bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Acetylcholine functionally reorganizes neocortical microcircuits
Authors: Runfeldt Melissa J. , Sadovsky Alexander J. , MacLean Jason N.
Published: May 2014

Sensory information is processed and transmitted through the synaptic structure of local cortical circuits, but it is unclear how modulation of this architecture influences the cortical representation of sensory stimuli. Acetylcholine (ACh) promotes attention and arousal and is thought to increase the signal-to-noise ratio of sensory input in primary sensory cortices. Using high-speed two-photon calcium imaging in a thalamocortical somatosensory slice preparation, we recorded action potential activity of up to 900 neurons simultaneously and compared local cortical circuit activations with and without bath presence of ACh. We found that ACh reduced weak pairwise relationships and excluded neurons that were already unreliable during circuit activity. Using action potential activity from the imaged population, we generated functional wiring diagrams based on the statistical dependencies of activity between neurons. ACh pruned weak functional connections from spontaneous circuit activations and yielded a more modular and hierarchical circuit structure, which biased activity to flow in a more feedforward fashion. Neurons that were active in response to thalamic input had reduced pairwise dependencies overall, but strong correlations were conserved. This coincided with a prolonged period during which neurons showed temporally precise responses to thalamic input. Our results demonstrate that ACh reorganizes functional circuit structure in a manner that may enhance the integration and discriminability of thalamic afferent input within local neocortical circuitry.
Neural and genetic degeneracy underliesCaenorhabditis elegansfeeding behavior
Authors: Trojanowski Nicholas F. , Padovan-Merhar Olivia , Raizen David M. , Fang-Yen Christopher
Published: May 2014

Degenerate networks, in which structurally distinct elements can perform the same function or yield the same output, are ubiquitous in biology. Degeneracy contributes to the robustness and adaptability of networks in varied environmental and evolutionary contexts. However, how degenerate neural networks regulate behavior in vivo is poorly understood, especially at the genetic level. Here, we identify degenerate neural and genetic mechanisms that underlie excitation of the pharynx (feeding organ) in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans using cell-specific optogenetic excitation and inhibition. We show that the pharyngeal neurons MC, M2, M4, and I1 form multiple direct and indirect excitatory pathways in a robust network for control of pharyngeal pumping. I1 excites pumping via MC and M2 in a state-dependent manner. We identify nicotinic and muscarinic receptors through which the pharyngeal network regulates feeding rate. These results identify two different mechanisms by which degeneracy is manifest in a neural circuit in vivo.
A functional dissociation between language and multiple-demand systems revealed in patterns of BOLD signal fluctuations
Authors: Blank Idan , Kanwisher Nancy , Fedorenko Evelina
Published: May 2014

What is the relationship between language and other high-level cognitive functions? Neuroimaging studies have begun to illuminate this question, revealing that some brain regions are quite selectively engaged during language processing, whereas other “multiple-demand” (MD) regions are broadly engaged by diverse cognitive tasks. Nonetheless, the functional dissociation between the language and MD systems remains controversial. Here, we tackle this question with a synergistic combination of functional MRI methods: we first define candidate language-specific and MD regions in each subject individually (using functional localizers) and then measure blood oxygen level-dependent signal fluctuations in these regions during two naturalistic conditions (“rest” and story-comprehension). In both conditions, signal fluctuations strongly correlate among language regions as well as among MD regions, but correlations across systems are weak or negative. Moreover, data-driven clustering analyses based on these inter-region correlations consistently recover two clusters corresponding to the language and MD systems. Thus although each system forms an internally integrated whole, the two systems dissociate sharply from each other. This independent recruitment of the language and MD systems during cognitive processing is consistent with the hypothesis that these two systems support distinct cognitive functions.
Factors Affecting Parent-Adolescent Discussion on Reproductive Health Issues in Harar, Eastern Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Yadeta Tesfaye Assebe , Bedane Haji Kedir , Tura Abera Kenay
Published: May 2014

Background.Open family discussion on reproductive health (RH) issues often leads to increased awareness on RH matters and reduces risky behaviors among adolescents. This study was conducted to assess factors affecting parent-adolescent discussion on RH issues in Harar, Ethiopia.Methods.A cross-sectional survey using face to face interview supplemented with focus group discussion (FGD) was conducted on 751 randomly selected parents of 10–19-year-old adolescents. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 15.Results.More than one-fourth (28.76%) of parents reported discussing RH issues with their adolescents during the last six months. In the logistic regression, parents who have demonstrated good RH knowledge and positive attitude towards RH were almost six times and seventy percent (AOR 5.69, 95% CI: 3.67–8.82; AOR 1.70, 95% CI: 1.08–2.68) higher in discussing RH with their adolescents than their counterparts, respectively.Conclusion.Parent-adolescent discussion about RH issues rarely occurs and is bounded by lack of knowledge, sociocultural norms, and parental concern that discussion would encourage premarital sex. Reproductive health programs should target on improving awareness of parents and addressing sociocultural norms surrounding reproductive health issues.
Positive Solutions and Mann Iterations of a Fourth Order Nonlinear Neutral Delay Differential Equation
Authors: Liu Zeqing , Zhu Jingjing , Ume Jeong Sheok , Kang Shin Min
Published: May 2014

