bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
l-carnitine protects human hepatocytes from oxidative stress-induced toxicity through Akt-mediated activation of Nrf2 signaling pathway
Authors: Li Jinlian , Zhang Yanli , Luan Haiyun , Chen Xuehong , Han Yantao , Wang Chunbo
Published: February 2016

In our previous study, l-carnitine was shown to have cytoprotective effect against hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced injury in human normal HL7702 hepatocytes. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the protective effect of l-carnitine was associated with the nuclear factor erythroid 2 (NFE2)-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway. Our results showed that pretreatment with l-carnitine augmented Nrf2 nuclear translocation, DNA binding activity and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression in H2O2-treated HL7702 cells, although l-carnitine treatment alone had no effect on them. Analysis using Nrf2 siRNA demonstrated that Nrf2 activation was involved in l-carnitine-induced HO-1 expression. In addition, l-carnitine-mediated protection against H2O2 toxicity was abrogated by Nrf2 siRNA, indicating the important role of Nrf2 in l-carnitine-induced cytoprotection. Further experiments revealed that l-carnitine pretreatment enhanced the phosphorylation of Akt in H2O2-treated cells. Blocking Akt pathway with inhibitor partly abrogated the protective effect of l-carnitine. Moreover, our finding demonstrated that the induction of Nrf2 translocation and HO-1 expression by l-carnitine directly correlated with the Akt pathway because Akt inhibitor showed inhibitory effects on the Nrf2 translocation and HO-1 expression. Altogether, these results demonstrate that l-carnitine protects HL7702 cells against H2O2-induced cell damage through Akt-mediated activation of Nrf2 signaling pathway.
Automatic detection of rate change in large data sets with an unsupervised approach: the case of influenza viruses
Authors: Labonté Kasandra , Aris-Brosou Stéphane
Published: February 2016

Influenza viruses evolve at such a high rate that vaccine recommendations need to be changed, but not quite on a regular basis. This observation suggests that the rate of evolution of these viruses is not constant through time, which begs the question as to when such rate changes occur, if they do so independently of the host in which they circulate and (or) independently of their subtype. To address these outstanding questions, we introduce a novel heuristics, Mclust*, that is based on a two-tier clustering approach in a phylogenetic context to estimate (i) absolute rates of evolution and (ii) when rate change occurs. We employ the novel approach to compare the two influenza surface proteins, hemagglutinin and neuraminidase, that circulated in avian, human, and swine hosts between 1960 and 2014 in two subtypes: H3N2 and H1N1. We show that the algorithm performs well in most conditions, accounting for phylogenetic uncertainty by means of bootstrapping and scales up to analyze very large data sets. Our results show that our approach is robust to the time-dependent artifact of rate estimation, and confirm pervasive punctuated evolution across hosts and subtypes. As such, the novel approach can potentially detect when vaccine composition needs to be updated.
Semiclassical bounds in magnetic bottles
Authors: Barseghyan Diana , Exner Pavel , Kovařík Hynek , Weidl Timo
Published: February 2016

The aim of the paper is to derive spectral estimates into several classes of magnetic systems. They include three-dimensional regions with Dirichlet boundary as well as a particle in [Formula: see text] confined by a local change of the magnetic field. We establish two-dimensional Berezin–Li–Yau and Lieb–Thirring-type bounds in the presence of magnetic fields and, using them, get three-dimensional estimates for the eigenvalue moments of the corresponding magnetic Laplacians.
Induced vacuum current and magnetic field in the background of a vortex
Authors: Gorkavenko Volodymyr M. , Ivanchenko Iryna V. , Sitenko Yurii A.
Published: February 2016

A topological defect in the form of the Abrikosov–Nielsen–Olesen vortex is considered as a gauge-flux-carrying tube that is impenetrable for quantum matter. Charged scalar matter field is quantized in the vortex background with the perfectly reflecting (Dirichlet) boundary condition imposed at the side surface of the vortex. We show that a current circulating around the vortex and a magnetic field directed along the vortex are induced in the vacuum, if the Compton wavelength of the matter field exceeds considerably the transverse size of the vortex. The vacuum current and magnetic field are periodic in the value of the gauge flux of the vortex, providing a quantum-field-theoretical manifestation of the Aharonov–Bohm effect. The total flux of the induced vacuum magnetic field attains notable finite values even for the Compton wavelength of the matter field exceeding the transverse size of the vortex by just three orders of magnitude.
Finger Vein Recognition Based on Stable and Discriminative Superpixels
Authors: Zhou Lizhen , Yang Gongping , Yin Yilong , Yang Lu , Wang Kuikui
Published: February 2016

