bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Receptive field properties of bipolar cell axon terminals in direction-selective sublaminas of the mouse retina
Authors: Chen Minggang , Lee Seunghoon , Park Silvia J. H. , Looger Loren L. , Zhou Z. Jimmy
Published: July 2014

Retinal bipolar cells (BCs) transmit visual signals in parallel channels from the outer to the inner retina, where they provide glutamatergic inputs to specific networks of amacrine and ganglion cells. Intricate network computation at BC axon terminals has been proposed as a mechanism for complex network computation, such as direction selectivity, but direct knowledge of the receptive field property and the synaptic connectivity of the axon terminals of various BC types is required in order to understand the role of axonal computation by BCs. The present study tested the essential assumptions of the presynaptic model of direction selectivity at axon terminals of three functionally distinct BC types that ramify in the direction-selective strata of the mouse retina. Results from two-photon Ca2+ imaging, optogenetic stimulation, and dual patch-clamp recording demonstrated that 1) CB5 cells do not receive fast GABAergic synaptic feedback from starburst amacrine cells (SACs); 2) light-evoked and spontaneous Ca2+ responses are well coordinated among various local regions of CB5 axon terminals; 3) CB5 axon terminals are not directionally selective; 4) CB5 cells consist of two novel functional subtypes with distinct receptive field structures; 5) CB7 cells provide direct excitatory synaptic inputs to, but receive no direct GABAergic synaptic feedback from, SACs; and 6) CB7 axon terminals are not directionally selective, either. These findings help to simplify models of direction selectivity by ruling out complex computation at BC terminals. They also show that CB5 comprises two functional subclasses of BCs.
Individual differences in intrinsic brain connectivity predict decision strategy
Authors: Barnes Kelly Anne , Anderson Kevin M. , Plitt Mark , Martin Alex
Published: July 2014

When humans are provided with ample time to make a decision, individual differences in strategy emerge. Using an adaptation of a well-studied decision making paradigm, motion direction discrimination, we probed the neural basis of individual differences in strategy. We tested whether strategies emerged from moment-to-moment reconfiguration of functional brain networks involved in decision making with task-evoked functional MRI (fMRI) and whether intrinsic properties of functional brain networks, measured at rest with functional connectivity MRI (fcMRI), were associated with strategy use. We found that human participants reliably selected one of two strategies across 2 days of task performance, either continuously accumulating evidence or waiting for task difficulty to decrease. Individual differences in decision strategy were predicted both by the degree of task-evoked activation of decision-related brain regions and by the strength of pretask correlated spontaneous brain activity. These results suggest that spontaneous brain activity constrains strategy selection on perceptual decisions.
Approximating the Matrix Sign Function Using a Novel Iterative Method
Authors: Soleymani F. , Stanimirović P. S. , Shateyi S. , Haghani F. Khaksar
Published: July 2014

This study presents a matrix iterative method for finding the sign of a square complex matrix. It is shown that the sequence of iterates converges to the sign and has asymptotical stability, provided that the initial matrix is appropriately chosen. Some illustrations are presented to support the theory.
Approach and Development of Effective Models for Simulation of Thermal Stratification and Mixing Induced by Steam Injection into a Large Pool of Water
Authors: Li Hua , Villanueva Walter , Kudinov Pavel
Published: July 2014

Steam venting and condensation in a large pool of water can lead to either thermal stratification or thermal mixing. In a pressure suppression pool (PSP) of a boiling water reactor (BWR), consistent thermal mixing maximizes the capacity of the pool while the development of thermal stratification can reduce the steam condensation capacity of the pool which in turn can lead to pressure increase in the containment and thereafter the consequences can be severe. Advanced modeling and simulation of direct contact condensation in large systems remain a challenge as evident in commercial and research codes mainly due to small time-steps necessary to resolve contact condensation in long transients. In this work, effective models, namely, the effective heat source (EHS) and effective momentum source (EMS) models, are proposed to model and simulate thermal stratification and mixing during a steam injection into a large pool of water. Specifically, the EHS/EMS models are developed for steam injection through a single vertical pipe submerged in a pool under two condensation regimes: complete condensation inside the pipe and chugging. These models are computationally efficient since small scale behaviors are not resolved but their integral effect on the large scale flow structure in the pool is taken into account.
Optical Path Length Calibration: A Standard Approach for Use in Absorption Cell-Based IR-Spectrometric Gas Analysis
Authors: Nwaboh Javis Anyangwe , Witzel Oliver , Pogány Andrea , Werhahn Olav , Ebert Volker
Published: July 2014

We employed a comparison method to determine the optical path length of gas cells which can be used in spectroscopic setup based on laser absorption spectroscopy or FTIR. The method is based on absorption spectroscopy itself. A reference gas cell, whose length is a priori known and desirably traceable to the international system of units (SI), and a gas mixture are used to calibrate the path length of a cell under test. By comparing spectra derived from pressure-dependent measurements on the two cells, the path length of the gas cell under test is determined. The method relies neither on the knowledge of the gas concentration nor on the line strength parameter of the probed transition which is very rarely traceable to the SI and of which the uncertainty is often relatively large. The method is flexible such that any infrared light source and infrared active molecule with isolated lines can be used. We elaborate on the method, substantiate the method by reporting results of this calibration procedure applied to multipass and single pass gas cells of lengths from 0.38 m to 21 m, and compare this to other methods. The relative combined uncertainty of the path length results determined using the comparison method was found to be in the ±0.4% range.
On Finite Interquark Potential inD=3Driven by a Minimal Length
Authors: Gaete Patricio
Published: July 2014

