bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Self-Trained Supervised Segmentation of Subcortical Brain Structures Using Multispectral Magnetic Resonance Images
Authors: Larobina Michele , Murino Loredana , Cervo Amedeo , Alfano Bruno
Published: October 2015

The aim of this paper is investigate the feasibility of automatically training supervised methods, such ask-nearest neighbor (kNN) and principal component discriminant analysis (PCDA), and to segment the four subcortical brain structures: caudate, thalamus, pallidum, and putamen. The adoption of supervised classification methods so far has been limited by the need to define a representative training dataset, operation that usually requires the intervention of an operator. In this work the selection of the training data was performed on the subject to be segmented in a fully automated manner by registering probabilistic atlases. Evaluation of automatically trained kNN and PCDA classifiers that combine voxel intensities and spatial coordinates was performed on 20 real datasets selected from two publicly available sources of multispectral magnetic resonance studies. The results demonstrate that atlas-guided training is an effective way to automatically define a representative and reliable training dataset, thus giving supervised methods the chance to successfully segment magnetic resonance brain images without the need for user interaction.
Successful Pregnancy Outcome after Laparoscopic Cerclage in a Patient with Cervicovaginal Fistula
Authors: Zanconato Giovanni , Bergamini Valentino , Baggio Silvia , Cavaliere Elena , Franchi Massimo
Published: October 2015

Obstetric fistula usually originates from obstructed labor or, less often, from invasive maneuvers on the genital tract or the pregnant uterus. Overall, it is a rare finding in the obstetric practice of high income countries. In this report we describe the case of a successful term pregnancy in a patient with a history of recurrent late miscarriage due to a large cervical fistula of traumatic origin, connecting the uterine cavity and the posterior vaginal fornix. A combined approach of laparoscopic cerclage and transvaginal fistula repair effectively restored cervical competence and created the conditions for a viable birth in a subsequent pregnancy. This unusual cause of cervical incompetence may be included in the indications which benefit from an abdominal cerclage carried out as a minimally invasive procedure in the nonpregnant state.
Pros and Cons of Antigen-Presenting Cell Targeted Tumor Vaccines
Authors: Goyvaerts Cleo , Breckpot Karine
Published: October 2015

In therapeutic antitumor vaccination, dendritic cells play the leading role since they decide if, how, when, and where a potent antitumor immune response will take place. Since the disentanglement of the complexity and merit of different antigen-presenting cell subtypes, antitumor immunotherapeutic research started to investigate the potential benefit of targeting these subtypesin situ. This review will discuss which antigen-presenting cell subtypes are at play and how they have been targeted and finally question the true meaning of targeting antitumor-based vaccines.
Hyaluronan’s Role in Fibrosis: A Pathogenic Factor or a Passive Player?
Authors: Albeiroti Sami , Soroosh Artin , de la Motte Carol A.
Published: October 2015

Fibrosis is a debilitating condition that can lead to impairment of the affected organ’s function. Excessive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) molecules is characteristic of most fibrotic tissues. Fibroblasts activated by cytokines or growth factors differentiate into myofibroblasts that drive fibrosis by depositing ECM molecules, such as collagen, fibronectin, and connective tissue growth factor. Transforming growth factor-β(TGF-β) is one of the major profibrotic cytokines which promotes fibrosis by signaling abnormal ECM regulation. Hyaluronan (HA) is a major ECM glycosaminoglycan that is regulated by TGF-βand whose role in fibrosis is emerging. Aside from its role as a hydrating, space filling polymer, HA regulates different cellular functions and is known to have a role in wound healing and inflammation. Importantly, HA deposition is increased in multiple fibrotic diseases. In this review we highlight studies that link HA to fibrosis and discuss what is known about the role of HA, its receptors, and its anabolic and catabolic enzymes in different fibrotic diseases.
Developing an Enhanced Short-Range Railroad Track Condition Prediction Model for Optimal Maintenance Scheduling
Authors: Xu Peng , Jia Chuanjun , Li Ye , Sun Quanxin , Liu Rengkui
Published: October 2015

As railroad infrastructure becomes older and older and rail transportation is developing towards higher speed and heavier axle, the risk to safe rail transport and the expenses for railroad maintenance are increasing. The railroad infrastructure deterioration (prediction) model is vital to reducing the risk and the expenses. A short-range track condition prediction method was developed in our previous research on railroad track deterioration analysis. It is intended to provide track maintenance managers with two or three months of track condition in advance to schedule track maintenance activities more smartly. Recent comparison analyses on track geometrical exceptions calculated from track condition measured with track geometry cars and those predicted by the method showed that the method fails to provide reliable condition for some analysis sections. This paper presented the enhancement to the method. One year of track geometry data for the Jiulong-Beijing railroad from track geometry cars was used to conduct error analyses and comparison analyses. Analysis results imply that the enhanced model is robust to make reliable predictions. Our in-process work on applying those predicted conditions for optimal track maintenance scheduling is discussed in brief as well.
Flame Image Segmentation Based on the Bee Colony Algorithm with Characteristics of Levy Flights
Authors: Zhang Xiaolin , Yang Tao , Cui Ningning
Published: October 2015

