bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multigrid reconstruction with block‐iterative updates for breast tomosynthesis
Authors: Michielsen Koen , Nuyts Johan
Published: October 2015

Purpose:

The authors wish to evaluate the possible advantages of using a multigrid approach to maximum‐a‐posteriori reconstruction in digital breast tomosynthesis together with block‐iterative updates in the form of either plane‐by‐plane updates or ordered subsets.

Methods:

The authors previously developed a penalized maximum likelihood reconstruction algorithm with resolution model dedicated to breast tomosynthesis [K. Michielsen et al., “Patchwork reconstruction with resolution modeling for digital breast tomosynthesis,” Med. Phys. 40, 031105 (10pp.) (2013)]. This algorithm was extended with ordered subsets and multigrid updates, and the effects on the convergence and on limited angle artifact appearance were evaluated on a mathematical phantom and patient data. To ensure a fair comparison, the analysis was performed at the same computational cost for all methods. To assess convergence and artifact creation in the phantom reconstructions, the authors looked at posterior likelihood, sum of squared residuals, contrast of identical calcifications at different positions, and the standard deviation between the contrasts of these calcifications. For the patient cases, the authors calculated posterior likelihood, measured the signal difference to noise ratio of subtle microcalcifications, and visually evaluated the reconstructions.

Results:

The authors selected multigrid sequences scoring in the best 10% of the four evaluated parameters, except for the reconstructions with subsets where a low standard deviation of the contrast was incompatible with the three other parameters. In further evaluation of phantom reconstructions from noisy data and patient data, the authors found improved convergence and a reduction in artifacts for our chosen multigrid reconstructions compared to the single grid reconstructions with equivalent computational cost, although there was a diminishing return for an increasing number of subsets.

Conclusions:

Multigrid reconstruction improves upon reconstruction with a fixed grid when evaluated at a fixed computational cost. For multigrid reconstruction, using plane‐by‐plane updates or applying ordered subsets resulted in similar performance.
Lateralization of noise bursts in interaurally correlated or uncorrelated background noise using interaural level differences
Authors: Reed Darrin K. , van de Par Steven
Published: October 2015

The interaural level difference (ILD) of a lateralized target source may be effectively reduced when the target is presented together with background noise containing zero ILD. It is not certain whether listeners perceive a position congruent with the reduced ILD or the actual target ILD in a lateralization task. Two sets of behavioral experiments revealed that many listeners perceived a position at or even larger than that corresponding to the presented target ILD when a temporal onset/offset asynchrony between the broadband target and the broadband background noise was present. When no temporal asynchrony was present, however, the perceived lateral position indicated a dependency on the coherence of the background noise for several listeners. With interaurally correlated background noise, listeners reported a reduced ILD resulting from the combined target and background noise stimulus. In contrast, several of the listeners made a reasonable estimate of the position corresponding to the target ILD for interaurally uncorrelated, broadband, background noise. No obvious difference in performance was seen between low- or high-frequency stimuli. Extension of a weighting template to the output of a standard equalization-cancellation model was shown to remove a lateral bias on the predicted target ILD resulting from the presence of background noise. Provided that an appropriate weighting template is applied based on knowledge of the background noise coherence, good prediction of the behavioral data is possible.
Activity of Isavuconazole and Other Azoles against Candida Clinical Isolates and Yeast Model Systems with Known Azole Resistance Mechanisms
Authors: Sanglard Dominique , Coste Alix T.
Published: October 2015

Isavuconazole is a novel, broad-spectrum, antifungal azole. In order to evaluate its interactions with known azole resistance mechanisms, isavuconazole susceptibility among different yeast models and clinical isolates expressing characterized azole resistance mechanisms was tested and compared to those of fluconazole, itraconazole, posaconazole, and voriconazole.Saccharomyces cerevisiaeexpressing theCandida albicansandC. glabrataATP binding cassette (ABC) transporters (CDR1,CDR2, andCgCDR1), major facilitator (MDR1), and lanosterol 14-α-sterol-demethylase (ERG11) alleles with mutations were used. In addition, pairs ofC. albicansandC. glabratastrains from matched clinical isolates with known azole resistance mechanisms were investigated. The expression of ABC transporters increased all azole MICs, suggesting that all azoles tested were substrates of ABC transporters. The expression ofMDR1did not increase posaconazole, itraconazole, and isavuconazole MICs. Relative increases of azole MICs (from 4- to 32-fold) were observed for fluconazole, voriconazole, and isavuconazole when at least two mutations were present in the sameERG11allele. Upon MIC testing of azoles with clinicalC. albicansandC. glabrataisolates with known resistance mechanisms, the MIC90s ofC. albicansfor fluconazole, voriconazole, itraconazole, posaconazole, and isavuconazole were 128, 2, 1, 0.5, and 2 μg/ml, respectively, while inC. glabratathey were 128, 2, 4, 4, and 16 μg/ml, respectively. In conclusion, the effects of azole resistance mechanisms on isavuconazole did not differ significantly from those of other azoles. Resistance mechanisms in yeasts involving ABC transporters andERG11decreased the activity of isavuconazole, whileMDR1had limited effect.
Subgingival Plaque in Periodontal Health Antagonizes at Toll-Like Receptor 4 and Inhibits E-Selectin Expression on Endothelial Cells
Authors: To Thao T. , Gümüş Pinar , Nizam Nejat , Buduneli Nurcan , Darveau Richard P.
Published: October 2015

