bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mas receptor deficiency is associated with worsening of lipid profile and severe hepatic steatosis in ApoE-knockout mice
Authors: Silva Analina R. , Aguilar Edenil C. , Alvarez-Leite Jacqueline I. , da Silva Rafaela F. , Arantes Rosa M. E. , Bader Michael , Alenina Natalia , Pelli Graziano , Lenglet Sébastien , Galan Katia , Montecucco Fabrizio , Mach François , Santos Sérgio H. S. , Santos Robson A. S.
Published: October 2013

The classical renin-angiotensin system pathway has been recently updated with the identification of additional molecules [such as angiotensin converting enzyme 2, ANG-(1–7), and Mas receptor] that might improve some pathophysiological processes in chronic inflammatory diseases. In the present study, we focused on the potential protective role of Mas receptor activation on mouse lipid profile, liver steatosis, and atherogenesis. Mas/apolipoprotein E (ApoE)-double-knockout (DKO) mice (based on C57BL/6 strain of 20 wk of age) were fed under normal diet and compared with aged-matched Mas and ApoE-single-knockout (KO), as well as wild-type mice. Mas/ApoE double deficiency was associated with increased serum levels of atherogenic fractions of cholesterol, triglycerides, and fasting glucose compared with wild-type or single KO. Serum levels of HDL or leptin in DKO were lower than in other groups. Hepatic lipid content as well as alanine aminotransferase serum levels were increased in DKO compared with wild-type or single-KO animals. Accordingly, the hepatic protein content of mediators related to atherosclerotic inflammation, such as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α and liver X receptor, was altered in an adverse way in DKO compared with ApoE-KO. On the other hand, DKO mice did not display increased atherogenesis and intraplaque inflammation compared with ApoE-KO group. In conclusion, Mas deletion in ApoE-KO mice was associated with development of severe liver steatosis and dyslipidemia without affecting concomitant atherosclerosis. Mas receptor activation might represent promising strategies for future treatments targeting both hepatic and metabolic alterations in chronic conditions clustering these disorders.
Congestive heart failure in rats is associated with increased collecting duct vasopressin sensitivity and vasopressin type 2 receptor reexternalization
Authors: Brønd Lone , Müllertz Katrine M. , Torp Malene , Nielsen Jonas , Græbe Martin , Hadrup Niels , Nielsen Søren , Christensen Sten , Jonassen Thomas E. N.
Published: October 2013

A number of studies have shown that rats with congestive heart failure (CHF) have increased protein levels of the vasopressin (AVP)-regulated water channel aquaporin-2 (AQP2) even during conditions with unchanged circulating levels of AVP, suggesting an increase in the sensitivity of the AVP type 2 (V2) receptor in experimental CHF. The present study was aimed at investigating AVP signaling in rats with moderate CHF (left ventricular end diastolic pressure >10 mmHg; normal plasma AVP levels) induced by ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery. Sham-operated rats were used as controls. Western blotting analyses revealed an increased abundance of AQP2 in renal cortex (+33 ± 9% of sham; P < 0.05) and in inner medulla (IM) (+54 ± 15% of sham; P < 0.05) in CHF rats compared with sham-operated controls. Dose-response studies on isolated collecting ducts (CDs) showed an increased accumulation of cAMP in response to AVP in CHF rats compared with controls. V2receptor surface-binding studies in isolated IMCDs showed a marked and comparable AVP-induced V2receptor internalization in response to AVP in both CHF and control rats. As expected V2receptor surface binding remained low after AVP challenge in control rats. In contrast to this, V2receptor surface binding returned to pre-AVP levels within 30 min in the CHF rats, indicating an obtained recycling ability of the V2receptor in CHF. Together the results indicate the presence of an increased AVP sensitivity in the CDs from CHF rats, associated with an acquired recycling ability of the V2receptor.
A unifying model of concurrent spatial and temporal modularity in muscle activity
Authors: Delis Ioannis , Panzeri Stefano , Pozzo Thierry , Berret Bastien
Published: October 2013

Modularity in the central nervous system (CNS), i.e., the brain capability to generate a wide repertoire of movements by combining a small number of building blocks (“modules”), is thought to underlie the control of movement. Numerous studies reported evidence for such a modular organization by identifying invariant muscle activation patterns across various tasks. However, previous studies relied on decompositions differing in both the nature and dimensionality of the identified modules. Here, we derive a single framework that encompasses all influential models of muscle activation modularity. We introduce a new model (named space-by-time decomposition) that factorizes muscle activations into concurrent spatial and temporal modules. To infer these modules, we develop an algorithm, referred to as sample-based nonnegative matrix trifactorization (sNM3F). We test the space-by-time decomposition on a comprehensive electromyographic dataset recorded during execution of arm pointing movements and show that it provides a low-dimensional yet accurate, highly flexible and task-relevant representation of muscle patterns. The extracted modules have a wellcharacterized functional meaning and implement an efficient trade-off between replication of the original muscle patterns and task discriminability. Furthermore, they are compatible with the modules extracted from existing models, such as synchronous synergies and temporal primitives, and generalize time-varying synergies. Our results indicate the effectiveness of a simultaneous but separate condensation of spatial and temporal dimensions of muscle patterns. The space-by-time decomposition accommodates a unified view of the hierarchical mapping from task parameters to coordinated muscle activations, which could be employed as a reference framework for studying compositional motor control.
Dissociating the neural bases of repetition-priming and adaptation in the human brain for faces
Authors: Kaiser Daniel , Walther Christian , Schweinberger Stefan R. , Kovács Gyula
Published: October 2013

