bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cumulative Effects of Hypertension, Dyslipidemia, and Chronic Kidney Disease on Carotid Atherosclerosis in Chinese Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Yuan Chuang , Lai Christopher W. K. , Chan Lawrence W. C. , Chow Meyrick , Law Helen K. W. , Ying Michael
Published: April 2014

Aims. The aim of this study is to determine the extent of carotid atherosclerosis in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes in relation to the cumulative atherosclerosis risk factors using ultrasonography.Methods.The presence of hypertension, dyslipidemia, and chronic kidney disease (CKD) was documented in 106 Chinese subjects with type 2 diabetes. Subjects with 0, 1, and ≥2 additional atherosclerosis risk factors were assigned into groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively (n=17, 49, and 40, resp.). Using ultrasound, the carotid arteries were assessed for the presence of carotid plaque, plaque score, intima-media thickness (IMT), and carotid arterial stiffness.Results.With the adjustment for age and gender, the presence of plaque and plaque score were significantly higher in groups with more atherosclerosis risk factors (P<0.05). In addition, age > 60 years old (odds ratio = 2.75; 95% CI: 1.26–6.0) and the presence of hypertension (odds ratio = 2.48; 95% CI: 1.11–5.58), dyslipidemia (odds ratio = 2.41; 95% CI: 1.05–5.51), and CKD (odds ratio = 7.80; 95% CI: 1.46–41.72) could independently predict higher plaque score (P<0.05).Conclusions.Hypertension, dyslipidemia, and CKD in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes have cumulative effects on the burden of carotid plaque.
Preparation, and Structural and Magnetic Properties of Ca Substituted Magnesium Ferrite with Composition MgCaxFe2−xO4(x= 0.00, 0.01, 0.03, 0.05, 0.07)
Authors: Bamzai K. K. , Kour Gurbinder , Kaur Balwinder , Kulkarni S. D.
Published: April 2014

Calcium substituted magnesium ferrite with composition MgCaxFe2−xO4(wherex= 0.00, 0.01, 0.03, 0.05, 0.07) was prepared by ceramic technique. These compositions were then subjected to detailed study for structural and magnetic properties. X-ray diffraction studies reveal the formation of single phase cubic spinel. The values of lattice constant increase with the increase in calcium concentration fromx= 0.00 tox= 0.03 and then decrease. Scanning electron microscopic (SEM) technique was used to study the morphology of the grown materials. The grain size was calculated using average intercept line method. The elemental composition of pure and calcium substituted magnesium ferrite was obtained from energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX) spectrum. The hysteresis loop confirms the magnetic behaviour of the prepared composition, which is then discussed on the basis of cation distribution. The parameters such as saturation magnetization, coericivity, and retentivity are calculated. The Curie temperature was found to decrease with increasing calcium content.
Diverse Effects of ANXA7 and p53 on LNCaP Prostate Cancer Cells Are Associated with Regulation of SGK1 Transcription and Phosphorylation of the SGK1 Target FOXO3A
Authors: Srivastava Meera , Leighton Ximena , Starr Joshua , Eidelman Ofer , Pollard Harvey B.
Published: April 2014

Tumor suppressor function of the calcium/phospholipid-binding Annexin-A7 (ANXA7) has been shown inAnxa7-deficient mice and validated in human cancers. In the androgen-resistant prostate cancer cells, ANXA7 and p53 showed similar cytotoxicity levels. However, in the androgen-sensitive LNCaP, ANXA7 greatly exceeded the p53-induced cytotoxicity. We hypothesized that the p53 underperformance in LNCaP could be due to the involvement of p53-responsive SGK1 and FOXO3A. In this study, we show that p53 failed to match programmed cell death (PCD) and G1-arrest that were induced by ANXA7 in LNCaP. WT-ANXA7 preserved total FOXO3A expression with no hyperphosphorylation that could enable FOXO3A nuclear translocation and proapoptotic transcription. In contrast, in the p53-transfected LNCaP cells with maintained cell proliferation, the phosphorylated (but not total) FOXO3A fraction was increased implying a predominantly cytoplasmic localization and, subsequently, a lack of FOXO3A proapoptotic transcription. In addition, p53 reduced the expression of aberrant SGK1 protein form in LNCaP. Using Ingenuity Pathway Analysis and p53-signature genes, we elucidated the role of distinct SGK1/FOXO3A-associated regulation in p53 versus ANXA7 responses and proposed that aberrant SGK1 could affect reciprocal SGK1-FOXO3A-Akt regulation. Thus, the failure of the cell growth regulator p53 versus the phospholipid-binding ANXA7 could be potentially attributed to its diverse effects on SGK1-FOXO3A-Akt pathway in the PTEN-deficient LNCaP.
Syn-Lethality: An Integrative Knowledge Base of Synthetic Lethality towards Discovery of Selective Anticancer Therapies
Authors: Li Xue-juan , Mishra Shital K. , Wu Min , Zhang Fan , Zheng Jie
Published: April 2014