Finger vein pattern, as a promising hand-based biometric technology, has been well studied in recent years. In this paper, a new superpixel-based finger vein recognition method is presented. In the proposed method, we develop two types of effective superpixels, i.e. stable superpixel and discriminative superpixel to represent finger vein image and these superpixels are expected to play different roles in matching stage. In detail, the stable and discriminative superpixels are firstly learned from the training images for each enrolled class. When verifying a testing image, we just compare the superpixels at the same location as the two types of superpixels in template. Then, the two types of superpixels are combined utilizing a reversible weight-based fusion method in score level. Additionally, to further improve the recognition performance, we explore the superpixel context feature (SPCF). For each superpixel the SPCF is obtained by comparing the current superpixel with its surrounding neighbors. In the final matching stage, we integrate the matching score of two types of superpixels and it of the SPCF using the weighted SUM fusion method. The experimental results on two open finger vein databases, i.e. PolyU and SDUMLA-FV, show that our method not only performs better than the existing superpixel-based method, but also has advantages in comparison with some traditional ones.
Improved Position and Attitude Determination Method for Monocular Vision in Vehicle Collision Warning System
Authors: Qin Lijuan , Wang Ting , Hu Yulan , Yao Chen
Published: February 2016

Vehicle collision warning system can determine the relative distance and speed between target vehicle and the front vehicle by monocular vision positioning technique from automobile license plate image captured by camera so as to judge danger level and remind the driver to make appropriate action and avoid vehicle collision timely. Study on the positioning technology of this system aims to help the driver to judge and improve driving safety. Thus, the system has a broad application prospect. The research content of this paper could enrich and supply PNL visual locating method, endowing with significance of theoretical research. The paper proposes an improved vehicle measuring method based on monocular vision for vehicle license plate. This method combines the characteristics of fast speed for analytical solution method and high positioning accuracy for iterative solution method, therefore has a high robustness and overcomes the multi-solution problem of P3P iterative method. The simulation experiments show that localization precision of the improved positioning method has been improved greatly as compared with P4L method. At the same time, the real-time characteristic of collision avoidance warning system with improved visual locating method has been improved a lot, and the new location algorithm has good performance in real-time characteristic, which greatly improve the processing ability of the system for images.
An Efficient Hybrid Algorithm Based on HS and SFLA
Authors: Ouyang Aijia , Peng Xuyu , Liu Yanbin , Fan Lilue , Li Kenli
Published: February 2016

When used for optimizing complex functions, harmony search (HS) and shuffled frog leaping algorithm (SFLA) algorithm tend to easily get trapped into local optima and result in low convergence precision. To overcome such shortcomings, a hybrid mechanism of selective search by combining HS algorithm and SFLA algorithm is as well proposed. An HS-SFLA algorithm is designed by taking the advantages of HS and SFLA algorithms. The hybrid algorithm of HS-SFLA is adopted for dealing with complex function optimization problems, the experimental results show that HS-SFLA outperforms other state-of-the-art intelligence algorithms significantly in terms of global search ability, convergence speed and robustness on 80% of the benchmark functions tested. The HS-SFLA algorithm could directly be applied to all kinds of continuous optimization problems in the real world.
Temperley–Lieb algebra approach to Catalan states of generalized crossing and lattice crossing
Authors: Li Changsong
Published: February 2016

Using algebraic approach, we show which elements of a basis (in the reduced form) of Temperley–Lieb algebra can be obtained as Kauffman states of lattice crossing and generalized crossing. In addition, we give an algorithm for finding them and we obtain further results concerning coefficients of the Catalan states that can be obtained as Kauffman states of [Formula: see text] lattice crossing.
On the number of commensurable fibrations on a hyperbolic 3-manifold
Authors: Masai Hidetoshi
Published: February 2016

By the work of Thurston, it is known that if a hyperbolic fibered [Formula: see text]-manifold [Formula: see text] has Betti number greater than 1, then [Formula: see text] admits infinitely many distinct fibrations. For any fibration [Formula: see text] on a hyperbolic [Formula: see text]-manifold [Formula: see text], the number of fibrations on [Formula: see text] that are commensurable in the sense of Calegari–Sun–Wang to [Formula: see text] is known to be finite. In this paper, we prove that the number can be arbitrarily large.
THE ELECTROCHEMICAL BEHAVIOR OF Zn–Mn ALLOY COATING IN CARBONATED CONCRETE SOLUTION
Authors: TOUAZI S. , BUČKO M. , MAKHLOUFI L. , LEGAT A. , BAJAT J. B.
Published: February 2016

In order to improve the protective performance of Zn coating on reinforcing steel in concrete, the electrochemical deposition of Zn–Mn coatings was conducted on steel surface. The morphology, chemical and phase compositions of Zn–Mn coatings obtained from sulfate–citrate bath were investigated in the first part of paper. In the second part, the obtained deposits were tested in solution simulating carbonated concrete, consisting of NaHCO3 and Na2CO3. Data obtained from Tafel analysis showed higher corrosion resistance for Zn–Mn alloy deposits obtained at –1700 and –1800[Formula: see text]mV versus SCE, when compared to pure Zn deposit. Impedance spectroscopy investigations revealed that the total impedance of Zn–Mn coatings increased steadily with time, and was significantly higher as compared to pure Zn after 24[Formula: see text]h in corrosion solution. On the contrary, for pure Zn, the impedance increased in the first 12[Formula: see text]h, and then decreased during prolonged exposure time, which can be explained by rapid growth of nonprotective white rust and the degradation of zinc coating, as was confirmed by optical microscope after 24[Formula: see text]h of immersion in carbonated concrete pore solution.
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES AND HIGH TEMPERATURE OXIDATION BEHAVIOR OF Ti–Al COATING REINFORCED BY NITRIDES ON Ti–6Al–4V ALLOY
Authors: DAI JINGJIE , YU HUIJUN , ZHU JIYUN , WENG FEI , CHEN CHUANZHONG
Published: February 2016

