bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of Porosity on the Flexural and Free Vibration Responses of Functionally Graded Plates in Thermal Environment
Authors: Gupta Ankit , Talha Mohammad
Published: May 2017

This paper examines the influence of porosities on the flexural and free vibration response of functionally graded material (FGM) plates based on the authors’ recently developed non-polynomial higher-order shear and normal deformation theory. The theory accommodates the nonlinear variation in the in-plane and transverse displacements in the thickness coordinates. It also contains the hyperbolic shear strain shape function in the displacement field with only four unknowns. A new mathematical model has also been proposed to incorporate the effects of porosity in the FGM plate. Various numerical examples have been solved to ascertain the accuracy, efficiency, and applicability of the present formulation. The effects of porosity, volume fraction index, plate thickness, aspect ratio, boundary conditions and temperature have been discussed in details. The obtained results can be treated as a benchmark for future studies.
ENaC activity is regulated by calpain-2 proteolysis of MARCKS proteins
Authors: Montgomery Darrice S. , Yu Ling , Ghazi Zinah M. , Thai Tiffany L. , Al-Khalili Otor , Ma He-Ping , Eaton Douglas C. , Alli Abdel A.
Published: May 2017

We previously demonstrated a role for the myristoylated alanine-rich C kinase substrate (MARCKS) to serve as an adaptor protein in the anionic phospholipid phosphate-dependent regulation of the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC). Both MARCKS and ENaC are regulated by proteolysis. Calpains are a family of ubiquitously expressed intracellular Ca2+-dependent cysteine proteases involved in signal transduction. Here we examine the role of calpain-2 in regulating MARCKS and ENaC in cultured renal epithelial cells and in the mouse kidney. Using recombinant fusion proteins, we show that MARCKS, but not the ENaC subunits, are a substrate of calpain-2 in the presence of Ca2+. Pharmacological inhibition of calpain-2 alters MARCKS protein expression in light-density sucrose gradient fractions from cell lysates of mouse cortical collecting duct cells. Calpain-dependent cleaved products of MARCKS are detectable in cultured renal cells. Ca2+ mobilization and calpain-2 inhibition decrease the association between ENaC and MARCKS. The inhibition of calpain-2 reduces ENaC activity as demonstrated by single-channel patch-clamp recordings and transepithelial current measurements. These results suggest that calpain-2 proteolysis of MARCKS promotes its interaction with lipids and ENaC at the plasma membrane to allow for the phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2)-dependent regulation of ENaC activity in the kidney.
Primary cilia control the maturation of tubular lumen in renal collecting duct epithelium
Authors: Ernandez Thomas , Komarynets Olga , Chassot Alexandra , Sougoumarin Soushma , Soulié Priscilla , Wang Yubao , Montesano Roberto , Feraille Eric
Published: May 2017

The key role of the primary cilium in developmental processes is illustrated by ciliopathies resulting from genetic defects of its components. Ciliopathies include a large variety of dysmorphic syndromes that share in common the presence of multiple kidney cysts. These observations suggest that primary cilia may control morphogenetic processes in the developing kidney. In this study, we assessed the role of primary cilium in branching tubulogenesis and/or lumen development using kidney collecting duct-derived mCCDN21 cells that display spontaneous tubulogenic properties when grown in collagen-Matrigel matrix. Tubulogenesis and branching were not altered when cilium body growth was inhibited by Kif3A or Ift88 silencing. In agreement with the absence of a morphogenetic effect, proliferation and wound-healing assay revealed that neither cell proliferation nor migration were altered by cilium body disruption. The absence of cilium following Kif3A or Ift88 silencing in mCCDN21 cells did not alter the initial stages of tubular lumen generation while lumen maturation and enlargement were delayed. This delay in tubular lumen maturation was not observed after Pkd1 knockdown in mCCDN21 cells. The delayed lumen maturation was explained by neither defective secretion or increased reabsorption of luminal fluid. Our results indicate that primary cilia do not control early morphogenetic processes in renal epithelium. Rather, primary cilia modulate tubular lumen maturation and enlargement resulting from luminal fluid accumulation in tubular structures derived from collecting duct cells.
Hyperpolarized gas diffusion MRI of biphasic lung inflation in short- and long-term emphysema models
Authors: Xin Yi , Cereda Maurizio , Kadlecek Stephen , Emami Kiarash , Hamedani Hooman , Duncan Ian , Rajaei Jennia , Hughes Liam , Meeder Natalie , Naji Joseph , Profka Harrilla , Bolognese Brian J. , Foley Joseph P. , Podolin Patricia L. , Rizi Rahim R.
Published: May 2017

