bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Complete Versus Partial Collusion in Competing Coalitions
Authors: Palsule-Desai Omkar D.
Published: December 2014

In this paper, we develop a non-cooperative game theoretic model for our problem context in which the competing producers adopt one of the two alternate production and marketing technologies — efficient and inefficient. We examine stability related implications of the producers' decisions regarding the choices of (i) technologies, (ii) coalition formation, (iii) coalition form, (iv) intensity of collusion. The coalitions can adopt either complete collusion or partial collusion by determining intensity of collusion using endogenously determined sharing rules. The motivation for our study comes from the Costa Rican coffee industry and interesting findings presented in the existing literature focusing on a variety of competing-coalitions settings. Our results can be categorized as: (i) Nash equilibrium of the endogenously determined sharing rules, (ii) the equilibrium coalition forms, and (iii) stability of coalitions. They highlight the dynamics between the number of coalition producers and the cost of inefficiency. We show that the equilibrium sharing rules may have interior solutions and they are not necessarily (a)symmetric. We also show that both coalitions forming complete collusion of the respective producers in not always a Nash equilibrium, and the equilibrium coalition forms need not be (a)symmetric. Our main contribution to existing literature rests in determining the situations in which (i) competing players form coalitions, and (ii) they adopt the coalition form of either complete or partial collusion. Moreover, we provide an alternate explanation to why competing producers horizontally merge in the presence of a competing coalition adopting partial collusion in spite of the merger paradox. We also show that none of the two types of producers considered in this paper have any incentives in not making the information on their coalition form public. Moreover, we establish that situations yielding stable coalitions always exist. Our results demonstrate that the cost advantage to the efficient producers decreases in the number of producers adopting the efficient technology, and the coalition stability related conditions need not imply better profitability for one type of producer vis-à-vis the other. Our model essentially provides a platform for future research in a variety of competing-coalitions settings adopting endogenously determined sharing rules.
Geometric prequantization on the path space of a prequantized manifold
Authors: Biswas Indranil , Chatterjee Saikat , Dey Rukmini
Published: December 2014

Given a compact symplectic manifold M, with integral symplectic form, we prequantize a certain class of functions on the path space for M. The functions in question are induced by functions on M. We apply our construction to study the symplectic structure on the solution space of Klein–Gordon equation.
Power domination in generalized undirected de Bruijn graphs and Kautz graphs
Authors: Kuo Jyhmin , Wu Wei-Lun
Published: December 2014

To monitor an electric power system by placing as few phase measurement units (PMUs) as possible is closely related to the famous vertex cover problem and domination problem in graph theory. A set P is a power dominating set (PDS) of a graph G = (V, E), if every vertex and every edge in the system is observed following the observation rules of power system monitoring. The minimum cardinality of a PDS of a graph G is the power domination number γp(G). In this paper, we determine the upper bounds of power domination number of generalized undirected de Bruijn graphs and generalized undirected Kautz graphs.
Sedimentary development and magnetic susceptibility evolution of the Frasnian in Western Belgium (Dinant Synclinorium, La Thure section)
Authors: Pas D. , Da Silva A. C. , Devleeschouwer X. , De Vleeschouwer D. , Labaye C. , Cornet P. , Michel J. , Boulvain F.
Published: December 2014

Recent opening of the La Thure quarry in Western Belgium allowed the collection of new data from a poorly outcropping area of the Belgian Frasnian platform. The studied section covers an interval extending from the
falsiovalis
to
hassi
s.l. Zones. Sedimentological analyses allowed the reconstruction of depositional settings in the northwestern part of the Dinant Synclinorium after the demise of the extended Givetian carbonate platform. Two depositional models are distinguished: (a) siliciclastic drowned platform during the Early Frasnian; and (b) a fore-reef depositional setting belonging to a rimmed shelf during the Middle Frasnian. Moreover, interpreted depositional settings in the northwestern part of the Dinant Synclinorium allowed to constraint the direction of the main facies belts for the Belgian Frasnian platform. Combination of MS and geochemistry demonstrates the inherent-parallel link existing between variation in MS values and proxy for terrestrial input (such as Si and Al). This observation means that, despite the remagnetization occurring within the Belgian Frasnian lithologies, the main trends in the MS signal from the La Thure section still reflect some syn-sedimentary conditions. The increase in MS and clastic input proxies recorded in distal fore-reef deposit within the
punctata
Zone are likely to be considered as enhanced by rapid and strong shallowing events recognized in the ‘
puncata
Event’ interval.
Gas-driven radionuclide transport in undisturbed and disturbed Boom Clay
Authors: Jacops E. , Maes T. , Maes N. , Volckaert G. , Weetjens E. , Sillen X.
Published: December 2014

In deep geological repositories for the disposal of radioactive waste, gas can be generated by different mechanisms including anaerobic corrosion, radiolysis and microbial degradation. If the gas generation rate is larger than the capacity for the diffusive transport of the dissolved gas, a free gas phase will be formed, eventually leading to gas-breakthrough events. Depending on the timing of gas breakthrough, dissolved radionuclides (RN) and contaminants could be driven out of the clay faster than the normally expected diffusive transport.

