bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CHARACTERIZATION OF VC–VB PARTICLES REINFORCED FE-BASED COMPOSITE COATINGS PRODUCED BY LASER CLADDING
Authors: QU K. L. , Wang X. H. , Wang Z. K.
Published: January 2016

In situ synthesized VC–VB particles reinforced Fe-based composite coatings were produced by laser beam melting mixture of ferrovanadium (Fe–V) alloy, boron carbide (B4C), CaF2 and Fe-based self-melting powders. The results showed that VB particles with black regular and irregular blocky shape and VC with black flower-like shape were uniformly distributed in the coatings. The type, amount, and size of the reinforcements were influenced by the content of FeV[Formula: see text]40 and B4C powders. Compared to the substrate, the hardness and wear resistance of the composite coatings were greatly improved.
Forward–backward stochastic partial differential equations with non-monotonic coefficients
Authors: Yin Hong
Published: January 2016

In this paper we study the solvability of a class of fully-coupled forward–backward stochastic partial differential equations (FBSPDEs) with non-monotonic coefficients. These FBSPDEs cannot be put into the framework of stochastic evolution equations in general, and the usual decoupling methods for the Markovian forward–backward SDEs are difficult to apply. We prove the well-posedness of such FBSPDEs by using the method of continuation. Contrary to the common belief, we show that the usual monotonicity assumption can be removed by a change of the diffusion term.
On the connectedness of f-simplicial complexes
Authors: Mahmood H. , Anwar I. , Binyamin M. A. , Yasmeen S.
Published: January 2016

In this paper, we introduce the concept of [Formula: see text]-simplicial complexes by generalizing the term of [Formula: see text]-graphs (introduced in [H. Mahmood, I. Anwar and M. K. Zafar, Construction of Cohen–Macaualy [Formula: see text]-graphs, J. Algebra Appl. 13(6) (2014) 1450012]). In particular, we discuss the problem of connectedness of pure [Formula: see text]-simplicial complexes. Moreover, we give a complete characterization of connected and disconnected [Formula: see text]-graphs and give a classification of all the disconnected [Formula: see text]-graphs.
Modified Grey Relational Analysis Integrated with Grey Dematel Approach for the Performance Evaluation of Retail Stores
Authors: Ozcan Tuncay , Tuysuz Fatih
Published: January 2016

Performance evaluation is one of the most important problems for retail chains and may have effect on tactical and strategic decisions. This paper proposes a grey-based multi-criteria performance evaluation model for retail sector. This model integrates Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) and modified Grey Relational Analysis (GRA) methods. First, the grey-based DEMATEL method is used for determining the importance of performance indicators to be used in GRA based on the experts’ assessments. Then, the proposed modified GRA method is used for the performance evaluation and ranking of retail stores with respect to the predetermined performance indicators. Finally, the effectiveness and the applicability of the developed approach are illustrated with a case study with the actual data taken from a retail chain in Turkey.
Algebraic and group structure for bipartite anisotropic Ising model on a non-local basis
Authors: Delgado Francisco
Published: January 2016

Entanglement is considered a basic physical resource for modern quantum applications as Quantum Information and Quantum Computation. Interactions based on specific physical systems able to generate and sustain entanglement are subject to deep research to get understanding and control on it. Atoms, ions or quantum dots are considered key pieces in quantum applications because they are elements in the development toward a scalable spin-based quantum computer through universal and basic quantum operations. Ising model is a type of interaction generating entanglement in quantum systems based on matter. In this work, a general bipartite anisotropic Ising model including an inhomogeneous magnetic field is analyzed in a non-local basis. This model summarizes several particular models presented in literature. When evolution is expressed in the Bell basis, it shows a regular block structure suggesting a [Formula: see text] decomposition. Then, their algebraic properties are analyzed in terms of a set of physical parameters which define their group structure. In particular, finite products of pulses in this interaction are analyzed in terms of [Formula: see text] covering. Thus, evolution denotes remarkable properties, in particular those related potentially with entanglement and control, which give a fruitful arena for further quantum developments and generalization.
Bianchi-IX, Darboux–Halphen and Chazy–Ramanujan
Authors: Chanda Sumanto , Guha Partha , Roychowdhury Raju
Published: January 2016

Bianchi-IX four metrics are SU(2) invariant solutions of vacuum Einstein equation, for which the connection-wise self-dual case describes the Euler top, while the curvature-wise self-dual case yields the Ricci flat classical Darboux–Halphen system. It is possible to see such a solution exhibiting Ricci flow. The classical Darboux–Halphen system is a special case of the generalized one that arises from a reduction of the self-dual Yang–Mills equation and the solutions to the related homogeneous quadratic differential equations provide the desired metric. A few integrable and near-integrable dynamical systems related to the Darboux–Halphen system and occurring in the study of Bianchi-IX gravitational instanton have been listed as well. We explore in details whether self-duality implies integrability.
GOVERNANCE OF INNOVATION AND GROWTH IN SME NETWORKS
Authors: BRINK TOVE
Published: January 2016

The aim of this article is to reveal what organising of innovation and growth can be enabled in small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) networks. This is especially interesting for the governance of loosely coupled networks. The research is conducted in the Danish food industry with three food-producing firm networks. The posed hypotheses are tested in a structural equation modelling (SEM) approach with the available data of 60 SMEs.

