bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Examining the Longitudinal Structure, Stability, and Dimensional Interrelationships of Team Identification
Authors: Lock Daniel , Funk Daniel C. , Doyle Jason P. , McDonald Heath
Published: May 2014

The propensity of strongly identified fans to contribute positive organizational outcomes for sport teams underpins why team identification maintains a central position in sport management. In the current study we examine the multidimensional structure, stability, and interrelationships between the dimensions of team identification, using longitudinal data (April 2011–April 2012) collected from fans of a new Australian Rules football team (N = 602). A Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) of the team identification items included (measured using the Team*ID scale), supported a five-dimensional model structure. This model was subsequently computed as a longitudinal CFA to test the configural and metric invariance of the Team*ID scale. We used a cross-lagged panel model to examine the longitudinal stability of, and interrelationships between, the dimensions: affect, behavioral involvement, cognitive awareness, private evaluation, and public evaluation. Each dimension displayed relative stability over time. In addition, public evaluation and private evaluation in April 2011 displayed a positive relationship with behavioral involvement in April 2012. Similarly, cognitive awareness in April 2011 predicted increases in public evaluation in April 2012. We conclude with implications for theory and practice.
Organizational Redirection in Highly Bureaucratic Environments: De-Escalation of Commitment Among Division I Athletic Departments
Authors: Hutchinson Michael , Bouchet Adrien
Published: May 2014

Due to the perceived benefits of NCAA Division I participation, institutional decision makers regularly encounter the appropriate extent of intercollegiate athletics commitment. Amid evidence of limited profitability, many institutions continue investment in Division I athletics. However, select institutions have redirected Division I athletic commitment from former failing courses of action. Based on escalation of commitment theory, this study investigated de-escalation of commitment within the bureaucratic educational setting of Division I athletics by implementing a collective case study of select higher learning institutions (N = 8). Participants (n = 32) included decision makers involved in the development and implementation of de-escalation initiatives. Findings revealed unique theoretical contributions related to the absence of negative feedback and importance of accurate information in redefining the magnitude of a problem. Contrary to previous de-escalation research, findings provided further contribution related to the importance of limited stakeholder consultation and a lack of engagement in impression management among decision makers.
Investigating a Coed Sport’s Ability to Encourage Inclusion and Equality
Authors: Cohen Adam , Melton E. Nicole , Peachey Jon Welty
Published: May 2014

The genuine sport of quidditch, based off the Harry Potter franchise, offers an alternative to traditional sport that has grown immensely in terms of popularity and participation. Due to the scarcity of research on coed sports, and the innovative nature of quidditch, the purpose of this research was to use an exploratory qualitative approach to examine impact of the sport on its participants, and to determine how its structure influenced participants’ attitudes toward the opposite gender. Findings revealed the coed structure of the sport led to a positive coed experience for women and men, which in turn developed an increased desire for inclusivity and equality. In addition, both genders reported stereotype reduction due to participation in the sport, and women also reported feeling increased levels of self-confidence and pride. Despite these shifts in attitude, underlying prejudice toward women athletes was still apparent among men who participated in the sport.
Overview of a Student-Focused Wellness Initiative
Authors: Sellers John , Baghurst Timothy , Volberding Jennifer , Brown Theresa
Published: May 2014

Researchers have reported that the percentage of Americans considered overweight or obese continues to increase. Specific populations, such as university students, may be at greater risk for becoming overweight or obese. This can be combated by the significant health benefits accrued from regular exercise and physical activity; thus it is important that universities develop and implement methods to incorporate healthy living into its students' lives. The purpose of this paper is to provide a description of a college-student focused wellness initiative known as the Biggest User program. The Biggest User addresses components related to beginning and maintaining a healthy lifestyle with a particular focus on structured exercise, physical activity, and dietary choices. A secondary purpose of the paper is to provide a template for the creation of similar programs at university wellness centers, as such centers are increasingly seeking new and innovative approaches to improving health and wellness of its constituents (Talley, 2013).
Bettering Your Elders
Authors: VanHook Annalisa M.
Published: May 2014

Factors present in young animals rejuvenate muscular and neural function in aged mice.
Effects of Renal Impairment on the Pharmacokinetics of Morinidazole: Uptake Transporter-Mediated Renal Clearance of the Conjugated Metabolites
Authors: Zhong Kan , Li Xiuli , Xie Cen , Zhang Yifan , Zhong Dafang , Chen Xiaoyan
Published: May 2014

Morinidazole is a novel 5-nitroimidazole antimicrobial drug that undergoes extensive metabolism in humans via
N
+
-glucuronidation (
N
+
-glucuronide of
S
-morinidazole [M8-1] and
N
+
-glucuronide of
R
-morinidazole [M8-2]) and sulfation (sulfate conjugate of morinidazole [M7]). Our objectives were to assess the effects of renal impairment on the pharmacokinetics (PK) of morinidazole and to elucidate the potential mechanisms. In this parallel-group study, healthy subjects and patients with severe renal impairment received an intravenous infusion of 500 mg of morinidazole. Plasma and urine samples were collected and analyzed. The areas under the plasma concentration-time curves (AUC) for M7, M8-1, and M8-2 were 15.1, 20.4, and 17.4 times higher, respectively, in patients with severe renal impairment than in healthy subjects, while the AUC for morinidazole was 1.5 times higher. The urinary recovery of the major metabolites was not significantly different between the two groups over 0 to 48 h, but the renal clearances of M7, M8-1, and M8-2 in patients were 85.3%, 92.5%, and 92.2% lower, respectively.
In vitro
transporter studies revealed that M7 is a substrate for organic anion transporter 1 (OAT1) and OAT3 (

