bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ca2+signals promote GLUT4 exocytosis and reduce its endocytosis in muscle cells
Authors: Li Q. , Zhu X. , Ishikura S. , Zhang D. , Gao J. , Sun Y. , Contreras-Ferrat A. , Foley K. P. , Lavandero S. , Yao Z. , Bilan P. J. , Klip A. , Niu W.
Published: June 2014

Elevating cytosolic Ca2+stimulates glucose uptake in skeletal muscle, but how Ca2+affects intracellular traffic of GLUT4 is unknown. In tissue, changes in Ca2+leading to contraction preclude analysis of the impact of individual, Ca2+-derived signals. In L6 muscle cells stably expressing GLUT4 myc, the Ca2+ionophore ionomycin raised cytosolic Ca2+and caused a gain in cell surface GLUT4 myc. Extra- and intracellular Ca2+chelators (EGTA, BAPTA-AM) reversed this response. Ionomycin activated calcium calmodulin kinase II (CaMKII), AMPK, and PKCs, but not Akt. Silencing CaMKIIδ or AMPKα1/α2 partly reduced the ionomycin-induced gain in surface GLUT4 myc, as did peptidic or small molecule inhibitors of CaMKII (CN21) and AMPK (Compound C). Compared with the conventional isoenzyme PKC inhibitor Gö6976, the conventional plus novel PKC inhibitor Gö6983 lowered the ionomycin-induced gain in cell surface GLUT4 myc. Ionomycin stimulated GLUT4 myc exocytosis and inhibited its endocytosis in live cells. siRNA-mediated knockdown of CaMKIIδ or AMPKα1/α2 partly reversed ionomycin-induced GLUT4 myc exocytosis but did not prevent its reduced endocytosis. Compared with Gö6976, Gö6983 markedly reversed the slowing of GLUT4 myc endocytosis triggered by ionomycin. In summary, rapid Ca2+influx into muscle cells accelerates GLUT4 myc exocytosis while slowing GLUT4 myc endocytosis. CaMKIIδ and AMPK stimulate GLUT4 myc exocytosis, whereas novel PKCs reduce endocytosis. These results identify how Ca2+-activated signals selectively regulate GLUT4 exocytosis and endocytosis in muscle cells.
ADAM17 promotes proliferation of collecting duct kidney epithelial cells through ERK activation and increased glycolysis in polycystic kidney disease
Authors: Beck Gooz Monika , Maldonado Eduardo N. , Dang Yujing , Amria May Y. , Higashiyama Shigeki , Abboud Hanna E. , Lemasters John J. , Bell P. Darwin
Published: June 2014

Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is a common genetic disorder leading to cyst formation in the kidneys and other organs that ultimately results in kidney failure and death. Currently, there is no therapy for slowing down or stopping the progression of PKD. In this study, we identified the disintegrin metalloenzyme 17 (ADAM17) as a key regulator of cell proliferation in kidney tissues of conditional knockout Ift88 −/− mice and collecting duct epithelial cells from Ift88° rpk mice, animal models of autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD). Using Western blotting, an enzyme activity assay, and a growth factor-shedding assay in the presence or absence of the specific ADAM17 inhibitor TMI-005, we show that increased expression and activation of ADAM17 in the cystic kidney and in collecting duct epithelial cells originating from the Ift88° rpk mice (designated as PKD cells) lead to constitutive shedding of several growth factors, including heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor (HB-EGF), amphiregulin, and transforming growth factor-α (TGF-α). Increased growth factor shedding induces activation of the EGFR/MAPK/ERK pathway and maintains higher cell proliferation rate in PKD cells compared with control cells. PKD cells also displayed increased lactate formation and extracellular acidification indicative of aerobic glycolysis (Warburg effect), which was blocked by ADAM17 inhibition. We propose that ADAM17 is a key promoter of cellular proliferation in PKD cells by activating the EGFR/ERK axis and a proproliferative glycolytic phenotype.
The Role of Ubiquitination and Sumoylation in Diabetic Nephropathy
Authors: Gao Chenlin , Huang Wei , Kanasaki Keizo , Xu Yong
Published: June 2014

