bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of 2′,3′-cyclic nucleotide 3′-phosphodiesterase in the renal 2′,3′-cAMP-adenosine pathway
Authors: Jackson Edwin K. , Gillespie Delbert G. , Mi Zaichuan , Cheng Dongmei , Bansal Rashmi , Janesko-Feldman Keri , Kochanek Patrick M.
Published: May 2014

Energy depletion increases the renal production of 2′,3′-cAMP (a positional isomer of 3′,5′-cAMP that opens mitochondrial permeability transition pores) and 2′,3′-cAMP is converted to 2′-AMP and 3′-AMP, which in turn are metabolized to adenosine. Because the enzymes involved in this “2′,3′-cAMP-adenosine pathway” are unknown, we examined whether 2′,3′-cyclic nucleotide 3′-phosphodiesterase (CNPase) participates in the renal metabolism of 2′,3′-cAMP. Western blotting and real-time PCR demonstrated expression of CNPase in rat glomerular mesangial, preglomerular vascular smooth muscle and endothelial, proximal tubular, thick ascending limb and collecting duct cells. Real-time PCR established the expression of CNPase in human glomerular mesangial, proximal tubular and vascular smooth muscle cells; and the level of expression of CNPase was greater than that for phosphodiesterase 4 (major enzyme for the metabolism of 3′,5′-cAMP). Overexpression of CNPase in rat preglomerular vascular smooth muscle cells increased the metabolism of exogenous 2′,3′-cAMP to 2′-AMP. Infusions of 2′,3′-cAMP into isolated CNPase wild-type (+/+) kidneys increased renal venous 2′-AMP, and this response was diminished by 63% in CNPase knockout (−/−) kidneys, whereas the conversion of 3′,5′-cAMP to 5′-AMP was similar in CNPase +/+ vs. −/− kidneys. In CNPase +/+ kidneys, energy depletion (metabolic poisons) increased kidney tissue levels of adenosine and its metabolites (inosine, hypoxanthine, xanthine, and uric acid) without accumulation of 2′,3′-cAMP. In contrast, in CNPase −/− kidneys, energy depletion increased kidney tissue levels of 2′,3′-cAMP and abolished the increase in adenosine and its metabolites. In conclusion, kidneys express CNPase, and renal CNPase mediates in part the renal 2′,3′-cAMP-adenosine pathway.
The response of the anterior striatum during adult human vocal learning
Authors: Simmonds Anna J. , Leech Robert , Iverson Paul , Wise Richard J. S.
Published: May 2014

Research on mammals predicts that the anterior striatum is a central component of human motor learning. However, because vocalizations in most mammals are innate, much of the neurobiology of human vocal learning has been inferred from studies on songbirds. Essential for song learning is a pathway, the homolog of mammalian cortical-basal ganglia “loops,” which includes the avian striatum. The present functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study investigated adult human vocal learning, a skill that persists throughout life, albeit imperfectly given that late-acquired languages are spoken with an accent. Monolingual adult participants were scanned while repeating novel non-native words. After training on the pronunciation of half the words for 1 wk, participants underwent a second scan. During scanning there was no external feedback on performance. Activity declined sharply in left and right anterior striatum, both within and between scanning sessions, and this change was independent of training and performance. This indicates that adult speakers rapidly adapt to the novel articulatory movements, possibly by using motor sequences from their native speech to approximate those required for the novel speech sounds. Improved accuracy correlated only with activity in motor-sensory perisylvian cortex. We propose that future studies on vocal learning, using different behavioral and pharmacological manipulations, will provide insights into adult striatal plasticity and its potential for modification in both educational and clinical contexts.
Transcriptional atlas of cardiogenesis maps congenital heart disease interactome
Authors: Li Xing , Martinez-Fernandez Almudena , Hartjes Katherine A. , Kocher Jean-Pierre A. , Olson Timothy M. , Terzic Andre , Nelson Timothy J.
Published: May 2014

Mammalian heart development is built on highly conserved molecular mechanisms with polygenetic perturbations resulting in a spectrum of congenital heart diseases (CHD). However, knowledge of cardiogenic ontogeny that regulates proper cardiogenesis remains largely based on candidate-gene approaches. Mapping the dynamic transcriptional landscape of cardiogenesis from a genomic perspective is essential to integrate the knowledge of heart development into translational applications that accelerate disease discovery efforts toward mechanistic-based treatment strategies. Herein, we designed a time-course transcriptome analysis to investigate the genome-wide dynamic expression landscape of innate murine cardiogenesis ranging from embryonic stem cells to adult cardiac structures. This comprehensive analysis generated temporal and spatial expression profiles, revealed stage-specific gene functions, and mapped the dynamic transcriptome of cardiogenesis to curated pathways. Reconciling known genetic underpinnings of CHD, we deconstructed a disease-centric dynamic interactome encoded within this cardiogenic atlas to identify stage-specific developmental disturbances clustered on regulation of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), BMP signaling, NF-AT signaling, TGFb-dependent EMT, and Notch signaling. Collectively, this cardiogenic transcriptional landscape defines the time-dependent expression of cardiac ontogeny and prioritizes regulatory networks at the interface between health and disease.
Comprehensive characterization of glioblastoma tumor tissues for biomarker identification using mass spectrometry-based label-free quantitative proteomics
Authors: Heroux Maxime S. , Chesnik Marla A. , Halligan Brian D. , Al-Gizawiy Mona , Connelly Jennifer M. , Mueller Wade M. , Rand Scott D. , Cochran Elizabeth J. , LaViolette Peter S. , Malkin Mark G. , Schmainda Kathleen M. , Mirza Shama P.
Published: May 2014

