bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
NONCOOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT OF THE NORTHEAST ATLANTIC COD FISHERY: A FIRST MOVER ADVANTAGE
Authors: BJØRNDAL TROND , LINDROOS MARKO
Published: July 2014

The point of departure for this analysis is Bjørndal and Lindroos [2012], who developed an empirical bioeconomic model to analyze cooperative and noncooperative management of Northeast Atlantic cod. In their analysis, only constant strategies were analyzed for noncooperative games. In this paper, nonconstant strategies are considered. Moreover, the fishery in question is characterized by cooperative management. What may happen in the real world is that one nation breaks the cooperative agreement by fishing in excess of its quota. Often, it takes time for the other agent to detect this and respond. In this paper, we allow this kind of delayed response into a two‐agent noncooperative game so that, if country 2 exceeds its quota, there will be a time lag before this is detected by country 1; moreover, there may also be a delay until country 1 is able to respond. Results show that the outcome critically depends on the length of these two lags as well as initial conditions.
Aneurysmal dilatation associated with arteriovenous fistula in a transplanted kidney after renal biopsies
Authors: Kamei Koichi , Ogura Masao , Miyazaki Osamu , Nosaka Shunsuke , Ito Shuichi
Published: July 2014

AVF is a known complication of renal biopsy in both native and transplanted kidneys. A 20‐yr‐old woman with bilateral hypoplastic kidneys due to branchio‐oto‐renal syndrome had received living‐donor renal transplantation from her father at the age of 11. She had undergone allograft renal biopsies six times and all puncture sites were at the lower pole of her kidney from the first to the fifth biopsy. AVF with aneurysmal dilation (30 mm) had developed at the puncture site after the fifth biopsy. TAE was successfully performed with 11 platinum coils in the branch of the renal artery feeding the aneurysm. According to a review of the literature, the incidence of AVF is higher in transplanted kidneys than in native kidneys (7.5% vs. 2.1%) because transplanted kidneys, as single kidneys, are likely to be punctured repeatedly at the same site. When renal biopsy of a transplanted kidney is performed, previous biopsy puncture sites should be considered and the biopsy should be performed at a different site, if possible, to prevent the development of AVF.
A strategy for characterization of persistent heteroduplex DNA in higher plants
Authors: Dong Chun‐Bo , Mao Jian‐Feng , Suo Yu‐Jing , Shi Le , Wang Jun , Zhang Ping‐Dong , Kang Xiang‐Yang
Published: July 2014

Heteroduplex DNA (hDNA) generated during homologous recombination (HR) is an important component that shapes genetic diversity in sexually reproducing organisms. However, studies of this process in higher plants are limited. This is because hDNAs are difficult to capture in higher plants as their reproductive developmental model only produces normal gametes and does not preserve the mitotic products of the post‐meiotic segregation (PMS) process which is crucial for studying hDNAs. In this study, using the model system for tree and woody perennial plant biology (Populus), we propose a strategy for characterizing hDNAs in higher plants. We captured hDNAs by constructing triploid hybrids originating from a cross between unreduced 2n eggs (containing hDNA information as a result of inhibition chromosome segregation at the PMS stage) with normal male gametes. These triploid hybrids allowed us to detect the frequency and location of persistent hDNAs resulting from HR at the molecular level. We found that the frequency of persistent hDNAs, which ranged from 5.3 to 76.6%, was related to locations of the simple sequence repeat markers at the chromosomes, such as the locus–centromere distance, the surrounding DNA sequence and epigenetic information, and the richness of protein‐coding transcripts at these loci. In summary, this study provides a method for characterizing persistent hDNAs in higher plants. When high‐throughput sequencing techniques can be incorporated, genome‐wide persistent hDNA assays for higher plants can be easily carried out using the strategy presented in this study.
The effectiveness of riboflavin photochemical‐mediated virus inactivation and changes in protein retention in fresh‐frozen plasma treated using a flow‐based treatment device
Authors: Zhu Liguo , Pan Jichun , Wei Chao , Wang Haibao , Xiang Rong , Zhang Jingang , Wang Deqing
Published: July 2014

Background

A flow‐based treatment device using riboflavin and ultraviolet (UV) light was developed to inactivate viruses in fresh‐frozen plasma (FFP). The objective of this study was to evaluate the in vitro effectiveness of virus inactivation and changes in protein quality in FFP treated with this device.

Study Design and Methods

FFP‐contaminating viruses were treated with riboflavin and UV light using a one‐pass linear flow device. The infectivity of viruses was measured using established biologic assays. Real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed to detect damage to viral nucleotides after treatment. Treated plasma was analyzed using standard coagulation assays.

Results

FFP treated at the UV dose of 3.6 J/cm2 (J) exhibited a mean reduction of virus titer of more than 4 logs. The effectiveness increased significantly at higher doses. Real‐time PCR showed that the cycle threshold values for both complete inactivation and virus recultivation were higher than that of the untreated sample. At doses of 3.6, 5.4, and 7.2 J, the protein recovery rates were 60.2 ± 8.6, 46.6 ± 9.4, and 28.0 ± 1.0% for fibrinogen; 67.0 ± 3.1, 57.3 ± 8.0, and 49.2 ± 3.8% for Factor VIII; 93.6 ± 2.8, 89.6 ± 6.1, and 86.5 ± 5.3% for antithrombin‐III; and 72.1 ± 5.6, 59.8 ± 14.2, and 49.2 ± 8.4% for Protein C, respectively.

