bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Melatonin and cashmere growth in Inner Mongolian cashmere goats
Authors: Duan Chun-hui , Xu Jian-hai , Zhang Yu , Jia Zhi-hai , Zhang Wei
Published: May 2016

The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of melatonin implants on cashmere growth and productive performance of cashmere goats. A total of thirty female goats were assigned to one of three treatments (n = 10), including control and two treatments where melatonin [2 mg kg−1 body weight (BW)] was implanted either in April and June or in June. Compared with the control, implantation in April and June increased cashmere yield and maximum cashmere length by 20.3% and 15.7%, respectively (P < 0.01), with an average initiation date of 22 May 2013 and cessation date of 26 Mar. 2014. In contrast, no cashmere growth was observed in control goats until 19 June 2013 and the growth ceased on 3 Apr. 2014. Melatonin only implanted in June had no effect on cashmere yield and maximum cashmere length, with an average initiation date of 5 June 2013 and cessation date of 27 Mar. 2014. Cashmere growth rate, cashmere fiber diameter, the final BW, and average daily gain were not influenced by melatonin implantation. Results suggested that melatonin implantation during the cashmere nongrowing period is an effective way to stimulate cashmere growth and extend the cashmere growth phase with April and June identified as the most appropriate time for implantation.
Conserving woodland caribou habitat while maintaining timber yield: a graph theory approach
Authors: Ruppert Jonathan L.W. , Fortin Marie-Josée , Gunn Eldon A. , Martell David L.
Published: May 2016

The fragmentation and loss of old-growth forest has led to the decline of many forest-dwelling species that depend on old-growth forest as habitat. Emblematic of this issue in many areas of the managed boreal forest in Canada is the threatened woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou (Gmelin, 1788)). We develop a methodology to help determine when and how timber can be harvested to best satisfy both industrial timber supply and woodland caribou habitat requirements. To start, we use least-cost paths based on graph theory to determine the configuration of woodland caribou preferred habitat patches. We then developed a heuristic procedure to schedule timber harvesting based on a trade-off between merchantable wood volume and the remaining amount of habitat and its connectivity during a planning cycle. Our heuristic can attain 84% of the potential woodland caribou habitat that would be available in the absence of harvesting at the end of a 100 year planning horizon. Interestingly, this is more than that which is attained by the current plan (50%) and a harvesting plan that targets high volume stands (32%). Our results indicate that our heuristic procedure (i.e., an ecologically tuned optimization approach) may better direct industrial activities to improve old-growth habitat while maintaining specified timber production levels.
Science beyond boundary: are premature discoveries things of the past?
Authors: Singh Rama S.
Published: May 2016

Mendel’s name more than of any other draws our attention to the personal side in terms of success and failure in science. Mendel lived 19 years after presenting his research findings and died without receiving any recognition for his work. Are premature discoveries things of the past, you may ask? I review the material basis of science in terms of science boundary and field accessibility and analyze the possibility of premature discoveries in different fields of science such as, for example, physics and biology. I conclude that science has reached a stage where progress is being made mostly by pushing the boundary of the known from inside than by leaping across boundaries. As more researchers become engaged in science, and as more publications become open access, on-line, and interactive, the probability of an important discovery remaining buried and going unrecognized would become exceedingly small. Of course, as examples from physics show, a new theory or an important idea can always lie low, unrecognized until it becomes re-discovered and popularized by other researchers. Thus, premature discoveries will become less likely but not forbidden.
Notes on twisted equivariant K-theory for C*-algebras
Authors: Kubota Yosuke
Published: May 2016

In this paper, we study a generalization of twisted (groupoid) equivariant K-theory in the sense of Freed–Moore for [Formula: see text]-graded [Formula: see text]-algebras. It is defined by using Fredholm operators on Hilbert modules with twisted representations. We compare it with another description using odd symmetries, which is a generalization of van Daele’s K-theory for [Formula: see text]-graded Banach algebras. In particular, we obtain a simple presentation of the twisted equivariant K-group when the [Formula: see text]-algebra is trivially graded. It is applied for the bulk-edge correspondence of topological insulators with CT-type symmetries.
Spectral entropy analysis of the respiratory signal and its relationship with the cyclic alternating pattern during sleep
Authors: Reyes-Sanchez E. , Alba A. , Méndez M. O. , Milioli G. , Parrino L.
Published: May 2016

A-phases consist of transient cortical events that normally occur during NREM sleep and can be observed directly in the EEG signals. One particular kind of A-phases, namely, A3-phases are related to arousals from sleep during which increased activity in other systems (such as the cardiovascular and respiratory systems) can also be observed. This study aims to characterize disruptions in the oscillations of the airflow signal during A3-phases of sleep. Spectral entropy was used to quantify the bandwidth of the airflow signal, which under baseline conditions (prior to an A3-phase) resembles a sinusoidal wave with a frequency of about 0.25 Hz and has low spectral entropy values. It was found that during most A3-phases the spectral entropy increases significantly in 70% of the test subjects. These changes occur with higher probability during A3-phases that are longer than 10[Formula: see text]s, suggesting a delay between the onset of an A3-phase and the effect it has on the respiratory system.
Model for the growth of the world airline network
Authors: Verma T. , Araújo N. A. M. , Nagler J. , Andrade J. S. , Herrmann H. J.
Published: May 2016

