bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Threshold corrections to hard supersymmetric relations
Authors: Giardino Pier Paolo , Lodone Paolo
Published: June 2014

We compute the one-loop threshold corrections to hard supersymmetric relations involving gauge and gaugino couplings for the case of a Split-SUSY-like spectrum with moderate splitting. We show that these contributions are small, however in principle they will typically have to be taken into account if the heavy scalar sector is below 100 TeV and if one reaches, at future linear colliders, the precision that is necessary to perform this kind of measurements.
FIRST-ORDER MEMRISTOR–CAPACITOR FILTER CIRCUITS EMPLOYING HP MEMRISTOR
Authors: SOZEN HASAN , CAM UGUR
Published: June 2014

The memristor has drawn the worldwide attention since it has been discovered at HP laboratory on 1 May 2008. Since then many researchers are taking efforts to find its applications in various areas. In this paper, we study the filter characteristics of first-order low pass and high pass filters employing memristor with a capacitor. The paper provides a comparative analysis between low pass and high pass filter circuits that utilizing ordinary resistor or memristor with a capacitor. The theoretical analyzes are verified with SPICE simulation results using a memristor SPICE model with nonlinear dopant drift and MATLAB environment. The effect of change of the input frequency and initial resistance value of memristor on the cut-off frequencies of the presented low pass and high pass filters are investigated. The memory effect of memristor is represented by simulation results.
A Mixed Gauss and Directional Distance Filter for Fiber Direction Tracking
Authors: Yuan Yongfeng , Wang Kuanquan
Published: June 2014

Fiber directional tracking through diffusion tensor magnetic resonance imaging (DT-MRI) is a promising research field in visualization and computer graphics and is widely applied in the reconstruction of fiber orientation and the structure of biological tissues. The filter technique used to blur noise in data is of critical importance for fiber directional tracking, particularly because existing tracking methods are very sensitive to impulsive noise. In this paper, a mixed filter of the 3D Gauss and directional distance filter (GDDF) is proposed to suppress noises in corrupted vector fields. Simulation results and objective evaluation of vector datasets demonstrate that GDDF not only possesses the capability of noise attenuation but also preserves vector directions. By validating the simulated vector data against experimental heart data, it is also shown that the GDDF is an effective and stable preprocessing method that accurately reconstructs fiber orientation.
Medical Image Denoising Based on Soft Thresholding Using Biorthogonal Multiscale Wavelet Transform
Authors: Prakash Om , Khare Ashish
Published: June 2014

Recorded medical images often represent a degraded version of the original scene due to imperfections in electronic or photographic medium used. The degradations may have many causes, but two dominant degradations are noise and blur. Restoration of blurred and noisy medical images is of fundamental importance in several medical imaging applications. Most of the medical image denoising techniques need removal of blur before the denoising. Denoising of medical images in presence of blur is a hard problem. Most of the wavelet transform-based denoising techniques use the orthonormal wavelets and suitable for image corrupted with only additive white Gaussian noise. In the present work, we have proposed a denoising algorithm for medical images based on the lifting-scheme and linear phase characteristic of biorthogonal wavelet transform. A level-dependent soft thresholding function has been used which is based on the standard deviation, the absolute mean and the absolute median of the wavelet coefficients. The linear phase characteristic of the biorthogonal filters used in denoising reduces the distortions at edge points of image. Also, the lifting schemes of the biorthogonal wavelet filters make the algorithm efficient and applicable in real time. Experimental results show that the proposed denoising method outperform standard wavelet, complex wavelet and curvelet-based denoising techniques in terms of the SNR and PSNR (in dB) and it offers effective noise removal from noisy medical images while maintaining sharpness of objects in the image.
GPU-Based Sphere Tracing for Radial Basis Function Implicits
Authors: Batagelo Harlen Costa , Gois João Paulo
Published: June 2014

Ray tracing of implicit surfaces based on radial basis functions can demand high computational cost in the presence of a large number of radial centers. Recently, it was presented the least squares hermite radial basis functions (LS-HRBF) Implicits, a method for implicit surface reconstruction from Hermitian data (points equipped with their normal vectors) which makes use of iterative center selection in order to reduce the number of centers. In the present work, we propose an antialiazed sphere tracing algorithm fully implemented in OpenGL Shader Language for ray tracing LS-HRBF Implicits, which exploits a regular partition of unity for strong parallelization. We show that interactive frame rates can be achieved for surfaces composed of thousands of centers even when rendering effects such as cube mapping, soft shadows and ambient occlusion are used.
Hybrid Color Segmentation Method Using a Customized Nonlinear Similarity Function
Authors: Carvalho L. E. , Mantelli Neto S. L. , von Wangenheim A. , Sobieranski A. C. , Coser L. , Comunello E.
Published: June 2014

Image segmentation is a fundamental step in several image processing tasks. It is a process where an image is divided into its constituent regions guided by a similarity criterion. One very interesting image segmentation method is the color structure code (CSC), which combines simultaneously split-and-merge and region-growing techniques. In this paper, a segmentation approach based on the CSC method, weighted color structure code (WCSC), is proposed. This method is guided by a nonlinear discrimination function, where the user-inference is captured by the Polynomial Mahalanobis distance, prioritizing, during the merging process, the regions with higher similarity to the user selected pattern. The WCSC has color distribution pattern-oriented characteristic, showing better coherence among the segments with higher similarity to the selected pattern. A qualitative evaluation and parametric paired analysis were performed to compare CSC, WCSC and other segmentation methods results, using images from Berkeley benchmark. The results from these comparison indicate an improvement on the segmentation result obtained by the WCSC.
A Real-Time Computer Vision-Based Static and Dynamic Hand Gesture Recognition System
Authors: Jasim Mahmood , Zhang Tao , Hasanuzzaman Md.
Published: June 2014

