bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differential HIF and NOS responses to acute anemia: defining organ-specific hemoglobin thresholds for tissue hypoxia
Authors: Tsui Albert K. Y. , Marsden Philip A. , Mazer C. David , Sled John G. , Lee Keith M. , Henkelman R. Mark , Cahill Lindsay S. , Zhou Yu-Qing , Chan Neville , Liu Elaine , Hare Gregory M. T.
Published: April 2014

Tissue hypoxia likely contributes to anemia-induced organ injury and mortality. Severe anemia activates hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) signaling by hypoxic- and neuronal nitric oxide (NO) synthase- (nNOS) dependent mechanisms. However, organ-specific hemoglobin (Hb) thresholds for increased HIF expression have not been defined. To assess organ-specific Hb thresholds for tissue hypoxia, HIF-α (oxygen-dependent degradation domain, ODD) luciferase mice were hemodiluted to mild, moderate, or severe anemia corresponding to Hb levels of 90, 70, and 50 g/l, respectively. HIF luciferase reporter activity, HIF protein, and HIF-dependent RNA levels were assessed. In the brain, HIF-1α was paradoxically decreased at mild anemia, returned to baseline at moderate anemia, and then increased at severe anemia. Brain HIF-2α remained unchanged at all Hb levels. Both kidney HIF-1α and HIF-2α increased earlier (Hb ∼70–90 g/l) in response to anemia. Liver also exhibited an early HIF-α response. Carotid blood flow was increased early (Hb ∼70, g/l), but renal blood flow remained relatively constant, only increased at Hb of 50 g/l. Anemia increased nNOS (brain and kidney) and endothelia NOS (eNOS) (kidney) levels. Whereas anemia-induced increases in brain HIFα were nNOS-dependent, our current data demonstrate that increased renal HIFα was nNOS independent. HIF-dependent RNA levels increased linearly (∼10-fold) in the brain. However, renal HIF-RNA responses (MCT4, EPO) increased exponentially (∼100-fold). Plasma EPO levels increased near Hb threshold of 90 g/l, suggesting that the EPO response is sensitive. Collectively, these observations suggest that each organ expresses a different threshold for cellular HIF/NOS hypoxia responses. This knowledge may help define the mechanism(s) by which the brain and kidney maintain oxygen homeostasis during anemia.
Mercaptoacetate and fatty acids exert direct and antagonistic effects on nodose neurons via GPR40 fatty acid receptors
Authors: Darling Rebecca A. , Zhao Huan , Kinch Dallas , Li Ai-Jun , Simasko Steven M. , Ritter Sue
Published: April 2014

β-mercaptoacetate (MA) is a drug known to block mitochondrial oxidation of medium- and long-chain fatty acids (FAs) and to stimulate feeding. Because MA-induced feeding is vagally dependent, it has been assumed that the feeding response is mediated by MA's antimetabolic action at a peripheral, vagally innervated site. However, MA's site of action has not yet been identified. Therefore, we used fluorescent calcium measurements in isolated neurons from rat nodose ganglia to determine whether MA has direct effects on vagal sensory neurons. We found that MA alone did not alter cytosolic calcium concentrations in nodose neurons. However, MA (60 μM to 6 mM) significantly decreased calcium responses to both linoleic acid (LA; 10 μM) and caprylic acid (C8; 10 μM) in all neurons responsive to LA and C8. GW9508 (40 μM), an agonist of the FA receptor, G protein-coupled receptor 40 (GPR40), also increased calcium levels almost exclusively in FA-responsive neurons. MA significantly inhibited this response to GW9508. MA did not inhibit calcium responses to serotonin, high K+, or capsaicin, which do not utilize GPRs, or to CCK, which acts on a different GPR. GPR40 was detected in nodose ganglia by RT-PCR. Results suggest that FAs directly activate vagal sensory neurons via GPR40 and that MA antagonizes this effect. Thus, we propose that MA's nonmetabolic actions on GPR40 membrane receptors, expressed by multiple peripheral tissues in addition to the vagus nerve, may contribute to or mediate MA-induced stimulation of feeding.
Proteomic identification of early changes in the renal cytoskeleton in obstructive uropathy
Authors: Stødkilde Lene , Palmfeldt Johan , Nilsson Line , Carlsen Inge , Wang Yan , Nørregaard Rikke , Frøkiær Jørgen
Published: April 2014

Bilateral ureteral obstruction (BUO) is associated with renal damage and impaired ability to concentrate urine and is known to induce alterations in an array of kidney proteins. The aim of this study was to identify acute proteomic alterations induced by BUO. Rats were subjected to BUO for 2, 6, or 24 h. Mass spectrometry-based proteomics was performed on the renal inner medulla, and protein changes in the obstructed group were identified. Significant changes were successfully identified for 109 proteins belonging to different biological classes. Interestingly, proteins belonging to the cytoskeleton and proteins related to cytoskeletal regulation were found to be biologically enriched in BUO using online-accessible tools. Western blots confirmed the selected results, demonstrating acute downregulation of proteins belonging to all three cytoskeletal components. The microfilament protein β-actin and the intermediate filament proteins pankeratin and vimentin were all downregulated. β-Tubulin, an important microtubular protein, was found to be significantly downregulated after 24 h. Also, there was significant upregulation of cofilin, an actin-binding protein known to be upregulated in other nephropathy models. Furthermore, both upregulation and downregulation of cytoskeletal motor and regulatory proteins were observed. These findings were confirmed by immunohistochemistry, which clearly showed alterations in labeling in the inner medulla. Interestingly, we were able to confirm selected results in mpkCCD cells exposed to mechanical stretch. Our findings add to the knowledge of BUO-induced acute changes in the renal cytoskeleton and suggest that these molecular changes are partly mediated by increased stretch of the cells during obstruction.
Scaling and coordination deficits during dynamic object manipulation in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Snider Joseph , Lee Dongpyo , Harrington Deborah L. , Poizner Howard
Published: April 2014

