bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Potential Mitochondrial Isocitrate Dehydrogenase R140Q Mutant Inhibitor from Traditional Chinese Medicine against Cancers
Authors: Lee Wen-Yuan , Chen Kuan-Chung , Chen Hsin-Yi , Chen Calvin Yu-Chian
Published: June 2014

A recent research of cancer has indicated that the mutant of isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 and 2 (IDH1and2) genes will induce various cancers, including chondrosarcoma, cholangiocarcinomas, and acute myelogenous leukemia due to the effect of point mutations in the active-site arginine residues of isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH), such as IDH1/R132, IDH2/R140, and IDH2/R172. As the inhibition for those tumor-associated mutant IDH proteins may induce differentiation of those cancer cells, these tumor-associated mutant IDH proteins can be treated as a drug target proteins for a differentiation therapy against cancers. In this study, we aim to identify the potent TCM compounds from the TCM Database@Taiwan as lead compounds of IDH2 R140Q mutant inhibitor. Comparing to the IDH2 R140Q mutant protein inhibitor, AGI-6780, the top two TCM compounds, precatorine and abrine, have higher binding affinities with target protein in docking simulation. After MD simulation, the top two TCM compounds remain as the same docking poses under dynamic conditions. In addition, precatorine is extracted fromAbrus precatoriusL., which represents the cytotoxic and proapoptotic effects for breast cancer and several tumor lines. Hence, we propose the TCM compounds, precatorine and abrine, as potential candidates as lead compounds for further study in drug development process with the IDH2 R140Q mutant protein against cancer.
Computer Game Use and Television Viewing Increased Risk for Overweight among Low Activity Girls: Fourth Thai National Health Examination Survey 2008-2009
Authors: Mo-suwan Ladda , Nontarak Jiraluck , Aekplakorn Wichai , Satheannoppakao Warapone
Published: June 2014

Studies of the relationship between sedentary behaviors and overweight among children and adolescents show mixed results. The fourth Thai National Health Examination Survey data collected between 2008 and 2009 were used to explore this association in 5,999 children aged 6 to 14 years. The prevalence of overweight defined by the age- and gender-specific body mass index cut-points of the International Obesity Task Force was 16%. Using multiple logistic regression, computer game use for more than 1 hour a day was found to be associated with an increased risk of overweight (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 1.4; 95% confidence interval: 1.02–1.93). The effect of computer game use and TV viewing on the risk for overweight was significantly pronounced among girls who spent ≤3 days/week in 60 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity (AOR = 1.99 and 1.72, resp.). On the contrary, these sedentary behaviors did not exert significant risk for overweight among boys. The moderating effect on risk of overweight by physical inactivity and media use should be taken into consideration in designing the interventions for overweight control in children and adolescents. Tracking societal changes is essential for identification of potential areas for targeted interventions.
Indole Alkaloids from Marine Sources as Potential Leads against Infectious Diseases
Authors: França Paulo H. B. , Barbosa Daniel P. , da Silva Daniel L. , Ribeiro Êurica A. N. , Santana Antônio E. G. , Santos Bárbara V. O. , Barbosa-Filho José M. , Quintans Jullyana S. S. , Barreto Rosana S. S. , Quintans-Júnior Lucindo J. , Araújo-Júnior João X. de
Published: June 2014

Indole alkaloids comprise a large and complex class of natural products found in a variety of marine sources. Infectious diseases remain a major threat to public health, and in the absence of long-term protective vaccines, the control of these infectious diseases is based on a small number of chemotherapeutic agents. Furthermore, the emerging resistance against these drugs makes it urgently necessary to discover and develop new, safe and, effective anti-infective agents. In this regard, the aim of this review is to highlight indole alkaloids from marine sources which have been shown to demonstrate activity against infectious diseases.
Color Rendering Index Thermal Stability Improvement of Glass-Based Phosphor-Converted White Light-Emitting Diodes for Solid-State Lighting
Authors: Tsai Chun-Chin
Published: June 2014

High color rendering index performance has been required for phosphor-converted warm-white light-emitting diodes (PC-WWLEDs) in lighting industry. The characteristics of low-temperature fabricated phosphor (yellow: Ce3+:YAG, green: Tb3+:YAG, and red: CaAlClSiN3:Eu2+) doped glass were presented for applications to high color rendering index warm-white-light-emitting diodes. Color coordinates (x, y) = (0.36, 0.29), quantum yield (QY) = 55.6%, color rending index (CRI) = 85.3, and correlated color temperature (CCT) = 3923 K were characterized. Glass-based PC-WWLEDs was found able to maintain good thermal stability for long-time high-temperature operation. QY decay, CRI remenance, and chromaticity shift were also analyzed for glass- and silicone-based high-power PC-WLEDs by thermal aging at 150°C and 250°C for industrial test standard’s aging time 1008 hours. Better than the silicone’s, thermal stability of glass-based PC-WLEDs has been improved. The resulted high color rendering index (CRI) glass phosphor potentially can be used as a phosphor layer for high-performance and low-cost PC-WLEDs used in next-generation indoor solid-state lighting applications.
Applying Different Independent Component Analysis Algorithms and Support Vector Regression for IT Chain Store Sales Forecasting
Authors: Dai Wensheng , Wu Jui-Yu , Lu Chi-Jie
Published: June 2014