Conclusion

The effectiveness of virus inactivation was enhanced, but total activity of plasma factors was reduced, in a UV dose‐dependent manner.
Molecular basis and zygosity determination of D variants including identification of four novel alleles in Chinese individuals
Authors: He Ji , Ying Yanling , Hong Xiaozhen , Xu Xianguo , Zhu Faming , Lv Hangjun
Published: July 2014

Background

The frequency and molecular basis of the D variants have been reported in the Caucasian and African populations, but relatively little information was known in the Chinese population. Here, a study was investigated in Chinese persons with weak or discrepant D serologic typing.

Study Design and Methods

D variant was typed with a serologic method. The full coding regions of RHD of these variants were amplified with polymerase chain reaction and then directly sequenced. RHD zygosity test was performed using the hybrid Rhesus box technique and a multiplex ligation–dependent probe amplification (MLPA) assay was also used to analyze the variant alleles and RHD gene copy number.

Results

Twelve distinct RHD mutation alleles were found in 32 D variant individuals, with eight weak D and four partial D alleles. Weak D Type 15 and DVI Type 3 were the major weak D and partial D alleles in Zhejiang Han persons. Three novel weak D alleles (RHD weak D 95A, 779G, and 670G) and one new partial D allele (RHD130‐132 del TCT) were identified. The results of RHD zygosity in three individuals disagreed between the RHD zygosity test and the MLPA assay. The most known variant alleles can be detected, but four novel alleles were missed using the RH‐MLPA assay.

Conclusion

The molecular basis and zygosity of D variants in Zhejiang Han persons were analyzed, and four novel RHD alleles were identified. These data extend the information of D variants and may help to improve the transfusion strategy of the D variants.
Identifying Trends in Analogy Usage for Innovation: A Cross-Sectional Product Study
Authors: Ngo Peter , Turner Cameron J. , Linsey Julie S.
Published: July 2014

Design-by-analogy, including bioinspired design, is a powerful tool for innovation. Engineers need better tools to enhance ideation. To support tool creation, an exploratory cross-sectional empirical product study of 70 analogy-inspired products is conducted to report trends and associations among factors in the analogy-inspired design process, giving a general account of real-world practices. Products are randomly sampled from three technology magazines and a bioinspired design database. Seven variables are developed and used to classify each example according to design team composition, analogy mapping approach, analogies used, and design outcomes. Results do not suggest significant differences between problem-driven approaches, which start from a design problem and find solutions in analogous domains, and solution-driven approaches, which begin with knowledge in an analog domain and find design problems to solve. For instance, results suggest that both approaches yield products at about the same frequency, and both yield products with improved performance at statistically indistinguishable rates—thus, neither approach can be concluded to be advantageous over the other for improving product performance at this time. Overall, few associations are detected between design outcome variables and other variables, thus precluding recommendations for how to compose design teams, what approaches to promote, and what number and source of analogies to support in order to achieve the outcomes measured in this study.
Large-Scale Finite Element Analysis of Human Cancellous Bone Tissue Micro Computer Tomography Data: A Convergence Study
Authors: Chen Yuan , Pani Martino , Taddei Fulvia , Mazzà Claudia , Li Xinshan , Viceconti Marco
Published: July 2014

The complex geometry of cancellous bone tissue makes it difficult to generate finite element (FE) models. Only a few studies investigated the convergence behavior at the tissue scale using Cartesian meshes. However, these studies were not conducted according to an ideal patch test and the postelastic convergence behavior was not reported. In this study, the third principal strain and stress, and the displacement obtained from human micro finite element (microFE) models of lower resolutions were compared against the model of 19.5 μm as a reference, representing the original spatial resolution of microCT data. Uni-axial compression simulations using both linear-elastic and nonlinear constitutive equations were performed. The results showed a decrease in percentage difference in all three values as the element size decreased, with the displacement converging the fastest among the three. Simulations carried out using a nonlinear constitutive equation however, failed to show convergence for the third principal strains and stresses. It was concluded that at the tissue level, Cartesian meshes of human cancellous bone tissue were able to reach a converged solution in all three parameters investigated for linear simulation and only in displacement for nonlinear simulation. These parameters can be used as references in the future for studies in local biomechanical behavior of human cancellous bone tissues with linear simulation. The convergence behavior for human cancellous bone tissue using nonlinear constitutive equations needs further investigation.
Performance of a Finned Turbine Rim Seal
Authors: Sangan Carl M. , Scobie James A. , Michael Owen J. , Lock Gary D. , Tham Kok Mun , Laurello Vincent P.
Published: July 2014

In gas turbines, rim seals are fitted at the periphery of the wheel-space between the turbine disk and its adjacent casing; their purpose is to reduce the ingress of hot mainstream gases. A superposed sealant flow, bled from the compressor, is used to purge the wheel-space or at least dilute the ingress to an acceptable level. The ingress is caused by the circumferential variation of pressure in the turbine annulus radially outward of the seal. Engine designers often use double-rim seals where the variation in pressure is attenuated in the outer wheel-space between the two seals. This paper describes experimental results from a research facility that models an axial turbine stage with engine-representative rim seals. The radial variation of CO2 gas concentration, swirl, and pressure, in both the inner and outer wheel-space, are presented over a range of purge flow rates. The data are used to assess the performance of two seals: a datum double-rim seal and a derivative with a series of radial fins. The concept behind the finned seal is that the radial fins increase the swirl in the outer wheel-space; measurements of swirl show the captive fluid between the fins rotate with near solid body rotation. The improved attenuation of the pressure asymmetry, which governs the ingress, results in an improved performance of the inner geometry of the seal. The fins also increased the pressure in the outer wheel-space and reduced the ingress though the outer geometry of the seal.
Reduce Tumors with a Low-Carb Diet
Authors: Berndt Jason D.
Published: July 2014