During lung inflation, airspace dimensions are affected nonlinearly by both alveolar expansion and recruitment, potentially confounding the identification of emphysematous lung by hyperpolarized helium-3 diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (HP MRI). This study aimed to characterize lung inflation over a broad range of inflation volume and pressure values in two different models of emphysema, as well as in normal lungs. Elastase-treated rats ( n = 7) and healthy controls ( n = 7) were imaged with HP MRI. Gradual inflation was achieved by incremental changes to both inflation volume and airway pressure. The apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) was measured at each level of inflation and fitted to the corresponding airway pressures as the second-order response equation, with minimizing residue (χ2 < 0.001). A biphasic ADC response was detected, with an initial ADC increase followed by a decrease at airway pressures >18 cmH2O. Discrimination between treated and control rats was optimal when airway pressure was intermediate (between 10 and 11 cmH2O). Similar findings were confirmed in mice following long-term exposure to cigarette smoke, where optimal discrimination between treated and healthy mice occurred at a similar airway pressure as in the rats. We subsequently explored the evolution of ADC measured at the intermediate inflation level in mice after prolonged smoke exposure and found a significant increase ( P < 0.01) in ADC over time. Our results demonstrate that measuring ADC at intermediate inflation enhances the distinction between healthy and diseased lungs, thereby establishing a model that may improve the diagnostic accuracy of future HP gas diffusion studies.
Autophagy plays a role in FSTL1-induced epithelial mesenchymal transition and airway remodeling in asthma
Authors: Liu Tian , Liu Yahui , Miller Marina , Cao Liuzhao , Zhao Jiping , Wu Jinxiang , Wang Junfei , Liu Lin , Li Shuo , Zou Minfang , Xu Jiawei , Broide David H. , Dong Liang
Published: May 2017

Asthma is a chronic disease related to airway hyperresponsiveness and airway remodeling. Airway remodeling is the important reason of refractory asthma and is associated with differentiation of airway epithelia into myofibroblasts via epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) to increase the process of subepithelial fibrosis. There is growing evidence that autophagy modulates remodeling. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms of these effects are still unclear. In this study, we hypothesized that Follistatin-like 1 (FSTL1) promotes EMT and airway remodeling by intensifying autophagy. With the use of transmission electron microscopy (TEM), double-membrane autophagosomes were detected in the airways of patients and mice. More autophagosomes were in patients with asthma and OVA-challenged mice compared with healthy controls. The expression of FSTL1 and beclin-1 was upregulated in the airways of patients with asthma and OVA-challenged mice, accompanied by airway EMT and remodeling. In OVA-challenged Fstl1+/− mice, the degree of airway remodeling and autophagy was decreased compared with control mice. The effects of FSTL1 on autophagy and EMT were also tested in 16HBE cells in vitro. Additionally, inhibition of autophagy by using LY-294002 and siRNA-ATG5 reduced the FSTL1-induced EMT in 16HBE cells, as measured by E-cadherin, N-cadherin, and vimentin expression. In line herewith, administration of LY-294002 reduced the expression of autophagy, EMT, and airway remodeling markers in FSTL1-challenged WT mice. Taken together, our study suggests that FSTL1 may induce EMT and airway remodeling by activating autophagy. These findings may provide novel avenues for therapeutic research targeting the autophagy and FSTL1 pathway, which may be beneficial to patients with refractory asthma.
Luminal ANG II is internalized as a complex with AT1R/AT2R heterodimers to target endoplasmic reticulum in LLC-PK1cells
Authors: Ferrão Fernanda M. , Cardoso Luiza H. D. , Drummond Heather A. , Li Xiao C. , Zhuo Jia L. , Gomes Dayene S. , Lara Lucienne S. , Vieyra Adalberto , Lowe Jennifer
Published: May 2017

ANG II has many biological effects in renal physiology, particularly in Ca2+handling in the regulation of fluid and solute reabsorption. It involves the systemic endocrine renin-angiotensin system (RAS), but tissue and intracrine ANG II are also known. We have shown that ANG II induces heterodimerization of its AT1and AT2receptors (AT1R and AT2R) to stimulate sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA) activity. Thus, we investigated whether ANG II-AT1R/AT2R complex is formed and internalized, and also examined the intracellular localization of this complex to determine how its effect might be exerted on renal intracrine RAS. Living cell imaging of LLC-PK1cells, quantification of extracellular ANG II, and use of the receptor antagonists, losartan and PD123319, showed that ANG II is internalized with AT1R/AT2R heterodimers as a complex in a microtubule-dependent and clathrin-independent manner, since colchicine—but not Pitstop2—blocked this process. This result was confirmed by an increase of β-arrestin phosphorylation after ANG II treatment, clathrin-mediated endocytosis being dependent on dephosphorylation of β-arrestin. Internalized ANG II colocalized with an endoplasmic reticulum (ER) marker and increased levels of AT1R, AT2R, and PKCα in ER-enriched membrane fractions. This novel evidence suggests the internalization of an ANG II-AT1/AT2complex to target ER, where it might trigger intracellular Ca2+responses.
Inferring neuronal network functional connectivity with directed information
Authors: Cai Zhiting , Neveu Curtis L. , Baxter Douglas A. , Byrne John H. , Aazhang Behnaam
Published: May 2017

This study brings together the techniques of voltage-sensitive dye recording and information theory to infer the functional connectome of the feeding central pattern generating network of Aplysia. In contrast to current statistical approaches, the inference method developed in this study is data driven and validated by conductance-based model circuits, can distinguish excitatory and inhibitory connections, is robust against synaptic plasticity, and is capable of detecting network structures that mediate motor patterns.
Neuropeptide-Y alters VTA dopamine neuron activity through both pre- and postsynaptic mechanisms
Authors: West Katherine Stuhrman , Roseberry Aaron G.
Published: May 2017