Sales forecasting is one of the most important issues in managing information technology (IT) chain store sales since an IT chain store has many branches. Integrating feature extraction method and prediction tool, such as support vector regression (SVR), is a useful method for constructing an effective sales forecasting scheme. Independent component analysis (ICA) is a novel feature extraction technique and has been widely applied to deal with various forecasting problems. But, up to now, only the basic ICA method (i.e., temporal ICA model) was applied to sale forecasting problem. In this paper, we utilize three different ICA methods including spatial ICA (sICA), temporal ICA (tICA), and spatiotemporal ICA (stICA) to extract features from the sales data and compare their performance in sales forecasting of IT chain store. Experimental results from a real sales data show that the sales forecasting scheme by integrating stICA and SVR outperforms the comparison models in terms of forecasting error. The stICA is a promising tool for extracting effective features from branch sales data and the extracted features can improve the prediction performance of SVR for sales forecasting.
Organic Light-Emitting Diode with Color Tunable between Bluish-White Daylight and Orange-White Dusk Hue
Authors: Liao Shih-Yun , Kumar Sudhir , Yu Hui-Huan , An Chih-Chia , Wang Ya-Chi , Lin Jhong-Wei , Wang Yung-Lee , Liu Yung-Chun , Wu Chun-Long , Jou Jwo-Huei
Published: June 2014

The varying color of sunlight diurnally exhibits an important effect on circadian rhythm of living organisms. The bluish-white daylight that is suitable for work shows a color temperature as high as 9,000 K, while the homey orange-white dusk hue is as low as 2,000 K. We demonstrate in this report the feasibility of using organic light-emitting diode (OLED) technology to fabricate sunlight-style illumination with a very wide color temperature range. The color temperature can be tuned from 2,300 K to 9,300 K, for example, by changing the applied voltage from 3 to 11 V for the device composing red and yellow emitters in the first emissive layer and blue emitter in the second. Unlike the prior arts, the color-temperature span can be made much wider without any additional carrier modulation layer, which should enable a more cost effective fabrication. For example, the color-temperature span is 7,000 K for the above case, while it is 1,700 K upon the incorporation of a nanoscale hole modulation layer in between the two emissive layers. The reason why the present device can effectively regulate the shifting of recombination zone is because the first emissive layer itself possesses an effective hole modulation barrier of 0.2 eV. This also explains why the incorporation of an extra hole modulation layer with a 0.7 eV barrier did not help extend the desirable color-temperature span since excessive holes may be blocked.
Analysis on the Behavior of Nonpropagating Fatigue Cracks under Steep Stress Gradients
Authors: Wu Hao , Lu Qiuying
Published: June 2014

A mechanism for the formation of nonpropagating fatigue cracks ahead of a notch root is presented. The stress gradients near the elongated notch root along with the propagation of short crack and the resulting nonpropagating crack lengthsanpcare estimated. The local stress which is higher than the unnotched material fatigue limitS0initiates the crack from a notch root and local steep stress gradient as a very important element leads to the nonpropagating crack. The value ofanpcdepends on the material properties, and specimen geometry as well as applied loading. The characteristic size of the short cracka0which depends on the material properties associates with the fatigue stress concentration factorKf. The estimated values ofanpcare in fairly good agreement with the experimental values available.
Evaluation of Antibody Response to Various Developmental Stage Specific Somatic Antigens ofParamphistomum epiclitumin Goats
Authors: Jyoti  , Prasad A. , Singh Nirbhay Kumar
Published: June 2014

Electrophoretic analysis of various developmental stage specific somatic antigens ofParamphistomum epiclitum(Digenea: Paramphistomidae), namely, metacercariae (McAg), immature intestinal flukes (ImIAg), immature ruminal flukes (ImRAg), and adult flukes (AAg), was done by native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Result revealed presence of 3 (range 15.2–40.3 kDa), 13 (9.3–121.2 kDa), 14 (9.3–169.3 kDa), and 15 (8.0–169.3 kDa) polypeptides in McAg, ImIAg, ImRAg, and AAg, respectively. With an aim to identify a suitable immunodiagnostic antigen for early diagnosis of amphistomosis, the IgG antibody response to various developmental stage antigens in goats experimentally infected with metacercariae ofP. epiclitumwas evaluated by ELISA. The highest OD values were recorded with ImIAg which ranged between 0.23 and 0.55 with a significant increase from the 2nd week till 8th week of infection with a peak at 6th week. The analysis of statistical significance using a one-way analysis of variance with multiple pair wise comparisons revealed that IgG response was significantly higher with all antigens (P<0.01) except McAg (P>0.05) with a maximum mean difference of 0.1838 in comparison to control with ImIAg, thus, indicating that ImIAg which could be further exploited for its potential is a candidate for immunodiagnostic antigen for early diagnosis of amphistomosis.
Observation of the Starting and Low Speed Behavior of Small Horizontal Axis Wind Turbine
Authors: Khan Sikandar , Shah Kamran , Izhar-Ul-Haq  , Khan Hamid , Ali Sajid , Ahmad Naveed , Abid Muhammad , Ali Haider , Ihsanullah  , Sher Mazhar
Published: June 2014

