bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mini-Gut Organoids: Reconstitution of the Stem Cell Niche
Authors: Date Shoichi , Sato Toshiro
Published: October 2015

In the adult mammalian body, self-renewal of tissue stem cells is regulated by extracellular niche environments in response to the demands of tissue organization. Intestinal stem cells expressing Lgr5 constantly self-renew in their specific niche at the crypt bottom to maintain rapid turnover of the epithelium. Niche-regulated stem cell self-renewal is perturbed in several mouse genetic models and during human tumorigenesis, suggesting roles for EGF, Wnt, BMP/TGF-β, and Notch signaling. In vitro niche reconstitution capitalizing on this knowledge has enabled the growth of single intestinal stem cells into mini-gut epithelial organoids comprising Lgr5+ stem cells and all types of differentiated lineages. The mini-gut organoid culture platform is applicable to various types of digestive tissue epithelium from multiple species. The mechanism of self-renewal in organoids provides novel insights for organogenesis, regenerative medicine, and tumorigenesis of the digestive system.
Sculpting Neural Circuits by Axon and Dendrite Pruning
Authors: Riccomagno Martin M. , Kolodkin Alex L.
Published: October 2015

The assembly of functional neural circuits requires the combined action of progressive and regressive events. Regressive events encompass a variety of inhibitory developmental processes, including axon and dendrite pruning, which facilitate the removal of exuberant neuronal connections. Most axon pruning involves the removal of axons that had already made synaptic connections; thus, axon pruning is tightly associated with synapse elimination. In many instances, these developmental processes are regulated by the interplay between neurons and glial cells that act instructively during neural remodeling. Owing to the importance of axon and dendritic pruning, these remodeling events require precise spatial and temporal control, and this is achieved by a range of distinct molecular mechanisms. Disruption of these mechanisms results in abnormal pruning, which has been linked to brain dysfunction. Therefore, understanding the mechanisms of axon and dendritic pruning will be instrumental in advancing our knowledge of neural disease and mental disorders.
Nonsense-Mediated mRNA Decay: Degradation of Defective Transcripts Is Only Part of the Story
Authors: He Feng , Jacobson Allan
Published: October 2015

Nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD) is a eukaryotic surveillance mechanism that monitors cytoplasmic mRNA translation and targets mRNAs undergoing premature translation termination for rapid degradation. From yeasts to humans, activation of NMD requires the function of the three conserved Upf factors: Upf1, Upf2, and Upf3. Here, we summarize the progress in our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of NMD in several model systems and discuss recent experiments that address the roles of Upf1, the principal regulator of NMD, in the initial targeting and final degradation of NMD-susceptible mRNAs. We propose a unified model for NMD in which the Upf factors provide several functions during premature termination, including the stimulation of release factor activity and the dissociation and recycling of ribosomal subunits. In this model, the ultimate degradation of the mRNA is the last step in a complex premature termination process.
Chromosome-Membrane Interactions in Bacteria
Authors: Roggiani Manuela , Goulian Mark
Published: October 2015

Prokaryotes, by definition, do not segregate their genetic material from the cytoplasm. Thus, there is no barrier preventing direct interactions between chromosomal DNA and the plasma membrane. The possibility of such interactions in bacteria was proposed long ago and supported by early electron microscopy and cell fractionation studies. However, the identification and characterization of chromosome-membrane interactions have been slow in coming. Recently, this subject has seen more progress, driven by advances in imaging techniques and in the exploration of diverse cellular processes. A number of loci have been identified in specific bacteria that depend on interactions with the membrane for their function. In addition, there is growing support for a general mechanism of DNA-membrane contacts based on transertion—concurrent transcription, translation, and insertion of membrane proteins. This review summarizes the history and recent results of chromosome-membrane associations and discusses the known and theorized consequences of these interactions in the bacterial cell.
Expressives Across Languages: Form/Function Correlation
Authors: Steriopolo Olga
Published: October 2015

This article presents a review of works on expressive linguistic objects in the Principles and Parameters framework ( Chomsky 1995a , b ; 2001 ). It discusses case studies of expressives in Russian, German, Halkomelem, Maale, Walman (Valman), Kolyma Yukaghir, Itelmen, Tongan, and Spanish, as well as in Breton and Yiddish. The article demonstrates that two semantic types (size and attitude) of expressives correspond to a great variety of syntactic structures across languages, as well as within a single language (e.g., Russian). It shows that there is no direct one-to-one correlation between the form and function of expressives, which has important implications for the syntactic–semantic mapping of categorization ( Wiltschko 2008 , 2014 ). This review is of interest to theoretical linguists, language-area specialists, and language typologists. It is also relevant to the fields of education and endangered Aboriginal language documentation, maintenance, and revitalization, as one-third of languages investigated here are endangered and on the verge of extinction (e.g., Halkomelem, Itelmen, Kolyma Yukaghir, Walman).
Visual Guidance of Smooth Pursuit Eye Movements
Authors: Lisberger Stephen G.
Published: October 2015