We address the effect of a quantum gravity induced minimal length on a physical observable for three-dimensional Yang-Mills. Our calculation is done within stationary perturbation theory. Interestingly enough, we find an ultraviolet finite interaction energy, which contains a regularized logarithmic function and a linear confining potential. This result highlights the role played by the new quantum of length in our discussion.
Radial Basis Function Neural Network Based on an Improved Exponential Decreasing Inertia Weight-Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm for AQI Prediction
Authors: Lu Jinna , Hu Hongping , Bai Yanping
Published: July 2014

This paper proposed a novel radial basis function (RBF) neural network model optimized by exponential decreasing inertia weight particle swarm optimization (EDIW-PSO). Based on the inertia weight decreasing strategy, we propose a new Exponential Decreasing Inertia Weight (EDIW) to improve the PSO algorithm. We use the modified EDIW-PSO algorithm to determine the centers, widths, and connection weights of RBF neural network. To assess the performance of the proposed EDIW-PSO-RBF model, we choose the daily air quality index (AQI) of Xi’an for prediction and obtain improved results.
The Effect of a Community-Based, Primary Health Care Exercise Program on Inflammatory Biomarkers and Hormone Levels
Authors: Papini Camila Bosquiero , Nakamura Priscila M. , Zorzetto Lucas P. , Thompson Janice L. , Phillips Anna C. , Kokubun Eduardo
Published: July 2014

The aim of this study was to analyze the impact of a community-based exercise program in primary care on inflammatory biomarkers and hormone levels. The 1-year quasiexperimental study involved 13 women (mean age = 56.8 ± 11.4 years) and it was developed in two basic health care units in Rio Claro City, Brazil. The physical exercise intervention was comprised of two, 60-minute sessions/week. The inflammatory biomarkers were measured at baseline, 6 months, and 1 year. Repeated measures ANOVA analyses indicated that the intervention was effective in reducing CRP and TNFαafter 1 year compared to baseline and 6 months(P<0.05). There were no changes in IL10, IL6, and insulin after 1 year. However, leptin significantly increased at 1 year(P=0.016). The major finding of this study is that a community-based exercise program can result in a decrease or maintenance of inflammatory biomarkers after 1 year, and thus has the potential to be a viable public health approach for chronic disease prevention.
Estimating Young’s Modulus of Materials by a New Three-Point Bending Method
Authors: Zeng Xiaohu , Wen Shifeng , Li Mingxi , Xie Gongnan
Published: July 2014

A new test method based on the three-point bending test is put forward to measure Young’s modulus of materials. The simplified mechanical model is established to make theoretical derivation. This method has not only the advantages of simple specimen preparation and convenient loading device, but also higher precision than the traditional three-point bending method. The method is adopted to obtain Young’s modulus of the aluminum alloy 2024. The feasibility of the method has been demonstrated by comparisons with the corresponding results obtained from the finite element method and experiment method. And the influence of contact friction on the test accuracy is analyzed.
Direct Numerical Simulation and Visualization of Biswirling Jets
Authors: Yan Jie , Gui Nan , Xie Gongnan , Gao Jinsen
Published: July 2014

Two parallel swirling/rotating jets with a distance between them are termed biswirling jets here, which have important and complicated vortex structures different from the single swirling jet due to the negligible vortex-vortex interactions. The visualization of vortex-vortex interaction between the biswirling jets is accomplished by using direct numerical simulation. The evolution of vortex structures of the biswirling jets is found rather complicated. The turbulent kinetic energy and turbulence dissipation in the central convergence region are augmented locally and rather strongly. The modulation of turbulent kinetic energy by jet-jet interaction upon different scales of vortices is dominated by the swirling levels and the distance between the jets. The turbulent kinetic energy upon intermediate and small scale vortices in bijets with not very high swirling level and at a very close distance is smaller than that in single swirling jets, whereas the opposite is true under a far distance, and so forth.
A Geometric Fuzzy-Based Approach for Airport Clustering
Authors: Postorino Maria Nadia , Versaci Mario
Published: July 2014

Airport classification is a common need in the air transport field due to several purposes—such as resource allocation, identification of crucial nodes, and real-time identification of substitute nodes—which also depend on the involved actors’ expectations. In this paper a fuzzy-based procedure has been proposed to cluster airports by using a fuzzy geometric point of view according to the concept of unit-hypercube. By representing each airport as a point in the given reference metric space, the geometric distance among airports—which corresponds to a measure of similarity—has in fact an intrinsic fuzzy nature due to the airport specific characteristics. The proposed procedure has been applied to a test case concerning the Italian airport network and the obtained results are in line with expectations.
The Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway Controls the Inflammatory Response in Infections Caused by Pathogenic Bacteria
Authors: Silva-García Octavio , Valdez-Alarcón Juan J. , Baizabal-Aguirre Víctor M.
Published: July 2014