The real-time processing of the image segmentation method with accuracy is very important in the application of the flame image detection system. This paper considers a novel method for flame image segmentation. It is the bee colony algorithm with characteristics enhancement of Levy flights against the problems of the algorithm during segmentation, including long calculation time and poor stability. By introducing the idea of Levy flights, this method designs a new local search strategy. By setting the current optimal value and based on the collaboration between the populations, it reinforces the overall convergence speed. By adopting the new fitness evaluation method and combining it with the two-dimensional entropy multithreshold segmentation principle, this paper develops a threshold segmentation test of the flame image. Test results show that this method has some advantages in terms of accuracy of threshold selection and calculation time. The robustness of the algorithm meets the actual demands in the engineering application.
Sequence and Direction Planning of Multiobjective Attack in Virtual Navigation Based on Variable Granularity Optimization Method
Authors: Ruan Chengwei , Yu Lei , Zhou Zhongliang , Wang Jinfu
Published: October 2015

In multiobjective air attacking tasks, it is essential to find the optimal combat preplanning for the attacking flight. This paper solves the planning problem by decomposing it into two subproblems: attacking sequence planning and attacking direction planning. According to this decomposition, we propose the VGHPSO (Variable Granularity Hybrid Particle Swarm Optimization) method. VGHPSO employs the Particle Swarm Optimization, a metaheuristic global optimization method, to solve the planning problem in multiple granularities, including optimizing the high-level attacking sequence and optimizing the low-level attacking directions for engagements. Furthermore, VGHPSO utilizes infeasible individuals in the swarm in order to enhance the capability of searching in the boundary of the feasible solution space. Simulation results show that the proposed model is feasible in the combat, and the VGHPSO method is efficient to complete the preplanning process.
A Formal Approach for RT-DVS Algorithms Evaluation Based on Statistical Model Checking
Authors: Dai Shengxin , Hong Mei , Guo Bing , He Yang , Zhang Qiongyu , Sun Lin , Du Yi
Published: October 2015

Energy saving is a crucial concern in embedded real time systems. Many RT-DVS algorithms have been proposed to save energy while preserving deadline guarantees. This paper presents a novel approach to evaluate RT-DVS algorithms using statistical model checking. A scalable framework is proposed for RT-DVS algorithms evaluation, in which the relevant components are modeled as stochastic timed automata, and the evaluation metrics including utilization bound, energy efficiency, battery awareness, and temperature awareness are expressed as statistical queries. Evaluation of these metrics is performed by verifying the corresponding queries using UPPAAL-SMC and analyzing the statistical information provided by the tool. We demonstrate the applicability of our framework via a case study of five classical RT-DVS algorithms.
A New Hybrid Model Based on Data Preprocessing and an Intelligent Optimization Algorithm for Electrical Power System Forecasting
Authors: Jiang Ping , Ma Xuejiao , Liu Feng
Published: October 2015

The establishment of electrical power system cannot only benefit the reasonable distribution and management in energy resources, but also satisfy the increasing demand for electricity. The electrical power system construction is often a pivotal part in the national and regional economic development plan. This paper constructs a hybrid model, known as the E-MFA-BP model, that can forecast indices in the electrical power system, including wind speed, electrical load, and electricity price. Firstly, the ensemble empirical mode decomposition can be applied to eliminate the noise of original time series data. After data preprocessing, the back propagation neural network model is applied to carry out the forecasting. Owing to the instability of its structure, the modified firefly algorithm is employed to optimize the weight and threshold values of back propagation to obtain a hybrid model with higher forecasting quality. Three experiments are carried out to verify the effectiveness of the model. Through comparison with other traditional well-known forecasting models, and models optimized by other optimization algorithms, the experimental results demonstrate that the hybrid model has the best forecasting performance.
Effects of Nogo-A Silencing on TNF-αand IL-6 Secretion and TH Downregulation in Lipopolysaccharide-Stimulated PC12 Cells
Authors: Zhong Jianbin , Fan Shengnuo , Yan Zhenwen , Xiao Songhua , Wan Limei , Chen Chibang , Zhong Simin , Liu Lu , Liu Jun
Published: October 2015

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a common degenerative disease that lacks efficient treatment. Myelin-associated neurite outgrowth inhibitor A (Nogo-A) is relevant with inhibition of nerve regeneration and may play vital role in pathogenesis of PD. The study aimed to establish the shRNA expression plasmids of Nogo-A gene and explore the regulatory effects of Nogo-A silencing on the expression of inflammation factor tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) as well as tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) in lipopolysaccharide- (LPS-) stimulated rat PC12 cells. The results showed that both mRNA and protein levels of Nogo-A in pGenesil-nogoA-shRNA group were downregulated. The viabilities of PC12 cells decreased with increase of LPS concentrations. LPS significantly increased the supernatant TNF-alpha and IL-6 concentrations and reduced TH protein expression in PC12 cells, while silencing Nogo-A could block these effects. These results suggested that LPS can activate PC12 cells to secrete inflammatory cytokines and lower the TH expression, which can be regulated by Nogo-A gene silencing. Nogo-A silencing might provide new ideas for PD treatment in the future.
Floor Field Model Based on Cellular Automata for Simulating Indoor Pedestrian Evacuation
Authors: Yang Xiao , Wang Binxu , Qin Zheng
Published: October 2015