The ability to reach for and dynamically manipulate objects in a dexterous fashion requires scaling and coordination of arm, hand, and fingertip forces during reach and grasp components of this behavior. The neural substrates underlying dynamic object manipulation are not well understood. Insight into the role of basal ganglia-thalamocortical circuits in object manipulation can come from the study of patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). We hypothesized that scaling and coordination aspects of motor control are differentially affected by this disorder. We asked 20 PD patients and 23 age-matched control subjects to reach for, grasp, and lift virtual objects along prescribed paths. The movements were subdivided into two types, intensive (scaling) and coordinative, by detecting their underlying self-similarity. PD patients off medication were significantly impaired relative to control subjects for both aspects of movement. Intensive deficits, reduced peak speed and aperture, were seen during the reach. Coordinative deficits were observed during the reach, namely, the relative position along the trajectory at which peak speed and aperture were achieved, and during the lift, when objects tilted with respect to the gravitational axis. These results suggest that basal ganglia-thalamocortical circuits may play an important role in fine motor coordination. Dopaminergic therapy significantly improved intensive but not coordinative aspects of movements. These findings are consistent with a framework in which tonic levels of dopamine in the dorsal striatum encode the energetic cost of a movement, thereby improving intensive or scaling aspects of movement. However, repletion of brain dopamine levels does not restore finely coordinated movement.
Stance width changes how sensory feedback is used for multisegmental balance control
Authors: Goodworth Adam D. , Mellodge Patricia , Peterka Robert J.
Published: April 2014

A multilink sensorimotor integration model of frontal plane balance control was developed to determine how stance width influences the use of sensory feedback in healthy adults. Data used to estimate model parameters came from seven human participants who stood on a continuously rotating surface with three different stimulus amplitudes, with eyes open and closed, and at four different stance widths. Dependent variables included lower body (LB) and upper body (UB) sway quantified by frequency-response functions. Results showed that stance width had a major influence on how parameters varied across stimulus amplitude and between visual conditions. Active mechanisms dominated LB control. At narrower stances, with increasing stimulus amplitude, subjects used sensory reweighting to shift reliance from proprioceptive cues to vestibular and/or visual cues that oriented the LB more toward upright. When vision was available, subjects reduced reliance on proprioception and increased reliance on vision. At wider stances, LB control did not exhibit sensory reweighting. In the UB system, both active and passive mechanisms contributed and were dependent on stance width. UB control changed across stimulus amplitude most in wide stance (opposite of the pattern found in LB control). The strong influence of stance width on sensory integration and neural feedback control implies that rehabilitative therapies for balance disorders can target different aspects of balance control by using different stance widths. Rehabilitative strategies designed to assess or modify sensory reweighting will be most effective with the use of narrower stances, whereas wider stances present greater challenges to UB control.
Evidence of calcium-permeable AMPA receptors in dendritic spines of CA1 pyramidal neurons
Authors: Mattison Hayley A. , Bagal Ashish A. , Mohammadi Michael , Pulimood Nisha S. , Reich Christian G. , Alger Bradley E. , Kao Joseph P. Y. , Thompson Scott M.
Published: April 2014

GluA2-lacking, calcium-permeable α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionate receptors (AMPARs) have unique properties, but their presence at excitatory synapses in pyramidal cells is controversial. We have tested certain predictions of the model that such receptors are present in CA1 cells and show here that the polyamine spermine, but not philanthotoxin, causes use-dependent inhibition of synaptically evoked excitatory responses in stratum radiatum, but not s. oriens, in cultured and acute hippocampal slices. Stimulation of single dendritic spines by photolytic release of caged glutamate induced an N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor-independent, use- and spermine-sensitive calcium influx only at apical spines in cultured slices. Bath application of glutamate also triggered a spermine-sensitive influx of cobalt into CA1 cell dendrites in s. radiatum. Responses of single apical, but not basal, spines to photostimulation displayed prominent paired-pulse facilitation (PPF) consistent with use-dependent relief of cytoplasmic polyamine block. Responses at apical dendrites were diminished, and PPF was increased, by spermine. Intracellular application of pep2m, which inhibits recycling of GluA2-containing AMPARs, reduced apical spine responses and increased PPF. We conclude that some calcium-permeable, polyamine-sensitive AMPARs, perhaps lacking GluA2 subunits, are present at synapses on apical dendrites of CA1 pyramidal cells, which may allow distinct forms of synaptic plasticity and computation at different sets of excitatory inputs.
Localization and function of dopamine receptors in the subthalamic nucleus of normal and parkinsonian monkeys
Authors: Galvan Adriana , Hu Xing , Rommelfanger Karen S. , Pare Jean-Francois , Khan Zafar U. , Smith Yoland , Wichmann Thomas
Published: April 2014