Ti–Al alloyed coating reinforced by nitrides was fabricated by laser surface alloying technique to improve mechanical properties and high temperature oxidation resistance of Ti–6Al–4V titanium alloy. Microstructures, mechanical properties and high temperature oxidation behavior of the alloyed coating were analyzed. The results show that the alloyed coating consisted of Ti3Al, TiAl2, TiN and Ti2AlN phases. Nitrides with different morphologies were dispersed in the alloyed coating. The maximum microhardness of the alloyed coating was 906[Formula: see text]HV. The friction coefficients of the alloyed coating at room temperature and high temperature were both one-fourth of the substrate. Mass gain of the alloyed coating oxidized at 800[Formula: see text]C for 1000[Formula: see text]h in static air was [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]mg/mm2, which was 1/35th of the substrate. No obvious spallation was observed for the alloyed coating after oxidation. The alloyed coating exhibited excellent mechanical properties and long-term high temperature oxidation resistance, which improved surface properties of Ti–6Al–4V titanium alloy significantly.
Another construction of the braided T-category
Authors: Yang Tao , Zhou Xiaoyan
Published: February 2016

This paper introduces group-cograded monoidal Hom-Hopf algebras, and shows that this kind of group-cograded monoidal Hom-Hopf algebras are monoidal Hom-Hopf algebras in the Turaev category [Formula: see text] introduced by Canepeel and De Lombaerde. Then we define the [Formula: see text]-Yetter–Drinfeld category over a group-cograded monoidal Hom-Hopf algebra, and construct a new kind of braided [Formula: see text]-categories.
New Fuzzy Aggregation Operators Based on the Finite Choquet Integral — Application in the MADM Problem
Authors: Sirbiladze Gia
Published: February 2016

In this paper, new generalizations of the probabilistic averaging operator — Associated Fuzzy Probabilistic Averaging (As-PA and As-FPA) and Immediate Probabilistic Fuzzy Ordered Weighted Averaging (As-IP-OWA and As-IP-FOWA) operators are presented in the environment of fuzzy uncertainty. An uncertainty is presented by associated probabilities of a fuzzy measure. Expert’s evaluations as arguments of the aggregation operators are described by a variable, values of which are compatibility levels on the states of nature defined in positive real or triangular fuzzy numbers (TFNs). Two propositions on the As-FPA operator are proved: (1) The As-FPA operator for the fuzzy measure — capacity of order two coincides with the finite Choquet Averaging (CA) Operator; (2) the As-FPA operator coincides with the FPA operator when a probability measure is used in the role of a fuzzy measure. Analogous propositions for the As-IP-FOWA operator are proved. Some propositions on the connection of the As-FPA and As-IP-FOWA operators are also proved. Information measures — Orness and Divergence for the constructed operators are defined. Some propositions on the connections of these parameters with the corresponding parameters of the finite CA Operator are proved. Two illustrative examples on the applicability of the As-FPA and As-IP-FOWA operators are presented: (1) Several variants of the As-FPA and As-IP-FOWA operators are used for comparison of decision-making results for the problems regarding the fiscal policy of a country; (2) The As-FPA operator is used in the Multi-attribute decision-making (MADM) problem of choosing the best version of the students’ project.
Constrained lattice-field hierarchies and Toda system with Block symmetry
Authors: Li Chuanzhong
Published: February 2016

In this paper, we construct the additional [Formula: see text]-symmetry and ghost symmetry of two-lattice field integrable hierarchies. Using the symmetry constraint, we construct constrained two-lattice integrable systems which contain several new integrable difference equations. Under a further reduction, the constrained two-lattice integrable systems can be combined into one single integrable system, namely the well-known one-dimensional original Toda hierarchy. We prove that the one-dimensional original Toda hierarchy has a nice Block Lie symmetry.
Moduli of curve families and (quasi-)conformality of power-law entropies
Authors: Kalogeropoulos Nikos
Published: February 2016

We present aspects of the moduli of curve families on a metric measure space which may prove useful in calculating, or in providing bounds to, non-additive entropies having a power-law functional form. We use as paradigmatic cases the calculations of the moduli of curve families for a cylinder and for an annulus in [Formula: see text]. The underlying motivation for these studies is that the definitions and some properties of the modulus of a curve family resembles those of the Tsallis entropy, when the latter is seen from a micro-canonical viewpoint. We comment on the origin of the conjectured invariance of the Tsallis entropy under Möbius transformations of the non-extensive (entropic) parameter. Needing techniques applicable to both locally Euclidean and fractal classes of spaces, we examine the behavior of the Tsallis functional, via the modulus, under quasi-conformal maps. We comment on properties of such maps and their possible significance for the dynamical foundations of power-law entropies.
Some properties of Bertrand curves in Lorentzian n-space 𝕃n
Authors: Tanriöver Necmettin
Published: February 2016

