bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Directional migration and transcriptional analysis of oligodendrocyte precursors subjected to stimulation of electrical signal
Authors: Li Yongchao , Wang Xinkun , Yao Li
Published: August 2015

Loss of oligodendrocytes as the result of central nervous system disease causes demyelination that impairs axon function. Effective directional migration of endogenous or grafted oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) to a lesion is crucial in the neural remyelination process. In this study, the migration of OPCs in electric fields (EFs) was investigated. We found that OPCs migrated anodally in applied EFs, and the directedness and displacement of anodal migration increased significantly when the EF strength increased from 50 to 200 mV/mm. However, EFs did not significantly affect the cell migration speed. The transcriptome of OPCs subjected to EF stimulation (100 and 200 mV/mm) was analyzed using RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq), and results were verified by the reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction. A Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis revealed that the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway that signals cell migration was significantly upregulated in cells treated with an EF of 200 mV/mm compared with control cells. Gene ontology enrichment analysis showed the downregulation of differentially expressed genes in chemotaxis. This study suggests that an applied EF is an effective cue to guiding OPC migration in neural regeneration and that transcriptional analysis contributes to the understanding of the mechanism of EF-guided cell migration.
Lactobacillus acidophilus counteracts enteropathogenic E. coli-induced inhibition of butyrate uptake in intestinal epithelial cells
Authors: Kumar Anoop , Alrefai Waddah A. , Borthakur Alip , Dudeja Pradeep K.
Published: August 2015

Butyrate, a key short-chain fatty acid metabolite of colonic luminal bacterial action on dietary fiber, serves as a primary fuel for the colonocytes, ameliorates mucosal inflammation, and stimulates NaCl absorption. Absorption of butyrate into the colonocytes is essential for these intracellular effects. Monocarboxylate transporter 1 (MCT1) plays a major role in colonic luminal butyrate absorption. Previous studies (Tan J, McKenzie C, Potamitis M, Thorburn AN, Mackay CR, Macia L. Adv Immunol 121: 91–119, 2014.) showed decreased MCT1 expression and function in intestinal inflammation. We have previously shown (Borthakur A, Gill RK, Hodges K, Ramaswamy K, Hecht G, Dudeja PK. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 290: G30–G35, 2006.) impaired butyrate absorption in human intestinal epithelial Caco-2 cells due to decreased MCT1 level at the apical cell surface following enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC) infection. Current studies, therefore, examined the potential role of probiotic Lactobacilli in stimulating MCT1-mediated butyrate uptake and counteracting EPEC inhibition of MCT1 function. Of the five species of Lactobacilli, short-term (3 h) treatment with L. acidophilus (LA) significantly increased MCT1-mediated butyrate uptake in Caco-2 cells. Heat-killed LA was ineffective, whereas the conditioned culture supernatant of LA (LA-CS) was equally effective in stimulating MCT1 function, indicating that the effects are mediated by LA-secreted soluble factor(s). Furthermore, LA-CS increased apical membrane levels of MCT1 protein via decreasing its basal endocytosis, suggesting that LA-CS stimulation of butyrate uptake could be secondary to increased levels of MCT1 on the apical cell surface. LA-CS also attenuated EPEC inhibition of butyrate uptake and EPEC-mediated endocytosis of MCT1. Our studies highlight distinct role of specific LA-secreted molecules in modulating colonic butyrate absorption.
Effects of birth asphyxia on the modulation of pharyngeal provocation-induced adaptive reflexes
Authors: Gulati Ish K. , Shubert Theresa R. , Sitaram Swetha , Wei Lai , Jadcherla Sudarshan R.
Published: August 2015

Perinatal asphyxia and aerodigestive symptoms are troublesome. We tested the hypothesis that pharyngeal provocation alters proximal and distal aerodigestive reflex coordination and kinetics in infants with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), compared with healthy controls. Specifically, we characterized the sensory-motor properties of pharyngeal provocation-induced effects on upper esophageal sphincter (UES) and lower esophageal sphincter (LES) reflexes. Ten orally fed controls (32.0 ± 1.5 wk gestation) and 25 infants with HIE (38.1 ± 0.4 wk gestation) were evaluated at 39.7 ± 0.9 and 41.9 ± 0.6 wk postmenstrual age respectively. Pharyngo-esophageal reflexes evoked upon graded water stimuli were tested using water-perfusion micromanometry methods. Analysis included sensory-motor characteristics of pharyngeal reflexive swallow (PRS), pharyngo-UES-contractile reflex (PUCR), esophageal body-waveform kinetics, and pharyngo-LES-relaxation reflex (PLESRR). For controls vs. infants with HIE, median appearance, pulse, grimace, activity, respiration (APGAR) scores were 6 vs. 1 at 1 min ( P < 0.001) and 8 vs. 3 at 5 min ( P < 0.001). Upon pharyngeal- stimulation, HIE infants (vs. controls) had frequent PUCR ( P = 0.01); increased UES basal tone ( P = 0.03); decreased LES basal tone ( P = 0.002); increased pharyngeal-waveforms per stimulus ( P = 0.03); decreased frequency of LES relaxation ( P = 0.003); and decreased proximal esophageal contractile amplitude ( P = 0.002), with prolonged proximal esophageal contractile duration ( P = 0.008). Increased tonicity and reactivity of the UES and dysregulation of LES may provide the pathophysiological basis for pooling of secretions, improper bolus clearance, and aspiration risk. Deficits in function at the nuclear or supranuclear level involving glossopharyngeal and vagal neural networks and respiratory regulatory pathways involved with aerodigestive protection may be contributory.
Chronic selective serotonin reuptake inhibition modulates endothelial dysfunction and oxidative state in rat chronic mild stress model of depression
Authors: Matchkov Vladimir V. , Kravtsova Violetta V. , Wiborg Ove , Aalkjaer Christian , Bouzinova Elena V.
Published: August 2015

