bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exercise-induced hypoalgesia – interval versus continuous mode
Authors: Kodesh Einat , Weissman-Fogel Irit
Published: February 2014

Aerobic exercise at approximately 70% of maximal aerobic capacity moderately reduces pain sensitivity and attenuates pain, even after a single session. If the analgesic effects depend on exercise intensity, then high-intensity interval exercise at 85% of maximal aerobic capacity should further reduce pain. The aim of this study was to explore the exercise-induced analgesic effects of high-intensity interval aerobic exercise and to compare them with the analgesic effects of moderate continuous aerobic exercise. Twenty-nine young untrained healthy males were randomly assigned to aerobic-continuous (70% heart rate reserve (HRR)) and interval (4 × 4 min at 85% HRR and 2 min at 60% HRR between cycles) exercise modes, each lasting 30 min. Psychophysical pain tests, pressure and heat pain thresholds (HPT), and tonic heat pain (THP) were conducted before and after exercise sessions. Repeated measures ANOVA was used for data analysis. HPT increased (p = 0.056) and THP decreased (p = 0.013) following exercise unrelated to exercise type. However, the main time effect (pre-/postexercise) was a trend of increased HPT (45.6 ± 1.9 °C to 46.2 ± 1.8 °C; p = 0.082) and a significant reduction in THP (from 50.7 ± 25 to 45.9 ± 25.4 numeric pain scale; p = 0.043) following interval exercise. No significant change was found for the pressure pain threshold following either exercise type. In conclusion, interval exercise (85% HRR) has analgesic effects on experimental pain perception. This, in addition to its cardiovascular, muscular, and metabolic advantages may promote its inclusion in pain management programs.
Exercise as medicine: Role in the management of primary hypertension
Authors: Millar Philip J. , Goodman Jack M.
Published: February 2014

Primary hypertension affects ∼1 in 5 Canadians and significantly increases the risk of myocardial infarction, stroke, heart failure, and early mortality. Guidelines for the management of hypertension recommend lifestyle modifications (e.g., increased physical activity, smoking cessation, moderate alcohol consumption, improved dietary choices) as the frontline strategy to prevent and manage high blood pressure (BP). In particular, acute and chronic aerobic exercise has consistently been shown to reduce resting and ambulatory BP, with the largest effects in hypertensive patients. Current guidelines recommend 30–60 min of moderate- to vigorous-intensity aerobic exercise 4–7 days per week, in addition to activities of daily living. The role of resistance training in the management of hypertension is less clear, although available data suggests resistance exercise can be performed safely without risk of increasing BP or adverse events. Presently, resistance exercise (8–10 exercises, 1–2 set(s) of 10–15 repetitions, 2–3 days/week) is advocated only as an adjunct exercise modality. Patients desiring to begin an exercise program should complete the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q or PAR-Q+) or as required, the Electronic Physical Activity Readiness Medical Examination (ePARmed-X) or Physician Clearance Form in consultation with their clinician and (or) trained exercise professional. A greater emphasis on utilizing exercise as medicine will produce positive nonpharmacologic benefits for hypertensive patients and improve overall cardiovascular risk profiles.
Zooplankton communities are good indicators of potential impacts of Athabasca oil sands operations on downwind boreal lakes
Authors: Anas M.U. Mohamed , Scott Kenneth A. , Cooper Ryan N. , Wissel Björn
Published: February 2014

We used zooplankton communities as indicators to evaluate the potential influence of acidifying–eutrophying emissions from the Athabasca oil sands region (AOSR) on 244 downwind lakes in northwest Saskatchewan. The impacts of regional environmental change on zooplankton communities are determined by responses of resident species to altered local environmental conditions as well as changes in composition due to dispersal processes. To test and quantify the relative importance of these individual processes, we conducted ordination analyses, spatial modeling, and variation partitioning. Local environmental factors were the dominant determinants of community structure, including two major environmental gradients susceptible to atmospheric emissions (i.e., acid–base status and productivity). Spatial structuring of these factors induced similar spatial structures in zooplankton distribution across the region. However, disentangling any impacts of the AOSR on these environment–spatial–species relationships from the underlying natural variability was precluded by unavailability of baseline data. Nevertheless, as our findings indicate that dispersal of zooplankton was not strongly limiting across this broad geographic region, zooplankton indicators can be crucial to detect future environmental changes in lakes across northwest Saskatchewan.
Opposing roles of smooth muscle BK channels and ryanodine receptors in the regulation of nerve-evoked constriction of mesenteric resistance arteries
Authors: Krishnamoorthy Gayathri , Sonkusare Swapnil K. , Heppner Thomas J. , Nelson Mark T.
Published: February 2014

