bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structural and electrical properties of V2O5 added Li–Mn–Ti ferrites
Authors: Maisnam Mamata , Phanjoubam Sumitra
Published: March 2014

In this paper, V 2 O 5 added Li – Mn – Ti ferrites were prepared by the conventional double sintering ceramic technique having the compositional formula [Formula: see text] where "x" is the amount of V 2 O 5 added and x = (0.0, 0.1, 0.2 and 0.3) wt.%. The samples were pre-sintered at 650°C for 2 h and then finally sintered at 950°C for 1 h. Single phase cubic spinel structures of the samples were confirmed by XRD studies. Various structural and electrical properties were studied and compared with those measured from sample of same composition but prepared with 0.5 wt.% of Bi 2 O 3. This sample was pre-sintered at 850°C for 4 h and sintered at 1050°C for 4 h. Adding V 2 O 5 in Li -ferrites was found to reduce the sintering temperature and obtained products with reduced porosity and crystallite size but with enhanced DC resistivity. From the studies of dielectric properties, it is found that V 2 O 5 added ferrites have lower dielectric constant and dielectric loss. Temperature dependence of dielectric properties was also studied and temperature dependence of dielectric constant and dielectric loss were less significant in the V 2 O 5 added Li -ferrites.
MULTIFRACTAL DETRENDED FLUCTUATION ANALYSIS FOR IMAGE TEXTURE FEATURE REPRESENTATION
Authors: WANG FANG , LI ZONG-SHOU , LIAO GUI-PING
Published: March 2014

Multifractal theory has been widely used in different kinds of fields. In this paper, methods were proposed to extract two kinds of multifractal descriptors of gray series and two-dimensional surfaces for gray image based on the multifractal detrended fluctuation analysis. The proposed multifractal parameters can be well described by texture feature through the test of some textures. Three aspects of experiments have been conducted to verify the robustness of the proposed parameters, which include noise immunity, degree of image blurring and compression ratio. Comparisons were conducted between the proposed parameters and other kinds of texture feature parameters calculated by the standard multifractal analysis, the method of differential box counting and the methods of gray level co-occurrence matrix. Results demonstrate that the proposed exponents of H(2) and h(2) have great noise immunity and are robust to image compression and blurring.
DESIGN OF MINIATURIZED BANDPASS FILTERS USING QUASI-LUMPED MULTILAYER RESONATORS
Authors: MILJANOVIĆ DEJAN M. , POTREBIĆ MILKA M. , TOŠIĆ DEJAN V. , STAMENKOVIĆ ZORAN
Published: March 2014

A novel design procedure for a compact multilayer bandpass filter is proposed and examined. The filter is realized using quasi-lumped multilayer resonators. Based on the orientation of these coupled-resonator pairs, a second-order bandpass filter is realized with transmission zeros. In order to achieve a low external quality factor, i.e., a wider filter bandwidth, different types of feeder realization are considered. The design methodology with all relevant steps is presented and the equivalent-circuit of the resonator is also derived and verified. The filter design is simulated using a 3D electromagnetic model and validated by measurements on the fabricated filter. The simulation and experimental results are in good agreement.
Search of double shell closure in the superheavy nuclei using a simple effective interaction
Authors: Biswal S. K. , Bhuyan M. , Singh S. K. , Patra S. K.
Published: March 2014

This paper refers to another attempt to search for spherical double shell closure nuclei beyond Z = 82, N = 126. All calculations and results are based on a newly developed approach entitled as simple effective interaction (SEI). Our results predict that the combination of magic nucleus occurs at N = 182 (Z = 114, 120, 126). All possible evidences for the occurrence of magic nuclei are discussed systematically. And, the obtained results for all observables are compared with the relativistic mean field theory for NL3 parameter.
Approximate controllability of stochastic equations in a Hilbert space with fractional Brownian motions
Authors: Chen Mo
Published: March 2014

In this paper, the approximate controllability for semilinear stochastic equations in Hilbert spaces is studied. The additive noise is the formal derivative of a fractional Brownian motion in a Hilbert space with the Hurst parameter in the interval (½, 1). Sufficient conditions are established. The results are obtained by using the Banach fixed point theorem.
MPI-blastn and NCBI-TaxCollector: Improving metagenomic analysis with high performance classification and wide taxonomic attachment
Authors: Dias R. , Xavier M. G. , Rossi F. D. , Neves M. V. , Lange T. A. P. , Giongo A. , De Rose C. A. F. , Triplett E. W.
Published: March 2014

Metagenomic sequencing technologies are advancing rapidly and the size of output data from high-throughput genetic sequencing has increased substantially over the years. This brings us to a scenario where advanced computational optimizations are requested to perform a metagenomic analysis. In this paper, we describe a new parallel implementation of nucleotide BLAST (MPI-blastn) and a new tool for taxonomic attachment of Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST) results that supports the NCBI taxonomy (NCBI-TaxCollector). MPI-blastn obtained a high performance when compared to the mpiBLAST and ScalaBLAST. In our best case, MPI-blastn was able to run 408 times faster in 384 cores. Our evaluations demonstrated that NCBI-TaxCollector is able to perform taxonomic attachments 125 times faster and needs 120 times less RAM than the previous TaxCollector. Through our optimizations, a multiple sequence search that currently takes 37 hours can be performed in less than 6 min and a post processing with NCBI taxonomic data attachment, which takes 48 hours, now is able to run in 23 min.
CALCULATION OF ENGINE PARAMETERS USING RECONFIGURABLE HARDWARE
Authors: BANKS J. , KELSON N. A. , MACINTOSH H. , DAGG M. , HAYWARD R. , BODISCO T. , BROWN R. J.
Published: March 2014