The subthalamic nucleus (STN) receives a dopaminergic innervation from the substantia nigra pars compacta, but the role of this projection remains poorly understood, particularly in primates. To address this issue, we used immuno-electron microscopy to localize D1, D2, and D5 dopamine receptors in the STN of rhesus macaques and studied the electrophysiological effects of activating D1-like or D2-like receptors in normal and 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-treated parkinsonian monkeys. Labeling of D1 and D2 receptors was primarily found presynaptically, on preterminal axons and putative glutamatergic and GABAergic terminals, while D5 receptors were more significantly expressed postsynaptically, on dendritic shafts of STN neurons. The electrical spiking activity of STN neurons, recorded with standard extracellular recording methods, was studied before, during, and after intra-STN administration of the dopamine D1-like receptor agonist SKF82958, the D2-like receptor agonist quinpirole, or artificial cerebrospinal fluid (control injections). In normal animals, administration of SKF82958 significantly reduced the spontaneous firing but increased the rate of intraburst firing and the proportion of pause-burst sequences of firing. Quinpirole only increased the proportion of such pause-burst sequences in STN neurons of normal monkeys. In MPTP-treated monkeys, the D1-like receptor agonist also reduced the firing rate and increased the proportion of pause-burst sequences, while the D2-like receptor agonist did not change any of the chosen descriptors of the firing pattern of STN neurons. Our data suggest that dopamine receptor activation can directly modulate the electrical activity of STN neurons by pre- and postsynaptic mechanisms in both normal and parkinsonian states, predominantly via activation of D1 receptors.
An Immunological Approach to Increase the Brain’s Resilience to Insults
Authors: Lin En-Ju D. , Symes C. Wymond , Townsend-Nicholson Andrea , Klugmann Matthias , Klugmann Claudia B. , Lehnert Klaus , Fong Dahna , Young Deborah , During Matthew J.
Published: April 2014

We have previously demonstrated the therapeutic potential of inducing a humoral response with autoantibodies to theN-methylD-aspartate (NMDA) receptor using a genetic approach. In this study, we generated three recombinant proteins to different functional domains of the NMDA receptor, which is implicated in mediating brain tolerance, specifically NR1[21–375], NR1[313–619], NR1[654–800], and an intracellular scaffolding protein, Homer1a, with a similar anatomical expression pattern. All peptides showed similar antigenicity and antibody titers following systemic vaccination, and all animals thrived. Two months following vaccination, rats were administered the potent neurotoxin, kainic acid. NR1[21–375] animals showed an antiepileptic phenotype but no neuroprotection. Remarkably, despite ineffective antiepileptic activity, 6 of 7 seizing NR1[654–800] rats showed absolutely no injury with only minimal changes in the remaining animal, whereas the majority of persistently seizing rats in the other groups showed moderate to severe hippocampal injury. CREB, BDNF, and HSP70, proteins associated with preconditioning, were selectively upregulated in the hippocampus of NR1[654–800] animals, consistent with the observed neuroprotective phenotype. These results identify NR1 epitopes important in conferring anticonvulsive and neuroprotective effects and support the concept of an immunological strategy to induce a chronic state of tolerance in the brain.
Desperate Coverage Problem in Mission-Driven Camera Sensor Networks
Authors: Hong Yi , Kim Junghyun , Kim Donghyun , Li Deying , Tokuta Alade O.
Published: April 2014

Recently, camera sensor network is attracting huge amount of attention due to the growing popularity of multimedia applications. This paper investigates a new scheduling problem in camera sensor network whose goal is to cover a set of targets as efficiently as possible during a given mission period. In particular, we consider a desperate situation in which we may not have enough camera sensors to cover all of the targets of interest during the mission. The goal of our problem of interest is to schedule the sensors such that (a) the number of the most important targets which are fully covered during the mission period is maximized, and (b) the overall target-temporal coverage which is defined as the gross sum of the weight of each target multiplied by the time period when the target is covered is maximized. We formally introduce the desperate coverage problem in mission-driven camera sensor networks (DCP-MCSN) and propose a new heuristic algorithm for this NP-hard problem. To evaluate the performance of the proposed algorithm, we compare it with a theoretical upper bound. Our simulation result shows that our algorithm performs very close to the upper bound and outperforms the existing alternative.
A Novel Method of Robust Trajectory Linearization Control Based on Disturbance Rejection
Authors: Shao Xingling , Wang Honglun
Published: April 2014

A novel method of robust trajectory linearization control for a class of nonlinear systems with uncertainties based on disturbance rejection is proposed. Firstly, on the basis of trajectory linearization control (TLC) method, a feedback linearization based control law is designed to transform the original tracking error dynamics to the canonical integral‐chain form. To address the issue of reducing the influence made by uncertainties, with tracking error as input, linear extended state observer (LESO) is constructed to estimate the tracking error vector, as well as the uncertainties in an integrated manner. Meanwhile, the boundedness of the estimated error is investigated by theoretical analysis. In addition, decoupled controller (which has the characteristic of well‐tuning and simple form) based on LESO is synthesized to realize the output tracking for closed‐loop system. The closed‐loop stability of the system under the proposed LESO‐based control structure is established. Also, simulation results are presented to illustrate the effectiveness of the control strategy.
Effect of MWCNT on Thermal, Mechanical, and Morphological Properties of Polybutylene Terephthalate/Polycarbonate Blends
Authors: Rejisha C. P. , Soundararajan S. , Sivapatham N. , Palanivelu K.
Published: April 2014

