bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evidence for a reference frame transformation of vestibular signal contributions to voluntary reaching
Authors: Moreau-Debord Ian , Martin Christophe Z. , Landry Marianne , Green Andrea M.
Published: February 2014

To contribute appropriately to voluntary reaching during body motion, vestibular signals must be transformed from a head-centered to a body-centered reference frame. We quantitatively investigated the evidence for this transformation during online reach execution by using galvanic vestibular stimulation (GVS) to simulate rotation about a head-fixed, roughly naso-occipital axis as human subjects made planar reaching movements to a remembered location with their head in different orientations. If vestibular signals that contribute to reach execution have been transformed from a head-centered to a body-centered reference frame, the same stimulation should be interpreted as body tilt with the head upright but as vertical-axis rotation with the head inclined forward. Consequently, GVS should perturb reach trajectories in a head-orientation-dependent way. Consistent with this prediction, GVS applied during reach execution induced trajectory deviations that were significantly larger with the head forward compared with upright. Only with the head forward were trajectories consistently deviated in opposite directions for rightward versus leftward simulated rotation, as appropriate to compensate for body vertical-axis rotation. These results demonstrate that vestibular signals contributing to online reach execution have indeed been transformed from a head-centered to a body-centered reference frame. Reach deviation amplitudes were comparable to those predicted for ideal compensation for body rotation using a biomechanical limb model. Finally, by comparing the effects of application of GVS during reach execution versus prior to reach onset we also provide evidence that spatially transformed vestibular signals contribute to at least partially distinct compensation mechanisms for body motion during reach planning versus execution.
An evaluation of paired motor unit estimates of persistent inward current in human motoneurons
Authors: Vandenberk Michael S. , Kalmar Jayne M.
Published: February 2014

Persistent inward current (PIC) plays an important role in setting the input-output gain of motoneurons. In humans, these currents are estimated by calculating the difference between synaptic input at motor unit recruitment and derecruitment (ΔF) derived from paired motor unit recordings. The primary objective of this study was to use the relationship between reciprocal inhibition (RI) and PIC to estimate the contribution of PIC relative to other motoneuron properties that result in nonlinear motor unit firing behavior. This study also assessed the contribution of other intrinsic properties (spike threshold accommodation and spike frequency adaptation) to ΔF estimates of PIC in human motor units by using ramps with varying rates of rise and duration. It was hypothesized that slower rates of ramp rise and longer ramp durations would inflate ΔF estimates of PIC, and RI and PIC values would only be correlated during the ramp with the fastest rate of rise and shortest duration when spike threshold accommodation and spike frequency adaptation is minimized. Fourteen university-aged participants took part in this study. Paired motor unit recordings were made from the right soleus muscle during ramp contractions of plantar flexors with three different rates of rise and durations. ΔF estimates of PIC increased with decreased rates of ramp rise ( P < 0.01) and increased ramp durations ( P < 0.01), most likely due to spike frequency adaptation. A correlation ( r = 0.41; P < 0.03) between ΔF and RI provides evidence that PIC is the primary contributor to ΔF in shorter ramps with faster rates of rise.
Cortical contributions to control of posture during unrestricted and restricted stance
Authors: Murnaghan Chantelle D. , Squair Jordan W. , Chua Romeo , Inglis J. Timothy , Carpenter Mark G.
Published: February 2014

There is very little consensus regarding the mechanisms underlying postural control. Whereas some theories suggest that posture is controlled at lower levels (i.e., brain stem and spinal cord), other theories have proposed that upright stance is controlled using higher centers, including the motor cortex. In the current investigation, we used corticomuscular coherence (CMC) to investigate the relationship between cortical and shank muscle activity during conditions of unrestricted and restricted postural sway. Participants were instructed to stand as still as possible in an apparatus that allowed the center of mass to move freely (“Unlocked”) or to be stabilized (“Locked”) without subject awareness. EEG (Cz) and electromyography (soleus and lateral/medial gastrocnemii) were collected and used to estimate CMC over the Unlocked and Locked periods. Confirming our previous results, increases in center of pressure (COP) displacements were observed in 9 of 12 participants in the Locked compared with Unlocked condition. Across these 9 participants, CMC was low or absent in both the Unlocked and Locked conditions. The results from the current study suggest that this increase is not associated with an increase in the relationship between cortical and shank muscle activities. Rather, it may be that increases in COP displacement with locking are mediated by subcortical structures as a means of increasing sway to provide the central nervous system with a critical level of sensory information.
Occurrence of Methicillin Resistant and Enterotoxigenic
Staphylococcus aureus in Traditional Cheeses in the North West of Iran
Authors: Shanehbandi Dariush , Baradaran Behzad , Sadigh-Eteghad Saeed , Zarredar Habib
Published: February 2014

