bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differential coupling of KLF10 to Sin3-HDAC and PCAF regulates the inducibility of the FOXP3 gene
Authors: Xiong Yuning , Svingen Phyllis A. , Sarmento Olga O. , Smyrk Thomas C. , Dave Maneesh , Khanna Sahil , Lomberk Gwen A. , Urrutia Raul A. , Faubion William A.
Published: June 2014

Inducible gene expression, which requires chromatin remodeling on gene promoters, underlies the epigenetically inherited differentiation program of most immune cells. However, chromatin-mediated mechanisms that underlie these events in T regulatory cells remain to be fully characterized. Here, we report that inducibility of FOXP3, a key transcription factor for the development of T regulatory cells, depends upon Kruppel-like factor 10 (KLF10) interacting with two antagonistic histone-modifying systems. We utilized chromatin immunoprecipitation, genome-integrated reporter assays, and functional domain KLF10 mutant proteins, to characterize reciprocal interactions between this transcription factor and either the Sin3-histone deacetylase complex or the histone acetyltransferase, p300/CBP-associated factor (PCAF). We characterize a Sin3-interacting repressor domain on the NH2 terminus of KLF10, which works to limit the activating function of this transcription factor. Indeed, inactivation of this Sin3-interacting domain renders KLF10 able to physically associate with PCAF as to induce FOXP3 gene transcription. We show that this biochemical data derived from studying our genome-integrated reporter cell system are recapitulated in primary murine lymphocytes. Collectively, these results advance our understanding of how a single transcription factor, namely KLF10, functions as a toggle to integrate antagonistic signals regulating FOXP3 and, thus, immune activation.
Estrogen status and the renin angiotensin aldosterone system
Authors: O'Donnell Emma , Floras John S. , Harvey Paula J.
Published: June 2014

The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) is integrally involved in multiple cardiovascular physiological processes including arterial blood pressure (BP) regulation. Over activity of the RAAS has been implicated in the pathogenesis of a number of cardiovascular disease entities, including hypertension. Several lines of evidence suggest estrogen favorably modulates the RAAS. Conversely, estrogen deficiency due to menopause may contribute to over activity of the RAAS. Of importance, estrogen deficiency in women is not exclusive to the postmenopausal period. Functional hypothalamic amenorrhea is a reversible cause of premenopausal hypoestrogenemia. In contrast to postmenopausal women (PMW), premenopausal women with exercise-associated functional hypothalamic amenorrhea demonstrate decreased, not increased, resting BP compared with their estrogen-replete eumenorrheic counterpart. In this review we briefly examine the effects of estrogen status on the RAAS and present the hypothesis that the RAAS is altered in physically active women with functional hypothalamic amenorrhea.
Lack of hormonal stimulation prevents the landlocked Biwa salmon (Oncorhynchus masousubspecies) from adapting to seawater
Authors: Nakajima Takuro , Shimura Haruka , Yamazaki Miyuki , Fujioka Yasuhiro , Ura Kazuhiro , Hara Akihiko , Shimizu Munetaka
Published: June 2014

Landlocking of salmon relaxes selective pressures on hypoosmoregulatory ability (seawater adaptability) and may lead to the abandonment of its physiological system. However, little is known about the mechanism and consequence of the process. Biwa salmon is a strain/subspecies of Oncorhynchus masou that has been landlocked in Lake Biwa for an exceptionally long period (about 500,000 years) and has low ability to adapt to seawater. We compared activity of gill Na+,K+-ATPase (NKA) of Biwa salmon with those of anadromous strains of the same species (masu and amago salmon) during downstream migration periods and after exogenous hormone treatment. Gill NKA activity in anadromous strains increased during their migration periods, while that in Biwa salmon remained low. However, treatments of Biwa salmon with growth hormone (GH) and cortisol increased gill NKA activity. Cortisol treatment also improved the whole body seawater adaptability of Biwa salmon. Receptors for GH and cortisol responded to hormonal treatments, whereas their mRNA levels during downstream migration period were essentially unchanged in Biwa salmon. Circulating levels of cortisol in masu salmon showed a peak during downstream migration period, while no such increase was seen in Biwa salmon. The present results indicate that Biwa salmon can improve its seawater adaptability by exogenous hormonal treatment, and hormone receptors are capable of responding to the signals. However, secretion of the endogenous hormone (cortisol) was not activated during the downstream migration period, which explains, at least in part, their low ability to adapt to seawater.
Exploring the specific time course of interhemispheric inhibition between the human primary sensory cortices
Authors: Brodie Sonia M. , Villamayor Anica , Borich Michael R. , Boyd Lara A.
Published: June 2014