The feasibility of real-time calculation of parameters for an internal combustion engine via reconfigurable hardware implementation is investigated as an alternative to software computation. A detailed in-hardware field programmable gate array (FPGA)-based design is developed and evaluated using input crank angle and in-cylinder pressure data from fully instrumented diesel engines in the QUT Biofuel Engine Research Facility (BERF). Results indicate the feasibility of employing a hardware-based implementation for real-time processing for speeds comparable to the data sampling rate currently used in the facility, with acceptably low level of discrepancies between hardware and software-based calculation of key engine parameters.
Structural characterization of the μ-nitrido complex {[Fe(OEP)]2N}
Authors: Li Ming , Scheidt W. Robert
Published: March 2014

The molecular structure of the μ-nitrido dimer, μ-nitrido-bis(2,3,7,8,12,13,17,18-octaethylporphyrinato)iron, is reported. The axial Fe – N distances average to 1.657(11)Å and the equatorial distances average to 2.005(5)Å. Although not required by symmetry, the two iron centers appear equivalent and are consistent with an assignment of a low-spin state and a formal oxidation state of +3.5. A comparison of this structure with other nitrido-bridged species is given.
HIGH-EFFICIENT SOLID-STATE PEROVSKITE SOLAR CELL WITHOUT LITHIUM SALT IN THE HOLE TRANSPORT MATERIAL
Authors: BI DONGQIN , BOSCHLOO GERRIT , HAGFELDT ANDERS
Published: March 2014

CH 3 NH 3 PbX ( X = Br , I , Cl ) perovskites have recently been used as light absorbers in hybrid organic–inorganic solid-state solar cells, with efficiencies above 15%. To date, it is essential to add Lithium bis(Trifluoromethanesulfonyl)Imide ( LiTFSI ) to the hole transport materials (HTM) to get a higher conductivity. However, the detrimental effect of high LiTFSI concentration on the charge transport, DOS in the conduction band of the TiO 2 substrate and device stability results in an overall compromise for a satisfactory device. Using a higher mobility hole conductor to avoid lithium salt is an interesting alternative. Herein, we successfully made an efficient perovskite solar cell by applying a hole conductor PTAA (Poly[bis(4-phenyl) (2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)-amine]) in the absence of LiTFSI . Under AM 1.5 illumination of 100 mW/cm2, an efficiency of 10.9% was achieved, which is comparable to the efficiency of 12.3% with the addition of 1.3 mM LiTFSI . An unsealed device without Li + shows interestingly a promising stability.
Expected shortfall or median shortfall
Authors: Kou Steven , Peng Xianhua
Published: March 2014

In a recent consultative document, the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision suggests replacing Value-at-Risk (VaR) by expected shortfall (ES) for setting capital requirements for banks' trading books because ES better captures tail risk than VaR. However, besides ES, another risk measure called median shortfall (MS) also captures tail risk by taking into account both the size and likelihood of losses. We argue that MS is a better alternative than ES as a risk measure for setting capital requirements because: (i) MS is elicitable but ES is not; (ii) MS has distributional robustness with respect to model misspecification but ES does not; (iii) MS is easy to implement but ES is not.
Self-similar clustering distribution of structural features on Ascraeus Mons (Mars): implications for magma chamber depth
Authors: Pozzobon Riccardo , Mazzarini Francesco , Massironi Matteo , Marinangeli Lucia
Published: March 2014

The occurrence and distribution of monogenic eruptive features in volcanic areas testify to the presence of deep-crustal or subcrustal magma reservoirs hydraulically connected to the surface via a fracture network. The spatial distribution of vents can be studied in terms of self-similar (fractal) clustering, described by a fractal exponent
D
and defined over a range of lengths (
l
) between a lower and upper cutoff,
L
co
and
U
co
, respectively. The computed
U
co
values for several volcanic fields on Earth match the thickness of the crust between vents and magma reservoirs at depth. This analysis can thus be extended to other volcanic fields and volcanoes on rocky planets in the solar system where features such as vents and dykes occur, and for where complementary geophysical data are currently lacking. We applied this method to the Ascraeus Mons volcano on Mars, which presents hundreds of collapse pits similar to those observed on Earth volcanoes that are most likely related to feeder dykes. Based on structural mapping with High Resolution Stereo Camera data at 12 m/px and Context Camera data at 6 m/px mosaics, more than 2300 collapse pits and dyke traces were analysed, revealing two distinct fractal clustered populations. The obtained
U
co
values reveal the presence and likely depth of both a deep magma reservoir (
c.
60 km deep) and a small shallower chamber (
c.
11 km deep). This analysis can help to better constrain the depth and time evolution of volcanic processes on Tharsis, and on terrestrial planets’ volcanoes in general.
Hypoxia-induced changes in Ca2+ mobilization and protein phosphorylation implicated in impaired wound healing
Authors: Lee Albert , Derricks Kelsey , Minns Martin , Ji Sophina , Chi Cheryl , Nugent Matthew A. , Trinkaus-Randall Vickery
Published: March 2014