Traditional dairy products are potential sources of a variety of microorganisms which participate in food poisoning. Staphylococcus aureus is a conspicuous example of toxigenic bacteria causative for food-borne diseases. Moreover, resistance to methicillin is a prominent index in food hygiene studies. In the present study, we have aimed at characterization and identification of enterotoxigenic methicillin resistant S. aureus (MRSA) isolated from traditional cheeses in Azerbaijan region in the northwest of Iran during 2012. A number of phenotypical and molecular assays were utilized for screening of S. aureus. Subsequently, the prevalence of the genes responsible for the five staphylococcal enterotoxins (SEA-SEE) and also methicillin resistance gene was assessed. The outcomes of phenotypical methods were in conformity with those of the molecular procedures. The results indicated that 16% of cheese samples were contaminated by S. aureus. 110 isolates were authenticated by both phenotypical and molecular methods. All of the mentioned isolates were positive for coa, nuc, and 16S rDNA primers. 21% of these isolates were mecA positive and 60.8% of these MRSA were positive for SEs. Regarding the frequent outbreaks of enterotoxigenic MRSA, new hygiene policies and management practices should be considered to increase food safety and avoid extra treatment costs.
Localization Operators and an Uncertainty Principle for the Discrete Short Time Fourier Transform
Authors: Fernández Carmen , Galbis Antonio , Martínez Josep
Published: February 2014

Localization operators in the discrete setting are used to obtain information on a signalffrom the knowledge on the support of its short time Fourier transform. In particular, the extremal functions of the uncertainty principle for the discrete short time Fourier transform are characterized and their connection with functions that generate a time-frequency basis is studied.
Comparison of Geostatistical Kriging Algorithms for Intertidal Surface Sediment Facies Mapping with Grain Size Data
Authors: Park No-Wook , Jang Dong-Ho
Published: February 2014

This paper compares the predictive performance of different geostatistical kriging algorithms for intertidal surface sediment facies mapping using grain size data. Indicator kriging, which maps facies types from conditional probabilities of predefined facies types, is first considered. In the second approach, grain size fractions are first predicted using cokriging and the facies types are then mapped. As grain size fractions are compositional data, their characteristics should be considered during spatial prediction. For efficient prediction of compositional data, additive log-ratio transformation is applied before cokriging analysis. The predictive performance of cokriging of the transformed variables is compared with that of cokriging of raw fractions in terms of both prediction errors of fractions and facies mapping accuracy. From a case study of the Baramarae tidal flat, Korea, the mapping method based on cokriging of log-ratio transformation of fractions outperformed the one based on cokriging of untransformed fractions in the prediction of fractions and produced the best facies mapping accuracy. Indicator kriging that could not account for the variation of fractions within each facies type showed the worst mapping accuracy. These case study results indicate that the proper processing of grain size fractions as compositional data is important for reliable facies mapping.
AcT-2: A Novel Myotropic and Antimicrobial Type 2 Tryptophyllin from the Skin Secretion of the Central American Red-Eyed Leaf Frog,Agalychnis callidryas
Authors: Ge Lilin , Lyu Peng , Zhou Mei , Zhang Huiling , Wan Yuantai , Li Bin , Li Renjie , Wang Lei , Chen Tianbao , Shaw Chris
Published: February 2014

Tryptophyllins are a diverse family of amphibian peptides originally found in extracts of phyllomedusine frog skin by chemical means. Their biological activities remain obscure. Here we describe the isolation and preliminary pharmacological characterization of a novel type 2 tryptophyllin, named AcT-2, from the skin secretion of the red-eyed leaf frog,Agalychnis callidryas. The peptide was initially identified during smooth muscle pharmacological screening of skin secretion HPLC fractions and the unique primary structure—GMRPPWF-NH2—was established by both Edman degradation and electrospray MS/MS fragmentation sequencing. A. cDNA encoding the biosynthetic precursor of AcT-2 was successfully cloned from a skin secretion-derived cDNA library by means of RACE PCR and this contained an open-reading frame consisting of 62 amino acid residues with a single AcT-2 encoding sequence located towards the C-terminus. A synthetic replicate of AcT-2 was found to relax arterial smooth muscle (EC50= 5.1 nM) and to contract rat urinary bladder smooth muscle (EC50= 9.3 μM). The peptide could also inhibit the growth of the microorganisms,Staphylococcus aureus, (MIC = 256 mg/L)Escherichia coli(MIC = 512 mg/L), andCandida albicans(128 mg/L). AcT-2 is thus the first amphibian skin tryptophyllin found to possess both myotropic and antimicrobial activities.
Two Fast Retransmit Techniques in UWSNs with ACK Indiscretion Problem
Authors: Lee Sungwon , Kim Dongkyun
Published: February 2014

In underwater wireless sensor networks (UWSNs), flooding-based routing protocols are preferred due to their capability of reducing the routing overhead in terms of no need of path setup and maintenance. In addition to routing, a transport protocol should be developed to recover lost DATA segments in loss-prone UWSNs. In particular, due to long propagation delay in UWSNS, a fast end-to-end recovery technique needs to be developed. Fortunately, the Fast Retransmit technique well-defined in TCP can be exploited for fast retransmissions of lost DATA segments. However, if it operates over the flooding-based routing protocols, each source node will receive multiple copies of ACK segments which are transmitted along different paths. Therefore, the source node cannot distinguish between these multiple copies of ACK segments and real duplicated ACK segments (defined as an ACK indiscretion problem in this paper), which leads to unnecessary retransmissions. In this paper, we therefore propose two Fast Retransmit techniques to address the ACK indiscretion problem. In our first proposed technique, the sink records a new count number into a header, informing how many duplicated ACK segments have been transmitted from the sink. Since this requires an additional field in the header for the count number, the second technique allows a source node to estimate the number of ACK copies which are expected to be received when the sink transmits an ACK segment, without any dependency on the additional field. From both of our proposed techniques, the source nodes become aware of the accurate number of duplicated ACK segments transmitted from the sink and can perform the Fast Retransmit correctly.
Chinese Herbal Medicine on Dyslipidemia: Progress and Perspective
Authors: Guo Ming , Liu Yue , Gao Zhu-Ye , Shi Da-zhuo
Published: February 2014