Synthetic lethality (SL) is a novel strategy for anticancer therapies, whereby mutations of two genes will kill a cell but mutation of a single gene will not. Therefore, a cancer-specific mutation combined with a drug-induced mutation, if they have SL interactions, will selectively kill cancer cells. While numerous SL interactions have been identified in yeast, only a few have been known in human. There is a pressing need to systematically discover and understand SL interactions specific to human cancer. In this paper, we present Syn-Lethality, the first integrative knowledge base of SL that is dedicated to human cancer. It integrates experimentally discovered and verified human SL gene pairs into a network, associated with annotations of gene function, pathway, and molecular mechanisms. It also includes yeast SL genes from high-throughput screenings which are mapped to orthologous human genes. Such an integrative knowledge base, organized as a relational database with user interface for searching and network visualization, will greatly expedite the discovery of novel anticancer drug targets based on synthetic lethality interactions. The database can be downloaded as a stand-alone Java application.
Hybrid Metaheuristics for Solving a Fuzzy Single Batch-Processing Machine Scheduling Problem
Authors: Molla-Alizadeh-Zavardehi S. , Tavakkoli-Moghaddam R. , Lotfi F. Hosseinzadeh
Published: April 2014

This paper deals with a problem of minimizing total weighted tardiness of jobs in a real-world single batch-processing machine (SBPM) scheduling in the presence of fuzzy due date. In this paper, first a fuzzy mixed integer linear programming model is developed. Then, due to the complexity of the problem, which is NP-hard, we design two hybrid metaheuristics called GA-VNS and VNS-SA applying the advantages of genetic algorithm (GA), variable neighborhood search (VNS), and simulated annealing (SA) frameworks. Besides, we propose three fuzzy earliest due date heuristics to solve the given problem. Through computational experiments with several random test problems, a robust calibration is applied on the parameters. Finally, computational results on different-scale test problems are presented to compare the proposed algorithms.
A Hybrid Node Scheduling Approach Based on Energy Efficient Chain Routing for WSN
Authors: Kang Yimei , Hu Bin , Ding Yi , Tan Jingdong
Published: April 2014

Energy efficiency is usually a significant goal in wireless sensor networks (WSNs). In this work, an energy efficient chain (EEC) data routing approach is first presented. The coverage and connectivity of WSNs are discussed based on EEC. A hybrid node scheduling approach is then proposed. It includes sleep scheduling for cyclically monitoring regions of interest in time-driven modes and wakeup scheduling for tracking emergency events in event-driven modes. A failure rate is introduced to the sleep scheduling to improve the reliability of the system. A wakeup sensor threshold and a sleep time threshold are introduced in the wakeup scheduling to reduce the consumption of energy to the possible extent. The results of the simulation show that the proposed algorithm can extend the effective lifetime of the network to twice that of PEAS. In addition, the proposed methods are computing efficient because they are very simple to implement.
Existence of an Equilibrium for Lower Semicontinuous Information Acquisition Functions
Authors: Bialecki Agnès , Haguet Eléonore , Turinici Gabriel
Published: April 2014

We consider a two-period model in which a continuum of agents trade in a context of costly information acquisition and systematic heterogeneous expectations biases. Because of systematic biases agents are supposed not to learn from others' decisions. In a previous work under somehow strong technical assumptions a market equilibrium was proved to exist and the supply and demand functions were proved to be strictly monotonic with respect to the price. Here we extend these results under very weak technical assumptions. We also prove that the equilibrium price maximizes the trading volume and further additional properties (such as the antimonotonicity of the trading volume with respect to the marginal information price).
A Cross‐Efficiency Based Ranking Method for Finding the Most Efficient DMU
Authors: Sadeghi Gavgani S. , Zohrehbandian M.
Published: April 2014

In many applications of DEA, ranking of DMUs and finding the most efficient DMU are desirable, as reported by Toloo (2013). In this paper, after introducing an improvement to the measure of cross‐efficiency by Jahanshahloo et al. (2011), we develop a new ranking method under the condition of variable returns to scale (VRS). Numerical example illustrates the effectiveness of the proposed cross‐efficiency
based ranking method and demonstrates the advantages of our proposal, against the other ranking approaches.
Melatonin Therapy Prevents Programmed Hypertension and Nitric Oxide Deficiency in Offspring Exposed to Maternal Caloric Restriction
Authors: Tain You-Lin , Huang Li-Tung , Hsu Chien-Ning , Lee Chien-Te
Published: April 2014

Nitric oxide (NO) deficiency is involved in the development of hypertension, a condition that can originate early in life. We examined whether NO deficiency contributed to programmed hypertension in offspring from mothers with calorie-restricted diets and whether melatonin therapy prevented this process. We examined 3-month-old male rat offspring from four maternal groups: untreated controls, 50% calorie-restricted (CR) rats, controls treated with melatonin (0.01% in drinking water), and CR rats treated with melatonin (CR + M). The effect of melatonin on nephrogenesis was analyzed using next-generation sequencing. The CR group developed hypertension associated with elevated plasma asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA, a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor), decreasedL-arginine, decreasedL-arginine-to-ADMA ratio (AAR), and decreased renal NO production. Maternal melatonin treatment prevented these effects. Melatonin prevented CR-induced renin and prorenin receptor expression. Renal angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 protein levels in the M and CR + M groups were also significantly increased by melatonin therapy. Maternal melatonin therapy had long-term epigenetic effects on global gene expression in the kidneys of offspring. Conclusively, we attributed these protective effects of melatonin on CR-induced programmed hypertension to the reduction of plasma ADMA, restoration of plasma AAR, increase of renal NO level, alteration of renin-angiotensin system, and epigenetic changes in numerous genes.
The Influence ofBMXGene Polymorphisms on Clinical Symptoms after Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Wang Yu-Jia , Hsu Yu-Wen , Chang Che-Mai , Wu Chung-Che , Ou Ju-Chi , Tsai Yan-Rou , Chiu Wen-Ta , Chang Wei-Chiao , Chiang Yung-Hsiao , Chen Kai-Yun
Published: April 2014

Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) is one of the most common neurological disorders. Most patients diagnosed with mTBI could fully recover, but 15% of patients suffer from persistent symptoms. In recent studies, genetic factors were found to be associated with recovery and clinical outcomes after TBI. In addition, results from our previous research have demonstrated that the bone marrow tyrosine kinase gene in chromosome X(BMX), a member of the Tec family of kinases, is highly expressed in rats with TBI. Therefore, our aim in this study was to identify the association between genetic polymorphisms ofBMXand clinical symptoms following mTBI. Four tagging single nucleotide polymorphisms (tSNPs) ofBMXwith minimum allele frequency (MAF) >1% were selected from the HapMap Han Chinese database. Among these polymorphisms, rs16979956 was found to be associated with the Beck anxiety inventory (BAI) and dizziness handicap inventory (DHI) scores within the first week after head injury. Additionally, another SNP, rs35697037, showed a significant correlation with dizziness symptoms. These findings suggested that polymorphisms of theBMXgene could be a potential predictor of clinical symptoms following mTBI.
Imaging FTS: A Different Approach to Integral Field Spectroscopy
Authors: Drissen Laurent , Rousseau-Nepton Laurie , Lavoie Sébastien , Robert Carmelle , Martin Thomas , Martin Pierre , Mandar Julie , Grandmont Frédéric
Published: April 2014

Imaging Fourier transform spectroscopy (iFTS) is a promising, although technically very challenging, option for wide-field hyperspectral imagery. We present in this paper an introduction to the iFTS concept and its advantages and drawbacks, as well as examples of data obtained with a prototype iFTS, SpIOMM, attached to the 1.6 m telescope of the Observatoire du Mont-Mégantic: emission line ratios in the spiral galaxy NGC 628 and absorption line indices in the giant elliptical M87. We conclude by introducing SpIOMM's successor, SITELLE, which will be installed at the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope in 2014.
25-Gauge Microincision Vitrectomy to Treat Vitreoretinal Disease in Glaucomatous Eyes after Trabeculectomy
Authors: Kunikata Hiroshi , Aizawa Naoko , Fuse Nobuo , Abe Toshiaki , Nakazawa Toru
Published: April 2014

Purpose. To determine the feasibility of using 25-gauge microincision vitrectomy surgery (25GMIVS) to treat vitreoretinal disease in glaucomatous eyes which have previously undergone trabeculectomy (TLE).Methods. A consecutive, interventional case series. We performed 25GMIVS in 15 glaucomatous eyes that had undergone TLE. Follow-up period was 11.5 months.Results. 25GMIVS was successfully used and led to improvement in visual acuity (P<0.01). We performed 25GMIVS for proliferative diabetic retinopathy with neovascular glaucoma in 53% of eyes (8 of 15). Although 3 eyes needed further TLE following 25GMIVS, final IOP was below 21 mmHg in all eyes except one eye (93%) and was comparable to pre-25GMIVS IOP (P=0.20) without an increase in the number of glaucoma medications (P=0.14).Conclusions. 25GMIVS is a feasible treatment for vitreoretinal disease in eyes with preexisting TLE, effective in both significantly improving BCVA and preserving the filtering bleb, while not excluding further glaucoma surgery.
An Improved Task Scheduling Algorithm for Intelligent Control in Tiny Mechanical System
Authors: Wang Jialiang , Zhao Hai , Bi Yuanguo , Chen Xingchi , Zeng Ruofan , Wang Yu
Published: April 2014

Wireless sensor network (WSN) has been already widely used in many fields in terms of industry, agriculture, and military, and so forth. The basic composition is WSN nodes that are capable of performing processing, gathering information, and communicating with other connected nodes in the network. The main components of a WSN node are microcontroller, transceiver, and some sensors. Undoubtedly, it also can be added with some actuators to form a tiny mechanical system. Under this case, the existence of task preemption while executing operating system will not only cost more energy for WSN nodes themselves, but also bring unacceptable system states caused by vibrations. However for these nodes, task I/O delays are inevitable due to the existence of task preemption, which will bring extra overhead for the whole system, and even bring unacceptable system states caused by vibrations. This paper mainly considers the earliest deadline first (EDF) task preemption algorithm executed in WSN OS and proposes an improved task preemption algorithm so as to lower the preemption overhead and I/O delay and then improve the system performance. The experimental results show that the improved task preemption algorithm can reduce the I/O delay effectively, so the real‐time processing ability of the system is enhanced.
Cell Communication in a Coculture System Consisting of Outgrowth Endothelial Cells and Primary Osteoblasts
Authors: Herzog David Paul Eric , Dohle Eva , Bischoff Iris , Kirkpatrick Charles James
Published: April 2014