The neurophysiological mechanism of interhemispheric inhibition (IHI) between the human primary sensory cortices (S1s) is poorly understood. Here we used a paired median nerve somatosensory evoked potential protocol to observe S1-S1 IHI from the dominant to the nondominant hemisphere with electroencephalography. In 10 healthy, right-handed individuals, we compared mean peak-to-peak amplitudes of five somatosensory evoked potential components (P14/N20, N20/P25, P25/N30, N30/P40, and P40/N60) recorded over the right S1 after synchronous versus asynchronous stimulation of the right and left median nerves. Asynchronous conditioning + test stimuli (CS+TS) were delivered at interstimulus intervals of 15, 20, 25, 30, and 35 ms. We found that, in relation to synchronous stimulation, when a CS to the left S1 preceded a TS to the right S1 at the short intervals (15 and 20 ms) the amplitude of the cortical N20/P25 complex was significantly depressed, whereas at the longer intervals (25, 30, and 35 ms) significant inhibition was observed for the thalamocortical P14/N20 as well as the cortical N20/P25 components. We conclude that the magnitude of S1 IHI appears to depend on the temporal asynchrony of bilateral inputs and the specific timing is likely reflective of a direct transcallosal mechanism. Employing a method that enables direct S1 IHI to be reliably quantified may provide a novel tool to assess potential IHI imbalances in individuals with neurological damage, such as stroke.
Why wet feels wet? A neurophysiological model of human cutaneous wetness sensitivity
Authors: Filingeri Davide , Fournet Damien , Hodder Simon , Havenith George
Published: June 2014

Although the ability to sense skin wetness and humidity is critical for behavioral and autonomic adaptations, humans are not provided with specific skin receptors for sensing wetness. It has been proposed that we “learn” to perceive the wetness experienced when the skin is in contact with a wet surface or when sweat is produced through a multisensory integration of thermal and tactile inputs generated by the interaction between skin and moisture. However, the individual roles of thermal and tactile cues and how these are integrated peripherally and centrally by our nervous system is still poorly understood. Here we tested the hypothesis that the central integration of coldness and mechanosensation, as subserved by peripheral A-nerve afferents, might be the primary neural process underpinning human wetness sensitivity. During a quantitative sensory test, we found that individuals perceived warm-wet and neutral-wet stimuli as significantly less wet than cold-wet stimuli, although these were characterized by the same moisture content. Also, when cutaneous cold and tactile sensitivity was diminished by a selective reduction in the activity of A-nerve afferents, wetness perception was significantly reduced. Based on a concept of perceptual learning and Bayesian perceptual inference, we developed the first neurophysiological model of cutaneous wetness sensitivity centered on the multisensory integration of cold-sensitive and mechanosensitive skin afferents. Our results provide evidence for the existence of a specific information processing model that underpins the neural representation of a typical wet stimulus. These findings contribute to explaining how humans sense warm, neutral, and cold skin wetness.
Synaptobrevin 1 mediates vesicle priming and evoked release in a subpopulation of hippocampal neurons
Authors: Zimmermann Johannes , Trimbuch Thorsten , Rosenmund Christian
Published: June 2014

The core machinery of synaptic vesicle fusion consists of three soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment receptor (SNARE) proteins, the two t-SNAREs at the plasma membrane (SNAP-25, Syntaxin 1) and the vesicle-bound v-SNARE synaptobrevin 2 (VAMP2). Formation of the trans-oriented four-α-helix bundle between these SNAREs brings vesicle and plasma membrane in close proximity and prepares the vesicle for fusion. The t-SNAREs are thought to be necessary for vesicle fusion. Whether the v-SNAREs are required for fusion is still unclear, as substantial vesicle priming and spontaneous release activity remain in mammalian mass-cultured synaptobrevin/cellubrevin-deficient neurons. Using the autaptic culture system from synaptobrevin 2 knockout neurons of mouse hippocampus, we found that the majority of cells were devoid of any evoked or spontaneous release and had no measurable readily releasable pool. A small subpopulation of neurons, however, displayed release, and their release activity correlated with the presence and amount of v-SNARE synaptobrevin 1 expressed. Comparison of synaptobrevin 1 and 2 in rescue experiments demonstrates that synaptobrevin 1 can substitute for the other v-SNARE, but with a lower efficiency in neurotransmitter release probability. Release activity in synaptobrevin 2-deficient mass-cultured neurons was massively reduced by a knockdown of synaptobrevin 1, demonstrating that synaptobrevin 1 is responsible for the remaining release activity. These data support the hypothesis that both t- and v-SNAREs are absolutely required for vesicle priming and evoked release and that differential expression of SNARE paralogs can contribute to differential synaptic coding in the brain.
Azimuth and envelope coding in the inferior colliculus of the unanesthetized rabbit: effect of reverberation and distance
Authors: Kuwada Shigeyuki , Bishop Brian , Kim Duck O.
Published: June 2014

Recognition and localization of a sound are the major functions of the auditory system. In real situations, the listener and different degrees of reverberation transform the signal between the source and the ears. The present study was designed to provide these transformations and examine their influence on neural responses. Using the virtual auditory space (VAS) method to create anechoic and moderately and highly reverberant environments, we found the following: 1) In reverberation, azimuth tuning was somewhat degraded with distance whereas the direction of azimuth tuning remained unchanged. These features remained unchanged in the anechoic condition. 2) In reverberation, azimuth tuning and envelope synchrony were degraded most for neurons with low best frequencies and least for neurons with high best frequencies. 3) More neurons showed envelope synchrony to binaural than to monaural stimulation in both anechoic and reverberant environments. 4) The percentage of envelope-coding neurons and their synchrony decreased in reverberation with distance, whereas it remained constant in the anechoic condition. 5) At far distances, for both binaural and monaural stimulation, the neural gain in reverberation could be as high as 30 dB and as much as 10 dB higher than those in the anechoic condition. 6) The majority of neurons were able to code both envelope and azimuth in all of the environments. This study provides a foundation for understanding the neural coding of azimuth and envelope synchrony at different distances in reverberant and anechoic environments. This is necessary to understand how the auditory system processes “where” and “what” information in real environments.
3D Human Motion Editing and Synthesis: A Survey
Authors: Wang Xin , Chen Qiudi , Wang Wanliang
Published: June 2014