This paper evaluated the effect of multiwall carbon nanotube (MWCNT) on the properties of PBT/PC blends. The nanocomposites were obtained by melt blending MWCNT in the weight percentages 0.15, 0.3, and 0.45 wt% with PBT/PC blends in a high performance corotating twin screw extruder. Samples were characterized by tensile testing, dynamic mechanical analysis, thermal analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction. Concentrations of PBT and PC are optimized as 80 : 20 based on mechanical properties. A small amount of MWCNT shows better increase in the thermal and mechanical properties of the blends of PBT/PC nanocomposite when compared to nanoclays or inorganic fillers. The ultimate tensile strength of the nanocomposites increased from 54 MPa to 85 MPa with addition of MWCNT up to 0.3% and then decreased.The tensile modulus values were increased to about 60% and the flexural modulus was more than about 80%. The impact strength was also improved with 20% PC to about 60% and with 0.15% MWCNT to about 50%. The HDT also improved from 127°C to 205°C. It can be seen from XRD result that the crystallinity of PBT is less affected by incorporating MWCNT. The crystallizing temperature was increased and the MWCNT may act as a strong nucleating agent.
Utility of Gastric Lavage in Vigorous Neonates Delivered with Meconium Stained Liquor: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Garg Jatin , Masand Rupesh , Tomar Balvir Singh
Published: April 2014

Objective. To determine the incidence of feed intolerance in vigorous babies with meconium stained liquor (MSL) who received prophylactic gastric lavage as compared to those who were not subjected to this procedure.Design. Randomized controlled trial.Setting. Tertiary care teaching hospital.Participants/Intervention. 330 vigorous babies delivered with MSL and satisfying the predefined inclusion criteria were randomized either to receive gastric lavage (group A,n=165) or to not receive gastric lavage (group B,n=153). Clinical monitoring was subsequently performed and recorded in prestructured proforma.Results. There was no significant statistical difference (P>0.05) in incidence of feed intolerance in “lavage” and “no lavage” groups.Secondary Outcome. There was no evidence of secondary respiratory distress in either group. None of the patients in the lavage group exhibited adverse effects owing to the procedure.Conclusions. There is no role of prophylactic gastric lavage in neonates born with MSL.
Mapping Remote Subcortical Ramifications of Injury after Ischemic Strokes
Authors: Bonilha Leonardo , Nesland Travis , Rorden Chris , Fillmore Paul , Ratnayake Ruwan P. , Fridriksson Julius
Published: April 2014

Background. The extent of brain damage in chronic stroke patients is traditionally defined as the necrotic tissue observed on magnetic resonance image (MRI). However, patients often exhibit symptoms suggesting that functional impairment may affect areas beyond the cortical necrotic lesion, for example, when cortical symptoms ensue after subcortical damage. This observation suggests that disconnection or diaschisis can lead to remote cortical dysfunction that can be functionally equivalent to direct cortical lesions.Objective. To directly measure subcortical disconnection after stroke.Methods. We describe a principled approach utilizing the whole brain connectome reconstructed from diffusion MRI to evaluate the reduction of apparent white matter fiber density in the hemisphere affected by the stroke compared with the spared hemisphere.Results. In eight chronic stroke patients, we observed subcortical disconnection extending beyond the location of tissue necrosis and affecting major white matter pathways underlying the necrotic area.Conclusions. We suggest that it is possible to detect and quantify previously unappreciated areas of subcortical and cortical disconnection. Specifically, this method can be used to evaluate the relationship between lesion location and symptoms, with emphasis on a connectivity-based approach.
Output Feedback Control for Couple-Group Consensus of Multiagent Systems
Authors: Zhao Huanyu , Zhou Hongbiao , Tang Zhongyi
Published: April 2014

This paper deals with the couple-group consensus problem for multiagent systems via output feedback control. Both continuous- and discrete-time cases are considered. The consensus problems are converted into the stability problem of the error systems by the system transformation. We obtain two necessary and sufficient conditions of couple-group consensus in different forms for each case. Two different algorithms are used to design the control gains for continuous- and discrete-time case, respectively. Finally, simulation examples are given to show the effectiveness of the proposed results.
Distributed Leader-Following Finite-Time Consensus Control for Linear Multiagent Systems under Switching Topology
Authors: Xu Xiaole , Chen Shengyong , Gao Lixin
Published: April 2014

This paper investigates the finite-time consensus problem of leader-following multiagent systems. The dynamical models for all following agents and the leader are assumed the same general form of linear system, and the interconnection topology among the agents is assumed to be switching and undirected. We mostly consider the continuous-time case. By assuming that the states of neighbouring agents are known to each agent, a sufficient condition is established for finite-time consensus via a neighbor-based state feedback protocol. While the states of neighbouring agents cannot be available and only the outputs of neighbouring agents can be accessed, the distributed observer-based consensus protocol is proposed for each following agent. A sufficient condition is provided in terms of linear matrix inequalities to design the observer-based consensus protocol, which makes the multiagent systems achieve finite-time consensus under switching topologies. Then, we discuss the counterparts for discrete-time case. Finally, we provide an illustrative example to show the effectiveness of the design approach.
Extensive Cortical Diffusion Restriction in a 50-Year-Old Female with Hyperammonemic Encephalopathy and Status Epilepticus
Authors: de Havenon Adam , French Kris , Ansari Safdar
Published: April 2014