Bone tissue is a highly vascularized and dynamic system with a complex construction. In order to develop a construct for implant purposes in bone tissue engineering, a proper understanding of the complex dependencies between different cells and cell types would provide further insight into the highly regulated processes during bone repair, namely, angiogenesis and osteogenesis, and might result in sufficiently equipped constructs to be beneficial to patients and thereby accomplish their task. This study is based on anin vitrococulture model consisting of outgrowth endothelial cells and primary osteoblasts and is currently being used in different studies of bone repair processes with special regard to angiogenesis and osteogenesis. Coculture systems of OECs and pOBs positively influence the angiogenic potential of endothelial cells by inducing the formation of angiogenic structures in long-term cultures. Although many studies have focused on cell communication, there are still numerous aspects which remain poorly understood. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate certain growth factors and cell communication molecules that are important during bone repair processes. Selected growth factors like VEGF, angiopoietins, BMPs, and IGFs were investigated during angiogenesis and osteogenesis and their expression in the cultures was observed and compared after one and four weeks of cultivation. In addition, to gain a better understanding on the origin of different growth factors, both direct and indirect coculture strategies were employed. Another important focus of this study was to investigate the role of “gap junctions,” small protein pores which connect adjacent cells. With these bridges cells are able to exchange signal molecules, growth factors, and other important mediators. It could be shown that connexins, the gap junction proteins, were located around cell nuclei, where they await their transport to the cell membrane. In addition, areas in which two cells formed gap junctions were found.
Essential Tremor in the Elderly and Risk for Dementia
Authors: Shill Holly A. , Hentz Joseph G. , Jacobson Sandra A. , Belden Christine , Sabbagh Marwan N. , Beach Thomas G. , Driver-Dunckley Erika , Adler Charles H.
Published: April 2014

The objective is to examine the risk of dementia in subjects with essential tremor (ET) involved in the Arizona Study of Aging and Neurodegenerative Disorders. All subjects were free of a neurodegenerative diagnosis at baseline and had annual motor, general neurological, and neuropsychological assessments. Subjects with ET were compared with controls for the risk of dementia. There were 83 subjects with ET and 424 subjects without tremor. Mean age at study entry was 80±5.9 for ET and 76±8.5 for controls. Median tremor duration was 5.2 years at study entry. Followup was a median of 5.4 years (range 0.9 to 12.1). The hazard ratio for the association between ET and dementia was 0.79 (95% CI 0.33 to 1.85). The hazard ratio for the association between tremor onset at age 65 or over, versus onset before age 65, was 2.1 (95% CI 0.24 to 18) and the hazard ratio for the association between tremor duration greater than 5 years, versus less than 5 years, was 0.46 (95% CI 0.08 to 2.6). We conclude that all elderly ET was not associated with an increased risk of dementia but that a subset of subjects with older age onset/shorter duration tremor may be at higher risk.
Convertible Bonds with Higher Loan Rate: Model, Valuation, and Optimal Strategy
Authors: Wang Haiyang , Wu Zhen
Published: April 2014

We study the pricing problem for convertible bonds via backward stochastic differential equations (BSDEs). By virtue of reflected BSDEs and Malliavin derivatives, we establish the formulae for the fair price of convertible bonds and the hedging portfolio strategy explicitly. We also obtain the optimal conversion time when there is no dividends-paying for underlying common stocks. Furthermore, we consider the case that the loan rate is higher than riskless interest rate in a financial market, and conclude that it does not affect the price of convertible bonds actually. To illustrate our results, some numerical simulations are given and discussed at last.
Crystallographic and DFT Studies on Pyrrolo[1,2-c]imidazole Scaffolds
Authors: Jayaraman Manikandan , Balakrishnan Rajarathinam , Muthu Kannan , Panneerselvam Manivel , Gnanasambandam Vasuki , Ramadas Krishna
Published: April 2014

The crystal structures of the compounds C15H14N4O2 (1) and C16H16N4O4 (2) are reported and analyzed by single crystal X-ray diffraction technique. Compounds (1) and (2) crystallized in monoclinic space group P21/c and Cc with four molecules in the unit cell, respectively. The unit cell parameters for compound (1) are a = 11.4501(15) Å, b = 9.7869(11) Å, c = 12.3653(15) Å, β = 90.997(11)°, and Volume = 1385.5(3) Å3 and for compound (2) are a = 13.865(2) Å, b = 6.9538(8) Å, c = 16.841(2) Å, β = 98.602(11)°, and Volume = 1605.4(4) Å3. In both compounds (1) and (2), the pyrrolidine ring adopts half-chair conformation. Moreover, both inter- and intramolecular N–H⋯O hydrogen bonds stabilize the crystal structure and play a crucial role in crystal packing. This intermolecular interaction alone constructs C11 chain motif in both compounds. It is also supported by weak intermolecular π-π interaction which is essential for the stability of the crystal packing. Further, the Density Functional Theory (B3LYP) method with standard 6-31G basis set was used in the calculation and calculated geometrical parameter is correlated with the corresponding experimental data. The obtained HOMO and LUMO energies are in negative values indicating that the compounds are in stable state.
Synthesis of Novel Pyridopyridazin-3(2H)-one Derivatives and Evaluation of Their Cytotoxic Activity against MCF-7 Cells
Authors: Selvakumar Periasamy , Thennarasu Sathiah , Mandal Asit Baran
Published: April 2014

A series of pyridopyridazin-3(2H)-one derivatives was synthesized in two facile steps. Mannich-type three-component condensation afforded the 2,6-diaryl piperidin-4-one derivatives, which underwent intramolecular cyclization in the presence of hydrazine or phenylhydrazine to yield the corresponding pyridopyridazin-3(2H)-one derivatives. All the derivatives of pyridopyridazin-3(2H)-one, except 3e and 3f, showed moderate activity against human breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7) cells. The higher degree of inhibition of MCF-7 cell proliferation shown by 2a–2f indicates the significance of the amide proton in pyridopyridazin-3(2H)-one derivatives.
High Gain and High Efficient Stacked Antenna Array with Integrated Horn for 60 GHz Communication Systems
Authors: Vettikalladi Hamsakutty , Sethi Waleed Tariq , Alkanhal Majeed A.
Published: April 2014