A new static floor field method for simulations of evacuation processes based on cellular automaton was presented in this paper. This model applies an inertia static floor field approach to describe the interaction between the pedestrians and the cell. Here we study a rather simple situation and a complex scenario. We simulate and reproduce Seyfried’s field experiments at the Research Centre Jülich and use its empirical data to validate our model. The concept of scenario-familiarity of the crowd has been proposed to explain the model. It is shown that the variation of the model parameters deeply impacts the evacuation efficiency. The relation between minimal evacuation times and the knowledge of the exit that the pedestrian acknowledges is discussed.
A Capacity-Restraint Transit Assignment Model When a Predetermination Method Indicates the Invalidity of Time Independence
Authors: Ding Haoyang , Bao Yu , Luo Sida , Shen Hanxia , Wang Wei , Long Man
Published: October 2015

The statistical independence of time of every two adjacent bus links plays a crucial role in deciding the feasibility of using many mathematical models to analyze urban transit networks. Traditional research generally ignores the time independence that acts as the ground of their models. Assumption is usually made that time independence of every two adjacent links is sound. This is, however, actually groundless and probably causes problematic conclusions reached by corresponding models. Many transit assignment models such as multinomial probit-based models lose their effects when the time independence is not valid. In this paper, a simple method to predetermine the time independence is proposed. Based on the predetermination method, a modified capacity-restraint transit assignment method aimed at engineering practice is put forward and tested through a small contrived network and a case study in Nanjing city, China, respectively. It is found that the slope of regression equation between the mean and standard deviation of normal distribution acts as the indicator of time independence at the same time. Besides, our modified assignment method performs better than the traditional one with more reasonable results while keeping the property of simplicity well.
Role of Extracellular Vesicles in Hematological Malignancies
Authors: Raimondo Stefania , Corrado Chiara , Raimondi Lavinia , De Leo Giacomo , Alessandro Riccardo
Published: October 2015

In recent years the role of tumor microenvironment in the progression of hematological malignancies has been widely recognized. Recent studies have focused on how cancer cells communicate within the microenvironment. Among several factors (cytokines, growth factors, and ECM molecules), a key role has been attributed to extracellular vesicles (EV), released from different cell types. EV (microvesicles and exosomes) may affect stroma remodeling, host cell functions, and tumor angiogenesis by inducing gene expression modulation in target cells, thus promoting cancer progression and metastasis. Microvesicles and exosomes can be recovered from the blood and other body fluids of cancer patients and contain and deliver genetic and proteomic contents that reflect the cell of origin, thus constituting a source of new predictive biomarkers involved in cancer development and serving as possible targets for therapies. Moreover, due to their specific cell-tropism and bioavailability, EV can be considered natural vehicles suitable for drug delivery. Here we will discuss the recent advances in the field of EV as actors in hematological cancer progression, pointing out the role of these vesicles in the tumor-host interplay and in their use as biomarkers for hematological malignancies.
Reference Gene Selection for qPCR Normalization ofKosteletzkya virginicaunder Salt Stress
Authors: Tang Xiaoli , Wang Hongyan , Shao Chuyang , Shao Hongbo
Published: October 2015

Kosteletzkya virginica(L.) is a newly introduced perennial halophytic plant. Presently, reverse transcription quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) is regarded as the best choice for analyzing gene expression and its accuracy mainly depends on the reference genes which are used for gene expression normalization. In this study, we employed qPCR to select the most stable reference gene inK. virginicawhich showed stable expression profiles under our experimental conditions. The candidate reference genes were 18S ribosomal RNA (18SrRNA),β-actin (ACT),α-tubulin (TUA), and elongation factor (EF). We tracked the gene expression profiles of the candidate genes and analyzed their stabilities through BestKeeper, geNorm, and NormFinder software programs. The results of the three programs were identical and18SrRNAwas assessed to be the most stable reference gene in this study. However,TUAwas identified to be the most unstable. Our study proved again that the traditional reference genes indeed displayed a certain degree of variations under given experimental conditions. Importantly, our research also provides guidance for selecting most suitable reference genes and lays the foundation for further studies inK. virginica.
Species Composition and Diversity of Malaria Vector Breeding Habitats in Trincomalee District of Sri Lanka
Authors: Gunathilaka Nayana , Abeyewickreme Wimaladharma , Hapugoda Menaka , Wickremasinghe Rajitha
Published: October 2015