Comorbid hyperammonemic encephalopathy (HE) and status epilepticus (SE) leading to extensive cortical diffusion restriction (CDR) on MRI have not been previously reported. We describe a patient with HE who subsequently developed provoked SE. Sequential MRIs demonstrated a progressive CDR that involved the entire bilateral supratentorial cortex, thalami, and basal ganglia, resulting in death from cerebral edema and brain herniation. Diffuse CDR is most frequently seen after hypotension or hypoxia, which our patient did not experience. Such findings have also been described in both HE and SE (Milligan et al. (2009), Chatzikonstantinou et al. (2011), U-King-Im et al. (2011), and Bindu et al. (2009)), but not to the extent seen in our patient. Additionally, our patient had distinct radiologic features of both disease processes, suggesting a cumulative effect. The diagnosis of HE and SE in the setting of extensive CDR should not be missed and could lead to improved outcomes for two progressive, malignant, and treatable illnesses that can be easily overlooked.
MicroRNAs Involved in the Lipid Metabolism and Their Possible Implications for Atherosclerosis Development and Treatment
Authors: Novák Jan , Bienertová-Vašků Julie , Kára Tomáš , Novák Miroslav
Published: April 2014

Hyperlipidemia is a well-accepted risk factor in the development of atherosclerosis. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), a novel class of posttranscriptional regulators of gene expression, are involved in a variety of biological and pathological processes, including the regulation of the lipid metabolism and atherosclerosis. As our knowledge of miRNAs expands, a new class of “circulating miRNAs” has recently been described. It includes miRNAs which may be found in various bodily fluids packaged in microvesicles/exosomes, or bound to specific transporting proteins. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) particles have been identified as one such carrier. As this class of miRNAs likely plays a role in intercellular communication, it may also contribute to the atherosclerosis development and progression. This review aims to provide a comprehensive explanation of the roles of distinct miRNAs involved in the regulation of the lipid metabolism. These microRNAs seem to be promising therapeutic agents, as documented in rodents and African green monkeys. The second part of the review focuses on circulating miRNAs and their involvement in the atherosclerosis, especially as their levels have been described as altered in patients with dyslipidemia/hyperlipidemia. Special emphasis is placed on miRNAs transported in a complex with HDL particles and on those which may be considered potential atherosclerosis biomarkers.
Autonomous Robust Skill Generation Using Reinforcement Learning with Plant Variation
Authors: Senda Kei , Tani Yurika
Published: April 2014

This paper discusses an autonomous space robot for a truss structure assembly using some reinforcement learning. It is difficult for a space robot to complete contact tasks within a real environment, for example, a peg-in-hole task, because of error between the real environment and the controller model. In order to solve problems, we propose an autonomous space robot able to obtain proficient and robust skills by overcoming error to complete a task. The proposed approach develops skills by reinforcement learning that considers plant variation, that is, modeling error. Numerical simulations and experiments show the proposed method is useful in real environments.
Some Properties on Complex Functional Difference Equations
Authors: Huang Zhi-Bo , Zhang Ran-Ran
Published: April 2014

We obtain some results on the transcendental meromorphic solutions of complex functional difference equations of the form∑λ∈Iαλ(z)(∏j=0nf(z+cj)λj)=R(z,f∘p)=((a0(z)+a1(z)(f∘p)+ ⋯ +as(z) (f∘p)s)/(b0(z)+b1(z)(f∘p)+ ⋯ +bt(z)(f∘p)t)), whereIis a finite set of multi-indexesλ=(λ0,λ1,…,λn),c0=0,cj∈ℂ∖{0} (j=1,2,…,n)are distinct complex constants,p(z)is a polynomial, andαλ(z)  (λ∈I),ai(z)  (i=0,1,…,s), andbj(z)  (j=0,1,…,t)are small meromorphic functions relative tof(z). We further investigate the above functional difference equation which has special type if its solution has Borel exceptional zero and pole.
PCR-Based Detection ofBabesia ovisinRhipicephalus bursaand Small Ruminants
Authors: Esmaeilnejad Bijan , Tavassoli Mousa , Asri-Rezaei Siamak , Dalir-Naghadeh Bahram , Mardani Karim , Jalilzadeh-Amin Ghader , Golabi Mostafa , Arjmand Jafar
Published: April 2014

This study aimed to assess the prevalence ofBabesia ovisinfection in adultRhipicephalus bursaand small ruminants in West Azerbaijan province, Iran. Blood samples were collected from 280 sheep and 122 goats of forty randomly selected flocks. SpecificB. ovisfragment was detected in 67 animals (16.7%), of which 52 animals (18.6%) were sheep and 15 animals (12.2%) goats (P<0.05). Of the 848R. bursacollected from naturally infested small ruminants and farm dogs,Babesia oviswas detected by PCR in salivary glands of 94 adult ticks. The frequency ofB. ovisinfection was higher in flocks with tick in comparison with animals without tick (P<0.05). Positive amplification from blood of ruminants, ticks, oviposition ticks, eggs, and larvae was subjected to restriction digestion withHphI. One RFLP profile was produced. The PCR-RFLP results indicated that one strain ofB. ovisexists in this area. The results showed that the PCR was useful method to investigate the epidemiology of small ruminants’ babesiosis. Furthermore,R. Bursa, which can transovarially transmitB. ovisand as well as being widely distributed in West Azerbaijan province, Iran, might play an important role in the field as a natural vector ofB. ovis.
Oxidative Stress Indicators in Patients with Prostate Disorders in Enugu, South-East Nigeria
Authors: Duru Romanda , Njoku Obioma , Maduka Ignatius
Published: April 2014