We propose a probabilistic growth model for transport networks which employs a balance between popularity of nodes and the physical distance between nodes. By comparing the degree of each node in the model network and the World Airline Network (WAN), we observe that the difference between the two is minimized for [Formula: see text]. Interestingly, this is the value obtained for the node–node correlation function in the WAN. This suggests that our model explains quite well the growth of airline networks.
Point Visibility Graph Recognition is NP-Hard
Authors: Roy Bodhayan
Published: May 2016

Given a 3-SAT formula, a graph can be constructed in polynomial time such that the graph is a point visibility graph if and only if the 3-SAT formula is satisfiable. This reduction establishes that the problem of recognition of point visibility graphs is NP-hard.
PROPERTIES AND CUTTING PERFORMANCE OF TiAlSiN COATING PREPARED BY CATHODE ARC ION PLATING
Authors: ZHANG ER-GENG , CHEN QIANG , WANG QIN-XUE , HUANG BIAO
Published: May 2016

TiAlSiN coating was deposited on high-speed steel (HSS) samples and cemented carbide tool inserts, respectively, by a new coating preparation procedure, and its properties and cutting performance were characterized. The coating thickness, chemical composition, microstructure morphology and mechanical properties were investigated by X-ray fluorescence measurement system, energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS), scanning electron microscope (SEM), nanoindentation, Rockwell hardness tester and ball-on-disc tribometer. A 3D orthogonal cutting experiment model was established by DEFORM-3D to study the influences of different coating thicknesses on cutting force and temperature, and the field cutting experiment was carried out. The results show that the thickness of TiAlSiN coating is 3.14[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m prepared by the 3[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m preparation procedure, microhardness is 36.727[Formula: see text]GPa with the Si content of about 5.22[Formula: see text]at.% as well as good fracture toughness and adhesion strength. The TC4 and AISI 1045 cutting tool inserts with 4[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m coating thickness have the minimum cutting forces of about 734.7[Formula: see text]N and 450.7[Formula: see text]N, respectively. Besides, tool inserts with a thickness of 3[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m have the minimum cutting temperatures of about 510.2[Formula: see text]C and 230.6[Formula: see text]C, respectively.
Stochastic averaging principle for differential equations with non-Lipschitz coefficients driven by fractional Brownian motion
Authors: Xu Yong , Pei Bin , Wu Jiang-Lun
Published: May 2016

In this paper, we are concerned with the stochastic averaging principle for stochastic differential equations (SDEs) with non-Lipschitz coefficients driven by fractional Brownian motion (fBm) of the Hurst parameter [Formula: see text]. We define the stochastic integrals with respect to the fBm in the integral formulation of the SDEs as pathwise integrals and we adopt the non-Lipschitz condition proposed by Taniguchi (1992) which is a much weaker condition with wider range of applications. The averaged SDEs are established. We then use their corresponding solutions to approximate the solutions of the original SDEs both in the sense of mean square and of probability. One can find that the similar asymptotic results are suitable for those non-Lipschitz SDEs with fBm under different types of stochastic integrals.
Nonuniform recovery of fusion frame structured sparse signals
Authors: Xia Yu , Li Song
Published: May 2016

This paper considers the nonuniform sparse recovery of block signals in a fusion frame, which is a collection of subspaces that provides redundant representation of signal spaces. Combined with specific fusion frame, the sensing mechanism selects block-vector-valued measurements independently at random from a probability distribution [Formula: see text]. If the probability distribution [Formula: see text] obeys a simple incoherence property and an isotropy property, we can faithfully recover approximately block sparse signals via mixed [Formula: see text]-minimization in ways similar to Compressed Sensing. The number of measurements is significantly reduced by a priori knowledge of a certain incoherence parameter [Formula: see text] associated with the angles between the fusion frame subspaces. As an example, the paper shows that an [Formula: see text]-sparse block signal can be exactly recovered from about [Formula: see text] Fourier coefficients combined with fusion frame [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text].
Global classical solutions to the 3D Navier–Stokes–Korteweg equations with small initial energy
Authors: Hou Xiaofeng , Peng Hongyun , Zhu Changjiang
Published: May 2016

In this paper, we investigate the global well-posedness of classical solutions to three-dimensional Cauchy problem of the compressible Navier–Stokes type system with a Korteweg stress tensor under the condition that the initial energy is small. This result improves previous results obtained by Hattori–Li in [H. Hattori and D. Li, Solutions for two dimensional system for materials of Korteweg type, SIAM J. Math. Anal. 25 (1994) 85–98; H. Hattori and D. Li. Global solutions of a high-dimensional system for Korteweg materials. J. Math. Anal. Appl. 198 (1996) 84–97.], where the existence of the classical solution is established for initial data close to an equilibrium in some Sobolev space [Formula: see text].
A novel infrared moving target detection algorithm based on multiscale codebook model
Authors: Liu Lei , Zhou Yayun , Li He , Huang Wei , Cui Minjie
Published: May 2016