Dietary carbohydrates stimulate microbial metabolism that promotes colorectal cancer progression.
Synaptic Transmission on Speed
Authors: Ferrarelli Leslie K.
Published: July 2014

Amphetamine stimulates neuronal activity by decreasing the clearance of an excitatory neurotransmitter from the synaptic space.
Crystal Structure of the Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase PER-2 and Insights into the Role of Specific Residues in the Interaction with β-Lactams and β-Lactamase Inhibitors
Authors: Ruggiero Melina , Kerff Frédéric , Herman Raphaël , Sapunaric Frédéric , Galleni Moreno , Gutkind Gabriel , Charlier Paulette , Sauvage Eric , Power Pablo
Published: July 2014

PER-2 belongs to a small (7 members to date) group of extended-spectrum β-lactamases. It has 88% amino acid identity with PER-1 and both display high catalytic efficiencies toward most β-lactams. In this study, we determined the X-ray structure of PER-2 at 2.20 Å and evaluated the possible role of several residues in the structure and activity toward β-lactams and mechanism-based inhibitors. PER-2 is defined by the presence of a singular
trans
bond between residues 166 to 167, which generates an inverted Ω loop, an expanded fold of this domain that results in a wide active site cavity that allows for efficient hydrolysis of antibiotics like the oxyimino-cephalosporins, and a series of exclusive interactions between residues not frequently involved in the stabilization of the active site in other class A β-lactamases. PER β-lactamases might be included within a cluster of evolutionarily related enzymes harboring the conserved residues Asp136 and Asn179. Other signature residues that define these enzymes seem to be Gln69, Arg220, Thr237, and probably Arg/Lys240A (“A” indicates an insertion according to Ambler's scheme for residue numbering in PER β-lactamases), with structurally important roles in the stabilization of the active site and proper orientation of catalytic water molecules, among others. We propose, supported by simulated models of PER-2 in combination with different β-lactams, the presence of a hydrogen-bond network connecting Ser70-Gln69-water-Thr237-Arg220 that might be important for the proper activity and inhibition of the enzyme. Therefore, we expect that mutations occurring in these positions will have impacts on the overall hydrolytic behavior.
Double Mutation in the
pfmdr1
Gene Is Associated with Emergence of Chloroquine-Resistant Plasmodium falciparum Malaria in Eastern India
Authors: Das Sabyasachi , Mahapatra Santanu Kar , Tripathy Satyajit , Chattopadhyay Sourav , Dash Sandeep Kumar , Mandal Debasis , Das Balaram , Hati Amiya Kumar , Roy Somenath
Published: July 2014

Malaria is a major public health problem in tropical and subtropical countries, including India. This study elucidates the cause of chloroquine treatment failure (for
Plasmodium falciparum
infection) before the introduction of artemisinin combination therapy. One hundred twenty-six patients were randomized to chloroquine treatment, and the therapeutic efficacy was monitored from days 1 to 28. An
in vitro
susceptibility test was performed with all isolates. Parasitic DNA was isolated, followed by PCR and restriction digestion of different codons of the
pfcrt
gene (codons 72 to 76) and the
pfmdr1
gene (N86Y, Y184F, S1034C, N1042D, and D1246Y). Finally, sequencing was done to confirm the mutations. Forty-three (34.13%) early treatment failure cases and 16 (12.69%) late treatment failure cases were observed after chloroquine treatment.
In vitro
chloroquine resistance was found in 103 isolates (81.75%). Twenty-six (60.47%) early treatment failure cases and 6 (37.5%) late treatment failure cases were associated with the CVMNK-

Y

YSN

Y

allele (the underlined amino acids are those that were mutated). Moreover, the CV

IE

K-

Y

YSN

Y

allele was found in 8 early treatment failure (18.60%) and 2 late treatment failure (12.5%) cases. The presence of the wild-type
pfcrt
(CVMNK) and
pfmdr1
(

Y

YSN

Y

) double mutant allele in chloroquine-nonresponsive cases was quite uncommon.
In vivo
chloroquine treatment failure and
in vitro
chloroquine resistance were strongly correlated with the CVMNK-

Y

YSN

Y

and CV

IE

K-

Y

YSN

Y

haplotypes (
P
< 0.01).
In Vivo
Study of the Efficacy of the Aromatic Water of Zataria multiflora on Hydatid Cysts
Authors: Moazeni Mohammad , Larki Sara , Saharkhiz Mohammad Jamal , Oryan Ahmad , Ansary Lari Maryam , Mootabi Alavi Amir
Published: July 2014

Gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) were employed to determine the chemical composition of the essential oil (EO) from aromatic water (AW) of
Zataria multiflora
. Thymol (66.9%), carvacrol (15.2%), and carvone (7.3%) were found to be the major EO constituents. Eighty laboratory BALB/c mice were infected intraperitoneally by injection of 1,500 viable protoscolices and were divided into prevention (40 mice) and therapeutic (40 mice) groups. To prove the preventive effect of the
Z. multiflora
AW on development of hydatid cysts, the 40 infected mice were allocated into three treatment groups, including the albendazole group (10 mice that received 150 mg/kg body weight/day for 10 days), the
Z. multiflora
AW group (15 mice that received 20 ml/liter in drinking water for 8 months), and a control group (15 mice that received no treatment). To estimate the therapeutic effect of the
Z. multiflora
AW on the hydatid cyst, after 8 months of infection, the 15 remaining mice were allocated into three experimental treatment groups of five animals each, including the albendazole group (300 mg/kg/day for 20 days),
Z. multiflora
AW group (40 ml/liter in drinking water for 30 days), and control group (no treatment). All mice were then euthanized, and the sizes and weights of the cysts as well as their ultrastructural changes were investigated. The weights and sizes of the hydatid cysts significantly decreased upon treatment with the
Z. multiflora
AW in both the preventive and therapeutic groups (
P
< 0.05). The results of scanning electron microscopy also showed considerable damage in the germinal layer of the hydatid cysts recovered from the treated animals.
Efficacy of PTX3 and Posaconazole Combination in a Rat Model of Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis
Authors: Marra Emanuele , Sousa Vitor L. , Gaziano Roberta , Pacello M. Lucrezia , Arseni Brunilde , Aurisicchio Luigi , De Santis Rita , Salvatori Giovanni
Published: July 2014

Posaconazole is currently used for the prophylaxis of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA). Limitations to posaconazole usage are drug-drug interactions and side effects. PTX3 is an innate immunity glycoprotein with opsonic activity, proven to be protective in IPA animal models. This study investigated the combination of posaconazole with PTX3. The results indicate synergy between PTX3 and posaconazole against aspergillosis, suggesting that a combination of reduced doses of posaconazole with the immune response enhancer PTX3 might represent a treatment option with a higher therapeutic index than posaconazole.
Tn
5253
Family Integrative and Conjugative Elements Carrying
mef
(I) and
catQ
Determinants in Streptococcus pneumoniae and Streptococcus pyogenes
Authors: Mingoia Marina , Morici Eleonora , Morroni Gianluca , Giovanetti Eleonora , Del Grosso Maria , Pantosti Annalisa , Varaldo Pietro E.
Published: July 2014

The linkage between the macrolide efflux gene
mef
(I) and the chloramphenicol inactivation gene
catQ
was first described in
Streptococcus pneumoniae
(strain Spn529), where the two genes are located in a module designated IQ element. Subsequently, two different defective IQ elements were detected in
Streptococcus pyogenes
(strains Spy029 and Spy005). The genetic elements carrying the three IQ elements were characterized, and all were found to be Tn
5253
family integrative and conjugative elements (ICEs). The ICE from
S. pneumoniae
(ICE
Spn
529IQ) was sequenced, whereas the ICEs from
S. pyogenes
(ICE
Spy
029IQ and ICE
Spy
005IQ, the first Tn
5253
-like ICEs reported in this species) were characterized by PCR mapping, partial sequencing, and restriction analysis. ICE
Spn
529IQ and ICE
Spy
029IQ were found to share the

int
Sp

23FST81
integrase gene and an identical Tn
916
fragment, whereas ICE
Spy
005IQ has

int
5252

and lacks Tn
916
. All three ICEs were found to lack the linearized pC194 plasmid that is usually associated with Tn
5253
-like ICEs, and all displayed a single copy of a toxin-antitoxin operon that is typically contained in the direct repeats flanking the excisable pC194 region when this region is present. Two different insertion sites of the IQ elements were detected, one in ICE
Spn
529IQ and ICE
Spy
029IQ, and another in ICE
Spy
005IQ. The chromosomal integration of the three ICEs was site specific, depending on the integrase (

int
Sp

23FST81
or

int
5252

). Only ICE
Spy
005IQ was excised in circular form and transferred by conjugation. By transformation,
mef
(I) and
catQ
were cotransferred at a high frequency from
S. pyogenes
Spy005 and at very low frequencies from
S. pneumoniae
Spn529 and
S. pyogenes
Spy029.
Platelet Activation by Streptococcus pyogenes Leads to Entrapment in Platelet Aggregates, from Which Bacteria Subsequently Escape
Authors: Svensson Lisbeth , Baumgarten Maria , Mörgelin Matthias , Shannon Oonagh
Published: July 2014

Platelet activation and aggregation have been reported to occur in response to a number of Gram-positive pathogens. Here, we show that platelet aggregates induced by
Streptococcus pyogenes
were unstable and that viable bacteria escaped from the aggregates over time. This was not due to differential activation in response to the bacteria compared with physiological activators. All the bacterial isolates induced significant platelet activation, including integrin activation and alpha and dense-granule release, at levels equivalent to those induced by potent physiological platelet activators that induced stable aggregates. The ability to escape the aggregates and to resist the antibacterial effects of platelets was dependent on active protein synthesis by the bacteria within the aggregate. We conclude that
S. pyogenes
bacteria can temporarily cover themselves with activated platelets, and we propose that this may facilitate survival of the bacteria in the presence of platelets.
Helicobacter pylori Infection Introduces DNA Double-Strand Breaks in Host Cells
Authors: Hanada Katsuhiro , Uchida Tomohisa , Tsukamoto Yoshiyuki , Watada Masahide , Yamaguchi Nahomi , Yamamoto Kaoru , Shiota Seiji , Moriyama Masatsugu , Graham David Y. , Yamaoka Yoshio
Published: July 2014