Cancer is a complex disease; glioblastoma (GBM) is no exception. Short survival, poor prognosis, and very limited treatment options make it imperative to unravel the disease pathophysiology. The critically important identification of proteins that mediate various cellular events during disease is made possible with advancements in mass spectrometry (MS)-based proteomics. The objective of our study is to identify and characterize proteins that are differentially expressed in GBM to better understand their interactions and functions that lead to the disease condition. Further identification of upstream regulators will provide new potential therapeutic targets. We analyzed GBM tumors by SDS-PAGE fractionation with internal DNA markers followed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (MS). Brain tissue specimens obtained for clinical purposes during epilepsy surgeries were used as controls, and the quantification of MS data was performed by label-free spectral counting. The differentially expressed proteins were further characterized by Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) to identify protein interactions, functions, and upstream regulators. Our study identified several important proteins that are involved in GBM progression. The IPA revealed glioma activation with z score 2.236 during unbiased core analysis. Upstream regulators STAT3 and SP1 were activated and CTNNα was inhibited. We verified overexpression of several proteins by immunoblot to complement the MS data. This work represents an important step towards the identification of GBM biomarkers, which could open avenues to identify therapeutic targets for better treatment of GBM patients. The workflow developed represents a powerful and efficient method to identify biomarkers in GBM.
An Extension of the Optimal Homotopy Asymptotic Method to Coupled Schrödinger-KdV Equation
Authors: Ullah Hakeem , Islam Saeed , Idrees Muhammad , Fiza Mehreen , Ul Haq Zahoor
Published: May 2014

We consider the approximate solution of the coupled Schrödinger-KdV equation by using the extended optimal homotopy asymptotic method (OHAM). We obtained the extended OHAM solution of the problem and compared with the exact, variational iteration method (VIM) and homotopy perturbation method (HPM) solutions. The obtained solution shows that extended OHAM is effective, simpler, easier, and explicit and gives a suitable way to control the convergence of the approximate solution.
An Estimate of the Rate of Convergence of the Fourier Series in the Generalized Hölder Metric by Delayed Arithmetic Mean
Authors: Nayak L. , Das G. , Ray B. K.
Published: May 2014

We study the rate of convergence problem of the Fourier series by Delayed Arithmetic Mean in the generalized Hölder metric (Hp(w)) space which was earlier introduced by Das, Nath, and Ray and obtain a sharper estimate of Jackson's order.
A SLAM Algorithm Based on Adaptive Cubature Kalman Filter
Authors: Yu Fei , Sun Qian , Lv Chongyang , Ben Yueyang , Fu Yanwei
Published: May 2014

We need to predict mathematical model of the system and a priori knowledge of the noise statistics when traditional simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) solutions are used. However, in many practical applications, prior statistics of the noise are unknown or time‐varying, which will lead to large estimation errors or even cause divergence. In order to solve the above problem, an innovative cubature Kalman filter‐based SLAM (CKF‐SLAM) algorithm based on an adaptive cubature Kalman filter (ACKF) was established in this paper. The novel algorithm estimates the statistical parameters of the unknown system noise by introducing the Sage‐Husa noise statistic estimator. Combining the advantages of the
CKF‐SLAM and the adaptive estimator, the new ACKF‐SLAM algorithm can reduce the state estimated error significantly and improve the navigation accuracy of the SLAM system effectively. The performance of this new algorithm has been examined through numerical simulations in different scenarios. The results have shown that the position error can be effectively reduced with the new adaptive CKF‐SLAM algorithm. Compared with other traditional SLAM methods, the accuracy of the nonlinear SLAM system is significantly improved. It verifies that the proposed ACKF‐SLAM algorithm is valid and feasible.
IDH1R132HMutation Increases U87 Glioma Cell Sensitivity to Radiation Therapy in Hypoxia
Authors: Wang Xiao-Wei , Labussière Marianne , Valable Samuel , Pérès Elodie A. , Guillamo Jean-Sébastien , Bernaudin Myriam , Sanson Marc
Published: May 2014

Objective.IDH1codon 132 mutation (mostly Arg132His) is frequently found in gliomas and is associated with longer survival. However, it is still unclear whetherIDH1mutation renders the cell more vulnerable to current treatment, radio- and chemotherapy.Materials and Methods. We transduced U87 with wild typeIDH1orIDH1R132Hexpressing lentivirus and analyzed the radiosensitivity (dose ranging 0 to 10 Gy) under normoxia (20% O2) and moderate hypoxia (1% O2).Results. We observed thatIDH1R132HU87 cells grow faster in hypoxia and were more sensitive to radiotherapy (in terms of cell mortality and colony formation assay) compared to nontransduced U87 andIDH1wtcells. This effect was not observed in normoxia.Conclusion. These data suggest thatIDH1R132Hmutation increases radiosensitivity in mild hypoxic conditions.
Dynamic Optimal Production Strategies Based on the Inventory‐Dependent Demand under the Cap‐and‐Trade Mechanism
Authors: Ma Qiuzhuo , Song Haiqing , Chen Gongyu
Published: May 2014