Traditional target detection algorithm based on codebook model only use pixel information of video image while spatial scale information of image is ignored, so the detection result usually has high false detection rate and the target’s characteristics is not obvious. To overcome this difficulty, a novel infrared (IR) moving target detection algorithm based on multiscale codebook model is presented in this paper. The main principle of this algorithm is to make full use of image pixel information and scale information for moving target detection. First, by Gauss pyramid image hierarchical model, the IR video is stratified into three layers, namely the original layer, the second layer and the top layer. Second, background codebook model is built for each layer image, the main feature information is discovered to update background codebook models, and then moving target in IR video is detected according to the updated background model. Finally, the fusion operation is done on detection results of three layers to get the final detection result. Compared with traditional detection algorithm based on codebook model, this IR target detection algorithm combines image pixel information and scale characteristics. By using this novel algorithm, the experiments on some real world IR images are performed. The whole algorithm implementing processes and results are analyzed, and this novel detection algorithm is evaluated from the two aspects: subjective evaluation and objective evaluation. From the experiment results, we can see that the proposed method has better detection effects, richer target information and lower false detection rate.
Efficient image fusion with approximate sparse representation
Authors: Bin Yang , Chao Yang , Guoyu Huang
Published: May 2016

In this paper, an efficient approximate sparse representation (SR) algorithm with multi-selection strategy is used to solve the image fusion problem. We have shown that the approximate SR is effective for image fusion even if the sparse coefficients are not the sparsest ones possible. A multi-selection strategy is used to accelerate the process of generating the approximate sparse coefficients which are used to guide the fusion of image patches. The relative parameters are also investigated experimentally to further reduce the computational time. The proposed method is compared with some state-of-the-art image fusion approaches on several pairs of multi-source images. The experimental results exhibit that the proposed method is able to yield superior fusion results with less consumption time.
A perturbation analysis of block-sparse compressed sensing via mixed ℓ2/ℓ1 minimization
Authors: Zhang Jing , Wang Jianjun , Wang Wendong
Published: May 2016

In this paper, the recovery of block-sparse signals is considered by the completely perturbed mixed [Formula: see text] minimization method and a sufficient condition is established to guarantee the robust recovery. The obtained result generalizes the existing result on complete perturbation to the block setting. Specially, we not only improve the condition related to block-restricted isometry property, but also better the error upper bound if the result degenerates to the general case. In addition, some numerical experiments are also carried out to demonstrate the block structure which is an important factor in the process of recovering block-sparse signals, and present outperformance of the mixed [Formula: see text] minimization method comparing with the [Formula: see text] minimization method in the completely perturbed model.
Differential Domain Wall Propagation in Y-Shaped Permalloy Nanowire Devices
Authors: Das Bipul , Chen Ting-Chieh , Shiu Deng-Shiang , Horng Lance , Wu Jong-Ching
Published: May 2016

Here, we report an investigation of magnetic domain wall (DW) evolution and propagation in Y-shaped permalloy (Py) nanowire (NW) devices. The devices are fabricated using standard electron-beam lithography technique. Each device consists of three connected NWs that form a Y-junction structure with one branch connecting either symmetrically or asymmetrically to a circular disk for DW nucleation. The DW dynamics in the devices are studied by in situ magnetic force microscopy (MFM) by pinning the DWs to triangular notches at each branch of the two devices. We observe that the DW injection field values differ depending on whether they are connected to the circular disks symmetrically or asymmetrically. However, after they pass the Y-junctions, a selection is made by the DWs to propagate easily either through both or through only one particular outgoing branch of the devices. The experimental observations are analyzed by micromagnetic simulation. It can be inferred from the results that the influence of detailed geometrical shape of the devices leads to significantly different interactions among the innate topological defects and the notches with the injected DWs.
Pearls and Pitfalls of the Volar Locking Plating for Distal Radius Fractures
Authors: Im Jin-Hyung , Lee Joo-Yup
Published: May 2016

Volar locking plate fixation has been widely accepted method for the treatment of unstable distal radius fractures. Although the results of volar locking plate fixation are encouraging, it may cause implant-related complications such as flexor or extensor tendon injuries. In depth understanding of anatomy of the distal radius is mandatory in order to obtain adequate fixation of the fracture fragments and to avoid these complications. This article will review the anatomic characteristics of the distal radius because selecting proper implant and positioning of the plate is closely related to the volar surface anatomy of the distal radius. The number and the length of distal locking screws are also important to provide adequate fixation strength to maintain fracture fixation. We will discuss the pros and cons of the variable-angle locking plate, which was introduced in an effort to provide surgeons with more freedom for fixation. Finally, we will discuss about correcting radial length and volar tilt by using eccentric drill holes and distal locking first technique.
Management of Complex Distal Radius Fractures: Review of Treatment Principles and Select Surgical Techniques
Authors: Rhee Peter Charles , Shin Alexander Y.
Published: May 2016

Most distal radius fractures are the result of low-energy mechanisms that can be successfully treated either non-operatively or with a variety of operative techniques if indicated. Complex distal radius fractures occur most commonly in high-energy injuries with extensive comminution or bone loss and associated soft tissue or vascular injuries. These high-energy fractures can present many challenges in reconstructing the distal radius. Effective restoration of the bony architecture requires a thorough knowledge of distal radius anatomy, understanding of the goals of treatment, versatility in surgical approaches, and familiarity with multiple fixation options.
The Optimal Rehabilitation Period for Patients with Distal Radius Fractures According to the MCID in DASH Scores; A Preliminary Study
Authors: Iitsuka Terufumi , Iwatsuki Katsuyuki , Ota Hideyuki , Hirata Hitoshi
Published: May 2016

Background: The statistical concept of minimal clinically important difference (MCID) enables the interpretation of small but meaningful changes that result from an intervention. This retrospective study aimed to examine the factors that influence the achievement of MCID after a distal radius fracture.

