bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Saliency Detection Using Sparse and Nonlinear Feature Representation
Authors: Anwar Shahzad , Zhao Qingjie , Manzoor Muhammad Farhan , Ishaq Khan Saqib
Published: May 2014

An important aspect of visual saliency detection is how features that form an input image are represented. A popular theory supports sparse feature representation, an image being represented with a basis dictionary having sparse weighting coefficient. Another method uses a nonlinear combination of image features for representation. In our work, we combine the two methods and propose a scheme that takes advantage of both sparse and nonlinear feature representation. To this end, we use independent component analysis (ICA) and covariant matrices, respectively. To compute saliency, we use a biologically plausible center surround difference (CSD) mechanism. Our sparse features are adaptive in nature; the ICA basis function are learnt at every image representation, rather than being fixed. We show that Adaptive Sparse Features when used with a CSD mechanism yield better results compared to fixed sparse representations. We also show that covariant matrices consisting of nonlinear integration of color information alone are sufficient to efficiently estimate saliency from an image. The proposed dual representation scheme is then evaluated against human eye fixation prediction, response to psychological patterns, and salient object detection on well-known datasets. We conclude that having two forms of representation compliments one another and results in better saliency detection.
Certification of Credence Goods with Consideration of Consumers’ Learning Ability
Authors: Pu Xujin , Lu Lu , Han Xiaohua
Published: May 2014

The paper constructs a two‐period and an infinitely repeated signaling model for the certification of credence goods, with consideration of the learning ability of consumers. Based on the analysis of the existing conditions of separating equilibrium under different situations, results reveal that the certification cost has a significant influence on the separating equilibrium. The range of certification cost for a separating equilibrium is positively related to the usurp cost and the consumers’ learning ability and is negatively related to the difference in the production cost. Compared with that in a two‐period model, the range of the certification cost for a separating equilibrium is greater in the infinitely repeated model and is positively related to the discount coefficient.
The Effect of Different Photoperiods in Circadian Rhythms ofPer3Knockout Mice
Authors: Pereira D. S. , van der Veen D. R. , Gonçalves B. S. B. , Tufik S. , von Schantz M. , Archer S. N. , Pedrazzoli M.
Published: May 2014

The aim of this study was to analyse the circadian behavioural responses of mice carrying a functional knockout of thePer3gene (Per3−/−) to different light : dark (L : D) cycles. Male adult wild-type (WT) andPer3−/−mice were kept under 12-hour light : 12-hour dark conditions (12L : 12D) and then transferred to either a short or long photoperiod and subsequently released into total darkness. All mice were exposed to both conditions, and behavioural activity data were acquired through running wheel activity and analysed for circadian characteristics during these conditions. We observed that, during the transition from 12L : 12D to 16L : 8D,Per3−/−mice take approximately one additional day to synchronise to the new L : D cycle compared to WT mice. Under these long photoperiod conditions,Per3−/−mice were more active in the light phase. Our results suggest thatPer3−/−mice are less sensitive to light. The data presented here provides further evidence thatPer3is involved in the suppression of behavioural activity in direct response to light.
Complex Convexity of Musielak-Orlicz Function Spaces Equipped with thep-Amemiya Norm
Authors: Chen Lili , Cui Yunan , Zhao Yanfeng
Published: May 2014

The complex convexity of Musielak-Orlicz function spaces equipped with thep-Amemiya norm is mainly discussed. It is obtained that, for any Musielak-Orlicz function space equipped with thep-Amemiya norm when1≤p<∞, complex strongly extreme points of the unit ball coincide with complex extreme points of the unit ball. Moreover, criteria for them in above spaces are given. Criteria for complex strict convexity and complex midpoint locally uniform convexity of above spaces are also deduced.
Experimental Study of the Aerosolization from a Carbon Nanotube Bulk by a Vortex Shaker
Authors: Le Bihan Olivier Louis Claude , Ustache Aurélien , Bernard Daniel , Aguerre-Chariol Olivier , Morgeneyer Martin
Published: May 2014

The growing use of nanomaterials requires the development of tools enabling study of the risks to consumer, worker, and environment. This study relates to the risk of suspension of inhalable particles upon production and/or use of powders constituted of nanoobjects, and more specifically to the potential of the vortex shaker as apparatus for determining the dustiness of a powder and as atmosphere generating tool for experimental toxicology. The powder chosen for this study was Graphistrength C100 (ARKEMA), a multiwalled carbon nanotube. Its agitation in a vortex shaker at 1500 rpm leads to an aerosol divided into four families, from isolated fibres to micronic pellets. The study highlights that the speed of agitation and the geometry of the device are influential parameters, to be systematically taken into account. It concludes that while the technique seems mature to conduct C100 dustiness tests, developments are still necessary to use it routinely for toxicology studies.
DV-Curve Representation of Protein Sequences and Its Application
Authors: Deng Wei , Luan Yihui
Published: May 2014

Based on the detailed hydrophobic-hydrophilic(HP) model of amino acids, we propose dual-vector curve (DV-curve) representation of protein sequences, which uses two vectors to represent one alphabet of protein sequences. This graphical representation not only avoids degeneracy, but also has good visualization no matter how long these sequences are, and can reflect the length of protein sequence. Then we transform the 2D-graphical representation into a numerical characterization that can facilitate quantitative comparison of protein sequences. The utility of this approach is illustrated by two examples: one is similarity/dissimilarity comparison among different ND6 protein sequences based on their DV-curve figures the other is the phylogenetic analysis among coronaviruses based on their spike proteins.
Molar Incisor Hypomineralization, Prevalence, and Etiology
Authors: Allazzam Sulaiman Mohammed , Alaki Sumer Madani , El Meligy Omar Abdel Sadek
Published: May 2014