The mesocorticolimbic dopamine system, the brain’s reward system, regulates many different behaviors including food intake, food reward, and feeding-related behaviors, and there is increasing evidence that hypothalamic feeding-related neuropeptides alter dopamine neuron activity to affect feeding. For example, neuropeptide-Y (NPY), a strong orexigenic hypothalamic neuropeptide, increases motivation for food when injected into the ventral tegmental area (VTA). How NPY affects the activity of VTA dopamine neurons to regulate feeding behavior is unknown, however. In these studies we have used whole cell patch-clamp electrophysiology in acute brain slices from mice to examine how NPY affects VTA dopamine neuron activity. NPY activated an outward current that exhibited characteristics of a G protein-coupled inwardly rectifying potassium channel current in ~60% of dopamine neurons tested. In addition to its direct effects on VTA dopamine neurons, NPY also decreased the amplitude and increased paired-pulse ratios of evoked excitatory postsynaptic currents in a subset of dopamine neurons, suggesting that NPY decreases glutamatergic transmission through a presynaptic mechanism. Interestingly, NPY also strongly inhibited evoked inhibitory postsynaptic currents onto dopamine neurons by a presynaptic mechanism. Overall these studies demonstrate that NPY utilizes multiple mechanisms to affect VTA dopamine neuron activity, and they provide an important advancement in our understanding of how NPY acts in the VTA to control feeding behavior.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Neuropeptide-Y (NPY) has been shown to act on mesolimbic dopamine circuits to increase motivated behaviors toward food, but it is unclear exactly how NPY causes these responses. Here, we demonstrate that NPY directly inhibited a subset of ventral tegmental area (VTA) dopamine neurons through the activation of G protein-coupled inwardly rectifying potassium currents, and it inhibited both excitatory postsynaptic currents and inhibitory postsynaptic currents onto subsets of dopamine neurons through a presynaptic mechanism. Thus NPY uses multiple mechanisms to dynamically control VTA dopamine neuron activity.
Histological Evaluation and Management of Rare Case of Supernumerary “Ghost” Teeth
Authors: Re Dino , Canciani Elena , Poli Corinne , Buccarella Laura , Toma Marilisa , Butti Andrea Carlo , Dellavia Claudia
Published: May 2017

Supernumerary teeth are teeth that exceed the normal dental formula. Their prevalence in the permanent dentition is 1–14% and they occur more frequently in maxilla with a sex ratio of 2 : 1 in favor of males. They are often associated with syndromes but there are examples of nonsyndromic multiple supernumerary teeth reported in the literature. CBCT is usually the best exam for radiographic diagnosis and treatment planning, because it provides 3D information about location and morphology of supernumerary teeth. This paper reports a rare case of four supernumerary teeth in a nonsyndromic 9-year-old boy. The peculiarity of this case is that two more exceeding teeth were found during surgical procedure. After extraction, all the teeth underwent a histological undecalcified processing for light microscopical examination. The two “ghost” supernumerary teeth seemed to be primordial dental germs, possibly resulting from an altered odontogenic process. After supernumerary teeth extraction, X-rays and exfoliation monitoring are recommended, since permanent retained teeth often erupt naturally or, at least, improve their condition. Radiographic follow-up is also useful in order to assess the formation of further teeth due to the hyperactivity of the dental lamina.
Dielectric and Electrical Properties of WS2 Nanotubes/Epoxy Composites and Their Use for Stress Monitoring of Structures
Authors: Sedova A. , Khodorov S. , Ehre D. , Achrai B. , Wagner H. D. , Tenne R. , Dodiuk H. , Kenig S.
Published: May 2017

The dielectric and electrical characteristics of the semiconductive WS2 nanotubes/epoxy composites were studied as a function of the nanotubes concentration and the pressure applied during their molding. In addition, the ability of WS2 nanotubes to serve as stress sensors in epoxy based nanocomposites, for health-monitoring applications, was studied. The nanocomposite elements were loaded in three-point bending configuration. The direct current was monitored simultaneously with stress-strain measurements. It was found that, in nanocomposites, above the percolation concentrations of the nanotubes, the electrical conductivity increases considerably with the applied load and hence WS2 nanotubes can be potentially used as sensors for health monitoring of structural components.
Antimicrobial Activity of a Cationic Guanidine Compound against Two Pathogenic Oral Bacteria
Authors: Escamilla-García E. , Alcázar-Pizaña A. G. , Segoviano-Ramírez J. C. , Del Angel-Mosqueda C. , López-Lozano A. P. , Cárdenas-Estrada E. , De La Garza-Ramos M. A. , Medina-De La Garza C. E. , Márquez M.
Published: May 2017

This study evaluated the potential antimicrobial properties of a polyguanidine (CatDex) on two oral bacteria. Chlorhexidine gluconate 1340 μmoL L−1(CHX 0.12%) was used as control.Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans)andPorphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis)were grown in BHI media. Bacterial sensitivity and antimicrobial activity were determined by the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and Kirby-Bauer methods. To study side effects, that is, toxicity, dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) were used. Fluorometric cytotoxicity and confocal microscopy assays were used in order to test cell viability. CatDex inhibited growth ofS. mutansat all concentrations and growth ofP. gingivalisat all concentrations except 25 μmoL L−1. The MIC of CatDex was 50 μmoL L−1for bothS. mutansandP. gingivalis. The inhibition of bacteria exposed for 8 h at 50 μmoL L−1of CatDex exhibited increased antimicrobial activity over time, with 91% inhibition in both bacteria. The antimicrobial activities of CatDex and CHX were similar when tested on two common bacteria. CatDex was significantly less toxic to DPSCs. CatDex toxicity depended on time and not on concentration. With regard to clinical relevance, CatDex may have potential as a novel antimicrobial agent. Further studies are in progress.
Atlas-Free Cervical Spinal Cord Segmentation on Midsagittal T2-Weighted Magnetic Resonance Images
Authors: Liao Chun-Chih , Ting Hsien-Wei , Xiao Furen
Published: May 2017

