bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
β‐Amyloid precursor protein staining of the brain in sudden infant and early childhood death
Authors: Jensen Lisbeth Lund , Banner Jytte , Ulhøi Benedicte Parm , Byard Roger W
Published: December 2013

Aims

To develop and validate a scoring method for assessing β‐amyloid precursor protein (APP) staining in cerebral white matter and to investigate the occurrence, amount and deposition pattern based on the cause of death in infants and young children.

Methods

Archival cerebral tissue was examined from a total of 176 cases (0 to 3 years of age). Each of the APP‐stained sections was graded according to a simple scoring system based on the number and type of changes in eight anatomical regions.

Results

Examination of the sections revealed some degree of APP staining in 95% of the cases. The highest mean APP scores were found in cases of head trauma, and the lowest scores were found in the cases of drowning. APP staining, although sometimes minimal, was found in all 48 cases of and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Patterns of APP staining (the amount and distribution) were different in cases of head trauma, infection and SIDS but were similar in the SIDS and asphyxia groups.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates the use of an integrated scoring system that was developed to assess APP staining in the brain. APP staining was seen in a high proportion of cases, including relatively sudden deaths. The amount of APP was significantly higher in cases of trauma than in nontraumatic deaths. However, APP was detected within all groups. The pattern of APP staining was similar in infants who had died of SIDS and from mechanical asphyxia.
RESPONDING TO COMMUNITY NEEDS THROUGH LINKING ACADEMIC AND PRACTICING ANTHROPOLOGY: AN ENGAGED SCHOLARLY FRAMEWORK
Authors: Hyland Stanley E. , Bennett Linda A.
Published: December 2013

We argue in this article that applied anthropology offers a compelling model for conducting engaged scholarship in higher education and developing an engaged scholarship platform. As colleges and universities increasingly endorse meaningful ways to address critical needs of their wider communities, anthropology faculty, students, and alumni can lead the way in forging successful and effective partnerships and grappling with crucial community needs. With the growth of participatory action research—and its theoretical and methodological perspective—anthropologists have tackled challenging societal issues in collaboration with community partners (Schensul). Typically this entails involving multiple stakeholders in the articulation of solutions. Anthropology is in a prime position to take the lead in advancing the “engaged university” model. This article builds upon Baba's thesis (2009) that the survival of the discipline of anthropology is linked to its relevance in addressing critical societal issues and its ability to integrate the work of academic and practicing anthropologists. Many approaches from anthropology can be drawn upon as promising models for community connectedness. We offer an example from the University of Memphis that has been particularly effective: through their research and practical experience as students of anthropological study, alumni cycle back into collaborative ties with faculty and other alumni and nonanthropological colleagues, connecting the community with the university in a dynamic and productive system. In addition, long‐term commitment to addressing relevant local issues such as poverty and health disparities through analysis and reflection of outcomes is critical to developing a meaningful engaged scholarly tradition.
ENGAGING OPPORTUNITIES IN URBAN REVITALIZATION: PRACTICING DETROIT ANTHROPOLOGY
Authors: Briller Sherylyn , Sankar Andrea
Published: December 2013

As an iconic postindustrial city, Detroit is a rich site for considering community engagement, key social issues, and urban renewal. Increasing national and international attention has focused on Detroit as an urban exemplar where political economy, social context, social justice, and social change interconnect in novel ways such that true innovation might occur. Wayne State University (WSU)—located in the heart of Detroit—faces this sociopolitical–economic reality as the backdrop for its educational mission. In this article, we discuss WSU's meaning to the city of Detroit over time; we also consider how WSU is responding to the current national dialogue about a need for new educational models that promote sustained and substantive engagement by urban universities in their surrounding communities. Our department's “Anthropology of the City” initiative that has a social science research and training agenda contributing to the redevelopment of the city is described. Lastly, we offer examples of WSU's involvement in community‐engaged anthropology and discuss the challenges and opportunities presented by doing this work with a series of local partners in Detroit and the region.
The China Health and Nutrition Survey, 1989–2011
Authors: Zhang B. , Zhai F. Y. , Du S. F. , Popkin B. M.
Published: December 2013

The China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS) began in 1989 with the goal of creating a multilevel method of data collection from individuals and households and their communities to understand how the wide‐ranging social and economic changes in China affect a wide array of nutrition and health‐related outcomes. Initiated with a partial sample in 1989, the full survey runs from 1991 to 2011, and this issue documents the CHNS history. The CHNS cohort includes new household formation and replacement communities and households; all household members are studied. Furthermore, in‐depth community data are collected. The sample began with eight provinces and added a ninth, Heilongjiang, in 1997 and three autonomous cities, Beijing, Shanghai, and Chongqing, in 2011. The in‐depth community contextual measures have allowed us to create a unique measure of urbanicity that captures major dimensions of modernization across all 288 communities currently in the CHNS sample. The standardized, validated urbanicity measure captures the changes in 12 dimensions: population density; economic activity; traditional markets; modern markets; transportation infrastructure; sanitation; communications; housing; education; diversity; health infrastructure; and social services. Each is based on numerous measures applicable to each dimension. They are used jointly and separately in hundreds of studies.
Synthesis and implications: China's nutrition transition in the context of changes across other low‐ and middle‐income countries
Authors: Popkin B. M.
Published: December 2013

