bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Kidney glycosphingolipids are elevated early in diabetic nephropathy and mediate hypertrophy of mesangial cells
Authors: Subathra Marimuthu , Korrapati Midhun , Howell Lauren A. , Arthur John M. , Shayman James A. , Schnellmann Rick G. , Siskind Leah J.
Published: June 2015

Glycosphingolipids (GSLs) play a role in insulin resistance and diabetes, but their role in diabetic nephropathy (DN) has received limited attention. We used 9- and 17-wk-old nondiabetic db/ m and diabetic db/ db mice to examine the role of GSLs in DN. Cerebrosides or monoglycosylated GSLs [hexosylceramides (HexCers); glucosyl- and galactosylceramides] and lactosylceramide (LacCers) were elevated in db/ db mouse kidney cortices, specifically in glomeruli, and also in urine. In our recent paper (25), we observed that the kidneys exhibited glomerular hypertrophy and proximal tubular vacuolization and increased fibrosis markers at these time points. Mesangial cells contribute to hyperglycemia-induced glomerular hypertrophy in DN. Hyperglycemic culture conditions, similar to that present in diabetes, were sufficient to elevate mesangial cell HexCers and increase markers of fibrosis, extracellular matrix proteins, and cellular hypertrophy. Inhibition of glucosylceramide synthase or lowering glucose levels decreased markers of fibrosis and extracellular matrix proteins and reversed mesangial cell hypertrophy. Hyperglycemia increased phosphorylated (p)SMAD3 and pAkt levels and reduced phosphatase and tensin homolog levels, which were reversed with glucosylceramide synthase inhibition. These data suggest that inhibition of glucosylceramide synthase reversed mesangial cell hypertrophy through decreased pAkt and pSmad3 and increased pathways responsible for protein degradation. Importantly, urinary GSL levels were higher in patients with DN compared with healthy control subjects, implicating a role for these lipids in human DN. Thus, hyperglycemia in type II diabetes leads to renal dysfunction at least in part by inducing accumulation of HexCers and LacCers in mesangial cells, resulting in fibrosis, extracellular matrix production, and hypertrophy.
Obesity and renovascular disease
Authors: Zhang Xin , Lerman Lilach O.
Published: June 2015

Obesity remains a prominent public health concern. Obesity not only contributes greatly to cardiovascular events but has also been identified to initiate and affect the progression of preexisting chronic kidney disease. The prevalence of renal artery stenosis is growing world-wide, especially in the elderly population and in individuals with atherosclerotic risk factors such as obesity. Prolonged renovascular disease causes inflammation and microvascular remodeling within the post-stenotic kidney, which promote tissue scarring and may account for irreversible renal damage. Obesity has been shown to aggravate kidney damage via several pathways, including exacerbation of microvascular regression and renal cell injury mediated by adipocytes and insulin resistance, thereby worsening the structural and functional outcomes of the kidney in renovascular disease. Dietary modification and inhibition of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system have been shown to alleviate obesity-induced tissue injury and remodeling. Possibly, angiogenic factors may boost microvascular repair in the ischemic kidney in the obesity milieu. Novel therapeutic interventions targeting deleterious pathways that are activated by obesity and responsible for kidney damage need to be explored in future studies.
A temperature rise reduces trial-to-trial variability of locust auditory neuron responses
Authors: Eberhard Monika J. B. , Schleimer Jan-Hendrik , Schreiber Susanne , Ronacher Bernhard
Published: June 2015

The neurophysiology of ectothermic animals, such as insects, is affected by environmental temperature, as their body temperature fluctuates with ambient conditions. Changes in temperature alter properties of neurons and, consequently, have an impact on the processing of information. Nevertheless, nervous system function is often maintained over a broad temperature range, exhibiting a surprising robustness to variations in temperature. A special problem arises for acoustically communicating insects, as in these animals mate recognition and mate localization typically rely on the decoding of fast amplitude modulations in calling and courtship songs. In the auditory periphery, however, temporal resolution is constrained by intrinsic neuronal noise. Such noise predominantly arises from the stochasticity of ion channel gating and potentially impairs the processing of sensory signals. On the basis of intracellular recordings of locust auditory neurons, we show that intrinsic neuronal variability on the level of spikes is reduced with increasing temperature. We use a detailed mathematical model including stochastic ion channel gating to shed light on the underlying biophysical mechanisms in auditory receptor neurons: because of a redistribution of channel-induced current noise toward higher frequencies and specifics of the temperature dependence of the membrane impedance, membrane potential noise is indeed reduced at higher temperatures. This finding holds under generic conditions and physiologically plausible assumptions on the temperature dependence of the channels' kinetics and peak conductances. We demonstrate that the identified mechanism also can explain the experimentally observed reduction of spike timing variability at higher temperatures.
Stress Induced Cardiomyopathy with Midventricular Ballooning: A Rare Variant
Authors: Siddiqui Muhammad Umer , Desiderio Michael C. , Ricculli Nicholas , Rusovici Arthur
Published: June 2015