Aim. To evaluate the prevalence and possible etiological factors associated with molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH) among a group of children in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.Methods. A group of 8-12-year-old children were recruited(n=267) from the Pediatric Dental Clinics at the Faculty of Dentistry, King Abdulaziz University. Children had at least one first permanent molar (FPM), erupted or partially erupted. Demographic information, children’s medical history, and pregnancy-related data were obtained. The crowns of the FPM and permanent incisors were examined for demarcated opacities, posteruptive breakdown (PEB), atypical restorations, and extracted FPMs. Children were considered to have MIH if one or more FPM with or without involvement of incisors met the diagnostic criteria.Results. MIH showed a prevalence of 8.6%. Demarcated opacities were the most common form. Maxillary central incisors were more affected than mandibular(P=0.01). The condition was more prevalent in children with history of illnesses during the first four years of life including tonsillitis(P=0.001), adenoiditis(P=0.001), asthma(P=0.001), fever(P=0.014),and antibiotics intake(P=0.001).Conclusions. The prevalence of MIH is significantly associated with childhood illnesses during the first four years of life including asthma, adenoid infections, tonsillitis, fever, and antibiotics intake.
Long-Term Effects of Maternal Deprivation on the Neuronal Soma Area in the Rat Neocortex
Authors: Aksić Milan , Radonjić Nevena V. , Aleksić Dubravka , Jevtić Gordana , Marković Branka , Petronijević Nataša , Radonjić Vidosava , Filipović Branislav
Published: May 2014

Early separation of rat pups from their mothers (separatio a matrem) is considered and accepted as an animal model of perinatal stress. Adult rats, separated early postnatally from their mothers, are developing long-lasting changes in the brain and neuroendocrine system, corresponding to the findings observed in schizophrenia and affective disorders. With the aim to investigate the morphological changes in this animal model we exposed 9-day-old (P9) Wistar rats to a 24 h maternal deprivation (MD). At young adult age rats were sacrificed for morphometric analysis and their brains were compared with the control group bred under the same conditions, but without MD. Rats exposed to MD had a 28% smaller cell soma area in the prefrontal cortex (PFCX), 30% in retrosplenial cortex (RSCX), and 15% in motor cortex (MCX) compared to the controls. No difference was observed in the expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein in the neocortex of MD rats compared to the control group. The results of this study demonstrate that stress in early life has a long-term effect on neuronal soma size in cingulate and retrosplenial cortex and is potentially interesting as these structures play an important role in cognition.
A Class of Iterative Nonlinear Difference Inequality with Weakly Singularity
Authors: Huang Chunmiao , Wang Wu-Sheng , Zhou Xiaoliang
Published: May 2014

We discuss a class of new nonlinear weakly singular difference inequality, which is solved by change of variable, discrete Hölder inequality, discrete Jensen inequality, the mean-value theorem for integrals and amplification method, and Gamma function. Explicit bound for the unknown function is given clearly. Moreover, an example is presented to show the usefulness of our results.
Binge Eating Behavior and Weight Loss Maintenance over a 2-Year Period
Authors: Pacanowski Carly R. , Senso Meghan M. , Oriogun Kristin , Crain A. Lauren , Sherwood Nancy E.
Published: May 2014

Objective. To investigate the relationship between binge eating behavior and weight loss maintenance over a two-year period in adults.Design. Secondary data analysis using the Keep It Off study, a randomized trial evaluating an intervention to promote weight loss maintenance.Participants. 419 men and women (ages: 20 to 70 y; BMI: 20–44 kg/m2) who had intentionally lost ≥10% of their weight during the previous year.Measurements. Body weight was measured and binge eating behavior over the past 6 months was reported at baseline, 12 months and 24 months. Height was measured at baseline.Results. Prevalence of binge eating at baseline was 19.4% (n=76). Prevalence of binge eating at any time point was 30.1% (n=126). Although rate of weight regain did not differ significantly between those who did or did not report binge eating at baseline, binge eating behavior across the study period (additive value of presence or absence at each time point) was significantly associated with different rates of weight regain.Conclusion. Tailoring weight loss maintenance interventions to address binge eating behavior is warranted given the prevalence and the different rates of weight regain experienced by those reporting this behavior.
Fabrication of TiO2Nanofilm Photoelectrodes on Ti Foil by Ti Ion Implantation and Subsequent Annealing
Authors: Liu Yichao , Ren Feng , Cai Guangxu , Hong Mengqing , Li Wenqing , Xiao Xiangheng , Wu Wei , Jiang Changzhong
Published: May 2014

The TiO2photoelectrodes fabricated on the substrate of Ti foils by Ti ions implantation and subsequent annealing at different temperatures were applied for water splitting. The size of TiO2nanoparticles increased with annealing temperatures, and the GIXRD patterns and Raman spectra demonstrate that the phase of TiO2turns to rutile at high temperature. The photoelectrochemical (PEC) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) spectra of the valence band demonstrate that the samples annealed at 400 and 500°C show the n-type property. The sample annealed at 600°C shows the weak p-type TiO2property. For the sample annealed at 700°C, the negative photocurrent is main, which mainly performs the p-type property of TiO2. The IPCE values indicate that the absorption edges are red shifted with the increase of annealing temperatures.
Association between Oxidative Stress and Outcome in Different Subtypes of Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Tsai Nai-Wen , Chang Ya-Ting , Huang Chi-Ren , Lin Yu-Jun , Lin Wei-Che , Cheng Ben-Chung , Su Chih-Min , Chiang Yi-Fang , Chen Shu-Fang , Huang Chih-Cheng , Chang Wen-Neng , Lu Cheng-Hsien
Published: May 2014