Methods: A total of 45 patients (mean age: 54.2 ± 16 years) were included. Of these, 27 patients started rehabilitation within 3 days of surgery (Early group), and 18 patients underwent immobilization for 2 weeks after surgery, before starting rehabilitation (Non-early group). Functional outcomes and DASH scores at 4 weeks (baseline) were compared with those measured at 8 and 12 weeks for both groups, to determine whether the MCID had been achieved.

Results: Our results showed that at 8 weeks after surgery in the early group, the grip strength, ulnar flexion, and baseline DASH score were significantly different between the groups that did and did not show an MCID ([Formula: see text]). There was also a significant difference in the baseline DASH score at 12 weeks after surgery ([Formula: see text]). None of these factors were significant in the non-early group. Logistic regression analysis revealed that the DASH score at 4 weeks (baseline) was an independent predictor for achieving a DASH MCID at 8 weeks postoperatively in the early group (odds ratio: 1.193). Those achieving a DASH MCID at 12 weeks postoperatively were completely separated by the baseline DASH score (≥ 29 points).

Conclusions: If it is assumed that the effectiveness of rehabilitation depends upon achieving the DASH MCID by promoting functional recovery, early initiation might be recommended.
Pedicled Oblique Para-Umbilical Perforator (OPUP) Flap for Upper Limb Reconstruction
Authors: Naduthodikayil Praveen , Bhandari Laxminarayan , Sreedhar Sreelesh Lalitha
Published: May 2016

Background: Groin flap has been considered the workhorse flap for hand reconstruction. However it has certain drawbacks when covering defects over elbow or proximal forearm. Pedicled oblique paraumbilical perforator (OPUP) based flaps provide a good alternative in such cases.

Methods: We performed OPUP flap in 11 cases of complex upper limb reconstructions over the past one year. We report our experience with this flap.

Results: All flaps survived. One patient had marginal necrosis of 1 cm in the proximal end after flap division. Three patients had donor site scar hypertrophy.

Conclusions: OPUP flap is superior to groin flap for larger defects or defects around the elbow. The major disadvantage is the donor site scar which is prone to hypertrophy.
Entrapment of Extensor Pollicis Longus Tendon after Volar Plating of a Smith Type Pediatric Distal Forearm Fracture
Authors: Franz Torsten
Published: May 2016

Extensor pollicis longus tendon entrapment is a rare complication of volarly displaced pediatric distal radius fractures. The few pediatric case reports have described tendon entrapment associated with conservative fracture treatment, or have been recognized at subsequent revision surgery after failure to achieve closed fracture reduction. A case of extensor pollicis longus tendon entrapment after open reduction and volar plate fixation of a pediatric distal forearm fracture is reported. This complication may also occur secondarily after open reduction and volar plating of the distal radius.
Osteochondritis Dissecans of the Humeral Capitellum Associated with a Large Subchondral Bone Cyst: Two Cases Report
Authors: Satake Hiroshi , Takahara Masatoshi , Takagi Michiaki
Published: May 2016

We report two rare cases of osteochondral dissecans of the humeral capitellum, each associated with a large subchondral cyst. The procedure employed for reconstruction of the massive bone defect yielded excellent clinical and radiological outcomes in both cases, and therefore seems promising for treatment of osteochondritis dissecans.
Chronic Synovitis after Open Carpal Tunnel Decompression
Authors: Yousef Justin , Chan Patrick , Rahdon Richard
Published: May 2016

Open carpal tunnel decompression is a common procedure with potential long-term complications such as scar tenderness, pillar pain and neuroma. We present the case of a 65 year-old male with chronic lipomatous hypertrophy of the wrist and chronic flexor tenosynovitis after open carpal tunnel release for its rarity and severity of symptoms that required further surgery.
Crowdsourcing Empathetic Intelligence
Authors: Katsimerou Christina , Albeda Joris , Huldtgren Alina , Heynderickx Ingrid , Redi Judith A.
Published: May 2016

Unobtrusive recognition of the user's mood is an essential capability for affect-adaptive systems. Mood is a subtle, long-term affective state, often misrecognized even by humans. The challenge to train a machine to recognize it from, for example, a video of the user, is significant, and already begins with the lack of ground truth for supervised learning. Existing affective databases consist mainly of short videos, annotated in terms of expressed emotions rather than mood. In very few cases, we encounter perceived mood annotations, of questionable reliability, however, due to the subjectivity of mood estimation and the small number of coders involved. In this work, we introduce a new database for mood recognition from video. Our database contains 180 long, acted videos, depicting typical daily scenarios, and subtle facial and bodily expressions. The videos cover three visual modalities (face, body, Kinect data), and are annotated in terms of emotions (via G-trace) and mood (via the Self-Assessment Manikin and the AffectButton). To annotate the database exhaustively, we exploit crowdsourcing to reach out to an extensive number of nonexpert coders. We validate the reliability of our crowdsourced annotations by (1) adopting a number of criteria to filter out unreliable coders, and (2) comparing the annotations of a subset of our videos with those collected in a controlled lab setting.
Coranking the Future Influence of Multiobjects in Bibliographic Network Through Mutual Reinforcement
Authors: Wang Senzhang , Xie Sihong , Zhang Xiaoming , Li Zhoujun , Yu Philip S. , He Yueying
Published: May 2016