A column experiment was designed in which a water-saturated clay core is placed directly on top of a thin Boom Clay core that has been previously saturated with a tracer solution (0.01 mol l
−1
NaI). A helium gas pressure is applied and stepwise increased. Upon gas breakthrough, the water on top of the column is expelled and analysed for its iodide content. The measured concentration iodide is linked to the amount of NaI-saturated pore water that was displaced.

Based on the results, it can be concluded that the transport of radionuclides and contaminants because of a gas-breakthrough event is possible but appears to be very limited. The volume of water displaced is very low (three orders of magnitude) compared to the volume of gas transported upon breakthrough.
Comparison of Common Methods in Dynamic Response Predictions of Rotor Systems with Malfunctions
Authors: Yao Hongliang , Zhao Qian , Xu Qi , Wen Bangchun
Published: December 2014

The efficiency and accuracy of common time and frequency domain methods that are used to simulate the response of a rotor system with malfunctions are compared and analyzed. The Newmark method and the incremental harmonic balance method are selected as typical representatives of time and frequency domain methods, respectively. To improve the simulation efficiency, the fixed interface component mode synthesis approach is combined with the Newmark method and the receptance approach is combined with the incremental harmonic balance method. Numerical simulations are performed for rotor systems with single and double frequency excitations. The inherent characteristic that determines the efficiency of the two methods is analyzed. The results of the analysis indicated that frequency domain methods are suitable single and double frequency excitation rotor systems, whereas time domain methods are more suitable for multifrequency excitation rotor systems.
Analytical and Numerical Investigation of Lacing Wire Damage Induced Mistuning in Turbine Blade Packet
Authors: Kotambkar Mangesh S. , Chatterjee Animesh
Published: December 2014

Investigations of modal parameters for a mistuned packet of turbine blades due to lacing wire damage are reported using analytical and numerical studies with a simplified model. The turbine blade is assumed to be an Euler-Bernoulli beam connected with a lacing wire which is modeled as a mass less linear elastic spring. Thus, the blade is considered as a continuous system and lacing wire as a discrete system. The analytical results using Eigen value analysis are compared with numerical results obtained using commercial finite element package. In real life situation, though not reported in the literature, it is the failure of lacing wire that occurs quite often compared to the turbine blade and acts as precursor to the subsequent blade damage if it goes undetected. Therefore, studying the modal parameters of the grouped turbine blades in the context of lacing wire failure becomes important. The effect of variation of lacing wire location and stiffness indicative of damage resulting in the loss of stiffness on modal parameters is investigated. The study reveals a lot of fundamental understandings pertaining to dynamic behavior of grouped blades compared to the stand-alone blade under the influence of damaged lacing wire.
Waist-to-Height Ratio Is a Better Anthropometric Index than Waist Circumference and BMI in Predicting Metabolic Syndrome among Obese Mexican Adolescents
Authors: Rodea-Montero Edel Rafael , Evia-Viscarra María Lola , Apolinar-Jiménez Evelia
Published: December 2014

Objective. To identify the degree of association between anthropometric indices and components of metabolic syndrome (MS) and to determine optimal cut-off points of these indices for predicting MS in obese adolescents.Methods. A cross-sectional study with a sample of (n=110) Mexican obese adolescents grouped by sex and the presence/absence of MS. BMI percentile, waist circumference (WC), and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) were tested. ROC curves of the anthropometric indices were created to identify whether an index was a significant predictor of MS.Results. BMI percentile, WC, and WHtR were significantly correlated with systolic and diastolic blood pressure. As predictors of MS overall patients, the BMI percentile generated an area under curve (AUC) of 0.651 (P=0.008), cut-off point above the 99th percentile. WC generated an AUC of 0.704 (P<0.001), cut-off point of ≥90 cm. WHtR demonstrated an AUC of 0.652 (P=0.008), cut-off point of 0.60. WHtR ≥0.62 and WHtR ≥0.61 generate AUC of 0.737 (P=0.006) and AUC of 0.717 (P=0.014) for predicting hypertension and insulin resistance, respectively, in females.Conclusion. WHtR is a better tool than WC and BMI for identifying cardiometabolic risk. The overall criterion (WHtR ≥ 0.6) could be appropriate for predicting MS in obese Mexican adolescents.
Detection of Influenza Virus Infection Using Two PCR Methods
Authors: Zimmerman Richard K. , Rinaldo Charles R. , Nowalk Mary Patricia , Balasubramani G. K. , Thompson Mark G. , Bullotta Arlene , Susick Michael , Wisniewski Stephen
Published: December 2014

Rapid, accurate, and cost-effective methods to identify the cause of respiratory tract infections are needed to maximize clinical benefit. Outpatients with acute respiratory illness were tested for influenza using a singleplex reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (SRT-PCR) method. A multiplex RT-PCR (MRT-PCR) method tested for influenza and 17 other viruses and was compared with SRT-PCR using chi-square tests. Among 935 patients, 335 (36%) tested positive for influenza A and influenza B using SRT-PCR. Using MRT-PCR, 320 (34.2%) tested positive for influenza A and influenza B. This study supports MRT-PCR as a comparable method for detecting influenza among patients seeking outpatient care for acute respiratory illnesses.
PSO Based Optimization of Testing and Maintenance Cost in NPPs
Authors: Chou Qiang , Ge Daochuan , Zhang Ruoxing
Published: December 2014