The findings show that the governance of preferred behaviours of SMEs has a considerable significant positive impact on product and systematic innovation, which have a significant impact on growth. Governance of network connections is also found to have a significant positive impact on growth. The findings contribute to an understanding of how both governance of preferred SME behaviour and network connections enable innovation. This study provides SMEs, SME network organisations and policy bodies with an enhanced understanding of governance approaches.
Enhancing the Specific Activity of Metal Catalysts Toward Oxygen Reduction by Introducing Proton Conductor
Authors: Cheng Kun , Liu Xiaobo , Li Wenqiang , Kou Zongkui , Mu Shichun
Published: January 2016

Enhancing oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activity and simultaneously reducing usage of noble metal catalysts are significantly important both in fundamental and applied science communities for polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs). In this work, we confirm the proton conductor (perfluorosulfonic acid, containing [Formula: see text]SO3H) can promote the specific activity [Formula: see text] of metal catalysts toward ORR. Herein, Pt nanoparticles (NPs) with a small and narrow size distribution are encapsulated with perfluorosulfonic acid through a simple colloidal route. The resulting catalyst obtains about two times [Formula: see text] towards ORR than that of the pristine Pt/C. Significantly, the amount of [Formula: see text]SO3H groups is controlled by a heat-treatment method to investigate the influence of [Formula: see text]SO3H groups on [Formula: see text]. The results evidence the contribution of [Formula: see text]SO3H groups to elevating the ORR specific activity. The mechanism can be ascribed to the [Formula: see text]SO3H groups which effectively promote the transfer process of reaction species (e.g., H[Formula: see text], H2O), improving the triple-phase boundary (TPB).
Alterations of morphology of lymphoid organs and peripheral blood indicators under the influence of gold nanoparticles in rats
Authors: Bucharskaya Alla B. , Pakhomy Svetlana S. , Zlobina Olga V. , Maslyakova Galina N. , Matveeva Olga V. , Bugaeva Irina O. , Navolokin Nikita A. , Khlebtsov Boris N. , Bogatyrev Vladimir A. , Khlebtsov Nikolai G. , Tuchin Valery V.
Published: January 2016

At present, gold nanoparticles (GNPs) are widely used in biomedical applications such as cancer diagnostics and therapy. Accordingly, the potential toxicity hazards of these nanomaterials and human safety concerns are gaining significant attention. Here, we report the effects of prolonged peroral administration of GNPs with different sizes (2, 15 and 50[Formula: see text]nm) on morphological changes in lymphoid organs and indicators of peripheral blood of laboratory animals. The experiment was conducted on 24 white mongrel male rats weighing 180–220[Formula: see text]g, gold nanospheres sizes 2, 15 and 50[Formula: see text]nm were administered orally for 15 days at a dosage of 190[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]g/kg of animal body weight. The GNPs were conjugated with polyethylene glycol to increase their biocompatibility and bioavailability. The size-dependent decrease of the number of neutrophils and lymphocytes was noted in the study of peripheral blood, especially pronounced after administration of GNPs with size of 50[Formula: see text]nm. The stimulation of myelocytic germ of hematopoiesis was recorded at morphological study of the bone marrow. The signs of strengthening of the processes of differentiation and maturation of cellular elements were found in lymph nodes, which were showed as the increasing number of immunoblasts and large lymphocytes. The quantitative changes of cellular component morphology of lymphoid organs due to activation of migration, proliferation and differentiation of immune cells indicate the presence of immunostimulation effect of GNPs.
Artificial neural networks based estimation of optical parameters by diffuse reflectance imaging under in vitro conditions
Authors: Gökkan Mahmut Ozan , Engin Mehmet
Published: January 2016

Optical parameters (properties) of tissue-mimicking phantoms are determined through noninvasive optical imaging. Objective of this study is to decompose obtained diffuse reflectance into these optical properties such as absorption and scattering coefficients. To do so, transmission spectroscopy is firstly used to measure the coefficients via an experimental setup. Next, the optical properties of each characterized phantom are input for Monte Carlo (MC) simulations to get diffuse reflectance. Also, a surface image for each single phantom with its known optical properties is obliquely captured due to reflectance-based geometrical setup using CMOS camera that is positioned at 5[Formula: see text] angle to the phantoms. For the illumination of light, a laser light source at 633[Formula: see text]nm wavelength is preferred, because optical properties of different components in a biological tissue on that wavelength are nonoverlapped. During in vitro measurements, we prepared 30 different mixture samples adding clinoleic intravenous lipid emulsion (CILE) and evans blue (EB) dye into a distilled water. Finally, all obtained diffuse reflectance values are used to estimate the optical coefficients by artificial neural networks (ANNs) in inverse modeling. For a biological tissue it is found that the simulated and measured values in our results are in good agreement.
Unicyclic graphs with regular endomorphism monoids
Authors: Ma Xiaobin , Wong Dein , Zhou Jinming
Published: January 2016

The motivation of this paper comes from an open question: which graphs have regular endomorphism monoids? In this paper, we give a definitely answer for unicyclic graphs, proving that a unicyclic graph [Formula: see text] is End-regular if and only if, either [Formula: see text] is an even cycle with 4, 6 or 8 vertices, or [Formula: see text] contains an odd cycle [Formula: see text] such that the distance of any vertex to [Formula: see text] is at most 1, i.e., [Formula: see text]. The join of two unicyclic graphs with a regular endomorphism monoid is explicitly described.
Fast MATLAB assembly of FEM matrices in 2D and 3D using cell-array approach
Authors: Koko Jonas
Published: January 2016