This paper presents a novel method for computer vision-based static and dynamic hand gesture recognition. Haar-like feature-based cascaded classifier is used for hand area segmentation. Static hand gestures are recognized using linear discriminant analysis (LDA) and local binary pattern (LBP)-based feature extraction methods. Static hand gestures are classified using nearest neighbor (NN) algorithm. Dynamic hand gestures are recognized using the novel text-based principal directional features (PDFs), which are generated from the segmented image sequences. Longest common subsequence (LCS) algorithm is used to classify the dynamic gestures. For testing, the Chinese numeral gesture dataset containing static hand poses and directional gesture dataset containing complex dynamic gestures are prepared. The mean accuracy of LDA-based static hand gesture recognition on the Chinese numeral gesture dataset is 92.42%. The mean accuracy of LBP-based static hand gesture recognition on the Chinese numeral gesture dataset is 87.23%. The mean accuracy of the novel dynamic hand gesture recognition method using PDF on directional gesture dataset is 94%.
ENDOTHELIAL MECHANOTRANSDUCTION MECHANISMS FOR VASCULAR PHYSIOLOGY AND ATHEROSCLEROSIS
Authors: ZHOU TIAN , ZHENG YIMING , QIU JUHUI , HU JIANJUN , SUN DAMING , TANG CHAOJUN , WANG GUIXUE
Published: June 2014

Vascular physiology and disease progression, such as atherosclerosis, are mediated by hemodynamic force generated from blood flow. The hemodynamic force exerts on vascular endothelial cells (ECs), which could perceive the mechanical signals and transmit them into cell interior by multiple potential shear sensors, collectively known as mechanotransduction. However, we do not understand completely how these shear-sensitive components orchestrate physiological and atherosclerotic responses to shear stress. In this review, we provide an overview of biomechanical mechanisms underlying vascular physiology and atherosclerotic progression. Additionally, we summarize current evidences to illustrate that atherosclerotic lesions preferentially develop in arterial regions experiencing disturbance in blood flow, during which endothelial dysfunction is the initial event of atherosclerosis, inflammation plays dominant roles in atherosclerotic progression, and angiogenesis emerges as compensatory explanation for atherosclerotic plaque rupture. Especially in the presence of systemic risk factors (e.g., hyperlipidaemia, hypertension and hyperglycemia), the synergy between these systemic risk factors with hemodynamic factors aggravates atherosclerosis by co-stimulating some of these biomechanical events. Given the hemodynamic environment of vasculature, understanding how the rapid shear-mediated signaling, particularly in combination with systemic risk factors, contribute to atherosclerotic progression through endothelial dysfunction, inflammation and angiogenesis helps to elucidate the role for atherogenic shear stress in specifically localizing atherosclerotic lesions in arterial regions with disturbed flow.
HYBRID PLATING SHOWS EQUIVALENT BIOMECHANICAL BENDING STRENGTH TO UNICORTICAL LOCKED PLATING
Authors: SOMERSON JEREMY S. , HEINEY JAKE P. , BATTULA SUNEEL , SCHOENFELD ANDREW J.
Published: June 2014

Locking unicortical screw fixation of diaphyseal fractures may be clinically necessary due to internal constructs or prosthetic implants. The biomechanical effects of substituting one or more bicortical nonlocking screws to create a "hybrid" construct are unknown. Use of an initial nonlocking screw may be clinically desirable for creating initial plate-to-bone fixation prior to locking. A validated transverse fracture model was used with eighteen synthetic humerus models. Plate and screw fixation was performed in three treatment groups (n = 6): Unicortical locking screws only, fixation with two unicortical locking screws and one bicortical nonlocking screw on either side of the fracture and fixation with one unicortical locking screw and two bicortical locking screws on either side of the fracture. Displacement and gap strain measurements were made with a cyclic 4-point bending test. No significant differences were noted for construct stiffness or gap micromotion among the three groups on cyclic testing. Measurements at 1000, 5000, and 10,000 cycles showed stable fixation of all construct types with no significant changes in stiffness or micromotion. Substitution of one or more bicortical nonlocking screws in a unicortical locked construct does not affect construct stiffness or fracture gap strain. Data proven through controlled laboratory study.
MORPHOLOGICAL SEGMENTATION OF THE KIDNEYS FROM ABDOMINAL CT IMAGES
Authors: BELGHERBI AICHA , HADJIDJ ISMAHEN , BESSAID ABDELHAFID
Published: June 2014