The repetition of a given stimulus leads to the attenuation of the functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) signal compared with unrepeated stimuli, a phenomenon called fMRI adaptation or repetition suppression (RS). Previous studies have related RS of the fMRI signal behaviorally both to improved performance for the repeated stimulus (priming) and to shifts of perception away from the first stimulus (adaptation-related aftereffects). Here we used identical task (sex discrimination), trial structure [ stimulus 1 (S1): 3,000 ms, interstimulus interval: 600 ms, stimulus 2 (S2): 300 ms], and S2 stimuli (androgynous faces) to test how RS of the face-specific areas of the occipito-temporal cortex relates to priming and aftereffects. By varying S1, we could induce priming (significantly faster reaction times when S1 and S2 were identical compared with different images) as well as sex-specific aftereffect [an increased ratio of male responses if S1 was a female face compared with ambiguous faces or to Fourier-randomized noise (FOU) images]. Presenting any face as S1 led to significant RS of the blood oxygen level-dependent signal in the fusiform and occipital face areas as well as in the lateral occipital cortex of both hemispheres compared with FOU, reflecting stimulus category-specific encoding. Additionally, while sex-specific adaptation effects were only observed in occipital face areas, primed trials led to a signal reduction in both face-selective regions. Altogether, these results suggest the differential neural mechanisms of adaptation and repetition priming.
Antibiogram, Adhesive Characteristics, and Incidence of Class 1 Integron inAeromonasSpecies Isolated from Two South African Rivers
Authors: Igbinosa Isoken H. , Chigor Vincent N. , Igbinosa Etinosa O. , Obi Lawrence C. , Okoh Anthony I.
Published: September 2013

Aeromonasspecies are well distributed in freshwater environments, and their natural susceptibility to antimicrobials renders them interesting candidates for the survey of antimicrobial resistance in freshwater milieu. Water samples were collected from Kat and Tyume rivers in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa, and a total of 45 isolates identified asAeromonasspecies were recovered from the two rivers. AllAeromonasisolates were resistant to oxacillin, penicillin, clindamycin, cephalothin, vancomycin, and rifamycin, while appreciable susceptibilities (89.3 : 94.1%, 82.1 : 94.1%, 85.7 : 88.2%, and 92.9 : 88.2%) were observed against ciprofloxacin, chloramphenicol, nitrofurantoin, and gentamicin from Kat and Tyume rivers, respectively. Multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) indices ranged from 0.016 to 0.044 for the two rivers. Class 1 integron was detected in about 20% of the isolates, and all the isolates except one showed ability to produce biofilmin vitroas weak producers (53.33%), moderate producers (15.56%), and strong producers (28.9%). This investigation provides a baseline data on antibiotic resistance as well as the adhesive characteristics ofAeromonasisolates from Tyume and Kat rivers in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa.
Optimality Conditions for Nonsmooth Generalized Semi-Infinite Programs
Authors: Chen Zhangyou , Chen Zhe
Published: September 2013

We consider a class of nonsmooth generalized semi-infinite programming problems. We apply results from parametric optimization to the lower level problems of generalized semi-infinite programming problems to get estimates for the value functions of the lower level problems and thus derive necessary optimality conditions for generalized semi-infinite programming problems. We also derive some new estimates for the value functions of the lower level problems in terms of generalized differentiation and further obtain the necessary optimality conditions.
An Efficient WSN Simulator for GPU-Based Node Performance
Authors: Kang An Na , Kim Hyun-Woo , Barolli Leonard , Jeong Young-Sik
Published: October 2013

In wireless sensor network, when these sensors are wrongly placed in an observation region, they can quickly run out of batteries or be disconnected. These incidents may result in huge losses in terms of sensing data from numerous sensors and their costs. For this reason, a number of simulators have been developed as tools for effective design and verification before the actual arrangement of sensors. While a number of simulators have been developed, simulation results can be fairly limited and the execution speed can be markedly slow depending on the function of each simulator. In this regard, to improve the performance of existing simulators, this research aimed to develop a parallel calculation simulator for independent sensor (PCSIS) that enables users to selectively use the GPU mode and, based on this mode, enables parallel and independent operations by matching GPU with many cores in order to resolve the slowdown of the execution speed when numerous sensor nodes are used for simulations. The PCSIS supports the GPU mode in an environment that allows the operation of compute unified device architecture (CUDA) and performs the parallel simulation calculation of multiple sensors using the mode within a short period of time.
Assessment of Parturition with Cervical Light-Induced Fluorescence and Uterine Electromyography
Authors: Lucovnik Miha , Kuon Ruben J. , Garfield Robert E.
Published: September 2013