We propose a MATLAB implementation of the [Formula: see text] finite element method for the numerical solutions of the Poisson problem and the linear elasticity problem in two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D). The code consists of vectorized (and short) assembling functions for the matrices (mass and stiffness) and the right-hand sides. Since for the [Formula: see text] finite element, the element mass matrix and right-hand side are simple, the implementation uses only the MATLAB function sparse on the elements volume. For the stiffness matrix, to obtain a MATLAB implementation close to the standard form, cell-arrays are used to store the gradients of the element basis functions. The assembling procedure can then use matrix/vector products on small size cell-arrays. Numerical experiments show that our implementation is fast, scalable with respect to time, and outperforms existing vectorized MATLAB FEM codes.
Just-in-Time Adaptive Algorithm for Optimal Parameter Setting in 802.15.4 WSNs
Authors: Brienza Simone , Roveri Manuel , Guglielmo Domenico De , Anastasi Giuseppe
Published: January 2016

Recent studies have shown that the IEEE 802.15.4 MAC protocol suffers from severe limitations, in terms of reliability and energy efficiency, when the CSMA/CA parameter setting is not appropriate. However, selecting the optimal setting that guarantees the application reliability requirements, with minimum energy consumption, is not a trivial task in wireless sensor networks, especially when the operating conditions change over time. In this paper we propose a
Just-in-Time LEarning-based Adaptive Parameter tuning
(JIT-LEAP) algorithm that adapts the CSMA/CA parameter setting to the time-varying operating conditions by also exploiting the past history to find the most appropriate setting for the current conditions. Following the approach of
active
adaptive algorithms, the adaptation mechanism of JIT-LEAP is triggered by a change detection test only when needed (i.e., in response to a change in the operating conditions). Simulation results show that the proposed algorithm outperforms other similar algorithms, both in stationary and dynamic scenarios.
Designing Adaptive Applications Deployed on Cloud Environments
Authors: Zoghi Parisa , Shtern Mark , Litoiu Marin , Ghanbari Hamoun
Published: January 2016

Designing an adaptive system to meet its quality constraints in the face of environmental uncertainties can be a challenging task. In a cloud environment, a designer has to consider and evaluate different control points, that is, those variables that affect the quality of the software system. This article presents a methodology for designing adaptive systems in cloud environments. The proposed methodology consists of several phases that take high-level stakeholders’ adaptation goals and transform them into lower-level MAPE-K loop control points. The MAPE-K loops are then activated at runtime using search-based algorithms. Our methodology includes the elicitation, ranking, and evaluation of control points, all meant to enable a runtime search-based adaptation. We conducted several experiments to evaluate the different phases of our methodology and to validate the runtime adaptation efficiency.
Reactive oxygen species-initiated autophagy opposes aldosterone-induced podocyte injury
Authors: Bai Mi , Che Ruochen , Zhang Yue , Yuan Yanggang , Zhu Chunhua , Ding Guixia , Jia Zhanjun , Huang Songming , Zhang Aihua
Published: January 2016

Evidence has demonstrated that aldosterone (Aldo) is involved in the development and progression of chronic kidney diseases. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the role of autophagy in Aldo-induced podocyte damage and the underlying mechanism. Mouse podocytes were treated with Aldo in the presence or absence of 3-methyladenine and N-acetylcysteine. Cell apoptosis was investigated by detecting annexin V conjugates, apoptotic bodies, caspase-3 activity, and alterations of the podocyte protein nephrin. Autophagy was evaluated by measuring the expressions of light chain 3, p62, beclin-1, and autophagy-related gene 5. Aldo (10−7 mol/l) induced podocyte apoptosis, autophagy, and downregulation of nephrin protein in a time-dependent manner. Aldo-induced apoptosis was further promoted by the inhibition of autophagy via 3-methyladenine and autophagy-related gene 5 small interfering RNA pretreatment. Moreover, Aldo time dependently increased ROS generation, and H2O2 (10−4 mol/l) application remarkably elevated podocyte autophagy. After treatment with N-acetylcysteine, the autophagy induced by Aldo or H2O2 was markedly attenuated, suggesting a key role of ROS in mediating autophagy formation in podocytes. Inhibition of ROS could also lessen Aldo-induced podocyte injury. Taken together, our findings suggest that ROS-triggered autophagy played a protective role against Aldo-induced podocyte injury, and targeting autophagy in podocytes may represent a new therapeutic strategy for the treatment of podocytopathy.
Oxalate-induced chronic kidney disease with its uremic and cardiovascular complications in C57BL/6 mice
Authors: Mulay Shrikant R. , Eberhard Jonathan N. , Pfann Victoria , Marschner Julian A. , Darisipudi Murthy N. , Daniel Christoph , Romoli Simone , Desai Jyaysi , Grigorescu Melissa , Kumar Santhosh V. , Rathkolb Birgit , Wolf Eckhard , Hrabě de Angelis Martin , Bäuerle Tobias , Dietel Barbara , Wagner Carsten A. , Amann Kerstin , Eckardt Kai-Uwe , Aronson Peter S. , Anders Hans Joachim , Knauf Felix
Published: January 2016