K
m

= 28.6 and 54.0 μM, respectively). Only OAT3 transported M8-1 and M8-2. Morinidazole was not a substrate for the transporter-transfected cells examined. These results revealed that the function or activity of renal uptake transporters might be impaired in patients with severe renal impairment, which accounted for dramatically increased plasma exposure and reduced renal clearance of the conjugated metabolites of morinidazole, the substrates of renal transporters in patients. It will help clinicians to adjust the dose in patients with severe renal impairment and to predict possible transporter-based drug-drug interactions.
Immunomodulatory Effect of Linezolid on Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Supernatant-Induced MUC5AC Overexpression in Human Airway Epithelial Cells
Authors: Kaku Norihito , Yanagihara Katsunori , Morinaga Yoshitomo , Yamada Koichi , Harada Yosuke , Migiyama Yohei , Nagaoka Kentaro , Nakamura Shigeki , Izumikawa Koichi , Kohno Shigeru
Published: May 2014

Linezolid is the first member of the oxazolidinones and is active against drug-resistant Gram-positive pathogens, such as methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA). Additionally, linezolid shows an immunomodulatory effect, such as inhibition of inflammatory cytokine production. In this study, we examined the effect of linezolid on MRSA-induced MUC5AC overexpression in airway epithelial cells. In this study, an MRSA supernatant was used to avoid the direct effect of linezolid on MRSA. MUC5AC protein production was significantly increased with a 40-fold dilution of MRSA supernatant. At the mRNA level, MUC5AC gene expression was significantly increased 6 and 9 h after stimulation. In an inhibition study, linezolid significantly reduced MRSA-induced MUC5AC protein and mRNA overexpression at concentrations of 5 and 20 μg/ml, which were the same as the trough and peak concentrations in human epithelial lining fluid. In an analysis of cell signaling, among the mitogen-activated protein kinase inhibitors, only the extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) inhibitor reduced the MUC5AC protein production to the same level as that of the control; on Western blot analysis, only ERK1/2 was phosphorylated by the MRSA supernatant. In addition, the ERK1/2 phosphorylation was inhibited by linezolid. MUC5AC and MUC5B are the major barrier that traps inhaled microbial organisms, particulates, and foreign irritants. However, in patients with chronic respiratory diseases, pathogen-induced MUC5AC overexpression causes many problems, and control of the overexpression is important. Thus, this study revealed that linezolid showed a direct immunomodulatory effect in airway epithelial cells.
PaTH: towards a learning health system in the Mid-Atlantic region
Authors: Amin Waqas , Tsui Fuchiang (Rich) , Borromeo Charles , Chuang Cynthia H , Espino Jessi , Ford Daniel , Hwang Wenke , Kapoor Wishwa , Lehmann Harold , Martich G Daniel , Morton Sally , Paranjape Anuradha , Shirey William , Sorensen Aaron , Becich Michael J , Hess Rachel ,   the PaTH network team, Docimo Anne Boland , Gibson Kevin , Heinrich Theresa A , Jain Sandeep , Kahn Jeremy , Khorey Lisa , Lindell Kathleen , McTigue Kathleen , Mueller Mary , Ryan Chris , Clark Jeanne , Danoff Sonye , Gumas Diana , Meiselman Sam , Nazarian Saman , Oberteuffer Robert , Wang Nae-Yuh , Abendroth Thomas , Bascom Rebecca , Berg Arthur , Dimmock Anne , Dzomba Bari , Kraschnewski Jennifer , Naccarelli Gerald , Notterman Daniel , Paz Harold , Rauscher Richard , Sciamanna Christopher , Cheung Joseph , Cordova Francis , Feldman Art , Frank Erdlen , Jacobs Mike , Mohan Kruti , Parker Mitch , Pettengill Chad , Valentin Maribel , Weiner Mark
Published: May 2014

The PaTH (University of Pittsburgh/UPMC, Penn State College of Medicine, Temple University Hospital, and Johns Hopkins University) clinical data research network initiative is a collaborative effort among four academic health centers in the Mid-Atlantic region. PaTH will provide robust infrastructure to conduct research, explore clinical outcomes, link with biospecimens, and improve methods for sharing and analyzing data across our diverse populations. Our disease foci are idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, atrial fibrillation, and obesity. The four network sites have extensive experience in using data from electronic health records and have devised robust methods for patient outreach and recruitment. The network will adopt best practices by using the open-source data-sharing tool, Informatics for Integrating Biology and the Bedside (i2b2), at each site to enhance data sharing using centrally defined common data elements, and will use the Shared Health Research Information Network (SHRINE) for distributed queries across the network.
Endobronchial ultrasound-guided biopsy to diagnose large posterior mediastinal parathyroid adenoma prior to video-assisted thoracoscopic resection
Authors: Buderi Silviu Ioan , Saleh Hesham Zayed , Theologou Thomas , Shackcloth Michael
Published: May 2014