This paper describes the starting behavior of small horizontal axis wind turbines at high angles of attack and low Reynolds number. The unfavorable relative wind direction during the starting time leads to low starting torque and more idling time. Wind turbine models of sizes less than 5 meters were simulated at wind speed range of 2 m/s to 5 m/s. Wind turbines were modeled in Pro/E and based on the optimized designs given by MATLAB codes. Wind turbine models were simulated in ADAMS for improving the starting behavior. The models with high starting torques and less idling times were selected. The starting behavior was successfully improved and the optimized wind turbine models were able to produce more starting torque even at wind speeds less than 5 m/s.
Age Estimation Based on Children’s Voice: A Fuzzy-Based Decision Fusion Strategy
Authors: Mirhassani Seyed Mostafa , Zourmand Alireza , Ting Hua-Nong
Published: June 2014

Automatic estimation of a speaker’s age is a challenging research topic in the area of speech analysis. In this paper, a novel approach to estimate a speaker’s age is presented. The method features a “divide and conquer” strategy wherein the speech data are divided into six groups based on the vowel classes. There are two reasons behind this strategy. First, reduction in the complicated distribution of the processing data improves the classifier’s learning performance. Second, different vowel classes contain complementary information for age estimation. Mel-frequency cepstral coefficients are computed for each group and single layer feed-forward neural networks based on self-adaptive extreme learning machine are applied to the features to make a primary decision. Subsequently, fuzzy data fusion is employed to provide an overall decision by aggregating the classifier’s outputs. The results are then compared with a number of state-of-the-art age estimation methods. Experiments conducted based on six age groups including children aged between 7 and 12 years revealed that fuzzy fusion of the classifier’s outputs resulted in considerable improvement of up to 53.33% in age estimation accuracy. Moreover, the fuzzy fusion of decisions aggregated the complementary information of a speaker’s age from various speech sources.
Profit Optimization in SLA‐Aware Cloud Services with a Finite Capacity Queuing Model
Authors: Chiang Yi-Ju , Ouyang Yen-Chieh
Published: June 2014

Cloud computing realizes a utility computing paradigm by offering shared resources through an Internet‐based computing. However, how a system control can enhance profit and simultaneously satisfy the service level agreements (SLAs) has become one of the major interests for cloud providers. In this paper, a cloud server farm provided with finite capacity is modeled as an M/M/R/K queuing system. Revenue losses are estimated according to the system controls and impatient customer behaviors. Three important issues are solved in this paper. First, a profit function is developed in which both the system blocking loss and the user abandonment loss are evaluated in total revenue. A tradeoff between meeting system performances and reducing operating costs is conducted. Second, the effects of system capacity control and utilization on various performances of waiting time, loss probability, and final arrival rate are demonstrated. Finally, the proposed optimal profit control (OPC) policy allows a cloud provider to make the optimal decision in the number of servers and system capacity, so as to maximize profit. As compared to a system without applying the OPC policy, enhancing providers’ profit and improving system performances can be obtained.
Polyethylene Glycol Electrolyte Lavage Solution versus Colonic Hydrotherapy for Bowel Preparation before Colonoscopy: A Single Center, Randomized, and Controlled Study
Authors: Cao Yan , Zhang Kai-Yuan , Li Jiao , Lu Hao , Xie Wan-Ling , Liao Sheng-Tao , Chen Dong-Feng , Zeng Deng-Feng , Lan Chun-Hui
Published: June 2014

This single center, randomized, and controlled study aimed to compare the effectiveness and safety of polyethylene glycol electrolyte lavage (PEG-EL) solution and colonic hydrotherapy (CHT) for bowel preparation before colonoscopy. A total of 196 eligible outpatients scheduled for diagnostic colonoscopy were randomly assigned to the PEG-EL (n=102) or CHT (n=94) groups. Primary outcome measures included colonic cleanliness and adverse effects. Secondary outcome measures were patient satisfaction and preference, colonoscopic findings, ileocecal arrival rate, examiner satisfaction, and cecal intubation time. The results show that PEG-EL group was associated with significantly better colonic cleanliness than CHT group, fewer adverse effects, and increased examiner satisfaction. However, the CHT group had higher patient satisfaction and higher diverticulosis detection rates. Moreover, the results showed the same ileocecal arrival rate and patient preference between the two groups (P>0.05). These findings indicate that PEG-EL is the preferred option in patients who followed the preparation instructions completely.
Frames of Eigenfunctions Associated with a Boundary Value Problem
Authors: Vashisht L. K. , Sharma Shalu
Published: June 2014

We introduce and study a redundant system of retro Banach frames consisting of eigenfunctions associated with a given boundary value problem.
Upper Bound of Second Hankel Determinant for Certain Subclasses of Analytic Functions
Authors: Liu Ming-Sheng , Xu Jun-Feng , Yang Ming
Published: June 2014

In this present investigation, we first give a survey of the work done so far in this area of Hankel determinant for univalent functions. Then the upper bounds of the second Hankel determinant|a2a4−a32|for functions belonging to the subclassesS(α,β),K(α,β),Ss∗(α,β), andKs(α,β)of analytic functions are studied. Some of the results, presented in this paper, would extend the corresponding results of earlier authors.
Structural Analysis and Total Coal Demand Forecast in China
Authors: Zhu Qing , Zhang Zhongyu , Li Rongyao , Lai Kin Keung , Wang Shouyang , Chai Jian
Published: June 2014