This paper deals with a fourth order nonlinear neutral delay differential equation. By using the Banach fixed point theorem, we establish the existence of uncountably many bounded positive solutions for the equation, construct several Mann iterative sequences with mixed errors for approximating these positive solutions, and discuss some error estimates between the approximate solutions and these positive solutions. Seven nontrivial examples are given.
Practical RSA-PAKE for Low-Power Device in Imbalanced Wireless Networks
Authors: Youn Taek-Young , Lee Sewon , Hong Seok Hie , Park Young-Ho
Published: May 2014

For enhancing the security of ubiquitous communication, we have to consider three keywords: mobility, wireless, and low computing capability. In this paper, we study one of suitable security protocols for the ubiquitous communication environment. We discuss RSA-based password-authenticated key exchange (RSA-PAKE) protocols for imbalanced wireless networks where a party uses a low-power device to communicate with another party equipped with a powerful computing device. For imbalanced wireless network applications, it is important to reduce the cost of communication for a low-power device even though the cost for powerful devices is increasing. The most power-consuming operation in RSA-PAKE protocols is the reliability test of unauthorized RSA public keys. Hence, it is important to design an efficient reliability test method to construct an efficient RSA-PAKE protocol. In this paper, we propose a new reliability test technique and design a provably secure RSA-PAKE protocol using the technique. Our protocol is suitable for securing the communications conducted over imbalanced wireless networks since the operations computed by one communicating party are efficient enough to be implemented on most low-power devices such as mobile phones and PDAs. The cost of a low-power device is reduced by 84.25% compared with CEKEP, the most efficient RSA-PAKE protocol. We prove the security of our protocol under a firmly formalized security model.
Generation of Recombinant Schmallenberg Virus Nucleocapsid Protein in Yeast and Development of Virus-Specific Monoclonal Antibodies
Authors: Lazutka Justas , Zvirbliene Aurelija , Dalgediene Indre , Petraityte-Burneikiene Rasa , Spakova Aliona , Sereika Vilimas , Lelesius Raimundas , Wernike Kerstin , Beer Martin , Sasnauskas Kestutis
Published: May 2014

Schmallenberg virus (SBV), discovered in continental Europe in late 2011, causes mild clinical signs in adult ruminants, including diarrhoea and reduced milk yield. However, fetal infection can lead to severe malformation in newborn offspring. To develop improved reagents for SBV serology, a high-level yeast expression system was employed to produce recombinant SBV nucleocapsid (N) protein. Recombinant SBV N protein was investigated as an antigen in SBV-specific IgG enzyme immunoassay and used for generation of monoclonal antibodies (MAbs). Yeast-expressed SBV N protein was reactive with anti-SBV IgG-positive cow serum specimens collected from different farms of Lithuania. After immunization of mice with recombinant SBV N protein, four MAbs were generated. The MAbs raised against recombinant SBV N protein reacted with native viral nucleocapsids in SBV-infected BHK cells by immunofluorescence assay. The reactivity of recombinant N protein with SBV-positive cow serum specimens and the ability of the MAbs to recognize virus-infected cells confirm the antigenic similarity between yeast-expressed SBV N protein and native viral nucleocapsids. Our study demonstrates that yeast expression system is suitable for high-level production of recombinant SBV N protein and provides the first evidence on the presence of SBV-specific antibodies in cow serum specimens collected in Lithuania.
Optimization and Planning of Emergency Evacuation Routes Considering Traffic Control
Authors: Li Guo , Zhang Lijun , Wang Zhaohua
Published: May 2014

Emergencies, especially major ones, happen fast, randomly, as well as unpredictably, and generally will bring great harm to people’s life and the economy. Therefore, governments and lots of professionals devote themselves to taking effective measures and providing optimal evacuation plans. This paper establishes two different emergency evacuation models on the basis of the maximum flow model (MFM) and the minimum-cost maximum flow model (MC-MFM), and proposes corresponding algorithms for the evacuation from one source node to one designated destination (one-to-one evacuation). Ulteriorly, we extend our evaluation model from one source node to many designated destinations (one-to-many evacuation). At last, we make case analysis of evacuation optimization and planning in Beijing, and obtain the desired evacuation routes and effective traffic control measures from the perspective of sufficiency and practicability. Both analytical and numerical results support that our models are feasible and practical.
Modulation of the Activities of Catalase, Cu-Zn, Mn Superoxide Dismutase, and Glutathione Peroxidase in Adipocyte from Ovariectomised Female Rats with Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Guerra Rebeca Cambray , Zuñiga-Muñoz Alejandra , Guarner Lans Verónica , Díaz-Díaz Eulises , Tena Betancourt Carlos Alberto , Pérez-Torres Israel
Published: May 2014

The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between estrogen removal, antioxidant enzymes, and oxidative stress generated by obesity in a MS female rat model. Thirty two female Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups: Control (C), MS, MS ovariectomized (Ovx), and MS Ovx plus estradiol (E2). MS was induced by administering 30% sucrose to drinking water for 24 weeks. After sacrifice, intra-abdominal fat was dissected; adipocytes were isolated and lipid peroxidation, non-enzymatic antioxidant capacity, and the activities of Cu-Zn and Mn superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were determined. There were no significant differences in the activities of Cu-Zn, Mn SOD, CAT, and GPx between the C and MS groups, but in the MS Ovx group there was a statistically significant decrease in the activities of these enzymes when compared to MS and MS Ovx+E2. The increased lipid peroxidation and nonenzymatic antioxidant capacity found in MS Ovx was significantly decreased when compared to MS and MS Ovx+E2. In conclusion, the removal of E2by ovariectomy decreases the activity of the antioxidant enzymes in the intra-abdominal tissue of MS female rats; this is reflected by increased lipid peroxidation and decreased nonenzymatic antioxidant capacity.
Impact of Wines and Wine Constituents on Cyclooxygenase-1, Cyclooxygenase-2, and 5-Lipoxygenase Catalytic Activity
Authors: Kutil Zsofia , Temml Veronika , Maghradze David , Pribylova Marie , Dvorakova Marcela , Schuster Daniela , Vanek Tomas , Landa Premysl
Published: May 2014