The ability of the subgingival microbial community to induce an inappropriate inflammatory response ultimately results in the destruction of bone and gingival tissue. In this study, subgingival plaque samples from both healthy and diseased sites in the same individual were obtained from adults with chronic periodontitis and screened for their ability to either activate Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) or TLR4 and to antagonize TLR4-specific activation by agonist,
Fusobacterium nucleatum
LPS. Subgingival plaque from diseased sites strongly activated TLR4, whereas matched plaque samples obtained from healthy sites were significantly more variable, with some samples displaying strong TLR4 antagonism, while others were strong TLR4 agonists when combined with
F. nucleatum
LPS. Similar results were observed when TLR4 dependent E-selectin expression by endothelial cells was determined. These results are the first to demonstrate TLR4 antagonism from human plaque samples and demonstrate that healthy but not diseased sites display a wide variation in TLR4 agonist and antagonist behavior. The results have identified a novel characteristic of clinically healthy sites and warrant further study on the contribution of TLR4 antagonism in the progression of a healthy periodontal site to a diseased one.
FleQ DNA Binding Consensus Sequence Revealed by Studies of FleQ-Dependent Regulation of Biofilm Gene Expression in Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Baraquet Claudine , Harwood Caroline S.
Published: October 2015

The transcription factor FleQ from
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
derepresses expression of genes involved in biofilm formation when intracellular levels of the second messenger cyclic diguanosine monophosphate (c-di-GMP) are high. FleQ also activates transcription of flagellar genes, and the expression of these genes is highest at low intracellular c-di-GMP. FleQ thus plays a central role in mediating the transition between planktonic and biofilm lifestyles of
P. aeruginosa
. Previous work showed that FleQ controls expression of the
pel
operon for Pel exopolysaccharide biosynthesis by converting from a repressor to an activator upon binding c-di-GMP. To explore the activity of FleQ further, we carried out DNase I footprinting at three additional biofilm gene promoters, those of
psl
,
cdrAB
, and PA2440. The expression of
cdrAB
, encoding a cell surface adhesin, was sufficiently responsive to FleQ to allow us to carry out
in vivo
promoter assays. The results showed that, similarly to our observations with the
pel
operon, FleQ switches from a repressor to an activator of
cdrAB
gene expression in response to c-di-GMP. From the footprinting data, we identified a FleQ DNA binding consensus sequence. A search for this conserved sequence in bacterial genome sequences led to the identification of FleQ binding sites in the promoters of the
siaABCD
operon, important for cell aggregation, and the
bdlA
gene, important for biofilm dispersal, in
P. aeruginosa
. We also identified FleQ binding sites upstream of
lapA
-like adhesin genes in other
Pseudomonas
species.

IMPORTANCE
The transcription factor FleQ is widely distributed in
Pseudomonas
species. In all species examined, it is a master regulator of flagellar gene expression. It also regulates diverse genes involved in biofilm formation in
P. aeruginosa
when intracellular levels of the second messenger c-di-GMP are high. Unlike flagellar genes, biofilm-associated genes are not always easy to recognize in genome sequences. Here, we identified a consensus DNA binding sequence for FleQ. This allowed us to survey
Pseudomonas
strains and find new genes that are likely regulated by FleQ and possibly involved in biofilm formation.
Cancer Chemoprevention Effects of Ginger and its Active Constituents: Potential for New Drug Discovery
Authors: Wang Chong-Zhi , Qi Lian-Wen , Yuan Chun-Su
Published: October 2015

Ginger is a commonly used spice and herbal medicine worldwide. Besides its extensive use as a condiment, ginger has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for the management of various medical conditions. In recent years, ginger has received wide attention due to its observed antiemetic and anticancer activities. This paper reviews the potential role of ginger and its active constituents in cancer chemoprevention. The phytochemistry, bioactivity, and molecular targets of ginger constituents, especially 6-shogaol, are discussed. The content of 6-shogaol is very low in fresh ginger, but significantly higher after steaming. With reported anti-cancer activities, 6-shogaol can be served as a lead compound for new drug discovery. The lead compound derivative synthesis, bioactivity evaluation, and computational docking provide a promising opportunity to identify novel anticancer compounds originating from ginger.
Multi-component dark matter in the light of new AMS-02 data
Authors: Lai Chang , Huang Da , Geng Chao-Qiang
Published: October 2015

We study the possible positron/electron excesses within the multi-component leptonically decaying dark matter (DM) scenario by fitting the most recent AMS-02 data on the positron fraction and total [Formula: see text] flux. We show that both the single- and two-component DM models are able to fit the two AMS-02 datasets. However, the single-component DM model favors the [Formula: see text] energy cutoff from the DM decay less than 1 TeV through the [Formula: see text]-channel, which is already well constrained by the diffuse [Formula: see text]-ray spectrum measured by Fermi-LAT. For the two-component case with closing the [Formula: see text]-mode for the heavy DM particle, we find that the new AMS-02 data allows the heavy DM cutoff larger than 1 TeV, providing a good description of the high-energy behavior of the total [Formula: see text] flux and satisfying the diffuse [Formula: see text]-ray constraint.
Multi-component dark matter
Authors: Geng Chao-Qiang , Huang Da , Lai Chang
Published: October 2015