Major depression is known to be associated with cardiovascular abnormalities, and oxidative stress has been suggested to play a role. We tested the hypothesis that antidepressant treatment reduces oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunctions in the chronic mild stress (CMS) model of depression in rats. Rats with >30% reduction in sucrose intake after 4 wk of CMS were defined in the study as CMS-susceptible and compared with unstressed controls. Sixteen CMS-susceptible and eight unstressed rats were treated during weeks 5 to 8 of the CMS protocol with escitalopram. Escitalopram-treated rats with >20% recovery in the sucrose consumption during the last 2 wk of treatment were defined as escitalopram responders. Rats that did not reach these criteria were defined as escitalopram nonresponders. In the open field test, escitalopram responders demonstrated anxiolytic effect of treatment. In mesenteric small arteries, escitalopram affected neither NO nor cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1)-mediated vasodilation. Escitalopram potentiated endothelium-dependent hyperpolarization-like response, which was suppressed in the vehicle-treated CMS-susceptible rats and reduced COX-2-dependent relaxation, which was elevated in the vehicle-treated CMS-susceptible rats. Escitalopram did not affect blood pressure and heart rate, which were elevated in the vehicle-treated CMS-susceptible rats. Oxidative stress markers were changed in association with CMS in liver, heart, and brain. Escitalopram normalized oxidative stress markers in the majority of tissues. This study demonstrates that the antidepressant effect of escitalopram is associated with partial improvement of endothelial function in small arteries affecting COX-2 and endothelium-dependent hyperpolarization-like pathways.
PKC-α-dependent augmentation of cAMP and CREB phosphorylation mediates the angiotensin II stimulation of renin in the collecting duct
Authors: Gonzalez Alexis A. , Liu Liu , Lara Lucienne S. , Bourgeois Camille R. T. , Ibaceta-Gonzalez Cristobal , Salinas-Parra Nicolas , Gogulamudi Venkateswara R. , Seth Dale M. , Prieto Minolfa C.
Published: August 2015

In contrast to the negative feedback of angiotensin II (ANG II) on juxtaglomerular renin, ANG II stimulates renin in the principal cells of the collecting duct (CD) in rats and mice via ANG II type 1 (AT1R) receptor, independently of blood pressure. In vitro data indicate that CD renin is augmented by AT1R activation through protein kinase C (PKC), but the exact mechanisms are unknown. We hypothesize that ANG II stimulates CD renin synthesis through AT1R via PKC and the subsequent activation of cAMP/PKA/CREB pathway. In M-1 cells, ANG II increased cAMP, renin mRNA (3.5-fold), prorenin, and renin proteins, as well as renin activity in culture media (2-fold). These effects were prevented by PKC inhibition with calphostin C, PKC-α dominant negative, and by PKA inhibition. Forskolin-induced increases in cAMP and renin expression were prevented by calphostin C. PKC inhibition and Ca2+depletion impaired ANG II-mediated CREB phosphorylation and upregulation of renin. Adenylate cyclase 6 (AC) siRNA remarkably attenuated the ANG II-dependent upregulation of renin mRNA. Physiological activation of AC with vasopressin increased renin expression in M-1 cells. The results suggest that the ANG II-dependent upregulation of renin in the CD depends on PKC-α, which allows the augmentation of cAMP production and activation of PKA/CREB pathway via AC6. This study defines the intracellular signaling pathway involved in the ANG II-mediated stimulation of renin in the CD. This is a novel mechanism responsible for the regulation of local renin-angiotensin system in the distal nephron.
Quadriceps exercise intolerance in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: the potential role of altered skeletal muscle mitochondrial respiration
Authors: Gifford Jayson R. , Trinity Joel D. , Layec Gwenael , Garten Ryan S. , Park Song-Young , Rossman Matthew J. , Larsen Steen , Dela Flemming , Richardson Russell S.
Published: August 2015