Gastric cancer is an inflammation-related malignancy related to long-standing acute and chronic inflammation caused by infection with the human bacterial pathogen
Helicobacter pylori
. Inflammation can result in genomic instability. However, there are considerable data that
H. pylori
itself can also produce genomic instability both directly and through epigenetic pathways. Overall, the mechanisms of
H. pylori
-induced host genomic instabilities remain poorly understood. We used microarray screening of
H. pylori
-infected human gastric biopsy specimens to identify candidate genes involved in
H. pylori
-induced host genomic instabilities. We found upregulation of
ATM
expression
in vivo
in gastric mucosal cells infected with
H. pylori
. Using gastric cancer cell lines, we confirmed that the
H. pylori
-related activation of ATM was due to the accumulation of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs). DSBs were observed following infection with both
cag
pathogenicity island (PAI)-positive and -negative strains, but the effect was more robust with
cag
PAI-positive strains. These results are consistent with the fact that infections with both
cag
PAI-positive and -negative strains are associated with gastric carcinogenesis, but the risk is higher in individuals infected with
cag
PAI-positive strains.
Coordinate Control of Virulence Gene Expression in Francisella tularensis Involves Direct Interaction between Key Regulators
Authors: Rohlfing Amy E. , Dove Simon L.
Published: July 2014

In
Francisella tularensis
, the putative DNA-binding protein PigR works in concert with the SspA protein family members MglA and SspA to control the expression of genes that are essential for the intramacrophage growth and survival of the organism. MglA and SspA form a complex that interacts with RNA polymerase (RNAP), and this interaction between the MglA-SspA complex and RNAP is thought to be critical to its regulatory function. How PigR works in concert with the MglA-SspA complex is not known; previously published findings differ over whether PigR interacts with the MglA-SspA complex, leading to disparate models for how PigR and the MglA-SspA complex exert their regulatory effects. Here, using a combination of genetic assays, we identify mutants of MglA and SspA that are specifically defective for interaction with PigR. Analysis of the MglA and SspA mutants in
F. tularensis
reveals that interaction between PigR and the MglA-SspA complex is essential in order for PigR to work coordinately with MglA and SspA to positively regulate the expression of virulence genes. Our findings uncover a surface of the MglA-SspA complex that is important for interaction with PigR and support the idea that PigR exerts its regulatory effects through an interaction with the RNAP-associated MglA-SspA complex.
Patella dislocation following distal femoral replacement after bone tumour resection
Authors: Akiyama Toru , Kanda Shotaro , Maeda Akinori , Endo Minoru , Saita Kazuo
Published: July 2014

We report the case of a 16-year-old girl with patella dislocation following distal femur replacement for a malignant tumour. We performed a medial plication and lateral release procedure to treat her persistent patellar dislocation after distal femur replacement following malignant tumour resection. This treatment improved the patient's gait ability dramatically. A distal femur reconstruction with a total knee arthroplasty (TKA) system for tumour resection is a frequently performed procedure. The reported incidence of patella dislocation following distal femur reconstruction with a TKA is 2.3%. However, treatment procedures for patella dislocation following a distal femur replacement after malignant tumour resection have not been studied extensively. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first English case report about patella dislocation following distal femoral replacement focusing on surgical treatment. Our experience suggests that treatment for patella dislocation following distal femur reconstruction with a TKA should be considered positively.
The effects of alpha lipoic acid in preventing oxidative stress-induced retinal pigment epithelial cell injury
Authors: Li Yun , Shen Hongwei , Shi Jingming , Tang Luosheng
Published: July 2014

This study evaluated the protective effect of alpha lipoic acid (ALA) in human adult retinal pigment epithelium cells (ARPE-19). An RPE oxidative stress model was established in ARPE-19 cells. Cell apoptosis was detected by Annexin V/PI staining and Hoechst33342 staining. Autophagy activation was evaluated by formation of acidic vesicular organelles (AVO) as well as protein expression of Atg5 and LC3. Akt phosphorylation and Bax protein expression were measured using western blot. Exogenous H2O2 significantly increased intracellular ROS concentration and decreased the viability of ARPE-19 cells in a dose-dependent way. H2O2 (12.5 μmol/L) induced early stage apoptosis, significantly decreased Akt phosphorylation, and increased Bax protein level 4 h after stimulation. H2O2 (12.5 μmol/L) significantly increased AVO formation, mRNA and protein levels of Atg-5, and protein expression of LC3 I and II. Treatment of ARPE-19 cells with 37.5 μmol/L ALA significantly blocked increased intracellular ROS level, apoptosis, AVO formation, as well as elevation of Atg5, LC3 I, and II protein levels induced by 12.5 μmol/L H2O2. Exogenous H2O2 induces apoptosis and activation of autophagy in human adult retinal pigment epithelium cells through Akt-Bax signaling. ALA is effective in protecting RPE cells from H2O2-induced cell death.
ENCODING STRUCTURAL SIMILARITY BY CROSS-COVARIANCE TENSORS FOR IMAGE CLASSIFICATION
Authors: SAN BIAGIO MARCO , MARTELLI SAMUELE , CROCCO MARCO , CRISTANI MARCO , MURINO VITTORIO
Published: July 2014