Cap‐and‐trade system is the most popularly applied mechanism that is currently recognized to be effective in stimulating the enterprises to environmentally friendly operate through emission reduction. In this paper, we consider a single company whose carbon emission is generated from not only its production process but also its inventory management activity. A continuous optimal control model is used to find the optimal dynamic production policy on the objective of profit maximization with respect to the cap‐and‐trade mechanism. Some properties of the strategies are derived concerning the timing of production rate adjustment and the
length of the decision duration period. The capacitated strategy is also discussed, in which different combinations of different decision intervals of different production rates are explicitly explored. The impact of various factors on the length of these intervals is qualitatively described. Through the sensitivity analysis, we further discuss the impact of product prices on the positions of the switch time points between the decision intervals. Company’s performance including profit and emission is numerically compared in the situation of joining or not joining the cap‐and‐trade system.
Exploring Factors Affecting Emergency Medical Services Staffs’ Decision about Transporting Medical Patients to Medical Facilities
Authors: Ebrahimian Abbasali , Seyedin Hesam , Jamshidi-Orak Roohangiz , Masoumi Gholamreza
Published: May 2014

Transfer of patients in medical emergency situations is one of the most important missions of emergency medical service (EMS) staffs. So this study was performed to explore affecting factors in EMS staffs’ decision during transporting of patients in medical situations to medical facilities. The participants in this qualitative study consisted of 18 EMS staffs working in prehospital care facilities in Tehran, Iran. Data were gathered through semistructured interviews. The data were analyzed using a content analysis approach. The data analysis revealed the following theme: “degree of perceived risk in EMS staffs and their patients.” This theme consisted of two main categories: (1) patient’s condition’ and (2) the context of the EMS mission’. The patent’s condition category emerged from “physical health statuses,” “socioeconomic statuses,” and “cultural background” subcategories. The context of the EMS mission also emerged from two subcategories of “characteristics of the mission” and EMS staffs characteristics’. EMS system managers can consider adequate technical, informational, financial, educational, and emotional supports to facilitate the decision making of their staffs. Also, development of an effective and user-friendly checklist and scoring system was recommended for quick and easy recognition of patients’ needs for transportation in a prehospital situation.
A Simple Approach for Monitoring Business Service Time Variation
Authors: Yang Su-Fen , Arnold Barry C.
Published: May 2014

Control charts are effective tools for signal detection in both manufacturing processes and service processes. Much of the data in service industries comes from processes having nonnormal or unknown distributions. The commonly used Shewhart variable control charts, which depend heavily on the normality assumption, are not appropriately used here. In this paper, we propose a new asymmetric EWMA variance chart (EWMA-AV chart) and an asymmetric EWMA mean chart (EWMA-AM chart) based on two simple statistics to monitor process variance and mean shifts simultaneously. Further, we explore the sampling properties of the new monitoring statistics and calculate the average run lengths when using both the EWMA-AV chart and the EWMA-AM chart. The performance of the EWMA-AV and EWMA-AM charts and that of some existing variance and mean charts are compared. A numerical example involving nonnormal service times from the service system of a bank branch in Taiwan is used to illustrate the applications of the EWMA-AV and EWMA-AM charts and to compare them with the existing variance (or standard deviation) and mean charts. The proposed EWMA-AV chart and EWMA-AM charts show superior detection performance compared to the existing variance and mean charts. The EWMA-AV chart and EWMA-AM chart are thus recommended.
Research on the DDA Precision Interpolation Algorithm for Continuity of Speed and Acceleration
Authors: Sun Kai , Zhang Jie , He Guangping , Chen Youdong
Published: May 2014

The interpolation technology is critical to performance of CNC and industrial robots; this paper proposes a new precision interpolation algorithm based on analysis of root cause in speed and acceleration. To satisfy continuity of speed and acceleration in interpolation process, this paper describes, respectively, variable acceleration precision interpolation of two stages and three sections. Testing shows that CNC system can be enhanced significantly by using the new fine interpolation algorithm in this paper.
The Effect of Prior Upper Body Exercise on Subsequent Wingate Performance
Authors: Grant Marie Clare , Robergs Robert , Baird Marianne Findlay , Baker Julien S.
Published: May 2014

It has been reported previously that the upper body musculature is continually active during high intensity cycle ergometry. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of prior upper body exercise on subsequent Wingate (WAnT) performance. Eleven recreationally active males (20.8 ± 2.2 yrs; 77.7 ± 12.0 kg; 1.79 ± 0.04 m) completed two trials in a randomised order. In one trial participants completed2×30 s WAnT tests (WAnT1 and WAnT2) with a 6 min recovery period; in the other trial, this protocol was preceded with 4 sets of biceps curls to induce localised arm fatigue. Prior upper body exercise was found to have a statistically significant detrimental effect on peak power output (PPO) during WAnT1(P<0.05)but no effect was observed for mean power output (MPO)(P>0.05). Handgrip (HG) strength was also found to be significantly lower following the upper body exercise. These results demonstrate that the upper body is meaningfully involved in the generation of leg power during intense cycling.
Management of Anterior Skull Base Defect Depending on Its Size and Location
Authors: Bernal-Sprekelsen Manuel , Rioja Elena , Enseñat Joaquim , Enriquez Karla , Viscovich Liza , Agredo-Lemos Freddy Enrique , Alobid Isam
Published: May 2014