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a common and characteristic microvascular complication of diabetes; the mechanisms that cause DN have not been clarified, and the epigenetic mechanism was promised in the pathology of DN. Furthermore, ubiquitination and small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) were involved in the progression of DN. MG132, as a ubiquitin proteasome, could improve renal injury by regulating several signaling pathways, such as NF-κB, TGF-β, Nrf2-oxidative stress, and MAPK. In this review, we summarize how ubiquitination and sumoylation may contribute to the pathology of DN, which may be a potential treatment strategy of DN.
Structural Synthesis for Prescribed Target Natural Frequencies and Mode Shapes
Authors: Hernandes J. A. , Suleman A.
Published: June 2014

A new method for the synthesis of structures with prescribed target natural frequencies and mode shapes is presented. The introduction of a modal Rayleigh quotient approximation based on the target mode shapes is the means to propose a structural synthesis problem whose solution is free from eigenvector sensitivity analysis. The frequencies and mode shapes can be adjusted as close as possible to the desired target values, while minimizing the total mass. Several examples corroborate the efficacy of the proposed method.
Synthetic Cathinones and Their Rewarding and Reinforcing Effects in Rodents
Authors: Watterson Lucas R. , Olive M. Foster
Published: June 2014

Synthetic cathinones, colloquially referred to as “bath salts,” are derivatives of the psychoactive alkaloid cathinone found in Catha edulis (Khat). Since the mid-to-late 2000s, these amphetamine-like psychostimulants have gained popularity amongst drug users due to their potency, low cost, ease of procurement, and constantly evolving chemical structures. Concomitant with their increased use is the emergence of a growing collection of case reports of bizarre and dangerous behaviors, toxicity to numerous organ systems, and death. However, scientific information regarding the abuse liability of these drugs has been relatively slower to materialize. Recently we have published several studies demonstrating that laboratory rodents will readily self-administer the “first generation” synthetic cathinones methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV) and methylone via the intravenous route, in patterns similar to those of methamphetamine. Under progressive ratio schedules of reinforcement, the rank order of reinforcing efficacy of these compounds is MDPV ≥ methamphetamine > methylone. MDPV and methylone, as well as the “second generation” synthetic cathinones α-pyrrolidinovalerophenone (α-PVP) and 4-methylethcathinone (4-MEC), also dose-dependently increase brain reward function. Collectively, these findings indicate that synthetic cathinones have a high abuse and addiction potential and underscore the need for future assessment of the extent and duration of neurotoxicity induced by these emerging drugs of abuse.
Hepatic Encephalopathy: From the Pathogenesis to the New Treatments
Authors: Cordoba Juan
Published: June 2014

Hepatic encephalopathy is a frequent and serious complication of liver cirrhosis; the pathophysiology of this complication is not fully understood although great efforts have been made during the last years. There are few prospective studies on the epidemiology of this complication; however, it is known that it confers with high short-term mortality. Hepatic encephalopathy has been classified into different groups depending on the degree of hepatic dysfunction, the presence of portal-systemic shunts, and the number of episodes. Due to the large clinical spectra of overt EH and the complexity of cirrhotic patients, it is very difficult to perform quality clinical trials for assessing the efficacy of the treatments proposed. The physiopathology, clinical manifestation, and the treatment of HE is a challenge because of the multiple factors that converge and coexist in an episode of overt HE.
Missing Motherhood: Jordanian Women's Experiences with Infertility
Authors: Obeidat Hala Mahmoud , Hamlan Adlah M. , Callister Lynn Clark
Published: June 2014