A 65-year-old woman was referred with hypercalcaemia and found to have a four cm retrotracheal mass on CT. The patient also suffered from neurofibromatosis and a recently diagnosed gastric mass. Tc99sestamibi scintigraphy revealed an area of intense uptake in the right upper mediastinum. Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) was used to confirm the diagnosis of parathyroid adenoma and thoracoscopic resection was subsequently performed. EBUS-TBNA biopsy can be a helpful diagnostic tool to confirm diagnosis of mediastinal parathyroid masses in patients with atypical or complex clinical presentations.
A rare case of bilateral non-weight bearing posterior aspect of lateral femoral condyle osteochondral fracture and its management
Authors: Shaikh Aamir Hassan , Stanclik Jaroslaw , Murphy Paul G D
Published: May 2014

Osteochondral fracture of the lateral femoral condyle can be a real challenging injury to diagnose on initial presentation. The authors report a rare case of bilateral involvement of posterior aspect of lateral femoral condyle osteochondral fracture in a young 15-year-old boy. This was managed with excision of these osteochondral fragments, as the site involved was on the posterior non-weight bearing area of the femur along with chronicity of the injury dictating excision as a reasonable choice of management. Good outcome for such injury is based on an early diagnosis and prompt treatment along with an early rehabilitation for such cases. Our patient has an excellent 2 years outcome with a Knee Society score of 95 after undergoing excision of these osteochondral fragments in both knees in succession.
An unusual encounter of an epidermoid cyst
Authors: Sritharan Kaji , Ghani Yaser , Thompson Hilary
Published: May 2014

Epidermoid cysts are extremely common and can occur in any hair-containing area. We present the case of a 20-year-old man with an epidermoid cyst in the perianal region. Epidermal cysts have been described in this area previously after haemorrhoidectomy, but cysts of the size seen in this case are rare in the absence of previous anal trauma. The diagnosis was confirmed by excision biopsy.
Adjunctive value of intra-arterial cone beam CT angiography relative to DSA in the evaluation of cranial and spinal arteriovenous fistulas
Authors: Honarmand Amir R , Gemmete Joseph J , Hurley Michael C , Shaibani Ali , Chaudhary Neeraj , Pandey Aditya S , Bendok Bernard R , Ansari Sameer A
Published: May 2014

Objective

To assess the adjunctive diagnostic value of intra-arterial cone-beam CT angiography (IA-CBCTA) relative to digital subtraction angiography (DSA) in the anatomic identification/localization of intracranial/spinal arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) and utility for surgical/endovascular treatment planning.

Methods

Retrospectively, two blinded observers scored DSA and IA-CBCTA images of 32 patients with intracranial/spinal AVFs based on a qualitative scale. The following parameters were scored: arterial feeders, venous drainers and course, fistula site, and adjacent anatomic landmarks for cross-sectional localization. The total score was defined as the overall diagnostic value. Differences between IA-CBCTA and DSA scores were defined as the IA-CBCTA efficacy value. Observers described the treatment strategy at the end of DSA and IA-CBCTA grading, respectively. Mann–Whitney U test, Wilcoxon's signed rank test, and Kendall’s tau (τ) coefficient were used for statistical analysis.

Results

Interobserver agreement of overall diagnostic value for IA-CBCTA was good (τ=0.59, p=0.001) with no significant variance between the two observers' IA-CBCTA efficacy values (p=0.2). Significantly higher scores were assigned to IA-CBCTA for overall diagnostic value (both observers: p<0.0001), delineation of fistula site (observer 1: p<0.0001, observer 2: p=0.0003), and adjacent anatomic landmarks (both observers: p<0.0001). Observers found IA-CBCTA helpful, enabling a more confident treatment approach in 30 and 29 cases for observer 1 and observer 2, respectively. Both observers altered the treatment plan in two cases based on IA-CBCTA findings.

Conclusions

IA-CBCTA as an adjunctive technique to DSA improves the anatomic delineation of AVFs, particularly for the fistula site and cross-sectional localization, and has the potential to improve treatment planning.
Ganglioside GM3 is required for caffeic acid phenethyl ester-induced megakaryocytic differentiation of human chronic myelogenous leukemia K562 cells
Authors: Jin Un-Ho , Chung Tae-Wook , Song Kwon-Ho , Kwak Choong-Hwan , Choi Hee-Jung , Ha Ki-Tae , Chang Young-Chae , Lee Young-Choon , Kim Cheorl-Ho
Published: May 2014