Introduction. We present our experience in the reconstruction of these leaks depending on their size and location.Material and Methods. Fifty-four patients who underwent advanced skull base surgery (large defects,>20 mm) and 62 patients with CSF leaks of different origin (small, 2–10 mm, and midsize, 11–20 mm, defects) were included in the retrospective study. Large defects were reconstructed with a nasoseptal pedicled flap positioned on fat and fascia lata. In small and midsized leaks. Fascia lata in anunderlayposition was used for its reconstruction covered with mucoperiosteum of either the middle or the inferior turbinate.Results. The most frequent etiology for small and midsized defects was spontaneous (48.4%), followed by trauma (24.2%), iatrogenic (5%). The success rate after the first surgical reconstruction was 91% and 98% in large skull base defects and small/midsized, respectively. Rescue surgery achieved 100%.Conclusions. Endoscopic surgery for any type of skull base defect is the gold standard. The size of the defects does not seem to play a significant role in the success rate. Fascia lata and mucoperiosteum of the turbinate allow a two-layer reconstruction of small and midsized defects. For larger skull base defects, a combination of fat, fascia lata, and nasoseptal pedicled flaps provides a successful reconstruction.
Immune Evasion Strategies of Pre-Erythrocytic Malaria Parasites
Authors: Zheng Hong , Tan Zhangping , Xu Wenyue
Published: May 2014

Malaria is a mosquito-borne infectious disease of humans. It begins with a bite from an infected femaleAnophelesmosquito and leads to the development of the pre-erythrocytic and blood stages. Blood-stage infection is the exclusive cause of clinical symptoms of malaria. In contrast, the pre-erythrocytic stage is clinically asymptomatic and could be an excellent target for preventive therapies. Although the robust host immune responses limit the development of the liver stage, malaria parasites have also evolved strategies to suppress host defenses at the pre-erythrocytic stage. This paper reviews the immune evasion strategies of malaria parasites at the pre-erythrocytic stage, which could provide us with potential targets to design prophylactic strategies against malaria.
MYD88 L265P Mutations Are Correlated with 6q Deletion in Korean Patients with Waldenström Macroglobulinemia
Authors: Kim Jung-Ah , Im Kyongok , Park Si Nae , Kwon Jiseok , Choi Qute , Hwang Sang Mee , Sekiguchi Naohiro , Yoon Sung-Soo , Lee Dong Soon , Kim Seon Young
Published: May 2014

Waldenström macroglobulinemia (WM) is a malignant lymphoplasma-proliferative disorder with IgM monoclonal gammopathy. A recent whole-genome study identified MYD88 L265P as the key mutation in WM. We investigatedMYD88mutations in conjunction with cytogenetic study in 22 consecutive Korean WM patients. Conventional G-banding and interphase fluorescencein situhybridization (FISH) were performed at regions including 6q21 using bone marrow (BM) aspirates. Sixteen patients were subjected to Sanger sequencing-basedMYD88mutation study. Five patients (28%) showed cytogenetic aberrations in G-banding. The incidence of 6q21 deletion was 17% by conventional G-banding and 37% by FISH. Ten patients (45%) showed cytogenetic aberrations using FISH: 6q deletion in eight (37%) andIGHrearrangement in four (18%). Two patients had both the 6q deletion andIGHrearrangement, and two had only theIGHrearrangement. Eleven patients (69%) presented with the MYD88 L265P mutation.MYD88mutations were significantly associated with the presence of 6q deletions (P=0.037). Six patients with the 6q deletion for whom sequencing was possible were found to harborMYD88mutations. The MYD88 L265P mutation was also associated with increased lymphocyte burden in BM biopsy. This is the first report of high frequency MYD88 L265P mutations in Korean WM patients.
Functional Interactions between 17β-Estradiol and Progesterone Regulate Autophagy during Acini Formation by Bovine Mammary Epithelial Cells in 3D Cultures
Authors: Zielniok Katarzyna , Motyl Tomasz , Gajewska Malgorzata
Published: May 2014

Mammary gland epithelium forms a network of ducts and alveolar units under control of ovarian hormones: 17-beta-estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4). Mammary epithelial cells (MECs) cultured on reconstituted basement membrane (rBM) form three-dimensional (3D) acini composed of polarized monolayers surrounding a lumen. Using the 3D culture of BME-UV1 bovine MECs we previously demonstrated that autophagy was induced in the centrally located cells of developing spheroids, and sex steroids increased this process. In the present study we showed that E2 and P4 enhanced the expression ofATG3,ATG5, andBECN1genes during acini formation, and this effect was accelerated in the presence of both hormones together. The stimulatory action of E2 and P4 was also reflected by increased levels of Atg5, Atg3, and LC3-II proteins. Additionally, the activity of kinases involved in autophagy regulation, Akt, ERK, AMPK, and mTOR, was examined. E2 + P4 slightly increased the level of phosphorylated AMPK but diminished phosphorylated Akt and mTOR on day 9 of 3D culture. Thus, the synergistic actions of E2 and P4 accelerate the development of bovine mammary acini, which may be connected with stimulation ofATGsexpression, as well as regulation of signaling pathways (PI3K/Akt/mTOR; AMPK/mTOR) involved in autophagy induction.
Protection against Experimental Melioidosis following Immunisation with a Lipopolysaccharide-Protein Conjugate
Authors: Scott Andrew E. , Ngugi Sarah A. , Laws Thomas R. , Corser David , Lonsdale Claire L. , D’Elia Riccardo V. , Titball Richard W. , Williamson E. Diane , Atkins Timothy P. , Prior Joann L.
Published: May 2014