The ways to compute the kinematics and dynamic quantities of human bodies in motion have been studied in many biomedical papers. This paper presents a comprehensive survey of 3D human motion editing and synthesis techniques. Firstly, four types of methods for 3D human motion synthesis are introduced and compared. Secondly, motion capture data representation, motion editing, and motion synthesis are reviewed successively. Finally, future research directions are suggested.
Receiver Diversity Combining Using Evolutionary Algorithms in Rayleigh Fading Channel
Authors: Akbari Mohsen , Manesh Mohsen Riahi , El-Saleh Ayman A. , Reza Ahmed Wasif
Published: June 2014

In diversity combining at the receiver, the output signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) is often maximized by using the maximal ratio combining (MRC) provided that the channel is perfectly estimated at the receiver. However, channel estimation is rarely perfect in practice, which results in deteriorating the system performance. In this paper, an imperialistic competitive algorithm (ICA) is proposed and compared with two other evolutionary based algorithms, namely, particle swarm optimization (PSO) and genetic algorithm (GA), for diversity combining of signals travelling across the imperfect channels. The proposed algorithm adjusts the combiner weights of the received signal components in such a way that maximizes the SNR and minimizes the bit error rate (BER). The results indicate that the proposed method eliminates the need of channel estimation and can outperform the conventional diversity combining methods.
Dynamic Analysis under Uniformly Distributed Moving Masses of Rectangular Plate with General Boundary Conditions
Authors: Andi Emem Ayankop , Oni Sunday Tunbosun
Published: June 2014

The problem of the flexural vibrations of a rectangular plate having arbitrary supports at both ends is investigated. The solution technique which is suitable for all variants of classical boundary conditions involves using the generalized two-dimensional integral transform to reduce the fourth order partial differential equation governing the vibration of the plate to a second order ordinary differential equation which is then treated with the modified asymptotic method of Struble. The closed form solutions are obtained and numerical analyses in plotted curves are presented. It is also deduced that for the same natural frequency, the critical speed for the system traversed by uniformly distributed moving forces at constant speed is greater than that of the uniformly distributed moving mass problem for both clamped-clamped and simple-clamped end conditions. Hence resonance is reached earlier in the uniformly distributed moving mass system. Furthermore, for both structural parameters considered, the response amplitude of the moving distributed mass system is higher than that of the moving distributed force system. Thus, it is established that the moving distributed force solution is not an upper bound for an accurate solution of the moving distributed mass problem.
Generations of Correlation Averages
Authors: Coppola Giovanni , Laporta Maurizio
Published: June 2014

We give a general link between weighted Selberg integrals of any arithmetic function f and averages of f correlations in short intervals, proved by the elementary dispersion method (our version of Linnik’s method). We formulate conjectural bounds for the so-called modified Selberg integral of the divisor functions dk(n), gauged by the Cesaro weight in the short interval n∈x-H,x+H and improved by these some recent results by Ivić. The same link provides, also, an unconditional improvement. Then, some remarkable conditional implications on the 2kth moments of Riemann zeta function on the critical line are derived. We also give general requirements on f that allow our treatment for f weighted Selberg integrals.
Experimental and Numerical Evaluation of Direct Tension Test for Cylindrical Concrete Specimens
Authors: Kim Jung J. , Reda Taha Mahmoud
Published: June 2014

Concrete cracking strength can be defined as the tensile strength of concrete subjected to pure tension stress. However, as it is difficult to apply direct tension load to concrete specimens, concrete cracking is usually quantified by the modulus of rupture for flexural members. In this study, a new direct tension test setup for cylindrical specimens (101.6 mm in diameter and 203.2 mm in height) similar to those used in compression test is developed. Double steel plates are used to obtain uniform stress distributions. Finite element analysis for the proposed test setup is conducted. The uniformity of the stress distribution along the cylindrical specimen is examined and compared with rectangular cross section. Fuzzy image pattern recognition method is used to assess stress uniformity along the specimen. Moreover, the probability of cracking at different locations along the specimen is evaluated using probabilistic finite element analysis. The experimental and numerical results of the cracking location showed that gravity effect on fresh concrete during setting time might affect the distribution of concrete cracking strength along the height of the structural elements.
The Redundant Design and Reliability Analysis of Magnetic Bearings Used for Aeroengine
Authors: Wang Xiaoguang , Liu Qian , Hu Yefa , Cheng Xin , Chen Haohui , Huang Longfei
Published: June 2014