Smooth pursuit eye movements provide a model system for studying how visual inputs are transformed into commands for accurate movement. The neural circuit for pursuit eye movements is largely known and has strong parallels to the circuits for many other movements. Here, we outline progress in defining the conceptual operations that are performed by the pursuit circuit and in aligning those functions with neural circuit mechanisms. We discuss how the visual motion that drives pursuit is represented in the visual cortex, and how the visuomotor circuits decode that representation to estimate target direction and speed and to create motor commands. We outline a modulatory influence called gain control that evaluates the reliability and value of visual inputs and programs appropriate motor activity. Future research on pursuit in nonhuman primates holds the potential to reveal, at an unprecedented level of detail, how visuomotor circuits create coordinated actions.
Multiscale Single Image Dehazing Based on Adaptive Wavelet Fusion
Authors: Wang Wei , Li Wenhui , Guan Qingji , Qi Miao
Published: October 2015

Removing the haze effects on images or videos is a challenging and meaningful task for image processing and computer vision applications. In this paper, we propose a multiscale fusion method to remove the haze from a single image. Based on the existing dark channel prior and optics theory, two atmospheric veils with different scales are first derived from the hazy image. Then, a novel and adaptive local similarity-based wavelet fusion method is proposed for preserving the significant scene depth property and avoiding blocky artifacts. Finally, the clear haze-free image is restored by solving the atmospheric scattering model. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method can yield comparative or even better results than several state-of-the-art methods by subjective and objective evaluations.
Pseudotumoral and Multiple Retinal Pigment Epithelium Proliferation in Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada Disease
Authors: Yepez Juan B. , Murati Felipe , Petitto Michele , Arevalo J. Fernando
Published: October 2015

We report a case of pseudotumoral retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) proliferation in Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) disease, in a 50-year-old female who presented with a juxtapapillary and peripheral subretinal hyperpigmented lesions in the left eye and “sunset glow fundus,” hyperpigmented striae, and multiple atrophic chorioretinal spots in the periphery. The darkly pigmented exuberant larger subretinal mass extended to the periphery with associated subretinal fibrosis. This patient demonstrated the entire clinical presentation of VKH disease, which tends to course with a chronic, bilateral, granulomatous panuveitis and exudative retinal detachment associated with poliosis, vitiligo, alopecia, and central nervous system and auditory signs. Our case is unique for the presence of exuberant, pseudotumoral RPE proliferation at the juxtapapillary region and peripheral area. Although this complication has rarely been reported, a high index of suspicion is warranted for early diagnosis and avoids unnecessary treatments of a pseudotumor.
Short-Term Traffic Flow Local Prediction Based on Combined Kernel Function Relevance Vector Machine Model
Authors: Bing Qichun , Gong Bowen , Yang Zhaosheng , Shang Qiang , Zhou Xiyang
Published: October 2015

Short-term traffic flow prediction is one of the most important issues in the field of adaptive traffic control system and dynamic traffic guidance system. In order to improve the accuracy of short-term traffic flow prediction, a short-term traffic flow local prediction method based on combined kernel function relevance vector machine (CKF-RVM) model is put forward. The C-C method is used to calculate delay time and embedding dimension. The number of neighboring points is determined by use of Hannan-Quinn criteria, and the CKF-RVM model is built based on genetic algorithm. Finally, case validation is carried out using inductive loop data measured from the north–south viaduct in Shanghai. The experimental results demonstrate that the CKF-RVM model is 31.1% and 52.7% higher than GKF-RVM model and GKF-SVM model in the aspect of MAPE. Moreover, it is also superior to the other two models in the aspect of EC.
Bayesian Prediction Model Based on Attribute Weighting and Kernel Density Estimations
Authors: Xiang Zhong-Liang , Yu Xiang-Ru , Kang Dae-Ki
Published: October 2015

Although naïve Bayes learner has been proven to show reasonable performance in machine learning, it often suffers from a few problems with handling real world data. First problem is conditional independence; the second problem is the usage of frequency estimator. Therefore, we have proposed methods to solve these two problems revolving around naïve Bayes algorithms. By using an attribute weighting method, we have been able to handle conditional independence assumption issue, whereas, for the case of the frequency estimators, we have found a way to weaken the negative effects through our proposed smooth kernel method. In this paper, we have proposed a compact Bayes model, in which a smooth kernel augments weights on likelihood estimation. We have also chosen an attribute weighting method which employs mutual information metric to cooperate with the framework. Experiments have been conducted on UCI benchmark datasets and the accuracy of our proposed learner has been compared with that of standard naïve Bayes. The experimental results have demonstrated the effectiveness and efficiency of our proposed learning algorithm.
Phenolic Extract fromMoringa oleiferaLeaves Inhibits Key Enzymes Linked to Erectile Dysfunction and Oxidative Stress in Rats’ Penile Tissues
Authors: Oboh Ganiyu , Ademiluyi Adedayo O. , Ademosun Ayokunle O. , Olasehinde Tosin A. , Oyeleye Sunday I. , Boligon Aline A. , Athayde Margareth L.
Published: October 2015