Parturition involves increasing compliance (ripening) of the uterine cervix and activation of the myometrium. These processes take place in a different time frame. Softening and shortening of the cervix starts in midpregnancy, while myometrial activation occurs relatively close to delivery. Methods currently available to clinicians to assess cervical and myometrial changes are subjective and inaccurate, which often causes misjudgments with potentially adverse consequences. The inability to reliably diagnose true preterm labor leads to unnecessary treatments, missed opportunities to improve neonatal outcome, and inherently biased research of treatments. At term, the likelihood of cesarean delivery depends on labor management, which in turn depends on accurate assessments of cervical change and myometrial contractility. Studies from our group and others show that noninvasive measurements of light-induced fluorescence (LIF) of cervical collagen and uterine electromyography (EMG) objectively detect changes in the composition of the cervix and myometrial preparedness to labor and are more reliable than clinical observations alone. We present a conceptual model of parturition constructed on cervical LIF and uterine EMG studies. We also explore how these methodologies could be helpful with managing patients experiencing preterm contractions and with optimizing labor management protocols aimed to reduce cesarean section.
Ripple-Spreading Network Model Optimization by Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Hu Xiao-Bing , Wang Ming , Leeson Mark S.
Published: October 2013

Small-world and scale-free properties are widely acknowledged in many real-world complex network systems, and many network models have been developed to capture these network properties. The ripple-spreading network model (RSNM) is a newly reported complex network model, which is inspired by the natural ripple-spreading phenomenon on clam water surface. The RSNM exhibits good potential for describing both spatial and temporal features in the development of many real-world networks where the influence of a few local events spreads out through nodes and then largely determines the final network topology. However, the relationships between ripple-spreading related parameters (RSRPs) of RSNM and small-world and scale-free topologies are not as obvious or straightforward as in many other network models. This paper attempts to apply genetic algorithm (GA) to tune the values of RSRPs, so that the RSNM may generate these two most important network topologies. The study demonstrates that, once RSRPs are properly tuned by GA, the RSNM is capable of generating both network topologies and therefore has a great flexibility to study many real-world complex network systems.
The Influence of Chain Microstructure of Biodegradable Copolyesters Obtained with Low-Toxic Zirconium Initiator toIn VitroBiocompatibility
Authors: Orchel Arkadiusz , Jelonek Katarzyna , Kasperczyk Janusz , Dobrzynski Piotr , Marcinkowski Andrzej , Pamula Elzbieta , Orchel Joanna , Bielecki Ireneusz , Kulczycka Anna
Published: October 2013

Because of the wide use of biodegradable materials in tissue engineering, it is necessary to obtain biocompatible polymers with different mechanical and physical properties as well as degradation ratio. Novel co- and terpolymers of various composition and chain microstructure have been developed and applied for cell culture. The aim of this study was to evaluate the adhesion and proliferation of human chondrocytes to four biodegradable copolymers: lactide-coglycolide, lactide-co-ε-caprolactone, lactide-co-trimethylene carbonate, glycolide-co-ε-caprolactone, and one terpolymer glycolide-colactide-co-ε-caprolactone synthesized with the use of zirconium acetylacetonate as a nontoxic initiator. Chain microstructure of the copolymers was analyzed by means of1H and13C NMR spectroscopy and surface properties by AFM technique. Cell adhesion and proliferation were determined by CyQUANT Cell Proliferation Assay Kit. After 4 h the chondrocyte adhesion on the surface of studied materials was comparable to standard TCPS. Cell proliferation occurred on all the substrates; however, among the studied polymers poly(L-lactide-coglycolide) 85 : 15 that characterized the most blocky structure best supported cell growth. Chondrocytes retained the cell membrane integrity evaluated by the LDH release assay. As can be summarized from the results of the study, all the studied polymers are well tolerated by the cells that make them appropriate for human chondrocytes growth.
Intratesticular Abscess in a Solitary Testicle: The Case for Testicle Sparing Management
Authors: Zaid Uwais B. , Bagga Herman S. , Reese Adam C. , Breyer Benjamin N.
Published: October 2013

We present the case of a 24-year-old immunocompromised man with an intratesticular abscess. The patient presented with one week of left scrotal pain and swelling. Workup included scrotal ultrasonography which revealed a large fluid collection within the tunica albuginea of the left testis. Surgical exploration of the left testis evacuated a significant amount of purulent fluid. The residual viable testicular parenchyma was salvaged. Intraoperative cultures grewMorganella morganii.Follow-up ultrasonography showed resolution of the testicular fluid collection, and the patient was discharged home with oral antibiotics. Intratesticular abscesses are a rare clinical entity which often result in orchiectomy.
Human Mesenchymal Stromal Cell-Mediated Immunoregulation: Mechanisms of Action and Clinical Applications
Authors: Dorronsoro Akaitz , Fernández-Rueda Jon , Fechter Karoline , Ferrin Izaskun , Salcedo Juan Manuel , Jakobsson Emma , Trigueros César
Published: September 2013

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are multipotent cells found in connective tissues that can differentiate into bone, cartilage, and adipose tissue. Interestingly, they can regulate immune responses in a paracrine way and allogeneic MSCs do not elicit immune response. These properties have encouraged a number of clinical trials in a broad range of regenerative therapies. Although these trials were first focused on their differentiation properties, in the last years, the immunosuppressive features have gained most of the attention. In this review, we will summarize the up-to-date knowledge about the immunosuppressive mechanisms of MSCs in vivo and in vitro and the most promising approaches in clinical investigation.
High Sensitive Methods for Health Monitoring of Compressor Blades and Fatigue Detection
Authors: Witoś Mirosław
Published: September 2013