In computer vision, an object can be modeled in two main ways: by explicitly measuring its characteristics in terms of feature vectors, and by capturing the relations which link an object with some exemplars, that is, in terms of similarities. In this paper, we propose a new similarity-based descriptor, dubbed structural similarity cross-covariance tensor (SS-CCT), where self-similarities come into play: Here the entity to be measured and the exemplar are regions of the same object, and their similarities are encoded in terms of cross-covariance matrices. These matrices are computed from a set of low-level feature vectors extracted from pairs of regions that cover the entire image. SS-CCT shares some similarities with the widely used covariance matrix descriptor, but extends its power focusing on structural similarities across multiple parts of an image, instead of capturing local similarities in a single region. The effectiveness of SS-CCT is tested on many diverse classification scenarios, considering objects and scenes on widely known benchmarks (Caltech-101, Caltech-256, PASCAL VOC 2007 and SenseCam). In all the cases, the results obtained demonstrate the superiority of our new descriptor against diverse competitors. Furthermore, we also reported an analysis on the reduced computational burden achieved by using and efficient implementation that takes advantage from the integral image representation.
EQUIVALENT SEQUENTIAL AND PARALLEL REDUCTIONS IN ARBITRARY BINARY PICTURES
Authors: PALÁGYI KÁLMÁN
Published: July 2014

A reduction transforms a binary picture only by changing some black points to white ones, which is referred to as deletion. Sequential reductions traverse the black points of a picture, and consider a single point for possible deletion, while parallel reductions can delete a set of black points simultaneously. Two reductions are called equivalent if they produce the same result for each input picture. A deletion rule is said to be equivalent if it yields a pair of equivalent parallel and sequential reductions. This paper introduces a class of equivalent deletion rules that allows us to establish a new sufficient condition for topology-preserving parallel reductions in arbitrary binary pictures. In addition we present a method of verifying that a deletion rule given by matching templates is equivalent, a necessary and sufficient condition for order-independent deletion rules, and a sufficient criterion for order-independent and translation-invariant parallel subfield-based algorithms.
DESIGN AN ADAPTIVE WAVELET NEURAL NETWORK CONTROLLER FOR A TWO-WHEELED MOBILE ROBOT LIKE VEHICLE
Authors: SAFA ALIREZA , ALIZADEH GHASEM , SHIRI HAMID
Published: July 2014

This paper presents an analytical approach to design an adaptive backstepping wavelet neural network (WNN)-based controller for global asymptotic stabilization of a two-wheeled mobile robot (TWMR). It is assumed that the dynamics model is unknown, and also system exposed to an external disturbance. The design method is based on the concept of backstepping method. At the first level, adaptive backstepping controller is employed. This controller is taking advantage of WNN identifier for estimating of unknown plant dynamics. Moreover, since the adaption laws of controller are extracted in sense of Lyapunov function, the stability of closed loop is guaranteed. At the second level, robust controller is combined with primary controller, which results L2 tracking performance and comforts lumped uncertainties exit in control system due to approximation error and external disturbance. Finally, a numerical example for the proposed control scheme is presented.
Excitation of muonic molecules ddμ and dtμ by super-intense attosecond soft X-ray laser pulses: Shaped post-laser-pulse muonic oscillations and enhancement of nuclear fusion
Authors: Bandrauk André D. , Paramonov Guennaddi K.
Published: July 2014

The quantum dynamics of muonic molecular ions ddμ and dtμ excited by linearly polarized along the molecular (z)-axis super-intense laser pulses is studied beyond the Born–Oppenheimer approximation by the numerical solution of the time-dependent Schrödinger equation within a three-dimensional model, including the internuclear distance R and muon coordinates z and ρ. The peak-intensity of the super-intense laser pulses used in our simulations is I0 = 3.51 × 1022 W/cm2 and the wavelength is λl = 5 nm. In both ddμ and dtμ, expectation values 〈z〉 and 〈 ρ 〉 of muon demonstrate "post-laser-pulse" oscillations after the ends of the laser pulses. In ddμ post-laser-pulse z-oscillations appear as shaped nonoverlapping "echo-pulses". In dtμ post-laser-pulse muonic z-oscillations appear as comparatively slow large-amplitude oscillations modulated with small-amplitude pulsations. The post-laser-pulse ρ-oscillations in both ddμ and dtμ appear, for the most part, as overlapping "echo-pulses". The post-laser-pulse oscillations do not occur if the Born–Oppenheimer approximation is employed. Power spectra generated due to muonic motion along both optically active z and optically passive ρ degrees of freedom are calculated. The fusion probability in dtμ can be increased by more than 11 times by making use of three sequential super-intense laser pulses. The energy released from the dt fusion in dtμ can by more than 20 GeV exceed the energy required to produce a usable muon and the energy of the laser pulses used to enhance the fusion. The possibility of power production from the laser-enhanced muon-catalyzed fusion is discussed.
ON JARRATT'S FAMILY OF OPTIMAL FOURTH-ORDER ITERATIVE METHODS AND THEIR DYNAMICS
Authors: Chun Changbum , Neta Beny , Kim Sujin
Published: July 2014

P. Jarratt has developed a family of fourth-order optimal methods. He suggested two members of the family. The dynamics of one of those was discussed previously. Here we show that the family can be written using a weight function and analyze all members of the family to find the best performer.
REPRESENTATION OF BSDE-BASED DYNAMIC RISK MEASURES AND DYNAMIC CAPITAL ALLOCATIONS
Authors: KROMER EDUARD , OVERBECK LUDGER
Published: July 2014