Stress cardiomyopathy (SCM) also referred to as the “broken heart syndrome” is a condition in which intense emotional or physical stress can cause fulminant and reversible cardiac muscle weakness. SCM most commonly involves the apical segment of left ventricle but newer and rare variants have recently been seen reported. We here report a case of rare midventricular variant of stress related cardiomyopathy. A 72-year-old female with past medical history, only significant for SVT, presented with an episode of severe substernal chest pain while hiking with her husband. She felt a significant heaviness in her chest and was short of breath. During her hospitalization she was found to have positive cardiac enzymes. EKG showed 1 mm downsloping ST segment changes. Ventriculogram during left heart catheterization revealed dyskinetic midventricle. Patient was diagnosed with midventricular SCM. The patient was placed on ACE inhibitor and beta-blocker and discharged in a well-compensated state. We suggest identifying these patients by standard lab testing, electrocardiography, echocardiography, and left heart coronary angiography and ventriculography. Management of this unique entity is similar to the other variants with close observation and treatment of accompanying heart failure, valvular dysfunction, and any arrhythmias that may develop.
A Hybrid Approach to Solve a Model of Closed-Loop Supply Chain
Authors: Tokhmehchi Nafiseh , Makui Ahmad , Sadi-Nezhad Soheil
Published: June 2015

This paper investigates a closed-loop supply chain network, including plants, demand centers, as well as collection centers, and disposal centers. In forward flow, the products are directly sent to demand centers, after being produced by plants, but in the reverse flow, reused products are returned to collection centers and, after investigating, are partly sent to disposal centers and the other part is resent to plants for remanufacturing. The proposed mathematical model is based on mixed-integer programming and helps minimizing the total cost. Total costs include the expenditure of establishing new centers, producing new products, cargo transport in the network, and disposal. The model aims to answer these two questions. (1) What number and in which places the plants, collection centers, and disposal centers will be constructed. (2) What amount of products will be flowing in each segment of the chain, in order to minimize the total cost. Four types of tuned metaheuristic algorithms were used, which are hybrid forms of genetic and firefly algorithms. Finally an adequate number of instances are generated to analyse the behavior of proposed algorithms. Computational results reveal that iterative sequentialization hybrid provides better solution compared with the other approaches in large size.
Dental Stem Cell Migration on Pulp Ceiling Cavities Filled with MTA, Dentin Chips, or Bio-Oss
Authors: Lymperi Stefania , Taraslia Vasiliki , Tsatsoulis Ioannis N. , Samara Athina , Velentzas Athanasios D. , Agrafioti Anastasia , Anastasiadou Ema , Kontakiotis Evangelos
Published: June 2015

MTA, Bio-Oss, and dentin chips have been successfully used in endodontics. The aim of this study was to assess the adhesion and migration of dental stem cells on human pulp ceiling cavities filled with these endodontic materials in an experimental model, which mimics the clinical conditions of regenerative endodontics. Cavities were formed, by a homemade mold, on untouched third molars, filled with endodontic materials, and observed with electron microscopy. Cells were seeded on cavities’ surface and their morphology and number were analysed. The phenomenon of tropism was assessed in a migration assay. All three materials demonstrated appropriate microstructures for cell attachment. Cells grew on all reagents, but they showed a differential morphology. Moreover, variations were observed when comparing cells numbers on cavity’s filling versus the surrounding dentine disc. The highest number of cells was recorded on dentin chips whereas the opposite was true for Bio-Oss. This was confirmed in the migration assay where a statistically significant lower number of cells migrated towards Bio-Oss as compared to MTA and dentin chips. This study highlights that MTA and dentin chips have a greater potential compared to Bio-Oss regarding the attraction of dental stem cells and are good candidates for bioengineered pulp regeneration.
External Iliac Artery-Appendicular Fistula due to Antegrade Unusual Migration of K-Wire from Hip to Pelvis: An Unreported Complication
Authors: Singh Nagmani , Pandey Chakra Raj , Pant Bhaskar Raj , Shrestha Uttam Krishna , Bista Biraj
Published: June 2015

Background. K-wires are thought to be extremely safe implants and complications as a result of direct insertion or migration are very rare. Complications may be life-threatening in some instances where migration results in injury to vital organs. We report one such case where antegrade migration of K-wire from the hip resulted in injury to external iliac artery and formation of external iliac artery-appendicular fistula. No such complication due to migration has ever been reported in the literature.Case Description. A 15-year-old boy presented with lower abdominal pain, right lower limb swelling and pain, inability to walk, and rectal bleeding for 1 month after 2 K-wires had been inserted in his right hip joint for treatment of slipped capital femoral epiphysis the previous year. On investigation, he was diagnosed to have external iliac artery-appendicular fistula for which he was surgically treated.Clinical Relevance. Antegrade migration of K-wire from hip joint may lead to life-threatening injuries which can be minimized by bending the end of the K-wire, keeping the tip protruding outside the skin wherever possible and by early removal of K-wire once its purpose has been achieved.
Effects of E‐Beam Irradiation on the Chemical, Physical, and Electrochemical Properties of Activated Carbons for Electric Double‐Layer Capacitors
Authors: Jung Min-Jung , Park Mi-Seon , Lee Young-Seak
Published: June 2015

