bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SOME CONSIDERATIONS ON THE THRESHOLD AND INTER-SPECIES SCALING LAW FOR PRIMARY BLAST-INDUCED TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY: A SEMI-ANALYTICAL APPROACH
Authors: ZHU FENG , CHOU CLIFF C. , YANG KING H. , KING ALBERT I.
Published: June 2013

Blast-induced traumatic brain injury (bTBI) has become a signature injury in recent military conflicts and terrorist attacks. However, the mechanisms and thresholds for such injury are still unknown. In this paper, effort has been made toward establishing the threshold due to primary blast based on the published injury data in the rat. Peak incident overpressure and pulse duration of the incident wave were used as predictors and the injury risk curves for the rat were derived via a linear logistic regression analysis. A scaling law based on body mass was then used to scale the tolerance curves from the rat to the pig and the human. The injury risk curve for bTBI was compared with that for the lung. The results reveal different injury mechanisms between these two organs. The developed injury curves can be used in the design of personal protective equipment against primary bTBI.
COMBINED EXPERIMENTAL AND COMPUTATIONAL STUDY OF THE RADICAL SCAVENGING ACTIVITY OF LUTEOLIN
Authors: AL-SEHEMI ABDULLAH G. , IRFAN AHMAD , ALJUBIRI SALHA MANA , SHAKER KAMEL HUSSEIN
Published: June 2013

The luteolin has been extracted from Euphorbia schimperiana then 1H NMR, 13C NMR and 2D NMR spectra were measured. The ground-state geometries have been computed by using density functional theory (DFT) at B3LYP/6-31G* and M06/6-31++G** level of theories. The time dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) has been applied to compute the absorption spectra with and without solvent. The absorption spectra have been computed in methanol to check the effect of solvent using the polarized continuum model (PCM). On the basis of bond dissociation enthalpy (BDE) and the adiabatic ionization potential (IP), we have explained the antioxidant activity of luteolin and its rotamer/positional isomer. Two mechanisms have been explained for the radical scavenging processes, i.e. hydrogen atom transfer and one-electron transfer.
Success Factors for Implementation of Entrepreneurial Knowledge Management in Malaysian Banks
Authors: Paramsothy Vijayan , Woods Peter , Raman Murali
Published: June 2013

This research focuses on developing and testing the concept of entrepreneurial knowledge management (EKM) to view knowledge management (KM) activities in domestic banks. The ability of banks to learn from the explicit and implicit knowledge it possess and turn it into knowledge assets that can generate income stream is a major factor for sustainable competitive advantage. We used structural equation modelling (SEM) to analyse the data gathered, given that SEM has become one of the popular statistical tools to test the relationships proposed in a parsimonious model. The research has empirically determined that the majority of the respondents are aware that knowledge is important in the business of banking. However, it appears some have relegated KM to Management Information Technology (IT) and neglected to cast a wider net to appreciate the importance of EKM for the purpose of creating unique entrepreneurial knowledge asset to enable sustainable differentiation and competitive advantage for generating future income streams.
SINGULAR CURVES WITH LINE BUNDLES L DEFINED OVER ${\mathbb F}_q$ AND WITH H0(L) = H1(L) = 0
Authors: Ballico Edoardo
Published: June 2013

Here we prove the existence of several pairs (X, L), where X is a geometrically integral projective curve defined over 𝔽q and L is a line bundle on X defined over 𝔽q and with H0(X, L) = H1(X, L) = 0. These examples are obtained using the existence of similar line bundles on the normalization of X, i.e. a case studied by C. Ballet, C. Ritzenthaler and R. Roland.
BOUNDS FOR DIMENSION OF THE ATTRACTOR OF A SCALED IFS
Authors: Minirani S. , Mathew Sunil
Published: June 2013

A hyperbolic iterated function system (IFS) consists of a complete metric space X together with a finite set of contraction mappings on X. In this paper, the notion of scaled IFS is defined and its existence conditions are examined. The relation between the similarity dimension of the attractors of a given homogeneous IFS and a scaled IFS and its dependency on the scaling factor are studied. A lower and upper bounds for the Hausdorff dimension of the attractor of a scaled IFS is obtained.
HOLOMORPHIC SYMPLECTIC AND POISSON STRUCTURES ON THE HOLOMORPHIC COTANGENT BUNDLE OF A COMPLEX LIE GROUP AND OF A HOLOMORPHIC PRINCIPAL BUNDLE
Authors: Ida Cristian
Published: June 2013

In this paper we introduce holomorphic symplectic and Poisson structures on the holomorphic cotangent bundle of a complex Lie group and of a holomorphic principal bundle.
TRPV4 channel contributes to serotonin-induced pulmonary vasoconstriction and the enhanced vascular reactivity in chronic hypoxic pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Xia Yang , Fu Zhenzhen , Hu Jinxing , Huang Chun , Paudel Omkar , Cai Shaoxi , Liedtke Wolfgang , Sham James S. K.
Published: June 2013

Transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4) is a mechanosensitive channel in pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (PASMCs). Its upregulation by chronic hypoxia is associated with enhanced myogenic tone, and genetic deletion of trpv4 suppresses the development of chronic hypoxic pulmonary hypertension (CHPH). Here we further examine the roles of TRPV4 in agonist-induced pulmonary vasoconstriction and in the enhanced vasoreactivity in CHPH. Initial evaluation of TRPV4-selective antagonists HC-067047 and RN-1734 in KCl-contracted pulmonary arteries (PAs) of trpv4 −/− mice found that submicromolar HC-067047 was devoid of off-target effect on pulmonary vasoconstriction. Inhibition of TRPV4 with 0.5 μM HC-067047 significantly reduced the sensitivity of serotonin (5-HT)-induced contraction in wild-type (WT) PAs but had no effect on endothelin-1 or phenylephrine-activated response. Similar shift in the concentration-response curve of 5-HT was observed in trpv4 −/− PAs, confirming specific TRPV4 contribution to 5-HT-induced vasoconstriction. 5-HT-induced Ca2+ response was attenuated by HC-067047 in WT PASMCs but not in trpv4 −/− PASMCs, suggesting TRPV4 is a major Ca2+ pathway for 5-HT-induced Ca2+ mobilization. Nifedipine also attenuated 5-HT-induced Ca2+ response in WT PASMCs but did not cause further reduction in the presence of HC-067047, suggesting interdependence of TRPV4 and voltage-gated Ca2+ channels in the 5-HT response. Chronic exposure (3–4 wk) of WT mice to 10% O2 caused significant increase in 5-HT-induced maximal contraction, which was partially reversed by HC-067047. In concordance, the enhancement of 5-HT-induced contraction was significantly reduced in PAs of CH trpv4 −/− mice and HC-067047 had no further effect on the 5-HT induced response. These results suggest unequivocally that TRPV4 contributes to 5-HT-dependent pharmaco-mechanical coupling and plays a major role in the enhanced pulmonary vasoreactivity to 5-HT in CHPH.
Effect of NSAIDs on Na+/H+ exchanger activity in rat colonic crypts
Authors: Roginiel Aliya C. , Kohut Daniel L. , Kaur Sumanpreet , Saleh Ahmad M. A. , Weber Theresa , Geibel Peter , Singh Harmeet , Geibel John P.
Published: June 2013

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs; 1) are widely recommended for several acute and chronic conditions. For example, both indomethacin and aspirin are taken for pain relief. Aspirin is also used for prevention of myocardial infarction, and indomethacin can be administered orally or as a suppository for patients with rheumatoid disease and other chronic inflammatory states. However, use of NSAIDs can cause damage to the mucosal barrier surrounding the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, increasing the risk of ulcer formation. While microencapsulation of NSAIDs has been shown to reduce upper GI injury, sustained release in the lower GI tract and colon may cause epithelial erosion due to increased acidification. The use of suppositories has also been linked to rectal and lower GI bleeding. In this study, we investigated the role of NSAIDs aspirin and indomethacin on Na+/H+ exchanger (NHE) activity in rat colonic crypts. By comparing average rates of pH recovery between control and NSAID perfusion runs, we were able to determine that both aspirin and indomethacin increase hydrogen extrusion into the colonic lumen. Through treatment with 5-ethylisopropyl amiloride (EIPA), amiloride, and zoniporide dihydrochloride, we further demonstrated that indomethacin specifically enhances proton excretion through regulation of apical NHE-3 and NHE-2 and to a lesser extent on basolateral NHE-1 and NHE-4. Our results suggest that clinical exposure to NSAIDs may affect colonic tissue at the site of selected NHE isoforms, resulting in modulation of transport and barrier function.
A high-grain diet causes massive disruption of ruminal epithelial tight junctions in goats
Authors: Liu Jun-hua , Xu Ting-ting , Liu Yu-jie , Zhu Wei-yun , Mao Sheng-yong
Published: June 2013

Alterations in rumen epithelial tight junctions (TJs) at the tissue and molecular levels during high-grain (HG) diet feeding are unknown. Here, 10 male goats were randomly assigned to either a hay diet (0% grain; n = 5) or HG diet group (65% grain; n = 5) to characterize the changes in ruminal epithelial structure and TJ protein expression and localization using scanning and transmission electron microscopy, quantitative real-time PCR, Western blot analysis, and immunofluorescence. After 7 wk of feeding, ruminal free LPS in HG group increased significantly ( P < 0.001) compared with the hay group, and free LPS in the peripheral blood was detectable with concentrations of 0.8 ± 0.20 EU/ml, while not detectable in the control, suggesting a leakage of LPS into the blood in the HG group. Correspondingly, the HG-fed goats showed profound alterations in ruminal epithelial structure and TJ proteins, depicted by marked epithelial cellular damage and intercellular junction erosion, down-regulation of TJ proteins claudin-4, occludin, and zonula occludens-1 mRNA and protein expression, as well as redistribution of claudin-1, claudin-4, and occludin. Furthermore, these changes in TJ proteins in the HG group were coupled with the upregulation of mRNA levels for the cytokines TNF-α and IFN-γ in the ruminal epithelia. These results demonstrated for the first time that the HG diet feeding caused disruption of ruminal epithelial TJs that was associated with a local inflammatory response in the rumen epithelium. These findings may provide new insights into understanding the role of TJ proteins in the ruminal epithelial immune homeostasis of ruminants.
Cannabinoid 1 receptors are critical for the innate immune response to TLR4 stimulation
Authors: Duncan Marnie , Galic Michael A. , Wang Arthur , Chambers Adam P. , McCafferty Donna-Marie , McKay Derek M. , Sharkey Keith A. , Pittman Quentin J.
Published: June 2013