Scientific literature ranking is essential to help researchers find valuable publications from a large literature collection. Recently, with the prevalence of webpage ranking algorithms such as PageRank and HITS, graph-based algorithms have been widely used to iteratively rank papers and researchers through the networks formed by citation and coauthor relationships. However, existing graph-based ranking algorithms mostly focus on ranking the current importance of literature. For researchers who enter an emerging research area, they might be more interested in new papers and young researchers that are likely to become influential in the future, since such papers and researchers are more helpful in letting them quickly catch up on the most recent advances and find valuable research directions. Meanwhile, although some works have been proposed to rank the prestige of a certain type of objects with the help of multiple networks formed of multiobjects, there still lacks a unified framework to rank multiple types of objects in the bibliographic network simultaneously. In this article, we propose a unified ranking framework
MRCoRank
to corank the future popularity of four types of objects: papers, authors, terms, and venues through mutual reinforcement. Specifically, because the citation data of new publications are sparse and not efficient to characterize their innovativeness, we make the first attempt to extract the text features to help characterize innovative papers and authors. With the observation that the current trend is more indicative of the future trend of citation and coauthor relationships, we then construct time-aware weighted graphs to quantify the importance of links established at different times on both citation and coauthor graphs. By leveraging both the constructed text features and time-aware graphs, we finally fuse the rich information in a mutual reinforcement ranking framework to rank the future importance of multiobjects simultaneously. We evaluate the proposed model through extensive experiments on the ArnetMiner dataset containing more than 1,500,000 papers. Experimental results verify the effectiveness of
MRCoRank
in coranking the future influence of multiobjects in a bibliographic network.
Maintaining Large-Scale Rechargeable Sensor Networks Perpetually via Multiple Mobile Charging Vehicles
Authors: Liang Weifa , Xu Wenzheng , Ren Xiaojiang , Jia Xiaohua , Lin Xiaola
Published: May 2016

Wireless energy transfer technology based on magnetic resonant coupling has been emerging as a promising technology for wireless sensor networks (WSNs) by providing controllable yet perpetual energy to sensors. In this article, we study the deployment of the minimum number of mobile charging vehicles to charge sensors in a large-scale WSN so that none of the sensors will run out of energy, for which we first advocate a flexible on-demand charging paradigm that decouples sensor energy charging scheduling from the design of sensing data routing protocols. We then formulate a novel optimization problem of scheduling mobile charging vehicles to charge life-critical sensors in the network with an objective to minimize the number of mobile charging vehicles deployed, subject to the energy capacity constraint on each mobile charging vehicle. As the problem is NP-hard, we instead propose an approximation algorithm with a provable performance guarantee if the energy consumption of each sensor during each charging tour is negligible. Otherwise, we devise a heuristic algorithm by modifying the proposed approximation algorithm. We finally evaluate the performance of the proposed algorithms through experimental simulations. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed algorithms are very promising, and the solutions obtained are fractional of the optimal ones. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first approximation algorithm with a nontrivial approximation ratio for a novel scheduling problem of multiple mobile charging vehicles for charging sensors.
Range-Free Mobile Actor Relocation in a Two-Tiered Wireless Sensor and Actor Network
Authors: Wu Fang-Jing , Hsu Hsiu-Chi , Shen Chien-Chung , Tseng Yu-Chee
Published: May 2016

Two-tiered wireless sensor and actor networks (WSANs) have been proposed to enhance network capabilities, where a set of resource-rich mobile nodes (termed
actors
) form a connected backbone to relay sensing data from static sensors to the sink and sometimes are requested by sensors to perform a particular action. Such a two-tiered WSAN facilitates scalability and can efficiently reduce the energy consumption incurred by conventional hop-by-hop relaying via only sensors. However, relocating actors to achieve both connectivity and load balance is a challenge, especially when there is no location information of the nodes. Connectivity ensures that the actors are connected, whereas load balance ensures that actors collect and originate a similar amount of sensory data from the sensors. In this article, we formulate the Connected and Balanced Mobile Actor Relocation (CBMAR) optimization problem to address both connectivity and load balance and prove that the problem is NP-hard. We thus propose a dual-mode distributed actor relocation protocol that does not rely on any location information of nodes to relocate actors. The idea is to locally form virtual Voronoi cells of actors (termed
covering cells
) based on the lower-tiered topology, where each actor locally recruits its own sensor members to form its own covering cell. By maintaining the covering cell, each actor locally relocates itself toward a sensor along the lower-tiered topology. Extensive simulation results show that the protocol can achieve both objectives of connectivity and load balance with low moving and communication overheads.
Gut hormone secretion, gastric emptying, and glycemic responses to erythritol and xylitol in lean and obese subjects
Authors: Wölnerhanssen Bettina K. , Cajacob Lucian , Keller Nino , Doody Alison , Rehfeld Jens F. , Drewe Juergen , Peterli Ralph , Beglinger Christoph , Meyer-Gerspach Anne Christin
Published: May 2016