The phase of segmentation is an important step in the processing and interpretation of medical images. In this paper, we focus on the segmentation of kidneys from the abdomen computed tomography (CT) images. The importance of our study comes from the fact that the segmentation of kidneys from CT images is usually a difficult task. This difficulty is the gray's level which is similar to the spine level. Our proposed method is based on the anatomical information and mathematical morphology tools used in the image processing field. At first, we try to remove the spine by applying morphological filters. This first step makes the extraction of interest regions easier. This step is fulfilled by using various transformations such as the geodesic reconstruction. In the second step, we apply the watershed algorithm controlled by marker for kidney segmentation. The validation of the developed algorithm is done using several images. Obtained results show the good performances of our proposed algorithm.
MECHANICS-BASED BEVEL-TIP NEEDLE DEFLECTION MODEL DURING NEEDLE–SOFT TISSUE INTERACTION PROCESS
Authors: JIANG SHAN , WANG XINGJI , SU ZHILIANG
Published: June 2014

Flexible needle insertion is performed in many clinical and brachytherapy procedures. Needle bending which results from needle–tissue interaction and needle flexibility plays a pivotal role in implantation accuracy. In this paper, a needle insertion force model and a mechanics-based needle deflection model are applied in simulating the real needle insertion process. Using tissue-equivalent materials, the needle force model is acquired from needle insertion experiments. Based on the principle of minimum potential energy, a mechanics-based model is developed to calculate needle deflection. The needle deflection model incorporates needle insertion forces model, needle–tissue interaction model, needle geometric, and tissue properties. The bending–stretching coupling and geometric non-linearity of the flexible needle are both taken into consideration in the needle deflection model. A modified p–y curves method is first introduced in depicting the lateral needle–tissue interaction. The comparison between experimental and simulation results of needle deflection shows that our mechanics-based model can simulate the deflection of the flexible needle with reasonable accuracy. Parametric studies on different geometry properties of needles show that our mechanics-based model can precisely predict the needle deflection when more than one parameter is changed. In addition, as the needle deflection results are obtained numerically by Rayleigh–Ritz approach, further study on the form of deflection formulation leads to the conclusion that choosing a higher order polynomial can improve the overall simulation accuracy.
New quantum MDS codes
Authors: Zhang Guanghui , Chen Bocong
Published: June 2014

In this paper, we construct two classes of new quantum maximum-distance-separable (MDS) codes with parameters [Formula: see text], where q is an odd prime power with q ≡ 3 (mod 4) and [Formula: see text]; [[8(q - 1), 8(q - 1) - 2d + 2, d]]q, where q is an odd prime power with the form q = 8t - 1 (t is an even positive integer) and [Formula: see text]. Comparing the parameters with all known quantum MDS codes, the quantum MDS codes exhibited here have minimum distances bigger than the ones available in the literature.
Improved modified moving average analysis of T-wave alternans using least squares-based curve fitting method
Authors: Wan Xiang-Kui , Yan Kang-Hui , Li Ang , Wu Ming-Hu
Published: June 2014

T-wave alternans (TWA) in surface electrocardiograph (ECG) signal is considered a marker of abnormal ventricular function which may be associated with ventricular tachycardia. Several methods have been developed in recent years to evaluate the important feature. One such method is known as modified moving average (MMA) analysis, which performs well for different levels of TWA, but it is sensitive to the noise in T-waves. In this paper we propose an improved MMA algorithm, which adds a stage of T-wave curve fitting for the MMA method before intermediate averaging. The curve fitting is performed by means of least square method technique. Our assessment study demonstrates the improved performance.
Qualitative analysis of a chemostat model with inhibitory exponential substrate uptake and a time delay
Authors: Dong Qinglai , Ma Wanbiao
Published: June 2014

In this paper, we consider a simple chemostat model with inhibitory exponential substrate uptake and a time delay. A detailed qualitative analysis about existence and boundedness of its solutions and the local asymptotic stability of its equilibria are carried out. Using Lyapunov–LaSalle invariance principle, we show that the washout equilibrium is global asymptotic stability for any time delay. Using the fluctuation lemma, the sufficient condition of the global asymptotic stability of the positive equilibrium [Formula: see text] is obtained. Numerical simulations are also performed to illustrate the results.
Mechanism and Function of Oxidative Reversal of DNA and RNA Methylation
Authors: Shen Li , Song Chun-Xiao , He Chuan , Zhang Yi
Published: June 2014

The importance of eukaryotic DNA methylation [5-methylcytosine (5mC)] in transcriptional regulation and development was first suggested almost 40 years ago. However, the molecular mechanism underlying the dynamic nature of this epigenetic mark was not understood until recently, following the discovery that the TET proteins, a family of AlkB-like Fe(II)/α-ketoglutarate-dependent dioxygenases, can oxidize 5mC to generate 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC), 5-formylcytosine (5fC), and 5-carboxylcytosine (5caC). Since then, several mechanisms that are responsible for processing oxidized 5mC derivatives to achieve DNA demethylation have emerged. Our biochemical understanding of the DNA demethylation process has prompted new investigations into the biological functions of DNA demethylation. Characterization of two additional AlkB family proteins, FTO and ALKBH5, showed that they possess demethylase activity toward N6-methyladenosine (m6A) in RNA, indicating that members of this subfamily of dioxygenases have a general function in demethylating nucleic acids. In this review, we discuss recent advances in this emerging field, focusing on the mechanism and function of TET-mediated DNA demethylation.
Interactive Features of Proteins Composing Eukaryotic Circadian Clocks
Authors: Crane Brian R. , Young Michael W.
Published: June 2014