In order to achieve wide bandwidth and high gain, we propose a stacked antenna structure having a microstrip aperture coupled feeding technique with a mounted Horn integrated on it. With optimized parameters, the single antenna element at a center frequency of 60 GHz, exhibits a wide impedance bandwidth of about 10.58% (58.9–65.25 GHz) with a gain and efficiency of 11.78 dB and 88%, respectively. For improving the gain, we designed a 2 × 2 and 4 × 4 arrays with a corporate feed network. The side lobe levels were minimized and the back radiations were reduced by making use of a reflector atλ/4distance from the corporate feed network. The2×2array structure resulted in improved gain of 15.3 dB with efficiency of 83%, while the4×4array structure provided further gain improvement of 18.07 dB with 68.3% efficiency. The proposed design is modelled in CST Microwave Studio. The results are verified using HFSS, which are found to be in good agreement.
Restricted Boltzmann Machines for Classification of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Koziol James A. , Tan Eng M. , Dai Liping , Ren Pengfei , Zhang Jian-Ying
Published: April 2014

Multiple antigen miniarrays can provide accurate tools for cancer detection and diagnosis. These miniarrays can be validated by examining their operating characteristics in classifying individuals as either cancer patients or normal (non-cancer) subjects. We describe the use of restricted Boltzmann machines for this classification problem, relative to diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma. In this setting, we find that its operating characteristics are similar to a logistic regression standard and suggest that restricted Boltzmann machines merit further consideration for classification problems.
Symplectic Schemes for Linear Stochastic Schrödinger Equations with Variable Coefficients
Authors: Yin Xiuling , Liu Yanqin
Published: April 2014

This paper proposes a kind of symplectic schemes for linear Schrödinger equations with variable coefficients and a stochastic perturbation term by using compact schemes in space. The numerical stability property of the schemes is analyzed. The schemes preserve a discrete charge conservation law. They also follow a discrete energy transforming formula. The numerical experiments verify our analysis.
Energy Efficient Design for OFDM‐Based Underlay Cognitive Radio Networks
Authors: Chen Yunli , Zheng Zhengguang , Hou Yibin , Li Yong
Published: April 2014

Conventional designs on OFDM‐based underlay cognitive radio (CR) networks mainly focus on interference avoidance and spectral efficiency (SE) improvement. As green radio becomes increasingly important, this paper investigates energy efficient power allocation. Our aim is to maximize energy efficiency (EE), subject to the constraints on the total transmit power, the peak interference power, and the minimum data rate requirement. We first analyze the relationship between SE and EE and solve this optimization problem with the help of bisection
search technique. However, the accuracy of the power allocation solution is dependent on the number of iterations. In order to achieve the exact optimal solution, a new energy efficient power allocation scheme is proposed to balance the tradeoff between SE and EE. Simulation results are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed schemes.
Propolis Reduces Phosphatidylcholine‐Specific Phospholipase C Activity and Increases Annexin a7 Level in Oxidized‐LDL‐Stimulated Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells
Authors: Xuan Hongzhuan , Li Zhen , Wang Jiying , Wang Kai , Fu Chongluo , Yuan Jianlong , Hu Fuliang
Published: April 2014

To understand the mechanisms underlying the regulating dyslipidemia action of Chinese propolis and Brazilian green propolis, we investigated their effects on phosphatidylcholine‐specific phospholipase C (PC‐PLC) activity and annexin a7 (ANXA7) level which play crucial roles in the control of the progress of atherosclerosis. Furthermore, active oxygen species (ROS) levels, nuclear factor‐KappaB p65 (NF‐κB p65), and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) were also investigated in oxidized‐LDL‐ (ox‐LDL‐) stimulated human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Our data indicated that the treatment of both types of propolis 12.5 μg/mL significantly increased cell viability and attenuated apoptosis rate, increased ANXA7 level, and decreased PC‐PLC activity. Both types of propolis also inhibited ROS generation as well as the subsequent MMP collapse, and NF‐κB p65 activation induced by ox‐LDL in HUVECs. Our results also indicated that Chinese propolis and Brazilian green propolis had similar biological activities and prevented ox‐LDL induced cellular dysfunction in HUVECs.
Algorithmic Approach to the Equilibrium Points and Fixed Points
Authors: Guo Lijin , Kang Shin Min , Kwun Young Chel
Published: April 2014

The equilibrium and fixed point problems are considered. An iterative algorithm is presented. Convergence analysis of the algorithm is provided.
Chemokine CXCL16 Expression Suppresses Migration and Invasiveness and Induces Apoptosis in Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Fang Yeying , Henderson Fraser C. , Yi Qiong , Lei Qianqian , Li Yan , Chen Nianyong
Published: April 2014

Background.Increasing evidence argues that soluble CXCL16 promotes proliferation, migration, and invasion of cancer cellsin vitro. However, the role of transmembrane or cellular CXCL16 in cancer remains relatively unknown. In this study, we determine the function of cellular CXCL16 as tumor suppressor in breast cancer cells.Methods.Expression of cellular CXCL16 in breast cancer cell lines was determined at both RNA and protein levels.In vitroandin vivostudies that overexpressed or downregulated CXCL16 were conducted in breast cancer cells.Results.We report differential expression of cellular CXCL16 in breast cancer cell lines that was negatively correlated with cell invasiveness and migration. Overexpression of CXCL16 in MDA-MB-231 cells led to a decrease in cell invasion and migration and induced apoptosis of the cells; downregulation of CXCL16 in MCF-7 cells increased cell migration and invasiveness. Consistent with thein vitrodata, CXCL16 overexpression inhibited tumorigenesisin vivo.Conclusions.Cellular CXCL16 suppresses invasion and metastasis of breast cancer cellsin vitroand inhibits tumorigenesisin vivo. Targeting of cellular CXCL16 expression is a potential therapeutic strategy for breast cancer.
Libidibia ferreaMature Seeds Promote Antinociceptive Effect by Peripheral and Central Pathway: Possible Involvement of Opioid and Cholinergic Receptors
Authors: Sawada Luis Armando , Monteiro Vanessa Sâmia da Conçeição , Rabelo Guilherme Rodrigues , Dias Germana Bueno , Da Cunha Maura , do Nascimento José Luiz Martins , Bastos Gilmara de Nazareth Tavares
Published: April 2014