Cyclooxygenases and lipoxygenases are proinflammatory enzymes; the former affects platelet aggregation, vasoconstriction, vasodilatation and later the development of atherosclerosis. Red wines from Georgia and central and western Europe inhibited cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) activity in the range of 63–94%, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) activity in the range of 20–44% (tested at a concentration of 5 mL/L), and 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) activity in the range of 72–84% (at a concentration of 18.87 mL/L). White wines inhibited 5-LOX in the range of 41–68% at a concentration of 18.87 mL/L and did not inhibit COX-1 and COX-2. Piceatannol (IC50= 0.76 μM) was identified as a strong inhibitor of 5-LOX followed by luteolin (IC50= 2.25 μM), quercetin (IC50= 3.29 μM), and myricetin (IC50= 4.02 μM).trans-Resveratrol was identified as an inhibitor of COX-1 (IC50= 2.27 μM) and COX-2 (IC50= 3.40 μM). Red wine as a complex mixture is a powerful inhibitor of COX-1, COX-2, and 5-LOX, the enzymes involved in eicosanoid biosynthetic pathway.
Hip Joint Replacement Using Monofilament Polypropylene Surgical Mesh: An Animal Model
Authors: Białecki Jacek , Majchrzycki Marian , Szymczak Antoni , Klimowicz-Bodys Małgorzata Dorota , Wierzchoś Edward , Kołomecki Krzysztof
Published: May 2014

Hip joint dysplasia is a deformation of the articular elements (pelvic acetabulum, head of the femur, and/or ligament of the head of the femur) leading to laxity of the hip components and dislocation of the femoral head from the pelvic acetabulum. Diagnosis is based on symptoms observed during clinical and radiological examinations. There are two treatment options: conservative and surgical. The classic surgical procedures are juvenile pubic symphysiodesis (JPS), triple pelvic osteotomy (TPO), total hip replacement (THR), and femoral head and neck resection (FHNE). The aim of this experiment was to present an original technique of filling the acetabulum with a polypropylene implant, resting the femoral neck directly on the mesh. The experiment was performed on eight sheep. The clinical value of the new surgical technique was evaluated using clinical, radiological, and histological methods. This technique helps decrease the loss of limb length by supporting the femoral neck on the mesh equivalent to the femoral head. It also reduces joint pain and leads to the formation of stable and mobile pseudarthrosis. The mesh manifested osteoprotective properties and enabled the formation of a stiff-elastic connection within the hip joint. The method is very cost-effective and the technique itself is simple to perform.
An Adaptive Nonconforming Finite Element Algorithm for Laplace Eigenvalue Problem
Authors: Yu Yuanyuan , Yang Yidu , Han Jiayu
Published: May 2014

We establish Crouzeix-Raviart element adaptive algorithm based on Rayleigh quotient iteration and give its a priori/a posteriori error estimates. Our algorithm is performed under the package of Chen, and satisfactory numerical results are obtained.
Vegetation Response to Climate Change and Human Impacts in the Usambara Mountains
Authors: Mumbi C. T. , Marchant R. , Lane P.
Published: May 2014

East and West Usambara Mountain blocks are unique based on three characteristics. Firstly, they are connected blocks; secondly, they have an oceanic-influenced climate; and thirdly, the rain seasons are not easily discernible due to their close proximity to the Indian Ocean and Equator. Sediment cores were collected from peat bogs in Derema (DRM) and Mbomole (MBML) in East Usambara and from Madumu (DUMU) in West Usambara. The multiproxy record provides an understanding on climate and vegetation changes during the last 5000 years. DRM and MBML cores result in radiocarbon ages and age-depth curve which showed hiatus at 20 cm and 61 cm and huge inversion for DUMU core at 57 cm. Period 5000–4000 14C yr BP for DUMU core revealed increased Montane forest indicative of relatively moist conditions. Periods 3000–2000 and 2000–1000 14C yr BP, DUMU core demonstrated increased submontane and lowland forests. Period 1000–200 14C yr BP, DUMU core signified increased coprophilous fungi while DRM and MBML cores signified fluctuating herbaceous pollen spectra (wet-dry episodes). Period 200 14C yr BP to present, all cores demonstrated stable recovery of forest types especially dominance of submontane forests. Abundant coprophilous fungi indicated increased human impacts including forest fires, cultivation, and grazing.
Interaction of Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers and Aerobic Granular Sludge: Biosorption and Microbial Degradation
Authors: Ni Shou-Qing , Cui Qingjie , Zheng Zhen
Published: May 2014

As a new category of persistent organic pollutants, polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) have become ubiquitous global environmental contaminants. No literature is available on the aerobic biotransformation of decabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-209). Herein, we investigated the interaction of PBDEs with aerobic granular sludge. The results show that the removal of BDE-209 from wastewater is mainly via biosorption onto aerobic granular sludge. The uptake capacity increased when temperature, contact time, and sludge dosage increased or solution pH dropped. Ionic strength had a negative influence on BDE-209 adsorption. The modified pseudo first-order kinetic model was appropriate to describe the adsorption kinetics. Microbial debromination of BDE-209 did not occur during the first 30 days of operation. Further study found that aerobic microbial degradation of 4,4′-dibromodiphenyl ether happened with the production of lower BDE congeners.
Ruin Probabilities in the Mixed Claim Frequency Risk Models
Authors: Xiaoqin Zhao , Huang Chuangxia
Published: May 2014