Testing and maintenance activities of safety equipment have drawn much attention in Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) to risk and cost control. The testing and maintenance activities are often implemented in compliance with the technical specification and maintenance requirements. Technical specification and maintenance-related parameters, that is, allowed outage time (AOT), maintenance period and duration, and so forth, in NPP are associated with controlling risk level and operating cost which need to be minimized. The above problems can be formulated by a constrained multiobjective optimization model, which is widely used in many other engineering problems. Particle swarm optimizations (PSOs) have proved their capability to solve these kinds of problems. In this paper, we adopt PSO as an optimizer to optimize the multiobjective optimization problem by iteratively trying to improve a candidate solution with regard to a given measure of quality. Numerical results have demonstrated the efficiency of our proposed algorithm.
Data Mining of Acupoint Characteristics from the Classical Medical Text: DongUiBoGam of Korean Medicine
Authors: Lee Taehyung , Jung Won-Mo , Lee In-Seon , Lee Ye-Seul , Lee Hyejung , Park Hi-Joon , Kim Namil , Chae Younbyoung
Published: December 2014

Throughout the history of East Asian medicine, different kinds of acupuncture treatment experiences have been accumulated in classical medical texts. Reexamining knowledge from classical medical texts is expected to provide meaningful information that could be utilized in current medical practices. In this study, we used data mining methods to analyze the association between acupoints and patterns of disorder with the classical medical book DongUiBoGam of Korean medicine. Using the term frequency‐inverse document frequency (tf‐idf) method, we quantified the significance of acupoints to its targeting patterns and, conversely, the significance of patterns to acupoints. Through these processes, we extracted characteristics of each acupoint based on its treating patterns. We also drew practical information for selecting acupoints on certain patterns according to their association. Data analysis on DongUiBoGam’s acupuncture treatment gave us an insight into the main idea of DongUiBoGam. We strongly believe that our approach can provide a novel understanding of unknown characteristics of acupoint and pattern identification from the classical medical text using data mining methods.
A Pulse Signal Characteristic Recognition Algorithm Based on Multifractal Dimension
Authors: Li Yi-bing , Nie Wei , Ye Fang , Li Jing-chao
Published: December 2014

In low SNR condition, it is difficult to identify the radio transient characteristics of the signals. To solve this problem, a new recognition algorithm based on multifractal dimension characteristics is proposed. In fractal theory, multifractal dimension is the most sophisticated characterize that can describe the similar characteristics of the signals. Therefore, multifractal dimension is used in this paper to extract the
subtle features of different impulse noise signals, in order to achieve the purpose of the classification and identification of the radiation source.
Cucurbitacin E Has Neuroprotective Properties and Autophagic Modulating Activities on Dopaminergic Neurons
Authors: Arel-Dubeau Anne-Marie , Longpré Fanny , Bournival Julie , Tremblay Cindy , Demers-Lamarche Julie , Haskova Pavlina , Attard Everaldo , Germain Marc , Martinoli Maria-Grazia
Published: December 2014

Natural molecules are under intensive study for their potential as preventive and/or adjuvant therapies for neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson’s disease (PD). We evaluated the neuroprotective potential of cucurbitacin E (CuE), a tetracyclic triterpenoid phytosterol extracted from theEcballium elaterium(Cucurbitaceae), using a known cellular model of PD, NGF-differentiated PC12. In our postmitotic experimental paradigm, neuronal cells were treated with the parkinsonian toxin 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+) to provoke significant cellular damage and apoptosis or with the potentN,N-diethyldithiocarbamate (DDC) to induce superoxide (O2•-) production, and CuE was administered prior to and during the neurotoxic treatment. We measured cellular death and reactive oxygen species to evaluate the antioxidant and antiapoptotic properties of CuE. In addition, we analyzed cellular macroautophagy, a bulk degradation process involving the lysosomal pathway. CuE showed neuroprotective effects on MPP+-induced cell death. However, CuE failed to rescue neuronal cells from oxidative stress induced by MPP+or DDC. Microscopy and western blot data show an intriguing involvement of CuE in maintaining lysosomal distribution and decreasing autophagy flux. Altogether, these data indicate that CuE decreases neuronal death and autophagic flux in a postmitotic cellular model of PD.
Correlation of Optic Nerve Microcirculation with Papillomacular Bundle Structure in Treatment Naive Normal Tension Glaucoma
Authors: Kobayashi Wataru , Kunikata Hiroshi , Omodaka Kazuko , Togashi Kyousuke , Ryu Morin , Akiba Masahiro , Takeuchi Gaku , Yuasa Tetsuya , Nakazawa Toru
Published: December 2014