Activated carbons (ACs) were modified via e‐beam irradiation at various doses for use as an electrode material in electric double‐layer capacitors (EDLCs). The chemical compositions of the AC surfaces were largely unchanged by the e‐beam irradiation. The ACs treated with the e‐beam at radiation doses of 200 kGy exhibited higher nanocrystallinity than the untreated ACs. The specific surface areas and pore volumes of the e‐beam irradiated ACs were also higher than those of the untreated ACs. These results were attributed to the transformation and degradation of the nanocrystallinity of the AC surfaces due to the e‐beam irradiation. The specific capacitance of the ACs treated with the e‐beam at radiation doses of 200 kGy increased by 24% compared with the untreated ACs, and the charge transfer resistance of the ACs was decreased by the e‐beam irradiation. The enhancement of the electrochemical properties of the e‐beam irradiated ACs can be attributed to an increase in their specific surface area and surface crystallinity.
The Hadamard Product of a Nonsingular General H-Matrix and Its Inverse Transpose Is Diagonally Dominant
Authors: Bru Rafael , Gassó Maria T. , Giménez Isabel , Scott José A.
Published: June 2015

We study the combined matrix of a nonsingular H-matrix. These matrices can belong to two different H-matrices classes: the most common, invertible class, and one particular class named mixed class. Different results regarding diagonal dominance of the inverse matrix and the combined matrix of a nonsingular H-matrix belonging to the referred classes are obtained. We conclude that the combined matrix of a nonsingular H-matrix is always diagonally dominant and then it is an H-matrix. In particular, the combined matrix in the invertible class remains in the same class.
Role of Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptorγin Ocular Diseases
Authors: Zhang Su , Gu Hongwei , Hu Nan
Published: June 2015

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptorγ(PPARγ), a member of the nuclear receptor superfamily, is a ligand-activated transcription factor that plays an important role in the control of a variety of physiological processes. The last decade has witnessed an increasing interest for the role played by the agonists of PPARγin antiangiogenesis, antifibrosis, anti-inflammation effects and in controlling oxidative stress response in various organs. As the pathologic mechanisms of major blinding diseases, such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic retinopathy (DR), keratitis, and optic neuropathy, often involve neoangiogenesis and inflammation- and oxidative stress-mediated cell death, evidences are accumulating on the potential benefits of PPARγto improve or prevent these vision threatening eye diseases. In this paper we describe what is known about the role of PPARγin the ocular pathophysiological processes and PPARγagonists as novel adjuvants in the treatment of eye diseases.
Empirical Analysis of High Efficient Remote Cloud Data Center Backup Using HBase and Cassandra
Authors: Chang Bao Rong , Tsai Hsiu-Fen , Chen Chia-Yen , Guo Cin-Long
Published: June 2015

HBase, a master-slave framework, and Cassandra, a peer-to-peer (P2P) framework, are the two most commonly used large-scale distributed NoSQL databases, especially applicable to the cloud computing with high flexibility and scalability and the ease of big data processing. Regarding storage structure, different structure adopts distinct backup strategy to reduce the risks of data loss. This paper aims to realize high efficient remote cloud data center backup using HBase and Cassandra, and in order to verify the high efficiency backup they have applied Thrift Java for cloud data center to take a stress test by performing strictly data read/write and remote database backup in the large amounts of data. Finally, in terms of the effectiveness-cost evaluation to assess the remote datacenter backup, a cost-performance ratio has been evaluated for several benchmark databases and the proposed ones. As a result, the proposed HBase approach outperforms the other databases.
OSM Enhances Angiogenesis and Improves Cardiac Function after Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Zhang Xiaotian , Zhu Di , Wei Liping , Zhao Zhijing , Qi Xin , Li Zongjin , Sun Dongdong
Published: June 2015

Oncostatin M (OSM) has been reported to stimulate angiogenesis by upregulating VEGF and bFGF, implying that it could be a therapeutic strategy in treating ischemic diseases. The present study was aimed at investigating whether OSM could improve cardiac function via prompting angiogenesis following myocardial infarction (MI). Wild type (WT) and Oβknock-out (Oβ−/−) mice were, respectively, randomized into sham group, MI + vehicle group, and MI + OSM group. WT mice displayed significantly impaired cardiac function after MI. OSM treatment attenuated cardiac dysfunction in WT MI mice, while Oβdeletion abrogated the protective effects. Besides, OSM attenuated heart hypertrophy and pulmonary congestion evidenced by decreased heart weight/body weight and lung weight/body weight ratio. Further, reduction of apoptosis and fibrosis in infarct border zone was observed in OSM treated WT MI mice compared with vehicle. Moreover, in WT mice subjected to MI, OSM treatment significantly increased capillary density along with upregulation of p-Akt and angiogenic factors VEGF and bFGF in comparison with vehicle, and this phenomenon was not found in Oβ−/−mice. In conclusion, OSM treatment preserved cardiac function, inhibited apoptosis and fibrosis, and stimulated angiogenesis via upregulating VEGF and bFGF in infarct border zone of ischemic myocardium, indicating that OSM could be a novel therapeutic target for MI.
IL-34 SuppressesCandida albicansInduced TNFαProduction in M1 Macrophages by Downregulating Expression of Dectin-1 and TLR2
Authors: Xu Rong , Sun Hong-Fan , Williams David W. , Jones Adam V. , Al-Hussaini Ali , Song Bing , Wei Xiao-Qing
Published: June 2015