The China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS) is important for its insights into current and future diet, physical activity, and obesity‐related changes in China and for understanding underlying processes common across low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs). While China modernized later than Latin American countries, many changes seen in China echo those in Latin America and in other LMICs. In general, changes in physical activity and diet behaviours in China have occurred at a faster pace relative to other LMICs. Modernization of the overall Chinese food system has lagged behind most other LMICs, yet the now‐rapid changes in the Chinese food system are similar to what has been seen in other LMICs. Further, there is variation in these changes across social and geographic space. The incidence of obesity and non‐communicable diseases has increased as the major health burden has shifted towards the poor. This paper examines changes in China and addresses the literature and issues that link these changes with those in other LMICs. In many ways, the detailed 20‐year CHNS, with nine repeated measures, provides a remarkable window through which to understand nutrition‐related changes in other LMICs.
China in the period of transition from scarcity and extensive undernutrition to emerging nutrition‐related non‐communicable diseases, 1949–1992
Authors: Du S. F. , Wang H. J. , Zhang B. , Zhai F. Y. , Popkin B. M.
Published: December 2013

This study uses unique official data to document nutritional changes in the 1949–1992 period. In 1949, widespread famine, high mortality and low life expectancy dominated. Economic progress was uneven; however, the longer term food supply changed greatly, and hunger was conquered. Diet composition shifted greatly over this period. Cereal consumption, already high, increased from 541.2 g d−1 (70.0% coarse grains) in 1952 to 645.9 g d−1 (15.9% coarse grains) in 1992. Consumption of animal‐source foods, half of which were pork and pork products, tripled from 30.0 to 103.0 g d−1. The proportion of energy intake from fat tripled from 7.6% to 22.5%, and that from carbohydrates decreased from 83.0% to 65.8% over the same period. Physical activity was high in all domains, but shifts were beginning to occur (e.g. the initial mechanization of work and the expansion of biking). Nutritional improvement was uneven, including increased undernutrition in the 1959–1962 period and a remarkable rebound and continued improvement thereafter. Overweight emerged only after 1982. Shifts in diet, activity and body composition in 1949–1992 set the stage for major shifts in nutrition in the subsequent decades.
Metabolic diversity in apple germplasm
Authors: Khan Sabaz A. , Tikunov Yury , Chibon Pierre‐Yves , Maliepaard Chris , Beekwilder Jules , Jacobsen Evert , Schouten Henk J.
Published: December 2013

We analysed metabolic diversity in apples from wild species, elite material and a F1 population, using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC‐QTOF‐MS). The evaluated elite material appeared to have strongly reduced levels of phenolic compounds, down to 1% of the concentrations in the investigated wild germplasm. In one quarter of the F1 population, the concentrations of phenolic compounds such as quercetin derivatives, procyanidin, catechin and epicatechin were further significantly reduced, due to accumulation of recessive alleles of putatively leucoanthocyanidin reductase, a structural gene that is located at the top of LG16. In another part of F1 progeny, putatively glycosylated forms of β‐glycols were up to 50 times more abundant compared to both parents. These metabolites were mapped with high logarithm of odds (LOD) scores at the top of LG8, and progeny that was homozygous recessive for the candidate gene showed the elevated levels. We hypothesize that this was caused by inheritance of non‐functional alleles of enoyl‐CoA hydratase gene. Both examples of transgressive segregation, where some progeny significantly deviated from both parents, were caused by accumulation of recessive alleles.
The Income Gradient in Childhood Mental Health: All in the Eye of the Beholder?
Authors: Johnston David W. , Propper Carol , Pudney Stephen E. , Shields Michael A.
Published: December 2013

We undertake a detailed statistical investigation of the sensitivity of estimates of the prevalence of childhood mental health problems to the provider of the health assessment, with particular focus on the implications for the estimates of the income gradient in childhood mental health. We directly compare evaluations from children, their parents and teachers and test whether these differences are systematically related to family income. We then examine the implications for the estimated income gradient. We find that respondents frequently identify different children as having a mental health problem. Teachers appear to rate the health of poor children consistently worse than do children or their parents. Systematic differences in evaluations by assessor by income mean that the estimated magnitude and significance of the income–health gradient is highly dependent on the choice of assessor.
PLCε, PKD1, and SSH1L Transduce RhoA Signaling to Protect Mitochondria from Oxidative Stress in the Heart
Authors: Xiang Sunny Y. , Ouyang Kunfu , Yung Bryan S. , Miyamoto Shigeki , Smrcka Alan V. , Chen Ju , Brown Joan Heller
Published: December 2013

Protecting mitochondria from oxidative stress–induced signals protects the heart.
Double Recombinant Mycobacterium bovis BCG Strain for Screening of Primary and Rationale-Based Antimycobacterial Compounds
Authors: Singh Vandana , Biswas Rajesh Kumar , Singh Bhupendra N.
Published: December 2013