Purpose.To assess the association between optic nerve head (ONH) microcirculation, central papillomacular bundle (CPB) structure, and visual function in eyes with treatment naive normal tension glaucoma (NTG).Methods. This study included 40 eyes of 40 patients with NTG and 20 eyes of 20 normal patients. We used laser speckle flowgraphy (LSFG) to measure mean blur rate (MBR) in all eyes and calculated the ratio of MBR in the horizontal quadrants of tissue area ONH (temporal/nasal ratio of MBR in the tissue area: T/N MT). Clinical findings also included retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (RNFLT) and ganglion cell complex thickness (GCCT) in the CPB and macular areas, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), mean deviation (MD), and refractive error.Results. T/N MT was correlated with both BCVA and MD. The OCT parameters most highly correlated with T/N MT were macular RNFLT and mid-CPB RNFLT. Furthermore, T/N MT, mid-CPB RNFLT, and macular RNFLT were higher in NTG than in normal eyes. A discrimination analysis revealed that T/N MT and refractive error were independent factors indicating NTG.Conclusions. Our results suggest that T/N MT is a candidate biomarker of NTG. Furthermore, T/N MT reflects visual function, including acuity and sensitivity, and CPB structure.
Material Selection for Dye Sensitized Solar Cells Using Multiple Attribute Decision Making Approach
Authors: Baghel Sarita , Jha Ranjana , Jindal Nikhil
Published: December 2014

Dye sensitized solar cells (DSCs) provide a potential alternative to conventional p-n junction photovoltaic devices. The semiconductor thin film plays a crucial role in the working of DSC. This paper aims at formulating a process for the selection of optimum semiconductor material for nanostructured thin film using multiple attribute decision making (MADM) approach. Various possible available semiconducting materials and their properties like band gap, cost, mobility, rate of electron injection, and static dielectric constant are considered and MADM technique is applied to select the best suited material. It was found that, out of all possible candidates, titanium dioxide (TiO2) is the best semiconductor material for application in DSC. It was observed that the proposed results are in good agreement with the experimental findings.
Pain Mystery Score Beliefs: A Comparison of Fibromyalgia and Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Ferrari Robert , Russell Anthony Science
Published: December 2014

Objectives. To compare the mysteriousness scores of the Pain Beliefs and Perceptions Inventory in fibromyalgia.Methods. Two cohorts of patients, one with fibromyalgia (FM) and one with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), completed the Mystery Scale component of the Pain Beliefs and Perceptions Inventory to determine whether subjects in the two diagnostic groups had significantly different scores on the Mystery Scale.Results. A total of 126 subjects (64 FM, 62 RA) completed all questionnaires. The FM group had a greater percentage of female subjects, more severe pain, more severe anxiety, more severe depression, and a higher perceived injustice score. When the RA and FM group scores for the Mystery Scale were adjusted for age, sex, pain severity, HADS scores, and perceived injustice scores, the FM group still had a higher Mystery Scale score.Discussion. Fibromyalgia is associated with a higher level of perception of mysteriousness in the Pain Beliefs and Perceptions Inventory than is seen with rheumatoid arthritis. This difference appears to be independent of levels of pain, depression, anxiety, and perceived injustice. This sense of mysteriousness may reflect a lack of understanding of pain in fibromyalgia as previously reported and may be an area to be addressed in therapy.
Architecture Analysis of an FPGA-Based Hopfield Neural Network
Authors: Sousa Miguel Angelo de Abreu de , Horta Edson Lemos , Kofuji Sergio Takeo , Del-Moral-Hernandez Emilio
Published: December 2014

Interconnections between electronic circuits and neural computation have been a strongly researched topic in the machine learning field in order to approach several practical requirements, including decreasing training and operation times in high performance applications and reducing cost, size, and energy consumption for autonomous or embedded developments. Field programmable gate array (FPGA) hardware shows some inherent features typically associated with neural networks, such as, parallel processing, modular executions, and dynamic adaptation, and works on different types of FPGA-based neural networks were presented in recent years. This paper aims to address different aspects of architectural characteristics analysis on a Hopfield Neural Network implemented in FPGA, such as maximum operating frequency and chip-area occupancy according to the network capacity. Also, the FPGA implementation methodology, which does not employ multipliers in the architecture developed for the Hopfield neural model, is presented, in detail.
Indium Titanium Oxide Nanoparticles Induced Hepatic Damage: Hepatoprotective Role of Novel 2-Imino-4-methyl-1, 2-Dihydropyrimido [5, 4C] Quinoline-5(6H)-one
Authors: Bheeman Dinesh , Cheerothsahajan Sinjula , Sugumaran Sathish , Mathan Sankaran , Mathan Ramesh , Dakshanamurthy Sivanesan , Rajamani Ranjithkumar , Bellan Chandar Shekar
Published: December 2014

Protective role of 2-imino-4-methyl-1, 2-dihydropyrimido [5, 4C] quinoline-5(6H)-one (IMDHPQ) in indium titanium oxide nanoparticles (InTiO NPs) induced hepatotoxicity was analyzed. InTiO NPs were synthesized and given orally to albino rats to assess their hepatotoxicity. NPs mediated oxidative stress and liver tissue pathology were analyzed. Altered antioxidants (GSH, GPx, and catalase) and, biochemical (SGOT, SGPT, ALP, total protein, and total bilirubin) and histopathological changes were observed due to the oxidative stress caused by InTiO NPs. Varying effects of IMDHPQ on each parameter were observed in the present study. The altered parameters of InTiO NPs exposed rats might be due to the oxidative stress caused by NPs and hepatoprotective or ameliorative efficacy of quinoline compound IMDHPQ on signaling and molecular mechanism needs further study.
Transcutaneous Intraluminal Impedance Measurement for Minimally Invasive Monitoring of Gastric Motility: Validation in Acute Canine Models
Authors: Poscente Michael D. , Wang Gang , Filip Dobromir , Ninova Polya , Muench Gregory , Yadid-Pecht Orly , Mintchev Martin P. , Andrews Christopher N.
Published: December 2014