This study sought to determine if qualitative alterations in skeletal muscle mitochondrial respiration, associated with decreased mitochondrial efficiency, contribute to exercise intolerance in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Using permeabilized muscle fibers from the vastus lateralis of 13 patients with COPD and 12 healthy controls, complex I (CI) and complex II (CII)-driven State 3 mitochondrial respiration were measured separately (State 3:CI and State 3:CII) and in combination (State 3:CI+CII). State 2 respiration was also measured. Exercise tolerance was assessed by knee extensor exercise (KE) time to fatigue. Per milligram of muscle, State 3:CI+CII and State 3:CI were reduced in COPD ( P < 0.05), while State 3:CII and State 2 were not different between groups. To determine if this altered pattern of respiration represented qualitative changes in mitochondrial function, respiration states were examined as percentages of peak respiration (State 3:CI+CII), which revealed altered contributions from State 3:CI (Con 83.7 ± 3.4, COPD 72.1 ± 2.4%Peak, P < 0.05) and State 3:CII (Con 64.9 ± 3.2, COPD 79.5 ± 3.0%Peak, P < 0.05) respiration, but not State 2 respiration in COPD. Importantly, a diminished contribution of CI-driven respiration relative to the metabolically less-efficient CII-driven respiration (CI/CII) was also observed in COPD (Con 1.28 ± 0.09, COPD 0.81 ± 0.05, P < 0.05), which was related to exercise tolerance of the patients ( r = 0.64, P < 0.05). Overall, this study indicates that COPD is associated with qualitative alterations in skeletal muscle mitochondria that affect the contribution of CI and CII-driven respiration, which potentially contributes to the exercise intolerance associated with this disease.
Network effects of deep brain stimulation
Authors: Alhourani Ahmad , McDowell Michael M. , Randazzo Michael J. , Wozny Thomas A. , Kondylis Efstathios D. , Lipski Witold J. , Beck Sarah , Karp Jordan F. , Ghuman Avniel S. , Richardson R. Mark
Published: August 2015

The ability to differentially alter specific brain functions via deep brain stimulation (DBS) represents a monumental advance in clinical neuroscience, as well as within medicine as a whole. Despite the efficacy of DBS in the treatment of movement disorders, for which it is often the gold-standard therapy when medical management becomes inadequate, the mechanisms through which DBS in various brain targets produces therapeutic effects is still not well understood. This limited knowledge is a barrier to improving efficacy and reducing side effects in clinical brain stimulation. A field of study related to assessing the network effects of DBS is gradually emerging that promises to reveal aspects of the underlying pathophysiology of various brain disorders and their response to DBS that will be critical to advancing the field. This review summarizes the nascent literature related to network effects of DBS measured by cerebral blood flow and metabolic imaging, functional imaging, and electrophysiology (scalp and intracranial electroencephalography and magnetoencephalography) in order to establish a framework for future studies.
Comparison of Different Irrigants in the Removal of Endotoxins and Cultivable Microorganisms from Infected Root Canals
Authors: Valera Marcia Carneiro , Cardoso Flávia Goulart da Rosa , Chung Adriana , Xavier Ana Cláudia Carvalho , Figueiredo Mariana Diehl , Martinho Frederico Canato , Palo Renato Miotto
Published: August 2015

This study was conducted to compare the effectiveness of different irrigants used to remove endotoxins and cultivable microorganisms during endodontic therapy. Forty root canals were contaminated and divided into groups according to the irrigant: 2% NaOCl + surfactant, 2% CHX, 2.5% NaOCl, and pyrogen‐free saline solution (control). Samples were collected after root canal contamination (S1), after instrumentation (S2), and 7 days after instrumentation (S3). Microorganisms and endotoxins were recovered from 100% of the contaminated root canals (S1). At S2, 2% NaOCl + surfactant, 2% CHX, and 2.5% NaOCl were able to completely eliminate cultivable microorganisms. At S3, both 2% CHX and 2.5% NaOCl were effective in preventing C. albicans and E. coli regrowth, but E. faecalis was still detected. No microorganism species was recovered from root canals instrumented with 2% NaOCl + surfactant. At S2, a higher percentage value of endotoxin reduction was found for 2% NaOCl + surfactant (99.3%) compared to 2% CHX (98.9%) and 2.5% NaOCl (97.18%) (p < 0.05). Moreover, at S3, 2% NaOCl + surfactant (100%) was the most effective irrigant against endotoxins. All irrigants tested were effective in reducing microorganisms and endotoxins from root canals. Moreover, 2% NaOCl + surfactant was the most effective irrigant against endotoxins and regrowth of microorganisms.
Estimating Risk of Natural Gas Portfolios by Using GARCH‐EVT‐Copula Model
Authors: Tang Jiechen , Zhou Chao , Yuan Xinyu , Sriboonchitta Songsak
Published: August 2015

This paper concentrates on estimating the risk of Title Transfer Facility (TTF) Hub natural gas portfolios by using the GARCH‐EVT‐copula model. We first use the univariate ARMA‐GARCH model to model each natural gas return series. Second, the extreme value distribution (EVT) is fitted to the tails of the residuals to model marginal residual distributions. Third, multivariate Gaussian copula and Student t‐copula are employed to describe the natural gas portfolio risk dependence structure. Finally, we simulate N portfolios and estimate value at risk (VaR) and conditional value at risk (CVaR). Our empirical results show that, for an equally weighted portfolio of five natural gases, the VaR and CVaR values obtained from the Student t‐copula are larger than those obtained from the Gaussian copula. Moreover, when minimizing the portfolio risk, the optimal natural gas portfolio weights are found to be similar across the multivariate Gaussian copula and Student t‐copula and different confidence levels.
The Maternal Cytokine and Chemokine Profile of Naturally Conceived Gestations Is Mainly Preserved duringIn VitroFertilization and Egg Donation Pregnancies
Authors: Martínez-Varea Alicia , Pellicer Begoña , Serra Vicente , Hervás-Marín David , Martínez-Romero Alicia , Bellver José , Perales-Marín Alfredo , Pellicer Antonio
Published: August 2015