Innate immunity against pathogenic bacteria is critical to protect host cells from invasion and infection as well as to develop an appropriate adaptive immune response. During bacterial infection, different signaling transduction pathways control the expression of a wide range of genes that orchestrate a number of molecular and cellular events to eliminate the invading microorganisms and regulate inflammation. The inflammatory response must be tightly regulated because uncontrolled inflammation may lead to tissue injury. Among the many signaling pathways activated, the canonical Wnt/β-catenin has been recently shown to play an important role in the expression of several inflammatory molecules during bacterial infections. Our main goal in this review is to discuss the mechanism used by several pathogenic bacteria to modulate the inflammatory response through the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. We think that a deep insight into the role of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in the inflammation may open new venues for biotechnological approaches designed to control bacterial infectious diseases.
Induced Effects of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation on the Autonomic Nervous System and the Cardiac Rhythm
Authors: Cabrerizo Mercedes , Cabrera Anastasio , Perez Juan O. , de la Rua Jesus , Rojas Niovi , Zhou Qi , Pinzon-Ardila Alberto , Gonzalez-Arias Sergio M. , Adjouadi Malek
Published: July 2014

Several standard protocols based on repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) have been employed for treatment of a variety of neurological disorders. Despite their advantages in patients that are retractable to medication, there is a lack of knowledge about the effects of rTMS on the autonomic nervous system that controls the cardiovascular system. Current understanding suggests that the shape of the so-called QRS complex together with the size of the different segments and intervals between the PQRST deflections of the heart could predict the nature of the different arrhythmias and ailments affecting the heart. This preliminary study involving 10 normal subjects from 20 to 30 years of age demonstrated that rTMS can induce changes in the heart rhythm. The autonomic activity that controls the cardiac rhythm was indeed altered by an rTMS session targeting the motor cortex using intensity below the subject’s motor threshold and lasting no more than 5 minutes. The rTMS activation resulted in a reduction of theRRintervals (cardioacceleration) in most cases. Most of these cases also showed significant changes in the Poincare plot descriptor SD2 (long-term variability), the area under the low frequency (LF) power spectrum density curve, and the low frequency to high frequency (LF/HF) ratio. TheRRintervals changed significantly in specific instants of time during rTMS activation showing either heart rate acceleration or heart rate deceleration.
Self-Transcendence Values, Relationships, and Participatory Practice in Early Childhood Education
Authors: Tal Clodie
Published: July 2014

This study seeks to reveal the circumstances that encourage versus those that block children’s participation in the context of daily teacher-children encounters in preschools in Israel. Six cases were selected for analysis—three in which children’s participation was enabled and three in which children’s participation was blocked by teachers or student-teachers. Participants in the study were five student-teachers doing fieldwork as part of their professional preparation as well as two teachers. Analysis yielded the following conclusions: meaningful participation takes place in the context of a personal, caring relationship with an educator. For challenging situations that require decisions about enabling or denying children’s participation, self-transcendence values need to be activated by student-teachers or teachers. Activation of these values is the outcome of personal mental struggle, which is strengthened by having clear, articulated goals to include children in guided and nonguided social encounters. This study suggests that a teacher’s espousal of self-transcendence values is among the attributes that have an impact on teachers’ representations of relationships, their interactions with children, and the children’s participation in daily, preschool social encounters, whose quality may in turn affect the relationships with children. Documentation and critical reflection need to be incorporated into educational practice so that decision-making in challenging situations will be the product of thorough deliberation.
Candidates for Synergies: Linear Discriminants versus Principal Components
Authors: Vinjamuri Ramana , Patel Vrajeshri , Powell Michael , Mao Zhi-Hong , Crone Nathan
Published: July 2014

Movement primitives or synergies have been extracted from human hand movements using several matrix factorization, dimensionality reduction, and classification methods. Principal component analysis (PCA) is widely used to obtain the first few significant eigenvectors of covariance that explain most of the variance of the data. Linear discriminant analysis (LDA) is also used as a supervised learning method to classify the hand postures corresponding to the objects grasped. Synergies obtained using PCA are principal component vectors aligned with dominant variances. On the other hand, synergies obtained using LDA are linear discriminant vectors that separate the groups of variances. In this paper, time varying kinematic synergies in the human hand grasping movements were extracted using these two diametrically opposite methods and were evaluated in reconstructing natural and American sign language (ASL) postural movements. We used an unsupervised LDA (ULDA) to extract linear discriminants. The results suggest that PCA outperformed LDA. The uniqueness, advantages, and disadvantages of each of these methods in representing high-dimensional hand movements in reduced dimensions were discussed.
Electrochemical Reduction of Carbon Dioxide over CNT‐Supported Nanoscale Copper Electrocatalysts
Authors: Safdar Hossain Sk. , Rahman Sleem ur , Ahmed Shakeel
Published: July 2014