The process of wound healing must be tightly regulated to achieve successful restoration of injured tissue. Previously, we demonstrated that when corneal epithelium is injured, nucleotides and neuronal factors are released to the extracellular milieu, generating a Ca2+ wave from the origin of the wound to neighboring cells. In the present study we sought to determine how the communication between epithelial cells in the presence or absence of neuronal wound media is affected by hypoxia. A signal-sorting algorithm was developed to determine the dynamics of Ca2+ signaling between neuronal and epithelial cells. The cross talk between activated corneal epithelial cells in response to neuronal wound media demonstrated that injury-induced Ca2+ dynamic patterns were altered in response to decreased O2 levels. These alterations were associated with an overall decrease in ATP and changes in purinergic receptor-mediated Ca2+ mobilization and localization of N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors. In addition, we used the cornea in an organ culture wound model to examine how hypoxia impedes reepithelialization after injury. There was a change in the recruitment of paxillin to the cell membrane and deposition of fibronectin along the basal lamina, both factors in cell migration. Our results provide evidence that complex Ca2+-mediated signaling occurs between sensory neurons and epithelial cells after injury and is critical to wound healing. Information revealed by these studies will contribute to an enhanced understanding of wound repair under compromised conditions and provide insight into ways to effectively stimulate proper epithelial repair.
Chronic binge alcohol consumption alters myogenic gene expression and reduces in vitro myogenic differentiation potential of myoblasts from rhesus macaques
Authors: Simon Liz , LeCapitaine Nicole , Berner Paul , Vande Stouwe Curtis , Mussell Jason C. , Allerton Timothy , Primeaux Stefany D. , Dufour Jason , Nelson Steve , Bagby Gregory J. , Cefalu William , Molina Patricia E.
Published: March 2014

Chronic alcohol abuse is associated with skeletal muscle myopathy. Previously, we demonstrated that chronic binge alcohol (CBA) consumption by rhesus macaques accentuates skeletal muscle wasting at end-stage of simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) infection. A proinflammatory, prooxidative milieu and enhanced ubiquitin proteasome activity were identified as possible mechanisms leading to loss of skeletal muscle. The possibility that impaired regenerative capacity, as reflected by the ability of myoblasts derived from satellite cell (SCs) to differentiate into myotubes has not been examined. We hypothesized that the inflammation and oxidative stress in skeletal muscle from CBA animals impair the differentiation capacity of myoblasts to form new myofibers in in vitro assays. We isolated primary myoblasts from the quadriceps femoris of rhesus macaques that were administered CBA or isocaloric sucrose (SUC) for 19 mo. Proliferation and differentiation potential of cultured myoblasts were examined in vitro. Myoblasts from the CBA group had significantly reduced PAX7, MYOD1, MYOG, MYF5, and MEF2C expression. This was associated with decreased myotube formation as evidenced by Jenner-Giemsa staining and myonuclei fusion index. No significant difference in the proliferative ability, cell cycle distribution, or autophagy was detected between myoblasts isolated from CBA and SUC groups. Together, these results reflect marked dysregulation of myoblast myogenic gene expression and myotube formation, which we interpret as evidence of impaired skeletal muscle regenerative capacity in CBA-administered macaques. The contribution of this mechanism to alcoholic myopathy warrants further investigation.
Early vestibular processing does not discriminate active from passive self-motion if there is a discrepancy between predicted and actual proprioceptive feedback
Authors: Brooks Jessica X. , Cullen Kathleen E.
Published: March 2014

Most of our sensory experiences are gained by active exploration of the world. While the ability to distinguish sensory inputs resulting of our own actions (termed reafference) from those produced externally (termed exafference) is well established, the neural mechanisms underlying this distinction are not fully understood. We have previously proposed that vestibular signals arising from self-generated movements are inhibited by a mechanism that compares the internal prediction of the proprioceptive consequences of self-motion to the actual feedback. Here we directly tested this proposal by recording from single neurons in monkey during vestibular stimulation that was externally produced and/or self-generated. We show for the first time that vestibular reafference is equivalently canceled for self-generated sensory stimulation produced by activation of the neck musculature (head-on-body motion), or axial musculature (combined head and body motion), when there is no discrepancy between the predicted and actual proprioceptive consequences of self-motion. However, if a discrepancy does exist, central vestibular neurons no longer preferentially encode vestibular exafference. Specifically, when simultaneous active and passive motion resulted in activation of the same muscle proprioceptors, neurons robustly encoded the total vestibular input (i.e., responses to vestibular reafference and exafference were equally strong), rather than exafference alone. Taken together, our results show that the cancellation of vestibular reafference in early vestibular processing requires an explicit match between expected and actual proprioceptive feedback. We propose that this vital neuronal computation, necessary for both accurate sensory perception and motor control, has important implications for a variety of sensory systems that suppress self-generated signals.
Combiningd-cycloserine with motor training does not result in improved general motor learning in neurologically intact people or in people with stroke
Authors: Cherry Kendra M. , Lenze Eric J. , Lang Catherine E.
Published: March 2014