Transcutaneous intraluminal impedance measurement (TIIM) is a new method to cutaneously measure gastric contractions by assessing the attenuation dynamics of a small oscillating voltage emitted by a battery-powered ingestible capsule retained in the stomach. In the present study, we investigated whether TIIM can reliably assess gastric motility in acute canine models.Methods. Eight mongrel dogs were randomly divided into 2 groups: half received an active TIIM pill and half received an identically sized sham capsule. After 24-hour fasting and transoral administration of the pill (active or sham), two force transducers (FT) were sutured onto the antral serosa at laparotomy. After closure, three standard cutaneous electrodes were placed on the abdomen, registering the transluminally emitted voltage. Thirty-minute baseline recordings were followed by pharmacological induction of gastric contractions using neostigmine IV and another 30-minute recording. Normalized one-minute baseline and post-neostigmine gastric motility indices (GMIs) were calculated and Pearson correlation coefficients (PCCs) between cutaneous and FT GMIs were obtained. Statistically significant GMI PCCs were seen in both baseline and post-neostigmine states. There were no significant GMI PCCs in the sham capsule test. Further chronic animal studies of this novel long-term gastric motility measurement technique are needed before testing it on humans.
Thermal Characteristics of Multilayer Insulation Materials for Flexible Thin-Film Solar Cell Array of Stratospheric Airship
Authors: Sun Kangwen , Yang Qinzhen , Yang Yang , Wang Shun , Xu Jianming , Liu Qiang , Xie Yong , Lou Peng
Published: December 2014

Flexible thin-film solar cell is an efficient energy system on the surface of stratospheric airship for utilizing the solar energy. In order to ensure the normal operation of airship platform, the thermal control problem between the flexible thin-film solar cell and the airship envelope should be properly resolved. In this paper, a multilayer insulation material (MLI) is developed first, and low temperature environment test is carried out to verify the insulation effect of MLI. Then, a thermal heat transfer model of flexible thin-film solar cell and MLI is proposed, and the equivalent thermal conductivity coefficients of flexible thin-film solar cell and Nomex honeycomb are calculated based on the environment test and the temperature profile of flexible thin-film solar cell versus each layer of MLI. Finally, FLUENT is used for modeling and simulation analysis on the flexible thin-film solar cell and MLI, and the simulation results agree well with the experimental data, which validate the correctness of the proposed heat transfer model of MLI. In some way, our study can provide helpful support for further engineering applications of flexible thin-film solar cell.
Feature Selection in Classification of Eye Movements Using Electrooculography for Activity Recognition
Authors: Mala S. , Latha K.
Published: December 2014

Activity recognition is needed in different requisition, for example, reconnaissance system, patient monitoring, and human-computer interfaces. Feature selection plays an important role in activity recognition, data mining, and machine learning. In selecting subset of features, an efficient evolutionary algorithm Differential Evolution (DE), a very efficient optimizer, is used for finding informative features from eye movements using electrooculography (EOG). Many researchers use EOG signals in human-computer interactions with various computational intelligence methods to analyze eye movements. The proposed system involves analysis of EOG signals using clearness based features, minimum redundancy maximum relevance features, and Differential Evolution based features. This work concentrates more on the feature selection algorithm based on DE in order to improve the classification for faultless activity recognition.
A Case of Ruptured Splenic Artery Aneurysm in Pregnancy
Authors: Corey Elizabeth K. , Harvey Scott A. , Sauvage Lynnae M. , Bohrer Justin C.
Published: December 2014

Background. Rupture of a splenic artery aneurysm is rare complication of pregnancy that is associated with a significant maternal and fetal mortality.Case. A multiparous female presented in the third trimester with hypotension, tachycardia, and altered mental status. A ruptured splenic artery aneurysm was discovered at the time of laparotomy and cesarean delivery. The patient made a full recovery following resection of the aneurysm. The neonate survived but suffered severe neurologic impairment.Conclusion. The diagnosis of ruptured splenic artery aneurysm should be considered in a pregnant woman presenting with signs of intra-abdominal hemorrhage. Early intervention by a multidisciplinary surgical team is key to preserving the life of the mother and fetus.
Design, Synthesis, Molecular Docking, and Antibacterial Evaluation of Some Novel Flouroquinolone Derivatives as Potent Antibacterial Agent
Authors: Patel Mehul M. , Patel Laxman J.
Published: December 2014