Considering the speedy growth of industrialization and urbanization in China and the continued rise of coal consumption, this paper identifies factors that have impacted coal consumption in 1985–2011. After extracting the core factors, the Bayesian vector autoregressive forecast model is constructed, with variables that include coal consumption, the gross value of industrial output, and the downstream industry output (cement, crude steel, and thermal power). The impulse response function and variance decomposition are applied to portray the dynamic correlations between coal consumption and economic variables. Then for analyzing structural changes of coal consumption, the exponential smoothing model is also established, based on division of seven sectors. The results show that the structure of coal consumption underwent significant changes during the past 30 years. Consumption of both household sector and transport, storage, and post sectors continues to decline; consumption of wholesale and retail trade and hotels and catering services sectors presents a fluctuating and improving trend; and consumption of industry sector is still high. The gross value of industrial output and the downstream industry output have been promoting coal consumption growth for a long time. In 2015 and 2020, total coal demand is expected to reach 2746.27 and 4041.68 million tons of standard coal in China.
The Cuntz Comparison in the StandardC*-Algebra
Authors: Fang Xiaochun , Sze Nung-Sing , Xu Xiao-Ming
Published: June 2014

The Cuntz comparison, introduced by Cuntz in early 1978, associates eachC*-algebra with an abelian semigroup which is an invariant for the classification of the nuclearC*-algebras and called the Cuntz semigroup. In this paper, we study the Cuntz comparison in the standardC*-algebra. We characterize the Cuntz comparison in terms of the dimension of the operator range. Also, we consider the structure of the semilinear map which preserves the Cuntz comparison.
ZEQoS: A New Energy and QoS-Aware Routing Protocol for Communication of Sensor Devices in Healthcare System
Authors: Khan Zahoor Ali , Sivakumar Shyamala , Phillips William , Robertson Bill
Published: June 2014

This paper proposes a novel integrated energy and QoS-aware routing protocol with the considerations of energy, end-to-end latency, and reliability requirements of body area network (BAN) communication. The proposed routing protocol, called ZEQoS, introduces two main modules (MAC layer and network layer) and three algorithms (neighbor table constructor, routing table constructor, and path selector). To handle ordinary packets (OPs), delay-sensitive packets (DSPs), and reliability-sensitive packets (RSPs), the new mechanism first calculates the communication costs, end-to-end path delays, and end-to-end path reliabilities of all possible paths from a source to destination. The protocol then selects the best possible path(s) for OPs, RSPs, and DSPs by considering their QoS requirement. Extensive simulations using OMNeT++ based simulator Castalia 3.2 demonstrate that the performance of the proposed integrated algorithm is satisfactory when tested on a real hospital scenario, and all data types including OPs, DSPs, and RSPs are used as offered traffic. Simulations also show that the ZEQoS also offers better performance in terms of higher throughput, less packets dropped on MAC and network layers, and lower network traffic than comparable protocols including DMQoS and noRouting.
Unmet Need for Family Planning in Nepal during the First Two Years Postpartum
Authors: Mehata Suresh , Paudel Yuba Raj , Mehta Ranju , Dariang Maureen , Poudel Pradeep , Barnett Sarah
Published: June 2014

Contraceptive use during the postpartum period is critical for maternal and child health. However, little is known about the use of family planning and the determinants in Nepal during this period. This study explored pregnancy spacing, unmet need, family planning use, and fertility behaviour among postpartum women in Nepal using child level data from the Nepal Demographic and Health Surveys 2011. More than one-quarter of women who gave birth in the last five years became pregnant within 24 months of giving birth and 52% had an unmet need for family planning within 24 months postpartum. Significantly higher rates of unmet need were found among rural and hill residents, the poorest quintile, and Muslims. Despite wanting to space or limit pregnancies, nonuse of modern family planning methods by women and returned fertility increased the risk of unintended pregnancy. High unmet need for family planning in Nepal, especially in high risk groups, indicates the need for more equitable and higher quality postpartum family planning services, including availability of range of methods and counselling which will help to further reduce maternal, perinatal, and neonatal morbidity and mortality in Nepal.
Water Demand Forecast in the Baiyangdian Basin with the Extensive and Low-Carbon Economic Modes
Authors: Qin T. L. , Yan D. H. , Wang G. , Yin J.
Published: June 2014

The extensive and low-carbon economic modes were constructed on the basis of population, urbanization level, economic growth rate, industrial structure, industrial scale, and ecoenvironmental water requirement. The objective of this paper is to quantitatively analyze effects of these two economic modes on regional water demand. Productive and domestic water demands were both derived by their scale and quota. Ecological water calculation involves the water within stream, wetland, and cities and towns. Total water demand of the research region was obtained based on the above three aspects. The research method was applied in the Baiyangdian basin. Results showed that total water demand with the extensive economic mode would increase by 1.27 billion m3, 1.53 billion m3, and 2.16 billion m3in 2015, 2020, and 2030, respectively, compared with that with low-carbon mode.
Ambient Vibration Tests of an Arch Dam with Different Reservoir Water Levels: Experimental Results and Comparison with Finite Element Modelling
Authors: Calcina Sergio Vincenzo , Eltrudis Laura , Piroddi Luca , Ranieri Gaetano
Published: June 2014