In this paper, Bertrand curves in [Formula: see text]-dimensional Lorentz space [Formula: see text] are defined and some of their properties are determined. Various relationships and characterizations are found between higher order curvatures and their derivatives for Bertrand curve pair. In addition, some relationships are obtained between these curves and general helix, harmonic curvature.
THE MINIMUM INHIBITORY CONCENTRATION OF ANTIBIOTICS AGAINST NOCARDIA SERIOLAE ISOLATION FROM DISEASED FISH IN TAIWAN
Authors: Chang Hong-You , Lai Jyh-Mirn , Wang Jiann-Hsiung
Published: February 2016

Nocardia seriolae infections pose a significant economic threat to Taiwan’s aquaculture. It is therefore important to find the most effective antibiotics to treat these infections. However, a standardized method to determine the most suitable minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of antibiotics againist N. seriolae has not yet to be agreed. This study tested 7 antibiotics on 80 N. seriolae isolates, using the disk diffusion and broth diffusion methods described by Alderman and Smith to find their MIC values. All the isolates were found to be sensitive to trimethoprim and oxytetracycline, which showed that these drugs could treat nocardiosis in fish. Among the seven drugs tested, amoxicillin was found to have very high MIC90 value, which was [Formula: see text]128[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]g/mL and flumequine had the highest MIC50 value, which was 51.06[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]g/mL. MIC50 and MIC90 values were very low in erythromycin, which was [Formula: see text]0.12 and 0.41[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]g/mL, respectively. N. seriolae isolates were sensitive to florfenicol (98.8%), erythromycin (97.5%), thiamphenicol (68.8%), amoxicillin (8.8%) and flumequin (0%), separately. This study has found that oxytetracycline, trimethoprim or erythromycin, florfenicol, thiamphenicol are good drugs to treat N. seriolae infection in fish.
Investigation on Multi-Physics Simulation-Based Virtual Machining System for Vibratory Finishing of Integrally Bladed Rotors (IBRS)
Authors: Achiamah-Ampomah N. , Cheng Kai
Published: February 2016

An investigation was carried out to improve the slow surface finishing times of integrally bladed rotors (IBRs) in the aerospace industry. Traditionally they are finished by hand, or more currently by abrasive flow machining. The use of a vibratory finishing technique to improve process times has been suggested; however as a largely empirical process, very few studies have been done to improve and optimize the cycle times, showing that critical and ongoing research is still needed in this area.

An extensive review of the literature was carried out, and the findings used to identify the key parameters and model equations which govern the vibratory process. Recommendations were made towards a multi-physics-based simulation model, as well as projections made for the future of vibratory finishing and optimization of surface finishes and cycle times.
On Vinberg ( − 1,1) rings
Authors: Jayalakshmi K. , Devi G. Lakshmi
Published: February 2016

We give a description of a 2-torsion free Vinberg ([Formula: see text]) ring [Formula: see text]. If every nonzero root space of [Formula: see text] for [Formula: see text] is one-dimensional where [Formula: see text] is a split abelian Cartan subring of [Formula: see text] which is nil on [Formula: see text] then [Formula: see text] is a Lie ring isomorphic to [Formula: see text]. This generalizes the known result obtained by Myung for the case that [Formula: see text] is a 2-torsion free Vinberg ([Formula: see text]) ring and is power associative. We also give a condition that a Levi factor [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text] be an ideal of [Formula: see text] when the solvable radical of [Formula: see text] is nilpotent. We apply these results for reductive case of [Formula: see text].
Arbitrary Lagrangian–Eulerian simulations of highly electrically charged micro-droplet Coulomb explosion deformation pathways
Authors: Radcliffe Alastair
Published: February 2016

Numerical simulation results of the Coulomb explosion pathways of cooled water and heated glycol droplets electrically charged to the critical Rayleigh limit are presented, calculated using an axi-symmetric finite element scheme previously used for the same problem [Radcliffe A. J., Non-conforming finite elements for axisymmetric charged droplet deformation dynamics and Coulomb explosions, Int. J. Num. Meth. Fluids 71:249–268, (2013), doi:10.1002/fld.3667.] which has been adapted to use arbitrary Lagrangian–Eulerian (ALE) methods and a novel tip reconstruction technique in order to greatly improve its accuracy in matching available experimental data.
Review of Technology Used to Improve Heat and Mass Transfer Characteristics of Adsorption Refrigeration System
Authors: Sur Anirban , Das Randip K.
Published: February 2016

Researchers proved that, heat powered adsorption refrigeration technology is very effective methods for reutilization of low-grade thermal energy such as industrial waste heat, solar energy, and exhaust gases from engines. But to make it commercially competitive with the well-known vapor compression and absorption refrigeration system, the processes require high rates of heat and mass transfer characteristic between adsorbate and adsorbent as well as externally supplied heat exchanging fluid. This paper reviews various techniques that have been developed and applied to enhance the heat transfer and mass transfer in adsorber beds, and also discuss their effects of the performance on adsorption system. A comprehensive literature review has been conducted and it was concluded that this technology, although attractive, has limitations regarding its heat and mass transfer performance that seem difficult to overcome. Therefore, more researches are required to improve heat and mass transfer performance and sustainability of basic adsorption cycles.
Numerical Heat Flux Simulations on Double-Pass Solar Collector with PCM Spheres Media
Authors: Korti Abdel Illah Nabil
Published: February 2016