Libidibia ferrea(LF) is a medicinal plant that holds many pharmacological properties. We evaluated the antinociceptive effect in the LF aqueous seed extract and Lipidic Portion ofLibidibia ferrea(LPLF), partially elucidating their mechanisms. Histochemical tests and Gas chromatography of the LPLF were performed to characterize its fatty acids. Acetic acid-induced abdominal constriction, formalin-induced pain, and hot-plate test in mice were employed in the study. In all experiments, aqueous extract or LPLF was administered systemically at the doses of 1, 5, and 10 mg/kg. LF aqueous seed extract and LPLF demonstrated a dose-dependent antinociceptive effect in all tests indicating both peripheral anti-inflammatory and central analgesia properties. Also, the use of atropine (5 mg/kg), naloxone (5 mg/kg) in the abdominal writhing test was able to reverse the antinociceptive effect of the LPLF, indicating that at least one of LF lipids components is responsible for the dose related antinociceptive action in chemical and thermal models of nociception in mice. Together, the present results suggested thatLibidibia ferreainduced antinociceptive activity is possibly related to its ability to inhibit opioid, cholinergic receptors, and cyclooxygenase-2 pathway, since its main component, linoleic acid, has been demonstrated to produce such effect in previous studies.
Impulsive Problems for Fractional Differential Equations with Nonlocal Boundary Value Conditions
Authors: Li Peiluan , Shang Youlin
Published: April 2014

We investigate the nonlocal boundary value problems of impulsive fractional differential equations. By Banach’s contraction mapping principle, Schaefer’s fixed point theorem, and the nonlinear alternative of Leray-Schauder type, some related new existence results are established via a new special hybrid singular type Gronwall inequality. At last, some examples are also given to illustrate the results.
Metachronous Bilateral Isolated Adrenal Metastasis from Rectal Adenocarcinoma: A Case Report
Authors: Jabir H. , Tawfiq N. , Moukhlissi M. , Akssim M. , Guensi A. , Kadiri B. , Bouchbika Z. , Taleb A. , Benchekroun N. , Jouhadi H. , Sahraoui S. , Zamiati S. , Benider A.
Published: April 2014

We report a case of adrenal metastasis from colorectal cancer in a 54-year-old woman. Nine months after resection for advanced rectal carcinoma, a computed tomography scan revealed bilateral adrenal metastasis. The level of serum carcinoembryonic antigen was normal. A bilateral adrenalectomy was performed after chemotherapy. Histopathological examination showed adenocarcinoma, compatible with metastasis from the rectal cancer. Adrenal metastasis should be considered in the patients’ follow-up for colorectal cancer.
Improved Composite Gel Electrolyte by Layered Vermiculite for Quasi-Solid-State Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: He Hongcai , Ren Shuangshuang , Kong Deting , Wang Ning
Published: April 2014

A composite quasisolid electrolyte is prepared by adding a layered vermiculite (VMT) into the iodide/triiodide electrolyte including 4-tert-butylpyridine, which obviously improves the photovoltaic properties of quasisolid dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). When adding 6 wt% VMT, the maximum photovoltaic conversion efficiency of 3.89% is obtained, which reaches more than two times greater than that without VMT. This enhancement effect is primarily explained by studying the Nyquist spectra, dark currents, and photovoltaic conversion efficiency.
Predicting Downward Longwave Radiation for Various Land Use in All-Sky Condition: Northeast Florida
Authors: Cheng Chi-Han , Nnadi Fidelia
Published: April 2014

Accurate estimate of the surface longwave radiation is important for the surface radiation budget, which in turn controls evaporation and sensible heat fluxes. Regional land use changes can impact local weather conditions; for example, heterogeneous land use patterns and temporal changes in atmospheric circulation patterns would affect air temperature and water vapor pressure, which are more commonly used as inputs in existing models for estimating downward longwave radiation (LWd). In this study, first, we analyzed the cloud cover and land use covers impacts onLWd. Next,LWdon all-sky conditions were developed by using the existing land use-adapted model and cloud cover data from the region of Saint Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD), FL. The results show that factors, such as, seasonal effects, cloud cover, and land use, are of importance in the estimation ofLWdand they cannot be ignored when developing a model forLWdprediction. The all-sky land use-adapted model with all factors taken into account performs better than other existing models statistically. The results of the statistical analyses indicated that the BIAS, RMSE, MAE, and PMRE are −0.18 Wm−2, 10.81 Wm−2, 8.00 Wm−2, and 2.30%; −2.61 Wm−2, 14.45 Wm−2, 10.64 Wm−2, and 3.19%; −0.07 Wm−2, 10.53 Wm−2, 8.03 Wm−2, and 2.27%; and −0.62 Wm−2, 13.97 Wm−2, 9.76 Wm−2, and 2.87% for urban, rangeland, agricultural, and wetland areas, respectively.
Identification of Unique miRNA Biomarkers in Colorectal Adenoma and Carcinoma Using Microarray: Evaluation of Their Putative Role in Disease Progression
Authors: Narasimhan Kothandaraman , Gauthaman Kalamegam , Pushparaj Peter Natesan , Meenakumari Govindasamy , Chaudhary Adeel Gulzar Ahmed , Abuzenadah Adel , Gari Mamdooh Abdullah , Al Qahtani Mohammed , Manikandan Jayapal
Published: April 2014