With the increasing prevalence of obesity and a possible association with increasing sucrose consumption, nonnutritive sweeteners are gaining popularity. Given that some studies indicate that artificial sweeteners might have adverse effects, alternative solutions are sought. Xylitol and erythritol have been known for a long time and their beneficial effects on caries prevention and potential health benefits in diabetic patients have been demonstrated in several studies. Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and cholecystokinin (CCK) are released from the gut in response to food intake, promote satiation, reduce gastric emptying (GE), and modulate glucose homeostasis. Although glucose ingestion stimulates sweet taste receptors in the gut and leads to incretin and gastrointestinal hormone release, the effects of xylitol and erythritol have not been well studied. Ten lean and 10 obese volunteers were given 75 g of glucose, 50 g of xylitol, or 75 g of erythritol in 300 ml of water or placebo (water) by a nasogastric tube. We examined plasma glucose, insulin, active GLP-1, CCK, and GE with a [13C]sodium acetate breath test and assessed subjective feelings of satiation. Xylitol and erythritol led to a marked increase in CCK and GLP-1, whereas insulin and plasma glucose were not (erythritol) or only slightly (xylitol) affected. Both xylitol and erythritol induced a significant retardation in GE. Subjective feelings of appetite were not significantly different after carbohydrate intake compared with placebo. In conclusion, acute ingestion of erythritol and xylitol stimulates gut hormone release and slows down gastric emptying, whereas there is no or only little effect on insulin release.
Prehepatic secretion and disposal of insulin in obese adolescents as estimated by three-hour, eight-sample oral glucose tolerance tests
Authors: Vogt Josef A. , Domzig Christian , Wabitsch Martin , Denzer Christian
Published: May 2016

The body compensates for early-stage insulin resistance by increasing insulin secretion. A reliable and easy-to-use mathematical assessment of insulin secretion and disposal could be a valuable tool for identifying patients at risk for the development of type 2 diabetes. Because the pathophysiology of insulin resistance is incompletely understood, assessing insulin metabolism with minimal assumptions regarding its metabolic regulation is a major challenge. To assess insulin secretion and indexes of insulin disposal, our marginalized and regularized absorption approach (MRA) was applied to a sparse sampling oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) protocol measuring the insulin and C-peptide concentrations. Identifiability and potential bias of metabolic parameters were estimated from published data with dense sampling. The MRA was applied to OGTT data from 135 obese adolescents to demonstrate its clinical applicability. Individual prehepatic basal and dynamic insulin secretion and clearance levels were determined with a precision and accuracy greater than 10% of the nominal value. The intersubject variability in these parameters was approximately four times higher than the intrasubject variability, and there was a strong negative correlation between prehepatic secretion and plasma clearance of insulin. MRA-based analysis provides reliable estimates of insulin secretion and clearance, thereby enabling detailed glucose homeostasis characterization based on restricted datasets that are obtainable during routine patient care.
Enteral β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate supplementation increases protein synthesis in skeletal muscle of neonatal pigs
Authors: Kao Michelle , Columbus Daniel A. , Suryawan Agus , Steinhoff-Wagner Julia , Hernandez-Garcia Adriana , Nguyen Hanh V. , Fiorotto Marta L. , Davis Teresa A.
Published: May 2016

Many low-birth weight infants are at risk for poor growth due to an inability to achieve adequate protein intake. Administration of the amino acid leucine stimulates protein synthesis in skeletal muscle of neonates. To determine the effects of enteral supplementation of the leucine metabolite β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate (HMB) on protein synthesis and the regulation of translation initiation and degradation pathways, overnight-fasted neonatal pigs were studied immediately (F) or fed one of five diets for 24 h: low-protein (LP), high-protein (HP), or LP diet supplemented with 4 (HMB4), 40 (HMB40), or 80 (HMB80) μmol HMB·kg body wt−1·day−1. Cell replication was assessed from nuclear incorporation of BrdU in the longissimus dorsi (LD) muscle and jejunum crypt cells. Protein synthesis rates in LD, gastrocnemius, rhomboideus, and diaphragm muscles, lung, and brain were greater in HMB80 and HP and in brain were greater in HMB40 compared with LP and F groups. Formation of the eIF4E·eIF4G complex and S6K1 and 4E-BP1 phosphorylation in LD, gastrocnemius, and rhomboideus muscles were greater in HMB80 and HP than in LP and F groups. Phosphorylation of eIF2α and eEF2 and expression of SNAT2, LAT1, MuRF1, atrogin-1, and LC3-II were unchanged. Numbers of BrdU-positive myonuclei in the LD were greater in HMB80 and HP than in the LP and F groups; there were no differences in jejunum. The results suggest that enteral supplementation with HMB increases skeletal muscle protein anabolism in neonates by stimulation of protein synthesis and satellite cell proliferation.
High-intensity exercise training increases the diversity and metabolic capacity of the mouse distal gut microbiota during diet-induced obesity
Authors: Denou Emmanuel , Marcinko Katarina , Surette Michael G. , Steinberg Gregory R. , Schertzer Jonathan D.
Published: May 2016