This study was designed to determine the antioxidant properties and inhibitory effects of extract fromMoringa oleiferaleaves on angiotensin-I-converting enzyme (ACE) and arginase activitiesin vitro. The extract was prepared and phenolic (total phenols and flavonoid) contents, radical (nitric oxide (NO), hydroxyl (OH)) scavenging abilities, and Fe2+-chelating ability were assessed. Characterization of the phenolic constituents was done via high performance liquid chromatography-diode array detection (HPLC-DAD) analysis. Furthermore, the effects of the extract on Fe2+-induced MDA production in rats’ penile tissue homogenate as well as its action on ACE and arginase activities were also determined. The extract scavengedNO∗,OH∗, chelated Fe2+, and inhibited MDA production in a dose-dependent pattern with IC50values of 1.36, 0.52, and 0.38 mg/mL and 194.23 µg/mL, respectively. Gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, quercetin, and kaempferol were the most abundant phenolic compounds identified in the leaf extract. The extract also inhibited ACE and arginase activities in a dose-dependent pattern and their IC50values were 303.03 and 159.59 µg/mL, respectively. The phenolic contents, inhibition of ACE, arginase, and Fe2+-induced MDA production, and radical (OH∗,NO∗) scavenging and Fe2+-chelating abilities could be some of the possible mechanisms by whichM. oleiferaleaves could be used in the treatment and/or management of erectile dysfunction.
Anterior Segment Findings in Vitamin A Deficiency: A Case Series
Authors: Rubino Pierangela , Mora Paolo , Ungaro Nicola , Gandolfi Stefano A. , Orsoni Jelka G.
Published: October 2015

Vitamin A deficiency is a rare but vision threatening disorder in the developed world, which can lead to blindness for severe keratomalacia with cornea scarring and perforation or night blindness due to impaired dark adaptation. Conversely, the disease is quite common in developing countries, as a consequence of chronic malnutrition. The correct diagnosis and therapy with prompt vitamin A supplementation avoid blindness. We report a series of 3 local cases with different age and causes for vitamin A deficiency. The diagnostic workup, therapy, and prognosis are discussed.
Simultaneous Determination of Lactulose and Lactose in Conserved Milk by HPLC-RID
Authors: Silveira Michelle Fernandes , Masson Lourdes Maria Pessôa , Martins José Francisco Pereira , Álvares Thiago da Silveira , Paschoalin Vânia Margaret Flosi , Lázaro de la Torre César , Conte-Junior Carlos Adam
Published: October 2015

Heat treatment is applied to dairy products to ensure microbiological quality and increase the shelf life. However, a suitable control of this process is necessary to guarantee nutritional and sensory quality. The aim of this study is to adapt the high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method for determination of lactulose and lactose content in commercial samples of UHT and sweetened condensed milk. The HPLC method used showed a good resolution of the analytes evaluated. The analyzed UHT milk samples presented levels for lactulose in accordance with the limit recommended by the International Dairy Federation. There was no significant variation in lactulose concentration for sweetened condensed milk samples. However, one sweetened condensed milk sample showed lactose level lower than the established values (10–12%).
Factors Associated with Medication Nonadherence among Hypertensives in Ghana and Nigeria
Authors: Boima Vincent , Ademola Adebowale Dele , Odusola Aina Olufemi , Agyekum Francis , Nwafor Chibuike Eze , Cole Helen , Salako Babatunde L. , Ogedegbe Gbenga , Tayo Bamidele O.
Published: October 2015

Background.Blood pressure (BP) control is poor among hypertensives in many parts of sub-Saharan Africa. A potentially modifiable factor for control of BP is medication nonadherence (MNA); our study therefore aimed to determine factors associated with MNA among hypertensives in Ghana and Nigeria.Methodology.We conducted a multicenter cross-sectional study. Patients were recruited from Korle-Bu Hospital (n=120), Ghana; and University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, (n=73) Apapa General Hospital Lagos (n=79) and University College Hospital Ibadan (n=85), Nigeria.Results.357 hypertensive patients (42.6% males) participated. MNA was found in 66.7%. Adherence showed correlation with depression (r=-0.208,P<0.001), concern about medications (r=-0.0347,P=0.002), and knowledge of hypertension (r=0.14,P=0.006). MNA was associated with formal education (P=0.001) and use of herbal preparation (P=0.014). MNA was found in 61.7% of uninsured participants versus 73.1% of insured participants (P=0.032). Poor BP control was observed in 69.7% and there was significant association between MNA and poor BP control (P=0.006).Conclusion. MNA is high among hypertensives in Ghana and Nigeria and is associated with depression, concern about hypertensive medications, formal education, and use of herbal preparations. The negative association between health insurance and MNA suggests interplay of other factors and needs further investigation.
Cost-Sensitive Estimation of ARMA Models for Financial Asset Return Data
Authors: Kim Minyoung
Published: October 2015

The autoregressive moving average (ARMA) model is a simple but powerful model in financial engineering to represent time-series with long-range statistical dependency. However, the traditional maximum likelihood (ML) estimator aims to minimize a loss function that is inherently symmetric due to Gaussianity. The consequence is that when the data of interest are asset returns, and the main goal is to maximize profit by accurate forecasting, the ML objective may be less appropriate potentially leading to a suboptimal solution. Rather, it is more reasonable to adopt an asymmetric loss where the model's prediction, as long as it is in the same direction as the true return, is penalized less than the prediction in the opposite direction. We propose a quite sensible asymmetric cost-sensitive loss function and incorporate it into the ARMA model estimation. On the online portfolio selection problem with real stock return data, we demonstrate that the investment strategy based on predictions by the proposed estimator can be significantly more profitable than the traditional ML estimator.
Analytical Model for Optical Scattering of Infrared Laser by Nonspherical Raindrops
Authors: Guo Jing , Zhang He , Zhang Xiang-jin
Published: October 2015