Sickness behaviors are host defense adaptations that arise from integrated autonomic outputs in response to activation of the innate immune system. These behaviors include fever, anorexia, and hyperalgesia intended to promote survival of the host when encountering pathogens. Cannabinoid (CB) receptor activation can induce hypothermia and attenuate LPS-evoked fever. The aim of the present study was to examine the role of CB1 receptors in the LPS-evoked febrile response. CB1 receptor-deficient (CB1−/−) mice did not display LPS-evoked fever; likewise, pharmacological blockade of CB1 receptors in wild-type mice blocked LPS-evoked fever. This unresponsiveness is not limited to thermogenesis, as the animals were not hyperalgesic after LPS administration. A Toll-like receptor (TLR)3 agonist and viral mimetic polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid evoked a robust fever in CB1−/− mice, suggesting TLR3-mediated responses are functional. LPS-evoked c-Fos activation in areas of the brain associated with the febrile response was evident in wild-type mice but not in CB1−/− mice. Liver and spleen TLR4 mRNA were significantly lower in CB1−/− mice compared with wild-type mice, and peritoneal macrophages from CB1−/− mice did not release proinflammatory cytokines in response to LPS. These data indicate that CB1 receptors play a critical role in LPS-induced febrile responses through inhibiting TLR4-mediated cytokine production.
Physiological and molecular mechanisms of salt and water homeostasis in the nematodeCaenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Choe Keith P.
Published: June 2013

Intracellular salt and water homeostasis is essential for all cellular life. Extracellular salt and water homeostasis is also important for multicellular organisms. Many fundamental mechanisms of compensation for osmotic perturbations are well defined and conserved. Alternatively, molecular mechanisms of detecting salt and water imbalances and regulating compensatory responses are generally poorly defined for animals. Throughout the last century, researchers studying vertebrates and vertebrate cells made critical contributions to our understanding of osmoregulation, especially mechanisms of salt and water transport and organic osmolyte accumulation. Researchers have more recently started using invertebrate model organisms with defined genomes and well-established methods of genetic manipulation to begin defining the genes and integrated regulatory networks that respond to osmotic stress. The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans is well suited to these studies. Here, I introduce osmoregulatory mechanisms in this model, discuss experimental advantages and limitations, and review important findings. Key discoveries include defining genetic mechanisms of osmolarity sensing in neurons, identifying protein damage as a sensor and principle determinant of hypertonic stress resistance, and identification of a putative sensor for hypertonic stress associated with the extracellular matrix. Many of these processes and pathways are conserved and, therefore, provide new insights into salt and water homeostasis in other animals, including mammals.
Diastolic chamber properties of the left ventricle assessed by global fitting of pressure-volume data: improving the gold standard of diastolic function
Authors: Bermejo Javier , Yotti Raquel , Villar Candelas Pérez del , del Álamo Juan C. , Rodríguez-Pérez Daniel , Martínez-Legazpi Pablo , Benito Yolanda , Carlos Antoranz J. , Mar Desco M. , González-Mansilla Ana , Barrio Alicia , Elízaga Jaime , Fernández-Avilés Francisco
Published: June 2013

In cardiovascular research, relaxation and stiffness are calculated from pressure-volume (PV) curves by separately fitting the data during the isovolumic and end-diastolic phases (end-diastolic PV relationship), respectively. This method is limited because it assumes uncoupled active and passive properties during these phases, it penalizes statistical power, and it cannot account for elastic restoring forces. We aimed to improve this analysis by implementing a method based on global optimization of all PV diastolic data. In 1,000 Monte Carlo experiments, the optimization algorithm recovered entered parameters of diastolic properties below and above the equilibrium volume (intraclass correlation coefficients = 0.99). Inotropic modulation experiments in 26 pigs modified passive pressure generated by restoring forces due to changes in the operative and/or equilibrium volumes. Volume overload and coronary microembolization caused incomplete relaxation at end diastole (active pressure > 0.5 mmHg), rendering the end-diastolic PV relationship method ill-posed. In 28 patients undergoing PV cardiac catheterization, the new algorithm reduced the confidence intervals of stiffness parameters by one-fifth. The Jacobian matrix allowed visualizing the contribution of each property to instantaneous diastolic pressure on a per-patient basis. The algorithm allowed estimating stiffness from single-beat PV data (derivative of left ventricular pressure with respect to volume at end-diastolic volume intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.65, error = 0.07 ± 0.24 mmHg/ml). Thus, in clinical and preclinical research, global optimization algorithms provide the most complete, accurate, and reproducible assessment of global left ventricular diastolic chamber properties from PV data. Using global optimization, we were able to fully uncouple relaxation and passive PV curves for the first time in the intact heart.
Many hats: intratrial and reward level-dependent BOLD activity in the striatum and premotor cortex
Authors: Peterson Erik J. , Seger Carol A.
Published: June 2013

