bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adaptive role switching for fair and efficient battery usage in device-to-device communication
Authors: Trifunovic Sacha , Picu Andreea , Hossmann Theus , Hummel Karin Anna
Published: February 2014

By leveraging device-to-device communication, opportunistic networks promise to complement infrastructure-based networks, by enabling communication in remote areas or during disaster and emergency situations, as well as by giving rise to novel applications, such as location-based sharing. Yet, to become feasible in practice and accepted by users, it is crucial that opportunistic communication be energy-efficient.

Through extensive and detailed measurements and analysis, we show in this paper, that all of today's device-to-device communication technologies suffer from two grave energy consumption problems: very expensive neighbor discovery and unfair connection maintenance. We consider the two most well-known technologies -- Wi-Fi Direct and Bluetooth, and a third solution based on the WLAN access point mode -- WLAN-Opp. We carefully design a measurement setup which allows us to isolate the energy consumption of individual operations (e.g. CPU sleeping/waking up, scanning/listening for neighbors etc) for thesetechnologies and compare the technologies based on these measurements. Our analysis reveals that neighbor discovery can quickly drain a device's battery, depending on the required scanning frequency. In addition, once a connection is established, the "host" of the connection consumes two to five times the energy needed by a "client". To solve this unfairness problem, we propose a strategy that periodically alternates the hosting role among the peers. Further, we minimize the cost of the role switching operation by using the distribution of the residual connection time of two peers to calculate an adaptive switching period. We examine the trade-off between fairness and switching cost on real-world connection traces and show that our scheme largely outperforms static role switching. Finally, we demonstrate that our fair role switching scheme is also effective when run on real devices.
NITOS energy monitoring framework
Authors: Keranidis Stratos , Kazdaridis Giannis , Passas Virgilios , Korakis Thanasis , Koutsopoulos Iordanis , Tassiulas Leandros
Published: February 2014

Development of energy-efficient protocols and algorithms requires in-depth understanding of the power consumption characteristics of real world devices. To this aim, energy efficiency analysis is performed by the research community, mainly focusing on the development of power consumption models. However, recent studies [1] have highlighted the inability of existing models to accurately estimate energy consumption even in non-composite scenarios, where the operation of a single device is analyzed. The inability of such models is further highlighted under real life scenarios, where the impact induced by the simultaneous operation of several devices renders the application of traditional models completely inappropriate. As a result, energy efficiency evaluation under complex configurations and topologies, needs to be experimentally investigated through the application of online monitoring solutions. In this work, we propose the innovative NITOS Energy consumption Monitoring Framework (EMF) able to support online monitoring of energy expenditure, along with the experiment execution. The developed framework is built on a distributed network of low-cost, but highly accurate devices and is fully integrated with the large-scale wireless NITOS testbed. The framework evaluation is performed under both low-level experiments that demonstrate the platform's high-level accuracy, as well as through high-level experiments that showcase how online and distributed monitoring can facilitate energy performance assessment of realistic testbed experiments.
Systemic leptin dose-dependently increases STAT3 phosphorylation within hypothalamic and hindbrain nuclei
Authors: Maniscalco James W. , Rinaman Linda
Published: February 2014

Leptin released peripherally acts within the central nervous system (CNS) to modulate numerous physiological and behavioral functions. Histochemical identification of leptin-responsive CNS cells can reveal the specific cellular phenotypes and neural circuits through which leptin signaling modulates these functions. Leptin signaling elicits phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (pSTAT3), making pSTAT3-immunoreactivity (ir) a useful proxy for identifying leptin-responsive cells. Relatively low systemic doses of leptin (i.e., 10–130 μg/kg body wt) are sufficient to decrease food intake, inhibit gastric emptying, and increase sympathetic activity, but there are no histological reports of central pSTAT3-ir following leptin doses within this range. Considering this, we quantified central pSTAT3-ir in rats after intraperitoneal injections of leptin at doses ranging from 50 to 800 μg/kg body wt. Tissue sections were processed to identify pSTAT3-ir alone or in combination with immunolabeling for cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART), glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), prolactin-releasing peptide (PrRP), or dopamine-β-hydroxylase (DβH). Leptin doses as low as 50, 100, and 200 μg/kg body wt significantly increased the number of pSTAT3-ir cells in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus (ARC), nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS), and ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus, respectively, and also led to robust pSTAT3 labeling in neural processes. The differential dose-dependent increases in pSTAT3-ir across brain regions provide new information regarding central leptin sensitivity. Within the ARC, CART-ir and pSTAT3-ir were often colocalized, consistent with evidence of leptin sensitivity in this neural population. Conversely, within the NTS, pSTAT3 only rarely colocalized with PrRP and/or DβH, and never with GLP-1.
ANG II modulates both slow and rapid baroreflex responses of barosensitive bulbospinal neurons in the rabbit rostral ventrolateral medulla
Authors: Saigusa Takeshi , Arita Jun
Published: February 2014