The diagnostic and research aspects of compressor blade fatigue detection have been elaborated in the paper. The real maintenance and overhaul problems and characteristic of different modes of metal blade fatigue (LCF, HCF, and VHCF) have been presented. The polycrystalline defects and impurities influencing the fatigue, along with their related surface finish techniques, are taken into account. The three experimental methods of structural health assessment are considered. The metal magnetic memory (MMM), experimental modal analysis (EMA) and tip timing (TTM) methods provide information on the damage of diagnosed objects, for example, compressor blades. Early damage symptoms, that is, magnetic and modal properties of material strengthening and weakening phases (change of local dislocation density and grain diameter, increase of structural and magnetic anisotropy), have been described. It has been proven that the shape of resonance characteristic gives abilities to determine if fatigue or a blade crack is concerned. The capabilities of the methods for steel and titanium alloy blades have been illustrated in examples from active and passive experiments. In the conclusion, the MMM, EMA, and TTM have been verified, and the potential for reliable diagnosis of the compressor blades using this method has been confirmed.
The Higher Accuracy Fourth-Order IADE Algorithm
Authors: Abu Mansor N. , Zulkifle A. K. , Alias N. , Hasan M. K. , Boyce M. J. N.
Published: October 2013

This study develops the novel fourth-order iterative alternating decomposition explicit (IADE) method of Mitchell and Fairweather (IADEMF4) algorithm for the solution of the one-dimensional linear heat equation with Dirichlet boundary conditions. The higher-order finite difference scheme is developed by representing the spatial derivative in the heat equation with the fourth-order finite difference Crank-Nicolson approximation. This leads to the formation of pentadiagonal matrices in the systems of linear equations. The algorithm also employs the higher accuracy of the Mitchell and Fairweather variant. Despite the scheme’s higher computational complexity, experimental results show that it is not only capable of enhancing the accuracy of the original corresponding method of second-order (IADEMF2), but its solutions are also in very much agreement with the exact solutions. Besides, it is unconditionally stable and has proven to be convergent. The IADEMF4 is also found to be more accurate, more efficient, and has better rate of convergence than the benchmarked fourth-order classical iterative methods, namely, the Jacobi (JAC4), the Gauss-Seidel (GS4), and the successive over-relaxation (SOR4) methods.
About a Case Report of Giant Hydronephrosis
Authors: Mediavilla Enrique , Ballestero Roberto , Correas Miguel Angel , Gutierrez Jose Luis
Published: September 2013

Introduction. Our objective is to report a case of an infrequent entity as the giant hydronephrosis.Case Report. We report the case of an 82-syear-old male referred for a poor general condition. A radiological study revealed a great left hydronephrosis secondary to an urothelial carcinoma. The patient died due to his poor general condition. A histological diagnosis revealed a transitional cell carcinoma of renal pelvis and ureter and atrophic renal parenchyma.Conclusion. Giant hydronephrosis represents a very often entity to be taken into account in cases with big cystic abdominal masses in absence of unilateral or bilateral kidney. Simple nephrectomy is the treatment of choice in most cases. Nevertheless, in cases of nonsubsidiary surgery, percutaneous drainage may be necessary.
Transient Neonatal Zinc Deficiency Caused by a Heterozygous G87R Mutation in theZinc Transporter ZnT-2 (SLC30A2)Gene in the Mother Highlighting the Importance of Zn2+for Normal Growth and Development
Authors: Miletta Maria Consolata , Bieri Andreas , Kernland Kristin , Schöni Martin H. , Petkovic Vibor , Flück Christa E. , Eblé Andrée , Mullis Primus E.
Published: September 2013

Suboptimal dietary zinc (Zn2+) intake is increasingly appreciated as an important public health issue. Zn2+is an essential mineral, and infants are particularly vulnerable to Zn2+deficiency, as they require large amounts of Zn2+for their normal growth and development. Although term infants are born with an important hepatic Zn2+storage, adequate Zn2+nutrition of infants mostly depends on breast milk or formula feeding, which contains an adequate amount of Zn2+to meet the infants’ requirements. An exclusively breast-fed 6 months old infant suffering from Zn2+deficiency caused by an autosomal dominant negative G87R mutation in theSlc30a2gene (encoding for the zinc transporter 2 (ZnT-2)) in the mother is reported. More than 20 zinc transporters characterized up to date, classified into two families (Slc30a/ZnT and Slc39a/Zip), reflect the complexity and importance of maintaining cellular Zn2+homeostasis and dynamics. The role of ZnTs is to reduce intracellular Zn2+by transporting it from the cytoplasm into various intracellular organelles and by moving Zn2+into extracellular space. Zips increase intracellular Zn2+by transporting it in the opposite direction. Thus the coordinated action of both is essential for the maintenance of Zn2+homeostasis in the cytoplasm, and accumulating evidence suggests that this is also true for the secretory pathway of growth hormone.
Application of Potential Phosphate‐Solubilizing Bacteria and Organic Acids on Phosphate Solubilization from Phosphate Rock in Aerobic Rice
Authors: Panhwar Qurban Ali , Jusop Shamshuddin , Naher Umme Aminun , Othman Radziah , Razi Mohd Ismail
Published: October 2013