Research into the molecular mechanisms of eukaryotic circadian clocks has proceeded at an electrifying pace. In this review, we discuss advances in our understanding of the structures of central molecular players in the timing oscillators of fungi, insects, and mammals. A series of clock protein structures demonstrate that the PAS (Per/Arnt/Sim) domain has been used with great variation to formulate the transcriptional activators and repressors of the clock. We discuss how posttranslational modifications and external cues, such as light, affect the conformation and function of core clock components. Recent breakthroughs have also revealed novel interactions among clock proteins and new partners that couple the clock to metabolic and developmental pathways. Overall, a picture of clock function has emerged wherein conserved motifs and structural platforms have been elaborated into a highly dynamic collection of interacting molecules that undergo orchestrated changes in chemical structure, conformational state, and partners.
Bringing Dynamic Molecular Machines into Focus by Methyl-TROSY NMR
Authors: Rosenzweig Rina , Kay Lewis E.
Published: June 2014

Large macromolecular assemblies, so-called molecular machines, are critical to ensuring proper cellular function. Understanding how proper function is achieved at the atomic level is crucial to advancing multiple avenues of biomedical research. Biophysical studies often include X-ray diffraction and cryo–electron microscopy, providing detailed structural descriptions of these machines. However, their inherent flexibility has complicated an understanding of the relation between structure and function. Solution NMR spectroscopy is well suited to the study of such dynamic complexes, and continued developments have increased size boundaries; insights into function have been obtained for complexes with masses as large as 1 MDa. We highlight methyl-TROSY (transverse relaxation optimized spectroscopy) NMR, which enables the study of such large systems, and include examples of applications to several cellular machines. We show how this emerging technique contributes to an understanding of cellular function and the role of molecular plasticity in regulating an array of biochemical activities.
Coding and Transformations in the Olfactory System
Authors: Uchida Naoshige , Poo Cindy , Haddad Rafi
Published: June 2014

How is sensory information represented in the brain? A long-standing debate in neural coding is whether and how timing of spikes conveys information to downstream neurons. Although we know that neurons in the olfactory bulb (OB) exhibit rich temporal dynamics, the functional relevance of temporal coding remains hotly debated. Recent recording experiments in awake behaving animals have elucidated highly organized temporal structures of activity in the OB. In addition, the analysis of neural circuits in the piriform cortex (PC) demonstrated the importance of not only OB afferent inputs but also intrinsic PC neural circuits in shaping odor responses. Furthermore, new experiments involving stimulation of the OB with specific temporal patterns allowed for testing the relevance of temporal codes. Together, these studies suggest that the relative timing of neuronal activity in the OB conveys odor information and that neural circuits in the PC possess various mechanisms to decode temporal patterns of OB input.
A Critical Overview of Migration and Development: The Latin American Challenge
Authors: Delgado-Wise Raúl
Published: June 2014

There is an intense ongoing debate on migration and development in Latin America. This article offers a critical overview of the main perspectives surrounding the Latin American debate across the social sciences. A brief historical background is provided, followed by a characterization of the three main paradigms prevailing in the region: the dominant perspective, grounded in modernization and neoliberal principles; the southern perspective, which has growing influence in the region and is rooted in the Latin American development school; and the transnational approach, which stands in between the first two paradigms and is circumscribed to a meso-level of analysis. The final section highlights five cutting-edge topics that have emerged in the region's scholarship. The article emphasizes the specificity and the main contributions made by Latin American scholars to understanding and demystifying the complex relationship between migration, development, and human rights.
Cytotoxicity and metabolic stress induced by acetaldehyde in human intestinal LS174T goblet-like cells
Authors: Elamin Elhaseen , Masclee Ad , Troost Freddy , Dekker Jan , Jonkers Daisy
Published: June 2014

There is compelling evidence indicating that ethanol and its oxidative metabolite acetaldehyde can disrupt intestinal barrier function. Apart from the tight junctions, mucins secreted by goblet cells provide an effective barrier. Ethanol has been shown to induce goblet cell injury associated with alterations in mucin glycosylation. However, effects of its most injurious metabolite acetaldehyde remain largely unknown. This study aimed to assess short-term effects of acetaldehyde (0, 25, 50, 75, 100 μM) on functional characteristics of intestinal goblet-like cells (LS174T). Oxidative stress, mitochondrial function, ATP, and intramitochondrial calcium (Ca2+) were assessed by dichlorofluorescein, methyltetrazolium, and bioluminescence, MitoTracker green and rhod-2 double-labeling. Membrane integrity and apoptosis were evaluated by measuring lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), caspase 3/7, and cleavage of cytokeratin 18 (CK18). Expression of mucin 2 (MUC2) was determined by cell-based ELISA. Acetaldehyde significantly increased reactive oxygen species generation and decreased mitochondrial function compared with negative controls ( P < 0.05). In addition, acetaldehyde dose-dependently decreased ATP levels and induced intramitochondrial Ca2+ accumulation compared with negative controls ( P < 0.05). Furthermore, acetaldehyde induced LDH release and increased caspase3/7 activity and percentage of cells expressing cleaved CK18 and increased MUC2 protein expression compared with negative controls ( P < 0.0001). ATP depletion and LDH release could be largely prevented by the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine, suggesting a pivotal role for oxidative stress. Our data demonstrate that acetaldehyde has distinct oxidant-dependent metabolic and cytotoxic effects on LS174T cells that can lead to induction of cellular apoptosis. These effects may contribute to acetaldehyde-induced intestinal barrier dysfunction and subsequently to liver injury.
EnteropathogenicEscherichia colidynamically regulates EGFR signaling in intestinal epithelial cells
Authors: Roxas Jennifer Lising , Ryan Katheryn , Vedantam Gayatri , Viswanathan V. K.
Published: June 2014