Analytic model was developed to investigate the interaction of infrared laser with nonspherical raindrops. The method based on Fraunhofer diffraction and geometrical optics was presented to obtain the analytic solution for single-scattering properties by approximate ellipsoid raindrops. Light scattering patterns were obtained for different drop sizes and shapes. Computational results demonstrate that the scattering of raindrops was contributed by both Fraunhofer diffraction and geometric scattering, and the results obtained from analytic formulas were consistent with the conclusions of using Monte Carlo ray tracing approach.
Cascading Adjacent Level Vertebral Compression Fractures Necessitating a Series of Eleven Kyphoplasties
Authors: Curatolo Evan , Reuter Matthew , Samad Adil , Flynn Daniel , Menkowitz Marc , Paragioudakis Steve
Published: October 2015

Vertebral kyphoplasty is a procedure used for the treatment of compression fractures. While early randomized-controlled trials were equivocal regarding its benefits, more recent RCTs have shown favorable results for kyphoplasty with regard to pain relief, functional recovery, and health-care related quality of life compared to control patients. Risks of kyphoplasty include but are not limited to cement extrusion, infection, hematoma, and vertebral body fracture of adjacent levels. We describe a case of a 66-year-old male attorney who underwent eleven kyphoplasties in an approximately one-year period, the majority of which were for fractures of vertebrae adjacent to those previously treated with kyphoplasty. Information on treatment was gathered from the patient’s hospital chart and outpatient office notes. Following the last of the eleven kyphoplasties (two at T8, one each at all vertebrae from T9 to L5), the patient was able to function without pain and return to work. His physiologic thoracic kyphosis of 40 degrees prior to the first procedure was maintained, as were his lung and abdominal volumes. We conclude that kyphoplasty is an appropriate procedure for the treatment of vertebral compression fractures and can be used repeatedly to address fractures of levels adjacent to a previous kyphoplasty.
A Soft Shadow Detection Method Based on MRF for Remote Sensing Images
Authors: Li Pengwei , Ge Wenying
Published: October 2015

Shadows limit many remote sensing applications such as classification, target detection, and change detection. Most current shadow detection methods utilize the histogram threshold of spectral characteristics to distinguish the shadows and nonshadows directly, called “hard binary shadow.” Obviously, the performance of threshold-based methods heavily rely on the selected threshold. Simultaneously, these threshold-based methods do not take any spatial information into account. To overcome these shortcomings, a soft shadow description method is developed by introducing the concept of opacity into shadow detection, and MRF-based shadow detection method is proposed in order to make use of neighborhood information. Experiments on remote sensing images have shown that the proposed method can obtain more accurate detection results.
Oxidative Stress in Dilated Cardiomyopathy Caused byMYBPC3Mutation
Authors: Lynch Thomas L. , Sivaguru Mayandi , Velayutham Murugesan , Cardounel Arturo J. , Michels Michelle , Barefield David , Govindan Suresh , Remedios Cristobal dos , van der Velden Jolanda , Sadayappan Sakthivel
Published: October 2015

Cardiomyopathies can result from mutations in genes encoding sarcomere proteins includingMYBPC3, which encodes cardiac myosin binding protein-C (cMyBP-C). However, whether oxidative stress is augmented due to contractile dysfunction and cardiomyocyte damage inMYBPC3-mutated cardiomyopathies has not been elucidated. To determine whether oxidative stress markers were elevated inMYBPC3-mutated cardiomyopathies, a previously characterized 3-month-old mouse model of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) expressing a homozygousMYBPC3mutation (cMyBP-C(t/t)) was used, compared to wild-type (WT) mice. Echocardiography confirmed decreased percentage of fractional shortening in DCM versus WT hearts. Histopathological analysis indicated a significant increase in myocardial disarray and fibrosis while the second harmonic generation imaging revealed disorganized sarcomeric structure and myocyte damage in DCM hearts when compared to WT hearts. Intriguingly, DCM mouse heart homogenates had decreased glutathione (GSH/GSSG) ratio and increased protein carbonyl and lipid malondialdehyde content compared to WT heart homogenates, consistent with elevated oxidative stress. Importantly, a similar result was observed in human cardiomyopathy heart homogenate samples. These results were further supported by reduced signals for mitochondrial semiquinone radicals and Fe-S clusters in DCM mouse hearts measured using electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy. In conclusion, we demonstrate elevated oxidative stress inMYPBC3-mutated DCM mice, which may exacerbate the development of heart failure.
Epoxy Resin Composite Bilayers with Triple‐Shape Memory Effect
Authors: Li Xixi , Zhu Yaofeng , Dong Yubing , Liu Meng , Ni Qingqing , Fu Yaqin
Published: October 2015

Triple‐shape memory epoxy composites with bilayer structures of well‐separated glass transition temperatures have been successfully prepared. The different glass transition temperatures of the epoxy composites were obtained by physically incorporating various amounts of nanosilica particles, which were introduced into the epoxy by utilizing polyethylene glycol. A scanning electron microscope and a transmission electron microscope were used to analyze the dispersibility of the nanosilica particles. The effects of nanosilica particles on the mechanical properties as well as on the dual‐shape memory effects (DSME) and triple‐shape memory effects (TSME) of the nanocomposites were studied. The nanosilica particles were homogenously dispersed in the matrix and well incorporated into the epoxy matrix. The resulting nanocomposites exhibited excellent TSME, and their shape fixity properties were significantly improved by nanosilica particles.
Perspective for Aquaponic Systems: “Omic” Technologies for Microbial Community Analysis
Authors: Munguia-Fragozo Perla , Alatorre-Jacome Oscar , Rico-Garcia Enrique , Torres-Pacheco Irineo , Cruz-Hernandez Andres , Ocampo-Velazquez Rosalia V. , Garcia-Trejo Juan F. , Guevara-Gonzalez Ramon G.
Published: October 2015