A study was conducted at Universiti Putra Malaysia to determine the effect of phosphate‐solubilizing bacteria (PSB) and organic acids (oxalic & malic) on phosphate (P) solubilization from phosphate rock (PR) and growth of aerobic rice. Four rates of each organic acid (0, 10, 20, and 30 mM), and PSB strain (Bacillus sp.) were applied to aerobic rice. Total bacterial populations, amount of P solubilization, P uptake, soil pH, and root morphology were determined. The results of the study showed significantly high P solubilization in PSB with organic acid treatments. Among the two organic acids, oxalic acid was found more effective compared to malic acid. Application of oxalic acid at 20 mM along with PSB16 significantly increased soluble soil P (28.39 mg kg−1), plant P uptake (0.78 P pot−1), and plant biomass (33.26 mg). Addition of organic acids with PSB and PR had no influence on soil pH during the planting period. A higher bacterial population was found in rhizosphere (8.78 log10 cfu g−1) compared to the nonrhizosphere and endosphere regions. The application of organic acids along with PSB enhanced soluble P in the soil solution, improved root growth, and increased plant biomass of aerobic rice seedlings without affecting soil pH.
Maturation and Emigration of Single-Positive Thymocytes
Authors: Xu Xi , Zhang Shusong , Li Pingping , Lu Jin , Xuan Qun , Ge Qing
Published: September 2013

T lymphopoiesis in the thymus was thought to be completed once it reaches the single positive (SP) stage, a stage when T cells are “fully mature” and waiting to be exported at random or follow a “first-in-first-out” manner. Recent evidence, however, has revealed that the newly generated SP thymocytes undergo a multistage maturation program in the thymic medulla. Such maturation is followed by a tightly regulated emigration process and a further postthymic maturation of recent thymic emigrants (RTEs). This review summarizes recent progress in the late stage T cell development. The regulation of this developmental process is discussed.
Cholestatic Jaundice as a Paraneoplastic Manifestation of Prostate Cancer
Authors: Kuramoto Tomomi , Senzaki Hiroya , Koike Hiroyuki , Yamagiwa Kenji , Tamura Shinobu , Fujimoto Tokuzou , Inagaki Takeshi
Published: September 2013

Paraneoplastic syndrome associated with prostate cancer is extremely rare. We report a patient who presented with cholestatic jaundice without biliary duct obstruction, hepatic involvement, or infection. After a few detailed examinations, prostate cancer was diagnosed. After treatment with bicalutamide and leuprolide, the patient’s symptoms and laboratory abnormalities were reversed. Cholestatic jaundice was regarded as a paraneoplastic manifestation in this patient. The patient remains symptom-free after 14-month followup. Paraneoplastic syndrome should be considered in case of cholestatic jaundice without biliary duct obstruction, hepatic involvement, or infection.
Anterior Segment Imaging in Combat Ocular Trauma
Authors: Ryan Denise S. , Sia Rose K. , Colyer Marcus , Stutzman Richard D. , Wroblewski Keith J. , Mines Michael J. , Bower Kraig S.
Published: September 2013

Purpose. To evaluate the use of ocular imaging to enhance management and diagnosis of war-related anterior segment ocular injuries.Methods. This study was a prospective observational case series from an ongoing IRB-approved combat ocular trauma tracking study. Subjects with anterior segment ocular injury were imaged, when possible, using anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT), confocal microscopy (CM), and slit lamp biomicroscopy.Results. Images captured from participants with combat ocular trauma on different systems provided comprehensive and alternate views of anterior segment injury to investigators.Conclusion. In combat-related trauma of the anterior segment, adjunct image acquisition enhances slit lamp examination and enables real timeIn vivoobservation of the cornea facilitating injury characterization, progression, and management.
The Plasma Membrane Ca2+-ATPase2 (PMCA2) Is Involved in the Regulation of Purkinje Cell Dendritic Growth in Cerebellar Organotypic Slice Cultures
Authors: Sherkhane Pradeep , Kapfhammer Josef P.
Published: September 2013

Purkinje cells are the principal neurons of the cerebellar cortex and have an extensive and elaborate dendritic tree. Chronic activation of type I metabotropic glutamate receptors inhibits Purkinje cell dendritic growth in organotypic cerebellar slice cultures. This effect is mediated by calcium influx through P/Q-type and T-type Ca2+channels. We have now studied the role of the plasma membrane Ca2+-ATPase2 (PMCA2), a major calcium extrusion pump, for Purkinje cell dendritic development. We found that PMCA2 is strongly expressed in the plasma membrane and dendritic spines of Purkinje cells in organotypic slice cultures compatible with a role for controlling the local dendritic calcium equilibrium. Inhibition of PMCA2 activity by carboxyeosin resulted in a moderate reduction of Purkinje cell dendritic tree size indicating that the extrusion of calcium by PMCA2 is important for maintaining the dendritic calcium concentration and controlling dendritic growth. When inhibition of PMCA2 was combined with stimulation of type I metabotropic glutamate receptors, it partially rescued dendritic morphology. This protection can be explained by a compensatory inactivation of voltage-gated calcium channels in Purkinje cells after PMCA2 inhibition. Our results demonstrate that PMCA2 activity is an important regulator of the dendritic calcium equilibrium controlling Purkinje cell dendritic growth.
Handing Optimization Energy Consumption in Heterogeneous Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Pinheiro Placido Rogerio , Sobreira Neto Álvaro Meneses , Aguiar Alexei Barbosa
Published: September 2013