Human functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies, as well as lesion, drug, and single-cell recording studies in animals, suggest that the striatum plays a key role in associating sensory events with rewarding actions, both by facilitating reward processing and prediction (i.e., reinforcement learning) and by biasing and later updating action selection. Previous human neuroimaging research has failed to dissociate striatal activity associated with reward, stimulus, and response processing, and previous electrophysiological research in nonhuman animals has typically only examined single striatal subregions. Overcoming both these limitations, we isolated blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) signal associated with four intratrial processes (stimulus, preparation of response, response, and feedback) in a visuomotor learning task and examined activity associated with each within four striatal subregions (ventral striatum, putamen, head of the caudate nucleus, and body of the caudate) and the lateral premotor cortex. Overall, the striatum and lateral premotor cortex were recruited during all trial components, confirming their importance in all aspects of visuomotor learning. However, the caudate was most active at stimulus and feedback, whereas the putamen peaked in activity at response. Activation in the lateral premotor cortex was, surprisingly, strongest during stimulus and following response as feedback approached. Activity was additionally examined at three reward magnitudes. Reward magnitude affected neural activity only during stimulus in the caudate, putamen, and premotor cortex, whereas the ventral striatum showed reward sensitivity during both stimulus and feedback. Collectively, these results indicate that each striatal region makes a unique contribution to visuomotor learning through functions performed at different points within single trials.
Experience-dependent overrepresentation of ultrasonic vocalization frequencies in the rat primary auditory cortex
Authors: Kim Heesoo , Bao Shaowen
Published: June 2013

Cortical sensory representation is highly adaptive to the environment, and prevalent or behaviorally important stimuli are often overrepresented. One class of such stimuli is species-specific vocalizations. Rats vocalize in the ultrasonic range >30 kHz, but cortical representation of this frequency range has not been systematically examined. We recorded in vivo cortical electrophysiological responses to ultrasonic pure-tone pips, natural ultrasonic vocalizations, and pitch-shifted vocalizations to assess how rats represent this ethologically relevant frequency range. We find that nearly 40% of the primary auditory cortex (AI) represents an octave-wide band of ultrasonic vocalization frequencies (UVFs; 32–64 kHz) compared with <20% for other octave bands <32 kHz. These UVF neurons respond preferentially and reliably to ultrasonic vocalizations. The UVF overrepresentation matures in the cortex before it develops in the central nucleus of inferior colliculus, suggesting a cortical origin and corticofugal influences. Furthermore, the development of cortical UVF overrepresentation depends on early acoustic experience. These results indicate that natural sensory experience causes large-scale cortical map reorganization and improves representations of species-specific vocalizations.
Bilateral transient changes in thalamic nucleus ventroposterior lateralis after thoracic hemisection in the rat
Authors: Liang Li , Mendell Lorne M.
Published: June 2013

We made simultaneous bilateral recordings of unit activity in the nucleus ventroposterior lateralis (VPL) in intact rats and after acute and chronic left thoracic hemisection. We observed an immediate bilateral decline in multireceptive units, reflecting a loss of nociceptive input on the lesion side and a loss of low-threshold inputs contralaterally. Unit properties were restored to normal by 6 wk. Mean spontaneous discharge frequency remained unchanged in left VPL at all intervals. Right VPL displayed a substantial increase in spontaneous discharge frequency at 2 and 4 wk, returning to normal by 6 wk. Activity in left VPL driven by Pinch or Brush of the right limb was unchanged except for an immediate decrease in the response to Pinch, which was reversed by 2 wk despite persistent left hemisection. In right VPL, the response to Pinch or Brush of the left hindlimb was enhanced at 2 and 4 wk but returned to normal by 6 wk. Behaviorally, the same rats displayed increased sensitivity to mechanical stimulation of the left hindlimb, but, unlike VPL activity, there was no significant behavioral recovery. Bursting cells were also observed bilaterally in VPL, but this did not match the restriction of scratches to the hindlimb contralateral to the hemisection considered to be evidence for neuropathic pain. The novel findings include recovery of responsiveness to Pinch on the side ipsilateral to the hemisection despite the lack of spinothalamic input as well as failure for the thalamus contralateral to hemisection to maintain its elevated responsiveness.
Competition driven by retinal waves promotes morphological and functional synaptic development of neurons in the superior colliculus
Authors: Furman Moran , Xu Hong-Ping , Crair Michael C.
Published: June 2013

Prior to eye opening, waves of spontaneous activity sweep across the developing retina. These “retinal waves,” together with genetically encoded molecular mechanisms, mediate the formation of visual maps in the brain. However, the specific role of wave activity in synapse development in retino-recipient brain regions is unclear. Here we compare the functional development of synapses and the morphological development of neurons in the superior colliculus (SC) of wild-type (WT) and transgenic (β2-TG) mice in which retinal wave propagation is spatially truncated (Xu HP, Furman M, Mineur YS, Chen H, King SL, Zenisek D, Zhou ZJ, Butts DA, Tian N, Picciotto MR, Crair MC. Neuron 70: 1115–1127, 2011). We use two recently developed brain slice preparations to examine neurons and synapses in the binocular vs. mainly monocular SC. We find that retinocollicular synaptic strength is reduced whereas the number of retinal inputs is increased in the binocular SC of β2-TG mice compared with WT mice. In contrast, in the mainly monocular SC the number of retinal inputs is normal in β2-TG mice, but, transiently, synapses are abnormally strong, possibly because of enhanced activity-dependent competition between local, “small” retinal wave domains. These findings demonstrate that retinal wave size plays an instructive role in the synaptic and morphological development of SC neurons, possibly through a competitive process among retinofugal axons.
Inhibitory Action of Quercetin on Eosinophil ActivationIn Vitro
Authors: Sakai-Kashiwabara Misako , Asano Kazuhito
Published: June 2013