Melioidosis is a severe infectious disease caused byBurkholderia pseudomallei. It is refractory to antibiotic treatment and there is currently no licensed vaccine. In this report we detail the construction and protective efficacy of a polysaccharide-protein conjugate composed ofB. pseudomalleilipopolysaccharide and theHcfragment of tetanus toxin. Immunisation of mice with the lipopolysaccharide-conjugate led to significantly reduced bacterial burdens in the spleen 48 hours after challenge and afforded significant protection against a lethal challenge withB. pseudomallei. The conjugate generated significantly higher levels of antigen-specific IgG1 and IgG2a than in lipopolysaccharide-immunised mice. Immunisation with the conjugate also demonstrated a bias towards Th1 type responses, evidenced by high levels of IgG2a. In contrast, immunisation with unconjugated lipopolysaccharide evoked almost no IgG2a demonstrating a bias towards Th2 type responses. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of this approach in the development of an efficacious and protective vaccine against melioidosis.
Physical Exercise-Induced Adult Neurogenesis: A Good Strategy to Prevent Cognitive Decline in Neurodegenerative Diseases?
Authors: Yau Suk-yu , Gil-Mohapel Joana , Christie Brian R. , So Kwok-fai
Published: May 2014

Cumulative evidence has indicated that there is an important role for adult hippocampal neurogenesis in cognitive function. With the increasing prevalence of cognitive decline associated with neurodegenerative diseases among the ageing population, physical exercise, a potent enhancer of adult hippocampal neurogenesis, has emerged as a potential preventative strategy/treatment to reduce cognitive decline. Here we review the functional role of adult hippocampal neurogenesis in learning and memory, and how this form of structural plasticity is altered in neurodegenerative diseases known to involve cognitive impairment. We further discuss how physical exercise may contribute to cognitive improvement in the ageing brain by preserving adult neurogenesis, and review the recent approaches for measuring changes in neurogenesis in the live human brain.
A Physiological Neural Controller of a Muscle Fiber Oculomotor Plant in Horizontal Monkey Saccades
Authors: Ghahari Alireza , Enderle John D.
Published: May 2014

A neural network model of biophysical neurons in the midbrain is presented to drive a muscle fiber oculomotor plant during horizontal monkey saccades. Neural circuitry, including omnipause neuron, premotor excitatory and inhibitory burst neurons, long lead burst neuron, tonic neuron, interneuron, abducens nucleus, and oculomotor nucleus, is developed to examine saccade dynamics. The time-optimal control strategy by realization of agonist and antagonist controller models is investigated. In consequence, each agonist muscle fiber is stimulated by an agonist neuron, while an antagonist muscle fiber is unstimulated by a pause and step from the antagonist neuron. It is concluded that the neural network is constrained by a minimum duration of the agonist pulse and that the most dominant factor in determining the saccade magnitude is the number of active neurons for the small saccades. For the large saccades, however, the duration of agonist burst firing significantly affects the control of saccades. The proposed saccadic circuitry establishes a complete model of saccade generation since it not only includes the neural circuits at both the premotor and motor stages of the saccade generator, but also uses a time-optimal controller to yield the desired saccade magnitude.
Synchronization Control of Time‐Varying Complex Dynamic Network with Nonidentical Nodes and Coupling Time‐Delay
Authors: Zhang Youjian , Yan Wenjun , Yang Qiang
Published: May 2014

This paper addresses the synchronization problem for a class of complex networks with time‐varying topology as well as nonidentical nodes and coupling time‐delay and presents two efficient control schemes to synchronize the network onto any given smooth goal dynamics. The time‐varying network is supposed to be bounded within a certain range, which cannot be controlled. Through the adoption of hybrid control with linear static feedback control and adaptive feedback control, two control schemes are derived to guarantee such complex networks to reach the global synchronization. Finally, a set of numerical simulation experiments are carried out and the results demonstrate the effectiveness of the suggested control solutions.
In VitroAntibacterial, Antioxidant, and Cytotoxic Activities ofParthenium hysterophorusand Characterization of Extracts by LC-MS Analysis
Authors: Kumar Shashank , Pandey Sanjay , Pandey Abhay K.
Published: May 2014

Present work reports the biological activities ofP. hysterophorusleaf, stem, flower, and root. Dried samples were sequentially extracted with many solvents. Hexane (HX), benzene (BZ), and chloroform (CH) extracts of leaf showed considerable antibacterial activity againstStreptococcus mutans(MTCC 497),Proteus vulgaris(MTCC 7299), andSalmonella typhi(MTCC 3917). Flower extracts exhibited presence of higher amount of flavonoids (13.9–59.6 μgQE/mg) followed by leaf, stem, and root. Stem (HX, BZ, and CH), leaf ethanol (ET), and root (HX, BZ, and CH) fractions showed noticeable antioxidant capacity in phosphomolybdate assay. Most of the extracts demonstrated beta carotene bleaching inhibition capability. BZ, ethyl acetate (EA), and ET fractions of leaves, stem aqueous (AQ), and flower EA extracts showed membrane protective activities (40–55%). Middle fractions of the plant parts displayed moderate antihemolytic potential. Most of the flower extracts exhibited cytotoxic activity (80–100%) against lung and colon cancer cell lines. Root (HX and ET) and leaf ET extracts showed considerable inhibition (90–99%) of colon and ovary cancer cell lines. The LC-MS scan demonstrated presence of different compounds showing 3–20 min retention time. The study revealed considerable antibacterial, antioxidant, lipo-protective, antihemolytic, and anticancer potential in all parts ofP. hysterophorus.
Abiraterone Acetate and Castration Resistant Ductal Adenocarcinoma of the Prostate
Authors: Linden-Castro Edgar , Pelayo-Nieto Marcela , Alias-Melgar Alejandro , Espinosa-Perezgrovas Daniel , Ramirez-Galindo Ivan , Catalan-Quinto Gabriel
Published: May 2014