Aim, Background, and Introduction. Bearing and rearing children are an important part of life in nearly all cultures and are a central role for Jordanian Muslim women. Infertility can create anxiety, stress, and depression for couples who are infertile. Women frequently bear the emotional stigma of a couple’s infertility. There is a paucity of literature focusing on Jordanian Muslim women experiencing infertility and failed assistive reproductive technology. Therefore, this study explored these women’s lived experience. Methods. Qualitative data were collected through interviews with 30 Jordanian Muslim women who experienced failed assistive reproductive technology for infertility. Perceptions of experiences with failed treatment of infertility were documented and analyzed. Results. Major themes were identified: missing out on motherhood and living with infertility, experiencing marital stressors, feeling social pressure, experiencing depression and disappointment, having treatment associated difficulties, appreciating support from family and friends, using coping strategies, and fear of an unknown future. Discussion, Conclusion, and Implications for Clinical Practice. Being infertile significantly influences the physical, emotional, social, and spiritual health of Jordanian Muslim women as well as their quality of life. Perceived social support and personal coping strategies were used by study participants to mediate failed attempts to conceive. Designing and implementing culturally appropriate interventions for Muslim women globally who are experiencing infertility are essential.
The Effects of Antioxidants Content on Mechanical Properties and Water Absorption Behaviour of Biocomposites Prepared by Single Screw Extrusion Process
Authors: Ab Ghani Mohd Hafizuddin , Salleh Mohd Nazry , Chen Ruey Shan , Ahmad Sahrim , Yusof Hamid Mohd Rashid , Hanafi Ismail , Rajendran Royan Nishata Royan
Published: June 2014

The performance of hybrid fillers between rice husk and sawdust filled recycled high density polyethylene (rHDPE) with the presence of antioxidants (IRGANOX 1010 and IRGAFOS 169, with the ratio of 1 : 1) was investigated. The biocomposites with 30 wt% of matrix and around 70 wt% of hybrid fillers (rice husk and sawdust) and different antioxidants’ contents (0 to 0.7 wt%) were prepared with single screw extruder. Increasing the amount of antioxidants in biocomposites reduced the modulus of elasticity and modulus of rupture on flexural testing. The addition of antioxidants increased the tensile and impact strength of biocomposites. From the study, samples with 0.5 wt% of antioxidants produce the most reasonable strength and elasticity of biocomposites. Furthermore, the effect of antioxidants content on water uptake was minimal. This might be caused by the enhanced interfacial bonding between the polymer matrix and hybrid fillers, as shown from the morphology by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM).
The Spectroscopy Study of the Binding of an Active Ingredient of Dioscorea Species with Bovine Serum Albumin with or without Co2+ or Zn2+
Authors: Bian He-Dong , Peng Xia-Lian , Huang Fu-Ping , Yao Di , Yu Qing , Liang Hong
Published: June 2014

Diosgenin (DIO) is the active ingredient of Dioscorea species. The interaction of DIO with bovine serum albumin (BSA) was investigated through spectroscopic methods under simulated physiological conditions. The fluorescence quenching data revealed that the binding of DIO to BSA without or with Co2+ or Zn2+ was a static quenching process. The presence of Co2+ or Zn2+ both increased the static quenching constants KSV and the binding affinity for the BSA‐DIO system. In the sight of the competitive experiment and the negative values of ΔH0 and ΔS0, DIO bound to site I of BSA mainly through the hydrogen bond and Van der Waals’ force. In addition, the conformational changes of BSA were studied by Raman spectra, which revealed that the secondary structure of BSA and microenvironment of the aromatic residues were changed by DIO. The Raman spectra analysis indicated that the changes of conformations, disulfide bridges, and the microenvironment of Tyr, Trp residues of BSA induced by DIO with Co2+ or Zn2+ were different from that without Co2+ or Zn2+.
Endotracheal Intubation Using the Macintosh Laryngoscope or KingVision Video Laryngoscope during Uninterrupted Chest Compression
Authors: Gaszynska Ewelina , Gaszynski Tomasz
Published: June 2014

Objective.Advanced airway management, endotracheal intubation (ETI), during CPR is more difficult than, for example, during anesthesia. However, new devices such as video laryngoscopes should help in such circumstances. The aim of this study was to assess the performance of the KingVision video laryngoscopes in a manikin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) scenario.Methods.Thirty students enrolled in the third year of paramedic school took part in the study. The simulated CPR scenario was ETI using the standard laryngoscope with a Macintosh blade (MCL) and ETI using the KingVision video laryngoscope performed during uninterrupted chest compressions. The primary endpoints were the time needed for ETI and the success ratio.Results.The mean time required for intubation was similar for both laryngoscopes: 16.6 (SD 5.11, median 15.64, range 7.9–27.9) seconds versus 17.91 (SD 5.6, median 16.28, range 10.6–28.6) seconds for the MCL and KingVision, respectively (P=0.1888). On the first attempt at ETI, the success rate during CPR was comparable between the evaluated laryngoscopes:P=0.9032.Conclusion.The KingVision video laryngoscope proves to be less superior when used for endotracheal intubation during CPR compared to the standard laryngoscope with a Mackintosh blade. This proves true in terms of shortening the time needed for ETI and increasing the success ratio.
Clinical Factors Associated with Response or Survival after Chemotherapy in Patients with Waldenström Macroglobulinemia in Korea
Authors: Lee Ho Sup , Kim Kihyun , Yoon Dok Hyun , Kim Jin Seok , Bang Soo-Mee , Lee Jeong-Ok , Eom Hyeon Seok , Lee Hyewon , Kim Inho , Lee Won Sik , Bae Sung Hwa , Kim Se Hyung , Lee Mark Hong , Do Young Rok , Lee Jae Hoon , Hong Junshik , Shin Ho-Jin , Lee Ji Hyun , Mun Yeung-Chul , Min Chang-Ki
Published: June 2014

Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia (WM) is a B-cell proliferative malignancy characterized by immunoglobulin M monoclonal gammopathy and bone marrow infiltration by lymphoplasmacytic cells. Clinical features and cytogenetics of WM in Asia including Republic of Korea remain unclear. Moreover, no study has reported treatment outcomes in patients with WM treated with novel agent combined with conventional chemotherapy. This study investigated clinical features and assessed treatment outcomes with novel agent and conventional chemotherapy in Republic of Korea. Data from all (n=71) patients with newly diagnosed WM at 17 hospitals who received chemotherapy between January 2005 and December 2012 were collected retrospectively. The median age of patients was 66 years (range: 37–92 years) and male to female ratio was 5 : 1. Patients treated with novel agent combined chemotherapy displayed higher overall response rate (ORR) compared to conventional chemotherapy alone (92.9% versus 52.6%,P=0.006). The 5-year overall survival rate was 62.6% (95% confidence interval: 34.73–111.07). Use of novel agents produced higher ORR but survival benefit was not apparent due to the small number of patients and short follow-up duration. Further studies are needed to confirm the efficacy of novel agents in patients with WM.
Numerical Investigation of a Liquid‐Gas Ejector Used for Shipping Ballast Water Treatment
Authors: Song Xueguan , Cao Maosen , Shin Wonhyup , Cao Wenping , Kang Sanghoon , Park Youngchul
Published: June 2014

Shipping ballast water can have significant ecological and economic impacts on aquatic ecosystems. Currently, water ejectors are widely used in marine applications for ballast water treatment owing to their high suction capability and reliability. In this communication, an improved ballast treatment system employing a liquid‐gas ejector is introduced to clear the ballast water to reduce environmental risks. Commonly, the liquid‐gas ejector uses ballast water as the primary fluid and chemical ozone as the secondary fluid. In this study, high‐pressure water and air, instead of ballast water and ozone, are considered through extensive numerical and experimental research. The ejector is particularly studied by a steady three‐dimensional multiphase computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis with commercial software ANSYS‐CFX 14.5. Different turbulence models (including standard k − ε, RNG k − ε, SST, and k − ω) with different grid size and bubble size are compared extensively and the experiments are carried out to validate the numerical design and optimization. This study concludes that the RNG k − ε turbulence model is the most efficient and effective for the ballast water treatment system under consideration and simple change of nozzle shape can greatly improve the ejector performance under high back pressure conditions.
Graves’ Disease and Treatment Effects on Warfarin Anticoagulation
Authors: Howard-Thompson Amanda , Luckey Alexis , George Christa , Choby Beth A. , Self Timothy H.
Published: June 2014