The redundant design principle of weak coupling magnetic bearing system for aeroengine is put forward. A redundant design scheme of weak coupling magnetic bearing system is provided including radial and axial magnetic bearings and their control system. The performance of the weak coupling redundant magnetic bearing is analyzed with the finite element method and then compared with the strong coupling redundant magnetic bearing. The weak coupling redundant magnetic bearing has some advantages in both redundancy and load bearing capacity under the circumstance of either no failure or partial failure in the coils. In view of the increase in the number of electronic components in the control system, both reliability and redundancy are evaluated comprehensively. A compromise solution of 12-pole structure for the weak coupling redundant magnetic bearing is recommended.
Atmospheric Deposition: Sampling Procedures, Analytical Methods, and Main Recent Findings from the Scientific Literature
Authors: Amodio M. , Catino S. , Dambruoso P. R. , de Gennaro G. , Di Gilio A. , Giungato P. , Laiola E. , Marzocca A. , Mazzone A. , Sardaro A. , Tutino M.
Published: June 2014

The atmosphere is a carrier on which some natural and anthropogenic organic and inorganic chemicals are transported, and the wet and dry deposition events are the most important processes that remove those chemicals, depositing it on soil and water. A wide variety of different collectors were tested to evaluate site-specificity, seasonality and daily variability of settleable particle concentrations. Deposition fluxes of POPs showed spatial and seasonal variations, diagnostic ratios of PAHs on deposited particles, allowed the discrimination between pyrolytic or petrogenic sources. Congener pattern analysis and bulk deposition fluxes in rural sites confirmed long-range atmospheric transport of PCDDs/Fs. More and more sophisticated and newly designed deposition samplers have being used for characterization of deposited mercury, demonstrating the importance of rain scavenging and the relatively higher magnitude of Hg deposition from Chinese anthropogenic sources. Recently biological monitors demonstrated that PAH concentrations in lichens were comparable with concentrations measured in a conventional active sampler in an outdoor environment. In this review the authors explore the methodological approaches used for the assessment of atmospheric deposition, from the analysis of the sampling methods, the analytical procedures for chemical characterization of pollutants and the main results from the scientific literature.
A Study on Intelligent User-Centric Logistics Service Model Using Ontology
Authors: Sivamani Saraswathi , Kwak Kyunghun , Cho Yongyun
Published: June 2014

Much research has been undergone in the smart logistics environment for the prompt delivery of the product in the right place at the right time. Most of the services were based on time management, routing technique, and location based services. The services in the recent logistics environment aim for situation based logistics service centered around the user by utilizing various information technologies such as mobile devices, computer systems, and GPS. This paper proposes a smart logistics service model for providing user-centric intelligent logistics service by utilizing smartphones in a smart environment. We also develop an OWL based ontology model for the smart logistics for the better understanding among the context information. In addition to basic delivery information, the proposed service model makes use of the location and situation information of the delivery vehicle and user, to draw the route information according to the user’s requirement. With the increase of internet usage, the real-time situations are received which helps to create a more reliable relationship, owing to the Internet of Things. Through this service model, it is possible to engage in the development of various IT and logistics convergence services based on situation information between the deliverer and user which occurs in real time.
Vector Potential Quantization and the Quantum Vacuum
Authors: Meis Constantin
Published: June 2014

We investigate the quantization of the vector potential amplitude of the electromagnetic field to a single photon state starting from the fundamental link equations between the classical electromagnetic theory and the quantum mechanical expressions. The resulting wave-particle formalism ensures a coherent transition between the classical electromagnetic wave theory and the quantum representation. A quantization constant of the photon vector potential is defined. A new quantum vacuum description results directly in having very low energy density. The calculated spontaneous emission rate and Lambs shift for the nS states of the hydrogen atom are in agreement with quantum electrodynamics. This low energy quantum vacuum state might be compatible with recent astrophysical observations.
Spontaneous Rupture of the Spleen Masquerading as a Pulmonary Infection
Authors: Anyfantakis Dimitrios , Kastanakis Miltiades , Karona Paraskevi , Fragiadakis Giorgios , Kokkinos Ioannis , Bobolakis Emmanouil
Published: June 2014

Atraumatic rupture of a normal spleen represents a rare clinical phenomenon. We report on an atypical presentation of a spontaneous splenic rupture in a 44-year-old previously healthy Greek male admitted to the emergency department due to left-sided pleuritic thoracic pain in the course of a pneumonia diagnosed 2 days before. During his stay, pain extended to the epigastric region. Abdominal examination revealed generalized tenderness. We presume that coughing secondary to respiratory infection was the main factor that precipitated splenic rupture. Despite the rarity of the condition physicians have to consider the diagnosis of spontaneous nontraumatic splenic rupture when they encounter healthy patients with nonspecific lower thoracic or abdominal pain. Prompt diagnosis is essential for a better outcome.
Behavior‐Based Formation Control of Swarm Robots
Authors: Xu Dongdong , Zhang Xingnan , Zhu Zhangqing , Chen Chunlin , Yang Pei
Published: June 2014

Swarm robotics is a specific research field of multirobotics where a large number of mobile robots are controlled in a coordinated way. Formation control is one of the most challenging goals for the coordination control of swarm robots. In this paper, a behavior‐based control design approach is proposed for two kinds of important formation control problems: efficient initial formation and formation control while avoiding obstacles. In this approach, a classification‐based searching method for generating large‐scale robot formation is presented to reduce the computational complexity and speed up the initial formation process for any desired formation. The behavior‐based method is applied for the formation control of swarm robot systems while navigating in an unknown environment with obstacles. Several groups of experimental results demonstrate the success of the proposed approach. These methods have potential applications for various swarm robot systems in both the simulation and the practical environments.
Seasonal Prediction of Surface Air Temperature across Vietnam Using the Regional Climate Model Version 4.2 (RegCM4.2)
Authors: Phan Van Tan , Van Nguyen Hiep , Trinh Tuan Long , Nguyen Quang Trung , Ngo-Duc Thanh , Laux Patrick , Nguyen Xuan Thanh
Published: June 2014