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) research is limited by the lack of convenient inducible models mimicking human CKD and its complications in experimental animals. We demonstrate that a soluble oxalate-rich diet induces stable stages of CKD in male and female C57BL/6 mice. Renal histology is characterized by tubular damage, remnant atubular glomeruli, interstitial inflammation, and fibrosis, with the extent of tissue involvement depending on the duration of oxalate feeding. Expression profiling of markers and magnetic resonance imaging findings established to reflect inflammation and fibrosis parallel the histological changes. Within 3 wk, the mice reproducibly develop normochromic anemia, metabolic acidosis, hyperkalemia, FGF23 activation, hyperphosphatemia, and hyperparathyroidism. In addition, the model is characterized by profound arterial hypertension as well as cardiac fibrosis that persist following the switch to a control diet. Together, this new model of inducible CKD overcomes a number of previous experimental limitations and should serve useful in research related to CKD and its complications.
Increased carbamylation level of HDL in end-stage renal disease: carbamylated-HDL attenuated endothelial cell function
Authors: Sun Jia Teng , Yang Ke , Lu Lin , Zhu Zheng Bin , Zhu Jin Zhou , Ni Jing Wei , Han Hui , Chen Nan , Zhang Rui Yan
Published: January 2016

It is thought that carbamylated modification plays a crucial role in the development and progression of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). However, information on the biological effects of carbamylated high-density lipoprotein (C-HDL) in ESRD is poor. The present study investigated the carbamylation level of HDL in ESRD and the effects of C-HDL on endothelial repair properties. HDL was isolated from healthy control subjects ( n = 22) and patients with ESRD ( n = 30). The carbamylation level of HDL was detected using ELISA. Isolated C-HDL for use in tissue culture experiments was carbamylated in vitro to a similar extent to that observed in ESRD. Human arterial endothelial cells were treated with C-HDL or native HDL to assess their migration, proliferation, and angiogenesis properties. HDL-associated paraoxonase 1 activity was also determined by spectrophotometry assay. Compared with healthy control subjects, the carbamylation level of HDL in ESRD patients was increased and positively correlated with blood urea concentration. In vitro, C-HDL significantly inhibited migration, angiogenesis, and proliferation in endothelial cells. Mechanistic studies revealed that HDL-associated paraoxonase 1 activity was decreased and negatively correlated with the carbamylation level of HDL in ESRD patients. In addition, C-HDL suppressed the expression of VEGF receptor 2 and scavenger receptor class B type I signaling pathways in endothelial cells. In conclusion, the present study identified a significantly increased carbamylation level of HDL in ESRD. Furthermore, C-HDL inhibited endothelial cell repair functions.
Predicted consequences of diabetes and SGLT inhibition on transport and oxygen consumption along a rat nephron
Authors: Layton Anita T. , Vallon Volker , Edwards Aurélie
Published: January 2016

Diabetes increases the reabsorption of Na+(TNa) and glucose via the sodium-glucose cotransporter SGLT2 in the early proximal tubule (S1-S2 segments) of the renal cortex. SGLT2 inhibitors enhance glucose excretion and lower hyperglycemia in diabetes. We aimed to investigate how diabetes and SGLT2 inhibition affect TNaand sodium transport-dependent oxygen consumption [Formula: see text] along the whole nephron. To do so, we developed a mathematical model of water and solute transport from the Bowman space to the papillary tip of a superficial nephron of the rat kidney. Model simulations indicate that, in the nondiabetic kidney, acute and chronic SGLT2 inhibition enhances active TNain all nephron segments, thereby raising [Formula: see text] by 5–12% in the cortex and medulla. Diabetes increases overall TNaand [Formula: see text] by ∼50 and 100%, mainly because it enhances glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and transport load. In diabetes, acute and chronic SGLT2 inhibition lowers [Formula: see text] in the cortex by ∼30%, due to GFR reduction that lowers proximal tubule active TNa, but raises [Formula: see text] in the medulla by ∼7%. In the medulla specifically, chronic SGLT2 inhibition is predicted to increase [Formula: see text] by 26% in late proximal tubules (S3 segments), by 2% in medullary thick ascending limbs (mTAL), and by 9 and 21% in outer and inner medullary collecting ducts (OMCD and IMCD), respectively. Additional blockade of SGLT1 in S3 segments enhances glucose excretion, reduces [Formula: see text] by 33% in S3 segments, and raises [Formula: see text] by <1% in mTAL, OMCD, and IMCD. In summary, the model predicts that SGLT2 blockade in diabetes lowers cortical [Formula: see text] and raises medullary [Formula: see text], particularly in S3 segments.
A behaviorally related developmental switch in nitrergic modulation of locomotor rhythmogenesis in larvalXenopustadpoles
Authors: Currie Stephen P. , Combes Denis , Scott Nicholas W. , Simmers John , Sillar Keith T.
Published: January 2016

Locomotor control requires functional flexibility to support an animal's full behavioral repertoire. This flexibility is partly endowed by neuromodulators, allowing neural networks to generate a range of motor output configurations. In hatchling Xenopus tadpoles, before the onset of free-swimming behavior, the gaseous modulator nitric oxide (NO) inhibits locomotor output, shortening swim episodes and decreasing swim cycle frequency. While populations of nitrergic neurons are already present in the tadpole's brain stem at hatching, neurons positive for the NO-synthetic enzyme, NO synthase, subsequently appear in the spinal cord, suggesting additional as yet unidentified roles for NO during larval development. Here, we first describe the expression of locomotor behavior during the animal's change from an early sessile to a later free-swimming lifestyle and then compare the effects of NO throughout tadpole development. We identify a discrete switch in nitrergic modulation from net inhibition to overall excitation, coincident with the transition to free-swimming locomotion. Additionally, we show in isolated brain stem-spinal cord preparations of older larvae that NO's excitatory effects are manifested as an increase in the probability of spontaneous swim episode occurrence, as found previously for the neurotransmitter dopamine, but that these effects are mediated within the brain stem. Moreover, while the effects of NO and dopamine are similar, the two modulators act in parallel rather than NO operating serially by modulating dopaminergic signaling. Finally, NO's activation of neurons in the brain stem also leads to the release of NO in the spinal cord that subsequently contributes to NO's facilitation of swimming.
Electroresponsive properties of rat central medial thalamic neurons
Authors: Jhangiani-Jashanmal Iman T. , Yamamoto Ryo , Gungor Nur Zeynep , Paré Denis
Published: January 2016