This paper presents the experimental investigation of copper loaded carbon nanotubes (CNTs) electrocatalysts for the electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide. The electrocatalysts were synthesized by homogeneous deposition precipitation method (HDP) using urea as precipitating agent. The prepared catalysts were characterized by TEM, SEM, XRD, XPS, BET, and FTIR for their morphology and structure. Characterization results confirm the deposition of Cu nanoparticles (3–60 nm) on CNTs. Linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) and chronoamperometry (CA) were used to investigate the activity of the as‐prepared catalysts for the electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide. The electrocatalysts reduced CO2 with high current density in the potential range 0~−3 V versus SCE (standard calomel electrode). Among all catalysts tested, 20 wt. % copper loaded CNTs showed maximum activity. Gas chromatograph with TCD was used to analyze liquid phase composition. The faradaic efficiency for methanol formation was estimated to be 38.5%.
Rogue Wave for the (3+1)-Dimensional Yu-Toda-Sasa-Fukuyama Equation
Authors: Chen Hanlin , Xu Zhenhui , Dai Zhengde
Published: July 2014

A new method, homoclinic (heteroclinic) breather limit method (HBLM), for seeking rogue wave solution to nonlinear evolution equation (NEE) is proposed. (3+1)-dimensional Yu-Toda-Sasa-Fukuyama (YTSF) equation is used as an example to illustrate the effectiveness of the suggested method. A new family of two-wave solution, rational breather wave solution, is obtained by extended homoclinic test method, and it is just a rogue wave solution. This result shows rogue wave can come from extreme behavior of breather solitary wave for (3+1)-dimensional nonlinear wave fields.
Almost Periodic Sequence Solutions of a Discrete Predator-Prey System with Beddington-DeAngelis Functional Response
Authors: Du Zengji , Li Wenbin
Published: July 2014

This paper considers a discrete predator-prey system with Beddington-DeAngelis functional response. Sufficient conditions are obtained for the existence of the almost periodic solution which is uniformly asymptotically stable by constructing a Lyapunov function.
Effect of 82% Lactic Acid in Treatment of Melasma
Authors: Singh Rashmi , Goyal Sapna , Ahmed Qazi Rais , Gupta Narendra , Singh Sujata
Published: July 2014

Melasma is an acquired, chronic, and symmetrical hypermelanosis, characterized by brown patches of variable darkness on sun exposed areas of body. There are numerous modalities of treatment currently in use for this disease, of which the chemical peeling is very commonly used. Therefore, the present work was done to see the effect of 82% lactic acid peel in the treatment of melasma. A total number of 20 patients of either sex attending the OPD of dermatology department with clinically evident melasma were included in the study. 82% Lactic acid peel was applied on the face for 12 weeks in each patient. Patients were evaluated clinically and photographically at various intervals and in follow-up till 24 weeks. Assessment of patient satisfaction and side effects were also noted. All the subjects completed the study. Application of this peel for 12 weeks significantly decreased the melasma area severity index score and also melasma severity scale score. Patient and physician analogue scales also showed the improvement by the treatment. Regarding the adverse effects, burning sensation was the only side effect noted in our study. In conclusion, 82% lactic acid peel is well tolerated and can be used for the treatment of melasma.
Thermal Decomposition of Hydrocalumite over a Temperature Range of 400–1500°C and Its Structure Reconstruction in Water
Authors: Tian Jiao , Guo Qinghai
Published: July 2014

The thermal decomposition process and structure memory effect of hydrocalumite were investigated systematically for the first time over a wide temperature range of 400–1500°C. The calcined hydrocalumite samples and their rehydrated products were characterized by XRD, FT-IR, and SEM-EDX. The results show that the calcination products at temperatures ranging from 500 to 900°C are basically mayenite and lime, while one of the final products obtained by calcination at and above 1000°C is probably tricalcium aluminate (Ca3Al2O6). For the hydrocalumite samples calcined at temperatures below 1000°C, their lamellar structure can be completely recovered in deionized water at room temperature. However, the further increase of calcination temperature could impair the regeneration ability of hydrocalumite via contact with water. Upon calcination of hydrocalumite at 1000–1500°C followed by reaction with water, a stable compound tricalcium aluminate hexahydrate (Ca3Al2O6·6H2O) was produced, which is the reason why less hydrocalumite could be regenerated.
Development of the Korean Spine Database and Automatic Surface Mesh Intersection Algorithm for Constructinge-Spine Simulator
Authors: Seo Dongmin , Jung Hanmin , Sung Won-Kyung , Nam Dukyun
Published: July 2014

By 2026, Korea is expected to surpass the UN’s definition of an aged society and reach the level of a superaged society. With an aging population come increased disorders involving the spine. To prevent unnecessary spinal surgery and support scientific diagnosis of spinal disease and systematic prediction of treatment outcomes, we have been developinge-Spine, which is a computer simulation model of the human spine. In this paper, we present the Korean spine database and automatic surface mesh intersection algorithm to constructe-Spine. To date, the Korean spine database has collected spine data from 77 cadavers and 298 patients. The spine data consists of 2D images from CT, MRI, or X-ray, 3D shapes, geometry data, and property data. The volume and quality of the Korean spine database are now the world’s highest ones. In addition, our triangular surface mesh intersection algorithm automatically remeshes the spine-implant intersection model to make it valid for finite element analysis (FEA). This makes it possible to run the FEA using the spine-implant mesh model without any manual effort. Our database and surface mesh intersection algorithm will offer great value and utility in the diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of patients suffering from spinal diseases.
Model of Close Packing for Determination of the Major Characteristics of the Liquid Dispersions Components
Authors: Kolikov Kiril Hristov , Hristozov Dimo Donchev , Koleva Radka Paskova , Krustev Georgi Aleksandrov
Published: July 2014