Candida albicansis a fungus that is an opportunistic pathogen of humans. Normally,C. albicansexists as a harmless commensal and does not trigger inflammatory responses by resident macrophages in skin mucosa, which may be caused by a tolerance of skin macrophage toC. albicans. IL-34 is a recently discovered cytokine, constitutively expressed by keratinocytes in the skin. IL-34 binds to the receptor of M-CSF, thereby stimulating tissue macrophage maturation and differentiation. Resident macrophages exhibit phenotypic plasticity and may transform into inflammatory M1 macrophages for immunity or anti-inflammatory M2 macrophages for tissue repair. M1 macrophages produce higher levels of inflammatory cytokines such as TNFαin response toC. albicansstimulation. In this study, it was demonstrated that IL-34 attenuated TNFαproduction by M1 macrophages challenged with heat killed Candida (HKC). The molecular mechanism of IL-34 mediated suppression of HKC induced TNFαproduction by M1 macrophages was by the inhibition of M1 macrophage expression of keyC. albicanspattern recognition receptors (PPRs), namely, Toll-like receptor (TLR) 2 and Dectin-1. The results of this study indicated that constitutive IL-34 expressed by skin keratinocytes might suppress resident macrophage responses toC. albicanscolonisation by maintaining low levels TLR2 and Dectin-1 expression by macrophages.
Image Analysis Determination of the Influence of Surface Structure of Silicone Rubbers on Biofouling
Authors: Atarijabarzadeh Sevil , Nilsson Fritjof , Hillborg Henrik , Karlsson Sigbritt , Strömberg Emma
Published: June 2015

This study focuses on how the texture of the silicone rubber material affects the distribution of microbial growth on the surface of materials used for high voltage insulation. The analysis of surface wetting properties showed that the textured surfaces provide higher receding contact angles and therefore lower contact angle hysteresis. The textured surfaces decrease the risk for dry band formation and thus preserve the electrical properties of the material due to a more homogeneous distribution of water on the surface, which, however, promotes the formation of more extensive biofilms. The samples were inoculated with fungal suspension and incubated in a microenvironment chamber simulating authentic conditions in the field. The extent and distribution of microbial growth on the textured and plane surface samples representing the different parts of the insulator housing that is shank and shed were determined by visual inspection and image analysis methods. The results showed that the microbial growth was evenly distributed on the surface of the textured samples but restricted to limited areas on the plane samples. More intensive microbial growth was determined on the textured samples representing sheds. It would therefore be preferable to use the textured surface silicone rubber for the shank of the insulator.
Study of the Colocated Dual-Polarized MIMO Capacity Composed of Dipole and Loop Antennas
Authors: Piao Dazhi , Jia Xingning , Yang Lingyu , Guo Qingxin , Mao Yi , Li Zengrui
Published: June 2015

The colocated dual-polarized dipole (DPD) and dual-polarized loop (DPL) MIMO channel performances are compared. Computation results show that, for the ideal electric and magnetic dipoles, the dual-polarized MIMO systems have identical channel capacity. But the contour plots of the capacity gain of the realistic DPD and DPL are different, due to the difference in antenna patterns. The cumulative distribution function (CDF) of the capacity gain in the two-mirror (TM) channel shows that, for small distance, the capacity gain obtained by the DPD is obviously smaller than that of the DPL, but, with the increase of the distance, the difference gets smaller. A DPL with low mutual coupling is fabricated. Measured results show that high MIMO capacities can be obtained by this DPL in both the anechoic chamber (AC) and the realistic office room. The capacity gain of the DPL antenna is 1.5–1.99, which basically coincides with the theoretical and numerical results. Furthermore, the capacity of the virtual DPL antenna with no mutual couplings is also investigated. It is shown that, in the AC, the mutual coupling will generally decrease the dual-polarized MIMO capacity; however, in the office room, the effect of mutual coupling is not always negative.
The Meditative Mind: A Comprehensive Meta-Analysis of MRI Studies
Authors: Boccia Maddalena , Piccardi Laura , Guariglia Paola
Published: June 2015

Over the past decade mind and body practices, such as yoga and meditation, have raised interest in different scientific fields; in particular, the physiological mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects observed in meditators have been investigated. Neuroimaging studies have studied the effects of meditation on brain structure and function and findings have helped clarify the biological underpinnings of the positive effects of meditation practice and the possible integration of this technique in standard therapy. The large amount of data collected thus far allows drawing some conclusions about the neural effects of meditation practice. In the present study we used activation likelihood estimation (ALE) analysis to make a coordinate-based meta-analysis of neuroimaging data on the effects of meditation on brain structure and function. Results indicate that meditation leads to activation in brain areas involved in processing self-relevant information, self-regulation, focused problem-solving, adaptive behavior, and interoception. Results also show that meditation practice induces functional and structural brain modifications in expert meditators, especially in areas involved in self-referential processes such as self-awareness and self-regulation. These results demonstrate that a biological substrate underlies the positive pervasive effect of meditation practice and suggest that meditation techniques could be adopted in clinical populations and to prevent disease.
Analytical Framework for End-to-End Delay Based on Unidirectional Highway Scenario
Authors: Hassan Aslinda , Ahmed Mohamed H. , Rahman M. A.
Published: June 2015