We review the multi-component decaying dark matter (DM) scenario to explain the possible cosmic ray excesses in the positron fraction, the positron and electron respective fluxes, and the total [Formula: see text] flux observed by AMS-02. We show that the two-component DM model can fit the AMS-02 datasets. In particular, we demonstrate that the heavier DM component with its mass around 1 TeV dominantly decaying through the [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]-channels describes the high-energy behavior of the total [Formula: see text] flux data above 500 GeV, while the lighter one of O(100) GeV mainly through the [Formula: see text]-channel explains the substructure around 100 GeV.
Learning Graph Matching Substitution Weights Based on the Ground Truth Node Correspondence
Authors: Cortés Xavier , Serratosa Francesc
Published: October 2015

In pattern recognition, it is usual to compare structured objects through attributed graphs in which nodes represent local parts and edges relations between them. Thus, each characteristic in the local parts is represented by different attributes on the nodes or edges. In this framework, the comparison between structured objects is performed through a distance between attributed graphs. If we want to correctly tune the distance and node correspondence between graphs, we need to add some weights on the node and edge attributes to gauge the importance of each local characteristic while defining the distance measure between graphs. In this paper, we present a method to learn the weights of each node and edge attribute such that the distance between the ground truth correspondence between graphs and the automatically obtained correspondence is minimized.
Hybrid Histogram of Oriented Optical Flow for Abnormal Behavior Detection in Crowd Scenes
Authors: Wang Qiang , Ma Qiao , Luo Chao-Hui , Liu Hai-Yan , Zhang Can-Long
Published: October 2015

Abnormal behavior detection in crowd scenes has received considerable attention in the field of public safety. Traditional motion models do not account for the continuity of motion characteristics between frames. In this paper, we present a new feature descriptor, called the hybrid optical flow histogram. By importing the concept of acceleration, our method can indicate the change of speed in different directions of a movement. Therefore, our descriptor contains more information on the movement. We also introduce a spatial and temporal region saliency determination method to extract the effective motion area only for samples, which could effectively reduce the computational costs, and we apply a sparse representation to detect abnormal behaviors via sparse reconstruction costs. Sparse representation has a high rate of recognition performance and stability. Experiments involving the UMN datasets and the videos taken by us show that our method can effectively identify various types of anomalies and that the recognition results are better than existing algorithms.
Factorial quartic double solids
Authors: Hong Kyusik
Published: October 2015

We describe all the factorial double covers of [Formula: see text] ramified along nodal quartic surfaces.
Decomposing Ontologies for the Construction of Distributed Knowledge Bases: The mONTul Method
Authors: Santipantakis Georgios , Vouros George A.
Published: October 2015

Ontology modularization methods aim either to extract modules for a given sets of terms, or partition ontologies into sets of modules. Each module should cover a specific subject matter of the theory, while the modularization task must preserve additional properties depending on its objectives: It may aim at reusability of knowledge, reduction of complexity, efficient reasoning, and tooling support, e.g. for efficient ontology maintenance and evolution. This article proposes the mONTul method for the modularization of SHIQ ontologies, towards the construction of distributed E–SHIQ knowledge bases. The aim is to compute decompositions for efficient distributed reasoning. The proposed framework combines locality-based rules with graph-based modularization techniques using a generic constraint problem solving framework. The article presents experimental results concerning the modularization task.
FRICTION PROPERTIES OF POLISHED CVD DIAMOND FILMS SLIDING AGAINST DIFFERENT METALS
Authors: LIN ZICHAO , SUN FANGHONG , SHEN BIN
Published: October 2015

Owing to their excellent mechanical and tribological properties, like the well-known extreme hardness, low coefficient of friction and high chemical inertness, chemical vapor deposition (CVD) diamond films have found applications as a hard coating for drawing dies. The surface roughness of the diamond films is one of the most important attributes to the drawing dies. In this paper, the effects of different surface roughnesses on the friction properties of diamond films have been experimentally studied. Diamond films were fabricated using hot filament CVD. The WC-Co (Co 6[Formula: see text]wt.%) drawing dies were used as substrates. A gas mixture of acetone and hydrogen gas was used as the feedstock gas. The CVD diamond films were polished using mechanical polishing. Polished diamond films with three different surface roughnesses, as well as the unpolished diamond film, were fabricated in order to study the tribological performance between the CVD diamond films and different metals with oil lubrication. The unpolished and polished CVD diamond films are characterized with scanning electron microscope (SEM), atomic force microscope (AFM), surface profilometer, Raman spectrum and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The friction examinations were carried out by using a ball-on-plate type reciprocating friction tester. Low carbide steel, stainless steel, copper and aluminum materials were used as counterpart balls. Based on this study, the results presented the friction coefficients between the polished CVD films and different metals. The friction tests demonstrate that the smooth surface finish of CVD diamond films is beneficial for reducing their friction coefficients. The diamond films exhibit low friction coefficients when slid against the stainless steel balls and low carbide steel ball, lower than that slid against copper ball and aluminum ball, attributed to the higher ductility of copper and aluminum causing larger amount of wear debris adhering to the sliding interface and higher adhesive strength between the contacting surfaces.
SELECTIVE SURFACE MODIFICATION ON LUBRICANT RETENTION
Authors: JIANG YU , SUVANTO MIKA , PAKKANEN TAPANI A.
Published: October 2015