Objective. Quinolone moiety is an important class of nitrogen containing heterocycles widely used as key building blocks for medicinal agents. It exhibits a wide spectrum of pharmacophores and has bactericidal, antiviral, antimalarial, and anticancer activities. In view of the reported antimicrobial activity of various fluoroquinolones, the importance of the C-7 substituents is that they exhibit potent antimicrobial activities. Our objective was to synthesize newer quinolone analogues with increasing bulk at C-7 position of the main 6-fluoroquinolone scaffold to produce the target compounds which have potent antimicrobial activity.Methods. A novel series of 1-ethyl-6-fluoro-4-oxo-7-{4-[2-(4-substituted phenyl)-2-(substituted)-ethyl]-1-piperazinyl}-1,4-dihydroquinoline-3-carboxylic acid derivatives were synthesized. To understand the interaction of binding sites with bacterial protein receptor, the docking study was performed using topoisomerase II DNA gyrase enzymes (PDB ID: 2XCT) by Schrodinger’s Maestro program.In vitroantibacterial activity of the synthesized compounds was studied and the MIC value was calculated by the broth dilution method.Results. Among all the synthesized compounds, some compounds showed potent antimicrobial activity. The compound8gexhibited good antibacterial activity.Conclusion. This investigation identified the potent antibacterial agents against certain infections.
Construction of 3D Arrays of Cylindrically Hierarchical Structures with ZnO Nanorods Hydrothermally Synthesized on Optical Fiber Cores
Authors: Jing Weixuan , Qi Han , Shi Jiafan , Jiang Zhuangde , Zhou Fan , Cheng Yanyan
Published: December 2014

With ZnO nanorods hydrothermally synthesized on manually assembled arrays of optical fiber cores, 3D arrays of ZnO nanorod‐based cylindrically hierarchical structures with nominal pitch 250 μm or 375 μm were constructed. Based on micrographs of scanning electron microscopy and image processing operators of MATLAB software, the 3D arrays of cylindrically hierarchical structures were quantitatively characterized. The values of the actual diameters, the actual pitches, and the parallelism errors suggest that the process capability of the manual assembling is sufficient and the quality of the 3D arrays of cylindrically hierarchical structures is acceptable. The values of the characteristic parameters such as roughness, skewness, kurtosis, correlation length, and power spectrum density show that the surface morphologies of the cylindrically hierarchical structures not only were affected significantly by Zn2+ concentration of the growth solution but also were anisotropic due to different curvature radii of the optical fiber core at side and front view.
Prediction and Analysis of Engine Friction Power of a Diesel Engine Influenced by Engine Speed, Load, and Lubricant Viscosity
Authors: Singh Devendra , Gu Fengshou , Fieldhouse John D. , Singh Nishan , Singal S. K.
Published: December 2014

Automotive industries made a paradigm shift in selection of viscometrics of engine lubricant, from higher to lower viscosity grade, for improving fuel economy of vehicles. Engine fuel consumption is influenced by friction between the various engine components. Engine friction power (FP) of a direct injection diesel engine is calculated from the measured value of in-cylinder pressure signals at various operating conditions. For predicting FP, as a function of speed, load, and lubricant viscosity, a full factorial design of experiments (DOE) was formulated and an empirical correlation was developed. Response surface methodology (RSM) was used for analyzing the dominant parameters and their interactions, which influence engine friction power significantly. Predicted results of engine FP are in good agreement with measured values at all operating points. ANOVA and RSM analysis revealed that the significant parameters influencing engine FP are speed, load, viscosity, speed-load, and speed-viscosity. The effect of engine lubricant viscosity on friction power of a diesel engine was insignificant at low speed, whereas, at high speed, it played a vital role. The empirical relation developed for predicting FP is very useful in estimating engine friction power for various combinations of engine speeds, loads, and lubricant viscosity without running the engine.
Ischemic Stroke Detection System with a Computer-Aided Diagnostic Ability Using an Unsupervised Feature Perception Enhancement Method
Authors: Tyan Yeu-Sheng , Wu Ming-Chi , Chin Chiun-Li , Kuo Yu-Liang , Lee Ming-Sian , Chang Hao-Yan
Published: December 2014

We propose an ischemic stroke detection system with a computer-aided diagnostic ability using a four-step unsupervised feature perception enhancement method. In the first step, known as preprocessing, we use a cubic curve contrast enhancement method to enhance image contrast. In the second step, we use a series of methods to extract the brain tissue image area identified during preprocessing. To detect abnormal regions in the brain images, we propose using an unsupervised region growing algorithm to segment the brain tissue area. The brain is centered on a horizontal line and the white matter of the brain’s inner ring is split into eight regions. In the third step, we use a coinciding regional location method to find the hybrid area of locations where a stroke may have occurred in each cerebral hemisphere. Finally, we make corrections and mark the stroke area with red color. In the experiment, we tested the system on 90 computed tomography (CT) images from 26 patients, and, with the assistance of two radiologists, we proved that our proposed system has computer-aided diagnostic capabilities. Our results show an increased stroke diagnosis sensitivity of 83% in comparison to 31% when radiologists use conventional diagnostic images.
Snail1-Expressing Fibroblasts in the Tumor Microenvironment Display Mechanical Properties That Support Metastasis
Authors: Stanisavljevic Jelena , Loubat-Casanovas Jordina , Herrera Mercedes , Luque Tomás , Peña Raúl , Lluch Ana , Albanell Joan , Bonilla Félix , Rovira Ana , Peña Cristina , Navajas Daniel , Rojo Federico , García de Herreros Antonio , Baulida Josep
Published: December 2014