This paper deals with the ambient vibration tests performed in an arch dam in two different working conditions in order to assess the effect produced by two different reservoir water levels on the structural vibration properties. The study consists of an experimental part and a numerical part. The experimental tests were carried out in two different periods of the year, at the beginning of autumn (October 2012) and at the end of winter (March 2013), respectively. The measurements were performed using a fast technique based on asynchronous records of microtremor time-series. In-contact single-station measurements were done by means of one single high resolution triaxial tromometer and two low-frequency seismometers, placed in different points of the structure. The Standard Spectral Ratio method has been used to evaluate the natural frequencies of vibration of the structure. A 3D finite element model of the arch dam-reservoir-foundation system has been developed to verify analytically determined vibration properties, such as natural frequencies and mode shapes, and their changes linked to water level with the experimental results.
Gap Phenomenon of an Abstract Willmore Type Functional of Hypersurface in Unit Sphere
Authors: Zhu Yanqi , Liu Jin , Wu Guohua
Published: June 2014

For ann-dimensional hypersurface in unit sphere, we introduce an abstract Willmore type calledWn,F-Willmore functional, which generalizes the well-known classic Willmore functional. Its critical point is called theWn,F-Willmore hypersurface, for which the variational equation and Simons’ type integral equalities are obtained. Moreover, we construct a few examples ofWn,F-Willmore hypersurface and give a gap phenomenon characterization by use of our integral formula.
Effect of Resveratrol on Hematological and Biochemical Alterations in Rats Exposed to Fluoride
Authors: Atmaca Nurgül , Yıldırım Ebru , Güner Bayram , Kabakçı Ruhi , Bilmen Fatih Sultan
Published: June 2014

We investigated the protective effects of resveratrol on hematological and biochemical changes induced by fluoride in rats. A total of 28 rats were divided into 4 groups: control, resveratrol, fluoride, and fluoride/resveratrol(n=7each), for a total of 21 days of treatment. Blood samples were taken and hematological and biochemical parameters were measured. Compared to the control group, the fluoride-treated group showed significant differences in several hematological parameters, including decreases in WBC, RBC, and PLT counts and neutrophil ratio. The group that received resveratrol alone showed a decrease in WBC count compared to the control group. Furthermore, in comparison to the control group, the fluoride group showed significantly increased ALT enzyme activity and decreased inorganic phosphorus level. The hematological and biochemical parameters in the fluoride + resveratrol treated group were similar to control group. In the fluoride + resveratrol group, resveratrol restored the changes observed following fluoride treatment, including decreased counts of WBC, RBC, and PLT, decreased neutrophil ratio and inorganic phosphorus levels, and elevated ALT enzyme activity. The present study showed that fluoride caused adverse effects in rats and that resveratrol reduced hematological and biochemical alterations produced by fluoride exposure.
Increased Incidence of Benign Pancreatic Pathology following Pancreaticoduodenectomy for Presumed Malignancy over 10 Years despite Increased Use of Endoscopic Ultrasound
Authors: Yarandi Shadi S. , Runge Thomas , Wang Lei , Liu Zhijian , Jiang Yueping , Chawla Saurabh , Woods Kevin E. , Keilin Steven , Willingham Field F. , Xu Hong , Cai Qiang
Published: June 2014

Despite using imaging studies, tissue sampling, and serologic tests about 5–10% of surgeries done for presumed pancreatic malignancies will have benign findings on final pathology. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is used with increasing frequency to study pancreatic masses. The aim of this study is to examine the effect of EUS on prevalence of benign diseases undergoing Whipple over the last decade. Patients who underwent Whipple procedure for presumed malignancy at Emory University Hospital from 1998 to 2011 were selected. Demographic data, history of smoking and drinking, history of diabetes and pancreatitis, imaging data, pathology reports, and tumor markers were extracted. 878 patients were found. 95 (10.82%) patients had benign disease. Prevalence of benign finding had increased over the recent years despite using more EUS. Logistic regression models showed that abdominal pain (OR: 5.829, 95% CI 2.681–12.674, P ≤ 0.001) and alcohol abuse (OR: 3.221, CI 95%: 1.362–7.261, P: 0.002) were predictors of benign diseases. Jaundice (OR: 0.221, 95% CI: 0.084–0.58, P: 0.002), mass (OR: 0.145, 95% CI: 0.043–0.485, P: 0.008), and ductal dilation (OR: 0.297, 95% CI 0.134–0.657, P: 0.003) were associated with malignancy. Use of imaging studies, ERCP, and EUS has not decreased the percentage of benign findings after surgery for presumed pancreatic malignancy.
Computational Evidence of NAGNAG Alternative Splicing in Human Large Intergenic Noncoding RNA
Authors: Sun Xiaoyong , Lin Simon M. , Yan Xiaoyan
Published: June 2014

NAGNAG alternative splicing plays an essential role in biological processes and represents a highly adaptable system for posttranslational regulation of gene function. NAGNAG alternative splicing impacts a myriad of biological processes. Previous studies of NAGNAG largely focused on messenger RNA. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study testing the hypothesis that NAGNAG alternative splicing is also operative in large intergenic noncoding RNA (lincRNA). The RNA-seq data sets from recent deep sequencing studies were queried to test our hypothesis. NAGNAG alternative splicing of human lincRNA was identified while querying two independent RNA-seq data sets. Within these datasets, 31 NAGNAG alternative splicing sites were identified in lincRNA. Notably, most exons of lincRNA containing NAGNAG acceptors were longer than those from protein-coding genes. Furthermore, presence of CAG coding appeared to participate in the splice site selection. Finally, expression of the isoforms of NAGNAG lincRNA exhibited tissue specificity. Together, this study improves our understanding of the NAGNAG alternative splicing in lincRNA.
Warifteine, an Alkaloid Purified fromCissampelos sympodialis, Inhibits Neutrophil MigrationIn VitroandIn Vivo
Authors: Lima Thaline F. A. , Rocha Juliana D. B. , Guimarães-Costa Anderson B. , Barbosa-Filho José M. , Decoté-Ricardo Débora , Saraiva Elvira M. , Arruda Luciana B. , Piuvezam Marcia R. , Peçanha Ligia M. T.
Published: June 2014