Conventional antimycobacterial screening involves CFU analysis, which poses a great challenge due to slow growth of mycobacteria. Recombinant strains carrying reporter genes under the influence of constitutive promoters allow rapid and wide screening of compounds but without revealing their modes of action. Reporter strains using pathway-specific promoters provide a better alternative but allow a limited screening of compounds interfering with only a particular metabolic pathway. This reduces these strains to merely a second-line screening system, as they fail to identify even the more potent compounds if they are not inhibiting the pathway of interest. In this study, we have generated a double recombinant
Mycobacterium bovis
BCG strain carrying firefly and
Renilla
luciferase genes as two reporters under the control of a constitutive and an inducible mycobacterial promoter. The presence of dual reporters allows simultaneous expression and analysis of two reporter enzymes within a single system. The expression profile of the firefly luciferase gene, rendered by a constitutive mycobacterial promoter, coincides with the decline in bacterial growth in response to a wide range of antimycobacterial drugs, while the enhanced expression of
Renilla
luciferase mirrors the selective induction of the reporter gene expression as a result of pathway-specific inhibition. Thus, the double recombinant strain allows the screening of both primary and rationally synthesized antimycobacterial compounds in a single assay. The inhibiting response of drugs was monitored with a dual-luciferase reporter assay which can be easily adapted in high-throughput mode.
Efficacies of Ceftazidime-Avibactam and Ceftazidime against Pseudomonas aeruginosa in a Murine Lung Infection Model
Authors: Housman Seth T. , Crandon Jared L. , Nichols Wright W. , Nicolau David P.
Published: December 2013

This study aimed to determine the efficacy of human-simulated plasma exposures of 2 g ceftazidime plus 0.5 g avibactam every 8 h administered as a 2-h infusion or a ceftazidime regimen that produced a specific epithelial lining fluid (ELF) percentage of the dosing interval in which serum free drug concentrations remain above the MIC (
fT
>MIC) against 28
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
isolates within a neutropenic murine pneumonia model and to assess the impact of host infection on pulmonary pharmacokinetics. The
fT
>MIC was calculated as the mean and upper end of the 95% confidence limit. Against the 28
P. aeruginosa
strains used, the ceftazidime-avibactam MICs were 4 to 64 μg/ml, and those of ceftazidime were 8 to >128 μg/ml. The change in log
10
CFU after 24 h of treatment was analyzed relative to that of 0-h controls. Pharmacokinetic studies in serum and ELF were conducted using ceftazidime-avibactam in infected and uninfected mice. Humanized ceftazidime-avibactam doses resulted in significant exposures in the lung, producing reductions of >1 log
10
CFU against
P. aeruginosa
with ceftazidime-avibactam MICs of ≤32 μg/ml (ELF upper 95% confidence limit for
fT
>MIC [ELF
fT
>MIC] of ≥19%), except for one isolate with a ceftazidime-avibactam MIC of 16 μg/ml. No efficacy was observed against the isolate with a ceftazidime-avibactam MIC of 64 μg/ml (ELF
fT
>MIC of 0%). Bacterial reductions were observed with ceftazidime against isolates with ceftazidime MICs of 32 μg/ml (ELF
fT
>MIC of ≥12%), variable efficacy at ceftazidime MICs of 64 μg/ml (ELF
fT
>MIC of ≥0%), and no activity at a ceftazidime MIC of 128 μg/ml, where the ELF
fT
>MIC was 0%. ELF
fT
>MICs were similar between infected and uninfected mice. Ceftazidime-avibactam was effective against
P. aeruginosa
, with MICs of up to 32 μg/ml with an ELF
fT
>MIC of ≥19%. The data suggest the potential utility of ceftazidime-avibactam for treatment of lung infections caused by
P. aeruginosa
.
Cooperation, Quorum Sensing, and Evolution of Virulence in Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Pollitt Eric J. G. , West Stuart A. , Crusz Shanika A. , Burton-Chellew Maxwell N. , Diggle Stephen P.
Published: December 2013

The virulence and fitness
in vivo
of the major human pathogen
Staphylococcus aureus
are associated with a cell-to-cell signaling mechanism known as quorum sensing (QS). QS coordinates the production of virulence factors via the production and sensing of autoinducing peptide (AIP) signal molecules by the
agr
locus. Here we show, in a wax moth larva virulence model, that (i) QS in
S. aureus
is a cooperative social trait that provides a benefit to the local population of cells, (ii)
agr
mutants, which do not produce or respond to QS signal, are able to exploit the benefits provided by the QS of others (“cheat”), allowing them to increase in frequency when in mixed populations with cooperators, (iii) these social interactions between cells determine virulence, with the host mortality rate being negatively correlated to the percentage of
agr
mutants (“cheats”) in a population, and (iv) a higher within-host relatedness (lower strain diversity) selects for QS and hence higher virulence. Our results provide an explanation for why
agr
mutants show reduced virulence in animal models but can be isolated from infections of humans. More generally, by providing the first evidence that QS is a cooperative social behavior in a Gram-positive bacterium, our results suggest convergent, and potentially widespread, evolution for signaling to coordinate cooperation in bacteria.
Biofilm Matrix Exoproteins Induce a Protective Immune Response against Staphylococcus aureus Biofilm Infection
Authors: Gil Carmen , Solano Cristina , Burgui Saioa , Latasa Cristina , García Begoña , Toledo-Arana Alejandro , Lasa Iñigo , Valle Jaione
Published: December 2013