This prospective longitudinal study aimed at comparing maternal immune response among naturally conceived (NC;n=25),in vitrofertilization (IVF;n=25), and egg donation (ED;n=25) pregnancies. The main outcome measures were, firstly, to follow up plasma levels of interleukin (IL) 1beta, IL2, IL4, IL5, IL6, IL8, IL10, IL17, interferon gamma, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα), transforming growth factor-beta (TGFβ), regulated upon activation normal T-cell expressed and secreted (RANTES), stromal cell-derived factor 1 alpha (SDF1α), and decidual granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) during the three trimesters of pregnancy during the three trimesters of pregnancy; secondly, to evaluate if the cytokine and chemokine pattern of ED pregnant women differs from that of those with autologous oocytes and, thirdly, to assess if women with preeclampsia show different cytokine and chemokine profile throughout pregnancy versus women with uneventful pregnancies. Pregnant women in the three study groups displayed similar cytokine and chemokine pattern throughout pregnancy. The levels of all quantified cytokines and chemokines, except RANTES, TNFα, IL8, TGFβ, and SDF1α, rose in the second trimester compared with the first, and these higher values remained in the third trimester. ED pregnancies showed lower SDF1αlevels in the third trimester compared with NC and IVF pregnancies. Patients who developed preeclampsia displayed higher SDF1αplasma levels in the third trimester.
Cities, the Urban Green Environment, and Individual Subjective Well-Being: The Case of Milan, Italy
Authors: Tavano Blessi Giorgio , Grossi Enzo , Pieretti Giovanni , Ferilli Guido , Landi Alessandra
Published: August 2015

This paper evaluates the independent effect of the spatial proximity of green urban areas upon the individual subjective well-being of the Milan population (Italy). The methodology is based on a survey undertaken in 2010 using a sample of 1,000 of Milan citizens. Univariate and multivariate analyses and GIS localization have been employed in order to rank the major individual well-being determinants and the relationship between citizens and urban green areas. Results show that the residential proximity of citizens to urban green areas seems to have little bearing on individual subjective well-being.
miRNA Influences in NRF2 Pathway Interactions within Cancer Models
Authors: Ayers Duncan , Baron Byron , Hunter Therese
Published: August 2015

The NRF2 transcription factor (nuclear factor-erythroid 2 p45-related factor 2) has been identified as a key molecular player in orchestrating adaptive cellular interactions following a wide spectrum of cellular stress conditions that could be either extracellular or intracellular. Dysregulation of the NRF2 system is implicated in various disease states, including inflammatory conditions. The NRF2 transcription factor is also known to permit cross talk with several other essential cellular signaling pathways. Recent literature has also elucidated the potential influences of miRNA activity over modulations of the NRF2 signalling network. Consequently, further delving into the knowledge regarding the extent of miRNA-induced epigenetic gene regulatory control on key elements of the NRF2 signalling pathway and its cross talk, particularly within the context of cancer models, can prove to be of high clinical importance. This is so since such miRNAs, once identified and validated, can be potentially exploited as novel drug targets for emerging translational medicine-based therapies.
Quantal Response Equilibrium-Based Strategies for Intrusion Detection in WSNs
Authors: Shen Shigen , Hu Keli , Huang Longjun , Li Hongjie , Han Risheng , Cao Qiying
Published: August 2015

This paper is to solve the problem stating that applying Intrusion Detection System (IDS) to guarantee security of Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) is computationally costly for sensor nodes due to their limited resources. For this aim, we obtain optimal strategies to save IDS agents’ power, through Quantal Response Equilibrium (QRE) that is more realistic than Nash Equilibrium. A stage Intrusion Detection Game (IDG) is formulated to describe interactions between the Attacker and IDS agents. The preference structures of different strategy profiles are analyzed. Upon these structures, the payoff matrix is obtained. As the Attacker and IDS agents interact continually, the stage IDG is extended to a repeated IDG and its payoffs are correspondingly defined. The optimal strategies based on QRE are then obtained. These optimal strategies considering bounded rationality make IDS agents not always be inDefend. Sensor nodes’ power consumed in performing intrusion analyses can thus be saved. Experiment results show that the probabilities of the actions adopted by the Attacker can be predicted and thus the IDS can respond correspondingly to protect WSNs.
Diagnostic Dilemma in a Young Woman with Acute Headache: Delayed Diagnosis of Third Ventricular Colloid Cyst with Hydrocephalus
Authors: Al-Hashel Jasem Y. , Rady Azza A. H. , Soliman Doaa Y. , Vembu Periasamy
Published: August 2015

Objectives. To highlight the importance of early diagnosis of colloid cyst of the third ventricle and its early management.Clinical Presentation and Intervention. This is a young lady who presented with sudden onset headache. She attended a local clinic and also her area hospital. Her diagnosis was delayed several hours due to a diagnostic dilemma initially. No surgical intervention was tried since the patient developed early signs of brainstem coning by the time she was seen by neurosurgeon. Patient died after few days in spite of intensive ICU measures.Conclusion. Sudden onset headache in young adults should be looked at carefully. Early imaging is mandatory to prevent mortality.
Construction and Optical Testing of Inflatable Membrane Mirror Using Structured Light Technique
Authors: Patiño-Jiménez Felipe , Nahmad-Molinari Yuri , Moreno-Oliva Víctor Iván , De Los Santos-García Fátima , Santiago-Alvarado Agustin
Published: August 2015