Aquaponics is the combined production of aquaculture and hydroponics, connected by a water recirculation system. In this productive system, the microbial community is responsible for carrying out the nutrient dynamics between the components. The nutrimental transformations mainly consist in the transformation of chemical species from toxic compounds into available nutrients. In this particular field, the microbial research, the “Omic” technologies will allow a broader scope of studies about a current microbial profile inside aquaponics community, even in those species that currently are unculturable. This approach can also be useful to understand complex interactions of living components in the system. Until now, the analog studies were made to set up the microbial characterization on recirculation aquaculture systems (RAS). However, microbial community composition of aquaponics is still unknown. “Omic” technologies like metagenomic can help to reveal taxonomic diversity. The perspectives are also to begin the first attempts to sketch the functional diversity inside aquaponic systems and its ecological relationships. The knowledge of the emergent properties inside the microbial community, as well as the understanding of the biosynthesis pathways, can derive in future biotechnological applications. Thus, the aim of this review is to show potential applications of current “Omic” tools to characterize the microbial community in aquaponic systems.
Glycosylation-Based Serum Biomarkers for Cancer Diagnostics and Prognostics
Authors: Kirwan Alan , Utratna Marta , O’Dwyer Michael E. , Joshi Lokesh , Kilcoyne Michelle
Published: October 2015

Cancer is the second most common cause of death in developed countries with approximately 14 million newly diagnosed individuals and over 6 million cancer-related deaths in 2012. Many cancers are discovered at a more advanced stage but better survival rates are correlated with earlier detection. Current clinically approved cancer biomarkers are most effective when applied to patients with widespread cancer. Single biomarkers with satisfactory sensitivity and specificity have not been identified for the most common cancers and some biomarkers are ineffective for the detection of early stage cancers. Thus, novel biomarkers with better diagnostic and prognostic performance are required. Aberrant protein glycosylation is well known hallmark of cancer and represents a promising source of potential biomarkers. Glycoproteins enter circulation from tissues or blood cells through active secretion or leakage and patient serum is an attractive option as a source for biomarkers from a clinical and diagnostic perspective. A plethora of technical approaches have been developed to address the challenges of glycosylation structure detection and determination. This review summarises currently utilised glycoprotein biomarkers and novel glycosylation-based biomarkers from the serum glycoproteome under investigation as cancer diagnostics and for monitoring and prognostics and includes details of recent high throughput and other emerging glycoanalytical techniques.
Pathologic Assessment of Rectal Carcinoma after Neoadjuvant Radio(chemo)therapy: Prognostic Implications
Authors: Hav Monirath , Libbrecht Louis , Ferdinande Liesbeth , Geboes Karen , Pattyn Piet , Cuvelier Claude A.
Published: October 2015

Neoadjuvant radio(chemo)therapy is increasingly used in rectal cancer and induces a number of morphologic changes that affect prognostication after curative surgery, thereby creating new challenges for surgical pathologists, particularly in evaluating morphologic changes and tumour response to preoperative treatment. Surgical pathologists play an important role in determining the many facets of rectal carcinoma patient care after neoadjuvant treatment. These range from proper handling of macroscopic specimens to accurate microscopic evaluation of pathological features associated with patients’ prognosis. This review presents the well-established pathological prognostic indicators and discusses challenging features in order to provide both surgical pathologists and treating physicians with a checklist that is useful in a neoadjuvant setting.
Epigenetic Regulation of Werner Syndrome Gene in Age-Related Cataract
Authors: Zhu Xi , Zhang Guowei , Kang Lihua , Guan Huaijin
Published: October 2015

Purpose. To examine the promoter methylation and histone modification of WRN (Werner syndrome gene), a DNA repair gene, and their relationship with the gene expression in age-related cataract (ARC) lens.Methods. We collected the lenses after cataract surgery from 117ARC patients and 39 age-matched non-ARC. WRN expression, DNA methylation and histone modification around the CpG island were assessed. The methylation status of Human-lens-epithelium cell (HLEB-3) was chemically altered to observe the relationship between methylation and expression of WRN.Results. The WRN expression was significantly decreased in the ARC anterior lens capsules comparing with the control. The CpG island of WRN promoter in the ARC anterior lens capsules displayed hypermethylation comparing with the controls. The WRN promoter was almost fully methylated in the cortex of ARC and control lens. Acetylated H3 was lower while methylated H3-K9 was higher in ARC anterior lens capsules than that of the controls. The expression of WRN in HLEB-3 increased after demethylation of the cells.Conclusions. A hypermethylation in WRN promoter and altered histone modification in anterior lens capsules might contribute to the ARC mechanism. The data suggest an association of altered DNA repair capability in lens with ARC pathogenesis.
Relationship between Polymer Dielectric Constant and Percolation Threshold in Conductive Poly(styrene)‐Type Polymer and Carbon Black Composites
Authors: Castro Martínez Mariana , Hernández López Susana , Vigueras Santiago Enrique
Published: October 2015