TheStaphylococcus aureusbiofilm mode of growth is associated with several chronic infections that are very difficult to treat due to the recalcitrant nature of biofilms to clearance by antimicrobials. Accordingly, there is an increasing interest in preventing the formation ofS. aureusbiofilms and developing efficient antibiofilm vaccines. Given the fact that during a biofilm-associated infection, the first primary interface between the host and the bacteria is the self-produced extracellular matrix, in this study we analyzed the potential of extracellular proteins found in the biofilm matrix to induce a protective immune response againstS. aureusinfections. By using proteomic approaches, we characterized the exoproteomes of exopolysaccharide-based and protein-based biofilm matrices produced by two clinicalS. aureusstrains. Remarkably, results showed that independently of the nature of the biofilm matrix, a common core of secreted proteins is contained in both types of exoproteomes. Intradermal administration of an exoproteome extract of an exopolysaccharide-dependent biofilm induced a humoral immune response and elicited the production of interleukin 10 (IL-10) and IL-17 in mice. Antibodies against such an extract promoted opsonophagocytosis and killing ofS. aureus. Immunization with the biofilm matrix exoproteome significantly reduced the number of bacterial cells inside a biofilm and on the surrounding tissue, using anin vivomodel of mesh-associated biofilm infection. Furthermore, immunized mice also showed limited organ colonization by bacteria released from the matrix at the dispersive stage of the biofilm cycle. Altogether, these data illustrate the potential of biofilm matrix exoproteins as a promising candidate multivalent vaccine againstS. aureusbiofilm-associated infections.
Inside Scoop on Outside Proteins
Authors: Dvorin Jeffrey D.
Published: December 2013

Invasion into red blood cells is an essential step in the life cycle of parasites that cause human malaria. Antibodies targeting the key parasite proteins in this process are important for developing a protective immune response. In the current issue, Boyle and colleagues provide a detailed examination of
Plasmodium falciparum
invasion and specifically illuminate the fate of surface-exposed parasite proteins during and immediately after invasion.
A comparative theoretical study on the biological activity, chemical reactivity, and coordination ability of dichloro-substituted (1,3-thiazol-2-yl)acetamides
Authors: Srivastava Ambrish Kumar , Misra Neeraj
Published: December 2013

We present a theoretical study on three dichloro-substituted (1,3-thiazol-2-yl)acetamides using the first principle density functional approach. Natural bonding orbital analysis is used to discuss the coordination ability of molecules and various global reactivity descriptors are calculated to compare their chemical reactivity. Biological activities of all three molecules are also evaluated. We find that the present molecules show potential coordination ability and their chemical reactivity varies with the position of substitution. We also notice that all three molecules show remarkable biological activities and the (3,4)-dichloro-substituted molecule is relatively more active. The study suggests further investigations on these molecules for their pharmacological importance.
Investigation of ruminal bacterial diversity in dairy cattle fed supplementary monensin alone and in combination with fat, using pyrosequencing analysis
Authors: Kim M. , Eastridge M.L. , Yu Z.
Published: December 2013

The objective of this study was to examine and compare the effects of monensin, both alone and together with dietary fat, on ruminal bacterial communities in dairy cattle fed the following 3 diets: a control diet, the control diet supplemented with monensin, and the control diet supplemented with both monensin and fat. Bacterial communities in the liquid and the adherent fractions of rumen content were analyzed using 454 pyrosequencing analysis of 16S rRNA gene amplicons. Most sequences were assigned to phyla Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes, irrespective of diets and fractions. Prevotella was the most dominant genus, but most sequences could not be classified at the genus level. The proportion of Gram-positive Firmicutes was reduced by 4.5% in response to monensin but increased by 12.8% by combination of monensin and fat, compared with the control diet. Some of the operational taxonomic units in Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes were also affected by monensin or by the combination of monensin with fat. The proportion of numerous bacteria potentially involved in lipolysis and (or) biohydrogenation was increased by both monensin and fat. The Shannon diversity index was decreased in the control diet supplemented with both monensin and fat, compared with the other 2 diet groups. Supplementary fats hinder bacterial attachment to plant particles and then result in decreased bacterial diversity in the rumen. The finding of this study may help in understanding the effect of monensin and fat on ruminant nutrition and the adverse effect of monensin and fat, such as milk fat depression and decreased feed digestibility.
The velocity field due to an oscillating plate in an Oldroyd-B fluid
Authors: Hopkins Cameron C. , de Bruyn John R.
Published: December 2013

Analytical solutions to the Navier–Stokes equations for non-Newtonian fluids are rare and tend to be mathematically complicated. We analytically solve Stokes’ second problem — the flow due to an infinite plate oscillating in-plane — for a viscoelastic fluid described by the Oldroyd-B constitutive relation, using mathematical techniques familiar to third- or fourth-year undergraduate students in physics, engineering, or mathematics. The solution is compared to the well-known solution of Stokes’ second problem for a Newtonian fluid to illustrate the effects of fluid elasticity on the flow, and we provide a straightforward interpretation of these effects in terms of the quality factor of the oscillations. This calculation provides a mathematically accessible introduction to non-Newtonian fluid flow that illustrates important physical effects while limiting the mathematical complications.
A PAIR OF ORTHOGONAL WAVELET FRAMES IN L2(ℝd)
Authors: BHATT GHANSHYAM
Published: December 2013