In depolarized smooth muscle cells of pressurized cerebral arteries, ryanodine receptors (RyRs) generate “Ca2+ sparks” that activate large-conductance, Ca2+-, and voltage-sensitive potassium (BK) channels to oppose pressure-induced (myogenic) constriction. Here, we show that BK channels and RyRs have opposing roles in the regulation of arterial tone in response to sympathetic nerve activation by electrical field stimulation. Inhibition of BK channels with paxilline increased both myogenic and nerve-induced constrictions of pressurized, resistance-sized mesenteric arteries from mice. Inhibition of RyRs with ryanodine increased myogenic constriction, but it decreased nerve-evoked constriction along with a reduction in the amplitude of nerve-evoked increases in global intracellular Ca2+. In the presence of L-type voltage-dependent Ca2+ channel (VDCC) antagonists, nerve stimulation failed to evoke a change in arterial diameter, and BK channel and RyR inhibitors were without effect, suggesting that nerve- induced constriction is dependent on activation of VDCCs. Collectively, these results indicate that BK channels and RyRs have different roles in the regulation of myogenic versus neurogenic tone: whereas BK channels and RyRs act in concert to oppose myogenic vasoconstriction, BK channels oppose neurogenic vasoconstriction and RyRs augment it. A scheme for neurogenic vasoregulation is proposed in which RyRs act in conjunction with VDCCs to regulate nerve-evoked constriction in mesenteric resistance arteries.
Diverse macrophage populations mediate acute lung inflammation and resolution
Authors: Aggarwal Neil R. , King Landon S. , D'Alessio Franco R.
Published: February 2014

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a devastating disease with distinct pathological stages. Fundamental to ARDS is the acute onset of lung inflammation as a part of the body's immune response to a variety of local and systemic stimuli. In patients surviving the inflammatory and subsequent fibroproliferative stages, transition from injury to resolution and recovery is an active process dependent on a series of highly coordinated events regulated by the immune system. Experimental animal models of acute lung injury (ALI) reproduce key components of the injury and resolution phases of human ARDS and provide a methodology to explore mechanisms and potential new therapies. Macrophages are essential to innate immunity and host defense, playing a featured role in the lung and alveolar space. Key aspects of their biological response, including differentiation, phenotype, function, and cellular interactions, are determined in large part by the presence, severity, and chronicity of local inflammation. Studies support the importance of macrophages to initiate and maintain the inflammatory response, as well as a determinant of resolution of lung inflammation and repair. We will discuss distinct roles for lung macrophages during early inflammatory and late resolution phases of ARDS using experimental animal models. In addition, each section will highlight human studies that relate to the diverse role of macrophages in initiation and resolution of ALI and ARDS.
Inhibition of the αvβ6 integrin leads to limited alteration of TGF-α-induced pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Madala Satish K. , Korfhagen Thomas R. , Schmidt Stephanie , Davidson Cynthia , Edukulla Ramakrishna , Ikegami Machiko , Violette Shelia M. , Weinreb Paul H. , Sheppard Dean , Hardie William D.
Published: February 2014