We study the effect of dielectric constant of some poly(styrene)‐type polymer matrix on the percolation threshold in conductive polymer composites with carbon black (CB). We demonstrate that percolation threshold diminishes with an increment of the dielectric constant of polymer matrix. We chose polystyrene and other three polymers similar in structure and molecular weight but with different chemical nature. The corresponding dielectric constant and critical concentration, Xc, in volume fraction of carbon black, v/v CB, were the following: 4MePS (ε = 2.43;  Xc = 0.058), PS (ε = 2.60;  Xc = 0.054), 4BrPS (ε = 2.82;  Xc = 0.051), and 4ClPS (ε = 2.77;  Xc = 0.047). The correlation between both parameters confirms that the percolation threshold decreases while the dielectric constant increases. At microscopic level, this effect is attributed to an enhanced physical interaction of the CB particles with the asymmetric electric density produced by electronegative or inductive atoms/groups. Therefore, by controlling the chemical structure of the polymer matrix, the attraction forces between the polar groups on the carbon black surface particles with those of the polymer matrix can be improved, which in turn induces a better disaggregation and dispersion of those particles into the polymer matrix, allowing the percolation threshold reached at a lower filling fraction.
Numerical Study on Similarity of Plume’s Infrared Radiation from Reduced Scaling Solid Rocket
Authors: Zhang Xiaoying , Li Rui
Published: October 2015

Similarity of plume radiation between reduced scaling solid rocket models and full scale ones in ground conditions has been taken for investigation. Flow and radiation of plume from solid rockets with scaling ratio from 0.1 to 1 have been computed. The radiative transfer equation (RTE) is solved by the finite volume method (FVM) in infrared band 2~6 μm. The spectral characteristics of plume gases have been calculated with the weighted-sum-of-gray-gas (WSGG) model, and those of the Al2O3particles have been solved by the Mie scattering model. Our research shows that, with the decreasing scaling ratio of the rocket engine, the radiation intensity of the plume decreases with 1.5~2.5 power of the scaling ratio. The infrared radiation of the plume gases shows a strong spectral dependency, while that of the Al2O3particles shows grey property. Spectral radiation intensity of the high temperature core of the solid rocket plume increases greatly in the peak absorption spectrum of plume gases. Al2O3particle is the major radiation composition in the rocket plume, whose scattering coefficient is much larger than its absorption coefficient. There is good similarity between spectral variations of plumes from different scaling solid rockets. The directional plume radiation rises with the increasing azimuth angle.
Bai-Hu-Jia-Ren-Shen-Tang Decoction Reduces Fatty Liver by Activating AMP-Activated Protein Kinase In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Liu Hui-Kang , Hung Tzu-Min , Huang Hsiu-Chen , Lee I-Jung , Chang Chia-Chuan , Cheng Jing-Jy , Lin Lie-Chwen , Huang Cheng
Published: October 2015

Obesity and associated conditions, such as type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), are currently a worldwide health problem. In Asian traditional medicine, Bai-Hu-Jia-Ren-Shen-Tang (BHJRST) is widely used in diabetes patients to reduce thirst. However, whether it has a therapeutic effect on T2DM or NAFLD is not known. The aim of this study was to examine whether BHJRST had a lipid-lowering effect using a HuS-E/2 cell model of fatty liver induced by palmitate and in a db/db mouse model of dyslipidemia. Incubation of HuS-E/2 cells with palmitate markedly increased lipid accumulation and expression of adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL), which is involved in lipolysis. BHJRST significantly decreased lipid accumulation and increased ATGL levels and phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and its primary downstream target, acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), which are involved in fatty acid oxidation. Furthermore, after twice daily oral administration for six weeks, BHJRST significantly reduced hepatic fat accumulation in db/db mice, as demonstrated by increased hepatic AMPK and ACC phosphorylation, reduced serum triglyceride levels, and reduced hepatic total lipid content. The results show that BHJRST has a lipid-lowering effect in the liver that is mediated by activation of the AMPK signaling pathway.
Electrical Switching in Thin Film Structures Based on Transition Metal Oxides
Authors: Pergament A. , Stefanovich G. , Malinenko V. , Velichko A.
Published: October 2015

Electrical switching, manifesting itself in the nonlinear current-voltage characteristics with S- and N-type NDR (negative differential resistance), is inherent in a variety of materials, in particular, transition metal oxides. Although this phenomenon has been known for a long time, recent suggestions to use oxide-based switching elements as neuristor synapses and relaxation-oscillation circuit components have resumed the interest in this area. In the present review, we describe the experimental facts and theoretical models, mainly on the basis of the Mott transition in vanadium dioxide as a model object, of the switching effect with special emphasis on the emerging applied potentialities for oxide electronics.
Toward More Efficient and More Secure Last Mile Smart Metering and Smart Lighting Communication Systems with the Use of PLC/RF Hybrid Technology
Authors: Kiedrowski Piotr
Published: October 2015