A transient two-dimensional (2D) mathematical model for double-pass solar collector with phase change material (PCM) spheres media in the lower channel has been developed. Numerical simulations model based on applying mass, momentum, and energy balances on finite volumes method are carried out. The governing equations inside the two channels, together with the energy equation in the absorber, insulating and glass cover walls were solved iteratively in a segregated manner. To show the effect of the presence of the PCM, a comparative study was undertaken between a collector with different PCM spheres, a collector without spheres, and another using gravel for thermal storage. To see the effect of the nature of PCM used, two different types were studied in various configurations, parallels and series. The study concluded that the presence of the PCM spheres at the bottom of the absorber is the best configuration and allows increasing the outlet temperature. Also, with combining several types of PCM we can improve significantly the thermal performance of collector.
Large N-limit for random matrices with external source with three distinct eigenvalues
Authors: Xu Jian , Fan Engui , Chen Yang
Published: February 2016

In this paper, we analyze the large N-limit for random matrix with external source with three distinct eigenvalues. And we confine ourselves in the Hermite case and the three distinct eigenvalues are [Formula: see text]. For the case [Formula: see text], we establish the universal behavior of local eigenvalue correlations in the limit [Formula: see text], which is known from unitarily invariant random matrix models. Thus, local eigenvalue correlations are expressed in terms of the sine kernel in the bulk and in terms of the Airy kernel at the edge of the spectrum. The result can be obtained by analyzing [Formula: see text] Riemann–Hilbert problem via nonlinear steepest decent method.
Melanocortin 1 receptor agonist protects podocytes through catalase and RhoA activation
Authors: Elvin Johannes , Buvall Lisa , Lindskog Jonsson Annika , Granqvist Anna , Lassén Emelie , Bergwall Lovisa , Nyström Jenny , Haraldsson Börje
Published: February 2016

Drugs containing adrenocorticotropic hormone have been used as therapy for patients with nephrotic syndrome. We have previously shown that adrenocorticotropic hormone and a selective agonist for the melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) exert beneficial actions in experimental membranous nephropathy with reduced proteinuria, reduced oxidative stress, and improved glomerular morphology and function. Our hypothesis is that MC1R activation in podocytes elicits beneficial effects by promoting stress fibers and maintaining podocyte viability. To test the hypothesis, we cultured podocytes and used highly specific agonists for MC1R. Podocytes were subjected to the nephrotic-inducing agent puromycin aminonucleoside, and downstream effects of MC1R activation on podocyte survival, antioxidant defense, and cytoskeleton dynamics were studied. To increase the response and enhance intracellular signals, podocytes were transduced to overexpress MC1R. We showed that puromycin promotes MC1R expression in podocytes and that activation of MC1R promotes an increase of catalase activity and reduces oxidative stress, which results in the dephosphorylation of p190RhoGAP and formation of stress fibers through RhoA. In addition, MC1R agonists protect against apoptosis. Together, these mechanisms protect the podocyte against puromycin. Our findings strongly support the hypothesis that selective MC1R-activating agonists protect podocytes and may therefore be useful to treat patients with nephrotic syndromes commonly considered as podocytopathies.
NLRP3 deletion protects against renal fibrosis and attenuates mitochondrial abnormality in mouse with 5/6 nephrectomy
Authors: Gong Wei , Mao Song , Yu Jing , Song Jiayu , Jia Zhanjun , Huang Songming , Zhang Aihua
Published: February 2016

Progressive fibrosis in chronic kidney disease (CKD) is the well-recognized cause leading to the progressive loss of renal function. Emerging evidence indicated a pathogenic role of the NACHT, LRR and PYD domains-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome in mediating kidney injury. However, the role of NLRP3 in the remnant kidney disease model is still undefined. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the function of NLRP3 in modulating renal fibrosis in a CKD model of 5/6 nephrectomy (5/6 Nx) and the potential involvement of mitochondrial dysfunction in the pathogenesis. Employing NLRP3+/+ and NLRP3−/− mice with or without 5/6 Nx, we examined renal fibrotic response and mitochondrial function. Strikingly, tubulointerstitial fibrosis was remarkably attenuated in NLRP3−/− mice as evidenced by the blockade of extracellular matrix deposition. Meanwhile, renal tubular cells in NLRP3−/− mice maintained better mitochondrial morphology and higher mitochondrial DNA copy number, indicating an amelioration of mitochondrial abnormality. Moreover, NLRP3 deletion also blunted the severity of proteinuria and CKD-related hypertension. To further evaluate the direct role of NLRP3 in triggering fibrogenesis, mouse proximal tubular cells (PTCs) were subjected to transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1), and the cellular phenotypic changes were detected. As expected, TGF-β1-induced alterations of PTC phenotype were abolished by NLRP3 small interfering RNA, in line with a protection of mitochondrial function. Taken together, NLRP3 deletion protected against renal fibrosis in the 5/6 Nx disease model, possibly via inhibiting mitochondrial dysfunction.
Neuromagnetic correlates of adaptive plasticity across the hand-face border in human primary somatosensory cortex
Authors: Muret Dollyane , Daligault Sébastien , Dinse Hubert R. , Delpuech Claude , Mattout Jérémie , Reilly Karen T. , Farnè Alessandro
Published: February 2016