The diarrheagenic pathogen enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) dynamically modulates the survival of infected host intestinal epithelial cells. In the initial stages of infection, several prosurvival signaling events are activated in host cells. These include the phosphorylation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and the consequent activation of the phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase/Akt pathway. While studying this pathway in infected epithelial cells, we observed EGFR depletion at later stages of infection, followed subsequently by a decrease in phospho-EGFR. EGFR loss was not dependent on receptor phosphorylation, or on canonical proteasome- and lysosome-dependent processes. Although a type III secretion mutant (Δ escN) stimulated EGFR phosphorylation, it failed to induce receptor degradation. To identify the specific EPEC effector molecule(s) that influenced EGFR stability, epithelial cells infected with isogenic mutant EPEC strains were examined. An EPEC Δ espF strain failed to induce EGFR degradation, whereas EPEC Δ espZ accentuated receptor loss in infected cells. Given the known and contrasting effects of EspF and EspZ on caspase activation, and the known role of proteases in cleaving EGFR, we explored the effect of caspase inhibitors on infection-dependent EGFR loss. The pan-caspase inhibitor Q-VD-OPh blocked EPEC-induced EGFR cleavage in a dose-dependent manner. Taken together, our data suggest that EPEC EspF stimulates caspase-dependent EGFR cleavage and loss, whereas EspZ inhibits this process. Whereas EGFR phosphorylation contributes to the survival of host cells early in infection, EspF-driven caspase activation and consequent EGFR loss likely induce a precipitous increase in host cell death later in the infectious process.
Two years of combined high-intensity physical training and heat acclimatization affect lymphocyte and serum HSP70 in purebred military working dogs
Authors: Bruchim Yaron , Aroch Itamar , Eliav Ady , Abbas Atallah , Frank Ilan , Kelmer Efrat , Codner Carolina , Segev Gilad , Epstein Yoram , Horowitz Michal
Published: June 2014

Military working dogs in hot countries undergo exercise training at high ambient temperatures for at least 9 mo annually. Physiological adaptations to these harsh conditions have been extensively studied; however, studies focusing on the underlying molecular adaptations are limited. In the current study, military working dogs were chosen as a model to examine the effects of superimposing endurance exercise on seasonal acclimatization to environmental heat stress. The lymphocyte HSP70 profile and extracellular HSP70 were studied in tandem with physiological performance in the dogs from their recruitment for the following 2 yr. Aerobic power and heat shock proteins were measured at the end of each summer, with physical performance tests (PPTs) in an acclimatized room (22°C). The study shows that together with a profound enhancement of aerobic power and physical performance, hsp72 mRNA induction immediately post-PPT and 45 min later, progressively increased throughout the study period (relative change in median lymphocyte hsp72 mRNA first PPT, 4.22 and 12.82; second PPT, 17.19 and 109.05, respectively), whereas induction of HSP72 protein was stable. These responses suggest that cellular/molecular adaptive tools for maintaining HSP72 homeostasis exist. There was also a significant rise in basal and peak median optical density extracellular HSP at the end of each exercise test (first PPT, 0.13 and 0.15; second PPT, 1.04 and 1.52, respectively). The relationship between these enhancements and improved aerobic power capacity is not yet fully understood.
Proinflammatory Effects of Diesel Exhaust Nanoparticles on Scleroderma Skin Cells
Authors: Mastrofrancesco A. , Alfè M. , Rosato E. , Gargiulo V. , Beatrice C. , Di Blasio G. , Zhang B. , Su D. S. , Picardo M. , Fiorito S.
Published: June 2014

Autoimmune diseases are complex disorders of unknown etiology thought to result from interactions between genetic and environmental factors. We aimed to verify whether environmental pollution from diesel engine exhaust nanoparticulate (DEP) of actually operating vehicles could play a role in the development of a rare immune-mediated disease, systemic sclerosis (SSc), in which the pathogenetic role of environment has been highlighted. The effects of carbon-based nanoparticulate collected at the exhaust of newer (Euro 5) and older (Euro 4) diesel engines on SSc skin keratinocytes and fibroblasts were evaluatedin vitroby assessing the mRNA expression of inflammatory cytokines (IL-1α, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α) and fibroblast chemical mediators (metalloproteases 2, 3, 7, 9, and 12; collagen types I and III; VEGF). DEP was shown to stimulate cytokine gene expression at a higher extent in SSc keratinocytes versus normal cells. Moreover, the mRNA gene expression of all MMPs, collagen types, and VEGF genes was significantly higher in untreated SSc fibroblasts versus controls. Euro 5 particle exposure increased the mRNA expression of MMP-2, -7, and -9 in SSc fibroblasts in a dose dependent manner and only at the highest concentration in normal cells. We suggest that environmental DEP could trigger the development of SSc acting on genetically hyperreactive cell systems.
Transient Serotonin Toxicity Evoked by Combination of Electroconvulsive Therapy and Fluoxetine
Authors: Klysner René , Bjerg Bendsen Birgitte , Hansen Maja Soon
Published: June 2014