Dyslipidemia is an independent risk factor of cardiovascular diseases. The statins are a milestone in the primary and second prevention of cardiovascular diseases and significantly improved its prognosis. Along with the long‐term treatment with statins in combination with other hypolipidemic drugs or alone, its safety has attracted a particular attention in clinic, such as the elevation of transaminase and rhabdomyolysis, which have raised an idea of developing the other types of lipid‐lowering agents from botanic materials. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been used in clinical practice for more than 2000 years in China and showed some beneficial effects for human health and many diseases. Recently, many studies demonstrated a favorable effect of TCM for treating dyslipidemia; however, its mechanism remains unclear or totally unknown. The progress and perspective of studies on dyslipidemia with single Chinese herb and its monomers or effective extracts during the past 10 years are discussed in the present review.
Potential Regulatory Role of Gibberellic and Humic Acids in Sprouting ofChlorophytum borivilianumTubers
Authors: Nakasha Jaafar Juju , Sinniah Uma Rani , Puteh Adam , Hassan Siti Aishah
Published: February 2014

Tubers of safed musli (Chlorophytum borivilianum) were immersed in three different concentrations of gibberellic acid (GA3) or humic acid (HA) prior to planting. The highest concentration of GA3(20 mg L-1) and all concentrations of HA (5, 10, and 15%) appeared to hasten tuber sprouting and promote uniform sprouting pattern. The use of 20 mg L-1GA3or 15% HA successfully improved sprouting and mean sprouting time. Safed musli growth and development was improved through the increase in the number of leaves, total leaf area, leaf area index, and total fibrous root length. This directly influenced the number of new tubers formed. The use of 20 mg L-1GA3or 15% HA gave similar response with nonsignificant difference among them. However, due to the cost of production, the result from this study suggests that 15% HA should be used to obtain improved sprouting percentage, homogeneous stand establishment, efficient plant growth and development, and increased yield of safed musli.
Impacts of Luminosity in the Cab at Night on the Dynamic Distance of Visual Cognition
Authors: Zhao Weihua , Han Wei , Wen Ying , Zhang Dongmei , Liu Haoxue
Published: February 2014

Suddenly encountering light sources at night will reduce drivers' dynamic distance of visual cognition. In order to investigate the law of quantitative changes of the visual recognition distance under the conditions of different speeds and different environmental luminosity around drivers, calibration experiments were conducted on an actual road. And on the basis of the data set from the experiments, using the method of curved surface regression analysis, the function models describing the rule of the visual recognition distance changing with the environmental luminosity around drivers and running speeds were established. The models were effective via statistical tests. Furthermore, combined with the automobile braking distance, the reaction time allowed for drivers and the critical speeds were analyzed then. Verification tests were also designed to test the established function model. Results showed that as the environmental luminosity around drivers increases, vision recognition distance decreases; as vehicle speed increases, vision recognition distance decreases. Therefore, the sudden showing-up light sources will affect the environmental luminosity in the cab and lead to the reduction in the visual recognition distance as well as the reaction time for drivers. In this circumstance, drivers must control the speed lower than the critical speed to avoid collision.
Gender Differences in Clinicoepidemiological Features of Vitiligo: A Cross-Sectional Analysis
Authors: Patil Sharmila , Gautam Manjyot , Nadkarni Nitin , Saboo Neha , Godse Kiran , Setia Maninder Singh
Published: February 2014

Background. Vitiligo has important clinical and social consequences particularly in the pigmented skin. The present study was conducted to assess the differences in clinicoepidemiological presentation of vitiligo in males and females and to understand the factors associated with spread of vitiligo in them. Methods. This is a cross-sectional analysis of secondary clinical data of 168 vitiligo patients at a tertiary medical centre at Navi Mumbai. We used logistic regression models to estimate the association between gender and clinical characteristics of vitiligo and to evaluate the factors associated with spread of vitiligo. Results. There were no significant differences between the mean ages of males and females; however, males reported a longer duration of disease (6.9 (10.4) years) compared with females (4.9 (7.4) years). Males were significantly more likely to report a family history of vitiligo compared with females (adjusted OR (aOR): 16.87, 95% CI: 2.16 to 131.69). Even though females were more likely to report spread of lesions, the association was not statistically significant (OR: 1.21, 95% CI: 0.62 to 2.36). Discussion. The differences in the clinical presentations between genders highlight the need to understand the different factors (possibly genetic) that may play a part in the pathogenesis of this multifactorial disease in males and females.
The Unsteady Numerical Simulation and Fluid-Structure Interaction Analysis of TLB600-700 Desulphurization Pump
Authors: He Xiaoke , Liu Jianrui , Fu Dengpeng
Published: February 2014