Construction and characterization of an inflatable mirror prototype made out of flexible polymeric membranes are being presented. Surfaces were curved by imposing a slight excess of air pressure. Lightweighted, lowcost, and commercially available materials were selected in order to produce solar concentration elements at competitive prices. In this sense, large-area, image-forming mirrors with low optical acuity were achieved by concentration purposes. Optical characterization of the mirror’s shape at a given pressure or curvature radius was done by means of a structuredlight technique with a resolution of 0.1 mm finding a conical shape acquired by the inflated mirror as the best approximation. Concentration ratio achieved for a focal length of 5068 mm was of 25.1 suns, making a promising approach for lowering initial investment costs in applications such as hot-water, parabolic dish with Stirling engines, or concentrated photovoltaic electricity generation.
Synthesis and Properties of pH-, Thermo-, and Salt-Sensitive Modified Poly(aspartic acid)/Poly(vinyl alcohol) IPN Hydrogel and Its Drug Controlled Release
Authors: Lu Jingqiong , Li Yinhui , Hu Deng , Chen Xiaoling , Liu Yongmei , Wang Liping , Zhao Yansheng
Published: August 2015

Modified poly(aspartic acid)/poly(vinyl alcohol) interpenetrating polymer network (KPAsp/PVA IPN) hydrogel for drug controlled release was synthesized by a simple one-step method in aqueous system using poly(aspartic acid) grafting 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (KH-550) and poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) as materials. The hydrogel surface morphology and composition were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The thermal stability was analyzed by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The swelling properties and pH, temperature, and salt sensitivities of KPAsp, KPAsp/PVA semi-interpenetrating polymer network (semi-IPN), and KPAsp/PVA IPN hydrogels were also investigated. All of the three hydrogels showed ampholytic pH-responsive properties, and swelling behavior was also extremely sensitive to the temperature, ionic strength, and cationic species. Finally, the drug controlled release properties of the three hydrogels were evaluated and results indicated that three hydrogels could control drug release by external surroundings stimuli. The drug controlled release properties of KPAsp/PVA IPN hydrogel are the most outstanding, and the correlative measured release profiles of salicylic acid at 37°C were 32.6 wt% at pH = 1.2 (simulated gastric fluid) and 62.5 wt% at pH = 7.4 (simulated intestinal fluid), respectively. These results indicated that KPAsp/PVA IPN hydrogels are a promising carrier system for controlled drug delivery.
URALP: Unreachable Region Aware Location Privacy against Maximum Movement Boundary Attack
Authors: Nguyen Nha , Han Seungchul , Shin Minho
Published: August 2015

As location-based services have become popular, thereby exposed user locations raised serious privacy concerns. A typical measure for location privacy is to report blurred locations and ensure that other users coexist in the reported region. However, additional knowledge about the user's maximum speed and the territorial information in user's vicinity can allow for the adversary to effectively compromise the user's location privacy. In this paper, we present an anonymization algorithm that effectively counters such attacks while achieving k-anonymity requirements as well as minimum acceptable cloaked region size. We evaluate our anonymization scheme using state-of-the-art simulators for both vehicular movements and pedestrian movements. The experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness and efficiency of our proposed algorithm.
A Slope‐Adapted Sample‐Tilting Method for Profile Measurement of Microstructures with Steep Surfaces
Authors: Fang Hui , Xu Bin , Chen Wei , Tang Hairong , Zhao Shiping
Published: August 2015

This paper presents a slope‐adapted sample‐tilting method for the profile measurement of microstructures with steep surfaces. Distinct from the traditional scanning method that has the restriction of a maximum detectable angle, this method corrects the sample‐stylus relative angle during the measurement of the steep surface to eliminate the profile deviation and the scanning blind region. The performance of the proposed method was verified by simulations that measured the surface profiles of a trapezoidal microstructure and a spherical microstructure, finding maximum errors of 0.15 μm and 1.71 μm, respectively, compared to 3.63 μm and 7.85 μm using the traditional scanning method. The proposed method enables accurate profile measurement and quality control of microstructures with steep surfaces.
Awareness and Knowledge of Sexually Transmitted Infections among Secondary School Adolescents in Ado Ekiti, South Western Nigeria
Authors: Amu E. O. , Adegun P. T.
Published: August 2015

Objective. To determine the awareness and knowledge of sexually transmitted infections among adolescents in Ado, South Western Nigeria. Methods. The study was a descriptive cross-sectional design. Five hundred and fifty adolescents selected from public and private secondary schools in Ado Local Government Area of Ekiti State were recruited using a multistage sampling technique. Results. Four hundred and ninety-nine (92.4%) respondents had heard about sexually transmitted infections before, the three most important sources of information being electronic media (68.7%); teachers (68.1%); and print media (44.9%). Eighty percent of the respondents knew only one STI and the two most commonly mentioned ones were HIV/AIDS (78.0%) and gonorrhea (23.0%). More than 75% of the respondents knew the modes of transmission of STIs while some of them equally had misconceptions. The most important symptoms mentioned were weight loss (77.4%), painful micturition (68.9%), and genital ulcer (54.1%). On the whole, only 6.9% of the respondents had good knowledge of STIs; the rest had fair and poor knowledge. Conclusion. Secondary school adolescents in Ado Local Government Area have only a fair knowledge of sexually transmitted diseases. STI studies should be inculcated into the school curriculum and media publicity/enlightenment campaigns about them should be intensified.
Real Zeros of a Class of Hyperbolic Polynomials with Random Coefficients
Authors: Mahanti Mina Ketan , Singh Amandeep , Sahoo Lokanath
Published: August 2015