In a sparse vehicular ad hoc network, a vehicle normally employs a carry and forward approach, where it holds the message it wants to transmit until the vehicle meets other vehicles or roadside units. A number of analyses in the literature have been done to investigate the time delay when packets are being carried by vehicles on both unidirectional and bidirectional highways. However, these analyses are focusing on the delay between either two disconnected vehicles or two disconnected vehicle clusters. Furthermore, majority of the analyses only concentrate on the expected value of the end-to-end delay when the carry and forward approach is used. Using regression analysis, we establish the distribution model for the time delay between two disconnected vehicle clusters as an exponential distribution. Consequently, a distribution is newly derived to represent the number of clusters on a highway using a vehicular traffic model. From there, we are able to formulate end-to-end delay model which extends the time delay model for two disconnected vehicle clusters to multiple disconnected clusters on a unidirectional highway. The analytical results obtained from the analytical model are then validated through simulation results.
Multiwall Carbon Nanotube-Induced Apoptosis and Antioxidant Gene Expression in the Gills, Liver, and Intestine ofOryzias latipes
Authors: Lee Jin Wuk , Choi Young Chul , Kim Rosa , Lee Sung Kyu
Published: June 2015

Multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) have many attractive properties with potential applications in various fields. Despite their usefulness, however, the associated waste can be hazardous to the environment. To examine adverse effects in aquatic environments,Oryzias latipeswere exposed to MWCNTs dispersed in water for 14 days and apoptosis and antioxidant gene expression were observed. This work showed that in gills exposed to 100 mg/L MWCNTs for 4 days, there was significantp53,caspase-3 (Cas3),caspase-8 (Cas8), andcaspase-9 (Cas9)gene expression relative to the controls, whilecatalase (CAT)andglutathione-S-transferase (GST)expression were reduced. At 14 days,CAT,GST, andmetallothionein (MT)were induced significantly in the gills andCas3,Cas8, andCas9were induced in the liver. No significant gene induction was seen in intestine. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) were increased significantly only at 14 days. Histologically, no apoptosis was observed with exposure to 100 mg/L MWCNTs for 21 days. The gills were more sensitive to MWCNT toxicity than the other organs. Males had higher apoptosis gene induction than females. These results demonstrated that MWCNTs could cause apoptosis in a manner influenced by tissue and gender in aqueous environments.
Hypoxia-Inducible Factor-1 in Physiological and Pathophysiological Angiogenesis: Applications and Therapies
Authors: Zimna Agnieszka , Kurpisz Maciej
Published: June 2015

The cardiovascular system ensures the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to all cells, tissues, and organs. Under extended exposure to reduced oxygen levels, cells are able to survive through the transcriptional activation of a series of genes that participate in angiogenesis, glucose metabolism, and cell proliferation. The oxygen-sensitive transcriptional activator HIF-1 (hypoxia-inducible factor-1) is a key transcriptional mediator of the response to hypoxic conditions. The HIF-1 pathway was found to be a master regulator of angiogenesis. Whether the process is physiological or pathological, HIF-1 seems to participate in vasculature formation by synergistic correlations with other proangiogenic factors such as VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor), PlGF (placental growth factor), or angiopoietins. Considering the important contributions of HIF-1 in angiogenesis and vasculogenesis, it should be considered a promising target for treating ischaemic diseases or cancer. In this review, we discuss the roles of HIF-1 in both physiological/pathophysiological angiogenesis and potential strategies for clinical therapy.
Revisiting Warfarin Dosing Using Machine Learning Techniques
Authors: Sharabiani Ashkan , Bress Adam , Douzali Elnaz , Darabi Houshang
Published: June 2015

Determining the appropriate dosage of warfarin is an important yet challenging task. Several prediction models have been proposed to estimate a therapeutic dose for patients. The models are either clinical models which contain clinical and demographic variables or pharmacogenetic models which additionally contain the genetic variables. In this paper, a new methodology for warfarin dosing is proposed. The patients are initially classified into two classes. The first class contains patients who require doses of >30 mg/wk and the second class contains patients who require doses of ≤30 mg/wk. This phase is performed using relevance vector machines. In the second phase, the optimal dose for each patient is predicted by two clinical regression models that are customized for each class of patients. The prediction accuracy of the model was 11.6 in terms of root mean squared error (RMSE) and 8.4 in terms of mean absolute error (MAE). This was 15% and 5% lower than IWPC and Gage models (which are the most widely used models in practice), respectively, in terms of RMSE. In addition, the proposed model was compared with fixed-dose approach of 35 mg/wk, and the model proposed by Sharabiani et al. and its outperformance were proved in terms of both MAE and RMSE.
Dynamic Allan Variance Analysis Method with Time-Variant Window Length Based on Fuzzy Control
Authors: Gu Shanshan , Liu Jianye , Zeng Qinghua , Feng Shaojun , Lv Pin
Published: June 2015

To solve the problem that dynamic Allan variance (DAVAR) with fixed length of window cannot meet the identification accuracy requirement of fiber optic gyro (FOG) signal over all time domains, a dynamic Allan variance analysis method with time-variant window length based on fuzzy control is proposed. According to the characteristic of FOG signal, a fuzzy controller with the inputs of the first and second derivatives of FOG signal is designed to estimate the window length of the DAVAR. Then the Allan variances of the signals during the time-variant window are simulated to obtain the DAVAR of the FOG signal to describe the dynamic characteristic of the time-varying FOG signal. Additionally, a performance evaluation index of the algorithm based on radar chart is proposed. Experiment results show that, compared with different fixed window lengths DAVAR methods, the change of FOG signal with time can be identified effectively and the evaluation index of performance can be enhanced by 30% at least by the DAVAR method with time-variant window length based on fuzzy control.
Schoolcube: Gamification for Learning Management System through Microsoft SharePoint
Authors: Azmi Mohd Amir , Singh Dalbir
Published: June 2015