Cissampelos sympodialisEichl is a plant from the Northeast and Southeast of Brazil. Its root infusion is popularly used for treatment of inflammatory and allergic diseases. We investigated whether warifteine, its main alkaloid, would have anti-inflammatory effect due to a blockage of neutrophil function.In vivowarifteine treatment inhibited casein-induced neutrophil migration to the peritoneal cavity but did not inhibit neutrophil mobilization from the bone marrow. Analysis of the direct effect of warifteine upon neutrophil adherence and migrationin vitrodemonstrated that the alkaloid decreased cell adhesion to P and E-selectin-transfected cells. In addition, fLMP-induced neutrophil migration in a transwell system was blocked by warifteine; this effect was mimicked by cAMP mimetic/inducing substances, and warifteine increased intracellular cAMP levels in neutrophils. The production of DNA extracellular traps (NETs) was also blocked by warifteine but there was no alteration on PMA-induced oxidative burst or LPS-stimulated TNFαsecretion. Taken together, our data indicate that the alkaloid warifteine is a potent anti-inflammatory substance and that it has an effect on neutrophil migration through a decrease in both cell adhesion and migration.
A Compact Difference Scheme for a Class of Variable Coefficient Quasilinear Parabolic Equations with Delay
Authors: Gu Wei
Published: June 2014

A linearized compact difference scheme is provided for a class of variable coefficient parabolic systems with delay. The unique solvability, unconditional stability, and convergence of the difference scheme are proved, where the convergence order is four in space and two in time. A numerical test is presented to illustrate the theoretical results.
Cubic and Hexagonal Liquid Crystals as Drug Delivery Systems
Authors: Chen Yulin , Ma Ping , Gui Shuangying
Published: June 2014

Lipids have been widely used as main constituents in various drug delivery systems, such as liposomes, solid lipid nanoparticles, nanostructured lipid carriers, and lipid-based lyotropic liquid crystals. Among them, lipid-based lyotropic liquid crystals have highly ordered, thermodynamically stable internal nanostructure, thereby offering the potential as a sustained drug release matrix. The intricate nanostructures of the cubic phase and hexagonal phase have been shown to provide diffusion controlled release of active pharmaceutical ingredients with a wide range of molecular weights and polarities. In addition, the biodegradable and biocompatible nature of lipids demonstrates the minimum toxicity and thus they are used for various routes of administration. Therefore, the research on lipid-based lyotropic liquid crystalline phases has attracted a lot of attention in recent years. This review will provide an overview of the lipids used to prepare cubic phase and hexagonal phase at physiological temperature, as well as the influencing factors on the phase transition of liquid crystals. In particular, the most current research progresses on cubic and hexagonal phases as drug delivery systems will be discussed.
Novel Receiver Architecture for LTE-A Downlink Physical Control Format Indicator Channel with Diversity
Authors: Abbas S. Syed Ameer , Thiruvengadam S. J. , Susithra S.
Published: June 2014

Physical control format indicator channel (PCFICH) carries the control information about the number of orthogonal frequency
division multiplexing (OFDM) symbols used for transmission of control information in long term evolution-advanced (LTE-A) downlink system. In this paper, two novel low complexity receiver architectures are proposed to implement the maximum likelihood- (ML-) based algorithm which decodes the CFI value in field programmable gate array (FPGA) at user equipment (UE). The performance of the proposed architectures is analyzed in terms of the timing cycles, operational resource requirement, and resource complexity. In LTE-A, base station and UE have multiple antenna ports to provide transmit and receive diversities. The proposed architectures are implemented in Virtex-6 xc6vlx240tff1156-1 FPGA device for various antenna configurations at base station and UE. When multiple antenna ports are used at base station, transmit diversity is obtained by applying the concept of space frequency block code (SFBC). It is shown that the proposed architectures use minimum number of operational units in FPGA compared to the traditional direct method of implementation.
Alterations in Lipid Mediated Signaling and Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling in DMH Induced Colon Cancer on Supplementation of Fish Oil
Authors: Kansal Shevali , Vaiphei Kim , Agnihotri Navneet
Published: June 2014

Ceramide mediates inhibition of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) which catalyzes formation of prostaglandin further activating peroxisome proliferator-activated receptorγ(PPARγ) and Wnt/β-catenin pathway; and hence plays a critical role in cancer. Therefore, in current study, ceramide, COX-2, 15-deoxy prostaglandin J2(15-deoxy PGJ2), PPARγ, andβ-catenin were estimated to evaluate the effect of fish oil on lipid mediated and Wnt/β-catenin signaling in colon carcinoma. Male Wistar rats in Group I received purified diet while Groups II and III received modified diet supplemented with FO : CO(1 : 1) and FO : CO(2.5 : 1), respectively. These were further subdivided into controls receiving ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid and treated groups receiving dimethylhydrazine dihydrochloride (DMH)/week for 4 weeks. Animals sacrificed 48 hours after last injection constituted initiation phase and those sacrificed after 16 weeks constituted postinitiation phase. Decreased ceramide and increased PPARγwere observed in postinitiation phase only. On receiving FO+CO(1 : 1)+DMH and FO+CO(2.5 : 1)+DMH in both phases, ceramide was augmented whereas COX-2, 15-deoxy PGJ2, and nuclear translocation ofβ-catenin were reduced with respect to cancerous animals. Decrease was more significant in postinitiation phase with FO+CO(2.5 : 1)+DMH. Treatment with oils increased PPARγin initiation phase but decreased it in postinitiation phase. Hence, fish oil altered lipid mediated signalling in a dose and time dependent manner so as to inhibit progression of colon cancer.
Postural Stability Characteristics of Transtibial Amputees Wearing Different Prosthetic Foot Types When Standing on Various Support Surfaces
Authors: Arifin Nooranida , Abu Osman Noor Azuan , Ali Sadeeq , Gholizadeh Hossein , Wan Abas Wan Abu Bakar
Published: June 2014