Based on the design theory of liquid-solid two-phase flow centrifugal pump, a new type TLB600-700 desulphurization pump was designed with huge distortions blades design method and impeller inlet super long extension blades design method. Three-dimensional model of internal flow field in TLB600-700 desulphurization pump was built by software PROE5.0, and the three-dimensional unsteady numerical simulation of the internal flow field was calculated, which revealed that the rotor-stator interaction between rotating impeller and volute is the reason why unstable flow generated. Statics analysis was carried out on the impeller in the stationary flow state with the method of fluid-structure interaction, and results indicated that the impeller strength and stiffness meet the design requirements. External characteristic test results of TLB600-700 desulphurization pump showed that all parameters of desulphurization pump designed by innovative method meet design requirements; especially the pump efficiency was increased by 4.15% higher than Chinese national standard.
Antitumoral Activity of Snake Venom Proteins: New Trends in Cancer Therapy
Authors: Calderon Leonardo A. , Sobrinho Juliana C. , Zaqueo Kayena D. , de Moura Andrea A. , Grabner Amy N. , Mazzi Maurício V. , Marcussi Silvana , Nomizo Auro , Fernandes Carla F. C. , Zuliani Juliana P. , Carvalho Bruna M. A. , da Silva Saulo L. , Stábeli Rodrigo G. , Soares Andreimar M.
Published: February 2014

For more than half a century, cytotoxic agents have been investigated as a possible treatment for cancer. Research on animal venoms has revealed their high toxicity on tissues and cell cultures, both normal and tumoral. Snake venoms show the highest cytotoxic potential, since ophidian accidents cause a large amount of tissue damage, suggesting a promising utilization of these venoms or their components as antitumoral agents. Over the last few years, we have studied the effects of snake venoms and their isolated enzymes on tumor cell cultures. Somein vivoassays showed antineoplastic activity against induced tumors in mice. In human beings, both the crude venom and isolated enzymes revealed antitumor activities in preliminary assays, with measurable clinical responses in the advanced treatment phase. These enzymes include metalloproteases (MP), disintegrins, L-amino acid oxidases (LAAOs), C-type lectins, and phospholipases A2(PLA2s). Their mechanisms of action include direct toxic action (PLA2s), free radical generation (LAAOs), apoptosis induction (PLA2s, MP, and LAAOs), and antiangiogenesis (disintegrins and lectins). Higher cytotoxic and cytostatic activities upon tumor cells than normal cells suggest the possibility for clinical applications. Further studies should be conducted to ensure the efficacy and safety of different snake venom compounds for cancer drug development.
Larvicidal Activity ofCassia occidentalis(Linn.) against the Larvae of Bancroftian Filariasis Vector MosquitoCulex quinquefasciatus
Authors: Kumar Deepak , Chawla Rakesh , Dhamodaram P. , Balakrishnan N.
Published: February 2014

Background & Objectives. The plan of this work was to study the larvicidal activity ofCassia occidentalis(Linn.) against the larvae ofCulex quinquefasciatus. These larvae are the most significant vectors. They transmit the parasites and pathogens which cause a deadly disease like filariasis, dengue, yellow fever, malaria, Japanese encephalitis, chikungunya, and so forth, which are considered harmful towards the population in tropic and subtropical regions.Methods. The preliminary laboratory trail was undertaken to determine the efficacy of petroleum ether and N-butanol extract of dried whole plant ofCassia occidentalis(Linn.) belonging to the family Caesalpiniaceae at various concentrations against the late third instar larvae ofCulex quinquefasciatusby following the WHO guidelines.Results. The results suggest that 100% mortality effect of petroleum ether and N-butanol extract ofCassia occidentalis(Linn.) was observed at 200 and 300 ppm (parts per million). The results obviously showed use of plants in insect control as an alternative method for minimizing the noxious effect of some pesticide compounds on the environment. Thus the extract ofCassia occidentalis(Linn.) is claimed as more selective and biodegradable agent.Conclusion. This study justified that plantCassia occidentalis(Linn.) has a realistic mortality result for larvae of filarial vector. This is safe to individual and communities against mosquitoes. It is a natural weapon for mosquito control.
Sustained Ventricular Tachycardia and Cardiogenic Shock due to Scorpion Envenomation
Authors: Miranda Carlos Henrique , Maio Karina Tozatto , Moreira Henrique Turin , Moraes Marcos , Custodio Viviane Imaculada do Carmo , Pazin-Filho Antonio , Cupo Palmira
Published: February 2014

We describe a case of severe scorpion envenomation in an adult patient, with the presence of very rapid sustained ventricular tachycardia followed by cardiogenic shock, which was reversed by scorpion antivenom administration. Scorpion venom causes cardiac changes that can lead to an environment favoring arrhythmogenesis.
Assessment of Cellular Responses after Short- and Long-Term Exposure to Silver Nanoparticles in Human Neuroblastoma (SH-SY5Y) and Astrocytoma (D384) Cells
Authors: Coccini Teresa , Manzo Luigi , Bellotti Vittorio , De Simone Uliana
Published: February 2014