We consider two mixed claim frequency risk models. Some important probabilistic properties are obtained by probability‐theory methods. Some important results about ruin probabilities are obtained by martingale approach.
Gastroprotective Effect of Freeze Dried Stripped Snakehead Fish (Channa striataBloch.) Aqueous Extract against Aspirin Induced Ulcerogenesis in Pylorus Ligated Rats
Authors: Ali Khan Mohammed Safwan , Mat Jais Abdul Manan , Hussain Javeed , Siddiqua Faiza , Gopala Reddy A. , Shivakumar P. , Madhuri D.
Published: May 2014

Channa striata(Bloch.) is a fresh water fish belonging to the family Channidae. The stripped snakehead fish possesses wide range of medicinal properties. In view of traditional use ofC. striatafor wound healing, the present study was undertaken to investigate the beneficial effects of orally administered freeze dried aqueous extract ofChanna striata(AECS) in experimentally induced gastric ulcers in Wistar rats. Aspirin induced ulcerogenesis in pyloric ligation model was used for the assessment of antiulcer activity and Ranitidine (50 mg/kg) was employed as the standard drug. The various gastric parameters like volume of gastric juice, pH, free and total acidities, ulcer index, and levels of antioxidant enzymes like catalase, superoxide dismutase, and lipid peroxidation marker malondialdehyde were determined. AECS at concentrations of 40% and 50% w/v significantly decreased the volume of gastric juice and increased the levels of catalase while considerable decrease in free and total acidities and increase in superoxide dismutase were observed with the treatment of standard drug and AECS (50% w/v). All the test doses of AECS markedly decreased ulcer index and malondialdehyde compared to the standard drug whereas AECS 30% w/v did not alter volume of gastric juice, pH, free and total acidities, catalase, and superoxide dismutase. From these findings, it can be concluded that AECS is devoid of acid neutralizing effects at lower doses and possesses antisecretory and antiulcer activities and this could be related to its antioxidant mechanism.
A Novel Hemagglutinin with Antiproliferative Activity against Tumor Cells from the Hallucinogenic MushroomBoletus speciosus
Authors: Sun Jian , Ng Tzi-Bun , Wang Hexiang , Zhang Guoqing
Published: May 2014

Little was known about bioactive compounds from the hallucinogenic mushroomBoletus speciosus. In the present study, a hemagglutinin (BSH,B. speciosushemagglutinin) was isolated from its fruiting bodies and enzymatic properties were also tested. The chromatographic procedure utilized comprised anion exchange chromatography on Q-Sepharose, cation exchange chromatography on CM-Cellulose, cation exchange chromatography on SP-Sepharose, and gel filtration by FPLC on Superdex 75. The hemagglutinin was a homodimer which was estimated to be approximately 31 kDa in size. The activity of BSH was stable up to 60°C, while there was a precipitous drop in activity when the temperature was elevated to 70°C. BSH retained 25% hemagglutinating activity when exposed to 100 mM NaOH and 25 mM HCl. The activity was potently inhibited by 1.25 mM Hg2+and slightly inhibited by Fe2+, Ca2+, and Pb2+. None of the sugars tested showed inhibition towards BSH. Its hemagglutinating activity towards human erythrocytes type A, type B, and type AB was higher than type O. The hemagglutinin showed antiproliferative activity towards hepatoma Hep G2 cells and mouse lymphocytic leukemia cells (L1210)in vitro, with IC50of 4.7 μM and 7.0 μM, respectively. It also exhibited HIV-1 reverse transcriptase inhibitory activity with an IC50of 7.1 μM.
Effect ofAlocasia indicaTuber Extract on Reducing Hepatotoxicity and Liver Apoptosis in Alcohol Intoxicated Rats
Authors: Pal Swagata , Bhattacharjee Ankita , Mukherjee Sandip , Bhattacharya Koushik , Mukherjee Soumya , Khowala Suman
Published: May 2014

The possible protective role of ethanolic extract ofA. indicatuber (EEAIT) in hepatotoxicity and apoptosis of liver caused by alcohol in rats was investigated. Treatment of rats with alcohol (3 g ethanol per kg body weight per day for 15 days intraperitoneally) produced marked elevation of liver biomarkers such as serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST),γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (γ-GT), and total bilirubin levels which were reduced by EEAIT in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, EEAIT improved antioxidant status (MDA, NO, and GSH) and preserved hepatic cell architecture. Simultaneous supplementation with EEAIT significantly restored hepatic catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity levels towards normal. The studies with biochemical markers were strongly supported by the histopathological evaluation of the liver tissue. EEAIT also attenuated apoptosis and necrosis features of liver cell found in immunohistochemical evaluation. HPLC analysis of the extract showed the presence of three major peaks of which peak 2 (RT: 33.33 min) contains the highest area (%) and UV spectrum analysis identified it as flavonoids. It is therefore suggested that EEAIT can provide a definite protective effect against chronic hepatic injury caused by alcohol in rats, which may mainly be associated with its antioxidative effect.
The Bifunctional Pyruvate Decarboxylase/Pyruvate Ferredoxin Oxidoreductase fromThermococcus guaymasensis
Authors: Eram Mohammad S. , Oduaran Erica , Ma Kesen
Published: May 2014