This study investigated the effects of ANG II on slow and rapid baroreflex responses of barosensitive bulbospinal neurons in the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM) in urethane-anesthetized rabbits to determine whether the sympathetic baroreflex modulation induced by application of ANG II into the RVLM can be explained by the total action of ANG II on individual RVLM neurons. In response to pharmacologically induced slow ramp changes in mean arterial pressure (MAP), individual RVLM neurons exhibited a unit activity-MAP relationship that was fitted by a straight line with upper and lower plateaus. Iontophoretically applied ANG II raised the upper plateau without changing the slope, and, thereby, increased the working range of the baroreflex response. An asymmetric sigmoid curve that was determined by averaging individual unit activity-MAP relationship lines became more symmetric with ANG II application. The characteristics of the average curves, both before and during ANG II application, were consistent with the renal sympathetic nerve activity-MAP relationship curves obtained under the same experimental conditions. ANG II also affected rapid baroreflex responses of RVLM neurons that were induced by cardiac beats, as application of ANG II predominantly raised the average unit activities in the downstroke phase of arterial pulse waves. The present study provides a possible explanation for the ANG II-induced sympathetic baroreflex modulation based on the action of ANG II on barosensitive bulbospinal RVLM neurons. Our results also suggest that ANG II changes both static and dynamic characteristics of baroreflex responses of RVLM neurons.
Skeletal myofiber VEGF is essential for the exercise training response in adult mice
Authors: Delavar Hamid , Nogueira Leonardo , Wagner Peter D. , Hogan Michael C. , Metzger Daniel , Breen Ellen C.
Published: February 2014

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is exercise responsive, pro-angiogenic, and expressed in several muscle cell types. We hypothesized that in adult mice, VEGF generated within skeletal myofibers (and not other cells within muscle) is necessary for the angiogenic response to exercise training. This was tested in adult conditional, skeletal myofiber-specific VEGF gene-deleted mice (skmVEGF−/−), with VEGF levels reduced by >80%. After 8 wk of daily treadmill training, speed and endurance were unaltered in skmVEGF−/− mice, but increased by 18% and 99% ( P < 0.01), respectively, in controls trained at identical absolute speed, incline, and duration. In vitro, isolated soleus and extensor digitorum longus contractile function was not impaired in skmVEGF−/− mice. However, training-induced angiogenesis was inhibited in plantaris (wild type, 38%, skmVEGF−/− 18%, P < 0.01), and gastrocnemius (wild type, 43%, P < 0.01; skmVEGF−/−, 7%, not significant). Capillarity was maintained (different from VEGF gene deletion targeted to multiple cell types) in untrained skmVEGF−/− mice. Arteriogenesis (smooth muscle actin+, artery number, and diameter) and remodeling [vimentin+, 5′-bromodeoxycytidine (BrdU)+, and F4/80+ cells] occurred in skmVEGF−/− mice, even in the absence of training. skmVEGF−/− mice also displayed a limited oxidative enzyme [citrate synthase and β-hydroxyacyl CoA dehydrogenase (β-HAD)] training response; β-HAD activity levels were elevated in the untrained state. These data suggest that myofiber expressed VEGF is necessary for training responses in capillarity and oxidative capacity and for improved running speed and endurance.
A distributed two-pore model: theoretical implications and practical application to the glomerular sieving of Ficoll
Authors: Öberg Carl M. , Rippe Bengt
Published: February 2014

In the present study, an extended two-pore theory is presented where the porous pathways are continuously distributed according to small- and large-pore mean radii and SDs. Experimental glomerular sieving data for Ficoll were analyzed using the model. In addition, several theoretical findings are presented along with analytic solutions to many of the equations used in distributed pore modeling. The results of the data analysis revealed a small-pore population in the glomerular capillary wall with a mean radius of 36.6 Å having a wide arithmetic SD of ∼5 Å and a large-pore radius of 98.6 Å with an even wider SD of ∼44 Å. The small-pore radius obtained in the analysis was close to that of human serum albumin (35.5 Å). By reanalyzing the data and setting the distribution spread of the model constant, we discovered that a narrow distribution is compensated by an increased mean pore radius and a decreased pore area-to-diffusion length ratio. The wide distribution of pore sizes obtained in the present analysis, even when considering electrostatic hindrance due to the negatively charged barrier, is inconsistent with the high selectivity to proteins typically characterizing the glomerular filtration barrier. We therefore hypothesize that a large portion of the variance in the distribution of pore sizes obtained is due to the molecular “flexibility” of Ficoll, implying that the true variance of the pore system is lower than that obtained using flexible probes. This would also, in part, explain the commonly noted discrepancy between the pore area-to-diffusion length ratio and the filtration coefficient.
Oxalate upregulates expression of IL-2Rβ and activates IL-2R signaling in HK-2 cells, a line of human renal epithelial cells
Authors: Koul Sweaty , Khandrika Lakshmipathi , Pshak Thomas J. , Iguchi Naoko , Pal Mintu , Steffan Joshua J. , Koul Hari K.
Published: February 2014