An automatic atlas-free method for segmenting the cervical spinal cord on midsagittal T2-weighted magnetic resonance images (MRI) is presented. Pertinent anatomical knowledge is transformed into constraints employed at different stages of the algorithm. After picking up the midsagittal image, the spinal cord is detected using expectation maximization and dynamic programming (DP). Using DP, the anterior and posterior edges of the spinal canal and the vertebral column are detected. The vertebral bodies and the intervertebral disks are then segmented using region growing. Then, the anterior and posterior edges of the spinal cord are detected using median filtering followed by DP. We applied this method to 79 noncontrast MRI studies over a 3-month period. The spinal cords were detected in all cases, and the vertebral bodies were successfully labeled in 67 (85%) of them. Our algorithm had very good performance. Compared to manual segmentation results, the Jaccard indices ranged from 0.937 to 1, with a mean of 0.980 ± 0.014. The Hausdorff distances between the automatically detected and manually delineated anterior and posterior spinal cord edges were both 1.0 ± 0.5 mm. Used alone or in combination, our method lays a foundation for computer-aided diagnosis of spinal diseases, particularly cervical spondylotic myelopathy.
Kinematic and Electromyographic Activity Changes during Back Squat with Submaximal and Maximal Loading
Authors: Yavuz Hasan U. , Erdag Deniz
Published: May 2017

The aim of this study was to investigate the possible kinematic and muscular activity changes with maximal loading during squat maneuver. Fourteen healthy male individuals, who were experienced at performing squats, participated in this study. Each subject performed squats with 80%, 90%, and 100% of the previously established 1 repetition maximum (1RM). Electromyographic (EMG) activities were measured for the vastus lateralis, vastus medialis, rectus femoris, semitendinosus, biceps femoris, gluteus maximus, and erector spinae by using an 8-channel dual-mode portable EMG and physiological signal data acquisition system (Myomonitor IV, Delsys Inc., Boston, MA, USA). Kinematical data were analyzed by using saSuite 2D kinematical analysis program. Data were analyzed with repeated measures analysis of variance (p<0.05). Overall muscle activities increased with increasing loads, but significant increases were seen only for vastus medialis and gluteus maximus during 90% and 100% of 1RM compared to 80% while there was no significant difference between 90% and 100% for any muscle. The movement pattern in the hip joint changed with an increase in forward lean during maximal loading. Results may suggest that maximal loading during squat may not be necessary for focusing on knee extensor improvement and may increase the lumbar injury risk.
A Novel Multi‐View‐Angle Range Images Generation Method for Measurement of Complicated Polyhedron in 3D Space
Authors: Kong Deming , Lin Hongbin , Chen Xiaoyu
Published: May 2017

A new kind of generation method is proposed in this paper to acquire range images for complicated polyhedron in 3D space from a series of view angles. In the proposed generation method, concept of three‐view drawing in mechanical cartography is introduced into the range image generation procedure. Negative and positive directions of x‐, y‐, and z‐axes are selected as the view angles to generate the range images for complicated polyhedron in 3D space. Furthermore, a novel iterative operation of mathematical morphology is proposed to ensure that satisfactory range images can be generated for the polyhedron from all the selected view angles. Compared with the existing method based on single view angle and interpolation operation, structure features contained in surface of the complicated polyhedron can be represented more consistently with the reality by using the proposed multi‐view‐angle range images generation method. The proposed generation method is validated by using an experiment.
Hydrogen Sulfide Protects Cardiomyocytes against Apoptosis in Ischemia/Reperfusion through MiR-1-Regulated Histone Deacetylase 4 Pathway
Authors: Kang Bo , Li Wei , Xi Wang , Yi Yinghong , Ciren Yundan , Shen Hua , Zhang Yufeng , Jiang Huan , Xiao Jian , Wang Zhinong
Published: May 2017

Background/Aims: Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a powerful inhibitor of cardiomyocytes apoptosis following ischemia/reperfusion (IR) injury, but the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Our previous study showed that microRNA-1 (miR-1) was upregulated by 2.21 fold in the IR group compared with that in the H2S preconditioned group. MiR-206 affected the process of cardiomyocytes hypertrophy by regulating histone deacetylase 4 (HDAC4). HDAC4 is also known to play an anti-apoptotic role in tumor cells, but its role in the myocardium has not been reported. The aim of this study was to test whether H2S could inhibit apoptosis of cardiomyocytes through HDAC4 regulation by miR-1 in IR. Methods: Cardiomyocytes of neonatal rats were subjected to hypoxia/reoxygenation (HR) injury with or without H2S pretreatment to simulate IR injury Cardiomyocytes were transfected with miR-1 mimic or HDAC4 siRNA to evaluate whether the miR-1-HDAC4 signaling pathway was involved in the protective effect of H2S. Results: HR increased cell apoptosis and caspase-3 cleavage, upregulated miR-1, and downregulated HDAC4. H2S preconditioning attenuated the apoptosis of cardiomyocytes, caspase-3 cleavage and LDH release, and enhanced cell viability In addition, H2S downregulated miR-1, and preserved HDAC4 expression. HDAC4 protein was down-regulated by miR-1 mimic. Transfection of cardiomyocytes with miR-1 mimic partially reduced the protective effect of H2S. Meanwhile, transfection of cardiomyocytes with siRNA to HDAC4 partially abrogated the protective effect of H2S. Conclusions: The miR-1-HDAC4 signaling pathway is involved in the protective effect of H2S against the apoptosis of cardiomyocytes during the IR injury process.
Complement C3 Expression Is Decreased in Autism Spectrum Disorder Subjects and Contributes to Behavioral Deficits in Rodents
Authors: Fagan Kiley , Crider Amanda , Ahmed Anthony O. , Pillai Anilkumar
Published: May 2017