Introduction. Mosquito larval ecology is important in determining larval densities and species assemblage. This in turn influences malaria transmission in an area. Therefore, understanding larval habitat ecology is important in designing malaria control programs.Method. Larval surveys were conducted in 20 localities under five sentinel sites (Padavisiripura, Gomarankadawala, Thoppur, Mollipothana, and Ichchallampaththu) in Trincomalee District, Eastern Province of Sri Lanka, between June 2010 and July 2013. The relationship between seven abiotic variables (temperature, pH, conductivity, Total Dissolved Solid (TDS), turbidity, Dissolved Oxygen (DO), and salinity) was measured.Results. A total of 21,347 anophelines were recorded representing 15 species.Anopheles subpictus24.72% (5,278/21,347) was the predominant species, followed by 24.67% (5,267/21,347) ofAn. nigerrimusand 14.56% (3,109/21,347) ofAn. peditaeniatus. A total of 9,430 breeding habitats under twenty-one categories were identified.An. culcicifacieswas noted to be highest from built wells (20.5%) with high salinity (1102.3 ± 81.8 mg/L), followed by waste water collections (20.2%) having low DO levels (2.85 ± 0.03 mg/L) and high TDS (1,654 ± 140 mg/L).Conclusion. This study opens an avenue to explore new breeding habitats of malaria vectors in the country and reemphasizes the requirement of conducting entomological surveillance to detect potential transmission of malaria in Sri Lanka under the current malaria elimination programme.
Dental Implants Fatigue as a Possible Failure of Implantologic Treatment: The Importance of Randomness in Fatigue Behaviour
Authors: Prados-Privado María , Prados-Frutos Juan Carlos , Manchón Ángel , Rojo Rosa , Felice Pietro , Bea José Antonio
Published: October 2015

Objective. To show how random variables concern fatigue behaviour by a probabilistic finite element method.Methods. Uncertainties on material properties due to the existence of defects that cause material elastic constant are not the same in the whole dental implant the dimensions of the structural element and load history have a decisive influence on the fatigue process and therefore on the life of a dental implant. In order to measure these uncertainties, we used a method based on Markoff chains, Bogdanoff and Kozin cumulative damage model, and probabilistic finite elements method.Results. The results have been obtained by conventional and probabilistic methods. Mathematical models obtained the same result regarding fatigue life; however, the probabilistic model obtained a greater mean life but with more information because of the cumulative probability function.Conclusions. The present paper introduces an improved procedure to study fatigue behaviour in order to know statistics of the fatigue life (mean and variance) and its probability of failure (fatigue lifeversusprobability of failure).
Clinical End-Points Associated withMycobacterium tuberculosisand Lung Cancer: Implications into Host-Pathogen Interaction and Coevolution
Authors: Tian Yansheng , Hao Tong , Cao Bin , Zhang Wei , Ma Yan , Lin Qiang , Li Xiaomin
Published: October 2015

There is a recent emerging theory that suggests a cross-link between pathogens and cancer. In this context, we examined the association between theMycobacterium tuberculosis(MTB) with its L-forms (MTB-L) and lung cancer. In the present study, we have optimized and applied a highly sensitive assay to detect the presence of MTB and MTB-L in 187 lung cancer samples and 39 samples of other cancer origins. By carefully controlling confounding factors, we have found that 62% of the lung cancer samples are MTB-L positive, while only 5.1% of the other cancer samples are MTB-L positive. Through generalized linear models and random forest models, we have further identified a set of clinical end-points that are strongly associated with MTB-L presence. Our finding provides the basis for future studies to investigate the underlying mechanism linking MTB-L infection to lung cancer development.
The Effects of Lipid Membranes, Crowding and Osmolytes on the Aggregation, and Fibrillation Propensity of Human IAPP
Authors: Gao Mimi , Winter Roland
Published: October 2015

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is an age-related and metabolic disease. Its development is hallmarked, among others, by the dysfunction and degeneration ofβ-cells of the pancreatic islets of Langerhans. The major pathological characteristic thereby is the formation of extracellular amyloid deposits consisting of the islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP). The process of human IAPP (hIAPP) self-association, and the intermediate structures formed as well as the interaction of hIAPP with membrane systems seem to be, at least to a major extent, responsible for the cytotoxicity. Here we present a summary and comparison of the amyloidogenic propensities of hIAPP in bulk solution and in the presence of various neutral and charged lipid bilayer systems as well as biological membranes. We also discuss the cellular effects of macromolecular crowding and osmolytes on the aggregation pathway of hIAPP. Understanding the influence of different cellular factors on hIAPP aggregation will provide more insight into the onset of T2DM and help to develop novel therapeutic strategies.
Durable Mechanical Circulatory Support versus Organ Transplantation: Past, Present, and Future
Authors: Anand Jatin , Singh Steve K. , Antoun David G. , Cohn William E. , Frazier O. H. (Bud) , Mallidi Hari R.
Published: October 2015

For more than 30 years, heart transplantation has been a successful therapy for patients with terminal heart failure. Mechanical circulatory support (MCS) was developed as a therapy for end-stage heart failure at a time when cardiac transplantation was not yet a useful treatment modality. With the more successful outcomes of cardiac transplantation in the 1980s, MCS was applied as a bridge to transplantation. Because of donor scarcity and limited long-term survival, heart transplantation has had a trivial impact on the epidemiology of heart failure. Surgical implementation of MCS, both for short- and long-term treatment, affords physicians an opportunity for dramatic expansion of a meaningful therapy for these otherwise mortally ill patients. This review explores the evolution of mechanical circulatory support and its potential for providing long-term therapy, which may address the limitations of cardiac transplantation.
A 2D Electromechanical Model of Human Atrial Tissue Using the Discrete Element Method
Authors: Brocklehurst Paul , Adeniran Ismail , Yang Dongmin , Sheng Yong , Zhang Henggui , Ye Jianqiao
Published: October 2015