The human chronic myelogenous cell line K562 has been used extensively as a model for the study of leukemia differentiation. We show here that treatment of K562 cells with caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) induced a majority of cells to differentiate towards the megakaryocytic lineage. Microscopy analysis showed that K562 cells treated with CAPE exhibited characteristic features of physiological megakaryocytic differentiation, including the presence of vacuoles and demarcation membranes. Differentiation of K562 cells treated with CAPE was also accompanied by a net increase in megakaryocytic markers. The transcriptional activity of lactosylceramide α-2,3-sialyltransferase (GM3 synthase) and synthesis of ganglioside GM3 were increased by CAPE treatment. The promoter analysis of GM3 synthase demonstrated that CAPE induced the expression of GM3 synthase mRNA via activation of the cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB), transcription factor in nucleus. Interestingly, the inhibition of ganglioside GM3 synthesis by D-threo-1-phenyl-2-decanoylamino-3-morpholino-1-propranol (D-PDMP) and GM3 synthase-siRNA blocked the CAPE-induced expression of the megakaryocytic markers and differentiation of K562 cells. Taken together, these results suggest that CAPE induces ganglioside GM3-mediated megakaryocytic differentiation of human chronic myelogenous cells.
Theoretical studies on the structures and detonation properties of nitro derivatives of symmetric benzo-dicycloureas
Authors: Ma Congming , Liu Zuliang , Yao Qizheng
Published: May 2014

The nitro derivatives of symmetric benzo-dicycloureas were designed and optimized to obtain their molecular geometries and electronic structures at the DFT-B3LYP/6-31G** level. The theoretical molecular density, heat of formation, detonation velocity, and detonation pressure, estimated using Kamlet–Jacobs equations, showed that the detonation properties of compound 7 were excellent, while compounds 8 and 9 were unstable, and the molecular symmetry, steric hindrance, and hydrogen bonds were considered to be the three main factors contributing to molecular stability. These results provide basic information for the molecular design and synthesis of novel high energy density compounds.
Simultaneous overexpression of multidrug efflux pumps in Pseudomonas aeruginosa non-cystic fibrosis clinical isolates
Authors: Poonsuk Kanchana , Tribuddharat Chanwit , Chuanchuen Rungtip
Published: May 2014

The purpose of this study was to examine expression and regulation of 6 multidrug efflux systems, including MexAB-OprM, MexCD-OprJ, MexEF-OprN, MexXY, MexJK, and MexVW, in 13 non-cystic fibrosis (CF) clinical isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. These isolates displayed a high level of resistance to many clinically important antibiotics. Some isolates simultaneously overexpressed up to 4 different Mex systems, as determined by quantitative real-time reverse transcription PCR. None of the isolates overexpressed MexCD-OprJ, and only 1 isolate overproduced MexJK. All the isolates overexpressed MexXY, while overexpression of MexEF-OprN and MexVW was common. DNA sequencing analysis of regulatory genes showed that no clear correlation could be established among (i) the presence of mutations, (ii) the type of mutations, (iii) the expression level of the Mex systems, and (iv) resistance to antibiotic substrates. The results suggest that the concomitant overexpression of some Mex systems may superimpose their antimicrobial drug efflux capabilities, contributing to the multidrug resistance phenotype in the P. aeruginosa non-CF clinical isolates. The existence of uncharacterized regulators for the Mex systems was signified.
Spontaneous germline excision ofTol1, a DNA-based transposable element naturally occurring in the medaka fish genome
Authors: Watanabe Kohei , Koga Hajime , Nakamura Kodai , Fujita Akiko , Hattori Akimasa , Matsuda Masaru , Koga Akihiko
Published: May 2014

DNA-based transposable elements are ubiquitous constituents of eukaryotic genomes. Vertebrates are, however, exceptional in that most of their DNA-based elements appear to be inactivated. The Tol1 element of the medaka fish, Oryzias latipes, is one of the few elements for which copies containing an undamaged gene have been found. Spontaneous transposition of this element in somatic cells has previously been demonstrated, but there is only indirect evidence for its germline transposition. Here, we show direct evidence of spontaneous excision in the germline. Tyrosinase is the key enzyme in melanin biosynthesis. In an albino laboratory strain of medaka fish, which is homozygous for a mutant tyrosinase gene in which a Tol1 copy is inserted, we identified de novo reversion mutations related to melanin pigmentation. The gamete-based reversion rate was as high as 0.4%. The revertant fish carried the tyrosinase gene from which the Tol1 copy had been excised. We previously reported the germline transposition of Tol2, another DNA-based element that is thought to be a recent invader of the medaka fish genome. Tol1 is an ancient resident of the genome. Our results indicate that even an old element can contribute to genetic variation in the host genome as a natural mutator.
The use of LISP at computer centers in Western Germany
Authors: Chailloux Jerome
Published: May 2014

A summary of G. GÖRZ "Die Verwendung von LISP an wissenschaft-lichen Rechenzentren in der BRD", IAB Nr 63, Universität Erlangen-nürnberg, Rechenzentrum, Dez. 76.
Towards Energy-Fairness in Asynchronous Duty-Cycling Sensor Networks
Authors: Li Zhenjiang , Li Mo , Liu Yunhao
Published: May 2014