Objectives. This study investigated serum thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) and free thiol levels in different subtypes of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) and evaluated their association with clinical outcomes.Methods. This prospective study evaluated 100 AIS patients, including 75 with small-vessel and 25 with large-vessel diseases. Serum oxidative stress (TBARS) and antioxidant (thiol) were determined within 48 hours and days 7 and 30 after stroke. For comparison, 80 age- and sex-matched participants were evaluated as controls.Results. Serum TBARS was significantly higher and free thiol was lower in stroke patients than in the controls on days 1 and 7 after AIS. The level of free thiol was significantly lower in the large-vessel disease than in the small-vessel disease on day 7 after stroke. Using the stepwise logistic regression model for potential variables, only stroke subtype, NIHSS score, and serum TBARS level were independently associated with three-month outcome. Higher TBARS and lower thiol levels in the acute phase of stroke were associated with poor outcome.Conclusions. Patients with large-vessel disease have higher oxidative stress but lower antioxidant defense compared to those with small-vessel disease after AIS. Serum TBARS level at the acute phase of stroke is a potential predictor for three-month outcome.
Resveratrol Counteracts Inflammation in Human M1 and M2 Macrophages upon Challenge with 7-Oxo-Cholesterol: Potential Therapeutic Implications in Atherosclerosis
Authors: Buttari Brigitta , Profumo Elisabetta , Segoni Luca , D’Arcangelo Daniela , Rossi Stefania , Facchiano Francesco , Saso Luciano , Businaro Rita , Iuliano Luigi , Riganò Rachele
Published: May 2014

Macrophages consist of two main subsets: the proinflammatory M1 subset and the anti-inflammatory M2 one. 7-oxo-cholesterol, the most abundant cholesterol autoxidation product within atherosclerotic plaque, is able to skew the M1/M2 balance towards a proinflammatory profile. In the present study, we explored the ability of the polyphenolic compound resveratrol to counteract the 7-oxo-cholesterol-triggered proinflammatory signaling in macrophages. Resveratrol-pretreated human monocyte-derived M1 and M2 macrophages were challenged with 7-oxo-cholesterol and analyzed for phenotype and endocytic ability by flow cytometry, for metalloproteinase- (MMP-) 2 and MMP-9 by gelatin zymography, and for cytokine, chemokine, and growth factor secretome by a multiplex immunoassay. We also investigated the NF-κB signaling pathway. In the M1 subset, resveratrol prevented the downregulation of CD16 and the upregulation of MMP-2 in response to 7-oxo-cholesterol, whereas in M2 macrophages it prevented the upregulation of CD14, MMP-2, and MMP-9 and the downregulation of endocytosis. Resveratrol prevented the upregulation of several proinflammatory and proangiogenic molecules in both subsets. We identified modulation of NF-κB as a potential mechanism implicated in 7-oxo-cholesterol and resveratrol effects. Our results strengthen previous findings on the immunomodulatory ability of resveratrol and highlight its role as potential therapeutic or preventive compound, to counteract the proatherogenic oxysterol signaling within atherosclerotic plaque.
Involvement of the Circadian Rhythm and Inflammatory Cytokines in the Pathogenesis of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Yoshida Kohsuke , Hashimoto Teppei , Sakai Yoshitada , Hashiramoto Akira
Published: May 2014

Among the symptoms of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), joint stiffness is influenced by diurnal rhythm and reaches peak in the morning, which is a common complaint and reflects the circadian nature of disease manifestation. In addition, inflammatory cytokines, which reach peak secretion early in the morning are major players causing the morning stiffness. In this review, we explore the link between the circadian clock and inflammation, focusing on the interactions of various clock genes with the immune-pathways underlying the pathology of rheumatoid arthritis.
Code Development in Coupled PARCS/RELAP5 for Supercritical Water Reactor
Authors: Hu Po , Wilson Paul
Published: May 2014

The new capability is added to the existing coupled code package PARCS/RELAP5, in order to analyze SCWR design under supercritical pressure with the separated water coolant and moderator channels. This expansion is carried out on both codes. In PARCS, modification is focused on extending the water property tables to supercritical pressure, modifying the variable mapping input file and related code module for processing thermal-hydraulic information from separated coolant/moderator channels, and modifying neutronics feedback module to deal with the separated coolant/moderator channels. In RELAP5, modification is focused on incorporating more accurate water properties near SCWR operation/transient pressure and temperature in the code. Confirming tests of the modifications is presented and the major analyzing results from the extended codes package are summarized.
Immobilization of aPleurotus ostreatusLaccase Mixture on Perlite and Its Application to Dye Decolourisation
Authors: Pezzella Cinzia , Russo Maria Elena , Marzocchella Antonio , Salatino Piero , Sannia Giovanni
Published: May 2014