Depletion of cellular antioxidants can result from free radical formation due to normal endogenous reactions and the ingestion of exogenous substances and environmental factors. The levels of reactive oxygen species-(ROS-) scavenging enzymes such as SOD and glutathione peroxidase have been shown to be significantly altered in malignant cells and in primary cancer tissues. The aim of this study was to determine the antioxidant status of patients with prostate disorders in South-East Nigeria to ascertain the possible role of depletion of antioxidants in prostatic degeneration. 104 subjects made up of 40 PCa patients, 32 with BPH, and 32 controls participated in this study. The levels of superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, vitamin C, and vitamin E were estimated using standard procedures. The results show that both the BPH and PCa patients had a significant decrease (P<0.05) in GPX, SOD, vitamin C, and vitamin E levels compared to the control subjects. However, there was also a significant decrease (P<0.05) in SOD and vitamin C levels in PCa patients when compared with the BPH group. This indicates that patients with BPH and prostate cancer have decreased antioxidant status and may benefit from micronutrient supplementation.
Mercury, Autoimmunity, and Environmental Factors on Cheyenne River Sioux Tribal Lands
Authors: Ong Jennifer , Erdei Esther , Rubin Robert L. , Miller Curtis , Ducheneaux Carlyle , O’Leary Marcia , Pacheco Bernadette , Mahler Michael , Henderson Patricia Nez , Pollard K. Michael , Lewis Johnnye L.
Published: April 2014

Mercury (Hg), shown to induce autoimmune disease in rodents, is a ubiquitous toxicant throughout Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe (CRST) lands. CRST members may be exposed to Hg through fish consumption (FC), an important component of native culture that may supplement household subsistence. Our goals were to ascertain whether total blood Hg levels (THg) reflect Hg exposure through FC and smoking, and determine whether THg is associated with the presence of anti-nuclear antibody (ANA) and specific autoantibodies (sAuAb). We recruited 75 participants who regularly consume fish from CRST waters. Hg exposure through FC and smoking were assessed via questionnaires. Whole blood samples were collected from participants, and THg was measured using ICP-MS. ANA and sAuAb in serum were modeled using demographic and exposure information as predictors. Female gender, age, and FC were significant predictors of THg and sAuAb; self-reported smoking was not. 31% of participants tested positive for ANA ≥ 2+. Although ANA was not significantly associated with Hg, the interactions of gender with Hg and proximity to arsenic deposits were statistically significant(P<0.05). FC resulted in a detectable body burden of Hg, but THg alone did not correlate with the presence of ANA or sAuAb in this population.
Generalized Nonlinear Volterra-Fredholm Type Integral Inequality with Two Variables
Authors: Lu Yusong , Wang Wu-Sheng , Zhou Xiaoliang , Huang Yong
Published: April 2014

We establish a class of new nonlinear retarded Volterra-Fredholm type integral inequalities, with two variables, where known functionwin integral functions in Q.-H. Ma and J. Pečarić, 2008 is changed into the functionsw1,w2. By adopting novel analysis techniques, such as change of variable, amplification method, differential and integration, inverse function, and the dialectical relationship between constants and variables, the upper bounds of the embedded unknown functions are estimated. The derived results can be applied in the study of solutions of ordinary differential equations and integral equations.
A New Approach and Analysis of Modeling the Human Body in RFID-Enabled Body-Centric Wireless Systems
Authors: Koski Karoliina , Björninen Toni , Sydänheimo Lauri , Ukkonen Leena , Rahmat-Samii Yahya
Published: April 2014

Body-centric wireless systems demand wearable sensor and tag antennas that have robust impedance matching and provide enough gain for a reliable wireless communication link. In this paper, we discuss a novel and practical technique for the modeling of the human body in UHF RFID body-centric wireless systems. What makes this technique different is that we base the human model on measured far-field response from a reference tag attached to the human body. Hereby, the human body model accounts for the encountered human body effects on the tag performance. The on-body measurements are fast, which allows establishing a catalog of human body models for different tag locations and human subjects. Such catalog would provide a ready simulation model for a wide range of wireless body-centric applications in order to initiate a functional design. Our results demonstrate that the suggested modeling technique can be used in the design and optimization of wearable antennas for different real-case body-centric scenarios.
Adhesion Properties of Acrylonitrile-Butadiene Rubber/Standard Malaysian Rubber Blend Based Pressure-Sensitive Adhesive
Authors: Poh B. T. , Lamaming J. , Tay G. S.
Published: April 2014