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with hallmark symptoms including social deficits, communication deficits and repetitive behaviors. Accumulating evidence suggests a potential role of the immune system in the pathophysiology of ASD. The complement system represents one of the major effector mechanisms of the innate immune system, and regulates inflammation, and orchestrates defense against pathogens. However, the role of CNS complement system in ASD is not well understood. In the present study, we found a significant increase in C2, C5, and MASP1, but a decrease in C1q, C3, and C4 mRNA levels in the middle frontal gyrus of ASD subjects compared to controls. Significant decreases in the mRNA levels of 2 key proinflammatory cytokines, IL-17 and IL-23 were observed in ASD subjects. Our study further demonstrated a strong association of complement genes with IL-17 and IL-23, suggesting a possible role of the complement system in immune dysregulation in ASD. We observed significant associations between complement components and abnormality of development scores in subjects with ASD. In rodents, C3 knockdown in the prefrontal cortex induced social interaction deficits and repetitive behavior in mice. Together, these studies suggest a potential role of C3 in the pathophysiology of ASD.
A Hybrid Fuzzy Logic FOPID Position Controller for DC Motor Driving Tracking Systems System
Authors: M. Ismail Mohamed , F. Elbendary Ahmed , M. Abdelghany Abdelghany
Published: May 2017

This paper presents a developed application for using Fraction Order PID controller (FOPID) in controlling of DC motors installed incelestron telescope, this is done through controlling the angles of two DC motors driven the telescope. The model of celestron telescope is mathematically represented by highly non linear differential equations, this types of nonlinear model is recommended to be controlled using Artificial Intelligent based controller. In this paper, optimal fuzzy FOPID is implemented instead of conventional PID controllers. Genetic Algorithm, fuzzy logic are used for  tuning the FOPID parameters.FOPID  controller is based on  position error and its rate of change as an input vector, the proposed controller set presents a complete precision in forcing the telescope motors to satisfy the predefined position. The simulation results show the dynamic response of the system and the enhancement achieved in rising time and settling time when using FOPID. The response of FOPID is compared with the conventional PID with the same input position reference.
Generalized Transformed Hough: Segmentation of Contours in Angiographic Images
Authors: Gualdron Oscar Eduardo
Published: May 2017

The morphologic and functional study of cardiovascular system is of vital importance because problems related to this system are one of the main causes of   mortality in the world. It is important to mention that the left ventricle (VI) is the most susceptible to suffer severe damage, in diseases, such as arterial hypertension, mellitus diabetes or arteriosclerosis. This article presents a new methodology directed to segmentation of left ventricular contours, in angiographic images by using Generalized Hough Transform (TGH). It is important to obtain the ventricular edge, because analyzing processes of systole and diastole end, it is possible to calculate parameters of the cardiac functionality as the end-diastolic volume, end systolic volume, ejection fraction, cardiac output, Hyperkinéticos, Hypokinéticos segments, and normal; in this work we focus only on the removal of the same. 
A Blind Identification and Equalization for MC-CDMA Transmission Channel using a New of Adaptive Filter Algorithm
Authors: Elmostafa ATIFY , Daoui Cherki , BOUMEZZOUGH Ahmed
Published: May 2017

A review of literature shows that there are a variety of adaptive filters. In this research study, we propose a new type of adaptive filter that increases the diversification used to compensate the channel distortion effect in the MC-CDMA transmission. First, we show expressions of the impulse responses of the filter in the case of a perfect channel. The adaptive filter  was simulated was experienced by blind equalization for different cases of Gaussian white noise in the case of an MC-CDMA transmission  with orthogonal frequency baseband for mobile radio downlink channel Bran A. Simulation Results  of the proposed model shows the performance of the identification and blind equalization algorithm for MC-CDMA transmission chain using IFFT.
Telecommunication Numbering System Roadmap towards Next Generation Network Era in Indonesia
Authors: Abdurohman Maman , Setia Nugroho Bambang , Putrada Aji Gautama
Published: May 2017