We introduce a close packing model of the particles from the disperse phase of a liquid dispersion. With this model, we find the sediment volumes, the emergent, and the bound dispersion medium. We formulate a new approach for determining the equivalent radii of the particles from the sediment and the emergent (different from the Stokes method). We also describe an easy manner to apply algebraic method for determining the average volumetric mass densities of the ultimate sediment and emergent, as well as the free dispersion medium (without using any pycnometers or densitometers). The masses of the different components and the density of the dispersion phase in the investigated liquid dispersion are also determined by means of the established densities. We introduce for the first time a dimensionless scale for numeric characterization and therefore an index for predicting the sedimentation stability of liquid dispersions in case of straight and/or reverse sedimentation. We also find the quantity of the pure substance (without pouring out or drying) in the dispersion phase of the liquid dispersions.
Quality of Protection Evaluation of Security Mechanisms
Authors: Ksiezopolski Bogdan , Zurek Tomasz , Mokkas Michail
Published: July 2014

Recent research indicates that during the design of teleinformatic system the tradeoff between the systems performance and the system protection should be made. The traditional approach assumes that the best way is to apply the strongest possible security measures. Unfortunately, the overestimation of security measures can lead to the unreasonable increase of system load. This is especially important in multimedia systems where the performance has critical character. In many cases determination of the required level of protection and adjustment of some security measures to these requirements increase system efficiency. Such an approach is achieved by means of the quality of protection models where the security measures are evaluated according to their influence on the system security. In the paper, we propose a model for QoP evaluation of security mechanisms. Owing to this model, one can quantify the influence of particular security mechanisms on ensuring security attributes. The methodology of our model preparation is described and based on it the case study analysis is presented. We support our method by the tool where the models can be defined and QoP evaluation can be performed. Finally, we have modelled TLS cryptographic protocol and presented the QoP security mechanisms evaluation for the selected versions of this protocol.
Selective Sensing and Access Strategy to Maximize Throughput in Cognitive Radio Sensor Network
Authors: Li Weijun , Yang Chao , Wu Zhenquan , Tan Beihai , Fu Yuli
Published: July 2014

This paper presents a selective spectrum sensing and access strategy in a cognitive radio sensor network (CRSN), in order to maximize the throughput of secondary user (SU) system. An SU senses multiple channels simultaneously via wideband spectrum sensing. To maximize the throughput and reduce the sensing energy consumption, not all of the channels are sensed. The SU selects some channels for spectrum sensing and accesses these channels based on the sensing results. The unselected channels are accessed directly with low transmission power. A selection making algorithm based on partially observable Markov decision process (POMDP) theory is proposed, to make the SU determine which channels are selected for sensing, how long the sensing time, and the transmission powers of channels. An optimal policy and a myopic policy are proposed to solve the proposed POMDP problem. Moreover, an optimization problem is proposed to solve the synchronism problem among the selected channels. Numerical results show that the proposed selective spectrum sensing and access strategy improves the system performance efficiently.
Invariant Approximation Results via Common Fixed Point Theorems for Generalized Weak Contraction Maps
Authors: Rathee Savita , Kumar Anil , Tas Kenan
Published: July 2014

A common fixed point theorem for generalizedφ,ϕ,L f,g-weak contraction in a metric space is established. As an application, some common fixed point results in normed linear spaces are obtained. We also study some results on best approximation via common fixed point theorems. Our result improves some results from the existing literature. Some illustrative examples to highlight the realized improvements are also furnished.
On Properties of Pseudointegrals Based on Pseudoaddition Decomposable Measures
Authors: Qiu Dong , Lu Chongxia
Published: July 2014

We mainly discussed pseudointegrals based on a pseudoaddition decomposable measure. Particularly, we give the definition of the pseudointegral for a measurable function based on a strict pseudoaddition decomposable measure by generalizing the definition of the pseudointegral of a bounded measurable function. Furthermore, we got several important properties of the pseudointegral of a measurable function based on a strict pseudoaddition decomposable measure.
Correlation between Intraocular Pressure Fluctuation with Postural Change and Postoperative Intraocular Pressure in Relation to the Time Course after Trabeculectomy
Authors: Hirooka Kazuyuki , Tenkumo Kaori , Nitta Eri , Sato Shino
Published: July 2014

Background.To investigate the correlation between intraocular pressure (IOP) fluctuation with postural change and IOP in relation to the time course after trabeculectomy.Methods.A total of 29 patients who had previously undergone primary trabeculectomy with mitomycin C were examined. IOP was obtained at 1, 2, 3, 6, and 12 months and then every 6 months postoperatively.Results.The postural IOP difference before surgery was3.0±1.8 mmHg, which was reduced to0.9±1.1 mmHg at 1 month,1.0±1.0 mmHg at 2 months,1.3±2.0 mmHg at 3 months,1.3±1.4 mmHg at 6 months,1.4±1.5 mmHg at 12 months, and1.1±0.7 mmHg at 18 months after trabeculectomy (P<0.01each visit). The filtering surgery failed in 7 out of 29 eyes. Postural IOP changes were less than 3 mmHg in those patients who did not require needle revision at every visit. However, in patients who did require needle revision, the increase in the posture-induced IOP was greater than 3 mmHg prior to the increase in the sitting position IOP.Conclusions.Assessment of postural IOP changes after trabeculectomy might be potentially useful for predicting IOP changes after trabeculectomy.
Colectomy and Acute Renal Failure: A Case Report with Unusual Presentation
Authors: Sahin Osman Zikrullah , Bilir Cemil , Ayaz Teslime
Published: July 2014