It is well established that permanent or transient reduction of somatosensory inputs, following hand deafferentation or anesthesia, induces plastic changes across the hand-face border, supposedly responsible for some altered perceptual phenomena such as tactile sensations being referred from the face to the phantom hand. It is also known that transient increase of hand somatosensory inputs, via repetitive somatosensory stimulation (RSS) at a fingertip, induces local somatosensory discriminative improvement accompanied by cortical representational changes in the primary somatosensory cortex (SI). We recently demonstrated that RSS at the tip of the right index finger induces similar training-independent perceptual learning across the hand-face border, improving somatosensory perception at the lips (Muret D, Dinse HR, Macchione S, Urquizar C, Farnè A, Reilly KT. Curr Biol 24: R736–R737, 2014). Whether neural plastic changes across the hand-face border accompany such remote and adaptive perceptual plasticity remains unknown. Here we used magnetoencephalography to investigate the electrophysiological correlates underlying RSS-induced behavioral changes across the hand-face border. The results highlight significant changes in dipole location after RSS both for the stimulated finger and for the lips. These findings reveal plastic changes that cross the hand-face border after an increase, instead of a decrease, in somatosensory inputs.
Spectral breadth and laminar distribution of thalamocortical inputs to A1
Authors: Intskirveli Irakli , Joshi Anar , Vizcarra-Chacón Bianca Julieta , Metherate Raju
Published: February 2016

The GABAergic agonist muscimol is used to inactivate brain regions in order to reveal afferent inputs in isolation. However, muscimol's use in primary auditory cortex (A1) has been questioned on the grounds that it may unintentionally suppress thalamocortical inputs. We tested whether muscimol can preferentially suppress cortical, but not thalamocortical, circuits in urethane-anesthetized mice. We recorded tone-evoked current source density profiles to determine frequency receptive fields (RFs) for three current sinks: the “layer 4” sink (fastest onset, middle-layer sink) and current sinks 100 μm above (“layer 2/3”) and 300 μm below (“layer 5/6”) the main input. We first determined effects of muscimol dose (0.01–1 mM) on the characteristic frequency (CF) tone-evoked layer 4 sink. An “ideal” dose (100 μM) had no effect on CF-evoked sink onset latency or initial response but reduced peak amplitude by >80%, implying inhibition of intracortical, but not thalamocortical, activity. We extended the analysis to current sinks in layers 2/3 and 5/6 and for all three sinks determined RF breadth (quarter-octave steps, 20 dB above CF threshold). Muscimol reduced RF breadth 42% in layer 2/3 (from 2.4 ± 0.14 to 1.4 ± 0.11 octaves), 14% in layer 4 (2.2 ± 0.12 to 1.9 ± 0.10 octaves), and not at all in layer 5/6 (1.8 ± 0.10 to 1.7 ± 0.12 octaves). The results provide an estimate of the laminar and spectral extent of thalamocortical projections and support the hypothesis that intracortical pathways contribute to spectral integration in A1.
Synaptic and network consequences of monosynaptic nociceptive inputs of parabrachial nucleus origin in the central amygdala
Authors: Sugimura Yae K. , Takahashi Yukari , Watabe Ayako M. , Kato Fusao
Published: February 2016

A large majority of neurons in the superficial layer of the dorsal horn projects to the lateral parabrachial nucleus (LPB). LPB neurons then project to the capsular part of the central amygdala (CeA; CeC), a key structure underlying the nociception-emotion link. LPB-CeC synaptic transmission is enhanced in various pain models by using electrical stimulation of putative fibers of LPB origin in brain slices. However, this approach has limitations for examining direct monosynaptic connections devoid of directly stimulating fibers from other structures and local GABAergic neurons. To overcome these limitations, we infected the LPB of rats with an adeno-associated virus vector expressing channelrhodopsin-2 and prepared coronal and horizontal brain slices containing the amygdala. We found that blue light stimulation resulted in monosynaptic excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs), with very small latency fluctuations, followed by a large polysynaptic inhibitory postsynaptic current in CeC neurons, regardless of the firing pattern type. Intraplantar formalin injection at 24 h before slice preparation significantly increased EPSC amplitude in late firing-type CeC neurons. These results indicate that direct monosynaptic glutamatergic inputs from the LPB not only excite CeC neurons but also regulate CeA network signaling through robust feed-forward inhibition, which is under plastic modulation in response to persistent inflammatory pain.
Correlations between prefrontal neurons form a small-world network that optimizes the generation of multineuron sequences of activity
Authors: Luongo Francisco J. , Zimmerman Chris A. , Horn Meryl E. , Sohal Vikaas S.
Published: February 2016