While surface patterns are effective in improving tribological properties, nevertheless they alter the surface wettability, which will in turn affect the surface–lubricant interactions. When there is a shortage of lubricant on a patterned surface, the lubricant stored inside the cavities will be extracted to compensate the surface lubricant dissipation. Additionally, the lubricant retention effect provided by the cavities is competing with the release of the lubricant. With weak surface–lubricant interaction, the retention is limited. Therefore, the lubrication will have a sudden failure, giving a dramatic transition to abrasive wear. To improve the performance of polar lubricants on hydrophobic polymer surfaces, both topographical and selective surface modifications were incorporated on injection molded polypropylene surfaces. Distinctive lubrication improvement was observed when the surface structure density for the lubricant storage was high, and the release of the lubricant was controlled by the interaction with the selectively modified surfaces.
WEAR RESISTANCE AND WEAR MECHANISM OF A HOT DIP ALUMINIZED STEEL IN SLIDING WEAR TEST
Authors: XUE ZHIYONG , HAO XIAOYANG , HUANG YAO , GU LINGYUN , REN YU , ZHENG RUIPENG
Published: October 2015

Sliding wear experiments were conducted on a hot dip aluminized steel to investigate its wear resistance and wear mechanism. The wear tests were also carried out on a hot dip galvanized steel and the base material (steel Q345) as a comparison. Results show that the wear resistance and hardness of the hot dip aluminized steel are significantly higher than that of the hot dip galvanized steel and the steel Q345 at room temperature. The better wear resistance of the hot dip aluminized steel attributes mainly to the formation of a transition layer containing abundant Fe–Al intermetallic compounds and the transformation of wear-resisting oxides during the friction process. The main phase in the transition layer is [Formula: see text]. The thickness of the transition layer is about 90–120 [Formula: see text]. When the wear load increases from 3 N to 19 N, the wear type of the aluminized layer transform from adhesive wear (3 N) into abrasive wear (7 N) and finally into slight wear mixed with oxidation (higher than 11 N).
Rheological Behavior and Electrical Properties of Graphene Oxide/Polyaniline Nanocomposites
Authors: Yin Qing , Shu Ruiwen , Xing Honglong , Tan Dexin , Gan Ying , Xu Guocai
Published: October 2015

In this work, graphene oxide/polyaniline (GO/PANI) nanocomposites were synthesized by an in situ polymerization of aniline monomer in GO aqueous dispersions. The morphology and structure of GO/PANI were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectra and Raman spectra. The effects of the concentration of GO/PANI and temperature on the rheological behavior of silicone oil dispersions of GO/PANI nanocomposites were investigated. The results showed that the steady state viscosity of GO/PANI dispersions remarkably increased with the addition of only little GO and the concentrated dispersions showed characteristic shear-thinning behavior. Significantly, a Newtonian-pseudoplastic transition with a critical exponent of 2.2 was observed in silicone oil dispersions of GO/PANI with the increase of nanocomposites concentration. The viscosity of GO/PANI dispersions apparently decreased with increasing temperature, while the temperature showed a certain effect on the thixotropic behavior of concentrated dispersions. In addition, the effect of the GO content on the electrical conductivity of GO/PANI nanocomposites was also explored. It was noted that the GO sheets are effective fillers for improving the rheological behavior and electrical conductivity of PANI matrix. Therefore, the study of rheological behavior and electric property of GO/PANI nanocomposites could shed light on the processing and application of GO/conductive polymer nanocomposites.
An Overview of Location Semantics Technologies and Applications
Authors: Ma Shang , Liu Qiong , Tang Henry
Published: October 2015

A localization system is a coordinate system for describing the world, organizing the world, and controlling the world. Without a coordinate system, we cannot specify the world in mathematical forms; we cannot regulate processes that may involve spatial collisions; we cannot even automate a robot for physical actions. This paper provides an overview of indoor localization technologies, popular models for extracting semantics from location data, approaches for associating semantic information and location data, and applications that may be enabled with location semantics. To make the presentation easy to understand, we will use a museum scenario to explain the pros and cons of different technologies and models. More specifically, we will first explore users' needs in a museum scenario. Based on these needs, we will then discuss advantages and disadvantages of using different localization technologies to meet these needs. From these discussions, we can highlight gaps between real application requirements and existing technologies, and point out promising localization research directions. Similarly, we will also discuss context information required by different applications and explore models and ontologies for connecting users, objects, and environment factors with semantics. By identifying gaps between various models and real application requirements, we can draw a roadmap for future location semantics research.
Preliminary assessment of the petrology of the Hopeman Sandstone (Permo-Triassic), Moray Firth Basin, Scotland
Authors: Maithel Sarah A. , Garner Paul A. , Whitmore John H.
Published: October 2015