Crosstalk between tumor and stromal cells in the tumor microenvironment alter its properties in ways that facilitate the invasive behavior of tumor cells. Here, we demonstrate that cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF) increase the stiffness of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and promote anisotropic fiber orientation, two mechanical signals generated through a Snail1/RhoA/αSMA–dependent mechanism that sustains oriented tumor cell migration and invasiveness. Snail1-depleted CAF failed to acquire myofibroblastic traits in response to TGFβ, including RhoA activation, αSMA-positive stress fibers, increased fibronectin fibrillogenesis, and production of a stiff ECM with oriented fibers. Snail1 expression in human tumor–derived CAF was associated with an ability to organize the ECM. In coculture, a relatively smaller number of Snail1-expressing CAF were capable of imposing an anisotropic ECM architecture, compared with nonactivated fibroblasts. Pathologically, human breast cancers with Snail1+ CAF tended to exhibit desmoplastic areas with anisotropic fibers, lymph node involvement, and poorer outcomes. Snail1 involvement in driving an ordered ECM was further confirmed in wound-healing experiments in mice, with Snail1 depletion preventing the anisotropic organization of granulation tissue and delaying wound healing. Overall, our results showed that inhibiting Snail1 function in CAF could prevent tumor-driven ECM reorganization and cancer invasion. Cancer Res; 75(2); 284–95. ©2014 AACR.
miR30a Inhibits LOX Expression and Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer Progression
Authors: Boufraqech Myriem , Nilubol Naris , Zhang Lisa , Gara Sudheer Kumar , Sadowski Samira M. , Mehta Amit , He Mei , Davis Sean , Dreiling Jennifer , Copland John A. , Smallridge Robert C. , Quezado Martha M. , Kebebew Electron
Published: December 2014

Anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) is one of the most lethal human malignancies, but its genetic drivers remain little understood. In this study, we report losses in expression of the miRNA miR30a, which is downregulated in ATC compared with differentiated thyroid cancer and normal tissue. miR30a downregulation was associated with advanced differentiated thyroid cancer and higher mortality. Mechanistically, we found miR30a decreased cellular invasion and migration, epithelial–mesenchymal transition marker levels, lysyl oxidase (LOX) expression, and metastatic capacity. LOX was identified as a direct target of miR30a that was overexpressed in ATC and associated with advanced differentiated thyroid cancer and higher mortality rate. Consistent with its role in other cancers, we found that LOX inhibited cell proliferation, cellular invasion, and migration and metastasis in vitro and in vivo. Together, our findings establish a critical functional role for miR30a downregulation in mediating LOX upregulation and thyroid cancer progression, with implications for LOX targeting as a rational therapeutic strategy in ATC. Cancer Res; 75(2); 367–77. ©2014 AACR.
Preclinical Characterization of RSM-932A, a Novel Anticancer Drug Targeting the Human Choline Kinase Alpha, an Enzyme Involved in Increased Lipid Metabolism of Cancer Cells
Authors: Lacal Juan Carlos , Campos Joaquín M.
Published: December 2014

Choline kinase α (CHKA; here designated as ChoKα) is the first enzyme in the CDP-choline pathway, implicated in phospholipids metabolism. It is overexpressed in several human tumors such as breast, lung, bladder, colorectal, prostate, ovary, and liver. The overexpression of ChoKα has oncogenic potential and synergizes with other known oncogenes. It has been proposed as a novel cancer drug target with a distinct mechanism of action. We have generated a set of ChoKα inhibitors with potent in vitro antiproliferative and in vivo antitumoral activity against human xenografts in mice, showing high efficacy with low toxicity profiles. Among these inhibitors, RSM-932A has been chosen for further clinical development due to its potent antiproliferative activity in vitro against a large variety of tumor-derived cell lines, a potent in vivo anticancer activity, and lack of toxicity at the effective doses. Here, we provide the preclinical evidence to support the use of RSM-932A as a good candidate to be tested in clinical trials as the “first in humans” drug targeting ChoKα. Mol Cancer Ther; 14(1); 31–39. ©2014 AACR.
Cerebral Microbleeds Are Associated with Worse Cognitive Function in the Nondemented Elderly with Small Vessel Disease
Authors: Yamashiro Kazuo , Tanaka Ryota , Okuma Yasuyuki , Shimura Hideki , Ueno Yuji , Miyamoto Nobukazu , Urabe Takao , Hattori Nobutaka
Published: December 2014

Background: Cerebral small vessel disease (SVD) is a leading cause of cognitive decline in the elderly. Cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) have emerged as an important manifestation of cerebral SVD, in addition to lacunar infarcts and white matter lesions (WMLs). We investigated whether the presence and location of CMBs in elderly subjects were associated with cognitive function, independent of lacunar infarcts and WMLs. Methods: One hundred and forty-eight nondemented elderly with SVD, defined as the presence of lacunar infarcts and/or WMLs on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), were studied. Executive function and global cognition were assessed by the Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB) and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), respectively. The differences in the scores for the FAB and MMSE between CMB-positive and CMB-negative subjects were calculated after adjusting for possible confounders. Results: The mean age of the subjects was 72.4 w 8.6 years. CMBs were detected in 48 subjects (32%), with a mean number of CMBs per subject of 1.6 (range 0-31). Among CMB-positive subjects, 42 (87.5%) had CMBs in deep or infratentorial regions with or without lobar CMBs, and 6 (12.5%) had CMBs in strictly lobar regions. The presence of CMBs was significantly associated with FAB and MMSE scores after adjustment for age, years of education, brain volume and the presence of lacunar infarcts (for the FAB) or severe WMLs (for the MMSE). The presence of CMBs in the basal ganglia, in the thalamus or in the lobar regions was associated with FAB scores, while that in the lobar regions was associated with MMSE scores. However, there was no association between CMBs in the infratentorial regions and cognitive parameters. Conclusions: In nondemented elderly with SVD on MRI, the presence of CMBs was independently associated with worse executive and global cognitive functions. CMBs seemed to reflect hypertensive microangiopathy in this population, and CMBs in specific areas may play an important role in cognitive function. i 2014 S. Karger AG, Basel
Large Deep White Matter Lesions May Predict Futile Recanalization in Endovascular Therapy for Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Tateishi Yohei , Wisco Dolora , Aoki Junya , George Pravin , Katzan Irene , Toth Gabor , Hui Ferdinand , Hussain Muhammad S. , Uchino Ken
Published: December 2014