The hyperthermophilic archaeonThermococcus guaymasensisproduces ethanol as a metabolic end product, and an alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) catalyzing the reduction of acetaldehyde to ethanol has been purified and characterized. However, the enzyme catalyzing the formation of acetaldehyde has not been identified. In this study an enzyme catalyzing the production of acetaldehyde from pyruvate was purified and characterized fromT. guaymasensisunder strictly anaerobic conditions. The enzyme had both pyruvate decarboxylase (PDC) and pyruvate ferredoxin oxidoreductase (POR) activities. It was oxygen sensitive, and the optimal temperatures were 85°C and >95°C for the PDC and POR activities, respectively. The purified enzyme had activities of3.8±0.22 U mg−1and20.2±1.8 U mg−1, with optimal pH-values of 9.5 and 8.4 for each activity, respectively. Coenzyme A was essential for both activities, although it did not serve as a substrate for the former. Enzyme kinetic parameters were determined separately for each activity. The purified enzyme was a heterotetramer. The sequences of the genes encoding the subunits of the bifunctional PDC/POR were determined. It is predicted that all hyperthermophilicβ-keto acids ferredoxin oxidoreductases are bifunctional, catalyzing the activities of nonoxidative and oxidative decarboxylation of the correspondingβ-keto acids.
Body Stalk Anomaly in a 9-Week Pregnancy
Authors: Quijano Fabio E. , Rey María Mónica , Echeverry Mariana , Axt-Fliedner Roland
Published: May 2014

Body stalk anomaly is a rare and severe malformation syndrome in which the exact pathophysiology and trigger factors are still unknown. This is a case of a 30-year-old patient who underwent ultrasound at 9 weeks of gestation. It revealed an abnormal location of the inferior body of the embryo in the coelomic space. The findings suggested a short umbilical cord syndrome. In order to confirm the diagnosis, the patient was scheduled for a second ultrasonography at 11 weeks of gestation. The obtained images, confirmed the location of the inferior body in the coelomic space with no visible bladder, absence of the right leg, severe abdominal wall defect, consistent with an omphalocele, and a short 5 mm umbilical cord. These last ultrasonographic findings were consistent with body stalk anomaly. Because of severe malformation incompatible with life, the patient was offered termination of pregnancy. Pathologic examination confirmed the suspected pathology of body stalk anomaly.
Multiplicity of Solutions for Neumann Problems for Semilinear Elliptic Equations
Authors: An Yu-Cheng , Suo Hong-Min
Published: May 2014

Using the minimax methods in critical point theory, we study the multiplicity of solutions for a class of Neumann problems in the case near resonance. The results improve and generalize some of the corresponding existing results.
Addressing Parental Smoking in Pediatric Settings of Chinese Hospitals: A Qualitative Study of Parents
Authors: Abdullah Abu S. , Ma Zhenyu , Liao Jing , Huang Kaiyong , Yang Li , Zhang Zhiyong , Winickoff Jonathan P. , Nong Guang-Min
Published: May 2014

This study explored factors associated with SHS exposure from parental smoking in Chinese families and assessed nature of antismoking discussions parents had with their children’s pediatricians and how pediatricians might best engage with parents in an effort to reduce children’s exposure to SHS. Six focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted among 33 Chinese parents attending six major hospitals in Guangxi province, China. Most participants (32/33) had family members who smoke, and only 21% had strict restriction on smoking at home. Some parents did not know about health consequences of smoking and effects of SHS exposure on children. Situations that made it especially hard to avoid the child’s SHS exposure were having an elderly smoker at home and having a visitor who smoked. Only few parents were asked by pediatricians about child’s exposure to SHS at home, but only when child’s illness was related to smoking. Parents believed that suggestions coming from pediatricians about smoke-free home and parental quitting would be acceptable to parents and other household members. The findings provide insight into SHS exposure reduction effort among Chinese parents and underscore the demand for pediatrician’s engagement in addressing parental tobacco use.
Particulate Size of Microalgal Biomass Affects Hydrolysate Properties and Bioethanol Concentration
Authors: Harun Razif , Danquah Michael K. , Thiruvenkadam Selvakumar
Published: May 2014

Effective optimization of microalgae-to-bioethanol process systems hinges on an in-depth characterization of key process parameters relevant to the overall bioprocess engineering. One of the such important variables is the biomass particle size distribution and the effects on saccharification levels and bioethanol titres. This study examined the effects of three different microalgal biomass particle size ranges, 35 μm ≤x≤ 90 μm, 125 μm ≤x≤ 180 μm, and 295 μm ≤x≤ 425 μm, on the degree of enzymatic hydrolysis and bioethanol production. Two scenarios were investigated: single enzyme hydrolysis (cellulase) and double enzyme hydrolysis (cellulase and cellobiase). The glucose yield from biomass in the smallest particle size range (35 μm ≤x≤ 90 μm) was the highest, 134.73 mg glucose/g algae, while the yield from biomass in the larger particle size range (295 μm ≤x≤ 425 μm) was 75.45 mg glucose/g algae. A similar trend was observed for bioethanol yield, with the highest yield of 0.47 g EtOH/g glucose obtained from biomass in the smallest particle size range. The results have shown that the microalgal biomass particle size has a significant effect on enzymatic hydrolysis and bioethanol yield.
Robust Monotonically Convergent Iterative Learning Control for Discrete-Time Systems via Generalized KYP Lemma
Authors: Ding Jian , Yang Huizhong
Published: May 2014