Viscosity and adhesion properties of NBR/SMR L blend based pressure-sensitive adhesive were investigated using coumarone-indene resin, toluene, and poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) as tackifier, solvent, and coating substrate, respectively. Coumarone-indene resin content was fixed at 40 parts per hundred parts of rubber (phr) in the adhesive formulation. The ratio of NBR/SMR L blend used was 0, 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100% of NBR content. Four different thicknesses, that is, 30, 60, 90, and 120 µm, were used to coat the PET film. The viscosity of adhesive was determined by a Brookfield viscometer, whereas loop tack, peel strength, and shear strength were measured using a Lloyd Adhesion Tester operating at 30 cm/min. Result indicates that the viscosity, loop tack, and shear strength of blend adhesives increase with % NBR. However, for peel strength, it indicates a maximum at 40% NBR blend ratio for the three modes of peel tests. In all cases, 120 µm coated sample consistently exhibits the highest adhesion values compared to the other coating thicknesses, an observation which is associated with the higher volume of adhesive in the former system.
On Differential Equations Derived from the Pseudospherical Surfaces
Authors: Yang Hongwei , Wang Xiangrong , Yin Baoshu
Published: April 2014

We construct two metric tensor fields; by means of these metric tensor fields, sinh-Gordon equation and elliptic sinh-Gordon equation are obtained, which describe pseudospherical surfaces of constant negative Riemann curvature scalarσ= −2,σ= −1, respectively. By employing the Bäcklund transformation, nonlinear superposition formulas of sinh-Gordon equation and elliptic sinh-Gordon equation are derived; various new exact solutions of the equations are obtained.
Modeling a Virtual World for the Educational Game Calangos
Authors: Loula Angelo C. , de Castro Leandro N. , Apolinário Antônio L. , da Rocha Pedro L. B. , Carneiro Maria da Conceição L. , Reis Vanessa Perpétua G. S. , Machado Ricardo F. , Sepulveda Claudia , El-Hani Charbel N.
Published: April 2014

Ecology plays a central role in biology and deserves special attention in scientific education. Nonetheless, the teaching and learning of ecology face a number of difficulties. In order to tackle these difficulties, electronic games have recently been used to mediate ecology learning. This paper presents an electronic game that fulfills these gaps in order to make the students’ work with ecological concepts more concrete, active, and systematic. The paper presents the computational model of the ecological system included in the game, based on a real ecological case, a sand dune ecosystem located in the semiarid Caatinga biome, namely, the sand dunes of the middle São Francisco River, in the state of Bahia, Brazil. It includes various ecological relationships between endemic lizards and the physical environment, preys, predators, cospecifics, and plants. The engine of the game simulates the physical conditions of the ecosystem (dune topography and climate conditions with their circadian and circannual cycles), its biota (plant species and animal species), and ecological relationships (predator-prey encounters, cospecific relationships). We also present results from one classroom study of a teaching sequence structured around Calangos, which showed positive outcomes regarding high school students’ understanding of thermal regulation in ectothermic animals.
Adaptive Backstepping Sliding‐Mode Control of the Electronic Throttle System in Modern Automobiles
Authors: Bai Rui , Tong Shaocheng
Published: April 2014

In modern automobiles, electronic throttle is a DC‐motor‐driven valve that regulates air inflow into the vehicle’s combustion system. The electronic throttle is increasingly being used in order to improve the vehicle drivability, fuel economy, and emissions. Electronic throttle system has the nonlinear dynamical characteristics with the unknown disturbance and parameters. At first, the dynamical nonlinear model of the electronic throttle is built in this paper. Based on the model and using the backstepping design technique, a new adaptive backstepping sliding‐mode controller of the electronic throttle is developed. During the backstepping design process, parameter adaptive law is designed to estimate the unknown parameter, and sliding‐mode control term is applied to compensate the unknown disturbance. The proposed controller can make the actual angle of the electronic throttle track its set point with the satisfactory performance. Finally, a computer simulation is performed, and simulation results verify that the proposed control method can achieve favorable tracking performance.
Safety Comprehensive Evaluation of Spacecraft Assembly Process Based on Grey-Fuzzy Method
Authors: Tian Jin , Fu Ju
Published: April 2014

Multilevel evaluation indicator system for spacecraft assembly safety was built, considering six aspects: operators, process equipment, operating environment, operation types, objects to be operated, and emergency measures. Based on that, a grey-fuzzy comprehensive evaluation approach was proposed to support the spacecraft assembly safety evaluation. In the approach, analytic hierarchy process and grey degree were applied to construct weight matrix, and the principle with which the appropriate memberships could be determined was taken as a basis for creation of grey-fuzzy comprehensive evaluation matrix. The docking assembly, a typical stage in spacecraft assembly process, was taken as the case study to evaluate its safety level by the proposed grey-fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method, and it was confirmed that the result is coherent with the reality of the accident statistics. The evaluation results can be utilized as a technical basis for developing safety and protective measures, perfecting risk management, and furthermore lowering the risk to minimize economic loss and behind-schedule of project.
Evaluation of the Pattern of EPIYA Motifs in the Helicobacter pylori cagA Gene of Patients with Gastritis and Gastric Adenocarcinoma from the Brazilian Amazon Region
Authors: Vilar e Silva Adenielson , Junior Mario Ribeiro da Silva , Vinagre Ruth Maria Dias Ferreira , Santos Kemper Nunes , da Costa Renata Aparecida Andrade , Fecury Amanda Alves , Quaresma Juarez Antônio Simões , Martins Luisa Caricio
Published: April 2014