Ductal adenocarcinoma of the prostate is a rare histological variant that only represents<1% of prostate tumors. This histological variant has several important clinical implications with respect to their evolution, clinical prognosis, and treatment. We report the case of a 64-year-old patient with ductal adenocarcinoma of the prostate, which progresses to castration-resistant prostate cancer, that was treated with abiraterone acetate with good clinical response, to our knowledge, the first case of ductal adenocarcinoma of the prostate in treatment with abiraterone acetate.
On a Subclass of Analytic Functions Related to a Hyperbola
Authors: Patel Jagannath , Sahoo Ashok Kumar
Published: May 2014

The object of the present investigation is to solve Fekete-Szegö problem and determine the sharp upper bound to the second Hankel determinant for a new classℛ̃(a,c,ρ)of analytic functions in the unit disk. We also obtain a sufficient condition for an analytic function to be in this class.
State-Space Geometry, Statistical Fluctuations, and Black Holes in String Theory
Authors: Bellucci Stefano , Tiwari Bhupendra Nath
Published: May 2014

We study the state-space geometry of various extremal and nonextremal black holes in string theory. From the notion of the intrinsic geometry, we offer a state-space perspective to the black hole vacuum fluctuations. For a given black hole entropy, we explicate the intrinsic geometric meaning of the statistical fluctuations, local and global stability conditions, and long range statistical correlations. We provide a set of physical motivations pertaining to the extremal and nonextremal black holes, namely, the meaning of the chemical geometry and physics of correlation. We illustrate the state-space configurations for general charge extremal black holes. In sequel, we extend our analysis for various possible charge and anticharge nonextremal black holes. From the perspective of statistical fluctuation theory, we offer general remarks, future directions, and open issues towards the intrinsic geometric understanding of the vacuum fluctuations and black holes in string theory.
Determination of Norfloxacin and Ciprofloxacin in Chicken Meat Based on Matrix Solid-Phase Dispersion Extraction and Capillary Zone Electrophoresis
Authors: Zhao Shihao , Zhao Hongru , Zhu Hai , Li Chengyao , Lu Xinli , Bi Siyuan
Published: May 2014

This study describes an effective matrix solid-phase dispersion (MSPD) extraction method for determining norfloxacin (NOR) and ciprofloxacin (CIP) in chicken meat by capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE). The optimum conditions for separating NOR and CIP were as follows:60 cm×75 μm i.d. capillary, 40 mmol L−1borate buffer solution (pH 8.5), separation voltage at 16 kV, and detection wavelength at 280 nm. Before CZE determination, the chicken meat samples were purified and enriched by using an MSPD extraction step with a preconditioned C18cartridge and by eluting the compound with 3.0 mL of acetonitrile. A good linear fit curve with the concentration range of 0.10 μg g−1to 500 μg g−1for NOR and CIP was obtained, with regression coefficients of 0.9994 and 0.9986, respectively. The limits of detection of NOR and CIP were 0.04 and 0.03 μg g−1, respectively. The proposed method was successfully applied to determine NOR and CIP in chicken meat.
Paracomplex Paracontact Pseudo-Riemannian Submersions
Authors: Shukla S. S. , Verma Uma Shankar
Published: May 2014

We introduce the notion of paracomplex paracontact pseudo-Riemannian submersions from almost para-Hermitian manifolds onto almost paracontact metric manifolds. We discuss the transference of structures on total manifolds and base manifolds and provide some examples. We also obtain the integrability condition of horizontal distribution and investigate curvature properties under such submersions.
Prognostic Factors in Tuberculosis Related Mortalities in Hospitalized Patients
Authors: Haque Ghazal , Kumar Ashok , Saifuddin Fatima , Ismail Shafaq , Rizvi Nadeem , Ghazal Shaista , Notani Sadhna
Published: May 2014

Setting.The study was undertaken at the Department of Pulmonology at a public, tertiary care centre in Karachi, Pakistan.Objectives. To evaluate factors concerned with in-hospital deaths in patients admitted with pulmonary tuberculosis (TB).Design.A retrospective case-control audit was performed for 120 patients hospitalised with pulmonary TB. Sixty of those discharged after treatment were compared to sixty who did not survive. Radiological findings, clinical indicators, and laboratory values were compared between the two groups to identify factors related to poor prognosis.Results. Factors concerned with in-hospital mortality listed late presentation of disease (P<0.01), noncompliance to antituberculosis therapy (P<0.01), smoking (P<0.01), longer duration of illness prior to treatment (P<0.01), and low body weight (P<0.01). Most deaths occurred during the first week of admission (P<0.01) indicating late referrals as significant. Immunocompromised status and multi-drug resistance were not implicated in higher mortality.Conclusions. Poor prognosis was associated with noncompliance to therapy resulting in longer duration of illness, late patient referrals to care centres, and development of complications. Early diagnosis, timely referrals, and monitored compliance may help reduce mortality. Adherence to a more radically effective treatment regimen is required to eliminate TB early during disease onset.
Binge Drinking among 12-to-14-Year-Old Canadians: Findings from a Population-Based Study
Authors: Fuller-Thomson Esme , Grundland Tamara , Sheridan Matthew P. , Sorichetti Cathy
Published: May 2014