To investigate the ability of dynamical seasonal climate predictions for Vietnam, the RegCM4.2 is employed to perform seasonal prediction of 2 m mean (T2m), maximum (Tx), and minimum (Tn) air temperature for the period from January 2012 to November 2013 by downscaling the NCEP Climate Forecast System (CFS) data. For model bias correction, the model and observed climatology is constructed using the CFS reanalysis and observed temperatures over Vietnam for the period 1980–2010, respectively. The RegCM4.2 forecast is run four times per month from the current month up to the next six months. A model ensemble prediction initialized from the current month is computed from the mean of the four runs within the month. The results showed that, without any bias correction (CTL), the RegCM4.2 forecast has very little or no skill in both tercile and value predictions. With bias correction (BAS), model predictions show improved skill. The experiment in which the results from the BAS experiment are further successively adjusted (SUC) with model bias at one-month lead time of the previous run showed further improvement compared to CTL and BAS. Skill scores of the tercile probability forecasts were found to exceed 0.3 for most of the target months.
Differential Subordinations for Nonanalytic Functions
Authors: Oros Georgia Irina , Oros Gheorghe
Published: June 2014

In the paper by Mocanu (1980), Mocanu has obtained sufficient conditions for a function in the classesC1(U), respectively, andC2(U)to be univalent and to mapUonto a domain which is starlike (with respect to origin), respectively, and convex. Those conditions are similar to those in the analytic case. In the paper by Mocanu (1981), Mocanu has obtained sufficient conditions of univalency for complex functions in the classC1which are also similar to those in the analytic case. Having those papers as inspiration, we try to introduce the notion of subordination for nonanalytic functions of classesC1andC2following the classical theory of differential subordination for analytic functions introduced by Miller and Mocanu in their papers (1978 and 1981) and developed in their book (2000). LetΩbe any set in the complex planeC, letpbe a nonanalytic function in the unit discU,p∈C2(U),and letψ(r,s,t;z):C3×U→C. In this paper, we consider the problem of determining properties of the functionp, nonanalytic in the unit discU, such thatpsatisfies the differential subordinationψ(p(z),Dp(z),D2p(z)-Dp(z);z)⊂Ω⇒p(U)⊂Δ.
Numerical Analysis of Modeling Based on Improved Elman Neural Network
Authors: Jie Shao , Li Wang , WeiSong Zhao , YaQin Zhong , Malekian Reza
Published: June 2014

A modeling based on the improved Elman neural network (IENN) is proposed to analyze the nonlinear circuits with the memory effect. The hidden layer neurons are activated by a group of Chebyshev orthogonal basis functions instead of sigmoid functions in this model. The error curves of the sum of squared error (SSE) varying with the number of hidden neurons and the iteration step are studied to determine the number of the hidden layer neurons. Simulation results of the half-bridge class-D power amplifier (CDPA) with two-tone signal and broadband signals as input have shown that the proposed behavioral modeling can reconstruct the system of CDPAs accurately and depict the memory effect of CDPAs well. Compared with Volterra-Laguerre (VL) model, Chebyshev neural network (CNN) model, and basic Elman neural network (BENN) model, the proposed model has better performance.
Metadynamics Simulation Study on the Conformational Transformation of HhaI Methyltransferase: An Induced-Fit Base-Flipping Hypothesis
Authors: Jin Lu , Ye Fei , Zhao Dan , Chen Shijie , Zhu Kongkai , Zheng Mingyue , Jiang Ren-Wang , Jiang Hualiang , Luo Cheng
Published: June 2014

DNA methyltransferases play crucial roles in establishing and maintenance of DNA methylation, which is an important epigenetic mark. Flipping the target cytosine out of the DNA helical stack and into the active site of protein provides DNA methyltransferases with an opportunity to access and modify the genetic information hidden in DNA. To investigate the conversion process of base flipping in the HhaI methyltransferase (M.HhaI), we performed different molecular simulation approaches on M.HhaI-DNA-S-adenosylhomocysteine ternary complex. The results demonstrate that the nonspecific binding of DNA to M.HhaI is initially induced by electrostatic interactions. Differences in chemical environment between the major and minor grooves determine the orientation of DNA. Gln237 at the target recognition loop recognizes the GCGC base pair from the major groove side by hydrogen bonds. In addition, catalytic loop motion is a key factor during this process. Our study indicates that base flipping is likely to be an “induced-fit” process. This study provides a solid foundation for future studies on the discovery and development of mechanism-based DNA methyltransferases regulators.
Influence of Ambient Temperature on Nanosecond and Picosecond Laser-Induced Bulk Damage of Fused Silica
Authors: Yang L. , Yuan X. D. , Deng H. X. , Xiang X. , Zheng W. G. , He S. B. , Jiang Y. , Lv H. B. , Ye L. , Wang H. J. , Zu X. T.
Published: June 2014