The role of inflammation in oxalate-induced nephrolithiasis is debated. Our gene expression study indicated an increase in interleukin-2 receptor β (IL-2Rβ) mRNA in response to oxalate (Koul S, Khandrika L, Meacham RB, Koul HK. PLoS ONE 7: e43886, 2012). Herein, we evaluated IL-2Rβ expression and its downstream signaling pathway in HK-2 cells in an effort to understand the mechanisms of oxalate nephrotoxicity. HK-2 cells were exposed to oxalate for various time points in the presence or absence of SB203580, a specific p38 MAPK inhibitor. Gene expression data were analyzed by Ingenuity Pathway Analysis software. mRNA expression was quantitated via real-time PCR, and changes in protein expression/kinase activation were analyzed by Western blotting. Exposure of HK-2 cells to oxalate resulted in increased transcription of IL-2Rβ mRNA and increased protein levels. Oxalate treatment also activated the IL-2Rβ signaling pathway (JAK1/STAT5 phosphorylation). Moreover, the increase in IL-2Rβ protein was dependent upon p38 MAPK activity. These results suggest that oxalate-induced activation of the IL-2Rβ pathway may lead to a plethora of cellular changes, the most common of which is the induction of inflammation. These results suggest a central role for the p38 MAPK pathway in mediating the effects of oxalate in renal cells, and additional studies may provide the key to unlocking novel biochemical targets in stone disease.
ANG-(3–4) inhibits renal Na+-ATPase in hypertensive rats through a mechanism that involves dissociation of ANG II receptors, heterodimers, and PKA
Authors: Dias Juliana , Ferrão Fernanda M. , Axelband Flavia , Carmona Adriana K. , Lara Lucienne S. , Vieyra Adalberto
Published: February 2014

The physiological roles of ANG-(3–4) (Val-Tyr), a potent ANG II-derived peptide, remain largely unknown. The present study 1)investigates whether ANG-(3–4) modulates ouabain-resistant Na+-ATPase resident in proximal tubule cells and 2) verifies whether its possible action on pumping activity, considered the fine tuner of Na+reabsorption in this nephron segment, depends on blood pressure. ANG-(3–4) inhibited Na+-ATPase activity in membranes of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) at nanomolar concentrations, with no effect in Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats or on Na+-K+-ATPase. PD123319 (10−7M) and PKA(5–24)(10−6M), an AT2receptor (AT2R) antagonist and a specific PKA inhibitor, respectively, abrogated this inhibition, indicating that AT2R and PKA are central in this pathway. Despite the lack of effect of ANG-(3–4) when assayed alone in WKY rats, the peptide (10−8M) completely blocked stimulation of Na+-ATPase induced by 10−10M ANG II in normotensive rats through a mechanism that also involves AT2R and PKA. Tubular membranes from WKY rats had higher levels of AT2R/AT1R heterodimers, which remain associated in 10−10M ANG II and dissociate to a very low dimerization state upon addition of 10−8M ANG-(3–4). This lower level of heterodimers was that found in SHR, and heterodimers did not dissociate when the same concentration of ANG-(3–4) was present. Oral administration of ANG-(3–4) (50 mg/kg body mass) increased urinary Na+concentration and urinary Na+excretion with a simultaneous decrease in systolic arterial pressure in SHR, but not in WKY rats. Thus the influence of ANG-(3–4) on Na+transport and its hypotensive action depend on receptor association and on blood pressure.
Distinct roles for Cav2.1–2.3 in activity-dependent synaptic dynamics
Authors: Ricoy Ulises M. , Frerking Matthew E.
Published: February 2014

Synaptic transmission throughout most of the CNS is steeply dependent on presynaptic calcium influx through the voltage-gated calcium channels Cav2.1–Cav2.3. In addition to triggering exocytosis, this calcium influx also recruits short-term synaptic plasticity. During the complex patterns of presynaptic activity that occur in vivo, several forms of plasticity combine to generate a synaptic output that is dynamic, in which the size of a given excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP) in response to a given spike depends on the short-term history of presynaptic activity. It remains unclear whether the different Cav2 channels play distinct roles in defining these synaptic dynamics and, if so, under what conditions different Cav2 family members most effectively determine synaptic output. We examined these questions by measuring the effects of calcium channel-selective toxins on synaptic transmission at the Schaffer collateral synapse in hippocampal slices from adult mice in response to both low-frequency stimulation and complex stimulus trains derived from in vivo recordings. Blockade of Cav2.1 had a greater inhibitory effect on synaptic transmission during low-frequency components of the stimulus train than on synaptic transmission during high-frequency components of the train, indicating that Cav2.1 had a greater fractional contribution to synaptic transmission at low frequencies than at high frequencies. Relative to Cav2.1, Cav2.2 had a disproportionately reduced contribution to synaptic transmission at frequencies >20 Hz, while Cav2.3 had a disproportionately increased contribution to synaptic transmission at frequencies >1 Hz. These activity-dependent effects of different Cav2 family members shape the filtering characteristics of GABAB receptor-mediated presynaptic inhibition. Thus different Cav2 channels vary in their coupling to synaptic transmission over different frequency ranges, with consequences for the frequency tuning of both synaptic dynamics and presynaptic neuromodulation.
Intelligence moderates neural responses to monetary reward and punishment
Authors: Hawes Daniel R. , DeYoung Colin G. , Gray Jeremy R. , Rustichini Aldo
Published: February 2014