The Hopeman Sandstone is a cross-bedded sandstone of Permo-Triassic age that crops out in coastal exposures in northeastern Scotland. Although the unit has traditionally been interpreted as an aeolian deposit, partly on the assumption of well-sorted, well-rounded quartz sand and lack of micas, no detailed thin-section studies have been published to confirm these conclusions. The following report employs petrographical analysis to quantify the sorting, rounding and mineral composition of the Hopeman Sandstone. Our results indicate that the formation is not as well sorted or well rounded as previously suggested and that it contains significant orthoclase and trace amounts of muscovite, which may suggest that depositional models for at least some facies within the unit need to be revised. This report serves as a preliminary analysis of unusual textural trends across the Hopeman Sandstone and should prompt additional research to further characterize and interpret the sedimentology of the formation.
Smith Woodward's ideas on fish classification
Authors: Forey Peter L.
Published: October 2015

Smith Woodward embarked on the production of a catalogue of fossil fishes half a century after Louis Agassiz began a similar exercise. These two palaeontological goliaths remain the only authorities who saw all relevant fossil fish material in all important collections. Between their works there was a substantial increase in the number of species recognized, reflecting the nineteenth-century passion for collecting, the rise of museums, as well as an acceptance that species change through time. Agassiz was working in pre-evolutionary days but Smith Woodward's view on fish diversity was strongly influenced by the theory of evolution and specifically the writings of Thomas Henry Huxley as well as those of Edward Drinker Cope and Ramsay Heatley Traquair and their ideas of grades of evolution. Many of Smith Woodward's generic and species descriptions survive today as his lasting legacy. Higher classification has changed considerably with new discoveries and differing methods of classification.
Temporal-Spatial Analysis of Traffic Congestion Based on Modified CTM
Authors: Chu Chenglong , Xie Na , Chen Xiqun , Wu Yuxin , Sun Xiaoxiao
Published: October 2015

A modified cell transmission model (CTM) is proposed to depict the temporal-spatial evolution of traffic congestion on urban freeways. Specifically, drivers’ adaptive behaviors and the corresponding influence on traffic flows are emphasized. Two piecewise linear regression models are proposed to describe the relationship of flow and density (occupancy). Several types of cellular connections are designed to depict urban rapid roads with on/off-ramps and junctions. Based on the data collected on freeway of Queen Elizabeth, Ontario, Canada, we show that the new model provides a relatively higher accuracy of temporal-spatial evolution of traffic congestions.
Early Dynamics of Cerebrospinal CD14+ Monocytes and CD15+ Granulocytes in Patients after Severe Traumatic Brain Injury: A Cohort Study
Authors: Postl Lukas Kurt , Bogner Viktoria , van Griensven Martijn , Beirer Marc , Kanz Karl Georg , Egginger Christoph , Schmitt-Sody Markus , Biberthaler Peter , Kirchhoff Chlodwig
Published: October 2015

In traumatic brain injury (TBI) the analysis of neuroinflammatory mechanisms gained increasing interest. In this context certain immunocompetent cells might play an important role. Interestingly, in the actual literature there exist only a few studies focusing on the role of monocytes and granulocytes in TBI patients. In this regard it has recently reported that the choroid plexus represents an early, selective barrier for leukocytes after brain injury. Therefore the aim of this study was to evaluate the very early dynamics of CD14+ monocytes and CD15+ granulocyte in CSF of patients following severe TBI with regard to the integrity of the BBB. Cytometric flow analysis was performed to analyze the CD14+ monocyte and CD15+ granulocyte population in CSF of TBI patients. The ratio of CSF and serum albumin as a measure for the BBB’s integrity was assessed in parallel. CSF samples of patients receiving lumbar puncture for elective surgery were obtained as controls. Overall 15 patients following severe TBI were enrolled. 10 patients were examined as controls. In patients, the monocyte population as well as the granulocyte population was significantly increased within 72 hours after TBI. The BBB’s integrity did not have a significant influence on the cell count in the CSF.
Energy Optimized Routing Algorithm for Hybrid Wireless Mesh Networks in Coal Mine
Authors: Jiang Haifeng , Sun Renke , Ma Shanshan
Published: October 2015

Mesh clients in hybrid wireless mesh networks can participate in networking and routing. When the backbone transmission network is broken, the mesh client can route and forward the data, which will eliminate the absolute dependence on the backbone network of traditional infrastructure wireless mesh networks in mine emergency rescue. However, the energy of mesh clients is limited. Based on the comprehensive consideration of the efficiency and balance of energy consumption of mesh clients for data transmission, a new energy cost criterion is designed. Energy optimized and fault recovered routing algorithm is proposed on account of different network states. At last, the simulation analysis on the performance of routing algorithm is conducted and compared with typical routing algorithms. Simulation results show that the algorithm has effectively extended the network lifetime and achieved optimized combination of energy efficiency and energy balance. When mesh routers in the backbone network are failed, this algorithm can rapidly rebuild the route and shows strong capacity of routing recovery.
Ocular Manifestations and Therapeutic Options in Patients with Familial Amyloid Polyneuropathy: A Systematic Review
Authors: Martins A. C. , Rosa A. M. , Costa E. , Tavares C. , Quadrado M. J. , Murta J. N.
Published: October 2015