A Learning Management System (LMS) is a system which acts as an integrated platform for the management of the learning process used to facilitate the process of communication between students and instructors. Although LMS is considered an important element in learning, most students do not utilise the system to its fullest extent, finding it more convenient if the activities carried out on the system are done outside the system. These factors have contributed to the issues as to why LMSs are not being used effectively and efficiently. With the accelerating pace of information technology, educational institutions should attempt to revolutionise their teaching techniques. Furthermore, combining gaming concepts can potentially increase the LMS’s usability level helping to foster healthy competition among students and increase their interest in their daily learning. With regard to this objective, a prototype was developed as a proof of concept. The prototype is a web-based software and can be accessed via the Internet at all times. The teacher monitors the students’ performance through the analysis of test results or tutorials conducted by the system. In conclusion, this study will present the modules that have been built into the system that could improve the overall process of education.
Discrete Event-Triggered Robust Fault-Tolerant Control for Nonlinear Networked Control Systems withα-Safety Degree and Actuator Saturation
Authors: Li Yajie , Li Wei
Published: June 2015

This paper deals with the discrete event-triggered robust fault-tolerant control problem for uncertain nonlinear networked control systems (NNCSs) withα-safety degree. A discrete event-triggered communication scheme (DETCS) is initially proposed, and a closed-loop fault model is subsequently established for NNCSs with actuator saturation under the DETCS. Based on an appropriately constructed delay-dependent Lyapunov–Krasovskii function, sufficient conditions are derived to guarantee the asymptotic stability of NNCSs under two different event-triggered conditions and are established as the contractively invariant sets of fault tolerance withα-safety degree. Furthermore, codesign methods between the robust fault-tolerant controller and event-triggered weight matrix are also proposed in terms of linear matrix inequality. The simulation shows that the resultant closed-loop fault NNCSs possesses a high safety margin, and an improved dynamic performance, as well as a reduced communication load. A comparative analysis of the two event-triggered conditions is discussed in the experiment section.
Optimization of the Hydrolysis of Safflower Oil for the Production of Linoleic Acid, Used as Flavor Precursor
Authors: Aziz Marya , Husson Florence , Kermasha Selim
Published: June 2015

Commercial lipases, from porcine pancreas (PPL),Candida rugosa(CRL), andThermomyces lanuginosus(Lipozyme TL IM), were investigated in terms of their efficiency for the hydrolysis of safflower oil (SO) for the liberation of free linoleic acid (LA), used as a flavor precursor. Although PPL, under the optimized conditions, showed a high degree of hydrolysis (91.6%), its low tolerance towards higher substrate concentrations could limit its use for SO hydrolysis. In comparison to the other investigated lipases, Lipozyme TL IM required higher amount of enzyme and an additional 3 h of reaction time to achieve its maximum degree of SO hydrolysis (90.2%). On the basis of the experimental findings, CRL was selected as the most appropriate biocatalyst, with 84.1% degree of hydrolysis. The chromatographic analyses showed that the CRL-hydrolyzed SO is composed mainly of free LA.
Transplanted Neural Stem Cells: Playing a Neuroprotective Role by Ceruloplasmin in the Substantia Nigra of PD Model Rats?
Authors: Xiao Jia-Jia , Yin Ming , Wang Ze-Jian , Wang Xiao-Ping
Published: June 2015

Although mounting evidence suggests that ceruloplasmin (CP) deficiency and iron deposition are pivotal factors responsible for exacerbating demise of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra (SN) of the Parkinsonism and neural stem cells (NSCs) are believed to be excellent candidates for compensating the lost dopaminergic neurons, there are few researches to explore the change of CP expression and of iron deposition in the pathological microenvironment of SN after NSCs transplantation and the ability of grafted NSCs to differentiate directionally into dopaminergic neurons under the changed homeostasis. With substantia nigral stereotaxic technique and NSCs transplantation, we found that tyrosine hydroxylase and CP expression decreased and iron deposition increased in the lesioned SN after 6-OHDA administration compared with control, while tyrosine hydroxylase and CP expression increased and iron deposition decreased after NSCs transplantation compared to 6-OHDA administration alone. Only a small number of embedding NSCs are able to differentiate into dopaminergic neurons. These results suggest that grafted NSCs have an influence on improving the content of CP expression, which may play a neuroprotective role by decreasing iron deposition and ameliorating damage of dopaminergic neurons and possibly underline the iron-related common mechanism of Parkinson’s disease and Wilson’s disease.
Granulocyte‐Colony Stimulating Factor Increases Cerebral Blood Flow via a NO Surge Mediated by Akt/eNOS Pathway to Reduce Ischemic Injury
Authors: Liew Hock-Kean , Kuo Jon-Son , Wang Jia-Yi , Pang Cheng-Yoong
Published: June 2015