The relations between intelligence (IQ) and neural responses to monetary gains and losses were investigated in a simple decision task. In 94 healthy adults, typical responses of striatal blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) signal after monetary reward and punishment were weaker for subjects with higher IQ. IQ-moderated differential responses to gains and losses were also found for regions in the medial prefrontal cortex, posterior cingulate cortex, and left inferior frontal cortex. These regions have previously been identified with the subjective utility of monetary outcomes. Analysis of subjects' behavior revealed a correlation between IQ and the extent to which choices were related to experienced decision outcomes in preceding trials. Specifically, higher IQ predicted behavior to be more strongly correlated with an extended period of previously experienced decision outcomes, whereas lower IQ predicted behavior to be correlated exclusively to the most recent decision outcomes. We link these behavioral and imaging findings to a theoretical model capable of describing a role for intelligence during the evaluation of rewards generated by unknown probabilistic processes. Our results demonstrate neural differences in how people of different intelligence respond to experienced monetary rewards and punishments. Our theoretical discussion offers a functional description for how these individual differences may be linked to choice behavior. Together, our results and model support the hypothesis that observed correlations between intelligence and preferences may be rooted in the way decision outcomes are experienced ex post, rather than deriving exclusively from how choices are evaluated ex ante.
Speed-dependent modulation of phase variations on a step-by-step basis and its impact on the consistency of interlimb coordination during quadrupedal locomotion in intact adult cats
Authors: Frigon Alain , D'Angelo Giuseppe , Thibaudier Yann , Hurteau Marie-France , Telonio Alessandro , Kuczynski Victoria , Dambreville Charline
Published: February 2014

It is well established that stance duration changes more than swing duration for a given change in cycle duration. Small variations in cycle duration are also observed at any given speed on a step-by-step basis. To evaluate the step-by-step effect of speed on phase variations, we measured the slopes of the linear regressions between the phases (i.e., stance, swing) and cycle duration during individual episodes at different treadmill speeds in five adult cats. We also determined the pattern of dominance, defined as the phase that varies most with cycle duration. We found a significant effect of speed on hindlimb phase variations, with significant differences observed between the slowest speed of 0.3 m/s compared with faster speeds. Moreover, although patterns of phase dominance were primarily stance/extensor dominated at the slowest speeds, as speed increased the patterns were increasingly categorized as covarying, whereby both stance/extensor and swing/flexor phases changed in approximately equal proportion with cycle duration. Speed significantly affected the relative duration of support periods as well as interlimb phasing between homolateral and diagonal pairs of limbs but not between homologous pairs of limbs. Speed also significantly affected the consistency of interlimb coordination on a step-by-step basis, being less consistent at the slowest speed of 0.3 m/s compared with faster speeds. We found a strong linear relationship between hindlimb phase variations and the consistency of interlimb coordination. Therefore, results show that phase variations on a step-by-step basis are modulated by speed, which appears to influence the consistency of interlimb coordination.
Contextual effects in human visual cortex depend on surface structure
Authors: Joo Sung Jun , Murray Scott O.
Published: February 2014

Neural responses in early visual cortex depend on stimulus context. One of the most well-established context-dependent effects is orientation-specific surround suppression: the neural response to a stimulus inside the receptive field of a neuron (“target”) is suppressed when it is surrounded by iso-oriented compared with orthogonal stimuli (“flankers”). Despite the importance of orientation-specific surround suppression in potentially mediating a number of important perceptual effects, including saliency, contour integration, and orientation discrimination, the underlying neural mechanisms remain unknown. The suppressive signal could be inherited from precortical areas as early as the retina and thalamus, arise from local circuits through horizontal connections, or be fed back from higher visual cortex. Here, we show, using two different methodologies, measurements of scalp-recorded event-related potentials (ERPs) and behavioral contrast adaptation aftereffects in humans, that orientation-specific surround suppression is dependent on the surface structure in an image. When the target and flankers can be grouped on the same surface (independent of their distance), orientation-specific surround suppression occurs. When the target and flankers are on different surfaces (independent of their distance), orientation-specific surround suppression does not occur. Our results demonstrate a surprising role of high-level, global processes such as grouping in determining when contextual effects occur in early visual cortex.
Natural scenes in tactile texture
Authors: Manfredi Louise R. , Saal Hannes P. , Brown Kyler J. , Zielinski Mark C. , Dammann John F. , Polashock Vicky S. , Bensmaia Sliman J.
Published: February 2014