This paper presents an integer linear programming model devoted to optimize the energy consumption efficiency in heterogeneous wireless sensor networks. This model is based upon a schedule of sensor allocation plans in multiple time intervals subject to coverage and connectivity constraints. By turning off specifics sets of redundant sensors in each time interval, it is possible to reduce the total energy consumption in the network and, at the same time, avoid partitioning the whole network by losing some strategic sensors too prematurely. Since the network is heterogeneous, sensors can sense different phenomena from different demand points, with different sample rates. By resorting to this model, it is possible to provide extra lifetime to heterogeneous wireless sensor networks, reducing their setup and maintenance costs. This is an important issue to be considered when deploying sensor devices in hostile and inaccessible environments.
Numerical Simulation of Force Enhancement by Cellular Material under Blast Load
Authors: Qi Chang , Yang Shu , Gao Renjing
Published: September 2013

The cause of force enhancement phenomenon when using cellular material, such as metal foam, for blast protection is discussed using both finite element method (FEM) and analytical method. Finite element (FE) models of cellular material under blast load are presented, in which the blast load is modeled by CONWEP blast function and the cellular material is modeled by the homogenized modeling method and the multiunit-cell modeling method. A one-dimensional analytical model is also presented for comparison purpose. Utilizing these models, an aluminum foam bar under blast load is simulated and the mechanism of both force attenuation and enhancement are depicted. The relationship between blast load intensity and the length of the foam bar is analyzed based on the simulation. It is found that the time of momentum transfer between the compacted foam bar and the protected structure is very short compared to the total time of the blast event, which causes force enhancement. Corresponding countermeasures are proposed based on this finding. The study will not only provide new modeling methods for the simulation of cellular material subjected to blast load but will also be beneficial to understand the mechanisms of force attenuation and enhancement, so as to seek for countermeasures.
Population, Ecology, and Threats to Two Endemic and Threatened Terrestrial Chelonians of the Western Ghats, India
Authors: Kanagavel Arun , Rehel Shiny M. , Raghavan Rajeev
Published: September 2013

The Western Ghats part of the Western Ghats-Sri Lanka hotspot harbors two endemic terrestrial chelonians, the Cochin forest cane turtle Vijayachelys silvatica and the Travancore tortoise Indotestudo travancorica. Population estimates as well as information on the scale and intensity of threats for these chelonians are largely unavailable. This study attempts to address these gaps for two hill ranges of the Western Ghats. Thirty random quadrats at eight forest ranges were surveyed for chelonians and their carapaces recording any found en route and also during opportunistic surveys. Three live V. silvatica and 38 I. travancorica were subsequently encountered and had overall densities of 0.006 and 0.03 individuals per hectare, respectively. These chelonians were found at quadrats with lower light intensity and soil temperature. Nine carapaces were found during the field surveys: seven the result of human consumption, one trapped in a pit, and another consumed by a wild animal. In addition to field surveys, household surveys in 26 indigenous and nonindigenous human settlements resulted in the observation of one V. silvatica and 38 I. travancorica including a carapace. Roads were surveyed to assess the threat they posed to chelonians, resulting in the observation of two I. travancorica road kills. Increased interactions and discussions between the management authorities and local communities need to be promoted if chelonian conservation is to improve in the landscape.
Some New Gronwall-Bellman-Type Inequalities Based on the Modified Riemann-Liouville Fractional Derivative
Authors: Zheng Bin
Published: September 2013

By use of the properties of the modified Riemann-Liouville fractional derivative, some new Gronwall-Bellman-type inequalities are researched. First, we derive some new explicit bounds for the unknown functions lying in these inequalities, which are of different forms from some existing bounds in the literature. Then, we apply the results established to research the boundedness, uniqueness, and continuous dependence on the initial value for the solution to a certain fractional differential equation.
Software Fault Location of CNC System Based on Similar Path Set and Artificial Neural Network
Authors: Yuan Xiuhua , Wang Yiqiang , Gu Yan
Published: September 2013

The assurance of software reliability of the CNC system is difficult to realize with the continuous increase in the computational complexity and software scale of the CNC system. Therefore, there is an increasing demand for efficient methods that are able to locate the defect codes quickly and accurately. This study proposes a practical fault location method which is based on the similar path set and artificial neural network (ANN). The detailed fault location process involves the following steps: ( 1 ) according to the execution information recorded by the monitor, the failed path is generated; ( 2 ) the similar path set is obtained from the control flow graph and the failed path; the ANN is trained by the learning sample which is composed of the failed path and the similar path set; ( 3 ) the defect code is judged by ANN. The results of the fault location experiment on the interpolation module showed that the proposed method located the software fault quickly and accurately without depending on the experience and intuition of maintainers.
An Irregular Flight Scheduling Model and Algorithm under the Uncertainty Theory
Authors: Mou Deyi , Zhao Wanlin
Published: September 2013