This paper addresses the problem of P-type iterative learning control for a class of multiple-input multiple-output linear discrete-time systems, whose aim is to develop robust monotonically convergent control law design over a finite frequency range. It is shown that the 2 D iterative learning control processes can be taken as 1 D state space model regardless of relative degree. With the generalized Kalman-Yakubovich-Popov lemma applied, it is feasible to describe the monotonically convergent conditions with the help of linear matrix inequality technique and to develop formulas for the control gain matrices design. An extension to robust control law design against systems with structured and polytopic-type uncertainties is also considered. Two numerical examples are provided to validate the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method.
Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage in Warfarin Anticoagulated Patients: Incidence, Risk Factor, Management, and Outcome
Authors: Chen Wen-Chi , Chen Yan-Hua , Hsu Ping-I , Tsay Feng-Woei , Chan Hoi-Hung , Cheng Jin-Shiung , Lai Kwok-Hung
Published: May 2014

Background.Warfarin reduces the incidence of thromboembolism but increases the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB). GIB during warfarin anticoagulation is rarely evaluated in Asian patients.Aims.This study aimed at investigating the incidence, risk factors, management, and outcome of GIB in Taiwanese patients treated with warfarin.Methods.We analyzed a cohort of warfarin anticoagulated patients between July 1993 and May 2012. Clinical data were retrieved in a chart-reviewing manner.Results.A total of 401 warfarin anticoagulated patients were enrolled. The incidence of GIB was 3.9% per patient-years. Multivariate analysis with Cox regression showed that age >65 years old (RR: 2.5, 95% CI: 1.2–5.5), a mean international normalized ratio >2.1 (RR: 2.1, 95% CI: 1.0–4.2), a history of GIB (RR: 5.1, 95% CI: 1.9–13.5), and cirrhosis (RR: 6.9, 95% CI: 2.0–24.5) were independent factors predicting GIB. 27.3% of the GIB patients had rebleeding after restarting warfarin while thromboembolic events were found in 16.7% of the patients discontinuing warfarin therapy.Conclusions.Warfarin was associated with a significant incidence of GIB in Taiwanese patients. The intensity of anticoagulation should be monitored closely during warfarin therapy, especially in patients with risk factors of GIB.
Basal Transcription Factor 3 Plays an Important Role in Seed Germination and Seedling Growth of Rice
Authors: Wang Wenyi , Xu Mengyun , Wang Ya , Jamil Muhammad
Published: May 2014

BTF3 has been recognized to be involved in plant growth and development. But its function remains mostly unknown during seed germination and seedling stage. Here, we have analyzed OsBTF3-related sequences inOryza sativaL. subspecies, japonica, which resembles with the conserved domain of a nascent polypeptide associated complex (NAC) with different homologs of OsBTF3 and human BTF3. Inhibition ofOsj10gBTF3has led to considerable morphological changes during seed germination and seedling growth. Germination percentage was not influenced by the application of GA3, ABA, and NaCl but all concentrations caused wild-type (WT) seeds to germinate more rapidly than the RNAi (Osj10gBTF3Ri) transgenic lines. Seedling inhibition was more severe in theOsj10gBTF3Riseedlings compared with their WT especially when treated with 100 or 200 μM GA3; 50% reduction in shoots was observed inOsj10gBTF3Riseedlings. The expression ofOsj3g1BTF3,Osj3g2BTF3andOsj10gBTF3was primarily constitutive and generally modulated by NaCl, ABA, and GA3stresses in bothOsj10gBTF3Rilines and WT at the early seedling stage, suggesting thatOsj3g1BTF3andOsj10gBTF3are much similar but different fromOsj3g2BTF3in biological function. These results show that OsBTF3 plays an important role in seed germination and seedling growth gives a new perception demonstrating that more multifaceted regulatory functions are linked with BTF3 in plants.
Solution of the Differential-Difference Equations by Optimal Homotopy Asymptotic Method
Authors: Ullah H. , Islam S. , Idrees M. , Fiza M.
Published: May 2014

We applied a new analytic approximate technique, optimal homotopy asymptotic method (OHAM), for treatment of differential-difference equations (DDEs). To see the efficiency and reliability of the method, we consider Volterra equation in different form. It provides us with a convenient way to control the convergence of approximate solutions when it is compared with other methods of solution found in the literature. The obtained solutions show that OHAM is effective, simpler, easier, and explicit.
Exploratory Study on the Methodology of Fast Imaging of Unilateral Stroke Lesions by Electrical Impedance Asymmetry in Human Heads
Authors: Ma Jieshi , Xu Canhua , Dai Meng , You Fusheng , Shi Xuetao , Dong Xiuzhen , Fu Feng
Published: May 2014

Stroke has a high mortality and disability rate and should be rapidly diagnosed to improve prognosis. Diagnosing stroke is not a problem for hospitals with CT, MRI, and other imaging devices but is difficult for community hospitals without these devices. Based on the mechanism that the electrical impedance of the two hemispheres of a normal human head is basically symmetrical and a stroke can alter this symmetry, a fast electrical impedance imaging method called symmetrical electrical impedance tomography (SEIT) is proposed. In this technique, electrical impedance tomography (EIT) data measured from the undamaged craniocerebral hemisphere (CCH) is regarded as reference data for the remaining EIT data measured from the other CCH for difference imaging to identify the differences in resistivity distribution between the two CCHs. The results of SEIT imaging based on simulation data from the 2D human head finite element model and that from the physical phantom of human head verified this method in detection of unilateral stroke.
A Tool for Balance Control Training Using Muscle Synergies and Multimodal Interfaces
Authors: Galeano D. , Brunetti F. , Torricelli D. , Piazza S. , Pons J. L.
Published: May 2014