Sensory systems are designed to extract behaviorally relevant information from the environment. In seeking to understand a sensory system, it is important to understand the environment within which it operates. In the present study, we seek to characterize the natural scenes of tactile texture perception. During tactile exploration complex high-frequency vibrations are elicited in the fingertip skin, and these vibrations are thought to carry information about the surface texture of manipulated objects. How these texture-elicited vibrations depend on surface microgeometry and on the biomechanical properties of the fingertip skin itself remains to be elucidated. Here we record skin vibrations, using a laser-Doppler vibrometer, as various textured surfaces are scanned across the finger. We find that the frequency composition of elicited vibrations is texture specific and highly repeatable. In fact, textures can be classified with high accuracy on the basis of the vibrations they elicit in the skin. As might be expected, some aspects of surface microgeometry are directly reflected in the skin vibrations. However, texture vibrations are also determined in part by fingerprint geometry. This mechanism enhances textural features that are too small to be resolved spatially, given the limited spatial resolution of the neural signal. We conclude that it is impossible to understand the neural basis of texture perception without first characterizing the skin vibrations that drive neural responses, given the complex dependence of skin vibrations on both surface microgeometry and fingertip biomechanics.
Saccadic adaptation shapes visual space in macaques
Authors: Gremmler Svenja , Bosco Annalisa , Fattori Patrizia , Lappe Markus
Published: February 2014

Saccadic eye movements are an integral part of many visually guided behaviors. Recent research in humans has shown that processes which control saccades are also involved in establishing perceptual space: A shift in object localization during fixation occurred after saccade amplitudes had been shortened or lengthened by saccadic adaptation. We tested whether similar effects can be established in nonhuman primates. Two trained macaque monkeys localized briefly presented stimuli on a touch screen by indicating the memorized target position with the hand on the screen. The monkeys performed this localization task before and after saccade amplitudes were modified through saccadic adaptation. During localization trials they had to maintain fixation. Successful saccadic adaptation led to a concurrent shift of the touched position on the screen. This mislocalization occurred for both adaptive shortening and lengthening of saccade amplitude. We conclude that saccadic adaptation has the potential to influence localization performance in monkeys, similar to the results found in humans.
Chemical synaptic transmission onto superficial stellate cells of the mouse dorsal cochlear nucleus
Authors: Apostolides Pierre F. , Trussell Laurence O.
Published: February 2014

The dorsal cochlear nucleus (DCN) is a cerebellum-like auditory brain stem region whose functions include sound localization and multisensory integration. Although previous in vivo studies have shown that glycinergic and GABAergic inhibition regulate the activity of several DCN cell types in response to sensory stimuli, data regarding the synaptic inputs onto DCN inhibitory interneurons remain limited. Using acute DCN slices from mice, we examined the properties of excitatory and inhibitory synapses onto the superficial stellate cell, a poorly understood cell type that provides inhibition to DCN output neurons (fusiform cells) as well as to local inhibitory interneurons (cartwheel cells). Excitatory synapses onto stellate cells activated both NMDA receptors and fast-gating, Ca2+-permeable AMPA receptors. Inhibition onto superficial stellate cells was mediated by glycine and GABAA receptors with different temporal kinetics. Paired recordings revealed that superficial stellate cells make reciprocal synapses and autapses, with a connection probability of ∼18–20%. Unexpectedly, superficial stellate cells co-released both glycine and GABA, suggesting that co-transmission may play a role in fine-tuning the duration of inhibitory transmission.
Impaired tactile processing in children with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Puts Nicolaas A. J. , Wodka Ericka L. , Tommerdahl Mark , Mostofsky Stewart H. , Edden Richard A. E.
Published: February 2014

Impaired responses to tactile stimulation are a commonly reported symptom among children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Furthermore, impairments in filtering or habituation to tactile input have been described in ASD. This study measured different aspects of tactile processing to investigate atypical touch sensitivity in children with ASD, methodology that has not been previously used in this population. Sixty-seven typically developing children (TDC) and 32 children with ASD (ages 8–12) completed vibrotactile tasks assessing: reaction time (RT); static and dynamic detection threshold (DT); amplitude discrimination with and without single-site adaptation; frequency discrimination; and temporal order judgment (TOJ) with and without concurrent stimulation. Children with ASD showed raised static detection thresholds and an absence of the effect of a dynamically increasing subthreshold stimulus on static detection threshold. Children with ASD also showed poorer amplitude discrimination than TDC, as well as decreased adaptation. There were no significant differences in frequency discrimination or TOJ performance between the groups. Differences in the effect of dynamic stimulation on detection threshold suggest impaired feed-forward inhibition in autism, which may be linked to poor sensory filtering. Increased baseline amplitude discrimination thresholds in ASD suggest that lateral inhibitory connections are weaker in ASD, and an absence of the effect of adaptation suggests impaired modulation of lateral inhibitory connections in ASD, which may relate to aberrant habituation. These results suggest a functional deficit in the somatosensory inhibitory system in autism. Understanding the specific mechanisms underlying sensory symptoms in autism may allow for more specific therapeutic or drug targeting in the near future.
Neurocognitive Basis of Schizophrenia: Information Processing Abnormalities and Clues for Treatment
Authors: Aleman André
Published: February 2014