The telecommunication numbering system in Indonesia currently complies to the International TelecommunicationUnion (ITU) standard, that is ITU-T E.164. In accordance to both technology development and the growing of network users, ITU has also been designing future infrastructure network concept, namely Next Generation Network Infrastructure (NGNI). In its technical paper, ITU discusses future generation’s specification as well as current network migration scenarios towards Next Gereration Network (NGN) in developing countries and its impact on regulations, business processes, and the numbering system. The scenario described in the concept is yet universal and the implementation would be highly depending on the conditions of ones country. This paper proposes the roadmap of numbering system from the current state into NGN numbering for the case of Indonesia. The method used in this paper are benchmarking with several countries that have started with the transformation process, forecasting with regression method based on the existing trends and descriptive analysis. This paper has proposed the stages of numbering roadmap towards NGN numbering system, the achievement parameters, and the indicators that are suitable for Indonesia.
An Empirical Comparison of Latest Data Clustering Algorithms with State-of-the-Art
Authors: Shi Xianjin , Wang Wanwan , Zhang Chongsheng
Published: May 2017

Over the past few decades, a great many data clustering algorithms have been developed, including K-Means, DBSCAN, Bi-Clustering and Spectral clustering, etc. In recent years, two new data  clustering algorithms have been proposed, which are affinity propagation (AP, 2007) and density peak based clustering (DP, 2014). In this work, we empirically compare the performance of these two latest data clustering algorithms with state-of-the-art, using 6 external and 2 internal clustering validation metrics. Our experimental results on 16 public datasets show that, the two latest clustering algorithms, AP and DP, do not always outperform DBSCAN. Therefore, to find the best clustering algorithm for a specific dataset, all of AP, DP and DBSCAN should be considered.  Moreover, we find that the comparison of different clustering algorithms is closely related to the clustering evaluation metrics adopted. For instance, when using the Silhouette clustering validation metric, the overall performance of K-Means is as good as AP and DP. This work has important reference values for researchers and engineers who need to select appropriate clustering algorithms for their specific applications.
Mammogram Analysis using League Championship Algorithm Optimized Ensembled FCRN Classifier
Authors: D Saraswathi , E Srinivasan
Published: May 2017

An intelligent mammogram diagnosis system can be very helpful for radiologist in detecting the abnormalities earlier than typical screening techniques. This paper investigates a new classification approach for detection of breast abnormalities in digital mammograms using League Championship Algorithm Optimized Ensembled Fully Complex valued Relaxation Network (LCA-FCRN). The proposed algorithm is based on extracting curvelet fractal texture features from the mammograms and classifying the suspicious regions by applying a pattern classifier. The whole system includes steps for pre-processing, feature extraction, feature selection and classification to classify whether the given input mammogram image is normal or abnormal. The method is applied to MIAS database of 322 film mammograms. The performance of the CAD system is analysed using Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve. This curve indicates the trade-offs between sensitivity and specificity that is available from a diagnostic system, and thus describes the inherent discrimination capacity of the proposed system. The result shows that the area under the ROC curve of the proposed algorithm is 0.985 with a sensitivity of 98.1% and specificity of 92.105%. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method can form an effective CAD system, and achieve good classification accuracy.
Novel Artificial Magnetic Conductor for 5G Application
Authors: Muhamad Maizatun , Abu Maisarah , Zakaria Zahriladha , Hassan Hasnizom
Published: May 2017

A design of novel bendable Artificial Magnetic Conductor (AMC) structures has been presented in this paper in two selected of frequencies at 5G application. These designs started with a square patch shape and continued with the combination of circular and Jerusalem shape which resonate at a frequency of 18 GHz and 28 GHz. Details of the theory and the structures of AMCs are explained. The reflection phase, bandwidth, angular stability and dispersion diagram were studied. The simulated results plotted that the novel AMC has good bandwidth and size is reduced by 53 percent and 55 percent for both frequencies. Other than that, it is also proved that the novel AMC has a stable reflection phase and no band gap performs at the specific frequency. The good performances of this novel AMC make it useful in order to improve antenna’s performance.
Deep Neural Network Method for the Prediction of Xylitol Production
Authors: Noorain Mohmad Yousoff Siti , Baharin ‘Amirah , Abdullah Afnizanfaizal
Published: May 2017

Bio-based chemical products such as xylitol have achieved remarkable attentions both in pharmaceutical and food industries due to their several advantages such as sugar substitute that can help diabetic patients and help in preventing tooth decay problem. To produce xylitol, recently, microbial host such as E. Coli often used as it is predicted that E. Coli can produce high level of xylitol. Therefore, metabolic engineering need to be done towards E. Coli and powerful tools are needed to manipulate, simulate and analyse the E. Coli metabolic pathway. Artificial intelligence methods such as deep neural network offer an efficient and powerful approach to be used to analyse the xylitol production value and at the same time to predict which genes and pathway that give biggest effect in the process to produce xylitol in E. Coli. Results show that, with an absence of genes pgi, tkt and tala, xylitol production can be boosted up to the higher level.
Physiology of Angina and Its Alleviation With Nitroglycerin
Authors: Asrress Kaleab N. , Williams Rupert , Lockie Timothy , Khawaja Muhammed Z. , De Silva Kalpa , Lumley Matthew , Patterson Tiffany , Arri Satpal , Ihsan Sana , Ellis Howard , Guilcher Antoine , Clapp Brian , Chowienczyk Philip J. , Plein Sven , Perera Divaka , Marber Michael S. , Redwood Simon R.
Published: May 2017

Background:

The mechanisms governing exercise-induced angina and its alleviation by the most commonly used antianginal drug, nitroglycerin, are incompletely understood. The purpose of this study was to develop a method by which the effects of antianginal drugs could be evaluated invasively during physiological exercise to gain further understanding of the clinical impact of angina and nitroglycerin.