Balance control plays a key role in neuromotor rehabilitation after stroke or spinal cord injuries. Computerized dynamic posturography (CDP) is a classic technological tool to assess the status of balance control and to identify potential disorders. Despite the more accurate diagnosis generated by these tools, the current strategies to promote rehabilitation are still limited and do not take full advantage of the technologies available. This paper presents a novel balance training platform which combines a CDP device made from low-cost interfaces, such as the Nintendo Wii Balance Board and the Microsoft Kinect. In addition, it integrates a custom electrical stimulator that uses the concept of muscle synergies to promote natural interaction. The aim of the platform is to support the exploration of innovative multimodal therapies. Results include the technical validation of the platform using mediolateral and anteroposterior sways as basic balance training therapies.
A Three-Stage Birandom Program for Unit Commitment with Wind Power Uncertainty
Authors: Zhang Na , Li Weidong , Liu Rao , Lv Quan , Sun Liang
Published: May 2014

The integration of large-scale wind power adds a significant uncertainty to power system planning and operating. The wind forecast error is decreased with the forecast horizon, particularly when it is from one day to several hours ahead. Integrating intraday unit commitment (UC) adjustment process based on updated ultra-short term wind forecast information is one way to improve the dispatching results. A novel three-stage UC decision method, in which the day-ahead UC decisions are determined in the first stage, the intraday UC adjustment decisions of subfast start units are determined in the second stage, and the UC decisions of fast-start units and dispatching decisions are determined in the third stage is presented. Accordingly, a three-stage birandom UC model is presented, in which the intraday hours-ahead forecasted wind power is formulated as a birandom variable, and the intraday UC adjustment event is formulated as a birandom event. The equilibrium chance constraint is employed to ensure the reliability requirement. A birandom simulation based hybrid genetic algorithm is designed to solve the proposed model. Some computational results indicate that the proposed model provides UC decisions with lower expected total costs.
The Effect of Orthodontic Therapy on Periodontal Health: A Review of the Literature
Authors: Alfuriji Samah , Alhazmi Nora , Alhamlan Nasir , Al-Ehaideb Ali , Alruwaithi Moatazbellah , Alkatheeri Nasser , Geevarghese Amrita
Published: May 2014

Objectives.This review aims to evaluate the effect of orthodontic therapy on periodontal health.Data.Original articles that reported on the effect of orthodontic therapy on periodontal health were included. The reference lists of potentially relevant review articles were also sought.Sources.A literature search was conducted using the databases, Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and Scopus databases for relevant studies. The search was carried out by using a combined text and the MeSH search strategies: using the key words in different combinations: “periodontal disease,” “orthodontics” and “root resorption.” This was supplemented by hand-searching in peer-reviewed journals and cross-referenced with the articles accessed. Articles published only in English language were included. Letters to the Editor, historical reviews and unpublished articles were not sought.Conclusions.Within the limitations of the present literature review, it was observed that there is a very close inter-relationship between the periodontal health and the outcome of orthodontic therapy.
Downscaling Statistical Model Techniques for Climate Change Analysis Applied to the Amazon Region
Authors: Mendes David , Marengo José Antonio , Rodrigues Sidney , Oliveira Magaly
Published: May 2014

The Amazon is an area covered predominantly by dense tropical rainforest with relatively small inclusions of several other types of vegetation. In the last decades, scientific research has suggested a strong link between the health of the Amazon and the integrity of the global climate: tropical forests and woodlands (e.g., savannas) exchange vast amounts of water and energy with the atmosphere and are thought to be important in controlling local and regional climates. Consider the importance of the Amazon biome to the global climate changes impacts and the role of the protected area in the conservation of biodiversity and state-of-art of downscaling model techniques based on ANN Calibrate and run a downscaling model technique based on the Artificial Neural Network (ANN) that is applied to the Amazon region in order to obtain regional and local climate predicted data (e.g., precipitation). Considering the importance of the Amazon biome to the global climate changes impacts and the state-of-art of downscaling techniques for climate models, the shower of this work is presented as follows: the use of ANNs good similarity with the observation in the cities of Belém and Manaus, with correlations of approximately 88.9% and 91.3%, respectively, and spatial distribution, especially in the correction process, representing a good fit.
Effect of Biometric Characteristics on the Change of Biomechanical Properties of the Human Cornea due to Cataract Surgery
Authors: Song Xuefei , Langenbucher Achim , Gatzioufas Zisis , Seitz Berthold , El-Husseiny Moatasem
Published: May 2014