Schizophrenia is a chronic and severe psychiatric disorder that affects all aspects of patients’ lives. Over the past decades, research applying methods from psychology and neuroscience has increasingly been zooming in on specific information processing abnormalities in schizophrenia. Impaired activation of and connectivity between frontotemporal, frontoparietal, and frontostriatal brain networks subserving cognitive functioning and integration of cognition and emotion has been consistently reported. Major issues in schizophrenia research concern the cognitive and neural basis of hallucinations, abnormalities in cognitive-emotional processing, social cognition (including theory of mind), poor awareness of illness, and apathy. Recent findings from cognitive neuroscience studies in these areas are discussed. The findings may have implications for treatment, for example, noninvasive neurostimulation of specific brain areas. Ultimately, a better understanding of the cognitive neuroscience of schizophrenia will pave the way for the development of effective treatment strategies.
Hybrid Extragradient-Like Viscosity Methods for Generalized Mixed Equilibrium Problems, Variational Inclusions, and Optimization Problems
Authors: Ceng Lu-Chuan , Chen Chi-Ming , Pang Chin-Tzong
Published: February 2014

We introduce and analyze a new hybrid extragradient-like viscosity iterative algorithm for finding a common solution of a generalized mixed equilibrium problem, a finite family of variational inclusions for maximal monotone and inverse strongly monotone mappings, and a fixed point problem of infinitely many nonexpansive mappings in a real Hilbert space. Under some mild conditions, we prove the strong convergence of the sequence generated by the proposed algorithm to a common solution of these three problems which also solves an optimization problem.
Stress Hormone and Reproductive System in Response to Honey Supplementation Combined with Different Jumping Exercise Intensities in Female Rats
Authors: Mosavat Maryam , Ooi Foong Kiew , Mohamed Mahaneem
Published: February 2014

This study was performed to determine the effects of 8-week honey supplementation combined with different jumping exercise intensities on serum cortisol, progesterone, estradiol, and reproductive organs. Eighty-four 9-week-old female rats were divided into 7 groups: baseline controls (C0), sedentary group (C), 20 and 80 jumps per day (Ex20J,Ex80J), honey (H), and combined honey with 20 and 80 jumps per day (HEx20J,HEx80J) groups. Jumping exercise was performed at 5 days/week and honey was given at a dosage of 1 g/kg body weight/day for 7 days/week. The level of serum cortisol was higher inEx20JandEx80Jcompared to C. There was significantly lower value of serum cortisol inHEx20Jcompared toEx80J. Serum progesterone levels were significantly lower inEx20JandEx80Jcompared to C. However, serum progesterone levels were significantly higher inHEx20JandHEx80Jcompared toEx20JandEx80J. Relative uterine weights were significantly greater inHEx20Jcompared to C andHEx80J, respectively. There was no significant difference in estradiol level and relative ovarian weights among all the groups. Therefore, honey elicited beneficial effects in reducing the increase of cortisol and in increasing the reduce of progesterone levels induced by different intensities jumping exercise in female rats.
A Spectrum Sensing Scheme for Partially Polarized Waves over α-μ Generalized Gamma Fading Channels
Authors: Hankal Mohamed A. , Eshrah Islam A. , Tawfik Hazim
Published: February 2014

Schemes for spectrum holes sensing for cognitive radio based on the estimation of the Stokes parameters of monochromatic and quasimonochromatic polarized electromagnetic waves are developed. Statistical information that includes the variations of the polarization state in both cases (present and absent) of Primary User (PU) is accounted for. A detector based on the fluctuation of the Stokes parameters is analyzed, and
its performance is compared with that of energy detectors, which use only the scalar amplitude information to sense the PU signal. The cooperative spectrum sensing based on the polarization in which the reporting channels are noisy will be investigated. The cluster technique is proposed to reduce the bit error probability due to channel impairment. A closed-form expression for the polarization detection is derived using α-μ generalized fading model, which provides directly an expression for the special cases of Nakagami-m and Weibull models as well as their derivatives. These expressions are verified using simulation. The results show that the polarization spectrum sensing gives superior performance for a wide range of SNR over the conventional energy detection method.
New Operational Matrix of Integrations and Coupled System of Fredholm Integral Equations
Authors: Khalil Hammad , Khan Rahmat Ali
Published: February 2014

We study Legendre polynomials and develop new operational matrix of integration. Based on the operational matrix, we develop a new method to solve a coupled system of Fredholm integral equations of the form U(x)+λ11∫01K11(x,t)U(t)dt+λ12∫01K12(x,t)V(t)dt=f(x), V(x)+λ21∫01K21(x,t)U(t)dt+λ22∫01K22(x,t)V(t)dt=g(x), where λ11, λ12, λ21, and λ22 are real constants and f,g∈C([0,1]). The method reduces the coupled system to a system of easily solvable algebraic equations without discretizing the original system. As an application, we provide examples and numerical simulations demonstrating that the results obtained using the new technique match very well with the exact solutions of the problems. To show the efficiency of the method, we compare our results with some of the results already studied with other available methods in the literature.
Numerical Adaptation of Pipeline Network Models on Measurement Archive
Authors: Seleznev Vadim E.
Published: February 2014