Cardiac tissue is a syncytium of coupled cells with pronounced intrinsic discrete nature. Previous models of cardiac electromechanics often ignore such discrete properties and treat cardiac tissue as a continuous medium, which has fundamental limitations. In the present study, we introduce a 2D electromechanical model for human atrial tissue based on the discrete element method (DEM). In the model, single-cell dynamics are governed by strongly coupling the electrophysiological model of Courtemanche et al. to the myofilament model of Rice et al. with two-way feedbacks. Each cell is treated as a viscoelastic body, which is physically represented by a clump of nine particles. Cell aggregations are arranged so that the anisotropic nature of cardiac tissue due to fibre orientations can be modelled. Each cell is electrically coupled to neighbouring cells, allowing excitation waves to propagate through the tissue. Cell-to-cell mechanical interactions are modelled using a linear contact bond model in DEM. By coupling cardiac electrophysiology with mechanics via the intracellular Ca2+concentration, the DEM model successfully simulates the conduction of cardiac electrical waves and the tissue’s corresponding mechanical contractions. The developed DEM model is numerically stable and provides a powerful method for studying the electromechanical coupling problem in the heart.
Parallel Optimization of 3D Cardiac Electrophysiological Model Using GPU
Authors: Xia Yong , Wang Kuanquan , Zhang Henggui
Published: October 2015

Large-scale 3D virtual heart model simulations are highly demanding in computational resources. This imposes a big challenge to the traditional computation resources based on CPU environment, which already cannot meet the requirement of the whole computation demands or are not easily available due to expensive costs. GPU as a parallel computing environment therefore provides an alternative to solve the large-scale computational problems of whole heart modeling. In this study, using a 3D sheep atrial model as a test bed, we developed a GPU-based simulation algorithm to simulate the conduction of electrical excitation waves in the 3D atria. In the GPU algorithm, a multicellular tissue model was split into two components: one is the single cell model (ordinary differential equation) and the other is the diffusion term of the monodomain model (partial differential equation). Such a decoupling enabled realization of the GPU parallel algorithm. Furthermore, several optimization strategies were proposed based on the features of the virtual heart model, which enabled a 200-fold speedup as compared to a CPU implementation. In conclusion, an optimized GPU algorithm has been developed that provides an economic and powerful platform for 3D whole heart simulations.
Viral Interference and Persistence in Mosquito-Borne Flaviviruses
Authors: Salas-Benito Juan Santiago , De Nova-Ocampo Mónica
Published: October 2015

Mosquito-borne flaviviruses are important pathogens for humans, and the detection of two or more flaviviruses cocirculating in the same geographic area has often been reported. However, the epidemiological impact remains to be determined. Mosquito-borne flaviviruses are primarily transmitted throughAedesandCulexmosquitoes; these viruses establish a life-long or persistent infection without apparent pathological effects. This establishment requires a balance between virus replication and the antiviral host response. Viral interference is a phenomenon whereby one virus inhibits the replication of other viruses, and this condition is frequently associated with persistent infections. Viral interference and persistent infection are determined by several factors, such as defective interfering particles, competition for cellular factors required for translation/replication, and the host antiviral response. The interaction between two flaviviruses typically results in viral interference, indicating that these viruses share common features during the replicative cycle in the vector. The potential mechanisms involved in these processes are reviewed here.
Crossover versus Stabilometric Platform for the Treatment of Balance Dysfunction in Parkinson’s Disease: A Randomized Study
Authors: Frazzitta G. , Bossio F. , Maestri R. , Palamara G. , Bera R. , Ferrazzoli D.
Published: October 2015

Balance dysfunctions are a major challenge in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Previous studies have shown that rehabilitation can play a role in their treatment. In this study, we have compared the efficacy of two different devices for balance training: stabilometric platform and crossover. We have enrolled 60 PD patients randomly assigned to two groups. The first one (stabilometric group) performed a 4-week cycle of balance training, using the stabilometric platform, whereas the second one (crossover group) performed a 4-week cycle of balance training, using the crossover. The outcome measures used were Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) part II, Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Timed Up and Go (TUG), and Six Minutes Walking Test (6MWT). Results showed that TUG, BBS, and UPDRS II improved in both groups. There was not difference in the efficacy of the two balance treatments. Patients in both groups improved also the meters walked in the 6MWT at the end of rehabilitation, but the improvement was better for patients performing crossover training. Our results show that the crossover and the stabilometric platform have the same effect on balance dysfunction of Parkinsonian patients, while crossover gets better results on the walking capacity.
Calreticulin Binds to Fas Ligand and Inhibits Neuronal Cell Apoptosis Induced by Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury
Authors: Chen Beilei , Wu Zhengzheng , Xu Jun , Xu Yun
Published: October 2015