A number of growth factors and signaling pathways regulate matrix deposition and fibroblast proliferation in the lung. The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) family of receptors and the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) family are active in diverse biological processes and are central mediators in the initiation and maintenance of fibrosis in many diseases. Transforming growth factor-α (TGF-α) is a ligand for the EGFR, and doxycycline (Dox)-inducible transgenic mice conditionally expressing TGF-α specifically in the lung epithelium develop progressive fibrosis accompanied with cachexia, changes in lung mechanics, and marked pleural thickening. Although recent studies demonstrate that EGFR activation modulates the fibroproliferative effects involved in the pathogenesis of TGF-β induced pulmonary fibrosis, in converse, the direct role of EGFR induction of the TGF-β pathway in the lung is unknown. The αvβ6 integrin is an important in vivo activator of TGF-β activation in the lung. Immunohistochemical analysis of αvβ6 protein expression and bronchoalveolar analysis of TGF-β pathway signaling indicates activation of the αvβ6/TGF-β pathway only at later time points after lung fibrosis was already established in the TGF-α model. To determine the contribution of the αvβ6/TGF-β pathway on the progression of established fibrotic disease, TGF-α transgenic mice were administered Dox for 4 wk, which leads to extensive fibrosis; these mice were then treated with a function-blocking anti-αvβ6 antibody with continued administration of Dox for an additional 4 wk. Compared with TGF-α transgenic mice treated with control antibody, αvβ6 inhibition significantly attenuated pleural thickening and altered the decline in lung mechanics. To test the effects of genetic loss of the β6 integrin, TGF-α transgenic mice were mated with β6-null mice and the degree of fibrosis was compared in adult mice following 8 wk of Dox administration. Genetic ablation of the β6 integrin attenuated histological and physiological changes in the lungs of TGF-α transgenic mice although a significant degree of fibrosis still developed. In summary, inhibition of the β6 integrin led to a modest, albeit significant, effect on pleural thickening and lung function decline observed with TGF-α-induced pulmonary fibrosis. These data support activation of the αvβ6/TGF-β pathway as a secondary effect contributing to TGF-α-induced pleural fibrosis and suggest a complex contribution of multiple mediators to the maintenance of progressive fibrosis in the lung.
Remote conditioning or erythropoietin before surgery primes kidneys to clear ischemia-reperfusion-damaged cells: a renoprotective mechanism?
Authors: Gardner David S. , Welham Simon J. M. , Dunford Louise J. , McCulloch Thomas A. , Hodi Zsolt , Sleeman Philippa , O'Sullivan Saoirse , Devonald Mark A. J.
Published: February 2014

Acute kidney injury is common, serious with no specific treatment. Ischemia-reperfusion is a common cause of acute kidney injury (AKI). Clinical trials suggest that preoperative erythropoietin (EPO) or remote ischemic preconditioning may have a renoprotective effect. Using a porcine model of warm ischemia-reperfusion-induced AKI (40-min bilateral cross-clamping of renal arteries, 48-h reperfusion), we examined the renoprotective efficacy of EPO (1,000 iu/kg iv.) or remote ischemic preconditioning (3 cycles, 5-min inflation/deflation to 200 mmHg of a hindlimb sphygmomanometer cuff). Ischemia-reperfusion induced significant kidney injury at 24 and 48 h (χ2, 1 degree of freedom, >10 for 6/7 histopathological features). At 2 h, a panel of biomarkers including plasma creatinine, neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin, and IL-1β, and urinary albumin:creatinine could be used to predict histopathological injury. Ischemia-reperfusion increased cell proliferation and apoptosis in the renal cortex but, for pretreated groups, the apoptotic cells were predominantly intratubular rather than interstitial. At 48-h reperfusion, plasma IL-1β and the number of subcapsular cells in G2-M arrest were reduced after preoperative EPO, but not after remote ischemic preconditioning. These data suggest an intrarenal mechanism acting within cortical cells that may underpin a renoprotective function for preoperative EPO and, to a limited extent, remote ischemic preconditioning. Despite equivocal longer-term outcomes in clinical studies investigating EPO as a renoprotective agent in AKI, optimal clinical dosing and administration have not been established. Our data suggest further clinical studies on the potential renoprotective effect of EPO and remote ischemic preconditioning are justified.
Syntheses, Characterization, and Biological Activities of Metal Complexes of N-(2-Carbamoylthienyl)-C-(3′-carboxy-2′-hydroxyphenyl) Azetidin-2-one with Some Di-, Tetra-, and Hexavalent Metal Ions
Authors: Kumar Dinesh , Kumar Amit
Published: February 2014