We propose an adaptation method for gas dynamic pipeline network models to enable credible representation of actual properties of real simulation objects. The presentation is illustrated by fitting equivalent pipeline section roughnesses used in the models to accommodate the influence of flow resistance on gas transport parameters. The method is based on the setting up and solution of a series of special parametric identification problems based on a limited set of field measurement data at local (in space) network points. This method can be used by specialists in mathematical modeling of gas transport systems to solve practical parametric identification problems.
Gender Differences in Birdshot Chorioretinopathy and the White Dot Syndromes: Do They Exist?
Authors: Faia Lisa J.
Published: February 2014

Inflammatory conditions that affect the posterior pole are diverse. Specifically, birdshot chorioretinopathy and the white dot syndromes present with multiple white dots in the fundus. These diseases appear to affect similar age groups but there is question as to whether or not a difference exists between the genders. This review summarizes the current studies on birdshot chorioretinopathy and the white dot syndromes as they are related to gender, exploring the differences, if any, which may exist between prevalence, clinical presentation, and treatment response for these diseases. Though the specific etiology of these diseases remains unclear, future treatments may be guided as to how these diseases affect the sexes differently.
Optimization of Coalbed Methane Gathering System in China
Authors: Zhou Jun , Gong Jing , Li Xiaoping , Tong Tong , Cheng Mengya , Zhang Siqi
Published: February 2014

Because of the increasing energy demand, coalbed methane (CBM) which is a high-quality, clean new energy gets more and more national attention. As one of the keys of CBM's successful development, the investment of surface gathering system accounts for a significant proportion of the entire field's investment. This paper studied the optimization of CBM gathering system, combined with system process characteristics and the status of extraction and production. We chose a phased optimization method such that the optimization of entire system was divided into several subproblems, including well group's optimal partition, determination of gathering valve set's optimal position, optimization of trunk and branch pipe network's layout, and optimization of pipe diameter. Then we established optimization model such that the least investment costs of each stage were to be as objective function. When solving the model, full consideration of the low pressure and high complexity by which the CBM gathering and transportation pipeline network was characterized should be given. Through an example calculation, compared with artificial design result, the total investment decreased by 9.56%. We proved that the method has a good optimization effect by comparably analyzing the investment and construction scale of the existing pipe network and optimal pipe network.
Global Stabilization of Nonholonomic Chained Form Systems with Input Delay
Authors: Shang Yanling , Xie Jing
Published: February 2014

This paper investigates the global stabilization problem for a class of nonholonomic systems in chained form with input delay. A particular transformation is introduced to convert the original time-delay system into a delay-free form. Then, by using input-state-scaling technique and the method of sliding mode control, a constructive design procedure for state feedback control is given, which can guarantee that all the system states globally asymptotically converge to the origin. An illustrative example is also provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed scheme.
Embryonal Rhabdomyosarcoma of Upper Lid in 15-Year-Old Patient
Authors: Sharifi Mohammad
Published: February 2014

Rhabdomyosarcoma is the most common childhood primary malignant tumor of orbit. Most of patients present between the ages of 7 and 8 years. Pure eyelid rhabdomyosarcoma is a very rare tumor with only a few reported cases in the literature. We introduce a pure embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma of upper lid in 15-year-old patient and demonstrate successful management of it.
Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Protein: A Biological Marker for Oral Precancer and Cancer
Authors: Mahendra Ashish , Shreedhar Balasundari , Kamboj Mala , Singh Arun , Singh Abhishek , Agrawal Ashutosh , Kumar Sachin , Kabiraj Arpita
Published: February 2014

Background. The aim of the present paper was to study the expression and overexpression of EGFR in oral leukoplakia and cancer and at the same time assess the expression of EGFR in various histological grades of oral leukoplakia and OSCC in the Indian subcontinent. Methods. The study was conducted with routine H&E and IHC staining on 40 archival tissues. Results. Positive EGFR staining was present in all the cases 100% (30/30) out of which 7 (46.7%) cases of OSCC showed >75% EGFR expression and 8 (53.3%) cases of oral leukoplakia showed 25% EGFR expression. A statistically significant correlation was found in OSCC, OL and controls. Conclusions. EGFR may represent a promising target for novel molecular cancer therapies. EGFR expression levels in the premalignant lesion appear to be a sensitive factor in predicting the neoplastic potential of dysplastic tissues. This suggests that EGFR may serve as a biological marker to identify high-risk subgroups and guide prophylactic therapy.
Evaluating the Influence of Motor Control on Selective Attention through a Stochastic Model: The Paradigm of Motor Control Dysfunction in Cerebellar Patient
Authors: Veneri Giacomo , Federico Antonio , Rufa Alessandra
Published: February 2014