Objective: This study investigated whether large ischemic lesions in the deep white matter (DWM) on pretreatment diffusion-weighted MRI (DWI) predict futile recanalization. Methods: Consecutive acute stroke patients with anterior circulation ischemia who underwent successful arterial recanalization with thrombolysis in cerebral infarction grade 2b or 3 were enrolled. A large DWI-DWM lesion was defined as a hyperintense lesion in the DWM on initial DWI, located mainly between the anterior and posterior horns of the lateral ventricle. The Alberta Stroke Program Early CT score on CT and DWI and stroke volume on initial DWI were recorded. Stroke severity was assessed using the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score. Futile recanalization was defined as a 30-day modified Rankin scale score of 3-6 despite successful recanalization. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were performed to identify predictors of futile recanalization. Results: In 35 of 46 patients (76%) with successful recanalization, futile recanalization was observed in 20 patients (57%). Patients with futile recanalization were older (median age 74 vs. 58 years; p = 0.053), had higher initial NIHSS scores (median 17 vs. 9; p = 0.042), and a higher prevalence of large DWI-DWM lesions (45 vs. 9%; p = 0.022). Logistic regression analysis showed that a large DWI-DWM lesion was an independent predictor of futile recanalization (OR 13.97; 95% CI 1.32-147.73; p = 0.028). Conclusion: Patients with large preintervention DWI-DWM lesions may be poor candidates for endovascular therapy. i 2014 S. Karger AG, Basel
Exposure to Bisphenol A From Drinking Canned Beverages Increases Blood Pressure
Authors: Bae Sanghyuk , Hong Yun-Chul
Published: December 2014

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical used in plastic bottles and inner coating of beverage cans, and its exposure is almost ubiquitous. BPA has been associated with hypertension and decreased heart rate variability in the previous studies. The aim of the present study was to determine whether increased BPA exposure from consumption of canned beverage actually affects blood pressure and heart rate variability. We conducted a randomized crossover trial with noninstitutionalized adults, who were aged ≥60 years and recruited from a local community center. A total of 60 participants visited the study site 3 times, and they were provided the same beverage in 2 glass bottles, 2 cans, or 1 can and 1 glass bottle at a time. The sequence of the beverage was randomized. We then measured urinary BPA concentration, blood pressure, and heart rate variability 2 hours after the consumption of each beverage. The paired
t
test and mixed model were used to compare the differences. The urinary BPA concentration increased after consuming canned beverages by >1600% compared with that after consuming glass bottled beverages. Systolic blood pressure adjusted for daily variance increased by ≈4.5 mm Hg after consuming 2 canned beverages compared with that after consuming 2 glass bottled beverages, and the difference was statistically significant. The parameters of the heart rate variability did not show statistically significant differences.The present study demonstrated that consuming canned beverage and consequent increase of BPA exposure increase blood pressure acutely.
Calcium/Calmodulin-Dependent Protein Kinase II Couples Wnt Signaling With Histone Deacetylase 4 and Mediates Dishevelled-Induced Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Zhang Min , Hagenmueller Marco , Riffel Johannes H. , Kreusser Michael M. , Bernhold Elmar , Fan Jingjing , Katus Hugo A. , Backs Johannes , Hardt Stefan E.
Published: December 2014

Activation of Wnt signaling results in maladaptive cardiac remodeling and cardiomyopathy. Recently, calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) was reported to be a pivotal participant in myocardial remodeling. Because CaMKII was suggested as a downstream target of noncanonical Wnt signaling, we aimed to elucidate the role of CaMKII in dishevelled-1–induced cardiomyopathy and the mechanisms underlying its function. Dishevelled-1–induced cardiomyopathy was reversed by deletion of neither CaMKIIδ nor CaMKIIγ. Therefore, dishevelled-1–transgenic mice were crossed with CaMKIIδγ double-knockout mice. These mice displayed a normal cardiac phenotype without cardiac hypertrophy, fibrosis, apoptosis, or left ventricular dysfunction. Further mechanistic analyses unveiled that CaMKIIδγ couples noncanonical Wnt signaling to histone deacetylase 4 and myosin enhancer factor 2. Therefore, our findings indicate that the axis, consisting of dishevelled-1, CaMKII, histone deacetylase 4, and myosin enhancer factor 2, is an attractive therapeutic target for prevention of cardiac remodeling and its progression to left ventricular dysfunction.