The flight scheduling is a real-time optimization problem. Whenever the schedule is disrupted, it will not only cause inconvenience to passenger, but also bring about a large amount of operational losses to airlines. Especially in case an irregular flight happens, the event is unanticipated frequently. In order to obtain an optimal policy in airline operations, this paper presents a model in which the total delay minutes of passengers are considered as the optimization objective through reassigning fleets in response to the irregular flights and which takes into account available resources and the estimated cost of airlines. Owing to the uncertainty of the problem and insufficient data in the decision-making procedure, the traditional modeling tool (probability theory) is abandoned, the uncertainty theory is applied to address the issues, and an uncertain programming model is developed with the chance constraint. This paper also constructs a solution method to solve the model based on the classical Hungarian algorithm under uncertain conditions. Numerical example illustrates that the model and its algorithm are feasible to deal with the issue of irregular flight recovery.
Neurological Adverse Effects in Patients of Advanced Colorectal Carcinoma Treated with Different Schedules of FOLFOX
Authors: Bano Nusrat , Najam Rahila , Mateen Ahmed
Published: September 2013

The study is designed to assess the frequency and severity of few dose limiting neurological adverse effects of four different schedules of FOLFOX. Patients with histologically confirmed advanced colorectal carcinoma (CRC) were included in the study. Toxicity was graded according to CTC v 2.0. The frequency of grade 3 and 4 adverse effects was comparatively assessed in each treatment arm. The difference in the pattern of toxicity between the treatment schedule was evaluated. The most frequent adverse symptom of neurological adverse effect was grade 1 paresthesia in the patients treated with FOLFOX4 schedule. Grade 4 peripheral neuropathy was reported in few patients of FOLFOX7 treatment arm. Frequency and onset of neurological adverse effects like paresthesia, dizziness, and hypoesthesia were significantly different (), whereas frequency and onset of peripheral neuropathy were highly significant () in each treatment arm of FOLFOX. Peripheral neuropathy was associated with electrolyte imbalance and diabetes in few patients. Frequency of symptoms, for example, paresthesia, is associated with increased number of recurrent exposure to oxaliplatin (increased number of cycles) even at low doses (85 mg/m2), whereas severity of symptoms, for example, peripheral neuropathy, is associated with higher dose (130 mg/m2) after few treatment cycles.
Adaptive Synchronization of Complex Dynamical Networks with State Predictor
Authors: Shi Yuntao , Liu Bo , Han Xiao
Published: September 2013

This paper addresses the adaptive synchronization of complex dynamical networks with nonlinear dynamics. Based on the Lyapunov method, it is shown that the network can synchronize to the synchronous state by introducing local adaptive strategy to the coupling strengths. Moreover, it is also proved that the convergence speed of complex dynamical networks can be increased via designing a state predictor. Finally, some numerical simulations are worked out to illustrate the analytical results.
A Class of Weingarten Surfaces in Euclidean 3-Space
Authors: Fu Yu , Li Lan
Published: September 2013

The class of biconservative surfaces in Euclidean 3-space𝔼3are defined in (Caddeo et al., 2012) by the equationA(grad H)=-H grad Hfor the mean curvature functionHand the Weingarten operatorA. In this paper, we consider the more general case that surfaces in𝔼3satisfyingA(grad H)=kH grad Hfor some constantkare called generalized bi-conservative surfaces. We show that this class of surfaces are linear Weingarten surfaces. We also give a complete classification of generalized bi-conservative surfaces in𝔼3.
A CPW‐Fed Circular Wide‐Slot UWB Antenna with Wide Tunable and Flexible Reconfigurable Dual Notch Bands
Authors: Li Yingsong , Li Wenxing , Ye Qiubo
Published: October 2013

A coplanar waveguide (CPW)‐fed circular slot antenna with wide tunable dual band‐notched function and frequency reconfigurable characteristic is designed, and its performance is verified experimentally for ultra‐wideband (UWB) communication applications. The dual band‐notched function is achieved by using a T‐shaped stepped impedance resonator (T‐SIR) inserted inside the circular ring radiation patch and by etching a parallel stub loaded resonator (PSLR) in the CPW transmission line, while the wide tunable bands can be implemented by adjusting the dimensions of the T‐SIR and the PSLR. The notch band reconfigurable characteristic is realized by integrating three switches into the T‐SIR and the PSLR. The numerical and experimental results show that the proposed antenna has a wide bandwidth ranging from 2.7 GHz to 12 GHz with voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) less than 2, except for the two notch bands operating at 3.8–5.9 GHz and 7.7–9.2 GHz, respectively. In addition, the proposed antenna has been optimized to a compact size and can provide omnidirectional radiation patterns, which are suitable for UWB communication applications.
Multi‐Scale Locality‐Constrained Spatiotemporal Coding for Local Feature Based Human Action Recognition
Authors: Wang Bin , Liu Yu , Wang Wei , Xu Wei , Zhang Maojun
Published: September 2013

We propose a Multiscale Locality‐Constrained Spatiotemporal Coding (MLSC) method to improve the traditional bag of features (BoF) algorithm which ignores the spatiotemporal relationship of local features for human action recognition in video. To model this spatiotemporal relationship, MLSC involves the spatiotemporal position of local feature into feature coding processing. It projects local features into a sub space‐time‐volume (sub‐STV) and encodes them with a locality‐constrained linear coding. A group of sub‐STV features obtained from one video with MLSC and max‐pooling are used to classify this video. In classification stage, the Locality‐Constrained Group Sparse Representation (LGSR) is adopted to utilize the intrinsic group information of these sub‐STV features. The experimental results on KTH, Weizmann, and UCF sports datasets show that our method achieves better performance than the competing local spatiotemporal feature‐based human action recognition methods.
Preparation and Characterization of Promoted Fe‐V/SiO2 Nanocatalysts for Oxidation of Alcohols
Authors: Rafiee Hamid Reza , Feyzi Mostafa , Jafari Fatanh , Safari Banafsheh
Published: September 2013