In this article, we investigate the problem of controlling node sleep intervals so as to achieve the min-max energy fairness in asynchronous duty-cycling sensor networks. We propose a mathematical model to describe the energy efficiency of such networks and observe that traditional sleep interval setting strategies, for example, operating sensor nodes with an identical sleep interval, or intuitive control heuristics, for example, greedily increasing sleep intervals of sensor nodes with high energy consumption rates, hardly perform well in practice. There is an urgent need to develop an efficient sleep interval control strategy for achieving fair and high energy efficiency. To this end, we theoretically formulate the Sleep Interval Control (SIC) problem and find out that it is a convex optimization problem. By utilizing the convex property, we decompose the original problem and propose a distributed algorithm, called GDSIC. In GDSIC, sensor nodes can tune sleep intervals through a local information exchange such that the maximum energy consumption rate of the network approaches to be minimized. The algorithm is self-adjustable to the traffic load variance and is able to serve as a unified framework for a variety of asynchronous duty-cycling MAC protocols. We implement our approach in a prototype system and test its feasibility and applicability on a 50-node testbed. We further conduct extensive trace-driven simulations to examine the efficiency and scalability of our algorithm with various settings.
A Cooperative MIMO Framework for Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Nguyen Diep N. , Krunz Marwan
Published: May 2014

We explore the use of cooperative multi-input multi-output (MIMO) communications to prolong the lifetime of a wireless sensor network (WSN). Single-antenna sensor nodes are clustered into virtual antenna arrays that can act as virtual MIMO (VMIMO) nodes. We design a distributed
cooperative clustering protocol
(CCP), which exploits VMIMO's diversity gain by optimally selecting the cooperating nodes (CNs) within each cluster and balancing their energy consumption. The problem of optimal CN selection at the transmit and receive clusters is formulated as a nonlinear binary program. Aiming at minimizing the imbalance in the residual energy at various nodes, we decompose this problem into two subproblems: finding the optimal number of CNs (ONC) in a cluster and the CN assignment problem. For the ONC problem, we first analyze the energy efficiency of two widely used VMIMO methods: distributed Space Time Block Code (DSTBC) and distributed Vertical-Bell Laboratories-Layered-Space-Time (DVBLAST). Our analysis provides an upper bound on the optimal number of CN nodes, which greatly reduces the computational complexity of the ONC problem. The second subproblem is addressed by assigning CNs based on the residual battery energy. To make CCP scalable to large WSNs, we propose a multihop energy-balanced routing mechanism for clustered WSNs (C-EBR) with a novel cost metric. Finally, we derive sufficient conditions on the intra- and intercluster ranges, under which CCP guarantees connectivity of the intercluster topology. Extensive simulations show that the proposed approach dramatically improves the network lifetime.
Convex Partitioning of Large-Scale Sensor Networks in Complex Fields
Authors: Tan Guang , Jiang Hongbo , Liu Jun , Kermarrec Anne-Marie
Published: May 2014

When a sensor network grows large, or when its topology becomes complex (e.g., containing many holes), network algorithms designed with a smaller or simpler setting in mind may be rendered rather inefficient. We propose to address this problem using a divide and conquer approach: the network is divided into convex pieces by a distributed
convex partitioning
protocol, using connectivity information only. A convex network partition exhibits some desirable properties that allow traditional algorithms to work to their full advantage. Based on this, we can achieve relatively high performance for an algorithm by combining algorithmic actions within individual partitions. We consider two important applications: virtual-coordinate-based geographic routing and connectivity-based localization. The former benefits from convex partition's friendliness to network embedding, which is crucial to generating accurate virtual coordinates for the nodes, while the latter leverages the fact that shortest paths are largely straight for node pairs within a convex partition. Experimental results show that the convex partition approach can significantly improve the performance of both applications in comparison with state-of-the-art solutions.
Microfoundations of the Rule of Law
Authors: Hadfield Gillian K. , Weingast Barry R.
Published: May 2014

Many social scientists rely on the rule of law in their accounts of political or economic development. Many, however, simply equate law with a stable government capable of enforcing the rules generated by a political authority. As two decades of largely failed efforts to build the rule of law in poor and transition countries and continuing struggles to build international legal order demonstrate, we still do not understand how legal order is produced, especially in places where it does not already exist. We here canvas literature in the social sciences to identify the themes and gaps in the existing accounts. We conclude that this literature has failed to produce a microfoundational account of the phenomenon of legal order. We then discuss our recent effort to develop the missing microfoundations of legal order to provide a better framework for future work on the rule of law.
A Novel Mechanism for Cross-Adaptation between Heat and Altitude Acclimation: The Role of Heat Shock Protein 90
Authors: Salgado Roy M. , White Ailish C. , Schneider Suzanne M. , Mermier Christine M.
Published: May 2014

Heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) is a member of a family of molecular chaperone proteins which can be upregulated by various stressors including heat stress leading to increases in HSP90 protein expression. Its primary functions include (1) renaturing and denaturing of damaged proteins caused by heat stress and (2) interacting with client proteins to induce cell signaling for gene expression. The latter function is of interest because, in cancer cells, HSP90 has been reported to interact with the transcription hypoxic-inducible factor 1α(HIF1α). In a normoxic environment, HIF1αis degraded and therefore has limited physiological function. In contrast, in a hypoxic environment, stabilized HIF1αacts to promote erythropoiesis and angiogenesis. Since HSP90 interacts with HIF1α, and HSP90 can be upregulated from heat acclimation in humans, we present a proposal that heat acclimation can mimic molecular adaptations to those of altitude exposure. Specifically, we propose that heat acclimation increases HSP90 which then stabilizes HIF1αin a normoxic environment. This has many implications since HIF1αregulates red blood cell and vasculature formation. In this paper we will discuss (1) the functional roles of HSP90 and HIF1α, (2) the interaction between HSP90 and other client proteins including HIF1α, and (3) results fromin vitrostudies that may suggest how the relationship between HSP90 and HIF1αmight be applied to individuals preparing to make altitude sojourns.
The Application of Resonance-Enhanced Multiphoton Ionization Technique in Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Li Adan , Song Jianzheng , Sun Yang , Jiao Tifeng
Published: May 2014