The central medial thalamic (CMT) nucleus is a poorly known component of the middle thalamic complex that relays nociceptive inputs to the basolateral amygdala and cingulate cortex and plays a critical role in the control of awareness. The present study was undertaken to characterize the electroresponsive properties of CMT neurons. Similar to relay neurons found throughout the dorsal thalamus, CMT cells assumed tonic or burst-firing modes, depending on their membrane potentials (Vm). However, they showed little evidence of the hyperpolarization-activated mixed cationic conductance (IH)-mediated inward rectification usually displayed by dorsal thalamic relay cells at hyperpolarized Vm. Two subtypes of CMT neurons were identified when comparing their responses with depolarization applied from negative potentials. Some cells generated a low-threshold spike burst followed by tonic firing, whereas others remained silent after the initial burst, irrespective of the amount of depolarizing current injected. Equal proportions of the two cell types were found among neurons retrogradely labeled from the basolateral amygdala. Their morphological properties were heterogeneous but distinct from the classical bushy relay cell type that prevails in most of the dorsal thalamus. We propose that the marginal influence of IH in CMT relative to other dorsal thalamic nuclei has significant network-level consequences. Because IH promotes the genesis of highly coherent delta oscillations in thalamocortical networks during sleep, these oscillations may be weaker or less coherent in CMT. Consequently, delta oscillations would be more easily disrupted by peripheral inputs, providing a potential mechanism for the reported role of CMT in eliciting arousal from sleep or anesthesia.
Temporal correlations among functionally specialized striatal neural ensembles in reward-conditioned mice
Authors: Bakhurin Konstantin I. , Mac Victor , Golshani Peyman , Masmanidis Sotiris C.
Published: January 2016

As the major input to the basal ganglia, the striatum is innervated by a wide range of other areas. Overlapping input from these regions is speculated to influence temporal correlations among striatal ensembles. However, the network dynamics among behaviorally related neural populations in the striatum has not been extensively studied. We used large-scale neural recordings to monitor activity from striatal ensembles in mice undergoing Pavlovian reward conditioning. A subpopulation of putative medium spiny projection neurons (MSNs) was found to discriminate between cues that predicted the delivery of a reward and cues that predicted no specific outcome. These cells were preferentially located in lateral subregions of the striatum. Discriminating MSNs were more spontaneously active and more correlated than their nondiscriminating counterparts. Furthermore, discriminating fast spiking interneurons (FSIs) represented a highly prevalent group in the recordings, which formed a strongly correlated network with discriminating MSNs. Spike time cross-correlation analysis showed the existence of synchronized activity among FSIs and feedforward inhibitory modulation of MSN spiking by FSIs. These findings suggest that populations of functionally specialized (cue-discriminating) striatal neurons have distinct network dynamics that sets them apart from nondiscriminating cells, potentially to facilitate accurate behavioral responding during associative reward learning.
Repetition priming-induced changes in sensorimotor transmission
Authors: Svensson Erik , Evans Colin G. , Cropper Elizabeth C.
Published: January 2016

When a behavior is repeated performance often improves, i.e., repetition priming occurs. Although repetition priming is ubiquitous, mediating mechanisms are poorly understood. We address this issue in the feeding network of Aplysia. Similar to the priming observed elsewhere, priming in Aplysia is stimulus specific, i.e., it can be either “ingestive” or “egestive.” Previous studies demonstrated that priming alters motor and premotor activity. Here we sought to determine whether sensorimotor transmission is also modified. We report that changes in sensorimotor transmission do occur. We ask how they are mediated and obtain data that strongly suggest a presynaptic mechanism that involves changes in the “background” intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) in primary afferents themselves. This form of plasticity has previously been described and generated interest due to its potentially graded nature. Manipulations that alter the magnitude of the [Ca2+]i impact the efficacy of synaptic transmission. It is, however, unclear how graded control is exerted under physiologically relevant conditions. In the feeding system changes in the background [Ca2+]i are mediated by the induction of a nifedipine-sensitive current. We demonstrate that the extent to which this current is induced is altered by peptides (i.e., increased by a peptide released during the repetition priming of ingestive activity and decreased by a peptide released during the repetition priming of egestive activity). We suggest that this constitutes a behaviorally relevant mechanism for the graded control of synaptic transmission via the regulation of the [Ca2+]i in a neuron.
Bifurcation and Nodal Solutions for the Half-Linear Problems with Nonasymptotic Nonlinearity at0and∞
Authors: Shen Wenguo
Published: January 2016