The cyclization of the Schiff base, N-(2-carbamoylthienyl)-3′-carboxy-2′-hydroxybenzylideneimine with ClCH2COCl in dioxane, in the presence of triethylamine (Et3N) forms N-(2-carbamoylthienyl)-C-(3′-carboxy-2′-hydroxyphenyl) azetidin-2-one, LH3(I). A methanolic solution ofIreacts with Co(II), Cu(II), Zn(II), Zr(OH)2(IV), and MoO2(VI) ions and forms the coordination compounds, [Co(LH)(MeOH)]2(II), [Cu(LH)]2(III), [Zn(LH)(MeOH)2] (IV), [Zr(OH)2(LH)(MeOH)] (V), and [MoO2(LH)(MeOH)2] (VI). The compounds have been characterized on the basis of elemental analyses, molar conductance, molecular weight, spectral (IR, NMR, reflectance, and ESR) studies, and magnetic susceptibility measurements. All the coordination compounds are nonelectrolytes (ΛM=3.1-9.2 mho cm2mol−1) in DMF.Ibehaves as a dibasic tridentate OON donor ligand inV; a dibasic tetradentate OONO donor ligand inII,III, andVI; and a dibasic tetradentate OONS donor ligand inIV.IIandIIIare dimers, while others are monomers in diphenyl.IIIexhibits subnormal magnetic moment (1.55 B.M.) and is involved in antiferromagnetic exchange, while the other complexes are magnetically dilute. A square-pyramidal structure forIIIand an octahedral structure forII,IV, andVare suggested.VIexhibits an eight-coordinate structure. The ligand (I) and its compounds show antibacterial activities towardsE. coli(gram negative) andS. aureus(gram positive).
Complex Formation of Nickel(II) and Copper(II) with Barbituric Acid
Authors: Türkel Naciye , Aksoy M. Suat
Published: February 2014

Equilibrium studies have been carried out on complex formation of M2+ ions (M = Ni and Cu) with L = barbituric acid (BA) in aqueous solution at 25.0±0.1°C and with an ionic strength of I=0.10 M (KNO3) in aqueous medium. The basicity of the ligand was also assessed by the determination of the dissociation constants of the ligand. The experimental pH titration data were analyzed with the help of the BEST computer program in order to evaluate the stability constants of the various species formed. The stability constants of the binary systems decrease in the order of Cu(II) > Ni(II). Distribution diagrams for the species were drawn showing the concentrations of individual species as a function of pH by the SPE software program.
Asymptotic Estimates forr-Whitney Numbers of the Second Kind
Authors: Corcino Cristina B. , Corcino Roberto B. , Acala Nestor
Published: February 2014

Ther-Whitney numbers of the second kind are a generalization of all the Stirling-type numbers of the second kind which are in line with the unified generalization of Hsu and Shuie. In this paper, asymptotic formulas forr-Whitney numbers of the second kind with integer and real parameters are obtained and the range of validity of each formula is established.
Epithelioid Hemangioma of Lingual Alveolar Mucosa: An Immunohistochemical Case Report
Authors: Nangia Rajat , Puri Abhiney , Gupta Rakhi , Bansal Sucheta , Negi Amita , Chauhan Isha
Published: February 2014

Epithelioid hemangioma is a rare benign vascular lesion that presents as a nodular lesion in the skin of head and neck region. It is a superficial vascular entity which can either be due to tumor or reactive lesion, but the exact etiology is still unknown. We hereby present a rare case which has been reported with the history of small nodular-like growth on mandibular buccal and lingual area. The excisional biopsy was performed and tissue was submitted for histopathological diagnosis. The immunohistochemistry was performed to check the expression of CD31 marker which proved that origin of epithelioid cells was vascular.
Intestinal Transportations of Main Chemical Compositions of Polygoni Multiflori Radix in Caco‐2 Cell Model
Authors: Yu Jie , Li Na , Lin Pei , Li Yunfei , Mao Xiaojian , Bao Getuzhaori , Gu Wen , Zhao Ronghua
Published: February 2014