Surgery is the only curative modality but occasionally it can have some long term complication such as short bowel syndrome. We presented a case reporting a 63-year-old man who had subtotal colectomy with liver metastasectomy according to the colon adenocarcinoma, following the couple of months of surgery; he had acute kidney injury without any end-organ damage while he had a regular diet and nutrition. Following the regular treatment of renal failure, colorectal cancer recurrence was excluded and then he was discharged from the hospital with a normal serum creatinine level. The patient was admitted to the nephrology clinic again for acute renal failure within 3 weeks of last admission to the hospital. He also denied the insufficient oral water intake and nutrition, but laboratory examination revealed acute renal failure. We suspected for short bowel syndrome (SBS). Following the hydration, loperamide hydrochloride 10 mg/day was started and the patient was followed up with normal serum creatinine and uric acid levels. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report, in which a patient with short bowel syndrome presented with prerenal acute renal failure even though he had sufficient oral intake and nutrition and can be treated with hydration and loperamide hydrochloride.
A Jacobi-Collocation Method for Second Kind Volterra Integral Equations with a Smooth Kernel
Authors: Guo Hongfeng , Cai Haotao , Zhang Xin
Published: July 2014

The purpose of this paper is to provide a Jacobi-collocation method for solving second kind Volterra integral equations with a smooth kernel. This method leads to a fully discrete integral operator. First, it is shown that the fully discrete integral operator is stable in bothL∞and weightedL2norms. Then, the proposed approach is proved to arrive at an optimal (the most possible) convergent order in both norms. One numerical example demonstrates the efficiency and accuracy of the proposed method.
Antagonizing Arachidonic Acid-Derived Eicosanoids Reduces Inflammatory Th17 and Th1 Cell-Mediated Inflammation and Colitis Severity
Authors: Monk Jennifer M. , Turk Harmony F. , Fan Yang-Yi , Callaway Evelyn , Weeks Brad , Yang Peiying , McMurray David N. , Chapkin Robert S.
Published: July 2014

During colitis, activation of two inflammatory T cell subsets, Th17 and Th1 cells, promotes ongoing intestinal inflammatory responses. n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid- (PUFA-) derived eicosanoids, such as prostaglandin E2(PGE2), promote Th17 cell-mediated inflammation, while n-3 PUFA antagonize both Th17 and Th1 cells and suppress PGE2levels. We utilized two genetic mouse models, which differentially antagonize PGE2levels, to examine the effect on Th17 cells and disease outcomes in trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid- (TNBS-) induced colitis.Fat-1mice contain theω3 desaturase gene fromC. elegansand synthesize n-3 PUFAde novo, thereby reducing the biosynthesis of n-6 PUFA-derived eicosanoids. In contrast,Fads1Null mice contain a disruptedΔ5desaturase gene and produce lower levels of n-6 PUFA-derived eicosanoids. Compared to Wt littermates,Fat-1andFads1Null mice exhibited a similar colitic phenotype characterized by reduced colonic mucosal inflammatory eicosanoid levels and mRNA expression of Th17 cell markers (IL-17A,RORγτ, and IL-23), decreased percentages of Th17 cells and, improved colon injury scores (P≤0.05). Thus, during colitis, similar outcomes were obtained in two genetically distinct models, both of which antagonize PGE2levels via different mechanisms. Our data highlight the critical impact of n-6 PUFA-derived eicosanoids in the promotion of Th17 cell-mediated colonic inflammation.
Simulation of Airborne Antenna Array Layout Problems Using Parallel Higher-Order MoM
Authors: Lin Zhongchao , Zhang Yu , Jiang Shugang , Zhao Xunwang , Mo Jingyan
Published: July 2014

The parallel higher-order Method of Moments based on message passing interface (MPI) has been successfully used to analyze the changes in radiation patterns of a microstrip patch array antenna mounted on different positions of an airplane. The block-partitioned scheme for the large dense MoM matrix and a block-cyclic matrix distribution scheme are designed to achieve excellent load balance and high parallel efficiency. Numerical results demonstrate that the rigorous parallel Method of Moments can efficiently and accurately solve large complex electromagnetic problems with composite structures.
Kinase Domain Activation of FGFR2 Yields High-Grade Lung Adenocarcinoma Sensitive to a Pan-FGFR Inhibitor in a Mouse Model of NSCLC
Authors: Tchaicha Jeremy H. , Akbay Esra A. , Altabef Abigail , Mikse Oliver R. , Kikuchi Eiki , Rhee Kevin , Liao Rachel G. , Bronson Roderick T. , Sholl Lynette M. , Meyerson Matthew , Hammerman Peter S. , Wong Kwok-Kin
Published: July 2014