Gas chromatography resonance-enhanced multiphoton ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC/REMPI-TOFMS) using a nanosecond laser has been applied to analyze the 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The excited-state lifetime, absorption characters, and energy of electronic states of the 16 PAHs were investigated to optimize the ionization yield. A river water sample pretreated by means of solid phase extraction was analyzed to evaluate the performance of the analytical instrument. The results suggested that REMPI is superior to electron impact ionization method for soft ionization and suppresses the background signal due to aliphatic hydrocarbons. Thus, GC/REMPI-TOFMS is a more reliable method for the determination of PAHs present in the environment.
Endothelium-Independent Vasorelaxant Effects of Hydroalcoholic Extract fromNigella sativaSeed in Rat Aorta: The Roles of Ca2+and K+Channels
Authors: Niazmand Saeed , Fereidouni Elahe , Mahmoudabady Maryam , Mousavi Seyed Mojtaba
Published: May 2014

Objective.The aim of this study was to elucidate the mechanism(s) responsible for the vasorelaxant effect ofNigella sativa(N. sativa).Methods.The activity of different concentrations ofN. sativaextract was evaluated on contractile responses of isolated aorta to KCl and phenylephrine (PE).Results.The extract (2–14 mg/mL) induced a concentration dependent relaxation both in endothelium-intact and endothelium-denuded aortic rings precontracted by PE (10−6 M) and KCl (6 × 10−2 M). Extract reduced PE- and KCl-induced contractions in presence of cumulative concentrations of calcium (10−5–10−2 M) significantly. L-NAME and indomethacin had no effect on vasorelaxation effect of extract in PE-induced contraction. Diltiazem and heparin reduced significantly this vasorelaxation at a concentration of 14 mg/mL of extract; however,N. sativa-induced relaxation was not affected by ruthenium red. Tetraethylammonium chloride reduced the extract-induced relaxation in concentrations of 2–6 mg/mL of extract significantly but glibenclamide reduced this relaxative effect in all concentrations of extract.Conclusions.The inhibitory effect ofN. sativaseed extract on the contraction induced by PE and KCl was endothelium-independent. This relaxation was mediated mainly through the inhibition of Ca2+andKATPchannels and also intracellular calcium release.
A Traffic Cluster Entropy Based Approach to Distinguish DDoS Attacks from Flash Event Using DETER Testbed
Authors: Sachdeva Monika , Kumar Krishan
Published: May 2014

The detection of distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks is one of the hardest problems confronted by the network security researchers. Flash event (FE), which is caused by a large number of legitimate requests, has similar characteristics to those of DDoS attacks. Moreover DDoS attacks and FEs require altogether different handling procedures. So discriminating DDoS attacks from FEs is very important. But the research involving DDoS detection has not laid enough emphasis on including FEs scenarios in the experiments. In this paper, we are using traffic cluster entropy as detection metric not only to detect DDoS attacks but also to distinguish DDoS attacks from FEs. We have validated our approach on cyber-defense technology experimental research laboratory (DETER) testbed. Different emulation scenarios are created on DETER using mix of legitimate, flash, and different types of attacks at varying strengths. It is found that, when flash event is triggered, source address entropy increases but the corresponding traffic cluster entropy does not increase. However, when DDoS attack is launched, traffic cluster entropy also increases along with source address entropy. An analysis of live traces on DETER testbed clearly manifests supremacy of our approach.
An Iterative Learning Control Technique for Point-to-Point Maneuvers Applied on an Overhead Crane
Authors: Alhazza Khaled A. , Hasan Abdullah M. , Alghanim Khaled A. , Masoud Ziyad N.
Published: May 2014

An iterative learning control (ILC) strategy is proposed, and implemented on simple pendulum and double pendulum models of an overhead crane undergoing simultaneous traveling and hoisting maneuvers. The approach is based on generating shaped commands using the full nonlinear equations of motion combined with the iterative learning control, to use as acceleration commands to the jib of the crane. These acceleration commands are tuned to eliminate residual oscillations in rest-to-rest maneuvers. The performance of the proposed strategy is tested using an experimental scaled model of an overhead crane with hoisting. The shaped command is derived analytically and validated experimentally. Results obtained showed that the proposed ILC control strategy is capable of eliminating travel and residual oscillations in simple and double pendulum models with hoisting. It is also shown, in all cases, that the proposed approach has a low sensitivity to the initial cable lengths.
Cluster Projective Synchronization of Fractional-Order Complex Network via Pinning Control
Authors: Yang Li-xin , He Wan-sheng , Zhang Fan-di , Jia Jin-ping
Published: May 2014