In the present study, a crude laccase preparation fromPleurotus ostreatuswas successfully immobilized on perlite, a cheap porous silica material, and tested for Remazol Brilliant Blue R (RBBR) decolourisation in a fluidized bed recycle reactor. Results showed that RBBR decolourisation is mainly due to enzyme action despite the occurrence of dye adsorption-related enzyme inhibition. Fine tuning of immobilization conditions allowed balancing the immobilization yield and the resulting rate of decolourisation, with the adsorption capacity of the solid biocatalyst. In the continuous lab scale reactor, a maximum conversion degree of 56.1% was achieved at reactor space-time of 4.2 h. Stability and catalytic parameters of the immobilized laccases were also assessed in comparison with the soluble counterparts, revealing an increase in stability, despite a reduction of the catalytic performances. Both effects are most likely ascribable to the occurrence of multipoint attachment phenomena.
Solution of a Problem Linear Plane Elasticity with Mixed Boundary Conditions by the Method of Boundary Integrals
Authors: Hussein Nahed S.
Published: May 2014

A numerical boundary integral scheme is proposed for the solution to the system of eld equations of plane. The stresses are prescribed on one‐half of the circle, while the displacements are given. The considered problem with mixed boundary conditions in the circle is replaced by two problems with homogeneous boundary conditions, one of each type, having a common solution. The equations are reduced to a system of boundary integral equations, which is then discretized in the usual way, and the problem at this stage is reduced to the solution to a rectangular linear system of algebraic equations. The unknowns in this system of equations are the boundary values of four harmonic functions which define the full elastic solution and the unknown boundary values of stresses or displacements on proper parts of the boundary. On the basis of the obtained results, it is inferred that a stress component has a singularity at each of the two separation points, thought to be of logarithmic type. The results are discussed and boundary plots are given. We have also calculated the unknown functions in the bulk directly from the given boundary conditions using the boundary collocation method. The obtained results in the bulk are discussed and three‐dimensional plots are given. A tentative form for the singular solution is proposed and the corresponding singular stresses and displacements are plotted in the bulk. The form of the singular tangential stress is seen to be compatible with the boundary values obtained earlier. The efficiency of the used numerical schemes is discussed.
Optimal Inventory Policy under Permissible Payment Delay in Fashion Supply Chains
Authors: Li Guo , Kang Yuchen , Liu Mengqi , Wang Zhaohua
Published: May 2014

This paper investigates a retailer’s optimal inventory cycle and the corresponding time of payment in fashion supply chains where a supplier allows the payment delay. Here according to the established model we first analyze the retailer′s reaction, and then find out the retailer’s optimal inventory policy and time of payment to maximize its total profit. Our result shows that it is not always the best choice for retailers of fashion supply chains to choose the discount way to replenish stocks, but the retailer can decide the optimal credit period and inventory cycle. Moreover, numerical examples are provided to illustrate the model’s feasibility and rationality.
The Abdomen in “Thoracoabdominal” Cannot Be Ignored: Abdominal Compartment Syndrome Complicating Extracorporeal Life Support
Authors: Lee Arthur J. , Wells Bryan J. , Chun Rosaleen , Ball Chad G. , Kirkpatrick Andrew. W.
Published: May 2014

Extracorporeal life support (ECLS) is an incredible life-saving measure that is being used ever more frequently in the care of the critically ill. Management of these patients requires extreme vigilance on the part of the care providers in recognizing and addressing the complications and challenges that may arise. We present a case of overt abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) in a previously well young male on ECLS with a history of trauma, submersion, hypothermia, and no intra-abdominal injuries. The patient developed ACS soon after ECLS was initiated which resulted in drastically compromised flow rates. Taking into account the patient’s critical status, an emergent laparotomy was performed in the intensive care unit which successfully resolved the ACS and restored ECLS flow. The patient had an unremarkable course following and was weaned off ECLS but unfortunately died from his original anoxic injury. This case highlights several salient points: first, care of patients on ECLS is challenging and multiple etiologies can affect our ability to manage these patients; second, intra-abdominal pressures should be monitored liberally in the critically ill, especially in patients on ECLS; third, protocols for emergent operative treatment outside of traditional operating rooms should be established and care providers should be prepared for these situations.
Association between the Delta Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate and the Prevalence of Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance in Korean Males
Authors: Jeong Tae-Dong , Lee Woochang , Chun Sail , Min Won-Ki
Published: May 2014

Background. We investigated the association between the reduction in the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and the prevalence of monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) in Korean males.Methods. We enrolled 723 healthy Korean males. Serum creatinine concentration, serum electrophoresis, serum immunofixation, and the serum free light chain assay were performed. We calculated delta eGFR per year (ΔeGFR/yr). The prevalence of MGUS was compared based on the ΔeGFR/yr and age group.Results. Thirteen (1.8%) of 723 participants exhibited the monoclonal band on serum immunofixation. Prevalence of MGUS by age group was 0.00% (0/172 for 40 years), 1.63% (6/367 for 60 years), and 3.80% (7/184 for >60 years). The median decrease in ΔeGFR/yr was 5.3%. The prevalence of MGUS in participants in their 50s with >5.3% decline in ΔeGFR/yr was significantly higher than those with <5.3% decrease in ΔeGFR/yr (3.16% versus 0.00%;P=0.049). The prevalence of MGUS in participants in their 50s with >5.3% decrease in ΔeGFR/yr was similar to that of healthy males in their 60s.Conclusion. Using the rate of reduction in ΔeGFR/yr in healthy Korean males who had their serum creatinine level checked regularly may increase the MGUS detection rate in clinical practice.
Ligand‐Based and Structure‐Based Investigation for Alzheimer’s Disease from Traditional Chinese Medicine
Authors: Liao Kai Hsin , Chen Kuen-Bao , Lee Wen-Yuan , Sun Mao-Feng , Lee Cheng-Chun , Chen Calvin Yu-Chian
Published: May 2014