Context. Polygoni Multiflori Radix (PMR) is originated from the root of Polygonum multiflorum Thunb. and used in oriental countries for centuries. However, little researches pay close attention to the absorption of its major constituents. Objective. Transepithelial transport of TSG, RL, PL, and four anthraquinones is carried out. Materials and Methods. Caco‐2 cell monolayer, which represented a well‐established model for the study of intestinal transport of nutrients and xenobiotics, was used in this paper. Results. The apparent permeability coefficients (Papp) in the Caco‐2 cell monolayers were TSG (2.372 × 10−9) < EG (2.391 × 10−9) < EN (2.483 × 10−9) < PL (4.917 × 10−9) < RN (1.707 × 10−8) < RL (1.778 × 10−8) < AE (1.952 × 10−8). Thus, RN, RL, and AE were considered partly absorbed, while other constituents were hardly absorbed. Discussion and Conclusion. Glycosides showed poor permeabilities than aglycones. In the meantime, TSG and EN gave out poor recovery rates in this assay, which indicated that TSG and EN may accumulate or metabolise in the Caco‐2 cells. In silico prediction indicated that Gibbs energy (r = 0.751, p < 0.05) and heat of form (r = 0.701, p < 0.05) were strongly positively correlated with Papp.
Thermal Performance and Economic Analysis of 210 MWe Coal-Fired Power Plant
Authors: Kumar Ravinder , Sharma Avdhesh Kr. , Tewari P. C.
Published: February 2014

This paper presents the thermal and economic performance of a 210 MWe coal-fired power plant situated in North India. Analysis is used to predict coal consumption rate, overall thermal efficiency, mass flow rate of steam through boiler, and Net present value (NPV) of plant for given load. Thermodynamic analysis was carried out using mass and energy equations followed by empirical correlations. Predicted mass flow rate of steam, coal consumption rate, and thermal efficiency give fair agreement with plant operating data. The economic analysis includes operational activities such as equipment cost, fuel cost, operations and maintenance cost, revenue, and plant net present value. From economic point of view, the effect of condensate extraction pump redundancy on net present value is observed to be sensitive than boiler feed pump redundancy.
Evolution of the B-Block Binding Subunit of TFIIIC That Binds to the Internal Promoter for RNA Polymerase III
Authors: Matsutani Sachiko
Published: February 2014

Eukaryotic RNA polymerase III transcribes tRNA genes, and this requires the transcription factor TFIIIC. Promoters are within genes, with which the B-block binding subunit of TFIIIC associates to initiate transcription. The binding subunits are more than 1000 amino acids in length in various eukaryotic species. There are four regions with conserved sequence similarities in the subunits. The helix-turn-helix motif is included in one of these regions and has been characterized as the B-block_TFIIIC family in the Pfam database. In the NCBI and EMBL translated protein databases, there are archaeal proteins (approximately 100 amino acids in length) referred to as B-block binding subunits. Most of them contain a B-block_TFIIIC motif. DELTA-BLAST searches using these archaeal proteins as queries showed significant multiple blast hits for many eukaryotic B-block binding subunits on the same proteins. This result suggests that eukaryotic B-block binding subunits were constituted by repeating a small unit of B-block_TFIIIC over a long evolutionary period. Bacterial proteins have also been annotated as B-block binding subunits in the databases. Here, some of them were confirmed to have significant similarities to B-block_TFIIIC. These results may imply that part of the RNAP III transcription machinery existed in the common ancestry of prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
GPU Acceleration of Melody Accurate Matching in Query-by-Humming
Authors: Xiao Limin , Zheng Yao , Tang Wenqi , Yao Guangchao , Ruan Li
Published: February 2014