We have proved here that the expected number of real zeros of a random hyperbolic polynomial of the formy=Pnt=n1a1cosh⁡t+n2a2cosh⁡2t+⋯+nnancosh⁡nt, wherea1,…,anis a sequence of standard Gaussian random variables, isn/2+op(1). It is shown that the asymptotic value of expected number of times the polynomial crosses the levely=Kis alson/2as long asKdoes not exceed2neμ(n), whereμ(n)=o(n). The number of oscillations ofPn(t)abouty=Kwill be less thann/2asymptotically only ifK=2neμ(n), whereμ(n)=O(n)orn-1μ(n)→∞. In the former case the number of oscillations continues to be a fraction ofnand decreases with the increase in value ofμ(n). In the latter case, the number of oscillations reduces toop(n)and almost no trace of the curve is expected to be present above the levely=Kifμ(n)/(nlogn)→∞.
Voluntary Counseling and Testing for HIV in Rural Area of Democratic Republic of the Congo: Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Survey among Service Users
Authors: Kautako-Kiambi Mida , Ekila Mathilde B. , Kama-Lemba Smith , Wumba Roger , Aloni Michel N.
Published: August 2015

Aims.To determine the prevalence of HIV, the level of sexual risk for HIV, and determinants of VCT attendance among adult population living in a rural area.Methods.A cross-sectional study was conducted in Mbanza-Ngungu, Democratic Republic of the Congo. An anonymous questionnaire was designed to extract relevant data.Results.In our cohort, 69% were respondents of more than 24 years of age and the single marital status was most represented (64.1%). A high proportion of respondents (90.6%) visited VCT service for requiring information (good acceptability). Positive test for HIV was reported in 9.4% of respondents. In this cohort, 49.6% of respondents had declared themselves to never use condom. In binary analysis, there was association between positive HIV test and age (p=0.04) and religions (p=0.02). In this cohort, it was observed that positive HIV test was significantly associated with confidentiality (p=0.02). However, there was no association between positive HIV test and condom use (p=0.25), knowledge of VCT (p=0.81), service requested (p=0.20), and previous HIV test (p=0.68).Conclusions.Preventive information for AIDS should be recommended in the population living in rural zone.
Quercetin Reduces Ehrlich Tumor-Induced Cancer Pain in Mice
Authors: Calixto-Campos Cassia , Corrêa Mab P. , Carvalho Thacyana T. , Zarpelon Ana C. , Hohmann Miriam S. N. , Rossaneis Ana C. , Coelho-Silva Leticia , Pavanelli Wander R. , Pinge-Filho Phileno , Crespigio Jefferson , Bernardy Catia C. F. , Casagrande Rubia , Verri Waldiceu A.
Published: August 2015

Cancer pain directly affects the patient’s quality of life. We have previously demonstrated that the subcutaneous administration of the mammary adenocarcinoma known as Ehrlich tumor induces pain in mice. Several studies have shown that the flavonoid quercetin presents important biological effects, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, analgesic, and antitumor activity. Therefore, the analgesic effect and mechanisms of quercetin were evaluated in Ehrlich tumor-induced cancer pain in mice. Intraperitoneal (i.p.) treatments with quercetin reduced Ehrlich tumor-induced mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia, but not paw thickness or histological alterations, indicating an analgesic effect without affecting tumor growth. Regarding the analgesic mechanisms of quercetin, it inhibited the production of hyperalgesic cytokines IL-1βand TNFαand decreased neutrophil recruitment (myeloperoxidase activity) and oxidative stress. Naloxone (opioid receptor antagonist) inhibited quercetin analgesia without interfering with neutrophil recruitment, cytokine production, and oxidative stress. Importantly, cotreatment with morphine and quercetin at doses that were ineffective as single treatment reduced the nociceptive responses. Concluding, quercetin reduces the Ehrlich tumor-induced cancer pain by reducing the production of hyperalgesic cytokines, neutrophil recruitment, and oxidative stress as well as by activating an opioid-dependent analgesic pathway and potentiation of morphine analgesia. Thus, quercetin treatment seems a suitable therapeutic approach for cancer pain that merits further investigation.
A Good Beginning Makes a Good Market: The Effect of Different Market Opening Structures on Market Quality
Authors: Hinterleitner Gernot , Leopold-Wildburger Ulrike , Mestel Roland , Palan Stefan
Published: August 2015

This paper deals with the market structure at the opening of the trading day and its influence on subsequent trading. We compare a single continuous double auction and two complement markets with different call auction designs as opening mechanisms in a unified experimental framework. The call auctions differ with respect to their levels of transparency. We find that a call auction not only improves market efficiency and liquidity at the beginning of the trading day when compared to the stand‐alone continuous double auction, but also causes positive spillover effects on subsequent trading. Concerning the design of the opening call auction, we find no significant differences between the transparent and nontransparent specification with respect to opening prices and liquidity. In the course of subsequent continuous trading, however, market quality is slightly higher after a nontransparent call auction.
Canonical Duality for Box Constrained Nonconvex and Nonsmooth Optimization Problems
Authors: Liu Jing , Liu Huicheng
Published: August 2015