Diet and exercise underpin the risk of obesity-related metabolic disease. Diet alters the gut microbiota, which contributes to aspects of metabolic disease during obesity. Repeated exercise provides metabolic benefits during obesity. We assessed whether exercise could oppose changes in the taxonomic and predicted metagenomic characteristics of the gut microbiota during diet-induced obesity. We hypothesized that high-intensity interval training (HIIT) would counteract high-fat diet (HFD)-induced changes in the microbiota without altering obesity in mice. Compared with chow-fed mice, an obesity-causing HFD decreased the Bacteroidetes-to-Firmicutes ratio and decreased the genetic capacity in the fecal microbiota for metabolic pathways such as the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle. After HFD-induced obesity was established, a subset of mice were HIIT for 6 wk, which increased host aerobic capacity but did not alter body or adipose tissue mass. The effects of exercise training on the microbiota were gut segment dependent and more extensive in the distal gut. HIIT increased the alpha diversity and Bacteroidetes/Firmicutes ratio of the distal gut and fecal microbiota during diet-induced obesity. Exercise training increased the predicted genetic capacity related to the TCA cycle among other aspects of metabolism. Strikingly, the same microbial metabolism indexes that were increased by exercise were all decreased in HFD-fed vs. chow diet-fed mice. Therefore, exercise training directly opposed some of the obesity-related changes in gut microbiota, including lower metagenomic indexes of metabolism. Some host and microbial pathways appeared similarly affected by exercise. These exercise- and diet-induced microbiota interactions can be captured in feces.
Activation of soluble guanylyl cyclase by BAY 58-2667 improves bladder function in cyclophosphamide-induced cystitis in mice
Authors: de Oliveira Mariana G. , Calmasini Fabiano B. , Alexandre Eduardo C. , De Nucci Gilberto , Mónica Fabíola Z. , Antunes Edson
Published: May 2016

Activators of soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) interact directly with its prosthetic heme group, enhancing the enzyme responsiveness in pathological conditions. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the sGC activator BAY 58-2667 on voiding dysfunction, protein expressions of α1 and β1 sGC subunits and cGMP levels in the bladder tissues after cyclophosphamide (CYP) exposure. Female C57BL/6 mice (20–25 g) were injected with CYP (300 mg/kg ip) to induce cystitis. Mice were pretreated or not with BAY 58-2667 (1 mg/kg, gavage), given 1 h before CYP injection. The micturition patterns and in vitro bladder contractions were evaluated at 24 h. In freely moving mice, the CYP injection produced reduced the micturition volume and increased the number of urine spots. Cystometric recordings in CYP-injected mice revealed significant increases in basal pressure, voiding frequency, and nonvoiding contractions (NVCs), along with decreases in bladder capacity, intercontraction interval, and compliance. BAY 58-2667 significantly prevented the micturition alterations observed in both freely moving mice and cystometry and normalized the reduced in vitro carbachol-induced contractions in the CYP group. Reduced protein expressions of α1 and β1 sGC subunits and of cGMP levels were observed in the CYP group, all of which were prevented by BAY 58-2667. CYP exposure significantly increased reactive-oxygen species (ROS) generation in both detrusor and urothelium, and this was normalized by BAY 58-2667. The increased myeloperoxidase and cyclooxygenase-2 activities in the bladders of the CYP group remained unchanged by BAY 58-2667. Activators of sGC may constitute a novel and promising therapeutic approach for management of interstitial cystitis.
Par3A is dispensable for the function of the glomerular filtration barrier of the kidney
Authors: Koehler Sybille , Tellkamp Frederik , Niessen Carien M. , Bloch Wilhelm , Kerjaschki Dontscho , Schermer Bernhard , Benzing Thomas , Brinkkoetter Paul T.
Published: May 2016

Polarity signaling through the atypical PKC (aPKC)-Par polarity complex is essential for the development and maintenance of the podocyte architecture and the function of the glomerular filtration barrier of the kidney. To study the contribution of Par3A in this complex, we generated a novel Pard3 podocyte-specific knockout mouse model by targeting exon 6 of the Pard3 gene. Genetic deletion of Pard3a did not impair renal function, neither at birth nor later in life. Even challenging the animals did not result in glomerular disease. Despite its well-established role in aPKC-mediated signaling, Par3A appears to be dispensable for the function of the glomerular filtration barrier. Moreover, its homolog Pard3b, and not Pard3a, is the dominant Par3 gene expressed in podocytes and found at the basis of the slit diaphragm, where it partially colocalizes with podocin. In conclusion, Par3A function is either dispensable for slit diaphragm integrity, or compensatory mechanisms and a high redundancy of the different polarity proteins, including Par3B, Lgl, or PALS1, maintain the function of the glomerular filtration barrier, even in the absence of Par3A.
The podocyte as a direct target for treatment of glomerular disease?
Authors: Mallipattu Sandeep K. , He John C.
Published: May 2016