Alzheimer’s disease is a neurodegenerative disease that was conventionally thought to be related to the sedimentation of beta‐amyloids, but drugs designed according to this hypothesis have generally failed. That FKBP52 can reduce the accumulation of tau proteins, and that Tacrolimus can reduce the pathological changes of tau proteins are new directions away from the long held amyloid‐beta‐centric concept. Therefore, the screening of traditional Chinese medicine compounds for those with higher affinity towards FKBP52 than Tacrolimus may be a new direction for treating Alzheimer’s disease. This study utilizes ligand‐based and structure‐based methods as the foundation. By utilizing dock scores and the predicted pIC50 from SVM, MLR, and Bayesian Network, several TCM compounds were selected for further analysis of their protein‐ligand interactions. Daphnetoxin has higher affinity and complex structure stability than Tacrolimus; Lythrancine II exhibits the most identical trends in FKBP52 interactions as Tacrolimus, and 20‐O‐(2′E,4′E‐decadienoyl)ingenol may be further modified at its hydrocarbon chain to promote interaction with FKBP52. In addition, we observed the residue Tyr113 of FKBP52 may play a key role in protein‐ligand interaction. Our results indicate that Daphnetoxin, 20‐O‐(2′E,4′E‐decadienoyl)ingenol, and Lythrancine II may be starting points for further modification as a new type of non‐amyloid‐beta‐centric drug for Alzheimer’s disease.
Preparation of North American Type II PRRSV Infectious Clone Expressing Green Fluorescent Protein
Authors: Wang Liyue , Zhang Kao , Lin Hongyu , Li Wenyan , Wen Jiexia , Zhang Jianlou , Zhang Yonghong , Li Xiujin , Zhong Fei
Published: May 2014

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) is still one of the most important infectious diseases threatening the swine industry. To construct North American type II PRRSV infectious clone containing green fluorescent protein (GFP) gene, we amplify gfp gene, flanked by PRRSV Nsp2 gene fragments upstream and downstream, using overlap PCR method from pcDNA-EF1-GFP plasmid and FL12 plasmid containing PRRSV infectious genome as the templates. The Nsp2 fragment-flanked gfp gene was inserted into Nsp2 gene of the FL12 plasmid bySpeI andXhoI sites to generate PRRSV infectious recombinant plasmid (FL12-GFP) containing gfp gene. The recombinant PRRSV expressing GFP (PRRSV-GFP) was rescued in baby hamster kidney-21 (BHK-21) cells by transfecting PRRSV mRNA synthesizedin vitroand amplified in Marc-145 cells. The PRRSV-GFP infectivity and replication capacity were identified. Results showed that, by adopting overlap PCR strategy, the gfp gene was successfully inserted into and fused with PRRSV Nsp2 gene in the PRRSV infectious clone plasmid FL-12 to generate FL12-GFP plasmid. The recombinant PRRSV-GFP was generated through transfecting PRRSV mRNA in BHK-2 cells. Like its parental virus, the recombinant PRRSV-GFP maintains its infectivity to Marc-145 cells and porcine alveolar macrophages (PAMs). This study provides essential conditions for further investigation on PRRSV.
Improving Carbon Mitigation Potential through Grassland Ecosystem Restoration under Climatic Change in Northeastern Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Huang Lin , Xu Xinliang , Shao Quanqin , Liu Jiyuan
Published: May 2014

To protect the water tower’s ecosystem environment and conserve biodiversity, China has been implementing a huge payment program for ecosystem services in the three rivers source region. We explored here the dynamics of grassland degradation and restoration from 1990 to 2012 and its relationships with climate mitigation in the TRSR to provide a definite answer as to the forcing and response of grassland degradation and restoration to climate change. Then we estimated its potential of climate mitigation benefits to address the question of whether ecological restoration could be effective in reversing the decline of ecosystem carbon mitigation service. The trend of average annual temperature and precipitation observed by meteorological stations were approximately increased. Compared before and after 2004, the area of grassland degradation was increased slightly. However, nearly one-third of degraded grassland showed improvement, and the grassland vegetation coverage showed significant increase. Comparing current grassland vegetation coverage with healthy vegetation cover with the same grass type, nearly half of the area still needs to further restore vegetation cover. The grassland degradation resulted in significant carbon emissions, but the restoration to its healthy status has been estimated to be technical mitigation potential.
The Boundedness of Marcinkiewicz Integral Associated with Schrödinger Operator and Its Commutator
Authors: Chen Dongxiang , Zou Dan
Published: May 2014

The authors prove that Marcinkiewicz integral operator is not only are bounded onLp, for1<P<∞, but also a bounded map fromL1(Rn)to weakL1(Rn). Meanwhile, theBMOL-boundedness and(HL1,L1)-boundedness are also obtained. Finally, theLp-boundedness and(L∞,BMOL)-boundedness for the commutator of Marcinkiewicz integral of schrödinger type are established.
Identification of a 20-Gene Expression-Based Risk Score as a Predictor of Clinical Outcome in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Patients
Authors: Bou Samra Elias , Klein Bernard , Commes Thérèse , Moreaux Jérôme
Published: May 2014