The influence of quercetin on eosinophil functions was examinedin vitroandin vivo. The first set of experiments was undertaken to examine whether quercetin could suppress eosinophilia and IgE hyperproduction induced byMesocestoides cortiinfection in BALB/c mice. The number of peripheral blood eosinophils and IgE levels were examined 21 days after infection. Oral administration of quercetin for 21 days could not suppress both peripheral blood eosinophilia and IgE hyperproduction, even when 20.0 mg/kg quercetin was used for treatment. The second part of the experiment was designed to examine the influence of quercetin on eosinophil activation induced by SCF stimulationin vitro. Eosinophils were obtained fromM. corti-infected mice and stimulated with SCF in the presence of various concentrations of quercetin for 24 h. The addition of quercetin into cell cultures could suppress eosinophil activation induced by SCF stimulation as assessed by measuring the contents of RANTES, MIP-1β, ECP, and MBP in culture supernatants. The minimum concentration of quercetin which caused significant suppression of factor secretion was 5.0 μM. These results may suggest that quercetin will be a good candidate for the supplement on the management of eosinophil-mediated diseases, such as allergic rhinitis and asthma.
Gas7 Is Required for Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Bone Development
Authors: Chao Chuck C.-K. , Hung Feng-Chun , Chao Jack J.
Published: June 2013

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can differentiate into osteoblasts and lead to bone formation in the body. Osteoblast differentiation and bone development are regulated by a network of molecular signals and transcription factors induced by several proteins, including BMP2, osterix, and Runx2. We recently observed that the growth-arrest-specific 7 gene (Gas7) is upregulated during differentiation of human MSCs into osteoblasts. Downregulation of Gas7 using short-hairpin RNA decreased the expression of Runx2, a master regulator of osteogenesis, and its target genes (alkaline phosphatase, type I collagen, osteocalcin, and osteopontin). In addition, knockdown of Gas7 decreased the mineralization of dexamethasone-treated MSCs in culture. Conversely, ectopic expression of Gas7 induced Runx2-dependent transcriptional activity and gene expression leading to osteoblast differentiation and matrix mineralization. Genetic mutations of the Gas7 gene increased body fat levels and decreased bone density in mice. These results showed that Gas7 plays a role in regulating the pathways which are essential for osteoblast differentiation and bone development. In this review, we summarize the involvement of Gas7 in MSC-based osteogenesis and osteoporosis and describe the possible mechanisms responsible for the maintenance of cellular homeostasis in MSCs and osteoblasts.
A PRISMA-Driven Systematic Review of Predictive Equations for Assessing Fat and Fat-Free Mass in Healthy Children and Adolescents Using Multicomponent Molecular Models as the Reference Method
Authors: Silva Analiza M. , Fields David A. , Sardinha Luís B.
Published: June 2013

Simple methods to assess both fat (FM) and fat-free mass (FFM) are required in paediatric populations. Several bioelectrical impedance instruments (BIAs) and anthropometric equations have been developed using different criterion methods (multicomponent models) for assessing FM and FFM. Through childhood, FFM density increases while FFM hydration decreases until reaching adult values. Therefore, multicomponent models should be used as the gold standard method for developing simple techniques because two-compartment models (2C model) rely on the assumed adult values of FFM density and hydration (1.1 g/cm3and 73.2%, respectively). This study will review BIA and/or anthropometric-based equations for assessing body composition in paediatric populations. We reviewed English language articles from MEDLINE (1985–2012) with the selection of predictive equations developed for assessing FM and FFM using three-compartment (3C) and 4C models as criterion. Search terms included children, adolescent, childhood, adolescence, 4C model, 3C model, multicomponent model, equation, prediction, DXA, BIA, resistance, anthropometry, skinfold, FM, and FFM. A total of 14 studies (33 equations) were selected with the majority developed using DXA as the criterion method with a limited number of studies providing cross-validation results. Overall, the selected equations are useful for epidemiological studies, but some concerns still arise on an individual basis.
Generalization of Statistical Korovkin Theorems
Authors: Ergur Alperen Ali , Duman Oktay
Published: June 2013

We generalize and develop the Korovkin-type approximation theory by using an appropriate abstract space. We show that our approximation is more applicable than the classical one. At the end, we display some applications.
Neural Model with Particle Swarm Optimization Kalman Learning for Forecasting in Smart Grids
Authors: Alanis Alma Y. , Ricalde Luis J. , Simetti Chiara , Odone Francesca
Published: June 2013

This paper discusses a novel training algorithm for a neural network architecture applied to time series prediction with smart grids applications. The proposed training algorithm is based on an extended Kalman filter (EKF) improved using particle swarm optimization (PSO) to compute the design parameters. The EKF-PSO-based algorithm is employed to update the synaptic weights of the neural network. The size of the regression vector is determined by means of the Cao methodology. The proposed structure captures more efficiently the complex nature of the wind speed, energy generation, and electrical load demand time series that are constantly monitorated in a smart grid benchmark. The proposed model is trained and tested using real data values in order to show the applicability of the proposed scheme.
AP-1/IRF-3 Targeted Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Andrographolide Isolated fromAndrographis paniculata
Authors: Shen Ting , Yang Woo Seok , Yi Young-Su , Sung Gi-Ho , Rhee Man Hee , Poo Haryoung , Kim Mi-Yeon , Kim Kyung-Woon , Kim Jong Heon , Cho Jae Youl
Published: June 2013