Purpose. This paper aims to review the morphological and functional characteristics of patients affected by familial amyloid polyneuropathy (FAP), with greater focus on type I and its progression after liver transplantation. We also analyse therapeutic options for the ophthalmic manifestations.Methods. The literature from 2002 through 2015 was reviewed, with a total of 45 articles studied, using the key terms related to amyloidosis and its therapeutic approaches. Information was collated, evaluated, critically assessed, and then summarised in its present form.Pathophysiology and Treatment. FAP results from mutation of the transthyretin gene, with Val30Met being the most frequent substitution. The symptoms are those typical of a sensorimotor autonomic neuropathy and can be halted with liver transplantation. Nowadays there are new medical therapies that delay the progression of the systemic neuropathy. However, there are still no options to avoid ocular disease.Conclusion. The main ocular manifestations in patients with FAP type I are amyloid deposition in the vitreous, dry eye, and secondary glaucoma. Despite liver transplantation, eye synthesis of amyloid persists and is associated with progressive ocular manifestations, which require continued ophthalmologic follow-up. New therapeutic strategies are therefore needed, particularly to target the ocular synthesis of the abnormal protein.
Networked Convergence of Fractional-Order Multiagent Systems with a Leader and Delay
Authors: Shi Yuntao , Zhang Junjun
Published: October 2015

This paper investigates the convergence of fractional-order discrete-time multiagent systems with a leader and sampling delay by using Hermite-Biehler theorem and the change of bilinearity. It is shown that such system can achieve convergence depending on the sampling intervalh, the fractional-orderα, and the sampling delayτand its interconnection topology. Finally, some numerical simulations are given to illustrate the results.
Airway β‐Defensin‐1 Protein Is Elevated in COPD and Severe Asthma
Authors: Baines Katherine J. , Wright Thomas K. , Simpson Jodie L. , McDonald Vanessa M. , Wood Lisa G. , Parsons Kristy S. , Wark Peter A. , Gibson Peter G.
Published: October 2015

Background. Innate immune antimicrobial peptides, including β‐defensin‐1, promote the chemotaxis and activation of several immune cells. The role of β‐defensin‐1 in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) remains unclear. Methods. Induced sputum was collected from healthy controls and individuals with asthma or COPD. β‐defensin‐1 protein in sputum supernatant was quantified by ELISA. Biomarker potential was examined using receiver operating characteristic curves. β‐defensin‐1 release from primary bronchial epithelial cells (pBECs) was investigated in culture with and without cigarette smoke extract (CSE). Results. Airway β‐defensin‐1 protein was elevated in COPD participants compared to asthma participants and healthy controls. Inflammatory phenotype had no effect on β‐defensin‐1 levels in asthma or COPD. β‐defensin‐1 protein was significantly higher in severe asthma compared to controlled and uncontrolled asthma. β‐defensin‐1 protein could predict the presence of COPD from both healthy controls and asthma patients. Exposure of pBECs to CSE decreased β‐defensin‐1 production in healthy controls; however in pBECs from COPD participants the level of β‐defensin‐1 remanied unchanged. Conclusions. Elevated β‐defensin‐1 protein is a feature of COPD and severe asthma regardless of inflammatory phenotype. β‐defensin‐1 production is dysregulated in the epithelium of patients with COPD and may be an effective biomarker and potential therapeutic target.
Exogenous S1P Exposure Potentiates Ischemic Stroke Damage That Is Reduced Possibly by Inhibiting S1P Receptor Signaling
Authors: Moon Eunjung , Han Jeong Eun , Jeon Sejin , Ryu Jong Hoon , Choi Ji Woong , Chun Jerold
Published: October 2015

Initial and recurrent stroke produces central nervous system (CNS) damage, involving neuroinflammation. Receptor‐mediated S1P signaling can influence neuroinflammation and has been implicated in cerebral ischemia through effects on the immune system. However, S1P‐mediated events also occur within the brain itself where its roles during stroke have been less well studied. Here we investigated the involvement of S1P signaling in initial and recurrent stroke by using a transient middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (M/R) model combined with analyses of S1P signaling. Gene expression for S1P receptors and involved enzymes was altered during M/R, supporting changes in S1P signaling. Direct S1P microinjection into the normal CNS induced neuroglial activation, implicating S1P‐initiated neuroinflammatory responses that resembled CNS changes seen during initial M/R challenge. Moreover, S1P microinjection combined with M/R potentiated brain damage, approximating a model for recurrent stroke dependent on S1P and suggesting that reduction in S1P signaling could ameliorate stroke damage. Delivery of FTY720 that removes S1P signaling with chronic exposure reduced damage in both initial and S1P‐potentiated M/R‐challenged brain, while reducing stroke markers like TNF‐α. These results implicate direct S1P CNS signaling in the etiology of initial and recurrent stroke that can be therapeutically accessed by S1P modulators acting within the brain.
Seroprevalence of Herpes Simplex Virus Infection in HIV Coinfected Individuals in Eastern India with Risk Factor Analysis
Authors: Nag Soumyabrata , Sarkar Soma , Chattopadhyay Debprasad , Bhattacharya Sanjoy , Biswas Rahul , SenGupta Manideepa
Published: October 2015

Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) is the cause of most genital herpes while HSV-1 is responsible for orolabial and facial lesions. In immunocompromised individuals, like HIV patients, impaired immunity leads to more frequent symptomatic and asymptomatic HSV infection. Fifty-two blood samples from HIV patients with clinically diagnosed HSV infection were taken as cases, while 45 blood samples each from HIV-infected (HIV control) and noninfected patients without any herpetic lesion (non-HIV control) were taken as control. Serum was tested for IgM and IgG antibodies of both HSV-1 and HSV-2 by ELISA. The seroprevalence was compared among the three groups of study population, considering the demographic and socioeconomic parameters. The HSV-2 IgM was significantly higher (p<0.005) in the HIV patient group (34.6%) than the HIV control (2.2%) and non-HIV control (2.2%) groups, whereas HSV-2 IgG seroprevalence was higher in both HIV patient (61.5%) and HIV control (57.8%) groups than the non-HIV control group (17.8%). The prevalence of HSV-2 was significantly higher in persons with multiple partners and in the reproductive age group. The overall seroprevalence of HSV-1 IgM was too low (<5%), whereas it was too high (about 90%) with HSV-1 IgG in all three study groups.
Defining the Role of Dexmedetomidine in the Prevention of Delirium in the Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Nelson S. , Muzyk A. J. , Bucklin M. H. , Brudney S. , Gagliardi J. P.
Published: October 2015

Dexmedetomidine is a highly selectiveα2agonist used as a sedative agent. It also provides anxiolysis and sympatholysis without significant respiratory compromise or delirium. We conducted a systematic review to examine whether sedation of patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) with dexmedetomidine was associated with a lower incidence of delirium as compared to other nondexmedetomidine sedation strategies. A search of PUBMED, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews yielded only three trials from 1966 through April 2015 that met our predefined inclusion criteria and assessed dexmedetomidine and outcomes of delirium as their primary endpoint. The studies varied in regard to population, comparator sedation regimen, delirium outcome measure, and dexmedetomidine dosing. All trials are limited by design issues that limit our ability definitively to conclude that dexmedetomidine prevents delirium. Evidence does suggest that dexmedetomidine may allow for avoidance of deep sedation and use of benzodiazepines, factors both observed to increase the risk for developing delirium. Our assessment of currently published literature highlights the need for ongoing research to better delineate the role of dexmedetomidine for delirium prevention.
Integration of Heterogeneous Devices and Communication Models via the Cloud in the Constrained Internet of Things
Authors: Van den Abeele Floris , Hoebeke Jeroen , Moerman Ingrid , Demeester Piet
Published: October 2015

As the Internet of Things continues to expand in the coming years, the need for services that span multiple IoT application domains will continue to increase in order to realize the efficiency gains promised by the IoT. Today, however, service developers looking to add value on top of existing IoT systems are faced with very heterogeneous devices and systems. These systems implement a wide variety of network connectivity options, protocols (proprietary or standards-based), and communication methods all of which are unknown to a service developer that is new to the IoT. Even within one IoT standard, a device typically has multiple options for communicating with others. In order to alleviate service developers from these concerns, this paper presents a cloud-based platform for integrating heterogeneous constrained IoT devices and communication models into services. Our evaluation shows that the impact of our approach on the operation of constrained devices is minimal while providing a tangible benefit in service integration of low-resource IoT devices. A proof of concept demonstrates the latter by means of a control and management dashboard for constrained devices that was implemented on top of the presented platform. The results of our work enable service developers to more easily implement and deploy services that span a wide variety of IoT application domains.
Lithium Carbonate in the Treatment of Graves’ Disease with ATD-Induced Hepatic Injury or Leukopenia
Authors: Zheng Rendong , Liu Kemian , Chen Kun , Cao Wen , Cao Lin , Zhang Huifeng , Sun Hongping , Liu Chao
Published: October 2015

Objective. GD with ATD-induced hepatic injury or leukopenia occurs frequently in clinical practice. The purpose of the present study was to observe the clinical effect of lithium carbonate on hyperthyroidism in patients with GD with hepatic injury or leukopenia.Methods. Fifty-one patients with GD with hepatic injury or leukopenia participated in the study. All patients were treated with lithium carbonate, in addition to hepatoprotective drugs or drugs that increase white blood cell count. Thyroid function, liver function, and white blood cells were measured. Clinical outcomes were observed after a 1-year follow-up.Results. After treatment for 36 weeks, symptoms of hyperthyroidism and the level of thyroid hormones were improved and liver function, and white blood cells returned to a normal level. Twelve patients (23.5%) obtained clinical remission, 6 patients (11.8%) relapsed after withdrawal, 25 patients (49.0%) received radioiodine therapy, and 8 patients (15.7%) underwent surgical procedures after lithium carbonate treatment.Conclusion. Lithium carbonate has effects on the treatment of mild-to-moderate hyperthyroidism caused by GD, and it is particularly suitable for patients with ATD-induced hepatic injury or leukopenia.
ROS‐Mediated NLRP3 Inflammasome Activity Is Essential for Burn‐Induced Acute Lung Injury
Authors: Han Shichao , Cai Weixia , Yang Xuekang , Jia Yanhui , Zheng Zhao , Wang Hongtao , Li Jun , Li Yan , Gao Jianxin , Fan Lei , Hu Dahai
Published: October 2015