Neurological rehabilitation involving motor training has resulted in clinically meaningful improvements in function but is unable to eliminate many of the impairments associated with neurological injury. Thus there is a growing need for interventions that facilitate motor learning during rehabilitation therapy, to optimize recovery. d-Cycloserine (DCS), a partial N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor agonist that enhances neurotransmission throughout the central nervous system (Ressler KJ, Rothbaum BO, Tannenbaum L, Anderson P, Graap K, Zimand E, Hodges L, Davis M. Arch Gen Psychiatry 61: 1136–1144, 2004), has been shown to facilitate declarative and emotional learning. We therefore tested whether combining DCS with motor training facilitates motor learning after stroke in a series of two experiments. Forty-one healthy adults participated in experiment I, and twenty adults with stroke participated in experiment II of this two-session, double-blind study. Session one consisted of baseline assessment, subject randomization, and oral administration of DCS or placebo (250 mg). Subjects then participated in training on a balancing task, a simulated feeding task, and a cognitive task. Subjects returned 1–3 days later for posttest assessment. We found that all subjects had improved performance from pretest to posttest on the balancing task, the simulated feeding task, and the cognitive task. Subjects who were given DCS before motor training, however, did not show enhanced learning on the balancing task, the simulated feeding task, or the associative recognition task compared with subjects given placebo. Moreover, training on the balancing task did not generalize to a similar, untrained balance task. Our findings suggest that DCS does not enhance motor learning or motor skill generalization in neurologically intact adults or in adults with stroke.
Narrowband, Visible-Blind UV-A Sensor Based on aMg0.52Zn0.48OFilm Deposited by Radio-Frequency Sputtering Using a ZnO-Mg Composite Target
Authors: Kohama Yuki , Nagai Takuya , Inada Mitsuru , Saitoh Tadashi
Published: March 2014

A narrowband, visible-blind ultraviolet photodetector (PD) for UV-A is fabricated using a Mg0.52Zn0.48O film that is formed on a quartz substrate by a radio-frequency sputtering technique using a ZnO-Mg composite target. The content of Mg in the film is controlled by varying the number of Mg chips on the ZnO plate. The fabricated PD has a metal-semiconductor-metal structure with interdigitated electrodes and exhibits a narrow 3 dB bandwidth of 26 nm with a peak response wavelength of 340 nm and a cut-off wavelength of 353 nm. Moreover, the peak responsivity of the PD increases linearly with the bias voltage up to 30 V, indicating that the device operates via a photoconductive gain mechanism.
Utilization of Maternal and Child Health Care Services by Primigravida Females in Urban and Rural Areas of India
Authors: Mahajan Hemant , Sharma Bhuwan
Published: March 2014

Maternal complications and poor perinatal outcome are highly associated with nonutilisation of antenatal and delivery care services and poor socioeconomic conditions of the patient. It is essential that all pregnant women have access to high quality obstetric care throughout their pregnancies. Present longitudinal study was carried out to compare utilization of maternal and child health care services by urban and rural primigravida females. A total of 240 study participants were enrolled in this study. More illiteracy and less mean age at the time of marriage were observed in rural population. Poor knowledge about prelacteal feed, colostrums, tetanus injection and iron-follic acid tablet consumption was noted in both urban and rural areas. Very few study participants from both areas were counselled for HIV testing before pregnancy. More numbers of abortions (19.2%) were noted in urban study participants compared to rural area. Thus utilization of maternal and child health care (MCH) services was poor in both urban and rural areas. A sustained and focussed IEC campaign to improve the awareness amongst community on MCH will help in improving community participation. This may improve the quality, accessibility, and utilization of maternal health care services provided by the government agencies in both rural and urban areas.
A Modified Mixed Ishikawa Iteration for Common Fixed Points of Two Asymptotically Quasi Pseudocontractive Type Non-Self-Mappings
Authors: Wang Yuanheng , Shi Huimin
Published: March 2014

A new modified mixed Ishikawa iterative sequence with error for common fixed points of two asymptotically quasi pseudocontractive type non-self-mappings is introduced. By the flexible use of the iterative scheme and a new lemma, some strong convergence theorems are proved under suitable conditions. The results in this paper improve and generalize some existing results.
Alleviation of Plasma Homocysteine Level by Phytoestrogenα-Zearalanol Might Be Related to the Reduction of Cystathionineβ-Synthase Nitration
Authors: Zhang Hui , Sun Qi , Liu Teng , Ma Lu , Zhen Panpan , Wang Ke , Lu Lingqiao , Liu Xin , Zhang Xin , Song Dandan , Zuo Xiaoyun , Liu Huirong , Wang Wen
Published: March 2014

Hyperhomocysteinemia is strongly associated with cardiovascular diseases. Previous studies have shown that phytoestrogenα-zearalanol can protect cardiovascular system from hyperhomocysteinemia and ameliorate the level of plasma total homocysteine; however, the underlying mechanisms remain to be clarified. The aim of this research is to investigate the possible molecular mechanisms involved in ameliorating the level of plasma homocysteine byα-zearalanol. By the successfully established diet-induced hyperhomocysteinemia rat models, we found that, afterα-zearalanol treatment, the activity of cystathionineβ-synthase, the key enzyme in homocysteine metabolism, was significantly elevated and level of nitrative stress in liver was significantly reduced. In correlation with this, results also showed a decreased nitration level of cystathionineβ-synthase in liver. Together data implied that alleviation of plasma homocysteine level by phytoestrogenα-zearalanol might be related to the reduction of cystathionineβ-synthase nitration.
HIV Prevention Services and Testing Utilization Behaviors among Men Who Have Sex with Men at Elevated Risk for HIV in Chongqing, China
Authors: Huang Dayong , Hu Yifei , Wu Guohui , Jia Yujiang , Lu Rongrong , Xiao Yan , Raymond H. F. , McFarland Willi , Ruan Yuhua , Ma Wei , Sun Jiangping
Published: March 2014