The nanosecond (ns) and picosecond (ps) pulsed laser-induced damage behaviors of fused silica under cryogenic and room temperature have been investigated. The laser-induced damage threshold (LIDT) and damage probability are used to understand the damage behavior at different ambient temperatures. The results show that the LIDTs for both ns and ps slightly increased at cryogenic temperature compared to that at room temperature. Meanwhile, the damage probability has an inverse trend; that is, the damage probability at low temperature is smaller than that at room temperature. A theoretical model based on heated crystal lattice is well consistent with the experimental results.
Psychoeducational Interventions for Family Caregivers of Seniors across Their Life Trajectory: An Evidence-Based Research Program to Inform Clinical Practice
Authors: Ducharme Francine
Published: June 2014

Family caregivers of the elderly are growing in number and the care they are called upon to deliver in industrialized countries is becoming increasingly demanding and complex. Empirical research shows that the caregiving situation can have a significant impact on the health of these caregivers often on account of stress, physical and psychological exhaustion, and a sense of being overwhelmed. In this context, the quality of life of these caregivers depends in large part on professional educational and support interventions. The purpose of this paper is to present three innovative psychoeducational intervention programs developed and empirically tested by the research team of the Université de Montréal’s (Québec, Canada) Chair in Nursing Care for Seniors and Their Families over the past fifteen years. These interventions have been developed together with family caregivers experiencing different stressful situations across their care trajectory. The results of evaluative studies of these programs provide evidence to inform professional clinical practice. Future directions for caregiving research are discussed.
Existence of Mild and Classical Solutions for Nonlocal Impulsive Integrodifferential Equations in Banach Spaces with Measure of Noncompactness
Authors: Karthikeyan K. , Anguraj A. , Malar K. , Trujillo Juan J.
Published: June 2014

We study the existence of mild and classical solutions are proved for a class of impulsive integrodifferential equations with nonlocal conditions in Banach spaces. The main results are obtained by using measure of noncompactness and semigroup theory. An example is presented.
An Integrated Analysis of miRNA, lncRNA, and mRNA Expression Profiles
Authors: Guo Li , Zhao Yang , Yang Sheng , Zhang Hui , Chen Feng
Published: June 2014

Increasing amounts of evidence indicate that noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) have important roles in various biological processes. Here, miRNA, lncRNA, and mRNA expression profiles were analyzed in human HepG2 and L02 cells using high-throughput technologies. An integrative method was developed to identify possible functional relationships between different RNA molecules. The dominant deregulated miRNAs were prone to be downregulated in tumor cells, and the most abnormal mRNAs and lncRNAs were always upregulated. However, the genome-wide analysis of differentially expressed RNA species did not show significant bias between up- and downregulated populations. miRNA-mRNA interaction was performed based on their regulatory relationships, and miRNA-lncRNA and mRNA-lncRNA interactions were thoroughly surveyed and identified based on their locational distributions and sequence correlations. Aberrantly expressed miRNAs were further analyzed based on their multiple isomiRs. IsomiR repertoires and expression patterns were varied across miRNA loci. Several specific miRNA loci showed differences between tumor and normal cells, especially with respect to abnormally expressed miRNA species. These findings suggest that isomiR repertoires and expression patterns might contribute to tumorigenesis through different biological roles. Systematic and integrative analysis of different RNA molecules with potential cross-talk may make great contributions to the unveiling of the complex mechanisms underlying tumorigenesis.
Hermite-Hadamard and Simpson-Like Type Inequalities for Differentiable Harmonically Convex Functions
Authors: İşcan İmdat
Published: June 2014

A new identity for differentiable functions is derived. A consequence of the identity is that the author establishes some new general inequalities containing all of the Hermite-Hadamard and Simpson-like types for functions whose derivatives in absolute value at certain power are harmonically convex. Some applications to special means of real numbers are also given.
Dynamic Cournot Duopoly Game with Delay
Authors: Elsadany A. A. , Matouk A. E.
Published: June 2014

The delay Cournot duopoly game is studied. Dynamical behaviors of the game are studied. Equilibrium points and their stability are studied. The results show that the delayed system has the same Nash equilibrium point and the delay can increase the local stability region.
An Investigation of Small GTPases in relation to Liver Tumorigenesis Using Traditional Chinese Medicine
Authors: Hung Tzu-Chieh , Lee Wen-Yuan , Chen Kuen-Bao , Chan Yueh-Chiu , Chen Calvin Yu-Chian
Published: June 2014

Recently, an important topic of liver tumorigenesis had been published in 2013. In this report, Ras and Rho had defined the relation of liver tumorigenesis. The traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) database has been screened for molecular compounds by simulating molecular docking and molecular dynamics to regulate Ras and liver tumorigenesis. Saussureamine C, S-allylmercaptocysteine, and Tryptophan are selected based on the highest docking score than other TCM compounds. The molecular dynamics are helpful in the analysis and detection of protein-ligand interactions. Based on the docking poses, hydrophobic interactions, and hydrogen bond variations, this research surmises are the main regions of important amino acids in Ras. In addition to the detection of TCM compound efficacy, we suggest Saussureamine C is better than the others for protein-ligand interaction.
Synergistic Effect of Elastic Stockings to Maintain Volume Losses after Mechanical Lymphatic Therapy
Authors: de Godoy José Maria Pereira , Lopes Pinto Renata , de Godoy Ana Carolina Pereira , Godoy Maria de Fátima Guerreiro
Published: June 2014