Despite the improvement in treatment options, chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) remains an incurable disease and patients show a heterogeneous clinical course requiring therapy for many of them. In the current work, we have built a 20-gene expression (GE)-based risk score predictive for patients overall survival and improving risk classification using microarray gene expression data. GE-based risk score allowed identifying a high-risk group associated with a significant shorter overall survival (OS) and time to treatment (TTT)P≤.01, comprising 19.6% and 13.6% of the patients in two independent cohorts. GE-based risk score, andNRIP1andTCF7gene expression remained independent prognostic factors using multivariate Cox analyses and combination of GE-based risk score together withNRIP1andTCF7gene expression enabled the identification of three clinically distinct groups of CLL patients. Therefore, this GE-based risk score represents a powerful tool for risk stratification and outcome prediction of CLL patients and could thus be used to guide clinical and therapeutic decisions prospectively.
Identification of Crucial Parameters in a Mathematical Multiscale Model of Glioblastoma Growth
Authors: Schuetz Tina A. , Mang Andreas , Becker Stefan , Toma Alina , Buzug Thorsten M.
Published: May 2014

Glioblastomas are highly malignant brain tumours. Mathematical models and their analysis provide a tool to support the understanding of the development of these tumours as well as the design of more effective treatment strategies. We have previously developed a multiscale model of glioblastoma progression that covers processes on the cellular and molecular scale. Here, we present a novel nutrient-dependent multiscale sensitivity analysis of this model that helps to identify those reaction parameters of the molecular interaction network that influence the tumour progression on the cellular scale the most. In particular, those parameters are identified that essentially determine tumour expansion and could be therefore used as potential therapy targets. As indicators for the success of a potential therapy target, a deceleration of the tumour expansion and a reduction of the tumour volume are employed. From the results, it can be concluded that no single parameter variation results in a less aggressive tumour. However, it can be shown that a few combined perturbations of two systematically selected parameters cause a slow-down of the tumour expansion velocity accompanied with a decrease of the tumour volume. Those parameters are primarily linked to the reactions that involve the microRNA-451 and the thereof regulated protein MO25.
EmeticBacillus cereusAre More Volatile Than Thought: Recent Foodborne Outbreaks and Prevalence Studies in Bavaria (2007–2013)
Authors: Messelhäusser Ute , Frenzel Elrike , Blöchinger Claudia , Zucker Renate , Kämpf Peter , Ehling-Schulz Monika
Published: May 2014

SeveralBacillus cereusstrains possess the genetic fittings to produce two different types of toxins, the heat-stable cereulide or different heat-labile proteins with enterotoxigenic potential. Unlike the diarrheal toxins, cereulide is (pre-)formed in food and can cause foodborne intoxications shortly after ingestion of contaminated food. Based on the widely self-limiting character of cereulide intoxications and rarely performed differential diagnostic in routine laboratories, the real incidence is largely unknown. Therefore, during a 7-year period about 4.300 food samples linked to foodborne illness with a preliminary report of vomiting as well as food analysed in the context of monitoring programs were investigated to determine the prevalence of emeticB. cereusin food environments. In addition, alux-based real-time monitoring system was employed to assess the significance of the detection of emetic strains in different food matrices and to determine the actual risk of cereulide toxin production in different types of food. This comprehensive study showed that emetic strains are much more volatile than previously thought. Our survey highlights the importance and need of novel strategies to move from the currently taxonomic-driven diagnostic to more risk orientated diagnostics to improve food and consumer safety.
Web-of-Objects Based User-Centric Semantic Service Composition Methodology in the Internet of Things
Authors: Ara Safina Showkat , Shamszaman Zia Ush , Chong Ilyoung
Published: May 2014

The general goal of the Web-of-Objects (WoO) is to simplify object and application deployment, maintenance, and operation of IoT infrastructures. WoO also aim to provide user-centric IoT service by enabling object virtualization and semantic ontology based service composition. In WoO, semantic modeling of objects plays a distinguished role in achieving interoperability of device and service through semantic ontology model. In this paper, we propose a semantic functional module for user centric service composition in WoO platform. We design an ontology model for virtual object (ViO); it is the physical representation of real world objects. Consequently, we present a user-demand based service composition by showing an use case of WoO. In the proposed semantic based service composition approach, virtual object and composite virtual object are the key entity; this class of objects allows composing services from heterogeneous objects by following a service composition algorithm. This algorithm creates composite service along with the semantic description of that service. The proposed approach of service composition enhances the collaboration of objects as well as services. In the proposed system, user can search a service using natural language through the user interface; on the other hand, the service composition module creates the service by selecting the required objects dynamically.
In SilicoPrediction of T and B Cell Epitopes of Der f 25 inDermatophagoides farinae
Authors: Li Xiaohong , Yang Hai-Wei , Chen Hao , Wu Jing , Liu Yehai , Wei Ji-Fu
Published: May 2014