A series of SiO2 supported iron‐vanadium catalysts were prepared using sol‐gel and wetness impregnation methods. This research investigates the effects of V and Cu on the structure and morphology of Fe/SiO2 catalysts. The SiO2 supported catalyst with the highest specific surface area and pore volume was obtained when it is containing 40 wt.% Fe, 15 wt.% V, and 2 wt.% Cu. Characterization of prepared catalysts was carried out by powder X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microcopy (SEM), vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM), Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) spectrometry, temperature program reduction (TPR), N2 physisorption, and thermal analysis methods such as thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The Fe‐V/SiO2 catalyst promoted with 2 wt.% of Cu exhibited typical ferromagnetic behavior at room temperature with a saturation magnetization value of 11.44 emu/g. This character of catalyst indicated great potential for application in magnetic separation technologies. The prepared catalyst was found to act as an efficient recoverable nanocatalyst for oxidation reaction of alcohols to aldehydes and ketones in aqueous media under mild condition. Moreover, the catalyst was reused five times without significant degradation in catalytic activity and performance.
Mobile Robot Path Planning Using Polyclonal-Based Artificial Immune Network
Authors: Deng Lixia , Ma Xin , Gu Jason , Li Yibin
Published: September 2013

Polyclonal based artificial immune network (PC-AIN) is utilized for mobile robot path planning. Artificial immune network (AIN) has been widely used in optimizing the navigation path with the strong searching ability and learning ability. However, artificial immune network exists as a problem of immature convergence which some or all individuals tend to the same extreme value in the solution space. Thus, polyclonal-based artificial immune network algorithm is proposed to solve the problem of immature convergence in complex unknown static environment. Immunity polyclonal algorithm (IPCA) increases the diversity of antibodies which tend to the same extreme value and finally selects the antibody with highest concentration. Meanwhile, immunity polyclonal algorithm effectively solves the problem of local minima caused by artificial potential field during the structure of parameter in artificial immune network. Extensive experiments show that the proposed method not only solves immature convergence problem of artificial immune network but also overcomes local minima problem of artificial potential field. So, mobile robot can avoid obstacles, escape traps, and reach the goal with optimum path and faster convergence speed.
Asymptotic Behavior of the Stochastic Rayleigh-van der Pol Equations with Jumps
Authors: Huang ZaiTang , Chen ChunTao
Published: September 2013

We study the stability, attractors, and bifurcation of stochastic Rayleigh-van der Pol equations with jumps. We first established the stochastic stability and the large deviations results for the stochastic Rayleigh-van der Pol equations. We then examine the existence limit circle and obtain some new random attractors. We further establish stochastic bifurcation of random attractors. Interestingly, this shows the effect of the Poisson noise which can stabilize or unstabilize the system which is significantly different from the classical Brownian motion process.
The Fc Receptor Polymorphisms and Expression of Neutrophil Activation Markers in Patients with Sickle Cell Disease from Western India
Authors: Kangne Harshada K. , Jijina Farah F. , Italia Yazdi M. , Jain Dipti L. , Nadkarni Anita H. , Gupta Maya , Pradhan Vandana , Mukesh Rati D. , Ghosh Kanjaksha K. , Colah Roshan B.
Published: September 2013

Objective. Sickle cell disease has variable clinical manifestations. Activation of neutrophils plays an important role in the initiation and propagation of vaso occlusive crises which can be analysed by determining the expression of neutrophil antigens such as CD16, CD32, and CD62L. The common FcγR polymorphisms (FcγRIIA and FcγRIIIB) are considered to influence clinical presentation. This study focuses on distribution of FcγR polymorphisms and their association with neutrophil activity among the patients from western India.Methods. In this paper 127 sickle cell anemia patients and 58 patients with sickle-β-thalassemia (median age12±8.58 years) with variable clinical phenotypes along with 175 normals were investigated. FcγRs polymorphisms were analysed by RFLP and AS-PCR. Activation of neutrophils was measured by flow cytometry.Results. The genotypic frequency of the H/R genotype of FcγRIIA and the NA1/NA1 genotype of FcγRIIIB was significantly decreased in patients compared to normals (P-0.0074,P-0.0471, resp.). We found a significant difference in the expression of CD32 and CD62L among the patients as against normals. A significantly higher expression of CD32 was seen in the milder patients with the H/H genotype (P-0.0231), whereas the expression of CD16 was higher in severe patients with the NA2/NA2 genotype (P-0.0312).Conclusion. The two FcγR polymorphisms had significant association with variable phenotypes of sickle cell disease. The expression of CD62L decreased in our patients indicating activation of neutrophils.
Study of Railway Track Irregularity Standard Deviation Time Series Based on Data Mining and Linear Model
Authors: Chaolong Jia , Weixiang Xu , Lili Wei , Hanning Wang
Published: October 2013

Good track geometry state ensures the safe operation of the railway passenger service and freight service. Railway transportation plays an important role in the Chinese economic and social development. This paper studies track irregularity standard deviation time series data and focuses on the characteristics and trend changes of track state by applying clustering analysis. Linear recursive model and linear-ARMA model based on wavelet decomposition reconstruction are proposed, and all they offer supports for the safe management of railway transportation.