A simple method of construction of a pair of orthogonal wavelet frames in L2(ℝd) is presented. This is a generalization of one-dimensional case to higher dimension. The construction is based on the well-known Unitary Extension Principle (UEP). The presented method produces the polyphase components of the filters of the wavelet functions, and hence the filters. A pair of orthogonal wavelet frames can be constructed with an extra condition. In the construction, the polyphase matrix is used as opposed to the modulation matrix. This is less restrictive and yields a fewer wavelet functions in the system than in the previously known constructions.
ELLIPTIC SCALING FUNCTIONS AS COMPACTLY SUPPORTED MULTIVARIATE ANALOGS OF THE B-SPLINES
Authors: ZAKHAROV VICTOR G.
Published: December 2013

In the paper, we present a family of multivariate compactly supported scaling functions, which we call as elliptic scaling functions. The elliptic scaling functions are the convolution of elliptic splines, which correspond to homogeneous elliptic differential operators, with distributions. The elliptic scaling functions satisfy refinement relations with real isotropic dilation matrices. The elliptic scaling functions satisfy most of the properties of the univariate cardinal B-splines: compact support, refinement relation, partition of unity, total positivity, order of approximation, convolution relation, Riesz basis formation (under a restriction on the mask), etc. The algebraic polynomials contained in the span of integer shifts of any elliptic scaling function belong to the null-space of a homogeneous elliptic differential operator. Similarly to the properties of the B-splines under differentiation, it is possible to define elliptic (not necessarily differential) operators such that the elliptic scaling functions satisfy relations with these operators. In particular, the elliptic scaling functions can be considered as a composition of segments, where the function inside a segment, like a polynomial in the case of the B-splines, vanishes under the action of the introduced operator.
HAAR WAVELET ANALYSIS OF CLIMATIC TIME SERIES
Authors: ZHANG ZHIHUA , MOORE JOHN C. , GRINSTED ASLAK
Published: December 2013

In order to extract the intrinsic information of climatic time series from background red noise, in this paper, we will first give an analytic formula on the distribution of Haar wavelet power spectra of red noise in a rigorous statistical framework. After that, by comparing the difference of wavelet power spectra of real climatic time series and red noise, we can extract intrinsic features of climatic time series. Finally, we use our method to analyze Arctic Oscillation (AO) which is a key aspect of climate variability in the Northern Hemisphere, and discover a great change in fundamental properties of the AO, commonly called a regime shift or tripping point.
Binary theta series and modular forms with complex multiplication
Authors: Kani Ernst
Published: December 2013

The main purpose of this paper is to give an intrinsic interpretation of the space Θ(D) generated by the binary theta series ϑf attached to the positive binary quadratic forms f whose discriminant has the form D(f) = D/t2, for some integer t. It turns out that [Formula: see text], the space of modular forms of weight 1 and of level |D| which have complex multiplication (CM) by their Nebentypus character [Formula: see text]. As an application, we obtain a structure theorem of the space [Formula: see text]. The proof of this theorem rests on the results of [The space of binary theta series, Ann. Sci. Math. Québec36 (2012) 501–534] together with a characterization of the newforms f which have CM by their Nebentypus character in terms of properties of the associated Deligne–Serre Galois representationρf.
The maximal coefficient of ternary cyclotomic polynomials with one free prime
Authors: Duda Dominik
Published: December 2013

A cyclotomic polynomial Φn(x) is said to be ternary if n = pqr, with p, q and r distinct odd primes. Let M(p, q) be the maximum (in absolute value) coefficient appearing in the polynomial family Φpqr(x) with p < q < r, p and q fixed. Here a stronger version of the main conjecture of Gallot, Moree and Wilms regarding M(p, q) is established. Furthermore it is shown that there is an algorithm to compute M(p): = max {M(p, q): q > p}. Our methods are the most geometric used so far in the study of ternary cyclotomic polynomials.
ONE-STEP COLLOID CHEMICAL ROUTE TO PREPARE HETEROSTRUCTURE EuSe/Ag NANOPARTICLES FOR LUMINESCENCE RESONANCE ENERGY TRANSFER SENSORS
Authors: XU LIN , CHENG HAO , WANG CHUANXI , LIN QUAN
Published: December 2013

The heterostructure EuSe / Ag nanoparticles (NPs) were prepared through one-step colloid chemical method. Blue fluorescent EuSe NPs were prepared by amine reducing method with oleylamine (OLA) as surface stabilizer. The colloid microemulsion was formed through the mixture of AgNO 3 aqueous solution and the EuSe n-Hexane solution. On the interface, Ag + ions could be reduced to Ag NPs by OLA. Finally heterogeneous EuSe / Ag NPs were obtained. The structure and properties of EuSe NPs and EuSe / Ag NPs were characterized by photoluminescence (PL), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The results showed that the luminescence resonance energy transfer (LRET) occurred on the interface of EuSe NPs and Ag NPs. Also it demonstrated that the linear enhanced LRET effect happened with increasing the concentration of Ag +. All these properties make our heterostructural EuSe / Ag NPs to have interesting potential applications for ions detection and biosensors.
A NEW CORE–SHELL HYBRID NANOSTRUCTURES OF GOLD NANOROD FOR ENHANCING FLUORESCENCE AND APPLICATION IN DUAL-COLOR IMAGING
Authors: ZHANG LU , TANG YAN-JUAN , GUO YAN-JIE , LUO JIAN-JUN , SUN GUI-MIN , LIANG ZHI-HONG , YANG PEI-HUI
Published: December 2013