Andrographolide (AG) is an abundant component of plants of the genusAndrographisand has a number of beneficial properties including neuroprotective, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antidiabetic effects. Despite numerous pharmacological studies, the precise mechanism of AG is still ambiguous. Thus, in the present study, we investigated the molecular mechanisms of AG and its target proteins as they pertain to anti-inflammatory responses. AG suppressed the production of nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2(PGE2), as well as the mRNA abundance of inducible NO synthase (iNOS), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, and interferon-beta (IFN-β) in a dose-dependent manner in both lipopolysaccharide- (LPS-) activated RAW264.7 cells and peritoneal macrophages. AG also substantially ameliorated the symptoms of LPS-induced hepatitis and EtOH/HCl-induced gastritis in mice. Based on the results of luciferase reporter gene assays, kinase assays, and measurement of nuclear levels of transcription factors, the anti-inflammatory effects of AG were found to be clearly mediated by inhibition of both (1) extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)/activator protein (AP)-1 and (2) IκB kinaseε(IKKε)/interferon regulatory factor (IRF)-3 pathways. In conclusion, we detected a novel molecular signaling pathway by which AG can suppress inflammatory responses. Thus, AG is a promising anti-inflammatory drug with two pharmacological targets.
Prevalence and Risk Factors ofToxoplasma gondiiin Fattening Pigs Farm from Yucatan, Mexico
Authors: Ortega-Pacheco A. , Acosta Viana K. Y. , Guzmán-Marín E. , Segura-Correa J. C. , Álvarez-Fleites M. , Jiménez-Coello M.
Published: June 2013

The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence and identify risk factors associated with the presence ofToxoplasma gondiiin pig-fattening farms from Yucatan, Mexico. A cross-sectional study was conducted with a two-stage sampling. There were 429 pigs sampled from 39 farms randomly selected. Blood samples were collected to obtain DNA and serum. The presence of IgM and IgG antibodies was determined by indirect ELISA. Prevalence was estimated by diagnostic test. Potential risk factors to be included in a marginal logistic regression were tested by chi-square or Fisher. The prevalence of IgM and IgG was 92.5% (397/429) (CI 89.9–95.1%) and 95.8% (411/429) (CI 93.7–97.8%), respectively. Regarding PCR, a prevalence of 50.8% (218/429) (CI 45.9–55.6%) was found. The logistic regression showed an association with herd size and type of feeder (). The risk of a case in farms with ≤400 pigs was 27.9 times higher than in farms with >400 pigs. The manual feeder was a significant protective factor associated with the seropositive againstT. gondii. Results indicate a high circulation ofT. gondiiin pig-fattening farms from Yucatan, finding an increased risk of infection for those farms with less than 400 animals and automatic feeders.
Deregulations in the Cyclin-Dependent Kinase-9-Related Pathway in Cancer: Implications for Drug Discovery and Development
Authors: Romano Gaetano
Published: June 2013

The CDK9-related pathway is an important regulator of mammalian cell biology and is also involved in the replication cycle of several viruses, including the human immunodeficiency virus type 1. CDK9 is present in two isoforms termed CDK9-42 and CDK9-55 that bind noncovalently type T cyclins and cyclin K. This association forms a heterodimer, where CDK9 carries the enzymatic site and the cyclin partner functions as a regulatory subunit. This heterodimer is the main component of the positive transcription elongation factor b, which stabilizes RNA elongation via phosphorylation of the RNA pol II carboxyl terminal domain. Abnormal activities in the CDK9-related pathway were observed in human malignancies and cardiac hypertrophies. Thus, the elucidation of the CDK9 pathway deregulations may provide useful insights into the pathogenesis and progression of human malignancies, cardiac hypertrophy, AIDS and other viral-related maladies. These studies may lead to the improvement of kinase inhibitors for the treatment of the previously mentioned pathological conditions. This review describes the CDK9-related pathway deregulations in malignancies and the development of kinase inhibitors in cancer therapy, which can be classified into three categories: antagonists that block the ATP binding site of the catalytic domain, allosteric inhibitors, and small molecules that disrupt protein-protein interactions.
Is There a Causal Link between Inflammation and Dementia?
Authors: Enciu Ana-Maria , Popescu Bogdan O.
Published: June 2013

Neuroinflammation is a constant event in Alzheimer’s disease (AD), but the current knowledge is insufficient to state whether inflammation is a cause, a promoter, or simply a secondary phenomenon in this inexorably progressive ailment. In the current paper, we review research data showing that inflammation is not a prerequisite for onset of dementia, and, although it may worsen the course of the disease, recent evidence shows that chronic inhibition of inflammatory pathways is not necessarily beneficial for patients. Prospective clinical trials with anti-inflammatory drugs failed to stop disease progression, measurements of inflammatory markers in serum and cerebrospinal fluid of patients yielded contradictory results, and recent bench research proved undoubtedly that neuroinflammation has a protective side as well. Knockout animal models for TNFRs or ILRs do not seem to prevent the pathology or the cognitive decline, but quite the contrary. In AD, the therapeutic intervention on inflammatory pathways still has a research future, but its targets probably need reevaluation.
Absolute Stability and Master-Slave Synchronization of Systems with State-Dependent Nonlinearities
Authors: Li Rong , Liu Bo , Liu Chao
Published: June 2013