Objective. To investigate barriers and correlates of the use of HIV prevention services and HIV testing behaviors among men who have sex with men in Chongqing.Methods. Three consecutive cross-sectional surveys provided demographic, sexual behavior, HIV/syphilis infection, HIV prevention service, and testing behavior data.Results. Of 1239 participants, 15.4% were infected with HIV, incidence was 12.3 per 100 persons/year (95% CI: 9.2–15.3), 38% of the participants reported ever having unprotected insertive anal sex, 40% ever received free condom/lubricants in the past year, and 27.7% ever obtained free sexually transmitted infection examination/treatment in the past year. Multivariable logistic regression revealed that lower levels of HIV/AIDS related stigmatizing/discriminatory attitudes, full-time jobs, and sex debut with men at a younger age were independently associated with use of free condom/lubricants. Large social networks, higher incomes, and sexual debut with men at a younger age were associated with use of any HIV prevention and HIV testing services. Lower levels of stigmatizing/discriminatory attitudes were also associated with HIV testing. Fearing needles and being unaware of the venues for testing were top barriers for testing service utilization.Conclusion. It is imperative to address HIV/AIDS related stigmatizing/discriminatory attitudes and other barriers while delivering intervention and testing services.
Imbalance between Endothelial Damage and Repair: A Gateway to Cardiovascular Disease in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Mak Anselm , Kow Nien Yee
Published: March 2014

Atherosclerosis is accelerated in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and it leads to excessive cardiovascular complications in these patients. Despite the improved awareness of cardiovascular disease and advent of clinical diagnostics, the process of atherogenesis in most patients remains clinically silent until symptoms and signs of cardiovascular complications develop. As evidence has demonstrated that vascular damage is already occurring before clinically overt cardiovascular disease develops in lupus patients, intervention at the preclinical stage of atherogenesis would be plausible. Indeed, endothelial dysfunction, one of the earliest steps of atherogenesis, has been demonstrated to occur in lupus patients even when they are naïve for cardiovascular disease. Currently known “endothelium-toxic” factors including type 1 interferon, proinflammatory cytokines, inflammatory cells, immune complexes, costimulatory molecules, neutrophils extracellular traps, lupus-related autoantibodies, oxidative stress, and dyslipidemia, coupled with the aberrant functions of the endothelial progenitor cells (EPC) which are crucial to vascular repair, likely tip the balance towards endothelial dysfunction and propensity to develop cardiovascular disease in lupus patients. In this review, altered physiology of the endothelium, factors leading to perturbed vascular repair contributed by lupus EPC and the impact of proatherogenic factors on the endothelium which potentially lead to atherosclerosis in lupus patients will be discussed.
Pegylated Gold Nanoparticles Induce Apoptosis in Human Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Cells
Authors: Huang Yu-Chuen , Yang Yuh-Cheng , Yang Kai-Chien , Shieh Hui-Ru , Wang Tao-Yeuan , Hwu Yeukuang , Chen Yu-Jen
Published: March 2014

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have several potential biological applications as well as excellent biocompatibility. AuNPs with surface modification using polyethylene glycol (PEG-AuNPs) can facilitate easy conjugation with various biological molecules of interest. To examine the anticancer bioactivity of PEG-AuNPs, we investigated their effect on human chronic myeloid leukemia K562 cells. The results indicated that PEG-AuNPs markedly inhibited the viability and impaired the cell membrane integrity of K562 cells. The particles caused morphological changes typical of cell death, and a marked increase in the sub-G1 population in DNA histogram, indicating apoptosis. In addition, PEG-AuNPs reduced the mitochondrial transmembrane potential, a hallmark of the involvement of intrinsic apoptotic pathway in K562 cells. Observation of ultrastructure under a transmission electron microscope revealed that the internalized PEG-AuNPs were distributed into cytoplasmic vacuoles and damaged mitochondria, and subsequently accumulated in areas surrounding the nuclear membrane. In conclusion, PEG-AuNPs may have the potential to inhibit growth and induce apoptosis in human chronic myeloid leukemia cells.
Existence of Traveling Wave Solutions for Cholera Model
Authors: Zhang Tianran , Gou Qingming , Wang Xiaoli
Published: March 2014

To investigate the spreading speed of cholera, Codeço’s cholera model (2001) is developed by a reaction-diffusion model that incorporates both indirect environment-to-human and direct human-to-human transmissions and the pathogen diffusion. The two transmission incidences are supposed to be saturated with infective density and pathogen density. The basic reproduction numberR0is defined and the formula for minimal wave speedc*is given. It is proved by shooting method that there exists a traveling wave solution with speedcfor cholera model if and only ifc≥c*.
The Effects of Acute Hydrogen Sulfide Poisoning on Cytochrome P450 Isoforms Activity in Rats
Authors: Wang Xianqin , Chen Mengchun , Chen Xinxin , Ma Jianshe , Wen Congcong , Pan Jianchun , Hu Lufeng , Lin Guanyang
Published: March 2014