This paper describes the last mile communication system solutions realized in PLC/RF hybrid technology, which is dedicated to Smart Grid communication subsystems, mainly for Smart Metering and Smart Lighting applications. The use of hybrid technology makes the system more efficient and more secure (still being of low cost, in terms of both implementation and operation). This paper proposes a novel parameter, PDR, to describe the performance of the communications in the last mile network. The communications are realized with the use of the narrowband power line communications technique, the low power wireless communications technique, and the combination of them. The cost analysis for the proposed solution is also done. Theoretical considerations, contained in the paper, are the result of the author’s experience in the design, implementation, and operation of the last mile Smart Grid communication systems, realized in the narrowband PLC or 433/868 MHz radio technology. These communication systems were developed for data acquisition and distribution between specific terminals, which are Smart Meters or Smart Lanterns. The aim of this paper is to outline superiorities of the hybrid technology, from which the most important is a low layer protection of the sensitive critical infrastructure, which undoubtedly is a last mile Smart Grid communication network.
Learning-Based Video Superresolution Reconstruction Using Spatiotemporal Nonlocal Similarity
Authors: Liang Meiyu , Du Junping , Li Linghui
Published: October 2015

Aiming at improving the video visual resolution quality and details clarity, a novel learning-based video superresolution reconstruction algorithm using spatiotemporal nonlocal similarity is proposed in this paper. Objective high-resolution (HR) estimations of low-resolution (LR) video frames can be obtained by learning LR-HR correlation mapping and fusing spatiotemporal nonlocal similarities between video frames. With the objective of improving algorithm efficiency while guaranteeing superresolution quality, a novel visual saliency-based LR-HR correlation mapping strategy between LR and HR patches is proposed based on semicoupled dictionary learning. Moreover, aiming at improving performance and efficiency of spatiotemporal similarity matching and fusion, an improved spatiotemporal nonlocal fuzzy registration scheme is established using the similarity weighting strategy based on pseudo-Zernike moment feature similarity and structural similarity, and the self-adaptive regional correlation evaluation strategy. The proposed spatiotemporal fuzzy registration scheme does not rely on accurate estimation of subpixel motion, and therefore it can be adapted to complex motion patterns and is robust to noise and rotation. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm achieves competitive superresolution quality compared to other state-of-the-art algorithms in terms of both subjective and objective evaluations.
Synthesis, Characterization, and Investigation of Visible Light Photocatalytic Activity of C Doped TiO2/CdS Core-Shell Nanocomposite
Authors: Lavand Atul B. , Malghe Yuvraj S. , Singh Suraj H.
Published: October 2015

Carbon (C) doped TiO2/CdS core-shell nanocomposite (C/TiO2/CdS) was synthesized using microemulsion method. Synthesized powder was characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and UV-visible spectrophotometery. TEM images reveal that C/TiO2/CdS core-shell heterostructure is successfully prepared with CdS as a core and C doped TiO2 as a shell. UV-visible absorption spectra show that CdS nanoparticles act as a sensitizer and effectively enhance the photoabsorption capacity of C/TiO2/CdS nanocomposite in visible region. Visible light photocatalytic activity of synthesized nanocomposite was evaluated for the degradation of methylene blue. C/TiO2/CdS core-shell nanocomposite exhibits better photocatalytic activity as compared to bare TiO2, CdS, CdS/TiO2, and C doped TiO2.
Uterine Natural Killer Cell and Human Leukocyte Antigen-G1 and Human Leukocyte Antigen-G5 Expression in Vaginal Discharge of Threatened-Abortion Women: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Shobeiri Saeideh Sadat , Rahmani Zahra , Hossein Nataj Hadi , Ranjbaran Hossein , Mohammadi Masoud , Abediankenari Saeid
Published: October 2015

The immunotolerant human leukocyte antigen-G (HLA-G) molecules have a major role in fetal-maternal tolerance during pregnancy. Interaction between these molecules and uterine natural killer (uNK) cells inhibitory receptors prevents NK cell invasion against fetus trophoblast cells. The aim of this study was to evaluate the percentages of uNK cells and HLA-G1 and HLA-G5 isoforms expression in vaginal discharge of threatened-abortion women in comparison with control. In a case-control study, we investigated 30 threatened-abortion women with bleeding or spotting less than 20 weeks of pregnancy as compared to 30 normal pregnant women. uNK cells percentage was assessed by flow cytometry. Furthermore, we evaluated HLA-G1 and HLA-G5 isoforms expression by Real-Time PCR in these groups. The results of this study showed that threatened-abortion women had increased uNK cells and decreased T cells percentage in vaginal discharge in comparison with normal pregnant women (p=0.01,p=0.003, resp.). In addition, HLA-G1 isoform had lower expression in threatened-abortion women in comparison with control groupp=0.0001. The increase of uNK cells level with the decrease of HLA-G expression in vaginal discharge of threatened-abortion pregnant women is an indicator of mother’s immune dysregulation. It is concluded that HLA-G expression level with uNK cells percentage can be determined as a diagnostic marker for threatened-abortion women.
Next-to-Leading Order Differential Cross Sections forJ/ψ,ψ(2S), andΥProduction in Proton-Proton Collisions at a Fixed-Target Experiment Using the LHC Beams
Authors: Feng Yu , Wang Jian-Xiong
Published: October 2015

Using nonrelativistic QCD (NRQCD) factorization, we calculate the yields forJ/ψ,ψ(2S), andΥ(1S)hadroproduction ats=72 GeV and 115 GeV including the next-to-leading order QCD corrections. Both these center-of-mass energies correspond to those obtained with 7 TeV and 2.76 TeV nucleon beam impinging a fixed target. We study the cross section integrated inptas a function of the (center-of-mass) rapidity as well as theptdifferential cross section in the central rapidity region. Using different NLO fit results of the NRQCD long-distance matrix elements, we evaluate a theoretical uncertainty which is certainly much larger than the projected experimental uncertainties with the expected 20 fb−1to be collected per year with AFTER@LHC forppcollision at the center of mass energys≃115 GeV.
Evaluation of the Effects ofCornus masL. Fruit Extract on Glycemic Control and Insulin Level in Type 2 Diabetic Adult Patients: A Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Soltani Rasool , Gorji Abdollah , Asgary Sedigheh , Sarrafzadegan Nizal , Siavash Mansour
Published: October 2015