Synchronization is the strongest form of collective phenomena in complex systems of interacting components. In this paper, the problem of cluster projective synchronization of complex networks with fractional-order nodes based on the fractional-order differential equation stability theory is investigated. Only the nodes in one community which have direct connections to the nodes in other communities are controlled. Some sufficient synchronization conditions are derived via pinning control. Numerical simulations are provided to show the effectiveness of the theoretical results.
Modeling Cardiac Congenital Diseases: From Mathematic Tools to Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
Authors: Iop Laura
Published: May 2014

Cardiac congenital diseases are rare inherited disorders characterized by anatomical malformations and/or by electrophysiological abnormalities, both affecting the whole heart function. In order to clarify the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms, experimental modeling has been proposed through in silico, in vitro, and/or in vivo simulations. Bioinformatics, transgenesis, heterologous expression systems, mammalian models, and, recently, pluripotent stem cells have been advanced to effectively recapitulate several human congenital diseases (such as Brugada syndrome, CPVT, LQTs, and ARVC) and, potentially, provide new insights into their pathomechanisms for novel therapeutic perspectives.
Conformation and Physical Structure of Tropoelastin from Human Vascular Cells: Influence of Cells Lipid Loading
Authors: Samouillan Valerie , Dandurand Jany , Nasarre Laura , Badimon Lina , Lacabanne Colette , Llorente-Cortés Vicenta
Published: May 2014

Aggregated low density lipoproteins (agLDL) contribute to massive intracellular cholesteryl ester (CE) accumulation in human vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). Our aim was to determine the conformational and physical structure of agLDL and elastic material produced either by control human VSMC or by agLDL-loaded human VSMC (agLDL-VSMC). At the conformational level scanned by FTIR spectroscopy, a new undefined, probably non-H-bonded, structure for tropoelastin produced by agLDL-VSMC is revealed. By differential scanning calorimetry, a decrease of water affinity and a drop of the glass transition associated with aggregated tropoelastin (from 200°C to 159°C) in the supernatant from agLDL VSMC are evidenced. This second phenomenon is due to an interaction between agLDL and tropoelastin as detected by the weak specific FTIR absorption band of agLDL in supernatant from agLDL-loaded VSMC.
Thermal Field Analysis and Simulation of an Infrared Belt Furnace Used for Solar Cells
Authors: Lu Bai , Zongcun Liang , Hui Shen
Published: May 2014

During solar cell firing, volatile organic compounds (VOC) and a small number of metal particles were removed using the gas flow. When the gas flow was disturbed by the thermal field of infrared belt furnace and structure, the metal particles in the discharging gas flow randomly adhered to the surface of solar cell, possibly causing contamination. Meanwhile, the gas flow also affected the thermal uniformity of the solar cell. In this paper, the heating mechanism of the solar cell caused by radiation, convection, and conduction during firing was analyzed. Afterward, four 2-dimensional (2D) models of the furnace were proposed. The transient thermal fields with different gas inlets, outlets, and internal structures were simulated. The thermal fields and the temperature of the solar cell could remain stable and uniform when the gas outlets were installed at the ends and in the middle of the furnace, with the gas inlets being distributed evenly. To verify the results, we produced four types of furnaces according to the four simulated results. The experimental results indicated that the thermal distribution of the furnace and the characteristics of the solar cells were consistent with the simulation. These experiments improved the efficiency of the solar cells while optimizing the solar cell manufacturing equipment.
The Degree Analysis of an Inhomogeneous Growing Network with Two Types of Vertices
Authors: Huang Huilin
Published: May 2014

We consider an inhomogeneous growing network with two types of vertices. The degree sequences of two different types of vertices are investigated, respectively. We not only prove that the asymptotical degree distribution of typesfor this process is power law with exponent2+1+δqs+β1-qs/αqs, but also give the strong law of large numbers for degree sequences of two different types of vertices by using a different method instead of Azuma’s inequality. Then we determine asymptotically the joint probability distribution of degree for pairs of adjacent vertices with the same type and with different types, respectively.
Hemi-Slant Warped Product Submanifolds of Nearly Kaehler Manifolds
Authors: Al-Solamy Falleh R. , Khan Meraj Ali
Published: May 2014

Hemi-slant warped product submanifolds of nearly Kaehler manifolds are studied and some interesting results are obtained. Moreover, an inequality is established for squared norm of second fundamental form and equality case is also discussed. The results obtained are also true if ambient manifold is replaced by a Kaehler manifold. These results generalize several known results in the literature.
Hybrid Composite Laminates Reinforced with Kevlar/Carbon/Glass Woven Fabrics for Ballistic Impact Testing
Authors: Randjbaran Elias , Zahari Rizal , Abdul Jalil Nawal Aswan , Abang Abdul Majid Dayang Laila
Published: May 2014

Current study reported a facile method to investigate the effects of stacking sequence layers of hybrid composite materials on ballistic energy absorption by running the ballistic test at the high velocity ballistic impact conditions. The velocity and absorbed energy were accordingly calculated as well. The specimens were fabricated from Kevlar, carbon, and glass woven fabrics and resin and were experimentally investigated under impact conditions. All the specimens possessed equal mass, shape, and density; nevertheless, the layers were ordered in different stacking sequence. After running the ballistic test at the same conditions, the final velocities of the cylindrical AISI 4340 Steel pellet showed how much energy was absorbed by the samples. The energy absorption of each sample through the ballistic impact was calculated; accordingly, the proper ballistic impact resistance materials could be found by conducting the test. This paper can be further studied in order to characterise the material properties for the different layers.
Systemic Approach to Identify Serum microRNAs as Potential Biomarkers for Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Hsu An , Chen Shu-Jen , Chang Yu-Sun , Chen Hua-Chien , Chu Pao-Hsien
Published: May 2014