Background. Hyperthyroidism causes an increased hypoprothrombinemic response to warfarin anticoagulation. Previous studies have demonstrated that patients with hyperthyroidism require lower dosages of warfarin to achieve a therapeutic effect. As hyperthyroidism is treated and euthyroidism is approached, patients may require increasing warfarin dosages to maintain appropriate anticoagulation. We describe a patient’s varying response to warfarin during treatment of Graves’ disease.Case Presentation. A 48-year-old African American female presented to the emergency room with tachycardia, new onset bilateral lower extremity edema, gradual weight loss, palpable goiter, and generalized sweating over the prior 4 months. She was admitted with Graves’ disease and new onset atrial fibrillation. Primary stroke prophylaxis was started using warfarin; the patient developed a markedly supratherapeutic INR likely due to hyperthyroidism. After starting methimazole, her free thyroxine approached euthyroid levels and the INR became subtherapeutic. She remained subtherapeutic over several months despite steadily increasing dosages of warfarin. Immediately following thyroid radioablation and discontinuation of methimazole, the patient’s warfarin dose and INR stabilized.Conclusion. Clinicians should expect an increased response to warfarin in patients with hyperthyroidism and close monitoring of the INR is imperative to prevent adverse effects. As patients approach euthyroidism, insufficient anticoagulation is likely without vigilant follow-up, INR monitoring, and increasing warfarin dosages.
Predictors of Perinatal Mortality Associated with Placenta Previa and Placental Abruption: An Experience from a Low Income Country
Authors: Berhan Yifru
Published: June 2014

A retrospective cohort study design was used to assess predictors of perinatal mortality in women with placenta previa and abruption between January 2006 and December 2011. Four hundred thirty-two women (253 with placenta previa and 179 with placental abruption) were eligible for analysis. Binary logistic regression, Kaplan-Meier survival curve, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve were used. On admission, 77% of the women were anaemic (<12 gm/dL) with mean haemoglobin level of 9.0 ± 3.0 gm/dL. The proportion of overall severe anaemia increased from about 28% on admission to 41% at discharge. There were 50% perinatal deaths (neonatal deaths of less than seven days of age and fetal deaths after 28 weeks of gestation). In the adjusted odds ratios, lengthy delay in accessing hospital care, prematurity, anaemia in the mothers, and male foetuses were independent predictors of perinatal mortality. The haemoglobin level at admission was more sensitive and more specific than prematurity in the prediction of perinatal mortality. The proportion of severe anaemia and perinatal mortality was probably one of the highest in the world.
Second‐Order Time‐Dependent Mild‐Slope Equation for Wave Transformation
Authors: Tsai Ching-Piao , Chen Hong-Bin , Hsu John R. C.
Published: June 2014

This study is to propose a wave model with both wave dispersivity and nonlinearity for the wave field without water depth restriction. A narrow‐banded sea state centred around a certain dominant wave frequency is considered for applications in coastal engineering. A system of fully nonlinear governing equations is first derived by depth integration of the incompressible Navier‐Stokes equation in conservative form. A set of second‐order nonlinear time‐dependent mild‐slope equations is then developed by a perturbation scheme. The present nonlinear equations can be simplified to the linear time‐dependent mild‐slope equation, nonlinear long wave equation, and traditional Boussinesq wave equation, respectively. A finite volume method with the fourth‐order Adams‐Moulton predictor‐corrector numerical scheme is adopted to directly compute the wave transformation. The validity of the present model is demonstrated by the simulation of the Stokes wave, cnoidal wave, and solitary wave on uniform depth, nonlinear wave shoaling on a sloping beach, and wave propagation over an elliptic shoal. The nearshore wave transformation across the surf zone is simulated for 1D wave on a uniform slope and on a composite bar profile and 2D wave field around a jetty. These computed wave height distributions show very good agreement with the experimental results available.
Sparse Signal Reconstruction Based on Multiparameter Approximation Function with Smoothed l0 Norm
Authors: Fang Xiao-Feng , Zhang Jiang-She , Li Ying-Qi
Published: June 2014

The smoothed norm algorithm is a reconstruction algorithm in compressive sensing based on approximate smoothed norm. It introduces a sequence of smoothed functions to approximate the norm and approaches the solution using the specific iteration process with the steepest method. In order to choose an appropriate sequence of smoothed function and solve the optimization problem effectively, we employ approximate hyperbolic tangent multiparameter function as the approximation to the big “steep nature” in norm. Simultaneously, we propose an algorithm based on minimizing a reweighted approximate norm in the null space of the measurement matrix. The unconstrained optimization involved is performed by using a modified quasi‐Newton algorithm. The numerical simulation results show that the proposed algorithms yield improved signal reconstruction quality and performance.
Spectrum Sharing in Cognitive Radio Using GSC with Suppressed Sidelobes
Authors: Hussain Syed Azmat , Malik Aqdas Naveed , Khan Zafar Ullah , Qureshi Ijaz Mansoor
Published: June 2014