The house dust mites are major sources of indoor allergens for humans, which induce asthma, rhinitis, dermatitis, and other allergic diseases. Der f 25 is a triosephosphate isomerase, representing the major allergen identified inDermatophagoides farinae. The objective of this study was to predict the B and T cell epitopes of Der f 25. In the present study, we analyzed the physiochemical properties, function motifs and domains, and structural-based detailed features of Der f 25 and predicted the B cell linear epitopes of Der f 25 by DNAStar protean system, BPAP, and BepiPred 1.0 server and the T cell epitopes by NetMHCIIpan-3.0 and NetMHCII-2.2. As a result, the sequence and structure analysis identified that Der f 25 belongs to the triosephosphate isomerase family and exhibited a triosephosphate isomerase pattern (PS001371). Eight B cell epitopes (11–18, 30–35, 71–77, 99–107, 132–138, 173–187, 193–197, and 211–224) and five T cell epitopes including 26–34, 38–54, 66–74, 142–151, and 239–247 were predicted in this study. These results can be used to benefit allergen immunotherapies and reduce the frequency of mite allergic reactions.
Action Mechanism of Fuzheng Fangai Pill Combined with Cyclophosphamide on Tumor Metastasis and Growth
Authors: Liu Sheng , Wang Xiao-min , Yang Guo-wang
Published: May 2014

Fuzheng Fangai pill (FZFA), a traditional Chinese formula, is widely used for cancer treatment. Compared with other anticancer drugs, it is characterized by moderate and persistent efficacy with few side effects. The present paper emphasizes antitumor effect of FZFA combined with cyclophosphamide (CTX) on C57BL/6 mice subcutaneously injected with Lewis lung cancer cells, Comparing it with that of CTX. On the 21st day, a set of biochemical parameters were studied: the tumor weight and tumor volume, the inhibition rate of lung metastasis, the percentage and ratio of spleen CD4+IL‐17+ Th17 (T helper cell 17, Th17 for short) and CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ Treg (T regulatory cell, Treg for short) cells, and the concentrations of IL‐6, TGF‐β, IL‐17, IL‐23, and IFN‐γ in culture supernatants of CD4+ T lymphocytes were determined. The expression of the splenic Foxp3 and RORγt mRNA and JAK2, STAT3, and SOCS3 protein as also determined. The results show that compared with the model control group and CTX group, FZFA+CTX restored the ratio of spleen CD4+IL‐17+ Th17 and CD4+CD25+ Foxp3+ Treg cells, and inhibited the inflammatory response including the nuclear SOCS3/JAK‐STAT pathway, regulation of interleukins TGF‐β, IL‐6, IL‐17, IL‐23, and IFN‐γ, and Foxp3 and RORγt gene expression in CD4+ T lymphocytes. We conclude that FZFA+CTX strongly reduced the growth and metastasis rate of Lewis lung cancer through inhibition of SOCS/JAK‐STAT pathway and inflammatory cytokine responses. FZFA + CTX had greater activity than CTX alone.
Energy-Efficient Reliable Broadcast Protocol for WSNs Based on IEEE 802.15.5
Authors: Lee Juho , Na Woongsoo , Cho Sungrae
Published: May 2014

We propose two link-layer reliable broadcast protocols for wireless sensor networks based on IEEE 802.15.5. We compare them in terms of energy consumption. By including both positive and negative acknowledgement, our second proposed scheme can effectively reduce the number of unnecessary error control messages and, thereby, significantly reducing the unnecessary power consumption relative to the first scheme. Also, we provide an analytical framework for the evaluation of different reliable broadcast techniques. Simulation results show that Scheme 2 achieves energy savings of up to about 85% compared to Scheme 1.
Insulin Regulates Glucose Consumption and Lactate Production through Reactive Oxygen Species and Pyruvate Kinase M2
Authors: Li Qi , Liu Xue , Yin Yu , Zheng Ji-Tai , Jiang Cheng-Fei , Wang Jing , Shen Hua , Li Chong-Yong , Wang Min , Liu Ling-Zhi , Jiang Bing-Hua
Published: May 2014

Although insulin is known to regulate glucose metabolism and closely associate with liver cancer, the molecular mechanisms still remain to be elucidated. In this study, we attempt to understand the mechanism of insulin in promotion of liver cancer metabolism. We found that insulin increased pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2) expression through reactive oxygen species (ROS) for regulating glucose consumption and lactate production, key process of glycolysis in hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 and Bel7402 cells. Interestingly, insulin-induced ROS was found responsible for the suppression of miR-145 and miR-128, and forced expression of either miR-145 or miR-128 was sufficient to abolish insulin-induced PKM2 expression. Furthermore, the knockdown of PKM2 expression also inhibited cancer cell growth and insulin-induced glucose consumption and lactate production, suggesting that PKM2 is a functional downstream effecter of insulin. Taken together, this study would provide a new insight into the mechanism of insulin-induced glycolysis.
Playing and Listening to Tailor-Made Notched Music: Cortical Plasticity Induced by Unimodal and Multimodal Training in Tinnitus Patients
Authors: Pape Janna , Paraskevopoulos Evangelos , Bruchmann Maximilian , Wollbrink Andreas , Rudack Claudia , Pantev Christo
Published: May 2014

Background. The generation and maintenance of tinnitus are assumed to be based on maladaptive functional cortical reorganization. Listening to modified music, which contains no energy in the range of the individual tinnitus frequency, can inhibit the corresponding neuronal activity in the auditory cortex. Music making has been shown to be a powerful stimulator for brain plasticity, inducing changes in multiple sensory systems. Using magnetoencephalographic (MEG) and behavioral measurements we evaluated the cortical plasticity effects of two months of (a)activelistening to (unisensory) versus (b) learning to play (multisensory) tailor-made notched music in nonmusician tinnitus patients. Taking into account the fact that uni- and multisensory trainings induce different patterns of cortical plasticity we hypothesized that these two protocols will have different affects.Results. Only theactivelistening (unisensory) group showed significant reduction of tinnitus related activity of the middle temporal cortex and an increase in the activity of a tinnitus-coping related posterior parietal area.Conclusions. These findings indicate thatactivelistening to tailor-made notched music induces greater neuroplastic changes in the maladaptively reorganized cortical network of tinnitus patients while additional integration of other sensory modalities during training reduces these neuroplastic effects.
Human Cytomegalovirus-Encoded miR-US25-1 Aggravates the Oxidised Low Density Lipoprotein-Induced Apoptosis of Endothelial Cells
Authors: Fan Jianmin , Zhang Wen , Liu Qiming
Published: May 2014