The serotonin syndrome has been described only in rare instances for electroconvulsive therapy combined with an antidepressant medication. We describe a case of serotonin toxicity induced by electroconvulsive therapy in combination with fluoxetine.
On Solutions of a Nonlinear Erdélyi-Kober Integral Equation
Authors: Ashirbayev Nurgali K. , Banaś Józef , Bekmoldayeva Raina
Published: June 2014

We conduct some investigations concerning the solvability of a nonlinear integral equation of Erdélyi-Kober type. To facilitate our study we will first consider a nonlinear integral equation of Volterra-Stieltjes type. Since the mentioned Erdélyi-Kober integral equation turns out to be a special case of that of Volterra-Stieltjes type, we can apply the obtained results to the Erdélyi-Kober integral equation. Examples illustrating the obtained results will be also included.
A Novel Approach to Measure the Hydraulic Capacitance of a Microfluidic Membrane Pump
Authors: Wu Chun-Hui , Chen Chia-Wei , Kuo Long-Sheng , Chen Ping-Hei
Published: June 2014

A novel approach was proposed to measure the hydraulic capacitance of a microfluidic membrane pump. Membrane deflection equations were modified from various studies to propose six theoretical equations to estimate the hydraulic capacitance of a microfluidic membrane pump. Thus, measuring the center deflection of the membrane allows the corresponding pressure and hydraulic capacitance of the pump to be determined. This study also investigated how membrane thickness affected the Young’s modulus of a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) membrane. Based on the experimental results, a linear correlation was proposed to estimate the hydraulic capacitance. The measured hydraulic capacitance data and the proposed equations in the linear and nonlinear regions qualitatively exhibited good agreement.
Biofilm Formation byMycobacterium bovis: Influence of Surface Kind and Temperatures of Sanitizer Treatments on Biofilm Control
Authors: Adetunji Victoria O. , Kehinde Aderemi O. , Bolatito Olayemi K. , Chen Jinru
Published: June 2014

Mycobacterium boviscauses classic bovine tuberculosis, a zoonosis which is still a concern in Africa. Biofilm forming ability of twoMycobacterium bovisstrains was assessed on coupons of cement, ceramic, or stainless steel in three different microbiological media at 37°C with agitation for 2, 3, or 4 weeks to determine the medium that promotes biofilm. Biofilm mass accumulated on coupons was treated with 2 sanitizers (sanitizer A (5.5 mg L−1active iodine) and sanitizer B (170.6 g1alkyl dimethylbenzyl ammonium chloride, 78 g−1didecyldimethyl ammonium chloride, 107.25 g L−1glutaraldehyde, 146.25 g L−1isopropanol, and 20 g L−1pine oil) at 28 and 45°C and in hot water at 85°C for 5 min. Residual biofilms on treated coupons were quantified using crystal violet binding assay. The two strains had a similar ability to form biofilms on the three surfaces. More biofilms were developed in media containing 5% liver extract. Biofilm mass increased as incubation time increased till the 3rd week. More biofilms were formed on cement than on ceramic and stainless steel surfaces. Treatment with hot water at 85°C reduced biofilm mass, however, sanitizing treatments at 45°C removed more biofilms than at 28°C. However, neither treatment completely eliminated the biofilms. The choice of processing surface and temperatures used for sanitizing treatments had an impact on biofilm formation and its removal from solid surfaces.
Analysis of Heat Transfer in Power Split Device for Hybrid Electric Vehicle Using Thermal Network Method
Authors: Wang Jixin , Wang Xiaoping , Ma Yongjiang , Liu Ning , Yang Zhiyu
Published: June 2014

This paper presents a rational prediction of temperature field on the differential hybrid system (DHS) based on the thermal network method (TNM). The whole thermal network model is built by considering both the contact thermal resistance between gasket and planet gear and the temperature effect on the physical property parameters of lubricant. The contact thermal resistance is obtained by using the concept of contact branch thermal resistance and G-W elastic model. By building an elaborate thermal network model and computing models for power losses and thermal resistances between components, the whole temperature field of DHS under typical operating condition is predicted. Results show that thermal network method can be effectively used to predict the temperature distribution and the rule of temperature variation, the surface roughness significantly affects contact thermal conduction, and the decrease in the thermal resistance of the natural convection between air and DHS housing can effectively improve the thermal environment of DHS.
Sweetening Pharmaceutical Radiochemistry by18F-Fluoroglycosylation: A Short Review
Authors: Maschauer Simone , Prante Olaf
Published: June 2014

At the time when the highly efficient [18F]FDG synthesis was discovered by the use of the effective precursor 1,3,4,6-tetra-O-acetyl-2-O-trifluoromethanesulfonyl-β-D-mannopyranose (mannose triflate) for nucleophilic18F-substitution, the field of PET in nuclear medicine experienced a long-term boom. Thirty years later, various strategies for chemoselective18F-labeling of biomolecules have been developed, trying to keep up with the emerging field of radiopharmaceutical sciences. Among the new radiochemical strategies, chemoselective18F-fluoroglycosylation methods aim at the sweetening of pharmaceutical radiochemistry by providing a powerful and highly valuable tool for the design of18F-glycoconjugates with suitablein vivoproperties for PET imaging studies. This paper provides a short review (reflecting the literature not older than 8 years) on the different18F-fluoroglycosylation reactions that have been applied to the development of various18F-glycoconjugate tracers, including not only peptides, but also nonpeptidic tracers and high-molecular-weight proteins.
The Peptide Network between Tetanus Toxin and Human Proteins Associated with Epilepsy
Authors: Lucchese Guglielmo , Spinosa Jean Pierre , Kanduc Darja
Published: June 2014