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is the second leading cause of toxin related death (after carbon monoxide) in the workplace. H2S is absorbed by the upper respiratory tract mucosa, and it causes histotoxic hypoxemia and respiratory depression. Cocktail method was used to evaluate the influences of acute H2S poisoning on the activities of cytochrome P450 isoforms CYP2B6, CYP2D6, CYP3A4, CYP1A2, CYP2C19, and CYP2C9, which were reflected by the changes of pharmacokinetic parameters of six specific probe drugs, bupropion, metoprolol, midazolam, phenacetin, omeprazole, and tolbutamide, respectively. The experimental rats were randomly divided into two groups, control group and acute H2S poisoning group (inhaling 300 ppm for 2 h). The mixture of six probes was given to rats by oral administration and the blood samples were obtained at a series of time points through the caudal vein. The concentrations of probe drugs in rat plasma were measured by LC-MS. The results for acute H2S poisoning and control groups were as follows: there was a statistically significant difference in the AUC andCmaxfor bupropion, metoprolol, phenacetin, and tolbutamide, while there was no statistical pharmacokinetic difference for midazolam and omeprazole. Acute H2S poisoning could inhibit the activity of CYP2B6, CYP2D6, CYP1A2, and CYP2C9 in rats.
Production of Bioactive Compounds by Actinomycetes and Their Antioxidant Properties
Authors: Janardhan Avilala , Kumar Arthala Praveen , Viswanath Buddolla , Saigopal D. V. R. , Narasimha Golla
Published: March 2014

An actinomycete was isolated from mangrove soil collected from Nellore region of Andhra Pradesh, India, and screened for its ability to produce bioactive compounds. The cultural, morphological, and biochemical characters and 16S rRNA sequencing suggest that the isolated strain is Nocardiopsis alba. The bioactive compounds produced by this strain were purified by column chromatography. The in vitro antioxidant capacity of the isolated compounds (fractions) was estimated and fraction F2 showed very near values to the standard ascorbic acid. The potential fraction obtained by column chromatography was subjected to HPLC for further purification, then this purified fraction F2 was examined by FTIR, NMR, and mass spectroscopy to elucidate its chemical structure. By spectral data, the structure of the isolated compound was predicted as “(Z)-1-((1-hydroxypenta-2,4-dien-1-yl)oxy)anthracene-9,10-dione.”
Absorption and Scattering Cross Section of Regular Black Holes
Authors: Huang Hai , Liao Ping , Chen Juhua , Wang Yongjiu
Published: March 2014

By using the partial wave method, we investigate the absorption of massless scalar wave from regular black hole. We numerically carry out the absorption cross section and find that the larger angular momentum quantum number l is, the smaller the corresponding maximum value of partial absorption cross section is. Comparing with Schwarzschild case, the absorption cross section of regular black holes is strengthened in both low and high frequency regions, and the absorption cross section oscillates around the geometric optical value in the high frequency region. Generally speaking, the scattering flux is strengthened and its scattering width becomes narrower in the forward direction. There are obvious contrast of scattering properties of different type of regular black hole.
Association betweenε2/3/4, Promoter Polymorphism (−491A/T, −427T/C, and −219T/G) at the Apolipoprotein E Gene, and Mental Retardation in Children from an Iodine Deficiency Area, China
Authors: Li Jun , Zhang Fuchang , Wang Yunliang , Wang Yan , Qin Wei , Xing Qinghe , Qian Xueqing , Guo Tingwei , Gao Xiaocai , He Lin , Gao Jianjun
Published: March 2014

Background.Several common single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at apolipoprotein E (ApoE) have been linked with late onset sporadic Alzheimer’s disease and declining normative cognitive ability in elder people, but we are unclear about their relationship with cognition in children.Results.We studied-491A/T,-427T/C, and-219G/Tpromoter polymorphisms andε2/ε3/ε4at ApoE among children with mental retardation (MR,n=130), borderline MR (n=124), and controls (n=334) from an iodine deficiency area in China. The allelic and genotypic distribution of individual locus did not significantly differ among three groups with Mantel-Haenszelχ2test (P>0.05). However, frequencies of haplotype of-491A/-427T/-219T/ε4were distributed as MR > borderline MR > controls (Puncorrected = 0.004), indicating that the presence of this haplotype may increase the risk of disease.Conclusions.In this large population-based study in children, we did not find any significant association between single locus of the four common ApoE polymorphisms (-491A/T,-427T/C,-219T/G, andε2/3/4) and MR or borderline MR. However, we found that the presence of ATTε4haplotype was associated with an increased risk of MR and borderline MR. Our present work may help enlarge our knowledge of the cognitive role of ApoE across the lifespan and the mechanisms of human cognition.
Interference of Cognitive Wireless Networks on Rayleigh and Rice Fading Channels
Authors: Li Jian , Li Shenghong
Published: March 2014

We propose a mathematical interference model of cognitive wireless networks based on two channels suffering different fading. The primary channel between primary transmitter and primary receiver is under Rayleigh fading. The secondary interference channel between secondary transmitter and primary receiver is under Rice fading. By employing various factors, such as the spectrum sensing scheme and the spatial distribution of the secondary users, the proposed model gives an accurate expression of interference probability compared to the statistical models that just approximate the probability model of the interference or bounds models that aim at finding the bounds of the interference. The proposed probability density function (PDF), cumulative distribution function (CDF), and the mean and variance of interference can be extended to a number of applications including power control, spectrum sensing evaluation, secondary users density analysis, and setting interference toleration threshold. Moreover, the framework developed in this paper can be applied to the interference analysis for the nodes of cognitive networks distributed in irregular geographical shapes like finite or infinite zone. The simulation result verifies our theory and is in agreement with the expectation.
Worldwide Dissemination of the NDM-Type Carbapenemases in Gram-Negative Bacteria
Authors: Dortet Laurent , Poirel Laurent , Nordmann Patrice
Published: March 2014