We study the existence of nodal solutions for the following problem:-x″=αx++βx-+ra(t)f(x),0<t<1,x(0)=x(1)=0, wherer≠0is a parameter,a(t)∈C([0,1],(0,∞))witha(t)≢0on any subinterval of[0,1],x+=max{x,0},x-=-min{x,0}, andα,β∈C[0,1];f∈C(R,R),sf(s)>0fors≠0, andf0,f∞∉(0,∞), wheref0=lim|s|→0f(s)/sandf∞=lim|s|→+∞f(s)/s. We use bifurcation techniques to prove our main results.
An Effective Color Quantization Method Using Octree-Based Self-Organizing Maps
Authors: Park Hyun Jun , Kim Kwang Baek , Cha Eui-Young
Published: January 2016

Color quantization is an essential technique in color image processing, which has been continuously researched. It is often used, in particular, as preprocessing for many applications. Self-Organizing Map (SOM) color quantization is one of the most effective methods. However, it is inefficient for obtaining accurate results when it performs quantization with too few colors. In this paper, we present a more effective color quantization algorithm that reduces the number of colors to a small number by using octree quantization. This generates more natural results with less difference from the original image. The proposed method is evaluated by comparing it with well-known quantization methods. The experimental results show that the proposed method is more effective than other methods when using a small number of colors to quantize the colors. Also, it takes only 71.73% of the processing time of the conventional SOM method.
Efficient Local Level Set Method without Reinitialization and Its Appliance to Topology Optimization
Authors: Zhang Wenhui , Zhang Yaoting
Published: January 2016

The local level set method (LLSM) is higher than the LSMs with global models in computational efficiency, because of the use of narrow-band model. The computational efficiency of the LLSM can be further increased by avoiding the reinitialization procedure by introducing a distance regularized equation (DRE). The numerical stability of the DRE can be ensured by a proposed conditionally stable difference scheme under reverse diffusion constraints. Nevertheless, the proposed method possesses no mechanism to nucleate new holes in the material domain for two-dimensional structures, so that a bidirectional evolutionary algorithm based on discrete level set functions is combined with the LLSM to replace the numerical process of hole nucleation. Numerical examples are given to show high computational efficiency and numerical stability of this algorithm for topology optimization.
Retreatment Predictions in Odontology by means of CBR Systems
Authors: Campo Livia , Aliaga Ignacio J. , De Paz Juan F. , García Alvaro Enrique , Bajo Javier , Villarubia Gabriel , Corchado Juan M.
Published: January 2016

The field of odontology requires an appropriate adjustment of treatments according to the circumstances of each patient. A follow-up treatment for a patient experiencing problems from a previous procedure such as endodontic therapy, for example, may not necessarily preclude the possibility of extraction. It is therefore necessary to investigate new solutions aimed at analyzing data and, with regard to the given values, determine whether dental retreatment is required. In this work, we present a decision support system which applies the case-based reasoning (CBR) paradigm, specifically designed to predict the practicality of performing or not performing a retreatment. Thus, the system uses previous experiences to provide new predictions, which is completely innovative in the field of odontology. The proposed prediction technique includes an innovative combination of methods that minimizes false negatives to the greatest possible extent. False negatives refer to a prediction favoring a retreatment when in fact it would be ineffective. The combination of methods is performed by applying an optimization problem to reduce incorrect classifications and takes into account different parameters, such as precision, recall, and statistical probabilities. The proposed system was tested in a real environment and the results obtained are promising.
Annexin A1 and the Resolution of Inflammation: Modulation of Neutrophil Recruitment, Apoptosis, and Clearance
Authors: Sugimoto Michelle Amantéa , Vago Juliana Priscila , Teixeira Mauro Martins , Sousa Lirlândia Pires
Published: January 2016

Neutrophils (also named polymorphonuclear leukocytes or PMN) are essential components of the immune system, rapidly recruited to sites of inflammation, providing the first line of defense against invading pathogens. Since neutrophils can also cause tissue damage, their fine-tuned regulation at the inflammatory site is required for proper resolution of inflammation. Annexin A1 (AnxA1), also known as lipocortin-1, is an endogenous glucocorticoid-regulated protein, which is able to counterregulate the inflammatory events restoring homeostasis. AnxA1 and its mimetic peptides inhibit neutrophil tissue accumulation by reducing leukocyte infiltration and activating neutrophil apoptosis. AnxA1 also promotes monocyte recruitment and clearance of apoptotic leukocytes by macrophages. More recently, some evidence has suggested the ability of AnxA1 to induce macrophage reprogramming toward a resolving phenotype, resulting in reduced production of proinflammatory cytokines and increased release of immunosuppressive and proresolving molecules. The combination of these mechanisms results in an effective resolution of inflammation, pointing to AnxA1 as a promising tool for the development of new therapeutic strategies to treat inflammatory diseases.
Inhibition Plasticity in Older Adults: Practice and Transfer Effects Using a Multiple Task Approach
Authors: Wilkinson Andrea J. , Yang Lixia
Published: January 2016