Cognitive radio system is an innovative technology in the wireless communication that has the capability to smartly communicate with each other by opportunistically exploiting the vacant spectrum of primary users. In this work we present a new idea of sidelobe suppression applicable for cognitive users on transmitter and receiver sides. In case of spectrum sharing with the primary users by suppressing the side-lobes at the transmitter and receiver side, the cognitive users will be able to increase the throughput without cooperating the permissible interference temperature limit of the license spectrum. We suggest two generalized sidelobe cancellers (GSCs) that operate in parallel. The first GSC planned to attain the two conflicting objective at the same moment: firstly maximize the cognitive users self throughput; secondly minimize the interference generated by cognitive users at each primary receiver. The second GSC generates two main beams at the positions of the highest amplitude sidelobes of the first one. The values of main beams are equal to the two sidelobe peaks. The subtraction of the outputs of the two GSCs, results in the suppression of the highest pair of sidelobes. This process is repeated iteratively to result in an adaptive algorithm. Simulation results are there to provide the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.
Nanofibrous Chitosan-Polyethylene Oxide Engineered Scaffolds: A Comparative Study between Simulated Structural Characteristics and Cells Viability
Authors: Kazemi Pilehrood Mohammad , Dilamian Mandana , Mirian Mina , Sadeghi-Aliabadi Hojjat , Maleknia Laleh , Nousiainen Pertti , Harlin Ali
Published: June 2014

3D nanofibrous chitosan-polyethylene oxide (PEO) scaffolds were fabricated by electrospinning at different processing parameters. The structural characteristics, such as pore size, overall porosity, pore interconnectivity, and scaffold percolative efficiency (SPE), were simulated by a robust image analysis. Mouse fibroblast cells (L929) were cultured in RPMI for 2 days in the presence of various samples of nanofibrous chitosan/PEO scaffolds. Cell attachments and corresponding mean viability were enhanced from 50% to 110% compared to that belonging to a control even at packed morphologies of scaffolds constituted from pores with nanoscale diameter. To elucidate the correlation between structural characteristics within the depth of the scaffolds’ profile and cell viability, a comparative analysis was proposed. This analysis revealed that larger fiber diameters and pore sizes can enhance cell viability. On the contrary, increasing the other structural elements such as overall porosity and interconnectivity due to a simultaneous reduction in fiber diameter and pore size through the electrospinning process can reduce the viability of cells. In addition, it was found that manipulation of the processing parameters in electrospinning can compensate for the effects of packed morphologies of nanofibrous scaffolds and can thus potentially improve the infiltration and viability of cells.
Aronia melanocarpaTreatment and Antioxidant Status in Selected Tissues in Wistar Rats
Authors: Francik Renata , Krośniak Mirosław , Sanocka Ilona , Bartoń Henryk , Hebda Tomasz , Francik Sławomir
Published: June 2014

Aroniajuice is considered to be a source of compounds with high antioxidative potential. We conducted a study on the impact of compounds in theAroniajuice on oxidative stress in plasma and brain tissues. The influence ofAroniajuice on oxidative stress parameters was tested with the use of a model with a high content of fructose and nonsaturated fats. Therefore, the activity of enzymatic (catalase, CAT, and paraoxonase, PON) and nonenzymatic (thiol groups, SH, and protein carbonyl groups, PCG) oxidative stress markers, which indicate changes in the carbohydrate and protein profiles, was marked in brain tissue homogenates. AddingAroniacaused statistically significant increase in the CAT activity in plasma in all tested diets, while the PON activity showed a statistically significant increase only in case of high fat diet. In animals fed withAroniajuice supplemented with carbohydrates or fat, statistically significant increase in the PON activity and the decrease in the CAT activity in brain tissue were observed. In case of the high fat diet, an increase in the number of SH groups and a decrease in the number of PCG groups in brain tissue were observed.
Inefficacy or Paradoxical Effect? Uveitis in Ankylosing Spondylitis Treated with Etanercept
Authors: Raffeiner Bernd , Ometto Francesca , Bernardi Livio , Botsios Costantino , Punzi Leonardo
Published: June 2014