The NLRP3 inflammasome is necessary for initiating acute sterile inflammation. However, its role in the pathogenesis of burn‐induced acute lung injury (ALI) is unknown. This study aimed to determine the role of the NLRP3 inflammasome and the signaling pathways involved in burn‐induced ALI. We observed that the rat lungs exhibited enhanced inflammasome activity after burn, as evidenced by increased levels of NLRP3 expression and Caspase‐1 activity and augmented inflammatory cytokines. Inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome by BAY11‐7082 attenuated burn‐induced ALI, as demonstrated by the concomitant remission of histopathologic changes and the reduction of myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, inflammatory cytokines in rat lung tissue, and protein concentrations in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). In the in vitro experiments, we used AMs (alveolar macrophages) challenged with burn serum to mimic the postburn microenvironment and noted that the serum significantly upregulated NLRP3 inflammasome signaling and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. The use of ROS scavenger N‐acetylcysteine (NAC) partially reversed NLRP3 inflammasome activity in cells exposed to burn serum. These results indicate that the NLRP3 inflammasome plays an essential role in burn‐induced ALI and that burn‐induced NLRP3 inflammasome activity is a partly ROS‐dependent process. Targeting this axis may represent a promising therapeutic strategy for the treatment of burn‐induced ALI.
Peptide-Based Treatment: A Promising Cancer Therapy
Authors: Xiao Yu-Feng , Jie Meng-Meng , Li Bo-Sheng , Hu Chang-Jiang , Xie Rui , Tang Bo , Yang Shi-Ming
Published: October 2015

Many new therapies are currently being used to treat cancer. Among these new methods, chemotherapy based on peptides has been of great interest due to the unique advantages of peptides, such as a low molecular weight, the ability to specifically target tumor cells, and low toxicity in normal tissues. In treating cancer, peptide-based chemotherapy can be mainly divided into three types, peptide-alone therapy, peptide vaccines, and peptide-conjugated nanomaterials. Peptide-alone therapy may specifically enhance the immune system’s response to kill tumor cells. Peptide-based vaccines have been used in advanced cancers to improve patients’ overall survival. Additionally, the combination of peptides with nanomaterials expands the therapeutic ability of peptides to treat cancer by enhancing drug delivery and sensitivity. In this review, we mainly focus on the new advances in the application of peptides in treating cancer in recent years, including diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis.
Study on Concentrating Characteristics of a Solar Parabolic Dish Concentrator within High Radiation Flux
Authors: Mao Qianjun , Zhang Liya , Wu Hongjun
Published: October 2015

Concentrating characteristics of the sunlight have an important effect on the optical-thermal conversion efficiency of solar concentrator and the application of the receiver. In this paper, radiation flux in the focal plane and the receiver with three focal lengths has been investigated based on Monte Carlo ray-tracing method. At the same time, based on the equal area-height and equal area-diameter methods to design four different shape receivers and numerical simulation of radiation flux distribution characteristics have also been investigated. The results show that the radiation flux in the focal plane increases with decreasing of the focal length and the diameter of the light spot increases with increasing of the focal length. The function of the position with a maximum of radiation flux has been obtained according to the numerical results. The results also show that the radiation flux distribution of cylindrical receiver has the best performance in all four receivers. The results can provide a reference for future design and application of concentrating solar power.
Removing Barriers to Promote Social Computing among Senior Population
Authors: Marcelino Isabel , Laza Rosalía , Fdez-Riverola Florentino , Pereira António
Published: October 2015

Smartphones and tablets proliferation enabled by accessible prices and also by the inclusion of sensing abilities promotes their use in several areas, such as healthcare. It opens new horizons in the field of continuous and noninvasive monitoring and support to population, namely, to seniors. Despite the great benefits that mobile sensing and social computing could provide to increase elderly’s quality of life, many studies have shown that elderlies deal with difficulty with Information and Communication Technology (ICT). In this paper we present a solution to overcome barriers between elderlies and their ICT usage in order to potentiate all the benefits provided from mobile sensing and social computing. A survey on guidelines, standards, and advice regarding usability and accessibility issues when developing solutions for elderly people was carried out. This survey was made having in mind that senior population have singular requirements due to age related changes and also frequently technological illiteracy. We have identified and applied the most important guidelines to our solution. A prototype was made using responsive design in order to be adaptable to any type of devices. Regarding evaluation, usability tests and semistructured interviews were conducted in real scenario.