Objective. To examine plasticity of inhibition, as indexed by practice effects of inhibition tasks and the associated transfer effects, using a multiple task approach in healthy older adults.Method. Forty-eight healthy older adults were evenly assigned to either a practice group or a no-contact control group. All participants completed pretest (2.5 hours) and posttest (2 hours) sessions, with a 2-week interval in between. During the 2-week interval, only the practice group completed six 30-minute practice sessions (three sessions per week for two consecutive weeks) of three lab-based inhibition tasks.Results. All three inhibition tasks demonstrated significant improvement across practice sessions, suggesting practice-induced plasticity. The benefit, however, only transferred to near-near tasks. The results are inconclusive with regard to the near-far and far-far transfer effects.Discussion. This study further extends literature on practice effects of inhibition in older adults by using a multiple task approach. Together with previous work, the current study suggests that older adults are able to improve inhibition performance through practice and transfer the practice gains to tasks that overlap in both target cognitive ability and task structure (i.e., near-near tasks).
Preparation and Evaluation of Gelatin-Chitosan-Nanobioglass 3D Porous Scaffold for Bone Tissue Engineering
Authors: Maji Kanchan , Dasgupta Sudip , Pramanik Krishna , Bissoyi Akalabya
Published: January 2016

The aim of the present study was to prepare and characterize bioglass-natural biopolymer based composite scaffold and evaluate its bone regeneration ability. Bioactive glass nanoparticles (58S) in the size range of 20–30 nm were synthesized using sol-gel method. Porous scaffolds with varying bioglass composition from 10 to 30 wt% in chitosan, gelatin matrix were fabricated using the method of freeze drying of its slurry at 40 wt% solids loading. Samples were cross-linked with glutaraldehyde to obtain interconnected porous 3D microstructure with improved mechanical strength. The prepared scaffolds exhibited >80% porosity with a mean pore size range between 100 and 300 microns. Scaffold containing 30 wt% bioglass (GCB 30) showed a maximum compressive strength of2.2±0.1 MPa. Swelling and degradation studies showed that the scaffold had excellent properties of hydrophilicity and biodegradability. GCB 30 scaffold was shown to be noncytotoxic and supported mesenchymal stem cell attachment, proliferation, and differentiation as indicated by MTT assay and RUNX-2 expression. Higher cellular activity was observed in GCB 30 scaffold as compared to GCB 0 scaffold suggesting the fact that 58S bioglass nanoparticles addition into the scaffold promoted better cell adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation. Thus, the study showed that the developed composite scaffolds are potential candidates for regenerating damaged bone tissue.
Incorporation of Next-Generation Sequencing into Routine Clinical Care to Direct Treatment of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Chau Nicole G. , Li Yvonne Y. , Jo Vickie Y. , Rabinowits Guilherme , Lorch Jochen H. , Tishler Roy B. , Margalit Danielle N. , Schoenfeld Jonathan D. , Annino Don J. , Goguen Laura A. , Thomas Tom , Becker Hailey , Haddad Tyler , Krane Jeffrey F. , Lindeman Neal I. , Shapiro Geoffrey I. , Haddad Robert I. , Hammerman Peter S.
Published: January 2016

Purpose: The clinical impact of next-generation sequencing (NGS) in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) has not been described. We aimed to evaluate the clinical impact of NGS in the routine care of patients with HNSCC and to correlate genomic alterations with clinical outcomes.

Experimental Design: Single-center study examining targeted NGS platform used to sequence tumor DNA obtained from 213 HNSCC patients evaluated in outpatient head and neck oncology clinic between August 2011 and December 2014. We correlated tumor genomic profiling results with clinical outcomes.

Results: PI3K/RTK pathway activation occurred frequently [activating PIK3CA mutation or amplification (13%), PTEN inactivation (3%), RAS activation (6%), EGFR or ERBB2 activation (9%)]. Alterations in pathways affecting cell-cycle regulation [CCND1 amplification (9%), CDKN2A inactivation (17%), BRCA2 inactivation (2%)] and squamous differentiation [NOTCH1 inactivation (8%) andEP300 inactivation (6%)] were identified. PIK3CA amplification (n = 43), not PIK3CA mutation, was associated with significantly poorer progression-free survival (P = 0.0006). Oncogenic RAS mutations (n = 13) were associated with significantly poorer progression-free survival (P = 0.0001) and lower overall survival (P = 0.003). Eight patients with advanced, treatment-refractory HNSCC enrolled on clinical trials matched to tumor profiling results, and 50% achieved a partial response.

Conclusions: Incorporation of NGS clinical assays into the routine care of patients with HNSCC is feasible and may readily facilitate enrollment into clinical trials of targeted therapy with a higher likelihood of success. Data can be utilized for discovery of genomic biomarkers of outcome. PIK3CA amplification and RAS mutations were frequently identified and associated with poorer prognosis in this cohort. Clin Cancer Res; 22(12); 2939–49. ©2016 AACR.
Diagnostic accuracy of rapid immunoassays for heparin-induced thrombocytopenia
Authors: Sun Lova , Gimotty Phyllis A. , Lakshmanan Suvasini , Cuker Adam
Published: January 2016