This paper presents an application of the canonical duality theory for box constrained nonconvex and nonsmooth optimization problems. By use of the canonical dual transformation method, which is developed recently, these very difficult constrained optimization problems inRncan be converted into the canonical dual problems, which can be solved by deterministic methods. The global and local extrema can be identified by the triality theory. Some examples are listed to illustrate the applications of the theory presented in the paper.
A Robust Watermarking Scheme Based on Maximum Wavelet Coefficient Modification and Optimal Threshold Technique
Authors: Li Chunlei , Song Xiaowei , Liu Zhoufeng , Zhang Aihua , Yang Ruimin
Published: August 2015

Digital watermarking has received extensive attention as a new method for copyright protection. This paper proposes a robust watermarking algorithm based on maximum wavelet coefficient modification and optimal threshold technique. The medium wavelet coefficients are randomly permutated according to a secret key and divided into subgroups. We modify the maximum wavelet in each subgroup according to the embedded watermark bits, which can effectively resist attacks. During the extraction process, an optimal threshold value calculated by iterative computation is used to extract the watermark from the watermarked image under different attacks, without using the original image or watermark. Numerous experiments are conducted to evaluate the watermarking performance. Experimental results demonstrate the superiority of our scheme on robustness against content-preserving operations and incidental distortions such as JPEG compression, Gaussian noise, median filter, resizing, cropping, and sharpening.
Preparation of Homogeneous Nanostructures in 5 Minutes for Cancer Cells Capture
Authors: Wang Lixue , Zhu Chuandong , Zheng Qin , He Xia
Published: August 2015

Grafting aptamers on nanostructured substrates has shown ultrasensitivity in isolation of circulating tumor cells (CTCs). Here, we report that over 80 cm2 of homogenous nanostructured surface on glass substrates can be prepared in 5 min after one‐step dry etching. The surface area was doubled; the average diameter of nanostructures is approximately 374 nm, which is more close to the nanostructures of natural extracellular matrix. Antiepithelial cell adhesion molecule aptamers grafted nanostructured glass substrates captured over 76% of PC3 cells compared to 30% of planar substrates. Bispecific aptamers cofunctionalized nanostructured substrates, however, fail to capture cancer cells probably due to the formation of heterodimers. This limitation reveals that multispecific aptamers, when applied to cell isolation, must be analyzed to exclude any potential formation of heterodimers due to complementary sequence matching.
Delayed Hypersensitivity Reaction: An Increasingly Recognized Complication of Metal-on-Metal Total Disc Replacement
Authors: Karnoub Mélodie-Anne , Zairi Fahed , Aboukais Rabih , Assaker Richard
Published: August 2015

We report the case of a 32-year-old woman who presented with pain recurrence 20 months after she underwent a C5C6 metal-on-metal total replacement. Plan radiographs demonstrated a modification of the shape of the vertebral bodies making the prosthesis more protruding. Then, infection has been ruled out and patch testing revealed a strongly positive reaction for chromium and cobalt. The prosthesis has been removed and a fusion achieved using a cage filled with bone graft. She has been immediately and fully relieved from her pain. We report the radiological signs that enabled early diagnosis and treatment allowing favorable outcome.
Drug Susceptibility Testing of 31 Antimicrobial Agents on Rapidly Growing Mycobacteria Isolates from China
Authors: Pang Hui , Li Guilian , Zhao Xiuqin , Liu Haican , Wan Kanglin , Yu Ping
Published: August 2015

Objectives. Several species of rapidly growing mycobacteria (RGM) are now recognized as human pathogens. However, limited data on effective drug treatments against these organisms exists. Here, we describe the species distribution and drug susceptibility profiles of RGM clinical isolates collected from four southern Chinese provinces from January 2005 to December 2012.Methods. Clinical isolates (73) were subjected toin vitrotesting with 31 antimicrobial agents using the cation-adjusted Mueller-Hinton broth microdilution method. The isolates included 55M. abscessus, 11M. fortuitum, 3M. chelonae, 2M. neoaurum, and 2M. septicumisolates.Results.M. abscessus(75.34%) andM. fortuitum(15.07%), the most common species, exhibited greater antibiotic resistance than the other three species. The isolates had low resistance to amikacin, linezolid, and tigecycline, and high resistance to first-line antituberculous agents, amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, rifapentine, dapsone, thioacetazone, and pasiniazid.M. abscessusandM. fortuitumwere highly resistant to ofloxacin and rifabutin, respectively. The isolates showed moderate resistance to the other antimicrobial agents.Conclusions. Our results suggest that tigecycline, linezolid, clofazimine, and cefmetazole are appropriate choices forM. abscessusinfections. Capreomycin, sulfamethoxazole, tigecycline, clofazimine, and cefmetazole are potentially good choices forM. fortuituminfections. Our drug susceptibility data should be useful to clinicians.
Symmetries and Conservation Laws for Some Compacton Equation
Authors: Gandarias M. L. , Bruzón M. S. , Rosa M.
Published: August 2015

We consider some equations with compacton solutions and nonlinear dispersion from the point of view of Lie classical reductions. The reduced ordinary differential equations are suitable for qualitative analysis and their dynamical behaviour is described. We derive by using the multipliers method some nontrivial conservation laws for these equations.
Adaptive Localization in Wireless Sensor Network through Bayesian Compressive Sensing
Authors: Xiahou Zuoxin , Zhang Xiaotong
Published: August 2015