The emergence of one of the most recently described carbapenemases, namely, the New Delhi metallo-lactamase (NDM-1), constitutes a critical and growingly important medical issue. This resistance trait compromises the efficacy of almost all lactams (except aztreonam), including the last resort carbapenems. Therapeutical options may remain limited mostly to colistin, tigecycline, and fosfomycin. The main known reservoir of NDM producers is the Indian subcontinent whereas a secondary reservoir seems to have established the Balkans regions and the Middle East. Although the spread ofblaNDM-like genes (several variants) is derived mostly by conjugative plasmids in Enterobacteriaceae, this carbapenemase has also been identified inP. aeruginosaandAcinetobacterspp.Acinetobactersp. may play a pivotal role for spreadingblaNDMgenes for its natural reservoir to Enterobacteriaceae. Rapid diagnostic techniques (Carba NP test) and screening of carriers are the cornerstone to try to contain this outbreak which threatens the efficacy of the modern medicine.
New View to Obtain Dryer Food Foams with Different Polysaccharides and Soy Protein by High Ultrasound
Authors: Martínez Karina D. , Sanchez Cecilio Carrera
Published: March 2014

The objective of this work was to determine the effects of high intensity ultrasound application on the foaming properties of soy protein-polysaccharides mixed solutions. To this end, foaming parameters during foam formation were analyzed. The samples were sonicated for 20 min using ultrasonic processor Vibra Cell Sonics, and model VCX 750 at a frequency of 20 kHz and an amplitude of 20%. The foams were produced by a Foamscan instrument. The evolution of the bubble size change in the foam was also determined by a second CCD camera. For all foamed systems, at two pHs 3 and 7, Foam expansion and Relative Foam Conductivity showed a great increase after ultrasonic treatment. Other parameters studied did not show difference. On the other hand, Final Time of Foaming and the Total Gas Volume incorporation for foams formation were correlated with the Relative Foam Conductivity decrease and the Foam Expansion increase when HIUS were applied in every system. Comparative bubble size and shape during the foam formation according to the treatments and pH used confirmed the parameters results.
Ontology-Based Multiple Choice Question Generation
Authors: Al-Yahya Maha
Published: March 2014

With recent advancements in Semantic Web technologies, a new trend in MCQ item generation has emerged through the use of ontologies. Ontologies are knowledge representation structures that formally describe entities in a domain and their relationships, thus enabling automated inference and reasoning. Ontology-based MCQ item generation is still in its infancy, but substantial research efforts are being made in the field. However, the applicability of these models for use in an educational setting has not been thoroughly evaluated. In this paper, we present an experimental evaluation of an ontology-based MCQ item generation system known as OntoQue. The evaluation was conducted using two different domain ontologies. The findings of this study show that ontology-based MCQ generation systems produce satisfactory MCQ items to a certain extent. However, the evaluation also revealed a number of shortcomings with current ontology-based MCQ item generation systems with regard to the educational significance of an automatically constructed MCQ item, the knowledge level it addresses, and its language structure. Furthermore, for the task to be successful in producing high-quality MCQ items for learning assessments, this study suggests a novel, holistic view that incorporateslearning content, learning objectives, lexical knowledge,andscenariosinto a single cohesive framework.
Novel Image Encryption Scheme Based on Chebyshev Polynomial and Duffing Map
Authors: Stoyanov Borislav , Kordov Krasimir
Published: March 2014

We present a novel image encryption algorithm using Chebyshev polynomial based on permutation and substitution and Duffing map based on substitution. Comprehensive security analysis has been performed on the designed scheme using key space analysis, visual testing, histogram analysis, information entropy calculation, correlation coefficient analysis, differential analysis, key sensitivity test, and speed test. The study demonstrates that the proposed image encryption algorithm shows advantages of more than10113key space and desirable level of security based on the good statistical results and theoretical arguments.
Track-to-Track Association Based on Structural Similarity in the Presence of Sensor Biases
Authors: Zhu Hongyan , Han Suying
Published: March 2014

The paper addresses the problem of track-to-track association in the presence of sensor biases. In some challenging scenarios, it may be infeasible to implement bias estimation and compensation in time due to the computational intractability or weak observability about sensor biases. In this paper, we introduce the structural feature for each local track, which describes the spatial relationship with its neighboring targets. Although the absolute coordinates of local tracks from the same target are severely different in the presence of sensor biases, their structural features may be similar. As a result, instead of using the absolute kinematic states only, we employee the structural similarity to define the association cost. When there are missed detections, the structural similarity between local tracks is evaluated by solving another 2D assignment subproblem. Simulation results demonstrated the power of the proposed approach.
Isolated Retroperitoneal Hydatid Cyst Invading Splenic Hilum
Authors: Ozturk Safak , Unver Mutlu , Kibar Ozturk Burcin , Kebapci Eyup , Bozbiyik Osman , Erol Varlık , Zalluhoglu Nihat , Olmez Mustafa
Published: March 2014