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is presented with axial and peripheral articular involvement. Uveitis is a severe and rather specific manifestation of AS. Biologics targeting tumor necrosis factor (TNF)αare effective on both articular and ocular manifestations of disease. The occurrence of uveitis in patients that never had eye involvement or the relapse of uveitis is described during anti-TNFαtreatment. The frequency of these events is slightly higher during therapy with etanercept. The available TNFαblockers show different pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics yielding different biological effects. There is an ongoing debate whether uveitis during anti-TNFαhas to be considered as paradoxical effect or an inadequate response to therapy. Here, we present a case report and review what the evidences for the two hypotheses are.
Safe-Site Effects on Rhizosphere Bacterial Communities in a High-Altitude Alpine Environment
Authors: Ciccazzo Sonia , Esposito Alfonso , Rolli Eleonora , Zerbe Stefan , Daffonchio Daniele , Brusetti Lorenzo
Published: June 2014

The rhizosphere effect on bacterial communities associated with three floristic communities (RW, FI, and M sites) which differed for the developmental stages was studied in a high-altitude alpine ecosystem. RW site was an early developmental stage, FI was an intermediate stage, M was a later more matured stage. The N and C contents in the soils confirmed a different developmental stage with a kind of gradient from the unvegetated bare soil (BS) site through RW, FI up to M site. The floristic communities were composed of 21 pioneer plants belonging to 14 species. Automated ribosomal intergenic spacer analysis showed different bacterial genetic structures per each floristic consortium which differed also from the BS site. When plants of the same species occurred within the same site, almost all their bacterial communities clustered together exhibiting a plant species effect. Unifrac significance value (P<0.05) on 16S rRNA gene diversity revealed significant differences (P<0.05) between BS site and the vegetated sites with a weak similarity to the RW site. The intermediate plant colonization stage FI did not differ significantly from the RW and the M vegetated sites. These results pointed out the effect of different floristic communities rhizospheres on their soil bacterial communities.
FxLMS Method for Suppressing In-Wheel Switched Reluctance Motor Vertical Force Based on Vehicle Active Suspension System
Authors: Wang Yan-yang , Li Yi-nong , Sun Wei , Yang Chao , Xu Guang-hui
Published: June 2014

The vibration of SRM obtains less attention for in-wheel motor applications according to the present research works. In this paper, the vertical component of SRM unbalanced radial force, which is named as SRM vertical force, is taken into account in suspension performance for in-wheel motor driven electric vehicles (IWM-EV). The analysis results suggest that SRM vertical force has a great effect on suspension performance. The direct cause for this phenomenon is that SRM vertical force is directly exerted on the wheel, which will result in great variation in tyre dynamic load and the tyre will easily jump off the ground. Furthermore, the frequency of SRM vertical force is broad which covers the suspension resonance frequencies. So it is easy to arouse suspension resonance and greatly damage suspension performance. Aiming at the new problem, FxLMS (filtered-X least mean square) controller is proposed to improve suspension performance. The FxLMS controller is based on active suspension system which can generate the controllable force to suppress the vibration caused by SRM vertical force. The conclusion shows that it is effective to take advantage of active suspensions to reduce the effect of SRM vertical force on suspension performance.
Multilabel Image Annotation Based on Double-Layer PLSA Model
Authors: Zhang Jing , Li Da , Hu Weiwei , Chen Zhihua , Yuan Yubo
Published: June 2014

Due to the semantic gap between visual features and semantic concepts, automatic image annotation has become a difficult issue in computer vision recently. We propose a new image multilabel annotation method based on double-layer probabilistic latent semantic analysis (PLSA) in this paper. The new double-layer PLSA model is constructed to bridge the low-level visual features and high-level semantic concepts of images for effective image understanding. The low-level features of images are represented as visual words by Bag-of-Words model; latent semantic topics are obtained by the first layer PLSA from two aspects of visual and texture, respectively. Furthermore, we adopt the second layer PLSA to fuse the visual and texture latent semantic topics and achieve a top-layer latent semantic topic. By the double-layer PLSA, the relationships between visual features and semantic concepts of images are established, and we can predict the labels of new images by their low-level features. Experimental results demonstrate that our automatic image annotation model based on double-layer PLSA can achieve promising performance for labeling and outperform previous methods on standard Corel dataset.