The estimation of the localization of targets in wireless sensor network is addressed within the Bayesian compressive sensing (BCS) framework. BCS can estimate not only target locations but also noise variance of the environment. Furthermore, we provide adaptive iteration BCS localization (AIBCSL) algorithm, which is based on BCS and will choose measurement sensors according to the environment adaptively with only an initial value, while other frameworks require prior knowledge such as target numbers to choose measurements. AIBCSL suppose that environment noise variance is identical in interested area in a short period of time and change measurement numbers until terminal condition is reached. To suppress noise, we optimize estimation result by energy threshold strategy (ETS), which takes that transmit energy of noise focused on single grid is much lower than signal into consideration. And multisnapshot BCS (MT-BCS) will be explained and lead to a good result in low SNR level situation.
A Novel Adaptive Conditional Probability-Based Predicting Model for User’s Personality Traits
Authors: Wang Mengmeng , Zuo Wanli , Wang Ying
Published: August 2015

With the pervasive increase in social media use, the explosion of users’ generated data provides a potentially very rich source of information, which plays an important role in helping online researchers understand user’s behaviors deeply. Since user’s personality traits are the driving force of user’s behaviors, hence, in this paper, along with social network features, we first extract linguistic features, emotional statistical features, and topic features from user’s Facebook status updates, followed by quantifying importance of features via Kendall correlation coefficient. And then, on the basis of weighted features and dynamic updated thresholds of personality traits, we deploy a novel adaptive conditional probability-based predicting model which considers prior knowledge of correlations between user’s personality traits to predict user’s Big Five personality traits. In the experimental work, we explore the existence of correlations between user’s personality traits which provides a better theoretical support for our proposed method. Moreover, on the same Facebook dataset, compared to other methods, our method can achieve anF1-measure of 80.6% when taking into account correlations between user’s personality traits, and there is an impressive improvement of 5.8% over other approaches.
Vehicle Routing Problem with Soft Time Windows Based on Improved Genetic Algorithm for Fruits and Vegetables Distribution
Authors: Li Peiqing , He Jie , Zheng Dunyong , Huang Yongsheng , Fan Chenhao
Published: August 2015

Fresh fruits and vegetables, perishable by nature, are subject to additional deterioration and bruising in the distribution process due to vibration and shock caused by road irregularities. A nonlinear mathematical model was developed that considered not only the vehicle routing problem with time windows but also the effect of road irregularities on the bruising of fresh fruits and vegetables. The main objective of this work was to obtain the optimal distribution routes for fresh fruits and vegetables considering different road classes with the least amount of logistics costs. An improved genetic algorithm was used to solve the problem. A fruit delivery route among the 13 cities in Jiangsu Province was used as a real analysis case. The simulation results showed that the vehicle routing problem with time windows, considering road irregularities and different classes of toll roads, can significantly influence total delivery costs compared with traditional VRP models. The comparison between four models to predict the total cost and actual total cost in distribution showed that the improved genetic algorithm is superior to the Group-based pattern, CW pattern, and O-X type cross pattern.
Strain-Dependence of the Structure and Ferroic Properties of Epitaxial NiTiO3Thin Films Grown on Different Substrates
Authors: Varga Tamas , Droubay Timothy C. , Bowden Mark E. , Kovarik Libor , Hu Dehong , Chambers Scott A.
Published: August 2015

Polarization-induced weak ferromagnetism has been predicted a few years back in perovskite MTiO3(M = Fe, Mn, and Ni). We set out to stabilize this metastable perovskite structure by growing NiTiO3epitaxially on different substrates and to investigate the dependence of polar and magnetic properties on strain. Epitaxial NiTiO3films were deposited on Al2O3, Fe2O3, and LiNbO3substrates by pulsed laser deposition and characterized using several techniques. The effect of substrate choice on lattice strain, film structure, and physical properties was investigated. Our structural data from X-ray diffraction and electron microscopy shows that substrate-induced strain has a marked effect on the structure and crystalline quality of the films. Physical property measurements reveal a dependence of the weak ferromagnetism and lattice polarization on strain and highlight our ability to control the ferroic properties in NiTiO3thin films by the choice of substrate. Our results are also consistent with the theoretical prediction that the ferromagnetism in acentric NiTiO3is polarization induced. From the substrates studied here, the perovskite substrate LiNbO3proved to be the most promising one for strong multiferroism.
Implementation of Computer Aided Engineering for Francis Turbine Development in Nepal
Authors: Koirala Ravi , Chitrakar Sailesh , Panthee Amod , Neopane Hari Prasad , Thapa Bhola
Published: August 2015

The expansion of the existing industries involved in the production of components of hydropower to the Francis turbine manufacturer up to 5 MW unit size has been recognized as one of the most promising business models in Nepal. Given the current fact that the development of Francis turbines with the manufacturers of Nepal has not been done yet, due to lack of designing expertise and limitations in the available technology, this paper presents the use of different available manufacturing technologies, which is suitable in the Nepalese hydropower market. This is an experience based paper, in which the advanced manufacturing process implementing Computer Aided Simulation (CAS), Computer Aided Design (CAD), and Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) is introduced for turbine manufacturing. Moreover, CAD from Solidworks, 3D printing from Rapid Prototyping Machine (RPM), and manufacturing of three designs by three different methods, dye casting, lost wax casting, and forging in a local workshop, have been described. The outcome of this work is the identification of suitable Francis turbine development methodologies in context of Nepal, incorporating industrial revolution through research based products.