Attention allows us to selectively process the vast amount of information with which we are confronted, prioritizing some aspects of information and ignoring others by focusing on a certain location or aspect of the visual scene. Selective attention is guided by two cognitive mechanisms: saliency of the image (bottom up) and endogenous mechanisms (top down). These two mechanisms interact to direct attention and plan eye movements; then, the movement profile is sent to the motor system, which must constantly update the command needed to produce the desired eye movement. A new approach is described here to study how the eye motor control could influence this selection mechanism in clinical behavior: two groups of patients (SCA2 and late onset cerebellar ataxia LOCA) with well-known problems of motor control were studied; patients performed a cognitively demanding task; the results were compared to a stochastic model based on Monte Carlo simulations and a group of healthy subjects. The analytical procedure evaluated some energy functions for understanding the process. The implemented model suggested that patients performed an optimal visual search, reducing intrinsic noise sources. Our findings theorize a strict correlation between the “optimal motor system” and the “optimal stimulus encoders.”
Preparation and Characterization of Montmorillonite Intercalation Compounds with Quaternary Ammonium Surfactant: Adsorption Effect of Zearalenone
Authors: Li Yujin , Zeng Lu , Zhou Yan , Wang Tiefu , Zhang Yanji
Published: February 2014

Montmorillonite (Mt) was used as the original material to prepare intercalation compounds with quaternary ammonium surfactant (QAS). The adsorption of zearalenone (ZEA) onto Mt and organomodified Mt was investigated in vitro. Effects of QAS in binding ZEA were studied. By the method of intercalation with dioctadecylmethylbenzylammonium chloride (DOMBAC), the sample exhibited the highest adsorption rate of ZEA (93.2%) which was much higher than that of Mt (10.5%). Several methods were adopted to characterize samples, including XRD, TG/DSC, N2 adsorption/desorption, and FTIR. Adsorption isotherm parameters were obtained from Langmuir and Freundlich and the adsorption data fitted better to Langmuir. All results indicate that organomodified Mt has great potential to be a high‐performance material to control ZEA contamination.
Idiopathic Infantile Arterial Calcification: A Possible Cause of Refractory Cardiopulmonary Failure in Infancy
Authors: Nael A. , Siaghani P. J. , Chen D. , Romansky S. G. , Shane L.
Published: February 2014

Idiopathic Infantile Arterial Calcification is a rare autosome recessive disease characterized by extensive calcification of medium and large arteries. Loss-of-function mutations in ectonucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase 1 gene have been described in more than 80% of the cases. Although the diagnosis is usually made at autopsy, it is possible to identify cases based on clinical presentation, radiology findings, and molecular studies. Appropriate treatment can be initiated and has been shown to successfully induce permanent remission. We report a 4-week-old neonate who initially presented with respiratory distress, heart failure, and Coxsackie B viremia suggestive of viral induced cardiomyopathy. His symptoms progressed to multiple organ failure and he eventually expired at four weeks of age. On autopsy, diffuse calcium deposition within the internal elastic lamina of medium and large arteries was identified, as well as narrowing of lumen due to myointimal proliferation. This case report will emphasize the importance of taking this rare curable disease into consideration in all cases of infants with cardiopulmonary failure.
The Role of Physical Techniques on the Preparation of Photoanodes for Dye Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Ahmadi Shideh , Asim Nilofar , Alghoul M. A. , Hammadi F. Y. , Saeedfar Kasra , Ludin N. A. , Zaidi Saleem H. , Sopian K.
Published: February 2014

Dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) have attracted numerous research, especially in the context of enhancing their efficiency and durability, due to the low-cost and environmentally friendly nature of photovoltaic (PV) technology. The materials in DSSCs are vital towards the realization of these goals, since many of the important components are influenced by their respective preparation and deposition methods. This review aims to detail the research and development aspects of the different physical methods with the purpose of evaluating their prospects and corresponding limitations. The diversity of consideration and criteria includes thin film applications, material characteristics, and process technology that need to be taken into account when selecting a specific deposition method. Choosing a deposition method is not as simple as it seems and is rendered quite complicated due to various factors. Usually, a researcher will evaluate techniques based on factors such as the different preparations and deposition technology with materials’ and substrates’ type, specified applications, costs, and efficiencies.
Adaptive Super-Twisting Observer for Estimation of Random Road Excitation Profile in Automotive Suspension Systems
Authors: Rath J. J. , Veluvolu K. C. , Defoort M.
Published: February 2014

The estimation of road excitation profile is important for evaluation of vehicle stability and vehicle suspension performance for autonomous vehicle control systems. In this work, the nonlinear dynamics of the active automotive system that is excited by the unknown road excitation profile are considered for modeling. To address the issue of estimation of road profile, we develop an adaptive supertwisting observer for state and unknown road profile estimation. Under Lipschitz conditions for the nonlinear functions, the convergence of the estimation error is proven. Simulation results with Ford Fiesta MK2 demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed observer for state and unknown input estimation for nonlinear active suspension system.