Sequential patterns of prefrontal activity are believed to mediate important behaviors, e.g., working memory, but it remains unclear exactly how they are generated. In accordance with previous studies of cortical circuits, we found that prefrontal microcircuits in young adult mice spontaneously generate many more stereotyped sequences of activity than expected by chance. However, the key question of whether these sequences depend on a specific functional organization within the cortical microcircuit, or emerge simply as a by-product of random interactions between neurons, remains unanswered. We observed that correlations between prefrontal neurons do follow a specific functional organization—they have a small-world topology. However, until now it has not been possible to directly link small-world topologies to specific circuit functions, e.g., sequence generation. Therefore, we developed a novel analysis to address this issue. Specifically, we constructed surrogate data sets that have identical levels of network activity at every point in time but nevertheless represent various network topologies. We call this method shuffling activity to rearrange correlations (SHARC). We found that only surrogate data sets based on the actual small-world functional organization of prefrontal microcircuits were able to reproduce the levels of sequences observed in actual data. As expected, small-world data sets contained many more sequences than surrogate data sets with randomly arranged correlations. Surprisingly, small-world data sets also outperformed data sets in which correlations were maximally clustered. Thus the small-world functional organization of cortical microcircuits, which effectively balances the random and maximally clustered regimes, is optimal for producing stereotyped sequential patterns of activity.
Spontaneous Rupture of Pyometra Causing Peritonitis in Elderly Female Diagnosed on Dynamic Transvaginal Ultrasound
Authors: Malvadkar Sharad M. , Malvadkar Madhuri S. , Domkundwar Shilpa V. , Mohd Shariq
Published: February 2016

Pyometra is collection of pus within the uterine cavity and is usually associated with underlying gynaecological malignancy or other benign causes. Spontaneous rupture of pyometra is a rare complication. We report a case of a 65-year-old female who presented with acute abdomen and was diagnosed with a ruptured uterus secondary to pyometra and consequent peritonitis on dynamic transvaginal sonography (TVS) which was later confirmed on contrast enhanced computed tomography (CECT). An emergency laparotomy was performed and about 800 cc of pus was drained from the peritoneal cavity. A rent was found in the anterior uterine wall and hence hysterectomy was performed. Histopathology revealed mixed inflammatory cell infiltrate with no evidence of malignancy. There are only 31 cases of ruptured pyometra reported till date, most of which were definitively diagnosed only on laparotomy. In only two of these cases the preoperative diagnosis was made on CECT. We report this case, as the correct and definitive diagnosis was made preoperatively on dynamic TVS. To our knowledge,this is the first case report revealing spontaneous ruptured pyometra being diagnosed preoperatively on dynamic TVS. This report is aimed at giving emphasis on the use of simple dynamic TVS for accurate diagnosis of rare spontaneous ruptured pyometra causing peritonitis.
Key Features in the Management of Pulmonary Carcinosarcoma
Authors: Panagiotopoulos Nikolaos , Patrini Davide , Adams Benjamin , Pararajasingham Jonathan , Shukla Rajeev , Borg Elaine , Hayward Martin , Lawrence David
Published: February 2016

Pulmonary carcinosarcoma represents a category of extremely rare tumours accounting for 0.1% of all lung malignancies. It is defined as a poorly differentiated non-small-cell carcinoma that contains a component of sarcoma or sarcoma-like elements. These biphasic tumours typically have a poor prognosis due to late diagnosis and early metastases. Preoperative tissue diagnosis is usually difficult due to the heterogeneity of the tumour, with biopsies often just reflecting one element of the tumour. By means of a case illustration and review of the literature, we discuss the optimal management of patients with pulmonary carcinosarcoma.
Global Mapping of Traditional Chinese Medicine into Bioactivity Space and Pathways Annotation Improves Mechanistic Understanding and Discovers Relationships between Therapeutic Action (Sub)classes
Authors: Mohamad Zobir Siti Zuraidah , Mohd Fauzi Fazlin , Liggi Sonia , Drakakis Georgios , Fu Xianjun , Fan Tai-Ping , Bender Andreas
Published: February 2016

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) still needs more scientific rationale to be proven for it to be accepted further in the West. We are now in the position to propose computational hypotheses for the mode‐of‐actions (MOAs) of 45 TCM therapeutic action (sub)classes from in silico target prediction algorithms, whose target was later annotated with Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway, and to discover the relationship between them by generating a hierarchical clustering. The results of 10,749 TCM compounds showed 183 enriched targets and 99 enriched pathways from Estimation Score ≤ 0 and ≥ 5% of compounds/targets in a (sub)class. The MOA of a (sub)class was established from supporting literature. Overall, the most frequent top three enriched targets/pathways were immune‐related targets such as tyrosine‐protein phosphatase nonreceptor type 2 (PTPN2) and digestive system such as mineral absorption. We found two major protein families, G‐protein coupled receptor (GPCR), and protein kinase family contributed to the diversity of the bioactivity space, while digestive system was consistently annotated pathway motif, which agreed with the important treatment principle of TCM, “the foundation of acquired constitution” that includes spleen and stomach. In short, the TCM (sub)classes, in many cases share similar targets/pathways despite having different indications.
A Rare but Reversible Cause of Hematemesis: “Downhill” Esophageal Varices
Authors: Nguyen Lam-Phuong , Sriratanaviriyakul Narin , Sandrock Christian
Published: February 2016