Background. Calreticulin (CRT) can bind to Fas ligand (FasL) and inhibit Fas/FasL-mediated apoptosis of Jurkat T cells. However, its effect on neuronal cell apoptosis has not been investigated.Purpose. We aimed to evaluate the neuroprotective effect of CRT following ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI).Methods. Mice underwent middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) and SH-SY5Y cells subjected to oxygen glucose deprivation (OGD) were used as models for IRI. The CRT protein level was detected by Western blotting, and mRNA expression of CRT, caspase-3, and caspase-8 was measured by real-time PCR. Immunofluorescence was used to assess the localization of CRT and FasL. The interaction of CRT with FasL was verified by coimmunoprecipitation. SH-SY5Y cell viability was determined by MTT assay, and cell apoptosis was assessed by flow cytometry. The measurement of caspase-8 and caspase-3 activity was carried out using caspase activity assay kits.Results. After IRI, CRT was upregulated on the neuron surface and bound to FasL, leading to increased viability of OGD-exposed SH-SY5Y cells and decreased activity of caspase-8 and caspase-3.Conclusions. This study for the first time revealed that increased CRT inhibited Fas/FasL-mediated neuronal cell apoptosis during the early stage of ischemic stroke, suggesting it to be a potential protector activated soon after IRI.
Effects of Sevoflurane and Propofol on Organ Blood Flow in Left Ventricular Assist Devices in Pigs
Authors: Morillas-Sendín Paloma , Delgado-Baeza Emilio , Delgado-Martos María Jesús , Barranco Mónica , del Cañizo Juan Francisco , Ruíz Manuel , Quintana-Villamandos Begoña
Published: October 2015

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of sevoflurane and propofol on organ blood flow in a porcine model with a left ventricular assist device (LVAD). Ten healthy minipigs were divided into 2 groups (5 per group) according to the anesthetic received (sevoflurane or propofol). A Biomedicus centrifugal pump was implanted. Organ blood flow (measured using colored microspheres), markers of tissue injury, and hemodynamic parameters were assessed at baseline (pump off) and after 30 minutes of partial support. Blood flow was significantly higher in the brain (both frontal lobes), heart (both ventricles), and liver after 30 minutes in the sevoflurane group, although no significant differences were recorded for the lung, kidney, or ileum. Serum levels of alanine aminotransferase and total bilirubin were significantly higher after 30 minutes in the propofol group, although no significant differences were detected between the groups for other parameters of liver function, kidney function, or lactic acid levels. The hemodynamic parameters were similar in both groups. We demonstrated that, compared with propofol, sevoflurane increases blood flow in the brain, liver, and heart after implantation of an LVAD under conditions of partial support.
Robust Fault-Tolerant Tracking Control for Nonlinear Networked Control System: Asynchronous Switched Polytopic Approach
Authors: Dong Chaoyang , Ma Aojia , Wang Qing , Wang Zhaolei
Published: October 2015

This paper is concerned with the robust fault-tolerant tracking control problem for networked control system (NCS). Firstly, considering the locally overlapped switching law widely existed in engineering applications, the NCS is modeled as a locally overlapped switched polytopic system to reduce designing conservatism and solving complexity. Then, switched parameter dependent fault-tolerant tracking controllers are constructed to deal with the asynchronous switching phenomenon caused by the updating delays of the switching signals and weighted coefficients. Additionally, the global uniform asymptotic stability in the mean (GUAS-M) and desired weightedl2performance are guaranteed by combining the switched parameter dependent Lyapunov functional method with the average dwell time (ADT) method, and the feasible conditions for the fault-tolerant tracking controllers are obtained in the form of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). Finally, the performance of the proposed approach is verified on a highly maneuverable technology (HiMAT) vehicle’s tracking control problem. Simulation results show the effectiveness of the proposed method.
A Dynamic Travel Time Estimation Model Based on Connected Vehicles
Authors: Tian Daxin , Yuan Yong , Qi Honggang , Lu Yingrong , Wang Yunpeng , Xia Haiying , He Anping
Published: October 2015

With advances in connected vehicle technology, dynamic vehicle route guidance models gradually become indispensable equipment for drivers. Traditional route guidance models are designed to direct a vehicle along the shortest path from the origin to the destination without considering the dynamic traffic information. In this paper a dynamic travel time estimation model is presented which can collect and distribute traffic data based on the connected vehicles. To estimate the real-time travel time more accurately, a road link dynamic dividing algorithm is proposed. The efficiency of the model is confirmed by simulations, and the experiment results prove the effectiveness of the travel time estimation method.
Towards Network Lifetime Maximization: Sink Mobility Aware Multihop Scalable Hybrid Energy Efficient Protocols for Terrestrial WSNs
Authors: Akbar Mariam , Javaid Nadeem , Khan Zahoor Ali , Qasim Umar , Alghamdi Turki Ali , Mohammad Saad Noor , Ahmed Syed Hassan , Khan Majid Iqbal , Bouk Safdar Hussain
Published: October 2015