Methods:

Forty patients (mean age, 65.2±7.6 years) with exertional angina and coronary artery disease underwent cardiac catheterization via radial access and performed incremental exercise using a supine cycle ergometer. As they developed limiting angina, sublingual nitroglycerin was administered to half the patients, and all patients continued to exercise for 2 minutes at the same workload. Throughout exercise, distal coronary pressure and flow velocity and central aortic pressure were recorded with sensor wires.

Results:

Patients continued to exercise after nitroglycerin administration with less ST-segment depression (
P
=0.003) and therefore myocardial ischemia. Significant reductions in afterload (aortic pressure,
P
=0.030) and myocardial oxygen demand were seen (tension-time index,
P
=0.024; rate-pressure product,
P
=0.046), as well as an increase in myocardial oxygen supply (Buckberg index,
P
=0.017). Exercise reduced peripheral arterial wave reflection (
P
<0.05), which was not further augmented by the administration of nitroglycerin (
P
=0.648). The observed increases in coronary pressure gradient, stenosis resistance, and flow velocity did not reach statistical significance; however, the diastolic velocity–pressure gradient relation was consistent with a significant increase in relative stenosis severity (k coefficient,
P
<0.0001), in keeping with exercise-induced vasoconstriction of stenosed epicardial segments and dilatation of normal segments, with trends toward reversal with nitroglycerin.

Conclusions:

The catheterization laboratory protocol provides a model to study myocardial ischemia and the actions of novel and established antianginal drugs. Administration of nitroglycerin causes changes in the systemic and coronary circulation that combine to reduce myocardial oxygen demand and to increase supply, thereby attenuating exercise-induced ischemia. Designing antianginal therapies that exploit these mechanisms may provide new therapeutic strategies.
Long‐Term Effects of Unprovoked Venous Thromboembolism on Mortality and Major Cardiovascular Events
Authors: Chang Wei‐Ting , Chang Chia‐Li , Ho Chung‐Han , Hong Chon‐Seng , Wang Jhi‐Joung , Chen Zhih‐Cherng
Published: May 2017

Background

Patients with unprovoked venous thromboembolism (
VTE
) are at an increased risk of mortality, but whether their cardiovascular risks also increase remains to be determined. We aimed to investigate the factors associated with overall mortality and major adverse cardiovascular events in patients with unprovoked
VTE
.

Methods and Results

We identified 2154 patients newly diagnosed with unprovoked
VTE
from Taiwan's National Health Insurance Database between 2000 and 2013, excluding those with reversible etiologies, underlying cancer, or autoimmune diseases. These patients with
VTE
were compared with an age‐, sex‐, and cardiovascular risk‐matched cohort of 4308 controls. The risk of mortality and major adverse cardiovascular events in patients with
VTE
was 2.23 (
CI
, 1.93–2.57;
P
<0.0001) and 1.86 (
CI
, 1.65–2.09;
P
<0.0001) times, respectively, higher than that of the conditions in controls. These events mostly occurred during the first year after the diagnosis of unprovoked
VTE
. Among patients with
VTE
, advanced age, male sex, and comorbid diabetes mellitus indicated a higher incidence of mortality and major adverse cardiovascular events. Conversely, comorbid hyperlipidemia attenuated these risks.

Conclusions

This nation‐wide cohort study revealed that patients with unprovoked
VTE
, particularly older males with diabetes mellitus, had an elevated risk of both mortality and cardiovascular events. Risk of mortality and major adverse cardiovascular events were highest within the first year after diagnosis and persisted during the 10 years of follow‐up.
Inflammatory Differences in Plaque Erosion and Rupture in Patients With ST‐Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Chandran Sujay , Watkins Johnathan , Abdul‐Aziz Amina , Shafat Manar , Calvert Patrick A. , Bowles Kristian M. , Flather Marcus D. , Rushworth Stuart A. , Ryding Alisdair D.
Published: May 2017

Background

Plaque erosion causes 30% of ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarctions, but the underlying cause is unknown. Inflammatory infiltrates are less abundant in erosion compared with rupture in autopsy studies. We hypothesized that erosion and rupture are associated with significant differences in intracoronary cytokines in vivo.

Methods and Results

Forty
ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction
patients with <6 hours of chest pain were classified as ruptured fibrous cap (
RFC
) or intact fibrous cap (
IFC
) using optical coherence tomography. Plasma samples from the infarct‐related artery and a peripheral artery were analyzed for expression of 102 cytokines using arrays; results were confirmed with
ELISA
. Thrombectomy samples were analyzed for differential
mRNA
expression using quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Twenty‐three lesions were classified as
RFC
(58%), 15 as
IFC
(38%), and 2 were undefined (4%). In addition, 12% (12 of 102) of cytokines were differentially expressed in both coronary and peripheral plasma. I‐TAC was preferentially expressed in
RFC
(significance analysis of microarrays adjusted
P
<0.001;
ELISA IFC
10.2 versus
RFC
10.8 log
2
 pg/mL;
P
=0.042).
IFC
was associated with preferential expression of epidermal growth factor (
significance analysis of microarrays
adjusted
P
<0.001;
ELISA IFC
7.42 versus
RFC
6.63 log
2
 pg/mL,
P
=0.036) and thrombospondin 1 (
significance analysis of microarrays
adjusted
P
=0.03;
ELISA IFC
10.4 versus
RFC
8.65 log
2
 ng/mL,
P
=0.0041). Thrombectomy
mRNA
showed elevated I‐TAC in
RFC
(
P
=0.0007)
epidermal growth factor
expression in
IFC
(
P
=0.0264) but no differences in expression of thrombospondin 1.

