company is a complex task, intelligence analytical methods would be required to deal with this important issue. Regarding the vagueness and uncertainty of human resource selection process, it requires the linguistic extension of multicriteria decision making (MCDM) models for robust recruitment. This research is aimed to develop a fuzzy MCDM model for linguistic reasoning under new fuzzy group decision making. The new linguistic reasoning for group decision making is able to aggregate subjective evaluation of the decision makers and hence create an opportunity to perform more robust human resource selection procedures. A numerical example demonstrates possibilities for the improvement of human resource management and any other business decision areas through applying the proposed model.
Significance of Lewis Phenotyping Using Saliva and Gastric Tissue: Comparison with the Lewis Phenotype Inferred fromLewisandSecretorGenotypes
Authors: Hong Yun Ji , Hwang Sang Mee , Kim Taek Soo , Song Eun Young , Park Kyoung Un , Song Junghan , Han Kyou-Sup
Published: March 2014

Lewis phenotypes using various types of specimen were compared with the Lewis phenotype predicted fromLewisandSecretorgenotypes. This is the first logical step in explaining the association between the Lewis expression andHelicobacter pylori. We performed a study of the followings on 209 patients who underwent routine gastroscopy: erythrocyte and saliva Lewis phenotyping, gastric Lewis phenotyping by the tissue array, and theLewisandSecretorgenes genotyping. The results of phenotyping were as follows [Le(a−b−), Le(a+b−), Le(a−b+), and Le(a+b+), respectively, in order]: erythrocyte (12.4%, 25.8%, 61.2%, and 0.5%); saliva (2.4%, 27.3%, 70.3%, and 0.0%); gastric mucosa (8.1%, 6.7%, 45.5%, and 39.7%). The frequency ofLe,le59/508,le59/1067, andle59alleles was 74.6%, 21.3%, 3.1%, and 1.0%, respectively, among 418 alleles. The saliva Lewis phenotype was completely consistent with the Lewis phenotype inferred fromLewisandSecretorgenotypes, but that of gastric mucosa could not be predicted from genotypes. Lewis phenotyping using erythrocytes is only adequate for transfusion needs. Saliva testing for the Lewis phenotype is a more reliable method for determining the peripheral Lewis phenotype of an individual and the gastric Lewis phenotype must be used for the study on the association betweenHelicobacter pyloriand the Lewis phenotype.
Recombinant Keratinocyte Growth Factor 1 in Tobacco Potentially Promotes Wound Healing in Diabetic Rats
Authors: Feng Zhi-Guo , Pang Shi-Feng , Guo Ding-Jiong , Yang Yue-Tao , Liu Bin , Wang Ji-Wei , Zheng Ke-Qin , Lin Yi
Published: March 2014

Keratinocyte growth factor 1 (KGF1) is a growth factor that promotes epidermal cell proliferation, migration, differentiation, and wound repair. It is expressed at low levels in a form of inclusion body inE. coli.In order to increase its expression and activity, we produced tobacco plants expressing KGF1 viaAgrobacterium-mediatedtransformation using apotato virus X (PVX)-based vector (pgR107). The vector contained the sequence encoding the KGF1 gene fused with a green florescence protein. The recombinant plasmid was introduced into leaf cells ofNicotiana benthamiana(a wild Australian tobacco) viaAgrobacterium-mediatedagroinfiltration. As determined by fluorescence and Western blot of leaf extracts, the KGF1 gene was correctly translated into the tobacco plants. The recombinant KGF1 was purified from plant tissues by heparin affinity chromatography, and cell proliferation in NIH/3T3 cells was stimulated by the purified KGF1. The purified KGF1 was also applied to the wounds of type-II diabetic rats. KGF1 had accumulated to levels as high as 530 μg/g fresh weight in the leaves of agroinfected plants. We show that plant-derived KGF1 can promote the proliferation of NIH/3T3 cells and have significant effects on the type-II diabetic rat. The present findings indicated that KGF1 from tobacco maintains its biological activity, implying prospective industrial production in a plant bioreactor.
Numerical Modeling and Simulation of Wind Blown Sand Morphology under Complex Wind-Flow Field
Authors: Abdikerem Xamxinur , Wang Lei , Jin Afang , Geni Mamtimin
Published: March 2014

The flow field and the sand flow field constitutive equations are analyzed at first, then the different desert highway numerical models are established by considering the crossroad and by changing the road surface height and air stream flow field, then three kinds of different models with different complex air flow fields are made for simulating the sand ripple formation process by weak coupling of air and sand flow field, and finally the numerical simulations of these models are conducted and the affect process of sand morphology under complex air flow fields are discussed. The results show that under the uniform airflow field, the straight parallel ripple formed and the flared ripple formed in the middle region of the crossroad, and the wavelength of the ripples on the desert highway is bigger than that of the ripples around the road when the road height is higher than that of the sand surface height. Under the nonuniform complex airflow field, the complex curved ripples are formed, and some of the local area, where the whirlwind exits, no ripples are formed.