We propose two routing protocols for Terrestrial Wireless Sensor Networks (TWSNs): Hybrid Energy Efficient Reactive (HEER) and Multihop Hybrid Energy Efficient Reactive (MHEER) routing protocol. The main purpose of designing these protocols is to improve the network lifetime and particularly the stability period of the underlying network. In MHEER, the node with the maximum energy in a region becomes cluster head (CH) of that region for that particular round (or cycle) of time and the number of the CHs in each round remains the same. Our techniques outperform the well-known existing routing protocols: LEACH, TEEN, and DEEC in terms of stability period and network lifetime. We also calculate the confidence interval of all our results which helps us to visualize the possible deviation of our graphs from the mean value. We also implement sink mobility on HEER and MHEER. We refer to them as HEER-SM and MHEER-SM. Simulation results show that HEER-SM and MHEER-SM yield better network lifetime and stability region as compared to the counterpart techniques. We have also carried out simulations with 500 and 1000 nodes in the same field dimensions besides 100 nodes. Simulations prove that the proposed schemes show the same behavior with 500 and 1000 nodes; that is, HEER and MHEER are scalable as well.
On the Environmental Factors Affecting the Structural and Cytotoxic Properties of IAPP Peptides
Authors: Tomasello Marianna Flora , Sinopoli Alessandro , Pappalardo Giuseppe
Published: October 2015

Pancreatic islets in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients are characterized by reducedβ-cells mass and diffuse extracellular amyloidosis. Amyloid deposition involves the islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP), a neuropancreatic hormone cosecreted with insulin byβ-cells. IAPP is physiologically involved in glucose homeostasis, but it may turn toxic toβ-cells owing to its tendency to misfold giving rise to oligomers and fibrils. The process by which the unfolded IAPP starts to self-assemble and the overall factors promoting this conversion are poorly understood. Other open questions are related to the nature of the IAPP toxic species and how exactlyβ-cells die. Over the last decades, there has been growing consensus about the notion that early molecular assemblies, notably small hIAPP oligomers, are the culprit ofβ-cells decline. Numerous environmental factors might affect the conformational, aggregation, and cytotoxic properties of IAPP. Herein we review recent progress in the field, focusing on the influences that membranes, pH, and metal ions may have on the conformational conversion and cytotoxicity of full-length IAPP as well as peptide fragments thereof. Current theories proposed for the mechanisms of toxicity will be also summarized together with an outline of the underlying molecular links between IAPP and amyloid beta (Aβ) misfolding.
Hexosamine-Induced TGF-βSignaling and Osteogenic Differentiation of Dental Pulp Stem Cells Are Dependent on N-Acetylglucosaminyltransferase V
Authors: Chen Yi-Jane , Yao Chung-Chen , Huang Chien-Hsun , Chang Hao-Hueng , Young Tai-Horng
Published: October 2015

Glycans of cell surface glycoproteins are involved in the regulation of cell migration, growth, and differentiation. N-acetyl-glucosaminyltransferase V (GnT-V) transfers N-acetyl-d-glucosamine to formβ1,6-branched N-glycans, thus playing a crucial role in the biosynthesis of glycoproteins. This study reveals the distinct expression of GnT-V in STRO-1 and CD-146 double-positive dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs). Furthermore, we investigated three types of hexosamines and their N-acetyl derivatives for possible effects on the osteogenic differentiation potential of DPSCs. Our results showed that exogenous d-glucosamine (GlcN), N-acetyl-d-glucosamine (GlcNAc), d-mannosamine (ManN), and acetyl-d-mannosamine (ManNAc) promoted DPSCs’ early osteogenic differentiation in the absence of osteogenic supplements, but d-galactosamine (GalN) or N-acetyl-galactosamine (GalNAc) did not. Effects include the increased level of TGF-βreceptor type I, activation of TGF-βsignaling, and increased mRNA expression of osteogenic differentiation marker genes. The hexosamine-treated DPSCs showed an increased mineralized matrix deposition in the presence of osteogenic supplements. Moreover, the level of TGF-βreceptor type I and early osteogenic differentiation were abolished in the DPSCs transfected with siRNA for GnT-V knockdown. These results suggest that GnT-V plays a critical role in the hexosamine-induced activation of TGF-βsignaling and subsequent osteogenic differentiation of DPSCs.
A New Approach to Estimate Real-Time Traveling Speed with Accelerometer
Authors: Zong Xiaojie , Wen Xiangji
Published: October 2015

In order to estimate the traveling speed, three parts are mainly described in this paper, including coordinate system relationship establishment between vehicle and smartphone, proper character extraction of acceleration in the vehicle coordinate system and model training process.
Novel Therapeutic Strategies for Reducing Right Heart Failure Associated Mortality in Fibrotic Lung Diseases
Authors: Adegunsoye Ayodeji , Levy Matthew , Oyenuga Olusegun
Published: October 2015

Fibrotic lung diseases carry a significant mortality burden worldwide. A large proportion of these deaths are due to right heart failure and pulmonary hypertension. Underlying contributory factors which appear to play a role in the mechanism of progression of right heart dysfunction include chronic hypoxia, defective calcium handling, hyperaldosteronism, pulmonary vascular alterations, cyclic strain of pressure and volume changes, elevation of circulating TGF-β, and elevated systemic NO levels. Specific therapies targeting pulmonary hypertension include calcium channel blockers, endothelin (ET-1) receptor antagonists, prostacyclin analogs, phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors, and rho-kinase (ROCK) inhibitors. Newer antifibrotic and anti-inflammatory agents may exert beneficial effects on heart failure in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Furthermore, right ventricle-targeted therapies, aimed at mitigating the effects of functional right ventricular failure, includeβ-adrenoceptor (β-AR) blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, antioxidants, modulators of metabolism, and 5-hydroxytryptamine-2B (5-HT2B) receptor antagonists. Newer nonpharmacologic modalities for right ventricular support are increasingly being implemented. Early, effective, and individualized therapy may prevent overt right heart failure in fibrotic lung disease leading to improved outcomes and quality of life.
Transcriptional Changes Associated with Long-Term Left Ventricle Volume Overload in Rats: Impact on Enzymes Related to Myocardial Energy Metabolism
Authors: Roussel Elise , Drolet Marie-Claude , Walsh-Wilkinson Elisabeth , Dhahri Wahiba , Lachance Dominic , Gascon Suzanne , Sarrhini Otman , Rousseau Jacques A. , Lecomte Roger , Couet Jacques , Arsenault Marie
Published: October 2015