A novel core–shell hybrid nanostructure was constructed by employing gold nanorod ( AuNR ) combined with rhodamine B (RB) as a core and silica as a shell. The poly(sodium 4-styrenesulfonate) (PSS), a negatively charged polyelectrolyte, played the role of linker to electrostatically trap RB on AuNRs . Due to the fluorescence spectral overlap between RB and AuNRs at 560 nm, the red fluorescence and enhanced green fluorescence of the hybrid nanostructures were observed obviously, which is capable for dual-color labeling. To reduce toxic side effects of AuNRs , silica was coated on AuNRs as a shell to fabricate the novel core–shell hybrid nanostructure function as a dual-color labeling for cancer-cell imaging. The fabricated composite structures were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), absorption spectrum, fluorescence spectrum, zeta potential measurements and laser scanning confocal microscope (LSCM). The experiment results confirmed that the obtained hybrid nanostructures provided excellent photostability, biocompatibility and active surface for further biological functionalization. The novel composite structures may have great potential application in cell multicolor labeling and imaging instead of traditional fluorescent dyes.
Parameterized activity cycle diagram and its application
Authors: Choi Byoung K. , Kang Donghun , Lee Taesik , Jamjoom Arwa A. , Abulkhair Maysoon F.
Published: December 2013

The classical
activity cycle diagram
(ACD), which is a bipartite directed graph, is easy to learn and use for describing the dynamic behavior of a
discrete-event system
. However, the complexity of the classical ACD model increases rapidly as the system size increases. This article presents an enriched ACD called the
parameterized
ACD (P-ACD). In P-ACD, each node is allowed to have
parameter variables
, and
parameter values
are passed to the parameter variables through a
directed arc
. This article demonstrates how a
single
P-ACD model can be used to represent an entire
class
of very large-scale systems instead of requiring
different
ACD models for every
instance
. We also illustrate that the well-known activity scanning algorithm can be used to execute a P-ACD model. A prototype P-ACD simulator implemented in C# programming language is provided, and an illustrative example of a conveyor-driven serial production line with the prototype simulator is presented to illustrate construction and execution of a P-ACD model. In addition, it is demonstrated that the proposed P-ACD allows an effective and concise modeling of a job shop, which was not possible with the classical ACD.
Fuzzy Reliability in Spatial Databases
Authors: Di Martino Ferdinando , Sessa Salvatore
Published: December 2013

Today it is very difficult to evaluate the quality of spatial databases, mainly for the heterogeneity of input data. We define a fuzzy process for evaluating the reliability of a spatial database: the area of study is partitioned in isoreliable zones, defined as homogeneous zones in terms of data quality and environmental characteristics. We model a spatial database in thematic datasets; each thematic dataset concerns a specific spatial domain and includes a set of layers. We estimate the reliability of each thematic dataset and therefore the overall reliability of the spatial database. We have tested this method on the spatial dataset of the town of Cava de' Tirreni (Italy).
Anti-Müllerian Hormone as a Sensitive Marker of Ovarian Function in Young Cancer Survivors
Authors: Krawczuk-Rybak Maryna , Leszczynska Elzbieta , Poznanska Marta , Zelazowska-Rutkowska Beata , Wysocka Jolanta
Published: December 2013

We evaluated ovarian function by measuring the levels of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), estradiol, and gonadotropins in 83 young women treated for cancer during childhood and adolescence, and classified according to post-treatment gonadal toxicity versus 38 healthy females.Results. The mean AMH values were lower in the entire cohort independently of the risk group as compared to the control, whereas FSH was elevated only in the high risk group. The lowest AMH values were noted in patients after bone marrow transplantation (BMT) and those treated for Hodgkin lymphoma (HL). Nineteen patients (22.9%) had elevated FSH. They all had low AMH values. Lowered AMH values (but with normal FSH and LH) were observed in 43 patients (51.8%). There was no effect of age at the time of treatment (before puberty, during or after puberty) on AMH levels.Conclusion. Our results show the utility of AMH measurement as a sensitive marker of a reduced ovarian reserve in young cancer survivors. Patients after BMT and patients treated for HL, independently of age at treatment (prepuberty or puberty), are at the highest risk of gonadal damage and early menopause.
Cryoglobulins as Potential Triggers of Inflammation in Schizophrenia
Authors: Chavushyan Andranik , Hovsepyan Meri , Boyajyan Anna
Published: December 2013

This case study aimed to investigate effects of type III cryoglobulins isolated from the blood of patients with schizophrenia on the production of proinflammatory cytokines interleukin(IL)-1β, IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10, and chemotactic cytokines IL-8 and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). The experiments were performedin vitrousing PBMCs healthy subjects and the blood of patients whit schizoprenia. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay were used upon study. The results obtained indicated significant increase (P<0.05) in IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, IL-8, and MCP-1 production by cultured PBMCs when incubating for 24 hours with cryoglobulins, beginning from 0.4 mg/mL. The gender difference does not affect the cryoglobulins-induced production of these cytokines by PBMCs. No influence of cryoglobulins on production of IL-10 by PBMCs was observed. Also, it was shown that cryoglobulins in concentration ≤4 mg/mL possessed no cytotoxic effect towards cultured PBMCs. Based upon the results obtained, we concluded that type III cryoglobulins are implicated in schizophrenia-associated alterations in the immune response through induction of the expression of proinflammatory and chemotactic cytokines by PBMCs.
Human Walking Pattern Recognition Based on KPCA and SVM with Ground Reflex Pressure Signal
Authors: Peng Zhaoqin , Cao Chun , Liu Qiusheng , Pan Wentao
Published: December 2013