Conclusions

These results demonstrate differential intracoronary cytokine expression in
RFC
and
IFC
. Elevated thrombospondin 1 and
epidermal growth factor
may play an etiological role in erosion.
Irregular Shape Identifies Ruptured Intracranial Aneurysm in Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Patients With Multiple Aneurysms
Authors: Björkman Joel , Frösen Juhana , Tähtinen Olli , Backes Daan , Huttunen Terhi , Harju Jaakko , Huttunen Jukka , Kurki Mitja I. , von und zu Fraunberg Mikael , Koivisto Timo , Manninen Hannu , Jääskeläinen Juha E. , Lindgren Antti E.
Published: May 2017

Background and Purpose—

We investigated which aneurysm-related risk factors for rupture best discriminate ruptured versus unruptured saccular intracranial aneurysms (sIAs) in subarachnoid hemorrhage patients with multiple sIAs.

Methods—

We included 264 subarachnoid hemorrhage patients with a ruptured sIA and at least one additional unruptured sIA, from the Kuopio Intracranial Aneurysm database from 2003 to 2015. These patients had 268 ruptured and 445 unruptured sIAs. Angiograms of the 713 sIAs were reevaluated for multiple variables describing aneurysm shape. Multivariate generalized linear mixed models were used to calculate odds ratios with corresponding 95% confidence intervals for the independent risk factors for aneurysm rupture.

Results—

In the multivariate analysis, only sIA size (
P
<0.004) and irregular shape (
P
<0.000) independently associated with sIA rupture. As an independent risk factor, irregular shape showed the strongest association with rupture (odds ratio 90.3; 95% confidence interval, 47.0–173.5). The sIA location, flow angles, bottleneck factor, or aspect ratio were not significantly associated with rupture.

Conclusions—

Irregular shape may identify the ruptured sIA better than size in patients presenting with aSAH and multiple sIAs.
Brain Modularity Mediates the Relation between Task Complexity and Performance
Authors: Yue Qiuhai , Martin Randi C. , Fischer-Baum Simon , Ramos-Nuñez Aurora I. , Ye Fengdan , Deem Michael W.
Published: May 2017

Recent work in cognitive neuroscience has focused on analyzing the brain as a network, rather than as a collection of independent regions. Prior studies taking this approach have found that individual differences in the degree of modularity of the brain network relate to performance on cognitive tasks. However, inconsistent results concerning the direction of this relationship have been obtained, with some tasks showing better performance as modularity increases and other tasks showing worse performance. A recent theoretical model [Chen, M., & Deem, M. W. 2015. Development of modularity in the neural activity of children's brains. Physical Biology, 12, 016009] suggests that these inconsistencies may be explained on the grounds that high-modularity networks favor performance on simple tasks whereas low-modularity networks favor performance on more complex tasks. The current study tests these predictions by relating modularity from resting-state fMRI to performance on a set of simple and complex behavioral tasks. Complex and simple tasks were defined on the basis of whether they did or did not draw on executive attention. Consistent with predictions, we found a negative correlation between individuals' modularity and their performance on a composite measure combining scores from the complex tasks but a positive correlation with performance on a composite measure combining scores from the simple tasks. These results and theory presented here provide a framework for linking measures of whole-brain organization from network neuroscience to cognitive processing.
Unlocking the Potential of NEXRAD Data through NOAA’s Big Data Partnership
Authors: Ansari Steve , Del Greco Stephen , Kearns Edward , Brown Otis , Wilkins Scott , Ramamurthy Mohan , Weber Jeff , May Ryan , Sundwall Jed , Layton Jeff , Gold Ariel , Pasch Adam , Lakshmanan Valliappa
Published: May 2017

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Big Data Partnership (BDP) was established in April 2015 through cooperative research agreements between NOAA and selected commercial and academic partners. The BDP is investigating how the value inherent in NOAA’s data may be leveraged to broaden their utilization through modern cloud infrastructures and advanced “big data” techniques. NOAA’s Next Generation Weather Radar (NEXRAD) data were identified as an ideal candidate for such collaborative efforts. NEXRAD Level II data are valuable yet challenging to utilize in their entirety, and recent advances in weather radar science can be applied to both the archived and real-time data streams. NOAA’s National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) transferred the complete NEXRAD Level II historical archive, originating in 1991, through North Carolina State University’s Cooperative Institute for Climate and Satellites (CICS-NC) to interested BDP collaborators. Amazon Web Services (AWS) has received and made freely available the complete archived Level II data through its AWS platform. AWS then partnered with Unidata/University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR) to establish a real-time NEXRAD feed, thereby providing on-demand dissemination of both archived and current data seamlessly through the same access mechanism by October 2015. To organize, verify, and utilize the NEXRAD data on its platform, AWS further partnered with the Climate Corporation. This collective effort among federal government, private industry, and academia has already realized a number of new and novel applications that employ NOAA’s NEXRAD data, at no net cost to the U.S. taxpayer. The volume of accessed NEXRAD data, including this new AWS platform service, has increased by 130%, while the amount of data delivered by NOAA/NCEI has decreased by 50%.