Granulocyte‐colony stimulating factor (G‐CSF) protects brain from ischemic/reperfusion (I/R) injury, and inhibition of nitric oxide (NO) synthases partially reduces G‐CSF protection. We thus further investigated the effects of G‐CSF on ischemia‐induced NO production and its consequence on regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) and neurological deficit. Endothelin‐1 (ET‐1) microinfused above middle cerebral artery caused a rapid reduction of rCBF (ischemia) which lasted for 30 minutes and was followed by a gradual recovery of blood flow (reperfusion) within the striatal region. Regional NO concentration increased rapidly (NO surge) during ischemia and recovered soon to the baseline. G‐CSF increased rCBF resulting in shorter ischemic duration and an earlier onset of reperfusion. The enhancement of the ischemia‐induced NO by G‐CSF accompanied by elevation of phospho‐Akt and phospho‐eNOS was noted, suggesting an activation of Akt/eNOS. I/R‐induced infarct volume and neurological deficits were also reduced by G‐CSF treatment. Inhibition of NO synthesis by L‐NG‐Nitroarginine Methyl Ester (L‐NAME) significantly reduced the effects of G‐CSF on rCBF, NO surge, infarct volume, and neurological deficits. We conclude that G‐CSF increases rCBF through a NO surge mediated by Akt/eNOS, which partially contributes to the beneficial effect of G‐CSF on brain I/R injury.
Renal and Hematological Effects of CLCF-1, a B-Cell-Stimulating Cytokine of the IL-6 Family
Authors: Savin Virginia J. , Sharma Mukut , Zhou Jianping , Gennochi David , Fields Timothy , Sharma Ram , McCarthy Ellen T. , Srivastava Tarak , Domen Jos , Tormo Aurélie , Gauchat Jean-François
Published: June 2015

CLCF-1 is a cytokine known for B-cell stimulation and for neurotrophic properties. We have identified CLCF-1 as a potential injurious factor in the human renal disease focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). We investigated its effects on renal cells and renal function inin vitroandin vivostudies. Methods include measurement of the effect of CLCF-1 on phosphorylation of target molecules of the JAK/STAT pathway, on cytoskeleton and cell morphology in cultured podocytes, on albumin permeability of isolated rat glomeruli, and on tissue phosphorylation and urine albumin after acute or chronic CLCF-1 injection. In addition, cell sorting was performed to determine the presence of cells expressing CLCF-1 in spleen and bone marrow of normal mice and the effect of CLCF-1 infusion on splenic B-cell populations. CLCF-1 increased phosphorylation of STAT3 in multiple cell types, activated podocytes leading to formation of lamellipodia and decrease in basal stress fibers, increased glomerular albumin permeability, and increased STAT3 phosphorylation of peripheral blood cells and renal cortex. CLCF-1 increased urine albumin/creatinine ratio in mice and increased B-cell expression of IgG in mouse spleen. We conclude that CLCF-1 has potentially important systemic effects, alters podocyte function, and may contribute to renal dysfunction and albuminuria.
EPSTI1 Is Involved in IL‐28A‐Mediated Inhibition of HCV Infection
Authors: Meng Xianghe , Yang Darong , Yu Rong , Zhu Haizhen
Published: June 2015

It has been reported that IFN‐λs inhibit HCV replication in vitro. But the mechanisms of how IL‐28A conducts antiviral activity and the functions of IL‐28A‐induced ISGs (IFN‐stimulated genes) are not fully understood. In this study, we found that IL‐28A has the antiviral effect on HCV life cycle including viral replication, assembly, and release. IL‐28A and IFN‐α synergistically inhibit virus replication. EPSTI1 (epithelial‐stromal interaction 1), one of IL‐28A‐induced ISGs, plays a vital role in IL‐28A‐mediated antiviral activity. Furthermore, forced expression of EPSTI1 effectively inhibits HCV replication in the absence of interferon treatment, and knockdown of EPSTI1 contributes to viral enhancement. EPSTI1 can activate PKR promoter and induce several PKR‐dependent genes, including IFN‐β, IFIT1, OAS1, and RNase L, which is responsible for EPSTI1‐mediated antiviral activity.
Anticancer Activity of Saponins fromAllium chinenseagainst the B16 Melanoma and 4T1 Breast Carcinoma Cell
Authors: Yu Zhihui , Zhang Tong , Zhou Fengjuan , Xiao Xiuqing , Ding Xuezhi , He Hao , Rang Jie , Quan Meifang , Wang Ting , Zuo Mingxing , Xia Liqiu
Published: June 2015

The cytotoxic substance ofA. chinensesaponins (ACSs) was isolated using ethanol extraction and purified with the D101macroporous adsorption resin approach. We investigated the anticancer activity of ACSs in the B16 melanoma and 4T1 breast carcinoma cell lines. Methylthioninium chloride and hematoxylin-eosin staining with Giemsa dyestuff were used when the cells were treated with ACSs. The results showed that the cells morphologies changed significantly; ACSs induced cell death in B16 and 4T1 cells based on acridine orange/ethidium bromide double fluorescence staining, with the number and degree of apoptotic tumor cells increasing as ACS concentration increased. ACSs inhibited the proliferation of B16 and 4T1 cells in a dose-dependent manner. They also inhibited cell migration and colony formation and exhibited a concentration-dependent effect. In addition, ACSs apparently inhibited the growth of melanoma in vivo. The preliminary antitumor in vivo assay revealed that early medication positively affected tumor inhibition action and effectively protected the liver and spleen of C57 BL/6 mice from injury. This study provides evidence for the cytotoxicity of ACSs and a strong foundation for further research to establish the theoretical basis for cell death and help in the design and development of new anticancer drugs.
Expression of Adiponectin Receptors on Peripheral Blood Leukocytes of Hypertensive Children Is Associated with the Severity of Hypertension
Authors: Gackowska Lidia , Litwin Mieczyslaw , Trojanek Joanna , Eljaszewicz Andrzej , Kubiszewska Izabela , Niemirska Anna , Wierzbicka Aldona , Michalkiewicz Jacek
Published: June 2015