With the increasing scale of the melody database, the query-by-humming system faces the trade-offs between response speed and retrieval accuracy. Melody accurate matching is the key factor to restrict the response speed. In this paper, we present a GPU acceleration method for melody accurate matching, in order to improve the response speed without reducing retrieval accuracy. The method develops two parallel strategies (intra-task parallelism and inter-task parallelism) to obtain accelerated effects. The efficiency of our method is validated through extensive experiments. Evaluation results show that our single GPU implementation achieves 20x to 40x speedup ratio, when compared to a typical general purpose CPU’s execution time.
Four Derivative Spectrophotometric Methods for the Simultaneous Determination of Carmoisine and Ponceau 4R in Drinks and Comparison with High Performance Liquid Chromatography
Authors: Turak Fatma , Dinç Mithat , Dülger Öznur , Özgür Mahmure Ustun
Published: February 2014

Four simple, rapid, and accurate spectrophotometric methods were developed for the simultaneous determination of two food colorants, Carmoisine (E122) and Ponceau 4R (E124), in their binary mixtures and soft drinks. The first method is based on recording the first derivative curves and determining each component using the zero-crossing technique. The second method uses the first derivative of ratio spectra. The ratio spectra are obtained by dividing the absorption spectra of the binary mixture by that of one of the components. The third method, derivative differential procedure, is based on the measurement of difference absorptivities derivatized in first order of solution of drink samples in 0,1 N NaOH relative to that of an equimolar solution in 0,1 N HCl at wavelengths of 366 and 451 nm for Carmoisine and Ponceau 4R, respectively. The last method, based on the compensation method is presented for derivative spectrophotometric determination of E122 and E124 mixtures with overlapping spectra. By using ratios of the derivative maxima, the exact compensation of either component in the mixture can be achieved, followed by its determination. These proposed methods have been successfully applied to the binary mixtures and soft drinks and the results were statistically compared with the reference HPLC method (NMKL 130).
Screening of Lignocellulose-Degrading Superior Mushroom Strains and Determination of Their CMCase and Laccase Activity
Authors: Fen Li , Xuwei Zhu , Nanyi Li , Puyu Zhang , Shuang Zhang , Xue Zhao , Pengju Li , Qichao Zhu , Haiping Lin
Published: February 2014

In order to screen lignocellulose-degrading superior mushroom strains ten strains of mushrooms (Lentinus edodes939,Pholiota nameko,Lentinus edodes868,Coprinus comatus,Macrolepiota procera,Auricularia auricula,Hericium erinaceus,Grifola frondosa,Pleurotus nebrodensis, andShiraia bambusicola) were inoculated onto carboxymethylcellulose agar-Congo red plates to evaluate their ability to produce carbomethyl cellulase (CMCase). The results showed that the ratio of transparent circle to mycelium circle ofHericium erinaceuswas 8.16(P<0.01)higher than other strains. The filter paper culture screening test showed thatHericium erinaceusandMacrolepiota proceragrew well and showed extreme decomposition of the filter paper. When cultivated in guaiacol culture medium to detect their abilities to secrete laccase,Hericium erinaceusshowed the highest ability with the largest reddish brown circles of 4.330 cm. CMCase activity determination indicated thatCoprinus comatusandHericium erinaceushad the ability to produce CMCase with 33.92 U/L on the 9th day and 22.58 U/L on the 10th day, respectively, whileCoprinus comatusandPleurotus nebrodensishad the ability to produce laccase with 496.67 U/L and 489.17 U/L on the 16th day and 18th day. Based on the results,Coprinus comatusmight be the most promising lignocellulose-degrading strain to produce both CMCase and laccase at high levels.
Uniform Stability of a Class of Fractional-Order Nonautonomous Systems with Multiple Time Delays
Authors: Zou Tao , Qu Jianfeng , Chai Yi , Guo Maoyun , Liu Congcong
Published: February 2014

In mathematics, to a large extent, control theory addresses the stability of solutions of differential equations, which can describe the behavior of dynamic systems. In this paper, a class of fractional-order nonautonomous systems with multiple time delays modeled by differential equations is considered. A sufficient condition is established for the existence and uniqueness of solutions for such systems involving Caputo fractional derivative, and the uniform stability of solution is studied. At last, two examples are given to demonstrate the applicability of our results.
Near-Threshold Computing and Minimum Supply Voltage of Single-Rail MCML Circuits
Authors: Cao Ruiping , Hu Jianping
Published: February 2014