Somatic mutations in FGFR2 are present in 4% to 5% of patients diagnosed with non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Amplification and mutations in FGFR genes have been identified in patients with NSCLCs, and clinical trials are testing the efficacy of anti-FGFR therapies. FGFR2 and other FGFR kinase family gene alterations have been found in both lung squamous cell carcinoma and lung adenocarcinoma, although mouse models of FGFR-driven lung cancers have not been reported. Here, we generated a genetically engineered mouse model (GEMM) of NSCLC driven by a kinase domain mutation in FGFR2. Combined with p53 ablation, primary grade 3/4 adenocarcinoma was induced in the lung epithelial compartment exhibiting locally invasive and pleiotropic tendencies largely made up of multinucleated cells. Tumors were acutely sensitive to pan-FGFR inhibition. This is the first FGFR2-driven lung cancer GEMM, which can be applied across different cancer indications in a preclinical setting. Cancer Res; 74(17); 4676–84. ©2014 AACR.
miR149 Functions as a Tumor Suppressor by Controlling Breast Epithelial Cell Migration and Invasion
Authors: Bischoff Annabell , Huck Bettina , Keller Bettina , Strotbek Michaela , Schmid Simone , Boerries Melanie , Busch Hauke , Müller Dafne , Olayioye Monilola A.
Published: July 2014

Deregulated molecular signaling pathways are responsible for the altered adhesive, migratory, and invasive properties of cancer cells. The different breast cancer subtypes are characterized by the expression of distinct miRNAs, short non-coding RNAs that posttranscriptionally modulate the expression of entire gene networks. Profiling studies have revealed downregulation of miR149 in basal breast cancer. Here, we show that miR149 expression severely impairs cell spreading, migration, and invasion of basal-like breast cancer cells. We identify signaling molecules, including the small GTPases Rap1a and Rap1b, downstream of integrin receptors as miR149 targets, providing an explanation for the defective Src and Rac activation during cell adhesion and spreading upon miR149 expression. Suppression of cell spreading by miR149 could be rescued, at least in part, by expression of constitutively active Rac. Finally, we demonstrate that increased miR149 levels block lung colonization in vivo. On the basis of our findings, we propose that miR149 downregulation in basal breast cancer facilitates the metastatic dissemination of tumor cells by supporting aberrant Rac activation. Cancer Res; 74(18); 5256–65. ©2014 AACR.
The Effect of Metformin on Mortality Following Cancer among Patients with Diabetes
Authors: Lega Iliana C. , Shah Prakesh S. , Margel David , Beyene Joseph , Rochon Paula A. , Lipscombe Lorraine L.
Published: July 2014

Diabetes may be a risk factor for cancer and is associated with worse cancer outcomes. Metformin may reduce cancer risk; however, its effect on mortality following cancer remains less clear. EMBASE and Medline were searched through February 10, 2014, for studies reporting an adjusted risk estimate for the effect of metformin therapy on mortality following cancer among diabetic patients. Random-effects models were used to obtain summary HR for the association between metformin and all-cause and cancer-specific mortality. Twenty-one observational studies were meta-analyzed in the primary analysis. Metformin was associated with a reduction in all-cause mortality [HR, 0.73; 95% confidence intervals (CI), 0.64–0.83] and cancer-specific mortality (HR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.62–0.88). Subgroup analyses by cancer site showed a significant reduction in mortality for colon cancer (four studies, HR, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.56–0.76) but not for breast and prostate cancers. Observational studies indicate that metformin exposure at cancer diagnosis may be associated with a reduction in mortality. However, these findings need to be interpreted with caution as methodologic limitations of individual studies may have introduced biases in these findings. Our results emphasize the need for well-designed studies to further understand the relationship between metformin and survival following cancer. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 23(10); 1974–84. ©2014 AACR.
Selective Inhibition of rDNA Transcription by a Small-Molecule Peptide That Targets the Interface between RNA Polymerase I and Rrn3
Authors: Rothblum Katrina , Hu Qiyue , Penrod Yvonne , Rothblum Lawrence I.
Published: July 2014

The interface between the polymerase I–associated factor Rrn3 and the 43-kDa subunit of RNA polymerase I is essential to the recruitment of Pol I to the preinitiation complex on the rDNA promoter. In silico analysis identified an evolutionarily conserved 22 amino acid peptide within rpa43 that is both necessary and sufficient to mediate the interaction between rpa43 and Rrn3. This peptide inhibited rDNA transcription in vitro, while a control peptide did not. To determine the effect of the peptide in cultured cells, the peptide was coupled to the HIV TAT peptide to facilitate transduction into cells. The wild-type peptide, but not control peptides, inhibited Pol I transcription and cell division. In addition, the peptide induced cell death, consistent with other observations that “nucleolar stress” results in the death of tumor cells. The 22mer is a small-molecule inhibitor of rDNA transcription that is specific for the interaction between Rrn3 and rpa43, as such it represents an original way to interfere with cell growth.