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection is linked to the development and severity of the cardiovascular disease atherosclerosis; however, there is little known about the promotion of atherosclerosis. miR-US25-1 is one of HCMV-encoded miRNAs and targets cellular genes that are essential for virus growth to control the life cycle of the virus and host cells. The prominent regulation on cell cycle genes of the miR-US25-1 attracts us to explore its role in the atherosclerosis promotion. It was indicated that miR-US25-1 level was upregulated in subjects or in endothelial cells with HCMV infection; and the miR-US25-1 downregulated the expression of BRCC 3 by targeting the 5′ UTR of BRCC 3. And a miR-US25-1 mimics transfection could reduce the EAhy926 cell viability but did not induce apoptosis in EAhy926 cells. And what is more, miR-US25-1 mimicis transfection deteriorated the ox-LDL-induced apoptosis and aggravated the upregulation of apoptosis-associated molecules by oxidised low density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) in EAhy926 cells. And we have also confirmed the deregulation of BRCC 3 expression by miR-US25-1 by targeting the 5′ UTR of it. Given the vital role of BRCC 3 in DNA damage repairing, we speculated that the targeting inhibition of BRCC 3 by miR-US25-1 may contribute to the aggravation of ox-LDL-promoted apoptosis of endothelial EAhy926 cells.
Synergistic Effect and Antiquorum Sensing Activity ofNymphaea tetragona(Water Lily) Extract
Authors: Hossain Md. Akil , Park Ji-Yong , Kim Jin-Yoon , Suh Joo-Won , Park Seung-Chun
Published: May 2014

Salmonellosis is a common and widely distributed food borne disease whereSalmonella typhimuriumis one of the most important etiologic agents. The purpose of this study was to investigate the antimicrobial activity ofNymphaea tetragonaalone and in combination with antibiotics againstS. typhimurium. It also aimed to assess the plant for quorum sensing inhibition (QSI) activity and to identify the bioactive compounds. The antibacterial activities of the extract were assessed using broth microdilution method. Disk agar diffusion method was employed to determine the QSI and bioactive compounds were identified by GC-MS analysis. Ethyl acetate fraction ofN. tetragonaextract (EFNTE) demonstrated good antimicrobial activity (MIC 781 μg/mL) against 4 strains out of 5. FIC index ranged from 0.375 to 1.031 between EFNTE/tylosin and 0.515 to 1.250 between EFNTE/streptomycin againstS. typhimurium. Among all extracts, EFNTE and butanol fraction more significantly inhibited pigment production ofC. violaceum. Polyphenols were identified as major compound of EFNTE and butanol fraction. These results indicate that combination amongN. tetragonaextract and antibiotics could be useful to combat drug-resistanceSalmonellainfections and polyphenols are promising new components fromN. tetragonathat warrant further investigation as a candidate anti-Salmonellaagent and quorum sensing inhibitor.
Effects of Absorber Emissivity on Thermal Performance of a Solar Cavity Receiver
Authors: Fang Jiabin , Tu Nan , Wei Jinjia
Published: May 2014

Solar cavity receiver is a key component to realize the light-heat conversion in tower-type solar power system. It usually has an aperture for concentrated sunlight coming in, and the heat loss is unavoidable because of this aperture. Generally, in order to improve the thermal efficiency, a layer of coating having high absorptivity for sunlight would be covered on the surface of the absorber tubes inside the cavity receiver. As a result, it is necessary to investigate the effects of the emissivity of absorber tubes on the thermal performance of the receiver. In the present work, the thermal performances of the receiver with different absorber emissivity were numerically simulated. The results showed that the thermal efficiency increases and the total heat loss decreases with increasing emissivity of absorber tubes. However, the thermal efficiency increases by only 1.6% when the emissivity of tubes varies from 0.2 to 0.8. Therefore, the change of absorber emissivity has slight effect on the thermal performance of the receiver. The reason for variation tendency of performance curves was also carefully analyzed. It was found that the temperature reduction of the cavity walls causes the decrease of the radiative heat loss and the convective heat loss.
Iterative Selection of Unknown Weights in Direct Weight Optimization Identification
Authors: Xuan Xiao , Jian-hong Wang , Stamatovic Biljana
Published: May 2014

To the direct weight optimization identification of the nonlinear system, we add some linear terms about input sequences in the former linear affine function so as to approximate the nonlinear property. To choose the two classes of unknown weights in the more linear terms, this paper derives the detailed process on how to choose these unknown weights from theoretical analysis and engineering practice, respectively, and makes sure of their key roles between the unknown weights. From the theoretical analysis, the added unknown weights’ auxiliary role can be known in the whole process of approximating the nonlinear system. From the practical analysis, we learn how to transform one complex optimization problem to its corresponding common quadratic program problem. Then, the common quadratic program problem can be solved by the basic interior point method. Finally, the efficiency and possibility of the proposed strategies can be confirmed by the simulation results.