Patients with left ventricle (LV) volume overload (VO) remain in a compensated state for many years although severe dilation is present. The myocardial capacity to fulfill its energetic demand may delay decompensation. We performed a gene expression profile, a model of chronic VO in rat LV with severe aortic valve regurgitation (AR) for 9 months, and focused on the study of genes associated with myocardial energetics.Methods. LV gene expression profile was performed in rats after 9 months of AR and compared to sham-operated controls. LV glucose and fatty acid (FA) uptake was also evaluatedin vivoby positron emission tomography in 8-week AR rats treated or not with fenofibrate, an activator of FA oxidation (FAO).Results. Many LV genes associated with mitochondrial function and metabolism were downregulated in AR rats. FAβ-oxidation capacity was significantly impaired as early as two weeks after AR. Treatment with fenofibrate, a PPARαagonist, normalized both FA and glucose uptake while reducing LV dilation caused by AR.Conclusion. Myocardial energy substrate preference is affected early in the evolution of LV-VO cardiomyopathy. Maintaining a relatively normal FA utilization in the myocardium could translate into less glucose uptake and possibly lesser LV remodeling.
Approximate Analyzing of Labeled Transition Systems
Authors: Yu Qiong , Yang Shihan , Wu Jinzhao
Published: October 2015

As the most important formal semantic model, labeled transition systems are widely used, which can describe the general concurrent systems or control systems without disturbance. However, under normal circumstance, transition systems are complex and difficult to use due to large amount of calculation and the state space explosion problems. In order to overcome these problems, approximate equivalent labeled transition systems are proposed by means of incomplete low-up matrix decomposition factorization. This technique can reduce the complexity of computation and calculate under the allowing errors. As for continuous-time linear systems, we develop a modeling method of approximated transition system based on the approximate solution of matrix, which provides a facility for approximately formal semantic modeling for linear systems and to effectively analyze errors. An example of application in the context of linear systems without disturbances is studied.
Systematic Process for Building a Fault Diagnoser Based on Petri Nets Applied to a Helicopter
Authors: Trigos Miguel A. , Barrientos Antonio , del Cerro Jaime
Published: October 2015

This work presents a systematic process for building a Fault Diagnoser (FD), based on Petri Nets (PNs) which has been applied to a small helicopter. This novel tool is able to detect both intermittent and permanent faults. The work carried out is discussed from theoretical and practical point of view. The procedure begins with a division of the whole system into subsystems, which are the devices that have to be modeled by using PN, considering both the normal and fault operations. Subsequently, the models are integrated into a global Petri Net diagnoser (PND) that is able to monitor a whole helicopter and show critical variables to the operator in order to determine the UAV health, preventing accidents in this manner. A Data Acquisition System (DAQ) has been designed for collecting data during the flights and feeding PN diagnoser with them. Several real flights (nominal or under failure) have been carried out to perform the diagnoser setup and verify its performance. A summary of the validation results obtained during real flight tests is also included. An extensive use of this tool will improve preventive maintenance protocols for UAVs (especially helicopters) and allow establishing recommendations in regulations.
Multidisciplinary Inverse Reliability Analysis Based on Collaborative Optimization with Combination of Linear Approximations
Authors: Meng Xin-Jia , Jing Shi-Kai , Wang Ye-Dong , Zhou Jing-Tao , Zhang Li-Xiang , Liu Ji-Hong
Published: October 2015

Multidisciplinary reliability is an important part of the reliability-based multidisciplinary design optimization (RBMDO). However, it usually has a considerable amount of calculation. The purpose of this paper is to improve the computational efficiency of multidisciplinary inverse reliability analysis. A multidisciplinary inverse reliability analysis method based on collaborative optimization with combination of linear approximations (CLA-CO) is proposed in this paper. In the proposed method, the multidisciplinary reliability assessment problem is first transformed into a problem of most probable failure point (MPP) search of inverse reliability, and then the process of searching for MPP of multidisciplinary inverse reliability is performed based on the framework of CLA-CO. This method improves the MPP searching process through two elements. One is treating the discipline analyses as the equality constraints in the subsystem optimization, and the other is using linear approximations corresponding to subsystem responses as the replacement of the consistency equality constraint in system optimization. With these two elements, the proposed method realizes the parallel analysis of each discipline, and it also has a higher computational efficiency. Additionally, there are no difficulties in applying the proposed method to problems with nonnormal distribution variables. One mathematical test problem and an electronic packaging problem are used to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.