“Downhill” varices are a rare cause of acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding and are generally due to obstruction of the superior vena cava (SVC). Often these cases of “downhill” varices are missed diagnoses as portal hypertension but fail to improve with medical treatment to reduce portal pressure. We report a similar case where recurrent variceal bleeding was initially diagnosed as portal hypertension but later found to have SVC thrombosis presenting with recurrent hematemesis. A 39-year-old female with history of end-stage renal disease presented with recurrent hematemesis. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) revealed multiple varices. Banding and sclerotherapy were performed. Extensive evaluation did not show overt portal hypertension or cirrhosis. Due to ongoing bleeding requiring resuscitation, she underwent internal jugular (IJ) and SVC venogram in preparation for transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS), which demonstrated complete IJ and SVC occlusion. She underwent balloon angioplasty with stent placement across SVC occlusion with complete resolution of her varices and resolved hematemesis. “Downhill” varices are extremely rare, though previously well described. Frequently, patients are misdiagnosed with underlying liver disease. High index of suspicion and investigation of alternative causes of varices is prudent in those without underlying liver diseases. Prompt diagnosis and appropriate intervention can significantly improve morbidity and mortality.
Bridging the Yield Gap in Rice Production by Using Leaf Color Chart for Nitrogen Management
Authors: Ahmad Naeem , Zada Ahmad , Junaid Muhammad , Ali Akhtar
Published: February 2016

An experiment was conducted to optimize nitrogen fertilizer application for rice genotypes with the help of leaf color chart practice under agroclimatic conditions of Malakand division. The experiment was designed in RCB having split plot arrangement. Main plots consisted of rice genotypes, while subplots consisted of various doses of nitrogen. All the recorded parameters were significantly affected by the various N doses. In all treatments N application according to LCC management practice produced maximum tillers/hill, plant height, straw, and paddy yield as compared to N application according to recommended dose and farmer’s practice. This adequate supply of N fertilizer according to LCC management practice resulted in positive response of N fertilizer on the crop and also provided best fertilizer management techniques. Moreover, the interaction between rice genotypes and LCC management practice was the best for all the recorded parameters. The outcome results of the experiment provided an economic package to the farmers in application of N fertilizer on the basis of leaf color chart management practice.
Simplified Building Thermal Model Used for Optimal Control of Radiant Cooling System
Authors: He Lei , Lei Bo , Bi Haiquan , Yu Tao
Published: February 2016

MPC has the ability to optimize the system operation parameters for energy conservation. Recently, it has been used in HVAC systems for saving energy, but there are very few applications in radiant cooling systems. To implement MPC in buildings with radiant terminals, the predictions of cooling load and thermal environment are indispensable. In this paper, a simplified thermal model is proposed for predicting cooling load and thermal environment in buildings with radiant floor. In this thermal model, the black-box model is introduced to derive the incident solar radiation, while the genetic algorithm is utilized to identify the parameters of the thermal model. In order to further validate this simplified thermal model, simulated results from TRNSYS are compared with those from this model and the deviation is evaluated based on coefficient of variation of root mean square (CV). The results show that the simplified model can predict the operative temperature with a CV lower than 1% and predict cooling loads with a CV lower than 10%. For the purpose of supervisory control in HVAC systems, this simplified RC thermal model has an acceptable accuracy and can be used for further MPC in buildings with radiation terminals.
Control of Dendritic Spine Morphological and Functional Plasticity by Small GTPases
Authors: Woolfrey Kevin M. , Srivastava Deepak P.
Published: February 2016

Structural plasticity of excitatory synapses is a vital component of neuronal development, synaptic plasticity, and behaviour. Abnormal development or regulation of excitatory synapses has also been strongly implicated in many neurodevelopmental, psychiatric, and neurodegenerative disorders. In the mammalian forebrain, the majority of excitatory synapses are located on dendritic spines, specialized dendritic protrusions that are enriched in actin. Research over recent years has begun to unravel the complexities involved in the regulation of dendritic spine structure. The small GTPase family of proteins have emerged as key regulators of structural plasticity, linking extracellular signals with the modulation of dendritic spines, which potentially underlies their ability to influence cognition. Here we review a number of studies that examine how small GTPases are activated and regulated in neurons and furthermore how they can impact actin dynamics, and thus dendritic spine morphology. Elucidating this signalling process is critical for furthering our understanding of the basic mechanisms by which information is encoded in neural circuits but may also provide insight into novel targets for the development of effective therapies to treat cognitive dysfunction seen in a range of neurological disorders.
An Integrated Method Based on PSO and EDA for the Max-Cut Problem
Authors: Lin Geng , Guan Jian
Published: February 2016

The max-cut problem is NP-hard combinatorial optimization problem with many real world applications. In this paper, we propose an integrated method based on particle swarm optimization and estimation of distribution algorithm (PSO-EDA) for solving the max-cut problem. The integrated algorithm overcomes the shortcomings of particle swarm optimization and estimation of distribution algorithm. To enhance the performance of the PSO-EDA, a fast local search procedure is applied. In addition, a path relinking procedure is developed to intensify the search. To evaluate the performance of PSO-EDA, extensive experiments were carried out on two sets of benchmark instances with 800 to 20000 vertices from the literature. Computational results and comparisons show that PSO-EDA significantly outperforms the existing PSO-based and EDA-based algorithms for the max-cut problem. Compared with other best performing algorithms, PSO-EDA is able to find very competitive results in terms of solution quality.