Implications: These results demonstrate a potentially novel pharmaceutical target for the therapeutic treatment of cancer cells. Mol Cancer Res; 12(11); 1586–96. ©2014 AACR.
Acupuncture versus Solifenacin for Treatment of Overactive Bladder and Its Correlation with Urine Nerve Growth Factor Levels: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Aydoğmuş Yasin , Sunay Melih , Arslan Hüseyin , Aydın Arif , Adiloğlu Ali Kudret , Şahin Hünkar
Published: July 2014

Objective: To determine whether acupuncture is effective as an overactive bladder (OAB) treatment compared with solifenacin and placebo, and to investigate its relation with urine nerve growth factor (NGF) levels. Patients and Methods: The study was conducted with methodological rigor based on the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials criteria. 90 female patients with OAB were included and randomly assigned to a solifenacin, acupuncture or placebo group. The medicated group received solifenacin 5 mg/day; the acupuncture and placebo groups were treated twice a week for 4 weeks. Symptom scores, quality of life scores, frequency of micturition and urine NGF levels were used to assess treatment efficiency. Results: The study was completed with 82 patients (n = 30 in the solifenacin group, n = 28 in the acupuncture group and n = 24 in the placebo group). After treatment, comparison of the medical and acupuncture therapy groups with the placebo group showed significant differences between recovery concerning quality of life (p < 0.001 and p < 0.01, respectively) and symptom scores (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). The decrease of NGF levels after treatment compared to before treatment was determined in each group (solifenacin, acupuncture, placebo group; p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p = 0.359, respectively). Sufficient symptomatic improvement was not achieved in 8 patients in the acupuncture group. Therefore, comparisons were assessed twice with and without including these patients, and NGF levels in the acupuncture group were higher than at first comparison in which all patients in the acupuncture group were included. Conclusions: In patients with OAB in whom anticholinergic treatment is contraindicated, acupuncture may be considered another treatment option.
Serum Paraoxonase 1 Activity and Oxidative Stress in Pediatric Patients with Pulmonary Tuberculosis
Authors: Torun Emel , Gedik Ahmet Hakan , Cakir Erkan , Umutoglu Tarik , Gok Ozlem , Kilic Ulkan
Published: July 2014

Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the oxidative stress and paraoxonase 1 (PON1) levels in children with pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) compared to healthy controls, and to examine the association of demographical with oxidative stress. Subjects and Methods: Forty children diagnosed with pulmonary TB and 40 age- and gender-matched healthy controls were enrolled in the study. Serum total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS) and PON1 levels were measured. The oxidative stress index (OSI) was calculated to indicate the degree of oxidative stress. Results: The TAS levels were lower (1.73 ± 0.5 vs. 2.54 ± 1.2 μmol Trolox Eq/l) while TOS levels were significantly higher (26.9 ± 14.4 vs. 13.4 ± 7.7 μmol H2O2 Eq/l) in the TB group than in the controls (p < 0.001). The OSI was significantly higher in the TB group than in the controls (21.2 ± 5.1 vs. 6.5 ± 4.9 units, p = 0.006). Serum PON1 levels were significantly lower in the TB group than in the controls (14.2 ± 13.2 vs. 28.4 ± 17.3 U/l, p < 0.001). The lower PON1 levels correlated with TAS and OSI levels but not with anthropometric parameters (r = 0.264, p = 0.018 and r = -0.255, p = 0.023, respectively). Conclusion: The TOS and OSI levels were higher and the TAS and PON1 levels were lower in pediatric patients with pulmonary TB when compared to healthy controls. This indicates greater oxidative stress in the patients.
Sequential Treatment with Taxanes and Novel Anti-Androgenic Compounds in Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer
Authors: Esch Lukas , Schulz Wolfgang A. , Albers Peter
Published: July 2014

Several novel therapeutic agents have demonstrated ability to improve overall survival in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) in recent years. With as many as 5 new agents approved within the last 5 years and an ongoing lack of comparative and prospective data, strategies for patient selection and sequencing of drug treatments are urgently needed. This review will summarize current clinical evidence and relevant molecular mechanisms in mCRPC. The understanding of these mechanisms may provide valuable assistance in making therapeutic decisions, especially while robust clinical data remain sparse.
Insights into the role of thrombin in the pathogenesis of recurrent ischaemia after acute coronary syndrome
Authors: Weitz Jeffrey
Published: July 2014

Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is a medical emergency. Patients who survive the initial event remain at risk of recurrent cardiovascular events. In most cases, ACS is triggered by thrombosis after rupture of an atherosclerotic plaque. Key to thrombus formation at this site is the generation of thrombin, which not only converts fibrinogen to fibrin but also serves as a potent platelet agonist and induces platelet aggregation at the site of vascular injury. Although dual antiplatelet therapy is more effective for the prevention of recurrent events than aspirin alone after ACS, there remains an approximately 10 % risk of recurrent ischaemic events at one year. Recent studies have evaluated whether the addition of an anticoagulant to antiplatelet therapy reduces the risk of recurrent ischaemia after an ACS event. Rivaroxaban, an oral factor Xa inhibitor, attenuates thrombin generation. When used in conjunction with dual antiplatelet therapy in patients with stabilised ACS, rivaroxaban 2.5 mg twice daily significantly reduced the risk of the composite endpoint of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction and stroke compared with placebo. Although it increased the risk of bleeding, rivaroxaban was associated with a reduction in mortality; a finding that supports the use of a dual-pathway approach that combines anticoagulant and antiplatelet therapy. This review explores the pathophysiology of ACS to provide perspective on the results of recent clinical trials with novel oral anticoagulants for ACS and to identify their potential role in this setting.