The aim of the study was to find out whether peripheral blood leukocyte adiponectin receptors 1 and 2 (AdipoR1, AdipoR2) protein expression patterns (flow cytometry) differ between the primary hypertension children (n=57) and healthy controls (n=19) and if their expression levels are related to selected clinical parameters. The group of 26 patients [AdipoR(−)] showed lower and the group of 31 patients [AdipoR(+)] showed higher AdipoRs protein expression than the control and each other (P<0.01for neutrophils,P<0.05for monocytes). The AdipoR(+) leukocytes expressed higher AdipoR1 mRNA levels (RT-PCR) than AdipoR(−) ones and controls (P=0.022andP=0.007, resp.). Despite greater BMI, the AdipoR(−) patients had unchanged serum adiponectin levels. In contrast, AdipoR(+) patients had lower serum adiponectin concentrations than the AdipoR(−) ones and controls (P<0.001). The AdipoR(+) patients had higher blood pressure (P=0.042) and greater carotid intima-media thickness (P=0.017) than the AdipoR(−) ones. The stage of hypertension was associated with increased neutrophil but not monocyte AdipoR1 density (AdipoR1 MFI) (P<0.05). Severe ambulatory hypertension was presented more often in AdipoR(+) patients than in AdipoR(−) ones (51.6% versus 26.9%, resp.;P<0.01). In conclusion, neutrophil AdipoRs upregulation was associated with early stages of vascular injury, hypertension severity, and low serum levels of adiponectin.
Control Mechanism of Rock Burst in the Floor of Roadway Driven along Next Goaf in Thick Coal Seam with Large Obliquity Angle in Deep Well
Authors: Cheng Yunhai , Bai Jinchao , Ma Yankun , Sun Jian , Liang Yunpei , Jiang Fuxing
Published: June 2015

This paper deals with the theoretical aspects combined with stress analysis over the floor strata of coal seam and the calculation model for the stress on the coal floor. Basically, this research presents the relevant results obtained for the rock burst prevention in the floor of roadway driven along next goaf in the exploitation of thick coal seam with large obliquity in deep well and rock burst tendency. The control mechanism of rock burst in the roadway driven along next goaf is revealed in the present work. That is, the danger of rock burst can be removed by changing the stress environment for the energy accumulation of the floor and by reducing the impact on the roadway floor from the strong dynamic pressure. This result can be profitable being used at the design stage of appropriate position of roadway undergoing rock burst tendency in similar conditions. Based on the analysis regarding the control mechanism, this paper presents a novel approach to the prevention of rock burst in roadway floor under the above conditions. That is, the return airway is placed within the goaf of the upper working face that can prevent the rock burst effectively. And in this way, mining without coal pillar in the thick coal seam with large obliquity and large burial depth (over a thousand meters) is realized. Practice also proves that the rock burst in the floor of roadway driven along next goaf is controlled and solved.
Antimicrobial Analysis of an Antiseptic Made from Ethanol Crude Extracts of P. granatum and E. uniflora in Wistar Rats against Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis
Authors: Bernardo Thaís Honório Lins , Sales Santos Veríssimo Regina Célia , Alvino Valter , Silva Araujo Maria Gabriella , Evangelista Pires dos Santos Raíssa Fernanda , Maurício Viana Max Denisson , de Assis Bastos Maria Lysete , Alexandre-Moreira Magna Suzana , de Araújo-Júnior João Xavier
Published: June 2015

Introduction. Surgical site infection remains a challenge for hospital infection control, especially when it relates to skin antisepsis in the surgical site. Objective. To analyze the antimicrobial activity in vivo of an antiseptic from ethanol crude extracts of P. granatum and E. uniflora against Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria. Methods. Agar drilling and minimal inhibitory tests were conducted for in vitro evaluation. In the in vivo bioassay were used Wistar rats and Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923) and Staphylococcus epidermidis (ATCC 14990). Statistical analysis was performed through variance analysis and Scott‐Knott cluster test at 5% probability and significance level. Results. In the in vitro, ethanolic extracts of Punica granatum and Eugenia uniflora and their combination showed the best antimicrobial potential against S. epidermidis and S. aureus. In the in vivo bioassay against S. epidermidis, there was no statistically significant difference between the tested product and the patterns used after five minutes of applying the product. Conclusion. The results indicate that the originated product is an antiseptic alternative source against S. epidermidis compared to chlorhexidine gluconate. It is suggested that further researches are to be conducted in different concentrations of the test product, evaluating its effectiveness and operational costs.
The Mathematical Basis of the Inverse Scattering Problem for Cracks from Near-Field Data
Authors: Mao Yao , Chen Yongguang , Guo Jun
Published: June 2015

We consider the acoustic scattering problem from a crack which has Dirichlet boundary condition on one side and impedance boundary condition on the other side. The inverse scattering problem in this paper tries to determine the shape of the crack and the surface impedance coefficient from the near-field measurements of the scattered waves, while the source point is placed on a closed curve. We firstly establish a near-field operator and focus on the operator’s mathematical analysis. Secondly, we obtain a uniqueness theorem for the shape and surface impedance. Finally, by using the operator’s properties and modified linear sampling method, we reconstruct the shape and surface impedance.