In this paper, we provide a new representation result for dynamic capital allocations and dynamic convex risk measures that are based on backward stochastic differential equations (BSDEs). We derive this representation from a classical differentiability result for BSDEs and the full allocation property of the Aumann–Shapley allocation. The representation covers BSDE-based dynamic convex and dynamic coherent risk measures. The results are applied to derive a representation for the dynamic entropic risk measure. Our results are also applicable in a specific way to the static case, where we are able to derive a new representation result for static convex risk measures that are Gâteaux-differentiable.
METHOD OF PAIRED CONTOURS AND PRICING BARRIER OPTIONS AND CDSs OF LONG MATURITIES
Authors: LEVENDORSKIĬ SERGEI
Published: July 2014

For prices of options with barrier and lookback features, defaultable bonds and credit default swaps (CDSs), and probability distribution functions in Lévy models, as well as for joint probability distributions of a Lévy process and its supremum or/and infimum, one can derive explicit analytical formulas in terms of inverse Laplace/Fourier transforms and the Wiener–Hopf factorization. Unless the characteristic exponent is rational, the main examples being Brownian motion, double exponential jump-diffusion and hyper-exponential jump-diffusion models, accurate numerical realization of these formulas is difficult or very time consuming, especially for options of very long and very short maturities. In this paper, a systematic approach to contour deformations in pricing formulas is developed, which greatly increases the accuracy and speed of calculations; the efficiency of the method is demonstrated with numerical examples. For options and CDSs of moderate and long maturities, much faster asymptotic formulas of comparable level of accuracy are developed.
THE EFFECT OF SOCIAL PREFERENCES ON THE EVOLUTION OF COOPERATION IN PUBLIC GOOD GAMES
Authors: JANSSEN MARCO A. , MANNING MILES , UDIANI OYITA
Published: July 2014

Human societies are unique in the level of cooperation among non-kin. Evolutionary models explaining this behavior typically assume pure strategies of cooperation and defection. Behavioral experiments, however, demonstrate that humans are typically conditional co-operators who have other-regarding preferences. Building on existing models on the evolution of cooperation and costly punishment, we use a utilitarian formulation of agent decision making to explore conditions that support the emergence of cooperative behavior. Our results indicate that cooperation levels are significantly lower for larger groups in contrast to the original pure strategy model. Here, defection behavior not only diminishes the public good, but also affects the expectations of group members leading conditional co-operators to change their strategies. Hence defection has a more damaging effect when decisions are based on expectations and not only pure strategies.
Application of low-dimensional finite element method to fractional diffusion equation
Authors: Liu Jincun , Li Hong , Fang Zhichao , Liu Yang
Published: July 2014

Classical finite element method (FEM) has been applied to solve some fractional differential equations, but its scheme has too many degrees of freedom. In this paper, a low-dimensional FEM, whose number of basis functions is reduced by the theory of proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) technique, is proposed for the time fractional diffusion equation in two-dimensional space. The presented method has the properties of low dimensions and high accuracy so that the amount of computation is decreased and the calculation time is saved. Moreover, error estimation of the method is obtained. Numerical example is given to illustrate the feasibility and validity of the low-dimensional FEM in comparison with traditional FEM for the time fractional differential equations.
Platform and Algorithm Development for a RFID-Based Indoor Positioning System
Authors: Zou Han , Xie Lihua , Jia Qing-Shan , Wang Hengtao
Published: July 2014

In recent years, developing Indoor Positioning System (IPS) has become an attractive research topic due to the increasing demands on Location-Based Service (LBS) in indoor environment. Several advantages of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Technology, such as anti-interference, small, light and portable size of RFID tags, and its unique identification of different objects, make it superior to other wireless communication technologies for indoor positioning. However, certain drawbacks of existing RFID-based IPSs, such as high cost of RFID readers and active tags, as well as heavy dependence on the density of reference tags to provide the LBS, largely limit the application of RFID-based IPS. In order to overcome these drawbacks, we develop a cost-efficient RFID-based IPS by using cheaper active RFID tags and sensors. Furthermore, we also proposed three localization algorithms: Weighted Path Loss (WPL), Extreme Learning Machine (ELM) and integrated WPL-ELM. WPL is a centralized model-based approach which does not require any reference tags and provides accurate location estimation of the target effectively. ELM is a machine learning fingerprinting-based localization algorithm which can provide higher localization accuracy than other existing fingerprinting-based approaches. The integrated WPL-ELM approach combines the fast estimation of WPL and the high localization accuracy of ELM. Based on the experimental results, this integrated approach provides a higher localization efficiency and accuracy than existing approaches, e.g., the LANDMARC approach and the support vector machine for regression (SVR) approach.
"SINA: semantic interpretation of user queries for question answering on interlinked data" by Saeedeh Shekarpour with Prateek Jain as coordinator
Authors: Shekarpour Saeedeh , Auer Sören
Published: July 2014

The Data Web contains a wealth of knowledge on a large number of domains. Question answering over interlinked data sources is challenging due to two inherent characteristics. First, different datasets employ heterogeneous schemas and each one may only contain a part of the answer for a certain question. Second, constructing a federated formal query across different datasets requires exploiting links between the different datasets on both the schema and instance levels. In this dissertation, we present a question answering system, which transforms user supplied queries (i.e. either natural language sentences or keywords) into conjunctive SPARQL queries over a set of interlinked data sources. The contribution of this work is as follows: 1. A novel approach for determining the most suitable resources for a user-supplied query from different datasets (disambiguation). We employ a hidden Markov model, whose parameters were bootstrapped with different distribution functions. 2. A novel method for constructing a federated formal queries using the disambiguated resources and leveraging the linking structure of the underlying datasets. This approach essentially relies on a combination of domain and range inference as well as a link traversal method for constructing a connected graph which ultimately renders a corresponding SPARQL query. The results of our evaluation with three life-science datasets and 25 benchmark queries demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach by achieving 100% precision on QALD-1 and are able to perform as well as the best question answering system from the QALD-3 competition by answering 32 questions correctly.
Visuo-haptic learning of the inner ear
Authors: Zariwny Andréa , Stewart Patricia , Dryer Marc
Published: July 2014