Algorithms based on the ground reflex pressure (GRF) signal obtained from a pair of sensing shoes for human walking pattern recognition were investigated. The dimensionality reduction algorithms based on principal component analysis (PCA) and kernel principal component analysis (KPCA) for walking pattern data compression were studied in order to obtain higher recognition speed. Classifiers based on support vector machine (SVM), SVM-PCA, and SVM-KPCA were designed, and the classification performances of these three kinds of algorithms were compared using data collected from a person who was wearing the sensing shoes. Experimental results showed that the algorithm fusing SVM and KPCA had better recognition performance than the other two methods. Experimental outcomes also confirmed that the sensing shoes developed in this paper can be employed for automatically recognizing human walking pattern in unlimited environments which demonstrated the potential application in the control of exoskeleton robots.
Optical and Electrical Studies of Polyaniline/ZnO Nanocomposite
Authors: Alam Manawwer , Alandis Naser M. , Ansari Anees A. , Shaik Mohammed Rafi
Published: December 2013

Polyaniline (Pani)/ZnO nanocomposite with diameter 40–50 nm was successfully fabricated by coprecipitation method of ZnO via in situ polymerization of Pani. X‐ray diffraction (XRD), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), fourier transformation infrared (FT‐IR), UV‐Vis absorption spectra, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and electrical properties were studied. HRTEM studies showed that the prepared ZnO nanoparticles were uniformly dispersed and highly stabilized throughout the polymer chain and formed uniform metal oxide‐conducting polymer nanocomposite material. UV‐Vis spectra of Pani/ZnO nanocomposite were studied to investigate the optical behavior after doping the ZnO nanoparticle into the polymer matrix. The inclusion of ZnO nanoparticle gives rise to the red shift of π‐π* transition of Pani. The nanocomposite was found to be thermally stable upto 130°C and showed conductivity value of 3.0 × 10−2 Scm−1.
TNF-αand IFN-s-Dependent Muscle Decay Is Linked to NF-κB- and STAT-1α-StimulatedAtrogin1andMuRF1Genes in C2C12 Myotubes
Authors: Pijet Barbara , Pijet Maja , Litwiniuk Anna , Gajewska Małgorzata , Pająk Beata , Orzechowski Arkadiusz
Published: December 2013

TNF-αwas shown to stimulate mitogenicity in C2C12 myoblasts. Selected cytokines TNF-α, IFNα, or IFNγreduced the expression of myosin heavy chain (MyHC IIa) when given together. Molecular mechanisms of cytokine activities were controlled by NF-κB and JAK/STAT signaling pathways, as metabolic inhibitors, curcumin and AG490, inhibited some of TNF-αand IFNα/IFNγeffects. Insulin was hardly antagonistic to TNF-α- and IFNα/IFNγ-dependent decrease in MyHC IIa protein expression. Cytokines used individually or together also repressed myogenesis of C2C12 cells. Moreover, TNF-α- and IFNα/IFNγ-dependent effects on C2C12 myotubes were associated with increased activity ofAtrogin1andMuRF1genes, which code ubiquitin ligases.MyHC IIagene activity was unaltered by cytokines. Inhibition of NF-κB or JAK/STAT with specific metabolic inhibitors decreased activity ofAtrogin1andMuRF1but notMyHC IIagene. Overall, these results suggest cooperation between cytokines in the reduction of MyHC IIa protein expression level via NF-κB/JAK/STAT signaling pathways and activation ofAtrogin1andMuRF1genes as their molecular targets. Insulin cotreatment or pretreatment does not protect against muscle decay induced by examined proinflammatory cytokines.
MicroRNA in Diabetic Nephropathy: Renin Angiotensin, AGE/RAGE, and Oxidative Stress Pathway
Authors: Hagiwara Shinji , McClelland Aaron , Kantharidis Phillip
Published: December 2013

MicroRNAs (miRNA) are a novel class of small, noncoding RNA molecules that have gained the attention of many researchers in recent years due to their ability to posttranscriptionally regulate the expression of families of genes simultaneously. Their role in normal physiology and pathobiology is intriguing and their regulation in normal and disease states is fascinating. That the cells can return to a state of homeostasis when these small molecules are perturbed is truly remarkable given the multiple cellular targets of each miRNA and that many mRNAs are targeted by multiple miRNAs. Several reviews have covered aspects of miRNA function in biology and disease. Here, we review the role of miRNA in regulating the renin-angiotensin system, AGE/RAGE signalling, and under conditions of oxidative stress in the context of diabetic nephropathy.
Optimal Vibration Control for Tracked Vehicle Suspension Systems
Authors: Liang Yan-Jun , Wu Shi-Liang
Published: December 2013