The platelet factor 4/heparin ELISA has limited specificity for heparininduced thrombocytopenia (HIT) and frequently does not provide same-day results. Rapid immunoassays (RIs) have been developed which provide results in 30 minutes or less. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of RIs for HIT. We searched the literature for studies in which samples from patients with suspected HIT were tested using a RI and a functional assay against which the performance of the RI could be measured. We performed sensitivity analyses of studies that directly compared different RIs with each other and with ELISAs. Estimates of sensitivity and specificity for each RI were calculated. Twenty-three articles, collectively involving six different RIs, met eligibility criteria. All RIs exhibited high sensitivity (0.96 to 1.00); there was wider variability in specificity (0.68 to 0.94). Specificity of the IgG-specific chemiluminescent assay (IgG-CA) was greater than the polyspecific chemiluminescent assay [0.94 (95 %CI 0.89–0.99) vs 0.82 (0.77–0.87)]. The particle gel immunoassay demonstrated greater specificity than the polyspecific ELISA [0.96 (0.95–0.97) vs 0.91 (0.89–0.92)]. The IgG-CA and lateral flow immunoassay [0.94 (0.91–0.97)] exhibited greater specificity than the IgG-specific ELISA [0.86 (0.82–0.90)]. Given their high sensitivity and rapid turnaround time, RIs are a reliable means of excluding HIT at the point-of-care in patients with low or intermediate clinical probability. Additionally, some RIs have greater specificity than HIT ELISAs. In summary, IgG-specific RIs appear to have improved diagnostic accuracy compared with ELISAs in patients with suspected HIT and may reduce misdiagnosis and overtreatment.
SLFN14-related thrombocytopenia: identification within a large series of patients with inherited thrombocytopenia
Authors: Marconi Caterina , Di Buduo Christian A. , Barozzi Serena , Palombo Flavia , Pardini Simonetta , Zaninetti Carlo , Pippucci Tommaso , Noris Patrizia , Balduini Alessandra , Seri Marco , Pecci Alessandro
Published: January 2016

Supplementary Material to this article is available online at www.thrombosis-online.com.
A projeção especular da imagem do artista e o jogo de enunciação
Authors: Tomasi Carolina , Schwartzmann Saulo Nogueira
Published: January 2016

Bastam apenas as categorias de enunciação, enunciva e enunciativa, como estratégias de produção de sentido de pinturas e de fotografias? Este artigo objetiva discutir exatamente essa questão. A ideia de modernidade se impõe não como um saber, nem como ciência, mas como modo de reflexão do próprio fazer artístico. Temos a partir de então a explicitação do enunciador (o artista) no enunciado, um
simulacro do criador na criatura. Configura-se como objeto deste trabalho a análise da foto de Helmut Newton Autorretrato com esposa e modelos para explicitar estratégias de enunciação enunciativa e enunciação enunciva quando são postas em jogo. Analisaremos ainda a projeção da imagem dos artistas na produção de seus enunciados, primeiramente na pintura, e em um segundo momento na fotografia.
Crítica melodramática e crítica suja: uma introdução
Authors: Ansel Thiago
Published: January 2016

Na década de 2000, a produção cultural periférica mobilizou considerável atenção da crítica acadêmica, no campo da comunicação. No período, o potencial transgressivo foi a principal medida a partir da qual manifestações identificadas com as periferias eram consideradas. A ênfase na capacidade ou fracasso em desafiar o estabelecido fez parte de um modelo interpretativo que tomava o discurso dos interlocutores periféricos como alternativa radical ao discurso do poder, portanto, limpa de suas marcas. Explorando um repertório ligado ora à higiene, ora à religiosidade - em que a separação é gesto chave na produção de pureza -, o artigo trata da necessidade de abordar as culturas subalternas sem depender do que se chamou de crítica melodramática, a qual consiste na separação radical entre os discursos estabelecidos e transgressores.
Imagem de Destinos Turísticos: um estudo sobre as publicações brasileiras
Authors: Scalabrini Elaine Cristina Borges , Remoaldo Paula Cristina , Lourenço Júlia M.
Published: January 2016

Os estudos referentes ao turismo dedicam-se à compreensão de diferentes temas, sendo que um bastante analisado à escala internacional é a questão da imagem de um destino turístico. O interesse por este tema é percebido em diversas áreas do conhecimento, como a sociologia e o marketing. No Brasil, há diversos pesquisadores dedicando-se à imagem dos destinos turísticos. Assim, buscando compreender de que forma este tema tem sido trabalhado no Brasil, este estudo de caráter bibliográfico teve como objetivo analisar e compreender as publicações sobre imagem de destinos turísticos em periódicos brasileiros, nos últimos seis anos (2008-2014). A partir de um levantamento dos artigos publicados neste período, usando como ferramenta de busca o site “Publicações de Turismo”, foram identificados vinte e oito artigos. A análise permitiu verificar que os estudos estão concentrados na compreensão da imagem de um determinado destino. Os artigos analisados são predominantemente estudos empíricos e há um equilíbrio entre os de caráter quantitativo e qualitativo. No que diz respeito à bibliografia, foi possível identificar que os autores brasileiros que têm trabalhado com o tema de imagem de destinos, já buscam bibliografias internacionais para fundamentar os seus estudos. Também nos trabalhos sobre este tema, identificou-se uma maior maturidade dos autores no que diz respeito à utilização das ferramentas estatísticas. Alguns estudos fazem uma análise aprofundada dos estudos internacionais e aplicam estas teorias no Brasil. Conclui-se que este tema tem sido estudado com maior profundidade no país, se comparado com os temas como o da percepção de residentes.
Araújo-Porto Alegre's Battlefield
Authors: Zilio Carlos
Published: January 2016

The text reexamines issues the author approached in a lecture done at Escola de Belas Artes of Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, in 1997, and draws attention to a crucial topic in Araujo Porto Alegre’s thought – the political and cultural scope of this work, whose author Zilio reputes a very public intelectual in Nineteenth-Century Brazil. In this manner, the modernity of the work would reside, for Zilio, above all in its public scope; he still enphasizes the political role Porto Alegre assigned to a national school of fine arts, as well as the iluminist conception inspiring him in this task, as it interlaced ethical and aesthetic motifs