The anatomy of the inner ear is small and intricate. It is a complex area to describe with traditional teaching tools such as prosections and illustrations. The InvisibleEar mobile application (app) designed for teaching, uses a handheld mobile tablet device equipped with an integrated camera, and applies digital 3D models of the anatomical structure visually superimposed over illustrations or physical models thus highlighting hidden information or negative space.
Optical Neural Interfaces
Authors: Warden Melissa R. , Cardin Jessica A. , Deisseroth Karl
Published: July 2014

Genetically encoded optical actuators and indicators have changed the landscape of neuroscience, enabling targetable control and readout of specific components of intact neural circuits in behaving animals. Here, we review the development of optical neural interfaces, focusing on hardware designed for optical control of neural activity, integrated optical control and electrical readout, and optical readout of population and single-cell neural activity in freely moving mammals.
PI3K/mTOR Inhibition Markedly Potentiates HDAC Inhibitor Activity in NHL Cells through BIM- and MCL-1–Dependent Mechanisms In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Rahmani Mohamed , Aust Mandy Mayo , Benson Elisa C. , Wallace LaShanale , Friedberg Jonathan , Grant Steven
Published: July 2014

Purpose: The aim of this study is to explore the efficacy and define mechanisms of action of coadministration of the PI3K/mTOR inhibitor BEZ235 and pan-HDAC inhibitor panobinostat in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) cells.

Experimental Design: Various DLBCL cells were exposed to panobinostat and BEZ235 alone or together after which apoptosis and signaling/survival pathway perturbations were monitored by flow cytometry and Western blot analysis. Genetic strategies defined the functional significance of such changes, and xenograft mouse models were used to assess tumor growth and animal survival.

Results: Panobinostat and BEZ235 interacted synergistically in ABC-, GC-, and double-hit DLBCL cells and MCL cells but not in normal CD34+ cells. Synergism was associated with pronounced AKT dephosphorylation, GSK3 dephosphorylation/activation, Mcl-1 downregulation, Bim upregulation, increased Bcl-2/Bcl-xL binding, diminished Bax/Bak binding to Bcl-2/Bcl-xL/Mcl-1, increased γH2A.X phosphorylation and histone H3/H4 acetylation, and abrogation of p21CIP1 induction. BEZ235/panobinostat lethality was not susceptible to stromal/microenvironmental forms of resistance. Genetic strategies confirmed significant functional roles for AKT inactivation, Mcl-1 downregulation, Bim upregulation, and Bax/Bak in synergism. Finally, coadministration of BEZ235 with panobinostat in immunocompromised mice bearing SU-DHL4–derived tumors significantly reduced tumor growth in association with similar signaling changes observed in vitro, and combined treatment increased animal survival compared with single agents.

Conclusions: BEZ235/panobinostat exhibits potent anti-DLBCL activity, including in poor-prognosis ABC- and double-hit subtypes, but not in normal CD34+ cells. Synergism is most likely multifactorial, involving AKT inactivation/GSK3 activation, Bim upregulation, Mcl-1 downregulation, enhanced DNA damage, and is operative in vivo. Combined PI3K/mTOR and HDAC inhibition warrants further attention in DLBCL. Clin Cancer Res; 20(18); 4849–60. ©2014 AACR.
A Comparative Study of Different Radiographic Methods for Detecting Occlusal Caries Lesions
Authors: Tarım Ertas Elif , Küçükyılmaz Ebru , Ertaş Hüseyin , Savaş Selçuk , Yırcalı Atıcı Meral
Published: July 2014

Objectives: The aim of this in vitro study was to compare the diagnostic accuracy of different radiographic imaging modalities in detecting occlusal caries lesions. Materials and Methods: Under standardized conditions, 125 extracted human permanent molar teeth with sound or occlusal caries lesions were radiographed using a conventional film system (F-speed), a direct digital imaging system (complementary metal oxide semiconductor sensor), an indirect digital imaging system (photostimulable phosphor plate) and a cone beam computed tomography system (CBCT). Two observers scored the resultant images for the presence or absence of caries. Then, the teeth were histologically prepared and a definite diagnosis was determined by stereomicroscopic assessment. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (Az), sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of each imaging modality were calculated, as well as the intra- and interexaminer reproducibility. Results: For both thresholds, interexaminer agreement were higher for CBCT. For intraexaminer agreement, observers had different scores for both thresholds, but the scores were generally higher for CBCT. Similar Az values were achieved with all imaging methods at a diagnostic D1 threshold. The Az values of the CBCT system were found to be statistically higher than those of the other imaging modalities at a diagnostic D3 threshold (p > 0.05); no significant differences were found among the other imaging modalities. All radiographic methods showed similar sensitivities, specificities and accuracy in detecting D1 threshold. The CBCT system showed higher sensitivity and accuracy in detecting dentine lesions. Conclusions: Within the limitations of this study, CBCT exhibited better performance in detecting deep occlusal caries lesions than the other radiographic systems.