Purpose.To determine the impact of biometric characteristics on changes of biomechanical properties of the human cornea due to standard cataract surgery using biomechanical analysis.Patients and Methods.This prospective consecutive cross-sectional study comprised 54 eyes with cataract in stages I or II that underwent phacoemulsification and IOL implantation. CH, CRF, IOPg, and IOPcc intraocular pressure were measured by biomechanical analysis preoperatively and at 1 month postoperatively. Changes (Δ) were calculated as preoperative value versus postoperative value. Biometrical data were extracted from TMS-5 (CSI and SAI), IOLMaster (AL), and EM-3000 (CCT and ECC) preoperatively.Results.The average values of the changes wereΔCH=-0.45±1.27 mmHg,ΔCRF=-0.88±1.1 mmHg,ΔIOPg=-1.58±3.15 mmHg, andΔIOPcc=-1.45±3.93 mmHg. The higher the CSI the smaller the decrease in CH (r=0.302,P=0.028). The higher the CCT the larger the decrease in CRF (r=-0.371,P=0.013). The higher the AL the smaller the decrease in IOPg (r=0.417,P=0.005). The higher the AL, SAI, and EEC the smaller the decrease in IOPcc (r=0.351,P=0.001;r=-0.478,P<0.001;r=0.339,P=0.013).Conclusions.Corneal biomechanical properties were affected by comprehensive factors after cataract surgery, including corneal endothelium properties, biometry, and geometrical characteristics.
Recombinant Dense Granular Protein (GRA5) for Detection of Human Toxoplasmosis by Western Blot
Authors: Ching Xiao Teng , Lau Yee Ling , Fong Mun Yik , Nissapatorn Veeranoot , Andiappan Hemah
Published: May 2014

Toxoplasma gondiiinfects all warm-blooded animals, including humans, causing serious public health problems and great economic loss for the food industry. Commonly used serological tests require costly and hazardous preparation of wholeToxoplasmalysate antigens from tachyzoites. Here, we have evaluated an alternative method for antigen production, which involved a prokaryotic expression system. Specifically, we expressedT. gondiidense granular protein-5 (GRA5) inEscherichia coliand isolated it by affinity purification. The serodiagnostic potential of the purified recombinant GRA5 (rGRA5) was tested through Western blot analysis against 212 human patient serum samples. We found that rGRA5 protein was 100% specific for analysis of toxoplasmosis-negative human sera. Also, rGRA5 was able to detect acute and chronicT. gondiiinfections (sensitivities of 46.8% and 61.2%, resp.).
Firefly Algorithm for Cardinality Constrained Mean-Variance Portfolio Optimization Problem with Entropy Diversity Constraint
Authors: Bacanin Nebojsa , Tuba Milan
Published: May 2014

Portfolio optimization (selection) problem is an important and hard optimization problem that, with the addition of necessary realistic constraints, becomes computationally intractable. Nature-inspired metaheuristics are appropriate for solving such problems; however, literature review shows that there are very few applications of nature-inspired metaheuristics to portfolio optimization problem. This is especially true for swarm intelligence algorithms which represent the newer branch of nature-inspired algorithms. No application of any swarm intelligence metaheuristics to cardinality constrained mean-variance (CCMV) portfolio problem with entropy constraint was found in the literature. This paper introduces modified firefly algorithm (FA) for the CCMV portfolio model with entropy constraint. Firefly algorithm is one of the latest, very successful swarm intelligence algorithm; however, it exhibits some deficiencies when applied to constrained problems. To overcome lack of exploration power during early iterations, we modified the algorithm and tested it on standard portfolio benchmark data sets used in the literature. Our proposed modified firefly algorithm proved to be better than other state-of-the-art algorithms, while introduction of entropy diversity constraint further improved results.
Trace Ratio Criterion for Feature Extraction in Classification
Authors: Li Guoqi , Wen Changyun , Wei Wei , Xu Yi , Ding Jie , Zhao Guangshe , Shi Luping
Published: May 2014

A generalized linear discriminant analysis based on trace ratio criterion algorithm (GLDA‐TRA) is derived to extract features for classification. With the proposed GLDA‐TRA, a set of orthogonal features can be extracted in succession. Each newly extracted feature is the optimal feature that maximizes the trace ratio criterion function in the subspace orthogonal to the space spanned by the previous extracted features.
Advances in Miniaturized Instruments for Genomics
Authors: Gong Cihun-Siyong Alex , Lei Kin Fong
Published: May 2014

In recent years, a lot of demonstrations of the miniaturized instruments were reported for genomic applications. They provided the advantages of miniaturization, automation, sensitivity, and specificity for the development of point-of-care diagnostics. The aim of this paper is to report on recent developments on miniaturized instruments for genomic applications. Based on the mature development of microfabrication, microfluidic systems have been demonstrated for various genomic detections. Since one of the objectives of miniaturized instruments is for the development of point-of-care device, impedimetric detection is found to be a promising technique for this purpose. An in-depth discussion of the impedimetric circuits and systems will be included to provide total consideration of the miniaturized instruments and their potential application towards real-time portable imaging in the “-omics” era. The current excellent demonstrations suggest a solid foundation for the development of practical and widespread point-of-care genomic diagnostic devices.
Energy Loss in Pulse Detonation Engine due to Fuel Viscosity
Authors: Hu Weipeng , Deng Zichen , Xie Gongnan
Published: May 2014

Fluid viscosity is a significant factor resulting in the energy loss in most fluid dynamical systems. To analyze the energy loss in the pulse detonation engine (PDE) due to the viscosity of the fuel, the energy loss in the Burgers model excited by periodic impulses is investigated based on the generalized multisymplectic method in this paper. Firstly, the single detonation energy is simplified as an impulse; thus the complex detonation process is simplified. And then, the symmetry of the Burgers model excited by periodic impulses is studied in the generalized multisymplectic framework and the energy loss expression is obtained. Finally, the energy loss in the Burgers model is investigated numerically. The results in this paper can be used to explain the difference between the theoretical performance and the experimental performance of the PDE partly. In addition, the analytical approach of this paper can be extended to the analysis of the energy loss in other fluid dynamic systems due to the fluid viscosity.