The objective of the current study was to assess whether Venosan elastic stockings have a synergistic effect on the maintenance of results after Mechanical Lymphatic Therapy. Eleven patients with grade II lymphedema of the legs, regardless of cause, were evaluated in the Clinica Godoy between September and November 2012. The participants’ ages ranged from 53 to 83 years old with a mean of 65.1 years. Two groups were formed with Group I using Venosan elastic stockings and Group II not using any type of compression therapy. Evaluations of the lymphedematous legs were performed before and after each drainage session using bioimpedance. Patients who wore elastic stockings had a greater volume reduction than those who did not wear stockings (unpairedt-test:Pvalue < 0.001).
Protective Role of Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid against Lead Acetate-Induced Toxicity in Liver and Kidney of Female Rats
Authors: Abdou Heba M. , Hassan Mohamed A.
Published: June 2014

The present study was conducted to investigate the protective role of Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids against lead acetate-induced toxicity in liver and kidney of female rats. Animals were divided into four equal groups; group 1 served as control while groups 2 and 3 were treated orally with Omega-3 fatty acids at doses of 125 and 260 mg/kg body weight, respectively, for 10 days. These groups were also injected with lead acetate (25 mg/kg body weight) during the last 5 days. Group 4 was treated only with lead acetate for 5 days and served as positive control group. Lead acetate increased oxidative stress through an elevation in MDA associated with depletion in antioxidant enzymes activities in the tissues. Moreover, the elevation of serum enzymes activities (ALT, AST, ALP, and LDH) and the levels of urea and creatinine were estimated but total proteins were decreased. Also, lead acetate-treatment induced hyperlipidemia via increasing of lipid profiles associated with decline in HDL-c level. Significant changes of Hb, PCV, RBCs, PLT, and WBCs in group 4 were recorded. The biochemical alterations of lead acetate were confirmed by histopathological changes and DNA damage. The administration of Omega-3 provided significant protection against lead acetate toxicity.
The Epidemiology of Upper Respiratory Infections at a Tertiary Care Center: Prevalence, Seasonality, and Clinical Symptoms
Authors: Stover Christy S. , Litwin Christine M.
Published: June 2014

Improved multiplex PCR detection methods are facilitating the correlation of the etiology of respiratory tract infections with specific symptoms or clinical manifestations. We conducted a retrospective analysis of the incidence of respiratory pathogens and initial symptoms in 1,286 patients at a tertiary care center tested by multiplex respiratory pathogen PCR from July 1, 2012, to June 30, 2013. Rhinovirus/enterovirus (Rhino/Entero) infections were the most prevalent (25.4%) followed by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) (13.6%) and influenza A (6.2%). Eleven percent of patients were positive for multiple analytes with Rhino/Entero and RSV being the most common combination. Asthma or asthma exacerbation was the most common presenting symptom in patients positive for Rhino/Entero (38.4%) or positive for Rhino/Entero along with RSV or hMPV (34.8%). Of the patients positive for Rhino/Entero and presenting with asthma, 97% were ≤17 years of age. RSV positive patients most commonly presented with respiratory distress (40.3%) followed by asthma (18%) or pneumonia (18%). The most prevalent initial clinical manifestation for influenza was fever (27.4%) followed by respiratory distress (13%) or pneumonia (11.9%). The significant percentage of patients positive for Rhino/Entero virus presenting with asthma supports the role of rhinovirus as an important trigger for asthma exacerbation.
A Hybrid Fuzzy Analytic Network Process Approach to the New Product Development Selection Problem
Authors: Chyu Chiuh-Cheng , Fang Ying-Chieh
Published: June 2014

New product development selection is a complex decision‐making process. To uphold their competence in competitive business environments, enterprises are required to continuously introduce novel products into markets. This paper presents a fuzzy analytic network process (FANP) for solving the product development selection problem. The fuzzy set theory is adopted to represent ambiguities and vagueness involved in each expert’s judgment. In the proposed model, the fuzzy Kano method and fuzzy DEMATEL are employed to filter criteria and establish interactions among the criteria, whereas the SAM is applied to aggregate experts’ opinions. Unlike the commonly used top‐down relation‐structuring approach, the proposed FANP first identifies the interdependence among the criteria and then the identified relationships are mapped to the clusters. This approach is more realistic, since the inner and outer relationships between criteria are simultaneously considered to establish the relationships among clusters. The proposed model is illustrated through a real life example, with a comparative analysis using modified TOPSIS and gray relation analysis in the synthesizing phase. The concluded results were approved by the case company. The proposed methodology not only is useful in the case study, but also can be generally applied in other similar decision situations.
Adaptive Algorithm for Multichannel Autoregressive Estimation in Spatially Correlated Noise
Authors: Mahmoudi Alimorad
Published: June 2014