Sequence matching analyses show thatClostridium tetanineurotoxin shares numerous pentapeptides (68, including multiple occurrences) with 42 human proteins that, when altered, have been associated with epilepsy. Such a peptide sharing is higher than expected, nonstochastic, and involves tetanus toxin-derived epitopes that have been validated as immunopositive in the human host. Of note, an unexpected high level of peptide matching is found in mitogen-activated protein kinase 10 (MK10), a protein selectively expressed in hippocampal areas. On the whole, the data indicate a potential for cross-reactivity between the neurotoxin and specific epilepsy-associated proteins and may help evaluate the potential risk for epilepsy following immune responses induced by tetanus infection. Moreover, this study may contribute to clarifying the etiopathogenesis of the different types of epilepsy.
Antibacterial and Antioxidant Activities of Derriobtusone A Isolated fromLonchocarpus obtusus
Authors: Vasconcelos Mayron Alves , Arruda Francisco Vassiliepe Sousa , de Alencar Daniel Barroso , Saker-Sampaio Silvana , Albuquerque Maria Rose Jane Ribeiro , dos Santos Hélcio Silva , Bandeira Paulo Nogueira , Pessoa Otília Deusdênia Loiola , Cavada Benildo Sousa , Henriques Mariana , Pereira Maria Olivia , Teixeira Edson Holanda
Published: June 2014

This study evaluated the effect of derriobtusone A, a flavonoid isolated fromLonchocarpus obtusus, on two important pathogenic bacteria,Staphylococcus aureusandEscherichia coli, as well as its antioxidant activity and toxicity. Planktonic growth assays were performed, and the inhibition of biofilm formation was evaluated. In addition, antioxidant activity was assessed by DPPH radical scavenging assay, ferrous ion chelating assay, ferric-reducing antioxidant power assay, andβ-carotene bleaching assay. Toxicity was evaluated by the brine shrimp lethality test. Results showed that derriobtusone A completely inhibited the planktonic growth ofS. aureusat 250 and 500 μg/mL; however, it did not have the same activity onE. coli. Derriobtusone A reduced the biomass and colony-forming unit (cfu) ofS. aureusbiofilm at concentrations of 250 and 500 μg/mL. In various concentrations, it reduced the biofilm biomass ofE. coli, and, in all concentrations, it weakly reduced the cfu. Derriobtusone A showed highly efficient antioxidant ability in scavenging DPPH radical and inhibitingβ-carotene oxidation. The compound showed no lethality toArtemiasp. nauplii. In conclusion, derriobtusone A may be an effective molecule againstS. aureusand its biofilm, as well as a potential antioxidant compound with no toxicity.
The In Vitro Susceptibility of Biofilm Forming Medical Device Related Pathogens to Conventional Antibiotics
Authors: Laverty Garry , Alkawareek Mahmoud Y. , Gilmore Brendan F.
Published: June 2014

Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), and minimum biofilm eradication concentration (MBEC) and kill kinetics were established for vancomycin, rifampicin, trimethoprim, gentamicin, and ciprofloxacin against the biofilm forming bacteria Staphylococcus epidermidis (ATCC 35984), Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 29213), Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) (ATCC 43300), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PAO1), and Escherichia coli (NCTC 8196). MICs and MBCs were determined via broth microdilution in 96‐well plates. MBECs were studied using the Calgary Biofilm Device. Values obtained were used to investigate the kill kinetics of conventional antimicrobials against a range of planktonic and biofilm microorganisms over a period of 24 hours. Planktonic kill kinetics were determined at 4xMIC and biofilm kill kinetics at relative MBECs. Susceptibility of microorganisms varied depending on antibiotic selected and phenotypic form of bacteria. Gram‐positive planktonic isolates were extremely susceptible to vancomycin (highest MBC: 7.81 mg L−1: methicillin sensitive and resistant S. aureus) but no MBEC value was obtained against all biofilm pathogens tested (up to 1000 mg L−1). Both gentamicin and ciprofloxacin displayed the broadest spectrum of activity with MIC and MBCs in the mg L−1 range against all planktonic isolates tested and MBEC values obtained against all but S. epidermidis (ATCC 35984) and MRSA (ATCC 43300).
Dual Numbers Approach in Multiaxis Machines Error Modeling
Authors: Hrdina Jaroslav , Vašík Petr
Published: June 2014

Multiaxis machines error modeling is set in the context of modern differential geometry and linear algebra. We apply special classes of matrices over dual numbers and propose a generalization of such concept by means of general Weil algebras. We show that the classification of the geometric errors follows directly from the algebraic properties of the matrices over dual numbers and thus the calculus over the dual numbers is the proper tool for the methodology of multiaxis machines error modeling.
The Quota‐Based Compensation Plan in Fashion Retailing Industry under Asymmetric Information
Authors: Yu Mingzhu , Yang Ruina , Ma Lijun
Published: June 2014