Technique of optimal vibration control with exponential decay rate and simulation for vehicle active suspension systems is developed. Mechanical model and dynamic system for a class of tracked vehicle suspension vibration control is established and the corresponding system of state space form is described. In order to prolong the working life of suspension system and improve ride comfort, based on the active suspension vibration control devices and using optimal control approach, an optimal vibration controller with exponential decay rate is designed. Numerical simulations are carried out, and the control effects of the ordinary optimal controller and the proposed controller are compared. Numerical simulation results illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed technique.
Quantitative Analysis and Comparison of BMI among Han, Tibetan, and Uygur University Students in Northwest China
Authors: Jingya Bai , Ye He , Jing Wang , Xi Huanjiu , Tao Hai
Published: December 2013

Objectives. To fully analyze and compare BMI among Han, Tibetan, and Uygur university students, to discuss the differences in their physical properties and physical health, and thus to provide some theoretical suggestions for the improvement of students’ physical health. Methods. The cross‐sectional random cluster sampling was used to investigate 10103 Han, Tibetan, and Uygur university students, aged 20–24 in Northwest China, and their height and weight were measured to calculate BMI. The BMI classification criteria for Chinese established by Work Group on Obesity in China (WGOC) were used for screening. Results. Han, Tibetan, and Uygur university students show low obesity rates but high overweight rates. Han, Tibetan, and Uygur university students present a high rate of underweight, normal weight, and overweight, respectively. Female Han students show higher underweight and normal weight rates, but lower overweight and obesity rates, than male Han students. Female Tibetan students show higher normal weight rate, but lower overweight and obesity rates, than male Tibetan students. BMI increases with age for male students but decreases with age for female students. Male Uygur students show higher obesity rate than female Uygur students. Tibetan and Uygur university students have higher BMI than other minorities in South China.
Comparison of Artificial Neural Network Architecture in Solving Ordinary Differential Equations
Authors: Mall Susmita , Chakraverty S.
Published: December 2013

This paper investigates the solution of Ordinary Differential Equations (ODEs) with initial conditions using Regression Based Algorithm (RBA) and compares the results with arbitrary- and regression-based initial weights for different numbers of nodes in hidden layer. Here, we have used feed forward neural network and error back propagation method for minimizing the error function and for the modification of the parameters (weights and biases). Initial weights are taken as combination of random as well as by the proposed regression based model. We present the method for solving a variety of problems and the results are compared. Here, the number of nodes in hidden layer has been fixed according to the degree of polynomial in the regression fitting. For this, the input and output data are fitted first with various degree polynomials using regression analysis and the coefficients involved are taken as initial weights to start with the neural training. Fixing of the hidden nodes depends upon the degree of the polynomial. For the example problems, the analytical results have been compared with neural results with arbitrary and regression based weights with four, five, and six nodes in hidden layer and are found to be in good agreement.
Large-Scale Modeling of Epileptic Seizures: Scaling Properties of Two Parallel Neuronal Network Simulation Algorithms
Authors: Pesce Lorenzo L. , Lee Hyong C. , Hereld Mark , Visser Sid , Stevens Rick L. , Wildeman Albert , van Drongelen Wim
Published: December 2013

Our limited understanding of the relationship between the behavior of individual neurons and large neuronal networks is an important limitation in current epilepsy research and may be one of the main causes of our inadequate ability to treat it. Addressing this problem directly via experiments is impossibly complex; thus, we have been developing and studying medium-large-scale simulations of detailed neuronal networks to guide us. Flexibility in the connection schemas and a complete description of the cortical tissue seem necessary for this purpose. In this paper we examine some of the basic issues encountered in these multiscale simulations. We have determined the detailed behavior of two such simulators on parallel computer systems. The observed memory and computation-time scaling behavior for a distributed memory implementation were very good over the range studied, both in terms of network sizes (2,000 to 400,000 neurons) and processor pool sizes (1 to 256 processors). Our simulations required between a few megabytes and about 150 gigabytes of RAM and lasted between a few minutes and about a week, well within the capability of most multinode clusters. Therefore, simulations of epileptic seizures on networks with millions of cells should be feasible on current supercomputers.
Five Pistacia species (P. vera, P. atlantica, P. terebinthus, P. khinjuk, and P. lentiscus): A Review of Their Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry, and Pharmacology
Authors: Bozorgi Mahbubeh , Memariani Zahra , Mobli Masumeh , Salehi Surmaghi Mohammad Hossein , Shams-Ardekani Mohammad Reza , Rahimi Roja
Published: December 2013

Pistacia, a genus of flowering plants from the family Anacardiaceae, contains about twenty species, among them five are more popular including P. vera, P. atlantica, P. terebinthus, P. khinjuk, and P. lentiscus. Different parts of these species have been used in traditional medicine for various purposes like tonic, aphrodisiac, antiseptic, antihypertensive and management of dental, gastrointestinal, liver, urinary tract, and respiratory tract disorders. Scientific findings also revealed the wide pharmacological activities from various parts of these species, such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiviral, anticholinesterase, anti‐inflammatory, antinociceptive, antidiabetic, antitumor, antihyperlipidemic, antiatherosclerotic, and hepatoprotective activities and also their beneficial effects in gastrointestinal disorders. Various types of phytochemical constituents like terpenoids, phenolic compounds, fatty acids, and sterols have also been isolated and identified from different parts of Pistacia species. The present review summarizes comprehensive information concerning ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacological activities of the five mentioned Pistacia species.