This paper addresses the problem of multichannel autoregressive (MAR) parameter estimation in the presence of spatially correlated noise by steepest descent (SD) method which combines low-order and high-order Yule-Walker (YW) equations. In addition, to yield an unbiased estimate of the MAR model parameters, we apply inverse filtering for noise covariance matrix estimation. In a simulation study, the performance of the proposed unbiased estimation algorithm is evaluated and compared with existing parameter estimation methods.
Enhanced Analgesic Properties and Reduced Ulcerogenic Effect of a Mononuclear Copper(II) Complex with Fenoprofen in Comparison to the Parent Drug: Promising Insights in the Treatment of Chronic Inflammatory Diseases
Authors: Agotegaray Mariela , Gumilar Fernanda , Boeris Mónica , Toso Ricardo , Minetti Alejandra
Published: June 2014

Analgesic and ulcerogenic properties have been studied for the copper(II) coordination complex of the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug Fenoprofen and imidazole [Cu(fen)2(im)2] (Cu: copper(II) ion; fen: fenoprofenate anion from Fenoprofen, im: imidazole). A therapeutic dose of 28 mg/kg was tested for [Cu(fen)2(im)2] and 21 mg/kg was employed for Fenoprofen calcium, administered by oral gavage in female mice to compare the therapeutic properties of the new entity. The acetic acid induced writhing test was employed to study visceral pain. The percentage of inhibition in writhing and stretching was 78.9% and 46.2% for the [Cu(fen)2(im)2] and Fenoprofen calcium, respectively. This result indicates that the complex could be more effective in diminishing visceral pain. The formalin test was evaluated to study the impact of the drugs over nociceptive and inflammatory pain. The complex is a more potent analgesic on inflammatory pain than the parent drug. Ulcerogenic effects were evaluated using a model of gastric lesions induced by hypothermic-restraint stress. Fenoprofen calcium salt caused an ulcer index of about 79 mm2while the one caused by [Cu(fen)2(im)2] was 22 mm2. The complex diminished the development of gastric mucosal ulcers in comparison to the uncomplexed drug. Possible mechanisms of action related to both therapeutic properties have been discussed.
Intuitionistic Linguistic Weighted Bonferroni Mean Operator and Its Application to Multiple Attribute Decision Making
Authors: Liu Peide , Rong Lili , Chu Yanchang , Li Yanwei
Published: June 2014

The intuitionistic linguistic variables are easier to describe the fuzzy information which widely exists in the real world, and Bonferroni mean can capture the interrelationship of the individual arguments. However, the traditional Bonferroni mean can only process the crisp number. In this paper, we will extend Bonferroni mean to the intuitionistic linguistic environment and propose a multiple attribute decision making method with intuitionistic linguistic information based on the extended Bonferroni mean which can consider the interrelationship of the attributes. Firstly, score function and accuracy function of intuitionistic linguistic numbers are introduced. Then, an intuitionistic linguistic Bonferroni mean (ILBM) operator and an intuitionistic linguistic weighted Bonferroni mean (ILWBM) operator are developed, and some desirable characteristics of them are studied. At the same time, some special cases with respect to the parameterspandqin Bonferroni are analyzed. Based on the ILWBM operator, the approach to multiple attribute decision making with intuitionistic linguistic information is proposed. Finally, an illustrative example is given to verify the developed approach and to demonstrate its effectiveness.
Molecular Chaperones, Cochaperones, and Ubiquitination/Deubiquitination System: Involvement in the Production of High Quality Spermatozoa
Authors: Meccariello Rosaria , Chianese Rosanna , Ciaramella Vincenza , Fasano Silvia , Pierantoni Riccardo
Published: June 2014

Spermatogenesis is a complex process in which mitosis, meiosis, and cell differentiation events coexist. The need to guarantee the production of qualitatively functional spermatozoa has evolved into several control systems that check spermatogenesis progression/sperm maturation and tag aberrant gametes for degradation. In this review, we will focus on the importance of the evolutionarily conserved molecular pathways involving molecular chaperones belonging to the superfamily of heat shock proteins (HSPs), their cochaperones, and ubiquitination/deubiquitination system all over the spermatogenetic process. In this respect, we will discuss the conserved role played by the DNAJ protein Msj-1 (mouse sperm cell-specific DNAJ first homologue) and the deubiquitinating enzyme Ubpy (ubiquitin-specific processing protease-y) during the spermiogenesis in both mammals and nonmammalian vertebrates.
Alumina Membrane with Hour‐Glass Shaped Nanochannels: Tunable Ionic Current Rectification Device Modulated by Ions Gradient
Authors: Hou Shengnan , Wang Qinqin , Fan Xia , Liu Zhaoyue , Zhai Jin
Published: June 2014

A new alumina membrane with hour‐glass shaped nanochannels is reported using the double‐side anodization method and the subsequently in situ pore opening procedure, which is applied to develop the tunable ionic current rectification devices that were modulated by ions gradient. By regulating the pH gradient, tunable ionic current rectification properties which are mainly dependent on the asymmetric surface charge density or polarity distribution on the inner walls of the nanochannels can be obtained. The enhanced ionic current rectification properties were presented due to the synergistic effect of the voltage driven ion flow and diffusion driven ion flow with the application of pH and electrolyte concentration gradients. Therefore, such specific alumina nanochannels would be considered as a promising candidate for building bioinspired artificial ion channel systems.