In high-speed applications, MOS current mode logic (MCML) is a good alternative. Scaling down supply voltage of the MCML circuits can achieve low power-delay product (PDP). However, the current almost all MCML circuits are realized with dual-rail scheme, where the NMOS configuration in series limits the minimum supply voltage. In this paper, single-rail MCML (SRMCML) circuits are described, which can avoid the devices configuration in series, since their logic evaluation block can be realized by only using MOS devices in parallel. The relationship between the minimum supply voltage of the SRMCML circuits and the model parameters of MOS transistors is derived, so that the minimum supply voltage can be estimated before circuit designs. An MCML dynamic flop-flop based on SRMCML is also proposed. The optimization algorithm for near-threshold sequential circuits is presented. A near-threshold SRMCML mode-10 counter based on the optimization algorithm is verified. Scaling down the supply voltage of the SRMCML circuits is also investigated. The power dissipation, delay, and power-delay products of these circuits are carried out. The results show that the near-threshold SRMCML circuits can obtain low delay and small power-delay product.
Bioinspired Evolutionary Algorithm Based for Improving Network Coverage in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Abbasi Mohammadjavad , Bin Abd Latiff Muhammad Shafie , Chizari Hassan
Published: February 2014

Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) include sensor nodes in which each node is able to monitor the physical area and send collected information to the base station for further analysis. The important key of WSNs is detection and coverage of target area which is provided by random deployment. This paper reviews and addresses various area detection and coverage problems in sensor network. This paper organizes many scenarios for applying sensor node movement for improving network coverage based on bioinspired evolutionary algorithm and explains the concern and objective of controlling sensor node coverage. We discuss area coverage and target detection model by evolutionary algorithm.
Benign Metastasizing Leiomyoma: A Rare Type of Lung Metastases—Two Case Reports and Review of the Literature
Authors: Taftaf Rokana , Starnes Sandra , Wang Jiang , Shipley Ralph , Namad Tariq , Khaled Rana , Abdel Karim Nagla
Published: February 2014

Benign metastasizing leiomyoma (BML) is a rare disease that usually occurs in women of reproductive age. They typically have history of uterine leiomyoma treated with hysterectomy. BML can metastasize to distant organs, with the lung being the most common organ. We report two patients who presented with benign metastasizing leiomyoma to the lung. Our first case was a fifty-two-year-old female who presented with multiple lung masses, with a past medical history of uterine leiomyoma who underwent hysterectomy 17 years ago. A CT-guided biopsy showed benign appearing spindle cells and pathology confirmed her diagnosis with additional positive estrogen/progesterone receptor stains. Our second case was a fifty-six-year-old female who presented with multiple cavitary pulmonary nodules. She subsequently underwent a video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) with wedge resection of one of the nodules. Pathology confirmed the diagnosis based on morphology and immunohistochemical staining strongly positive for estrogen/progesterone receptors. Benign metastasizing leiomyoma is a rare condition which may affect women of reproductive age. This should be considered in the differential in patients who present with multiple pulmonary nodules, especially with a history of uterine leiomyoma. Additional stains, such as estrogen/progesterone receptors, may need to be done to confirm the diagnosis.
Local Contrast Enhancement Utilizing Bidirectional Switching Equalization of Separated and Clipped Subhistograms
Authors: Ibrahim Haidi , Hoo Seng Chun
Published: February 2014

Digital image contrast enhancement methods that are based on histogram equalization technique
are still useful for the use in consumer electronic products due to their simple implementation. However, almost all the suggested enhancement methods are using
global processing technique, which does not emphasize
local contents. Therefore, this paper proposes a
new local image contrast enhancement method, based
on histogram equalization technique, which not only
enhances the contrast, but also increases the sharpness
of the image. Besides, this method is also able to preserve the mean brightness of the image. In order to limit
the noise amplification, this newly proposed method
utilizes local mean‐separation, and clipped histogram
bins methodologies. Based on nine test color images
and the benchmark with other three histogram equalization based methods, the proposed technique shows
the best overall performance.
Mitochondrial DNA and Functional Investigations into the Radiosensitivity of Four Mouse Strains
Authors: Zhang Steven B. , Maguire David , Zhang Mei , Tian Yeping , Yang Shanmin , Zhang Amy , Casey-Sawicki Katherine , Han Deping , Ma Jun , Yin Liangjie , Guo Yongson , Wang Xiaohui , Chen Chun , Litvinchuk Alexandra , Zhang Zhenhuan , Swarts Steven , Vidyasagar Sadasivan , Zhang Lurong , Okunieff Paul
Published: February 2014