We study a compensation plan problem in the fashion retailing industry, which involves a risk‐neutral fashion retailer and a risk‐neutral salesperson, in a two‐stage game framework with asymmetric information. In the first stage, the fashion retailer provides a menu of compensation plans to the salesperson who decides which plan to sign based on his superior market demand information. Confronted with the asymmetric demand information, the fashion retailer could observe market information from the salesperson′s response by designing a menu of compensation plans rather than a single one to the salesperson. In the second stage, the fashion retailer then makes production decision and the salesperson determines his selling effort. We consider both adverse selection and moral hazard. We adopt the quota‐based plan to derive the fashion retailer’s optimal compensation plan design and the salesperson′s best response. We emphasize the impact of the quota level on the system outcomes. The results reveal that a higher quota level is disadvantageous to the fashion retailer but advantageous to the salespersons.
Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis following Diagnostic Curettage in a Patient with Uterine Fibroid
Authors: Zhu Xiao-Qun , Cao Li
Published: June 2014

Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) is a relatively rare cerebrovascular disease, of which the risk has been documented in patients with numerous conditions. However, CVST has never been previously described in association with the use of a diagnostic curettage in patient with uterine fibroid. Herein, we described a 43-year-old woman who presented with recurrent convulsive seizures and severe and progressive headache 1 day after a diagnostic curettage of the uterus, which was confirmed to be uterine fibroid pathologically later, and her condition subsequently progressed to confusion. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed an acute extensive thrombosis of the left transverse and sigmoid sinus and the ipsilateral cerebellum infarction. Evaluation for primary thrombophilia revealed that an iron deficiency anemia (IDA) due to the fibroid bleeding induced menorrhagia together with a diagnostic curettage might be the sole hypercoagulable risk factor identified. Treatment with anticoagulation led to full recovery of her symptoms and recanalization of the thrombosis was proven on magnetic resonance venography (MRV) 2 months later. We suggest that CVST should be recognized as a potential complication related to this diagnostic technique, especially in patient with IDA. The early diagnosis and timely treatment would be of significance in improving the prognosis of this potentially lethal condition.
iCTX-Type: A Sequence-Based Predictor for Identifying the Types of Conotoxins in Targeting Ion Channels
Authors: Ding Hui , Deng En-Ze , Yuan Lu-Feng , Liu Li , Lin Hao , Chen Wei , Chou Kuo-Chen
Published: June 2014

Conotoxins are small disulfide-rich neurotoxic peptides, which can bind to ion channels with very high specificity and modulate their activities. Over the last few decades, conotoxins have been the drug candidates for treating chronic pain, epilepsy, spasticity, and cardiovascular diseases. According to their functions and targets, conotoxins are generally categorized into three types: potassium-channel type, sodium-channel type, and calcium-channel types. With the avalanche of peptide sequences generated in the postgenomic age, it is urgent and challenging to develop an automated method for rapidly and accurately identifying the types of conotoxins based on their sequence information alone. To address this challenge, a new predictor, called iCTX-Type, was developed by incorporating the dipeptide occurrence frequencies of a conotoxin sequence into a 400-D (dimensional) general pseudoamino acid composition, followed by the feature optimization procedure to reduce the sample representation from 400-D to 50-D vector. The overall success rate achieved by iCTX-Type via a rigorous cross-validation was over 91%, outperforming its counterpart (RBF network). Besides, iCTX-Type is so far the only predictor in this area with its web-server available, and hence is particularly useful for most experimental scientists to get their desired results without the need to follow the complicated mathematics involved.
Preliminary Clinical Experience oftrans-1-Amino-3-(18)F-fluorocyclobutanecarboxylic Acid (anti-(18)F-FACBC) PET/CT Imaging in Prostate Cancer Patients
Authors: Kairemo Kalevi , Rasulova Nigora , Partanen Kaarina , Joensuu Timo
Published: June 2014

Background.In this retrospective analysis we assessed the role of [18F]-FACBC-PET/CT in the prostatic cancer staging.Procedure.30 first [18F]-FACBC-PET/CT images of 26 patients (68.1 ± 5.8 years) were analyzed. PET/CT findings were compared with PSA concentrations, with PSA doubling times (PDT), and with correlative imaging.Results.On 16 [18F]-FACBC (53.3%) scans, 58 metabolically active lesions were found. 12 (20.7%) lesions corresponding to the local relapse were found in prostate/prostate bed and seminal vesicles, 9 (15.5%) lesions were located in regional lymph nodes, 10 (17.2%) were located in distal lymph nodes, and 26 (44.8%) metabolically active lesions were found in the skeleton. In one case, focal uptake was found in the brain, confirmed further on MRI as meningioma. The mean S-PSA level in patients with positive [18F]-FACBC findings was 9.5 ± 16.9 μg/L (0.54–69 μg/L) and in patients with negative [18F]-FACBC findings was 1.96 ± 1.87 μg/L (0.11–5.9 μg/L), but the difference was not statistically significant. However, the PSA doubling time (PDT) in patients with positive findings was significantly shorter than PDT in patients with negative findings: 3.25 ± 2.09 months (0.3–6 months) versus 31.2 ± 22.02 months (8–84 months),P<0.0001. There was a strong positive correlation between PSA value and number of metabolically active lesions (R=0.74) and a negative correlation between PDT and number of metabolically active lesions (R=-0.56). There was a weak negative correlation between PDT andSUVmax⁡(R=-0.30).Conclusion.According to our preliminary clinical experience, [18F]-FACBC-PET may play a role inin vivorestaging of an active prostate cancer, especially in patients with a short S-PSA doubling time.