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates more than 10% of adults in the United States, over 20 million Americans, have chronic kidney disease (CKD). A failure to maintain the glomerular filtration barrier directly contributes to the onset of CKD. The visceral epithelial cells, podocytes, are integral to the maintenance of this renal filtration barrier. Direct podocyte injury contributes to the onset and progression of glomerular diseases such as minimal change disease (MCD), focal segmental glomerular sclerosis (FSGS), diabetic nephropathy, and HIV-associated nephropathy (HIVAN). Since podocytes are terminally differentiated with minimal capacity to self-replicate, they are extremely sensitive to cellular injury. In the past two decades, our understanding of the mechanism(s) by which podocyte injury occurs has greatly expanded. With this newfound knowledge, therapeutic strategies have shifted to identifying targets directed specifically at the podocyte. Although the systemic effects of these agents are important, their direct effect on the podocyte proves to be essential in ameliorating glomerular disease. In this review, we highlight the mechanisms by which these agents directly target the podocyte independent of its systemic effects.
Central command generated prior to arbitrary motor execution induces muscle vasodilatation at the beginning of dynamic exercise
Authors: Ishii Kei , Matsukawa Kanji , Liang Nan , Endo Kana , Idesako Mitsuhiro , Asahara Ryota , Kadowaki Akito , Wakasugi Rie , Takahashi Makoto
Published: May 2016

The purpose of this study was to examine the role of central command, generated prior to arbitrary motor execution, in cardiovascular and muscle blood flow regulation during exercise. Thirty two subjects performed 30 s of two-legged cycling or 1 min of one-legged cycling (66 ± 4% and 35% of the maximal exercise intensity, respectively), which was started arbitrarily or abruptly by a verbal cue (arbitrary vs. cued start). We measured the cardiovascular variables during both exercises and the relative changes in oxygenated-hemoglobin concentration (Oxy-Hb) of noncontracting vastus lateralis muscles as index of tissue blood flow and femoral blood flow to nonexercising leg during one-legged cycling. Two-legged cycling with arbitrary start caused a decrease in total peripheral resistance (TPR), which was smaller during the exercise with cued start. The greater reduction of TPR with arbitrary start was also recognized at the beginning of one-legged cycling. Oxy-Hb of noncontracting muscle increased by 3.6 ± 1% ( P < 0.05) during one-legged cycling with arbitrary start, whereas such increase in Oxy-Hb was absent with cued start. The increases in femoral blood flow and vascular conductance of nonexercising leg were evident ( P < 0.05) at 10 s from the onset of one-legged cycling with arbitrary start, whereas those were smaller or absent with cued start. It is likely that when voluntary exercise is started arbitrarily, central command is generated prior to motor execution and then contributes to muscle vasodilatation at the beginning of exercise. Such centrally induced muscle vasodilatation may be weakened and/or masked in the case of exercise with cued start.
Synchronized gamma-frequency inhibition in neocortex depends on excitatory-inhibitory interactions but not electrical synapses
Authors: Neske Garrett T. , Connors Barry W.
Published: May 2016

Synaptic inhibition plays a crucial role in the precise timing of spiking activity in the cerebral cortex. Synchronized, rhythmic inhibitory activity in the gamma (30–80 Hz) range is thought to be especially important for the active, information-processing neocortex, but the circuit mechanisms that give rise to synchronized inhibition are uncertain. In particular, the relative contributions of reciprocal inhibitory connections, excitatory-inhibitory interactions, and electrical synapses to precise spike synchrony among inhibitory interneurons are not well understood. Here we describe experiments on mouse barrel cortex in vitro as it spontaneously generates slow (<1 Hz) oscillations (Up and Down states). During Up states, inhibitory postsynaptic currents (IPSCs) are generated at gamma frequencies and are more synchronized than excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) among neighboring pyramidal cells. Furthermore, spikes in homotypic pairs of interneurons are more synchronized than in pairs of pyramidal cells. Comparing connexin36 knockout and wild-type animals, we found that electrical synapses make a minimal contribution to synchronized inhibition during Up states. Estimations of the delays between EPSCs and IPSCs in single pyramidal cells showed that excitation often preceded inhibition by a few milliseconds. Finally, tonic optogenetic activation of different interneuron subtypes in the absence of excitation led to only weak synchrony of IPSCs in pairs of pyramidal neurons. Our results suggest that phasic excitatory inputs are indispensable for synchronized spiking in inhibitory interneurons during Up states and that electrical synapses play a minimal role.
CaMKII mediates stimulus specificity in early odor preference learning in rats
Authors: Modarresi Shirin , Mukherjee Bandhan , McLean John H. , Harley Carolyn W. , Yuan Qi
Published: May 2016

After naturalistic odor preference training, Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) was rapidly phosphorylated in the olfactory bulb, specifically in the odor encoding regions of the glomerular layer and external plexiform layer. Intrabulbar CaMKII antagonist experiments revealed that CaMKII supports short- and long-term preference memory formation. With bulbar PKA activation as the unconditioned stimulus odor preferences could be induced despite CaMKII blockade, but now odor specificity was lost, with odor preference generalizing to an untrained odor. Odor-specific learning was associated with increased membrane-associated AMPA receptors, while nonspecific odor preference was not. Thus CaMKII activation provides a tag to confer stimulus specificity as well as supporting natural odor preference learning.