Background. The plantCornus masL. (cornelian cherry) is traditionally used as an antidiabetic supplement; however, there is no related clinical trial. In this study, we evaluated the effects of the fruit extract of this plant on biomarkers of glycemic control in adult patients with type 2 diabetes.Methods. Sixty patients with type 2 diabetes were randomly assigned to two groups to receive either the extract or placebo capsules (2 capsules twice daily) for 6 weeks. Each drug capsule contained 150 mg of anthocyanins. Fasting plasma levels of glucose, insulin,HgbA1C, and triglyceride as well as 2-hour postprandial glucose level (2Hpp) were measured before and after the intervention and finally the mean values were compared between groups.Results. After 6 weeks of intervention, significant increase in insulin level (1.13 ± 1.90 versus −0.643 ± 1.82,P<0.05) as well as decrease inHgbA1C(−0.24 ± 0.429 versus 0.023 ± 0.225,P<0.05) and TG (−23.66 ± 55.40 versus 2.83 ± 15.71,P<0.05) levels was observed in drug group compared to placebo.Conclusion. Daily consumption of the fruit extract ofCornus masL. improves glycemic control by increasing insulin level and reduces TG serum level in type 2 diabetic adult patients.
The Periodic Boundary Value Problem for the Weakly Dissipativeμ-Hunter-Saxton Equation
Authors: Ouyang Zhengyong , Wang Xiangdong , Rong Haiwu
Published: October 2015

We study the periodic boundary value problem for the weakly dissipativeμ-Hunter-Saxton equation. We establish the local well-posedness in Besov spaceB2,13/2, which extends the previous regularity range to the critical case.
Effect of Condenser Fouling on Performance of Vapor Compression Refrigeration System
Authors: Solanki Naveen , Arora Akhilesh , Kaushik S. C.
Published: October 2015

Effect of condenser fouling is evaluated on the performance of a vapour compression system with refrigerants HFO1234yf and HFO1234ze as an alternative to HFC134a. The condenser coolant temperature has been varied between 35 and 40°C to evaluate the effect of fouling at different condenser temperatures. A simulation model is developed in EES for computing the results. The results have been computed by varying condenser conductance. The same has been validated with literature available before calculating the results. It is observed that the condenser fouling has larger effect on compressor power (Wcp%) as it increases up to 9.12 for R1234yf and 7.41 for R1234ze, whereas for R134a its value increases up to 7.38. The cooling capacity (Qevap%) decreases up to 13.25 for R1234yf and 8.62 for R1234ze, whereas for R134a its value decreases up to 8.76. The maximum percentage of decrease in value of COP is up to 19.29 for R1234yf and 14.47 for R1234ze, whereas for R134a its value decreases up to 14.49. The second-law efficiency is also observed to decrease with decrease in the condenser conductance. The performance of HFO1234ze is found to be better under fouled conditions in comparison to R134a and R1234yf.
Cancer as a Proinflammatory Environment: Metastasis and Cachexia
Authors: Inácio Pinto Nelson , Carnier June , Oyama Lila M. , Otoch Jose Pinhata , Alcântara Paulo Sergio , Tokeshi Flavio , Nascimento Claudia M.
Published: October 2015

The development of the syndrome of cancer cachexia and that of metastasis are related with a poor prognostic for cancer patients. They are considered multifactorial processes associated with a proinflammatory environment, to which tumour microenvironment and other tissues from the tumour bearing individuals contribute. The aim of the present review is to address the role of ghrelin, myostatin, leptin, HIF, IL‐6, TNF‐α, and ANGPTL‐4 in the regulation of energy balance, tumour development, and tumoural cell invasion. Hypoxia induced factor plays a prominent role in tumour macro‐ and microenvironment, by modulating the release of proinflammatory cytokines.
Low-Glycemic-Index Foods Can Decrease Systolic and Diastolic Blood Pressure in the Short Term
Authors: Hosseininasab Mina , Norouzy Abdolreza , Nematy Mohsen , Bonakdaran Shokoufeh
Published: October 2015

Background. We aimed to compare the effects of low- and high-GI foods on 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure.Methods. This longitudinal study was performed on 30 women, aged 18 to 40 years, during 24 hours. In the first leg of study all recruited subjects were assigned to LGI period for 24 hours and, after a 2-week washout period, all subjects were assigned to HGI period. BP was measured every hour during the 24-hour monitoring.Results. After the intervention, there were significant decreases in SBP and DBP in the LGI period (102.26±14.18 mmHg versus112.86±9.33 mmHg for SBP and66.96±10.39 mmHg versus74.46±7.61 mmHg for DBP) (P=0.00andP=0.002, resp.). However, in the HGI period, there was no significant change in SBP or DBP (110.66±9.85versus111.80±9.57for SBP and71.16±9.16versus74.26±10.09for DBP) (P=0.6andP=0.06, resp.).Conclusion. The results suggest that LGI foods may be beneficial in reducing 24-hour BP.