Introduction. Hydatid disease (HD) is an infestation that is caused by the larval stage ofEchinococcus granulosus. The liver is affected in approximately two-thirds of patients, the lungs in 25%, and other organs in a small proportion. Primary retroperitoneal hydatid cyst is extremely rare. The most common complaint is abdominal pain; however, the clinical features of HD may be generally dependent on the location of the cyst.Case Presentation. A 43-year-old female was admitted with the complaint of abdominal pain. Her physical examination was normal. Computed tomography (CT) revealed a17×11 cm cystic lesion, with a thick and smooth wall that is located among the left liver lobe, diaphragm, spleen, tail of the pancreas, and transverse colon and invading the splenic hilum. Total cystectomy and splenectomy were performed. Pathological examination was reported as cyst hydatid.Discussion. Cysts in the peritoneal cavity are mainly the result of the spontaneous or traumatic rupture of concomitant hepatic cysts or surgical inoculation of a hepatic cyst. Serological tests contribute to diagnosis. In symptomatic and large hydatid peritoneal cysts, surgical resection is the only curative treatment. Total cystectomy is the gold standard. Albendazole or praziquantel is indicated for inoperable and disseminated cases. Percutaneous aspiration, injection, and reaspiration (PAIR) technique is another nonsurgical option.
Performance‐Based Multiobjective Optimal Seismic Retrofit Method for a Steel Moment‐Resisting Frame Considering the Life‐Cycle Cost
Authors: Park Hyo Seon , Lee Dong Chul , Oh Byung Kwan , Choi Se Woon , Kim Yousok
Published: March 2014

This study proposes a performance‐based multiobjective optimization seismic retrofit method for steel moment‐resisting frames. The brittle joints of pre‐Northridge steel moment‐resisting frames are retrofitted to achieve ductility; the method involves determining the position and number of connections to be retrofitted. The optimal solution is determined by applying the nondominated sorting genetic algorithm‐II (NSGA‐II), which acts as a multiobjective seismic retrofit optimization technique. As objective functions, the initial cost for the connection retrofit and lifetime seismic damage cost were selected, and a seismic performance level below the 5% interstory drift ratio was employed as a constraint condition. The proposed method was applied to the SAC benchmark three‐ and nine‐story buildings, and several Pareto solutions were obtained. The optimized retrofit solutions indicated that the lifetime seismic damage cost decreased as the initial retrofit cost increased. Although every Pareto solution existed within a seismic performance boundary set by a constraint function, the seismic performance tended to increase with the initial retrofit cost. Analysis and economic assessment of the relations among the initial retrofit cost, lifetime seismic damage cost, total cost, and seismic performance of the derived Pareto solution allow building owners to make seismic retrofit decisions more rationally.
Network Completion for Static Gene Expression Data
Authors: Nakajima Natsu , Akutsu Tatsuya
Published: March 2014

We tackle the problem of completing and inferring genetic networks under stationary conditions from static data, where network completion is to make the minimum amount of modifications to an initial network so that the completed network is most consistent with the expression data in which addition of edges and deletion of edges are basic modification operations. For this problem, we present a new method for network completion using dynamic programming and least-squares fitting. This method can find an optimal solution in polynomial time if the maximum indegree of the network is bounded by a constant. We evaluate the effectiveness of our method through computational experiments using synthetic data. Furthermore, we demonstrate that our proposed method can distinguish the differences between two types of genetic networks under stationary conditions from lung cancer and normal gene expression data.
Complement Receptors C5aR and C5L2 Are Associated with Metabolic Profile, Sex Hormones, and Liver Enzymes in Obese Women Pre- and Postbariatric Surgery
Authors: Rezvani Reza , Smith Jessica , Lapointe Marc , Marceau Picard , Tchernof Andre , Cianflone Katherine
Published: March 2014

Objective. Obesity is associated with metabolic dysfunction with sex differences and chronic, low-grade inflammation. We proposed that hepatic expression of immune complement C3 related receptors (C3aR, C5aR, and C5L2) would be associated with pre- or postmenopausal status and metabolic profile in severely obese women. We hypothesized that C5L2/C5aR ratio, potentially influencing the ASP/C5L2 metabolic versus C5a/C5aR immune response, would predict metabolic profiles after weight loss surgery.Materials and Methods. Fasting plasma (hormone, lipid, and enzyme analysis) and liver biopsies (RT-PCR gene expression) were obtained from 91 women during surgery.Results. Hepatic C5L2 mRNA expression was elevated in pre- versus postmenopausal women (P<0.01) and correlated positively with circulating estradiol, estrone, ApoB, ApoA1, ApoA1/B, waist circumference, age, and LDL-C (allP<0.05). While plasma ASP was lower in pre- versus postmenopausal women (P<0.01), the hepatic C5L2/C5aR mRNA ratio was increased (P<0.001) and correlated positively with estrone (P<0.01) and estradiol (P<0.001) and negatively with circulating ApoB and liver enzymes ALT, AST, and GGT (allP<0.05). Over 12 months postoperatively, liver enzymes in low C5L2/C5aR mRNA ratio group remained higher (ALP and ALT,P<0.05, AST and GGT,P<0.0012-way-ANOVA).Conclusion. C5L2-C5aR association with other mediators including estrogens may contribute to hepatic metabolic and inflammatory function.