Background. Recent studies have revealed the role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in a variety of biological and pathological processes, including acute myocardial infarction (AMI). We hypothesized that ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) may be associated with an alteration of miRNAs and that circulating miRNAs may be used as diagnostic markers for STEMI.Methods. Expression levels of 270 serum miRNAs were analyzed in 8 STEMI patients and 8 matched healthy controls to identify miRNAs differentially expressed in the sera of patients with AMI. The differentially expressed miRNAs were evaluated in a separate cohort of 62 subjects, including 31 STEMI patients and 31 normal controls.Results. The initial profiling study identified 12 upregulated and 13 downregulated serum miRNAs in the AMI samples. A subsequent validation study confirmed that serum miR-486-3p and miR-150-3p were upregulated while miR-126-3p, miR-26a-5p, and miR-191-5p were significantly downregulated in the sera of patients with AMI. Ratios between the level of upregulated and downregulated miRNAs were also significantly different in those with AMI. Receiver operator characteristics curve analysis using the expression ratio of miR-486-3p and miR-191-5p showed an area under the curve of 0.863.Conclusion. Our results suggest that serum miRNAs may be used as potential diagnostic biomarkers for STEMI.
Intelligent Sales Prediction for Pharmaceutical Distribution Companies: A Data Mining Based Approach
Authors: Khalil Zadeh Neda , Sepehri Mohammad Mehdi , Farvaresh Hamid
Published: May 2014

One of the problems of pharmaceutical distribution companies (PDCs) is how to control inventory levels in order to prevent costs of excessive inventory and to prevent losing customers due to drug shortage. Consequently, the purpose of this study is to propose a novel method to forecast sales of PDCs. The presented method is a combination of network analysis tools and time series forecasting methods. Due to lack of enough past sales records of each drug, an explorative network based analysis is conducted to find clique sets and group members and to use comembers’ sales data in their sales prediction. Afterwards, time series sales forecasting models were built with three different approaches including ARIMA methodology, neural network, and an advanced hybrid neural network approach. The offered hybrid method by applying each drug and its comembers past records facilitates capturing both linear and nonlinear patterns of sales accurately. The performance of the proposed method was evaluated by a real dataset provided by one of the leading PDCs in Iran. The results indicated that the proposed method is able to cope with low number of past records while it forecasts medicines sales accurately.
Adaptive Rejection Filter for the Drives Stabilization of Pressure Die Casting Machines
Authors: Rimar Miroslav , Fedak Marcel , Mihalcova Janka , Kuna Stefan
Published: May 2014

The presented paper deals with the design of a mathematical model of a rejection filter for the drives stabilization applied to pressure die casting processes. The rejection filter allows the stabilization of electrohydraulic servo drives making use of periodically repeated zero transfer functions while taking advantage of the essence of a parallel joint of the proportional unit and a time delay unit. Consequently, the model of the adaptive rejection filter algorithm with a higher form of electrohydraulic servo drives has been mathematically elaborated. The paper comprises the algorithm description for the models implementation in the process of a servo drive control, which to a sufficiently greater extent can respond to the changes in technological parameters of pressure die casting than a conventional drive system. The introduction of a position feedback or a high-speed feedback allows the elimination of excessive porosity formation. By Introducing additional feedbacks, it is possible to affect the speed of a piston movement in the range of a low pressing speed depending on other technological parameters, for example, a melt temperature in the chamber.
Computation of Spectral Parameter of Discontinuous Dirac Systems with a Gaussian Multiplier
Authors: Tharwat Mohammed M. , Alghamdi Mohammed A.
Published: May 2014

We aim in this paper to apply a sinc-Gaussian technique to compute the eigenvalues of a Dirac system which has a discontinuity at one point and contains a spectral parameter in all boundary conditions. We establish the needed properties of eigenvalues of our problem. The error of this method decays exponentially in terms of the number of involved samples. Therefore the accuracy of the new technique is higher than the classical sinc-method. Numerical worked examples with tables and illustrative figures are given at the end of the paper.
KmsGC: An Unsupervised Color Image Segmentation Algorithm Based on K‐Means Clustering and Graph Cut
Authors: Liang Binmei , Zhang Jianzhou
Published: May 2014

For unsupervised color image segmentation, we propose a two‐stage algorithm, KmsGC, that combines K‐means clustering with graph cut. In the first stage, K‐means clustering algorithm is applied to make an initial clustering, and the optimal number of clusters is automatically determined by a compactness criterion that is established to find clustering with maximum intercluster distance and minimum intracluster variance. In the second stage, a multiple terminal vertices weighted graph is constructed based on an energy function, and the image is segmented according to a minimum cost multiway cut. A large number of performance evaluations are carried out, and the experimental results indicate the proposed approach is effective compared to other existing image segmentation algorithms on the Berkeley image database.