This paper is concerned with the problems of absolute stability and master-slave synchronization of systems with state-dependent nonlinearities. The Kalman-Yakubovich-Popov (KYP) lemma and the Schur complement formula are applied to get novel and less conservative stability conditions. A numerical example is presented to illustrate the efficiency of the stability criteria. Furthermore, a synchronization criterion is developed based on the proposed stability results.
A Model for Assessing the Service Quality of University Library Websites
Authors: Wu Chung-Min , Hsieh Ching-Lin , Chang Kuei-Lun
Published: June 2013

Evaluating the e-service quality is essential to organizations. The future of e-libraries has a vital place in universities. Libraries need to use websites as means to provide access to information resources, news and events. The importance of assessing e-service quality of libraries is significant. Previous researchers have developed many methods for assessing e-service quality. However, most of them only focus on the independent hierarchical structure. In this paper, we would like to figure out the criteria for assessing the service quality of library websites from university students’ viewpoints. According to interdependent criteria, the analytic network process (ANP) approach is employed to (i) generate the priority weights of each criterion; (ii) measure the service quality of university library websites. 12 web-based service criteria are identified according to 3144 university students’ viewpoints based on fuzzy Delphi method. On the basis of past studies, we divide 12 criteria into 3 perspectives, namely, system, efficiency, and information quality to measure the service quality of university library websites. On the basis of 3 perspectives and 12 important criteria, service quality of university library websites could be measured more effectively. Moreover, the practical application to measure the service quality of the old and new versions of one university library website presented in Section 5 is generic and also suitable to be exploited for Taiwanese universities.
A Secret Sharing-Based Key Management in Hierarchical Wireless Sensor Network
Authors: Zhang Yiying , Wu Chunying , Cao Jinping , Li Xiangzhen
Published: June 2013

Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) are subject to various attacks because of the vulnerable environment, limited recourse, and open communication channel. To protect WSNs, in this paper, we present a Secret sharing-based key management (SSKM). SSKM utilizes the advantages of hierarchical architecture and adopts two-level key management and authentication mechanism, which can efficiently protect the allover network communication security and survivability. Different from previous works, the SSKM distributes keys based on secret sharing mechanism by the clustered architecture, which not only localizes the key things but also keeps scalability. The SSKM provides various session keys, the network key for base station (BS) and cluster heads (CHs); the cluster key between the cluster head and member nodes. The SSKM dynamically generates different keys based on different polynomials from BS in different periods which can protect the network from the compromised nodes and reduce the high probability of the common keys. The security analysis shows that the SSKM can prevent several attacks effectively and reduce the energy consumption.
Analysis of Sigmoid Functionally Graded Material (S-FGM) Nanoscale Plates Using the Nonlocal Elasticity Theory
Authors: Jung Woo-Young , Han Sung-Cheon
Published: June 2013

Based on a nonlocal elasticity theory, a model for sigmoid functionally graded material (S-FGM) nanoscale plate with first-order shear deformation is studied. The material properties of S-FGM nanoscale plate are assumed to vary according to sigmoid function (two power law distribution) of the volume fraction of the constituents. Elastic theory of the sigmoid FGM (S-FGM) nanoscale plate is reformulated using the nonlocal differential constitutive relations of Eringen and first-order shear deformation theory. The equations of motion of the nonlocal theories are derived using Hamilton’s principle. The nonlocal elasticity of Eringen has the ability to capture the small scale effect. The solutions of S-FGM nanoscale plate are presented to illustrate the effect of nonlocal theory on bending and vibration response of the S-FGM nanoscale plates. The effects of nonlocal parameters, power law index, aspect ratio, elastic modulus ratio, side-to-thickness ratio, and loading type on bending and vibration response are investigated. Results of the present theory show a good agreement with the reference solutions. These results can be used for evaluating the reliability of size-dependent S-FGM nanoscale plate models developed in the future.
The Environmental Impact of a Wave Dragon Array Operating in the Black Sea
Authors: Diaconu Sorin , Rusu Eugen
Published: June 2013

The present work describes a study related to the influence on the shoreline dynamics of a wave farm consisting of Wave Dragon devices operating in the western side of the Black Sea. Based on historical data analysis of the wave climate, the most relevant environmental conditions that could occur were defined, and for these cases, simulations with SWAN spectral phase averaged wave model were performed. Two situations were considered for the most representative patterns: model simulations without any wave energy converter and simulations considering a wave farm consisting of six Wave Dragon devices. Comparisons of the wave model outputs have been carried out in both geographical and spectral spaces. The results show that although a significant influence appears near the wave farm, this gradually decreases to the coast line level. In order to evaluate the influence of the wave farm on the longshore currents, a nearshore circulation modeling system was used. In relative terms, the longshore current velocities appear to be more sensitive to the presence of the wave farm than the significant wave height. Finally, the possible impact on the marine flora and fauna specific to the target area was also considered and discussed.
Periodontal Disease: A Covert Source of Inflammation in Chronic Kidney Disease Patients
Authors: Ismail Gener , Dumitriu Horia Traian , Dumitriu Anca Silvia , Ismail Fidan Bahtiar
Published: June 2013