Purpose. This study’s objective is to document which factors are associated with binge drinking behaviour in a population-based sample of Canadian youth aged 12 to 14. Middle school is a key period in which binge drinking behaviour is initiated. Binge drinking is an important risk factor for alcohol-related injuries, accidental death, unsafe sexual behaviour, and substance abuse problems. Understanding the drinking patterns of this population can serve to better inform prevention programs and interventions targeted to middle school youth. Methods. This study was based on a secondary analysis of a regionally representative community-based sample drawn from the 2005 Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS) cycle 3.1. Crude and adjusted logistic regression analyses of binge drinking were conducted using the 6,172 respondents aged 12 to 14 in the sample. Results. Approximately one in every twenty-five 12-to-14-year-olds had binged in the past year. The odds of binge drinking were higher among Whites, poorer adolescents, those with several chronic health conditions, and those with mood disorders. Neither sex, immigrant status, nor self-rated health was significantly associated with binge drinking in either the adjusted or the unadjusted analyses. Conclusions. These findings underline the importance of binge drinking as a public health issue for middle school adolescents.
Significance of Soluble Lectin-Like Oxidized LDL Receptor-1 Levels in Systemic and Coronary Circulation in Acute Coronary Syndrome
Authors: Misaka Tomofumi , Suzuki Satoshi , Sakamoto Nobuo , Yamaki Takayoshi , Sugimoto Koichi , Kunii Hiroyuki , Nakazato Kazuhiko , Saitoh Shu-ichi , Sawamura Tatsuya , Ishibashi Toshiyuki , Takeishi Yasuchika
Published: May 2014

Background.Soluble lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1 (LOX-1) level is a novel biomarker for diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome (ACS); however, this level in the coronary circulation has yet to be examined.Methods.Twenty-seven consecutive patients with ACS and 40 patients with effort angina pectoris (EAP) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) had levels of soluble LOX-1 and LOX-1 index measured in paired blood samples from aorta (Ao) and coronary sinus (CS) just prior to the PCI.Results.We found positive correlations between soluble LOX-1 levels in the Ao and CS in both ACS and EAP patients (P<0.01, for both). The soluble LOX-1 levels in the Ao and CS were higher in ACS than in EAP patients (P<0.01, for both). The levels of soluble LOX-1 and LOX-1 index of the CS were significantly greater than those of the Ao in both ACS and EAP patients (P<0.01, for both). Receiver operating characteristic curves for ACS detection demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity for the soluble LOX-1 and LOX-1 index with no differences between the Ao and CS.Conclusions.The present study showed that circulating soluble LOX-1 originates from coronary circulation and soluble LOX-1 and LOX-1 index are useful biomarkers for ACS.
Salicylate-Induced Auditory Perceptual Disorders and Plastic Changes in Nonclassical Auditory Centers in Rats
Authors: Chen Guang-Di , Radziwon Kelly E. , Kashanian Nina , Manohar Senthilvelan , Salvi Richard
Published: May 2014

Previous studies have shown that sodium salicylate (SS) activates not only central auditory structures, but also nonauditory regions associated with emotion and memory. To identify electrophysiological changes in the nonauditory regions, we recorded sound-evoked local field potentials and multiunit discharges from the striatum, amygdala, hippocampus, and cingulate cortex after SS-treatment. The SS-treatment produced behavioral evidence of tinnitus and hyperacusis. Physiologically, the treatment significantly enhanced sound-evoked neural activity in the striatum, amygdala, and hippocampus, but not in the cingulate. The enhanced sound evoked response could be linked to the hyperacusis-like behavior. Further analysis showed that the enhancement of sound-evoked activity occurred predominantly at the midfrequencies, likely reflecting shifts of neurons towards the midfrequency range after SS-treatment as observed in our previous studies in the auditory cortex and amygdala. The increased number of midfrequency neurons would lead to a relative higher number of total spontaneous discharges in the midfrequency region, even though the mean discharge rate of each neuron may not increase. The tonotopical overactivity in the midfrequency region in quiet may potentially lead to tonal sensation of midfrequency (the tinnitus). The neural changes in the amygdala and hippocampus may also contribute to the negative effect that patients associate with their tinnitus.
Design of Fuzzy Fractional PD + I Controllers Tuned by a Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Jesus Isabel S. , Barbosa Ramiro S.
Published: May 2014

The fractional‐order concepts are a useful tool to describe several physical phenomena, and nowadays they are widely used in the field of automatic control. A genetic algorithm (GA) is a search process for finding approximate solutions in optimization problems. The GA provides further flexibility and robustness that are unique for signal process. In this paper we consider the development of an optimal fuzzy fractional PD + I controller in which the parameters are tuned by a GA. The performance of the proposed fuzzy fractional control is illustrated through some application examples.
Solvability Theory and Iteration Method for One Self-Adjoint Polynomial Matrix Equation
Authors: Jia Zhigang , Zhao Meixiang , Wang Minghui , Ling Sitao
Published: May 2014