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are known to be dysregulated and play a key role in cancer progression. The present study aims to identify the miRNAs associated with colorectal adenoma and carcinoma to evaluate their role in tumor progression and metastasis using microarray. In silico analysis of miRNAs was performed on five different microarray data sets that represented the genes and miRNAs expressed in colorectal adenoma and carcinoma. We identified 10 different miRNAs that were common to both colorectal adenoma and carcinoma, namely, miR9, miR96, miR135b, miR137, miR147, miR182, miR183, miR196b, miR224, and miR503. Of these, miR135b and miR147 were significantly downregulated in colorectal adenoma but upregulated in carcinoma. In addition, we studied the gene expression profile associated with colorectal adenocarcinoma and identified three genes, namely, ZBED3, SLC10A3, and FOXQ1, that were significantly downregulated in colorectal adenoma compared to carcinoma. Interestingly, of all the miRNAs and genes associated with colorectal adenocarcinoma, the myoglobin (MB) gene was identified to be under the direct influence of miR135b, showing an inverse relationship between them in adenoma and carcinoma. Most of the identified miRNAs and associated genes are involved in signaling pathways of cell proliferation, angiogenesis, and metastasis. The present study has identified putative miRNA targets and their associated gene networks which could be used as potential biomarkers of colon adenocarcinoma. Moreover, the association of miR135b and MB gene is very unique and can be considered as a lead candidate for novel cancer therapeutics.
Stability Analysis of a High Fibre Yield and Low Lignin Content “Thick Stem” Mutant in Tossa Jute (Corchorus olitoriusL.)
Authors: Mandal Aninda , Datta Animesh K.
Published: April 2014

A “thick stem” mutant ofCorchorus olitoriusL. was induced at M2(0.50%, 4 h, EMS) and the true breeding mutant is assessed across generations (M5to M7) considering morphometric traits as well as SEM analysis of pollen grains and raw jute fibres, stem anatomy, cytogenetical attributes, and lignin content in relation to control. Furthermore, single fibre diameter and tensile strength are also analysed. The objective is to assess the stability of mutant for its effective exploration for raising a new plant type in tossa jute for commercial exploitation and efficient breeding. The mutant trait is monogenic recessive to normal. Results indicate that “thick stem” mutant is stable across generations (2n=14) with distinctive high seed and fibre yield and significantly low lignin content. Stem anatomy of the mutant shows significant enhancement in fibre zone, number of fibre pyramids and fibre bundles per pyramid, and diameter of fibre cell in relation to control. Moreover, tensile strength of mutant fibre is significantly higher than control fibre and the trait is inversely related to fibre diameter. However the mutant is associated with low germination frequency, poor seed viability, and high pollen sterility, which may be eliminated through mutational approach followed by rigorous selection and efficient breeding.
Fractional Integral Inequalities via Hadamard’s Fractional Integral
Authors: Sudsutad Weerawat , Ntouyas Sotiris K. , Tariboon Jessada
Published: April 2014

We establish new fractional integral inequalities, via Hadamard’s fractional integral. Several new integral inequalities are obtained, including a Grüss type Hadamard fractional integral inequality, by using Young and weighted AM-GM inequalities. Many special cases are also discussed.
Resonant Problems by Quasilinearization
Authors: Sveikate Nadezhda
Published: April 2014

The Dirichlet resonant boundary value problems are considered. If the respective nonlinear equation can be reduced to a quasilinear one with a nonresonant linear part and both equations are equivalent in some domainΩand if solutions of the quasilinear problem are inΩ, then the original problem has a solution. We say then that the original problem allows for quasilinearization. If quasilinearization is possible for essentially different linear parts, then the original problem has multiple solutions. We give conditions for Emden-Fowler type resonant boundary value problem solvability and consider examples.
Ductility and Strength Reduction Factors for Degrading Structures Considering Cumulative Damage
Authors: Bojórquez Edén , Ruiz Sonia E. , Reyes-Salazar Alfredo , Bojórquez Juan
Published: April 2014

The effect of cumulative damage on the strength requirements of degrading structures is assessed through the evaluation of the target ductility and corresponding strength reduction factors of simple degrading structures. While the reduction on ductility is established through the use of Park and Ang index, the suggestions given by Bojórquez and Rivera are used to model the degradation of the structural properties of the simple systems. Target ductilities and their corresponding reduced strength reduction factors are established for five sets of ground motions; most of them are recorded in California. The results given in this paper provide insight into all relevant parameters that should be considered during seismic design of earthquake-resistant structures. Finally, some recommendations to evaluate the effect of cumulative damage on seismic design are suggested.
A Comparison of Online Social Networks and Real‐Life Social Networks: A Study of Sina Microblogging
Authors: Zhang Dayong , Guo Guang
Published: April 2014