Silver nanoparticle (AgNP, 20 nm) neurotoxicity was evaluated by an integratedin vitrotesting protocol employing human cerebral (SH-SY5Y and D384) cell lines. Cellular response after short-term (4–48 h, 1–100 μg/ml) and prolonged exposure (up to 10 days, 0.5–50 μg/ml) to AgNP was assessed by MTT, calcein-AM/PI, clonogenic tests. Pulmonary A549 cells were employed for data comparison along with silver nitrate as metal ionic form.Short-term data: (i) AgNP produced dose- and time-dependent mitochondrial metabolism changes and cell membrane damage (effects starting at 25 μg/ml after 4 h: EC50swere 40.7 ± 2.0 and 49.5 ± 2.1 μg/ml for SH-SY5Y and D384, respectively). A549 were less vulnerable; (ii) AgNP doses of ≤ 18 μg/ml were noncytotoxic; (iii) AgNO3induced more pronounced effects compared to AgNP on cerebral cells.Long-term data: (i) low AgNP doses (≤1 μg/ml) compromised proliferative capacity of all cell types (cell sensibility: SHSY5Y > A549 > D384). Colony number decrease in SH-SY5Y and D384 was 50% and 25%, respectively, at 1 μg/ml, and lower dose (0.5 μg/ml) was significantly effective towards SH-SY5Y and pulmonary cells; (ii) cell proliferation activity was more affected by AgNO3than AgNPs. In summary, AgNP-induced cytotoxic effects after short-term and prolonged exposure (even at low doses) were evidenced regardless of cell model types.
Fault Troubleshooting Using Bayesian Network and Multicriteria Decision Analysis
Authors: Huang Yingping , Wang Yusha , Zhang Renjie
Published: February 2014

Fault troubleshooting aims to diagnose and repair faults at the highest efficacy and a minimum cost. The efficacy depends on multiple criteria like fault probability, cost, time, and risk of a repair action. This paper proposes a novel fault troubleshooting approach by combining Bayesian network with multicriteria decision analysis (MCDA). Automobile engine start-up failure is used as a case study. Bayesian network is employed to establish fault diagnostic model for reasoning and calculating standard values of uncertain criteria like fault probability. MCDA is adopted to integrate the influence of the four criteria and calculate utility value of the actions in each troubleshooting step. The approach enables a cost-saving, high efficient, and low risky troubleshooting.
Complication of Invasive Molar Pregnancy withClostridium perfringensSepsis
Authors: Singh Sanmeet , Angra Kunal , Davis Bonnie , Shokrani Babak
Published: February 2014

Clostridium perfringens(CP) is an anaerobic, Gram-positive bacillus associated with malignant diseases and near-term pregnancies. The necrotic tissue that results from these disease processes fuels the proliferation of CP, leading to gas gangrene and subsequently sepsis. Herein, we report a case of a 41-year-old female patient with a history of invasive molar pregnancy that was further complicated with a CP infection. Although past research has shown a link betweenClostridiuminfection and choriocarcinoma (Chern-Horng and Hsieh, 1999), no previous cases of CP infection have been associated with invasive molar pregnancy. We also report complete resolution of the CP sepsis and its associated symptoms following the hysterectomy.
Enhancement of Cellular Antioxidant-Defence Preserves Diastolic Dysfunction via Regulation of Both Diastolic Zn2+and Ca2+and Prevention of RyR2-Leak in Hyperglycemic Cardiomyocytes
Authors: Tuncay Erkan , Okatan Esma N. , Toy Aysegul , Turan Belma
Published: February 2014

We examined whether cellular antioxidant-defence enhancement preserves diastolic dysfunction via regulation of both diastolic intracellular free Zn2+and Ca2+levels (Zn2+iandCa2+i) levelsN-acetyl cysteine (NAC) treatment (4 weeks) of diabetic rats preserved altered cellular redox state and also prevented diabetes-induced tissue damage and diastolic dysfunction with marked normalizations in the restingZn2+iandCa2+i. The kinetic parameters of transient changes in Zn2+and Ca2+under electrical stimulation and the spatiotemporal properties of Zn2+and Ca2+sparks in resting cells are found to be normal in the treated diabetic group. Biochemical analysis demonstrated that the NAC treatment also antagonized hyperphosphorylation of cardiac ryanodine receptors (RyR2) and significantly restored depleted protein levels of both RyR2 and calstabin2. Incubation of cardiomyocytes with 10 µM ZnCl2exerted hyperphosphorylation in RyR2 as well as higher phosphorphorylations in both PKA and CaMKII in a concentration-dependent manner, similar to hyperglycemia. Our present data also showed that a subcellular oxidative stress marker, NF-κB, can be activated if the cells are exposed directly to Zn2+. We thus for the first time report that an enhancement of antioxidant defence in diabetics via directly targeting heart seems to prevent diastolic dysfunction due to modulation of RyR2 macromolecular-complex thereby leading to normalizedCa2+iandZn2+iin cardiomyocytes.
Electron Band Alignment at Interfaces of Semiconductors with Insulating Oxides: An Internal Photoemission Study
Authors: Afanas'ev Valeri V.
Published: February 2014

Evolution of the electron energy band alignment at interfaces between different semiconductors and wide-gap oxide insulators is examined using the internal photoemission spectroscopy, which is based on observations of optically-induced electron (or hole) transitions across the semiconductor/insulator barrier. Interfaces of various semiconductors ranging from the conventional silicon to the high-mobility Ge-based (Ge,Si1-xGex,Ge1-xSnx) andAIIIBVgroup (GaAs,InxGa1-xAs, InAs, GaP, InP, GaSb, InSb) materials were studied revealing several general trends in the evolution of band offsets. It is found that in the oxides of metals with cation radii larger than≈0.7 Å, the oxide valence band top remains nearly at the same energy (±0.2 eV) irrespective of the cation sort. Using this result, it becomes possible to predict the interface band alignment between oxides and semiconductors as well as between dissimilar insulating oxides on the basis of the oxide bandgap width which are also affected by crystallization. By contrast, oxides of light elements, for example, Be, Mg, Al, Si, and Sc exhibit significant shifts of the valence band top. General trends in band lineup variations caused by a change in the composition of semiconductor photoemission material are also revealed.
Nonnegative Matrix Factorization Numerical Method for Integrated Photonic Cavity Based Spectroscopy
Authors: Huang Zhengyu , Xiong Dayuan , Zhang Guixu , Shi Yiqin , Hao Changning , Duan Junli
Published: February 2014