The solvability theory of an important self-adjoint polynomial matrix equation is presented, including the boundary of its Hermitian positive definite (HPD) solution and some sufficient conditions under which the (unique or maximal) HPD solution exists. The algebraic perturbation analysis is also given with respect to the perturbation of coefficient matrices. An efficient general iterative algorithm for the maximal or unique HPD solution is designed and tested by numerical experiments.
Anatomical Variations of the Circulus Arteriosus in Cadaveric Human Brains
Authors: Gunnal S. A. , Farooqui M. S. , Wabale R. N.
Published: May 2014

Objective. Circulus arteriosus/circle of Willis (CW) is a polygonal anastomotic channel at the base of the brain which unites the internal carotid and vertebrobasilar system. It maintains the steady and constant supply to the brain. The variations of CW are seen often. The Aim of the present work is to find out the percentage of normal pattern of CW, and the frequency of variations of the CW and to study the morphological and morphometric aspects of all components of CW.Methods. Circulus arteriosus of 150 formalin preserved brains were dissected. Dimensions of all the components forming circles were measured. Variations of all the segments were noted and well photographed. The variations such as aplasia, hypoplasia, duplication, fenestrations, and difference in dimensions with opposite segments were noted. The data collected in the study was analyzed.Results. Twenty-one different types of CW were found in the present study. Normal and complete CW was found in 60%. CW with gross morphological variations was seen in 40%. Maximum variations were seen in the PCoA followed by the ACoA in 50% and 40%, respectively.Conclusion. As it confirms high percentage of variations, all surgical interventions should be preceded by angiography. Awareness of these anatomical variations is important in neurovascular procedures.
Waiting Endurance Time Estimation of Electric Two-Wheelers at Signalized Intersections
Authors: Huan Mei , Yang Xiao-bao
Published: May 2014

The paper proposed a model for estimating waiting endurance times of electric two-wheelers at signalized intersections using survival analysis method. Waiting duration times were collected by video cameras and they were assigned as censored and uncensored data to distinguish between normal crossing and red-light running behavior. A Cox proportional hazard model was introduced, and variables revealing personal characteristics and traffic conditions were defined as covariates to describe the effects of internal and external factors. Empirical results show that riders do not want to wait too long to cross intersections. As signal waiting time increases, electric two-wheelers get impatient and violate the traffic signal. There are 12.8% of electric two-wheelers with negligible wait time. 25.0% of electric two-wheelers are generally nonrisk takers who can obey the traffic rules after waiting for 100 seconds. Half of electric two-wheelers cannot endure 49.0 seconds or longer at red-light phase. Red phase time, motor vehicle volume, and conformity behavior have important effects on riders’ waiting times. Waiting endurance times would decrease with the longer red-phase time, the lower traffic volume, or the bigger number of other riders who run against the red light. The proposed model may be applicable in the design, management and control of signalized intersections in other developing cities.
Intra-Articular Analgesia and Steroid Reduce Pain Sensitivity in Knee OA Patients: An Interventional Cohort Study
Authors: Jørgensen Tanja Schjødt , Graven-Nielsen Thomas , Ellegaard Karen , Danneskiold-Samsøe Bente , Bliddal Henning , Henriksen Marius
Published: May 2014

Objectives. To assess the effects of intra-articular therapy on pain sensitivity in the knee and surrounding tissues in knee OA patients. Methods. Twenty-five knee OA patients with symptomatic knee OA were included in this interventional cohort study. Pressure pain thresholds (PPT) were recorded before, immediately after, and two weeks after ultrasound guided intra-articular injection of lidocaine combined with glucocorticosteroid. Computer-controlled and manual pressure algometers were used to assess PPT on the knee, vastus lateralis, tibialis anterior, and the extensor carpi radialis longus muscles (control site). Results. Significantly increased PPTs were found following intra-articular injection, at both the knee P<0.0001 and the surrounding muscles P<0.042. The treatment effects were sustained for two weeks, and at some points the effect was even greater at two weeks P<0.026. Albeit not statistically significant, a similar trend was observed at the control site. Conclusions. Intra-articular anesthesia, combined with glucocorticosteroid, reduced pain sensitivity in both the knee and surrounding muscles for at least two weeks.
Timing Embryo Segmentation: Dynamics and Regulatory Mechanisms of the Vertebrate Segmentation Clock
Authors: Resende Tatiana P. , Andrade Raquel P. , Palmeirim Isabel
Published: May 2014

All vertebrate species present a segmented body, easily observed in the vertebrate column and its associated components, which provides a high degree of motility to the adult body and efficient protection of the internal organs. The sequential formation of the segmented precursors of the vertebral column during embryonic development, the somites, is governed by an oscillating genetic network, the somitogenesis molecular clock. Herein, we provide an overview of the molecular clock operating during somite formation and its underlying molecular regulatory mechanisms. Human congenital vertebral malformations have been associated with perturbations in these oscillatory mechanisms. Thus, a better comprehension of the molecular mechanisms regulating somite formation is required in order to fully understand the origin of human skeletal malformations.