The Helicobacter pylori is associated with the development of different diseases. The clinical outcome of infection may be associated with the cagA bacterial genotype. The aim of this study was to determine the EPIYA patterns of strains isolated from patients with gastritis and gastric adenocarcinoma and correlate these patterns with the histopathological features. Gastric biopsy samples were selected from 384 patients infected with H. pylori, including 194 with chronic gastritis and 190 with gastric adenocarcinoma. The presence of the cagA gene and the EPIYA motif was determined by PCR. The cagA gene was more prevalent in patients with gastric cancer and was associated with a higher degree of inflammation, neutrophil activity, and development of intestinal metaplasia. The number of EPIYA-C repeats showed a significant association with an increased risk of gastric carcinoma (OR = 3.79, 95% CI = 1.92–7.46, and P=0.002). A larger number of EPIYA-C motifs were also associated with intestinal metaplasia. In the present study, infection with H. pylori strains harboring more than one EPIYA-C motif in the cagA gene was associated with the development of intestinal metaplasia and gastric adenocarcinoma but not with neutrophil activity or degree of inflammation.
Hybrid Algorithms for Fuzzy Reverse Supply Chain Network Design
Authors: Che Z. H. , Chiang Tzu-An , Kuo Y. C. , Cui Zhihua
Published: April 2014

In consideration of capacity constraints, fuzzy defect ratio, and fuzzy transport loss ratio, this paper attempted to establish an optimized decision model for production planning and distribution of a multiphase, multiproduct reverse supply chain, which addresses defects returned to original manufacturers, and in addition, develops hybrid algorithms such as Particle Swarm Optimization-Genetic Algorithm (PSO-GA), Genetic Algorithm-Simulated Annealing (GA-SA), and Particle Swarm Optimization-Simulated Annealing (PSO-SA) for solving the optimized model. During a case study of a multi-phase, multi-product reverse supply chain network, this paper explained the suitability of the optimized decision model and the applicability of the algorithms. Finally, the hybrid algorithms showed excellent solving capability when compared with original GA and PSO methods.
Bilayer Graphene Application on NO2 Sensor Modelling
Authors: Akbari Elnaz , Yusof R. , Ahmadi M. T. , Enzevaee A. , Kiani M. J. , Karimi H. , Rahmani M.
Published: April 2014

Graphene is one of the carbon allotropes which is a single atom thin layer with sp2 hybridized and two‐dimensional (2D) honeycomb structure of carbon. As an outstanding material exhibiting unique mechanical, electrical, and chemical characteristics including high strength, high conductivity, and high surface area, graphene has earned a remarkable position in today’s experimental and theoretical studies as well as industrial applications. One such application incorporates the idea of using graphene to achieve accuracy and higher speed in detection devices utilized in cases where gas sensing is required. Although there are plenty of experimental studies in this field, the lack of analytical models is felt deeply. To start with modelling, the field effect transistor‐ (FET‐) based structure has been chosen to serve as the platform and bilayer graphene density of state variation effect by NO2 injection has been discussed. The chemical reaction between graphene and gas creates new carriers in graphene which cause density changes and eventually cause changes in the carrier velocity. In the presence of NO2 gas, electrons are donated to the FET channel which is employed as a sensing mechanism. In order to evaluate the accuracy of the proposed models, the results obtained are compared with the existing experimental data and acceptable agreement is reported.
Soft Congruence Relations over Rings
Authors: Xin Xiaolong , Li Wenting
Published: April 2014

Molodtsov introduced the concept of soft sets, which can be seen as a new mathematical tool for dealing with uncertainty. In this paper, we initiate the study of soft congruence relations by using the soft set theory. The notions of soft quotient rings, generalized soft ideals and generalized soft quotient rings, are introduced, and several related properties are investigated. Also, we obtain a one-to-one correspondence between soft congruence relations and idealistic soft rings and a one-to-one correspondence between soft congruence relations and soft ideals. In particular, the first, second, and third soft isomorphism theorems are established, respectively.
Application of an Optimized HPLC Method for the Detection of Various Phenolic Compounds in Apples from Lithuanian Cultivars
Authors: Liaudanskas Mindaugas , Viškelis Pranas , Jakštas Valdas , Raudonis Raimondas , Kviklys Darius , Milašius Arvydas , Janulis Valdimaras
Published: April 2014

A specific analytical procedure including sample preparation and HPLC analysis was developed and validated for the detection of phenolic compounds in the samples of different apples from popular Lithuanian cultivars “Aldas,” “Auksis,” “Ligol,” and “Šampion.” The conditions for phenol extraction were optimized: the solvent of the extraction was 70% (v/v) ethanol, and the extraction was performed in an ultrasound bath for 20 min at the temperature of 40°C. The HPLC mobile phase consisted of 2% (v/v) acetic acid in water and 100% (v/v) acetonitrile. Using the HPLC technique, 11 analytes were identified, and their specificity was confirmed: procyanidin B1, (+)-catechin, chlorogenic acid, procyanidin B2, (−)-epicatechin, rutin, hyperoside, isoquercitrin, avicularin, quercitrin, and phloridzin. Chlorogenic acid was the major component in “Aldas,” “Auksis,” and “Ligol” and procyanidin B2 in “Šampion.” Hyperoside and avicularin were the dominant compounds of all the identified quercetin derivatives in “Aldas” and “Auksis;” hyperoside in “Šampion;” and quercitrin in “Ligol.” The total content of phenolic compounds varied from 1641.0 ± 47.9 μg/g (cv. “Ligol”) to 4291.3 ± 154.2 μg/g (cv. “Aldas”).