Nonnegative matrix factorization numerical method has been used to improve the spectral resolution of integrated photonic cavity based spectroscopy. Based on the experimental results for integrated photonic cavity device on Optics Letters 32, 632 (2007), the theoretical results show that the spectral resolution can be improved more than 3 times from 5.5 nm to 1.8 nm. It is a promising way to release the difficulty of fabricating high‐resolution devices.
Donor-Recipient Size Mismatch in Paediatric Renal Transplantation
Authors: Donati-Bourne J. , Roberts H. W. , Coleman R. A.
Published: February 2014

Introduction. End stage renal failure in children is a rare but devastating condition, and kidney transplantation remains the only permanent treatment option. The aim of this review was to elucidate the broad surgical issues surrounding the mismatch in size of adult kidney donors to their paediatric recipients.Methods. A comprehensive literature search was undertaken on PubMed, MEDLINE, and Google Scholar for all relevant scientific articles published to date in English language. Manual search of the bibliographies was also performed to supplement the original search.Results. Size-matching kidneys for transplantation into children is not feasible due to limited organ availability from paediatric donors, resulting in prolonged waiting list times. Transplanting a comparatively large adult kidney into a child may lead to potential challenges related to the surgical incision and approach, vessel anastomoses, wound closure, postoperative cardiovascular stability, and age-correlated maturation of the graft.Conclusion. The transplantation of an adult kidney into a size mismatched paediatric recipient significantly reduces waiting times for surgery; however, it presents further challenges in terms of both the surgical procedure and the post-operative management of the patient’s physiological parameters.
Spectrum Leasing in Cognitive Radio Networks: A Survey
Authors: Syed Aqeel Raza , Yau Kok-Lim Alvin
Published: February 2014

Cognitive Radio (CR) is a dynamic spectrum access approach, in which unlicensed users (or secondary users, SUs) exploit the underutilized channels (or white spaces) owned by the licensed users (or primary users, PUs). Traditionally, SUs are oblivious to PUs, and therefore the acquisition of white spaces is not guaranteed. Hence, a SU must vacate its channel whenever a PU reappears on it in an unpredictable manner, which may affect the SUs' network performance. Spectrum leasing has been proposed to tackle the aforementioned problem through negotiation between the PU and SU networks, which allows the SUs to acquire white spaces for a guaranteed period of time. Through spectrum leasing, the PUs and SUs enhance their network performances, and additionally PUs maximize their respective monetary gains. Numerous research efforts have been made to investigate the CR, whereas the research into spectrum leasing remains at its infancy. In this paper, we present a comprehensive review on spectrum leasing schemes in CR networks by highlighting some pioneering approaches and discuss the gains, functionalities, characteristics, and challenges of spectrum leasing schemes along with the performance enhancement in CR networks. Additionally, we discuss various open issues in order to spark new interests in this research area.
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: A New Metabolic Disease of the Aging Male and Its Correlation with Sexual Dysfunctions
Authors: Corona Giovanni , Vignozzi Linda , Rastrelli Giulia , Lotti Francesco , Cipriani Sarah , Maggi Mario
Published: February 2014

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a well-recognized cluster of cardiovascular (CV) risk factors including obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and hyperglycaemia, closely associated with an increased risk of forthcoming cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Emerging evidence indicates that benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) and its related lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) represent other clinical conditions frequently observed in subjects with MetS. Several modifiable factors involved in MetS determinism, such as inadequate diet, lack of physical exercise, and smoking and drinking behaviours are emerging as main contributors to the development of BPH. The pathogenetic mechanisms underlying the connection between MetS and BPH have not been completely clarified. MetS and its components, hypogonadism, and prostate inflammation probably play an important role in inducing BPH/LUTS. Although historically considered as a “normal” consequence of the aging process, BPH/LUTS should now be faced proactively, as a preventable disorder of the elderly. Type of diet and level of physical activity are now considered important factors affecting prostate health in the aging male. However, whether physical exercise, weight loss, and modifications of dietary habit can really alter the natural history of BPH/LUTS remains to be determined. Further research is advisable to better clarify these points.
Bridge Condition Assessment UsingDNumbers
Authors: Deng Xinyang , Hu Yong , Deng Yong
Published: February 2014

Bridge condition assessment is a complex problem influenced by many factors. The uncertain environment increases more its complexity. Due to the uncertainty in the process of assessment, one of the key problems is the representation of assessment results. Though there exists many methods that can deal with uncertain information, however, they have more or less deficiencies. In this paper, a new representation of uncertain information, calledDnumbers, is presented. It extends the Dempster-Shafer theory. By usingDnumbers, a new method is developed for the bridge condition assessment. Compared to these existing methods, the proposed method is simpler and more effective. An illustrative case is given to show the effectiveness of the new method.
Selection Index in the Study of Adaptability and Stability in Maize
Authors: Lunezzo de Oliveira Rogério , Garcia Von Pinho Renzo , Furtado Ferreira Daniel , Miranda Pires Luiz Paulo , Costa Melo Wagner Mateus
Published: February 2014