The prevalence of atherosclerotic complications (myocardial infarction, stroke, and sudden death) is increased in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients, especially in haemodialysis patients. Increasing evidence suggests that both in general population and in dialysis patients, systemic inflammation plays a dominant role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerotic complications. In general population, also, evidence shows that moderate to severe periodontitis can contribute to inflammatory burden by increasing serum CRP levels and may increase the prevalence of atherosclerotic events. Moreover, the results of some new interventional studies reveal that effective phase I periodontal therapy may decrease serum CRP levels, the most important acute phase protein, monitored as a systemic marker of inflammation and endothelial dysfunction as well, used as an initial predictor of atherosclerotic events. Considering that moderate to severe periodontal diseases have a higher prevalence in CKD and in dialysis population and that periodontal examination is not part of the standard medical assessment, destructive periodontitis might be an ignored source of systemic inflammation in end-stage renal disease patients and may add to the chronic inflammatory status in CKD.
Biological Extremity Reconstruction after Sarcoma Resection: Past, Present, and Future
Authors: Holzer Lukas A. , Leithner Andreas
Published: June 2013

In sarcoma surgery besides a wide local resection, limb salvage became more and more important. Reconstruction of bone and soft tissue defects after sarcoma resection poses a major challenge for surgeons. Nowadays a broad range of reconstructive methods exist to deal with bony defects. Among these are prostheses, bone autografts, or bone allografts. Furthermore a variety of plastic reconstructive techniques exist that allow soft tissue reconstruction or coverage after sarcoma resection. Here we discuss the historical highlights, the present role, and possible future options for biological reconstruction.
Huang Qi Jian Zhong Pellet Attenuates TNBS-Induced Colitis in Rats via Mechanisms Involving Improvement of Energy Metabolism
Authors: Liu Duan-Yong , Pan Chun-Shui , Liu Yu-Ying , Wei Xiao-Hong , Zhou Chang-Man , Sun Kai , He Ke , Li Chong , Yan Li , Fan Jing-Yu , Wang Chuan-She , Hibi Toshifumi , Liu Hong-Ning , Han Jing-Yan
Published: June 2013

Huang Qi Jian Zhong Pellet (HQJZ) is a famous Chinese medicine formula for treatment of various gastrointestinal tract diseases. This study investigated the role of HQJZ in 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid- (TNBS-) induced colitis and its underlying mechanism. Colonic mucosal injury was induced by TNBS in the Sprague-Dawley rats. In the HQJZ treatment group, HQJZ was administered (2 g/kg) for 14 days starting from day 1 after TNBS infusion. Colonic mucosal injury occurred obviously 1 day after TNBS challenge and did not recover distinctively until day 15, including an increase in macro- and microscopic scores, a colonic weight index, a decrease in colonic length, a number of functional capillaries, and blood flow. Inverted intravital microscopy and ELISA showed colonic microcirculatory disturbances and inflammatory responses after TNBS stimulation, respectively. TNBS decreased occludin, RhoA, and ROCK-I, while increasing Rac-1, PAK-1, and phosphorylated myosin light chain. In addition, ATP content and ATP5D expression in colonic mucosa decreased after TNBS challenge. Impressively, treatment with HQJZ significantly attenuated all of the alterations evoked by TNBS, promoting the recovery of colonic injury. The present study demonstrated HQJZ as a multitargeting management for colonic mucosal injury, which set in motion mechanisms involving improvement of energy metabolism.
Smoothed Linear Modeling for Smooth Spectral Data
Authors: Hawkins Douglas M. , Maboudou-Tchao Edgard M.
Published: June 2013

Classification and prediction problems using spectral data lead to high-dimensional data sets. Spectral data are, however, different from most other high-dimensional data sets in that information usually varies smoothly with wavelength, suggesting that fitted models should also vary smoothly with wavelength. Functional data analysis, widely used in the analysis of spectral data, meets this objective by changing perspective from the raw spectra to approximations using smooth basis functions. This paper explores linear regression and linear discriminant analysis fitted directly to the spectral data, imposing penalties on the values and roughness of the fitted coefficients, and shows by example that this can lead to better fits than existing standard methodologies.
Placebo Acupuncture Devices: Considerations for Acupuncture Research
Authors: Zhu Dan , Gao Ying , Chang Jingling , Kong Jian
Published: June 2013

Determining an appropriate control for use in acupuncture research remains one of the largest methodological challenges acupuncture researchers face. In general, acupuncture controls fall under one of two categories: (1) sham acupuncture, in which the skin is punctured with real acupuncture needles either fully at nonacupoint locations or shallowly at acupoint locations or both and (2) placebo acupuncture, which utilizes nonpenetrating acupuncture devices. In this study, we will focus on non-penetrating placebo acupuncture devices (blunted-needle and nonneedle devices) that are currently available in acupuncture research. We will describe each device and discuss each device’s validation and application in previous studies. In addition, we will outline the advantages and disadvantages of these devices and highlight how the differences among placebo devices can be used to isolate distinct components of acupuncture treatment and investigate their effects. We would like to emphasize that there is no single placebo device that can serve as the best control for all acupuncture studies; the choice of an acupuncture control should be determined by the specific aim of the study.
Multiantibody Strategies for HIV
Authors: Hiatt Andrew , Zeitlin Larry , Whaley Kevin J.
Published: June 2013

Vaccination strategies depend entirely on the appropriate responsiveness of our immune system against particular antigens. For this active immunization to be truly effective, neutralizing antibodies (nAbs) need to efficiently counter the infectivity or propagation of the pathogen. Some viruses, including HIV, are able to take advantage of this immune response in order to evade nAbs. This review focuses on viral immune evasion strategies that result directly from a robust immune response to infection or vaccination. A rationale for multi-Ab therapy to circumvent this phenomenon is discussed. Progress in the formulation, production, and regulatory approval of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) is presented.