Purpose. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of prosthetic foot types on the postural stability among transtibial amputees when standing on different support surfaces.Materials and Methods. The postural stability of 10 transtibial amputees wearing solid ankle cushion heel (SACH) foot, single-axis (SA) foot, and energy-saving and return (ESAR) foot was assessed. Results were compared with able-bodied participants. Anterior-posterior stability index (APSI), mediolateral stability index (MLSI), and overall stability index (OSI) were measured by computed posturography in an upright stance on firm, foam, and unstable support surfaces.Results. The mean OSI score of SACH foot was significantly lower than that of an ESAR foot when the participants were standing on a compliant surface. When compared to able-bodied group, MLSI score was significantly higher for each of the prosthetic foot groups while OSI score was significantly higher for ESAR foot only in foam condition.Conclusions. Differences between prosthetic foot types and groups (amputees versus able-bodied) can only be distinguished when individuals were standing on a compliant surface. Amputees exhibited an increased postural instability in the mediolateral direction than able-bodied individuals. Hence, the restoration of stability in the frontal plane and the enhancement of proprioception at the residual limb should be the basis of rehabilitation programs.
Innovative IaaS Management System for Sensor Devices and IT Resources
Authors: Takahashi Hitomi , Kushida Takayuki
Published: June 2014

Current sensor networks have various types of sensor devices with different network protocols. Most users directly connect to the sensor devices with limited IT capabilities. This ad hoc method of using sensor networks has many limitations. First, multiple users cannot share a sensor device at the same time. Second, users cannot deploy applications for various sensor devices easily and quickly. To solve these problems, we propose the innovative IaaS management system for sensor devices in which the sensor devices are managed as one of the IT resources in the same way as CPUs, storage, and networks in the cloud computing. We call this cloud environment “Sensor Cloud (SC).” SC allows multiple users to share the sensor devices instead of the sensor data. SC adapts three cloud features for sensor devices, “virtualization,” “automation,” and “standardization.” We implemented SC and deployed it on actual server environments hosting the existing cloud software. The evaluation results of SC show that the transmission delay for sensor data between the sensor devices and the users in SC was decreased by up to 81% compared to a typical cloud computing implementation.
The Ginkgo biloba Extract EGb 761 Modulates Proteasome Activity and Polyglutamine Protein Aggregation
Authors: Stark Marcel , Behl Christian
Published: June 2014

The standardized Ginkgo biloba extract EGb 761 has well‐described antioxidative activities and effects on different cytoprotective signaling pathways. Consequently, a potential use of EGb 761 in neurodegenerative diseases has been proposed. A common characteristic feature of a variety of such disorders is the pathologic formation of protein aggregates, suggesting a crucial role for protein homeostasis. In this study, we show that EGb 761 increased the catalytic activity of the proteasome and enhanced protein degradation in cultured cells. We further investigated this effect in a cellular model of Huntington’s disease (HD) by employing cells expressing pathologic variants of a polyglutamine protein (polyQ protein). We show that EGb 761 affected these cells by (i) increasing proteasome activity and (ii) inducing a more efficient degradation of aggregation‐prone proteins. These results demonstrate a novel activity of EGb 761 on protein aggregates by enhancing proteasomal protein degradation, suggesting a therapeutic use in neurodegenerative disorders with a disturbed protein homeostasis.
Effect of Velocity and Time-Step on the Continuity of a Discrete Moving Sound Image
Authors: Seki Yoshikazu
Published: June 2014

As a basic study into 3-D audio display systems, this paper reports the conditions of moving sound image velocity and time-step where a discrete moving sound image is perceived as continuous motion. In this study, the discrete moving sound image was presented through headphones and ran along the ear-axis. The experiments tested the continuity of a discrete moving sound image using various conditions of velocity (0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1, 2, 3, and 4 m/s) and time-step (0, 0.02, 0.04, 0.06, 0.08, 0.10, 0.12, and 0.14 s). As a result, the following were required in order to present the discrete moving sound image as continuous movement. (1) The 3-D audio display system was required to complete the sound image presentation process, including head tracking and HRTF simulation, in a time shorter than 0.02 s, in order to present sound image movement at all velocities. (2) A processing time longer than 0.1 s was not acceptable. (3) If the 3-D audio display system only presented very slow movement (less than about 0.5 m/s), processing times ranging from 0.04 s to 0.06 s were still acceptable.
Clinical Significance and Prognostic Value of Preoperative Angiographic Assessment in Infrainguinal Arterial Reconstructions
Authors: Cheshmedzhiev M. , Jordanov E. , Yordanov M. , Kovacheva N.
Published: June 2014