Online social networks appear to enrich our social life, which raises the question whether they remove cognitive constraints on human communication and improve human social capabilities. In this paper, we analyze the users′ following and followed relationships based on the data of Sina Microblogging and reveal several structural properties of Sina Microblogging. Compared with real‐life social networks, our results confirm some similar features. However, Sina Microblogging also shows its own specialties, such as hierarchical structure and degree disassortativity, which all mark a deviation from real‐life social networks. The low cost of the online network forms a broader perspective, and the one‐way link relationships make it easy to spread information, but the online social network does not make too much difference in the creation of strong interpersonal relationships. Finally, we describe the mechanisms for the formation of these characteristics and discuss the implications of these structural properties for the real‐life social networks.
The Application of Similar Image Retrieval in Electronic Commerce
Authors: Hu YuPing , Yin Hua , Han Dezhi , Yu Fei
Published: April 2014

Traditional online shopping platform (OSP), which searches product information by keywords, faces three problems: indirect search mode, large search space, and inaccuracy in search results. For solving these problems, we discuss and research the application of similar image retrieval in electronic commerce. Aiming at improving the network customers’ experience and providing merchants with the accuracy of advertising, we design a reasonable and extensive electronic commerce application system, which includes three subsystems: image search display subsystem, image search subsystem, and product information collecting subsystem. This system can provide seamless connection between information platform and OSP, on which consumers can automatically and directly search similar images according to the pictures from information platform. At the same time, it can be used to provide accuracy of internet marketing for enterprises. The experiment shows the efficiency of constructing the system.
Attentional Capture and Inhibition of Saccades after Irrelevant and Relevant Cues
Authors: Priess Heinz-Werner , Heise Nils , Fischmeister Florian , Born Sabine , Bauer Herbert , Ansorge Ulrich
Published: April 2014

Attentional capture is usually stronger for task-relevant than irrelevant stimuli, whereas irrelevant stimuli can trigger equal or even stronger amounts of inhibition than relevant stimuli. Capture and inhibition, however, are typically assessed in separate trials, leaving it open whether or not inhibition of irrelevant stimuli is a consequence of preceding attentional capture by the same stimuli or whether inhibition is the only response to these stimuli. Here, we tested the relationship between capture and inhibition in a setup allowing for estimates of the capture and inhibition based on the very same trials. We recorded saccadic inhibition after relevant and irrelevant stimuli. At the same time, we recorded the N2pc, an event-related potential, reflecting initial capture of attention. We found attentional capture not only for, relevant but importantly also for irrelevant stimuli, although the N2pc was stronger for relevant than irrelevant stimuli. In addition, inhibition of saccades was the same for relevant and irrelevant stimuli. We conclude with a discussion of the mechanisms that are responsible for these effects.
Production and Characterization of a Polyclonal Antibody of Anti-rLipL21-IgG againstLeptospirafor Early Detection of Acute Leptospirosis
Authors: Seenichamy Arivudainambi , Bahaman Abdul Rani , Mutalib Abdul Rahim , Khairani-Bejo Siti
Published: April 2014

Leptospirosis is one of the zoonotic diseases in animals and humans throughout the world. LipL21 is one of the important surface-exposed lipoproteins in leptospires and the most effective cross protective immunogenic antigen. It is widely considered as a diagnostic marker for leptospirosis. In this study, we evaluated the serodiagnostic potential of LipL21 protein ofLeptospira interrogansserovar Pomona. We have successfully amplified, cloned, and expressed LipL21 inE. coliand evaluated its specificity by immunoblotting. Purified recombinant LipL21 (rLipL21) was inoculated into rabbits for the production of polyclonal antibody. Characterization of the purified IgG antibody against rLipL21 was performed by cross reactivity assay. Only sera from leptospirosis patients and rabbit hyperimmune sera recognized rLipL21 while the nonleptospirosis control sera showed no reaction in immunoblotting. We confirmed that anti-rLipL21-IgG antibody cross reacted with and detected only pathogenic leptospiral species and it did not react with nonpathogenic leptospires and other bacterial species. Results observed showed that anti-rLipL21-IgG antibody has high specificity and sensitivity to leptospires. The findings indicated that the antibody could be used in a diagnostic assay for detection of leptospires or their proteins in the early phase of infection.
Protein Biomarkers of Periodontitis in Saliva
Authors: Taylor John J.
Published: April 2014

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory condition of the tissues that surround and support the teeth and is initiated by inappropriate and excessive immune responses to bacteria in subgingival dental plaque leading to loss of the integrity of the periodontium, compromised tooth function, and eventually tooth loss. Periodontitis is an economically important disease as it is time-consuming and expensive to treat. Periodontitis has a worldwide prevalence of 5–15% and the prevalence of severe disease in western populations has increased in recent decades. Furthermore, periodontitis is more common in smokers, in obesity, in people with diabetes, and in heart disease patients although the pathogenic processes underpinning these links are, as yet, poorly understood. Diagnosis and monitoring of periodontitis rely on traditional clinical examinations which are inadequate to predict patient susceptibility, disease activity, and response to treatment. Studies of the immunopathogenesis of periodontitis and analysis of mediators in saliva have allowed the identification of many potentially useful biomarkers. Convenient measurement of these biomarkers using chairside analytical devices could form the basis for diagnostic tests which will aid the clinician and the patient in periodontitis management; this review will summarise this field and will identify the experimental, technical, and clinical issues that remain to be addressed before such tests can be implemented.
Chebyshev Type Integral Inequalities Involving the Fractional Hypergeometric Operators
Authors: Baleanu D. , Purohit S. D.
Published: April 2014

By making use of the fractional hypergeometric operators, we establish certain new fractional integral inequalities for synchronous functions which are related to the weighted version of the Chebyshev functional. Some consequent results and special cases of the main results are also pointed out.