This paper proposes an alternative method for evaluating the stability and adaptability of maize hybrids using a genotype-ideotype distance index (GIDI) for selection. Data from seven variables were used, obtained through evaluation of 25 maize hybrids at six sites in southern Brazil. The GIDI was estimated by means of the generalized Mahalanobis distance for each plot of the test. We then proceeded to GGE biplot analysis in order to compare the predictive accuracy of the GGE models and the grouping of environments and to select the best five hybrids. The G × E interaction was significant for both variables assessed. The GGE model with two principal components obtained a predictive accuracy (PRECORR) of 0.8913 for the GIDI and 0.8709 for yield (t ha−1). Two groups of environments were obtained upon analyzing the GIDI, whereas all the environments remained in the same group upon analyzing yield. Coincidence occurred in only two hybrids considering evaluation of the two features. The GIDI assessment provided for selection of hybrids that combine adaptability and stability in most of the variables assessed, making its use more highly recommended than analyzing each variable separately. Not all the higher-yielding hybrids were the best in the other variables assessed.
Application of HPLC to Study the Reaction of Free Radicals with Antioxidants and/or Toxins
Authors: Piszcz Paweł , Żurawski Konrad , Głód Bronisław K.
Published: February 2014

The application of HPLC in the antioxidative (antiradical) properties studies of various samples is discussed in this paper. The assay is based on the reaction of, characterized by strong oxidizing properties, hydroxyl radicals (generated in the Fenton-like reaction) with the sample and with the, so-called, sensor. The product of the sensor reaction with the radicals is analyzed using RP-HPLC with fluorescence detection. It is well known that antioxidants, which are healthy for living organisms, have a negative environmental effect. Therefore, the goal of the paper is to discuss if the same setup can be used to get rid of unwanted compounds (toxins) from the environment. It was found that the phenols and PAHs are degraded by hydroxyl radicals. The optimal (maximum degree of the degradation) conditions were obtained forpH=3.0and 0.1 mM Fe2+.
A Self-Oscillating System to Measure the Conductivity and the Permittivity of Liquids within a Single Triangular Signal
Authors: Druart Sylvain , Flandre Denis , Francis Laurent A.
Published: February 2014

We present a methodology and a circuit to extract liquid resistance and capacitance simultaneously from the same output signal using interdigitated sensing electrodes. The principle consists in the generation of a current square wave and its application to the sensor to create a triangular output voltage which contains both the conductivity and permittivity parameters in a single periodic segment. This concept extends the Triangular Waveform Voltage (TWV) signal generation technique and is implemented by a system which consists in a closed-loop current-controlled oscillator and only requires DC power to operate. The system interface is portable and only a small number of electrical components are used to generate the expected signal. Conductivities of saline NaCl and KCl solutions, being first calibrated by commercial equipment, are characterized by a system prototype. The results show excellent linearity and prove the repeatability of the measurements. Experiments on water-glycerol mixtures validate the proposed sensing approach to measure the permittivity and the conductivity simultaneously. We discussed and identified the sources of measurement errors as circuit parasitic capacitances, switching clock feedthrough, charge injection, bandwidth, and control-current quality.
Enhancement of Biodiesel Production from Marine Alga,Scenedesmussp. throughIn SituTransesterification Process Associated with Acidic Catalyst
Authors: Kim Ga Vin , Choi WoonYong , Kang DoHyung , Lee ShinYoung , Lee HyeonYong
Published: February 2014

The aim of this study was to increase the yield of biodiesel produced byScenedesmussp. throughin situtransesterification by optimizing various process parameters. Based on the orthogonal matrix analysis for the acidic catalyst, the effects of the factors decreased in the order of reaction temperature (47.5%) > solvent quantity (26.7%) > reaction time (17.5%) > catalyst amount (8.3%). Based on a Taguchi analysis, the effects of the factors decreased in the order of solvent ratio (34.36%) > catalyst (28.62%) > time (19.72%) > temperature (17.32%). The overall biodiesel production appeared to be better using NaOH as an alkaline catalyst rather than using H2SO4in an acidic process, at 55.07 ± 2.18% (based on lipid weight) versus 48.41 ± 0.21%. However, in considering the purified biodiesel, it was found that the acidic catalyst was approximately 2.5 times more efficient than the alkaline catalyst under the following optimal conditions: temperature of 70°C (level 2), reaction time of 10 hrs (level 2), catalyst amount of 5% (level 3), and biomass to solvent ratio of 1 : 15 (level 2), respectively. These results clearly demonstrated that the acidic solvent, which combined oil extraction within situtransesterification, was an effective catalyst for the production of high-quantity, high-quality biodiesel from aScenedesmussp.
Construction of a Chimeric Secretory IgA and Its Neutralization Activity against Avian Influenza Virus H5N1
Authors: Li Cun , An Xiaoping , Butt Azeem Mehmood , Zhang Baozhong , Zhang Zhiyi , Wang Xiaona , Huang Yong , Zhang Wenhui , Zhang Bo , Mi Zhiqiang , Tong Yigang
Published: February 2014

Secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA) acts as the first line of defense against respiratory pathogens. In this assay, the variable regions of heavy chain (VH) and Light chain (VL) genes from a mouse monoclonal antibody against H5N1 were cloned and fused with human IgA constant regions. The full-length chimeric light and heavy chains were inserted into a eukaryotic expressing vector and then transfected into CHO/dhfr-cells. The chimeric monomeric IgA antibody expression was confirmed by using ELISA, SDS-PAGE, and Western blot. In order to obtain a dimeric secretory IgA, another two expressing plasmids, namely, pcDNA4/His A-IgJ and pcDNA4/His A-SC, were cotransfected into the CHO/dhfr-cells. The expression of dimeric SIgA was confirmed by using ELISA assay and native gel electrophoresis. In microneutralization assay on 96-well immunoplate, the chimeric SIgA showed neutralization activity against H5N1 virus on MDCK cells and the titer was determined to be 1 : 64. On preadministrating intranasally, the chimeric SIgA could prevent mice from lethal attack by using A/Vietnam/1194/04 H5N1 with a survival rate of 80%. So we concluded that the constructed recombinant chimeric SIgA has a neutralization capability targeting avian influenza virus H5N1 infection in vitro and in vivo.
An Exponentiation Method for XML Element Retrieval
Authors: Wichaiwong Tanakorn
Published: February 2014

XML document is now widely used for modelling and storing structured documents. The structure is very rich and carries important information about contents and their relationships, for example, e-Commerce. XML data-centric collections require query terms allowing users to specify constraints on the document structure; mapping structure queries and assigning the weight are significant for the set of possibly relevant documents with respect to structural conditions. In this paper, we present an extension to the MEXIR search system that supports the combination of structural and content queries in the form of content-and-structure queries, which we call the Exponentiation function. It has been shown the structural information improve the effectiveness of the search system up to 52.60% over the baseline BM25 at MAP.
Puerarin Attenuates Cerebral Damage by Improving Cerebral Microcirculation in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats
Authors: Wu Xu-Dong , Wang Chen , Zhang Zhen-Ying , Fu Yan , Liu Feng-Ying , Liu Xiu-Hua
Published: February 2014

Puerariae Lobatae Radix (Gegen in Chinese) is the dried root of Pueraria lobata, a semiwoody, perennial, and leguminous vine native to China. Puerarin is one of the effective components of isoflavones isolated from the root of Pueraria lobata. Previous studies showed that extracts derived from the root of Pueraria lobata possessed antihypertensive effect. Our study is to investigate whether puerarin contributes to prevention of stroke by improving cerebral microcirculation in rats. Materials and Methods. Video microscopy and laser Doppler perfusion imaging on the pia mater were used to measure the diameter of microvessel and blood perfusion in 12‐week old spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) and age‐matched normotensive WKY rats. Histological alterations were observed by hematoxylin and eosin staining, and microvessel density in cerebral tissue was measured by immunohistochemical analysis with anti‐Factor VIII antibody. Cell proliferation was detected by [3H]‐TdR incorporation, and activities of p42/44 mitogen activated protein kinases (p42/44 MAPKs) were detected by western blot analysis in cultured cerebral microvascular endothelial cells (MECs). Results. Intravenous injection of puerarin relaxed arterioles and increased the blood flow perfusion in the pia mater in SHRs. Puerarin treatment for 14 days reduced the blood pressure to a normal level in SHRs (P < 0.05) and increased the arteriole diameter in the pia mater significantly as compared with vehicle treatment. Arteriole remodeling, edema, and ischemia in cerebral tissue were attenuated in puerarin‐treated SHRs. Microvessel density in cerebral tissue was greater with puerarin than with vehicle treatment. Puerarin‐treated MECs showed greater proliferation and p42/44 MAPKs activities than vehicle treatment. Conclusions. Puerarin possesses effects of antihypertension and stroke prevention by improved microcirculation in SHRs, which results from the increase in cerebral blood perfusion both by arteriole relaxation and p42/44 MAPKs‐mediated angiogenesis.
Vibrational and Compositional Analysis Associated with the Color ofGuadua angustifoliaKunth Variety Bicolor (GAKVB)
Authors: Cárdenas J. I. , Vargas-Hernandez C.
Published: February 2014

The vibrational modes and compositional behavior of plant material ofGuadua angustifoliaKunth Variety Bicolor (GAKVB) and the characteristics associated with color changes were evaluated by Raman, infrared, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. In the vibrational spectra, the frequencies of 1598, 2099, and 845 cm−1were associated with yellow and blue pigments. These pigments can be found in natural organic dyes of vegetable origin, such as indigo blue (anil or pastel), extracted from Central American shrubs (Indigoferaand indaco) (Domenech, 2010), in some pigments synthesized in solid-state reactions from aluminum oxides, such as CaAl12O19, that have a turquoise color (Costa et al., 2009), and in Indian yellow (MgC19H16O11·5H2O). Using an immersion test, it was shown that the color was stable and that no loss of color occurred when photosynthesis was halted in the sample. The green and yellow stripes are assigned to Fe, N, Mg, and Si compounds. The yellow is due to decrease of Fe, Mg, and elemental Si. Results are obtained using energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and Raman measurements.