Objective. To assess the practical implementation of the modified Schwierz T. system for angiographic scoring of the
arteries below the distal anastomosis (run-off) after infrainguinal reconstructions. Methods. We used the modified Schweierz T. score,
which is readily practically applied in each patient for assessment of the run-off segment, independently from the planned level of distal anastomosis.
97 consequently treated patients who underwent infrainguinal arterial reconstructions were followed up during a 12-month period, and we retrospectively compared the results of two
groups—48 of failed and 49 of patent bypasses; as for the long term patency there were some discrepancies with the expected good results. Measurements of the flow volume were performed below distal anastomoses in peripheral bypass operations with flowmeter VeriQ, Medistim, Oslo, Norway. Flowmetry was performed before and after a 5-minute infusion of Prostavasin or Ilomedin, causing peripheral vasodilatation. The resulting values were averaged and compared to the beforehand calculated according to the Schwierz score minimal expected flow. Results. Schwierz score gives orientation immediately after the reconstruction about the early patency of the bypass. Control angiographies and revisions in cases with inadequate minute blood flow identify some mistakes, the correction of which (if possible) in one operation time improves the results and the early patency. 9% of the failed bypasses in the first month had blood flow above the expected and 37% of the failed bypasses in the eighth month had flow above the expected. Mismatch in the patent bypasses was observed in 6%, probably due to subjective underestimation of some collateral vessels. Conclusion. Quantification of the distal flow is very important. The suggested model of assessment must determine as exactly as possible minimal flow to be reached at the end of the operation. We consider the preoperative angiographically calculated expected blood flow, good additional criteria for the quality of the newly constructed bypass. Intraoperative registration of low blood flow has the significance of screening for further assessment through intraoperative arteriography for the morphological identification of the cause. Having in mind the subjective nature of the angiographic scoring system and its dependence on the quality of the image, we consider the preoperative angiographic estimated expected volume of flow referring to the early patency adequate and inappropriate for long term prediction, but useful as an accessory orientation measurement of the state of the run-off arteries and the result of the surgery.
Synthesis of Hydrophobic Mesoporous Material MFS and Its Adsorption Properties of Water Vapor
Authors: Zhao Guotao , Zhao Zhenxiao , Wu Junliang , Ye Daiqi
Published: June 2014

Fluorine-containing hydrophobic mesoporous material (MFS) with high surface area is successfully synthesized with hydrothermal synthesis method by using a perfluorinated surfactant SURFLON S-386 template. The adsorption properties of water vapor on the synthesized MFS are also investigated by using gravimetric method. Results show that SEM image of the MFS depicted roundish morphology with the average crystal size of 1-2 μm. The BET surface area and total pore volume of the MFS are 865.4 m2 g−1and 0.74 cm3 g−1with a narrow pore size distribution at 4.9 nm. The amount of water vapor on the MFS is about 0.41 mmol g−1at 303 K, which is only 52.6% and 55.4% of MCM-41 and SBA-15 under the similar conditions, separately. The isosteric adsorption heat of water on the MFS is gradually about 27.0–19.8 kJ mol−1, which decreases as the absorbed water vapor amount increases. The value is much smaller than that on MCM-41 and SBA-15. Therefore, the MFS shows more hydrophobic surface properties than the MCM-41 and SBA-15. It may be a kind of good candidate for adsorption of large molecule and catalyst carrier with high moisture resistance.
Implicit Contractive Mappings in Modular Metric and Fuzzy Metric Spaces
Authors: Hussain N. , Salimi P.
Published: June 2014

The notion of modular metric spaces being a natural generalization of classical modulars over linear spaces like Lebesgue, Orlicz, Musielak-Orlicz, Lorentz, Orlicz-Lorentz, and Calderon-Lozanovskii spaces was recently introduced. In this paper we investigate the existence of fixed points of generalizedα-admissible modular contractive mappings in modular metric spaces. As applications, we derive some new fixed point theorems in partially ordered modular metric spaces, Suzuki type fixed point theorems in modular metric spaces and new fixed point theorems for integral contractions. In last section, we develop an important relation between fuzzy metric and modular metric and deduce certain new fixed point results in triangular fuzzy metric spaces. Moreover, some examples are provided here to illustrate the usability of the obtained results.
A Rectangular Planar Spiral Antenna for GIS Partial Discharge Detection
Authors: Zhang Xiaoxing , Han Yefei , Li Wei , Duan Xuetao
Published: June 2014

A rectangular planar spiral antenna sensor was designed for detecting the partial discharge in gas insulation substations (GIS). It can expediently receive electromagnetic waves leaked from basin-type insulators and can effectively suppress low frequency electromagnetic interference from the surrounding environment. Certain effective techniques such as rectangular spiral structure, bow-tie loading, and back cavity structure optimization during the antenna design process can miniaturize antenna size and optimize voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) characteristics. Model calculation and experimental data measured in the laboratory show that the antenna possesses a good radiating performance and a multiband property when working in the ultrahigh frequency (UHF) band. A comparative study between characteristics of the designed antenna and the existing quasi-TEM horn antenna was made. Based on the GIS defect simulation equipment in the laboratory, partial discharge signals were detected by the designed antenna, the available quasi-TEM horn antenna, and the microstrip patch antenna, and the measurement results were compared.