We investigated whether genetic radiosensitivity-related changes in mtDNA/nDNA ratios are significant to mitochondrial function and if a material effect on mtDNA content and function exists. BALB/c (radiosensitive), C57BL/6 (radioresistant), and F1 hybrid mouse strains were exposed to total body irradiation. Hepatic genomic DNA was extracted, and mitochondria were isolated. Mitochondrial oxygen consumption, ROS, and calcium-induced mitochondrial swelling were measured. Radiation influenced strain-specific survivalin vivo. F1 hybrid survival was influenced by maternal input. Changes in mitochondrial content corresponded to survivalin vivoamong the 4 strains. Calcium-induced mitochondrial swelling was strain dependent. Isolated mitochondria from BALB/c mice were significantly more sensitive to calcium overload than mitochondria from C57BL/6 mice. Maternal input partially influenced the recovery effect of radiation on calcium-induced mitochondrial swelling in F1 hybrids; the hybrid with a radiosensitive maternal lineage exhibited a lower rate of recovery. Hybrids had a survival rate that was biased toward maternal input. mtDNA content and mitochondrial permeability transition pores (MPTP) measured in these strains before irradiation reflected a dominant input from the parent. After irradiation, the MPTP opened sooner in radiosensitive and hybrid strains, likely triggering intrinsic apoptotic pathways. These findings have important implications for translation into predictors of radiation sensitivity/resistance.
Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungal Mediation of Plant-Plant Interactions in a Marshland Plant Community
Authors: Zhang Qian , Sun Qixiang , Koide Roger T. , Peng Zhenhua , Zhou Jinxing , Gu Xungang , Gao Weidong , Yu Meng
Published: February 2014

Obligate aerobic AMF taxa have high species richness under waterlogged conditions, but their ecological role remains unclear. Here we focused on AM fungal mediation of plant interactions in a marshland plant community. Five cooccurring plant species were chosen for a neighbor removal experiment in which benomyl was used to suppress AMF colonization. APhragmites australisremoval experiment was also performed to study its role in promoting AMF colonization by increasing rhizosphere oxygen concentration. Mycorrhizal fungal effects on plant interactions were different for dominant and subdominant plant species. AMF colonization has driven positive neighbor effects for three subdominant plant species includingKummerowia striata,Leonurus artemisia, andIxeris polycephala. In contrast, AMF colonization enhanced the negative effects of neighbors on the dominantConyza canadensisand had no significant impact on the neighbor interaction to the dominantPolygonum pubescens. AM colonization was positively related to oxygen concentration.P. australisincreased oxygen concentration, enhanced AMF colonization, and was thus indirectly capable of influencing plant interactions. Aerobic AM fungi appear to be ecologically relevant in this wetland ecosystem. They drive positive neighbor interactions for subdominant plant species, effectively increasing plant diversity. We suggest, therefore, that AM fungi may be ecologically important even under waterlogged conditions.
Stability, Boundedness, and Lagrange Stability of Fractional Differential Equations with Initial Time Difference
Authors: Çiçek Muhammed , Yakar Coşkun , Oğur Bülent
Published: February 2014

Differential inequalities, comparison results, and sufficient conditions on initial time difference stability, boundedness, and Lagrange stability for fractional differential systems have been evaluated.
Natural Frequencies and Mode Shapes of Mechanically Coupled Microbeam Resonators with an Application to Micromechanical Filters
Authors: Hammad Bashar K.
Published: February 2014

We present a methodology to calculate analytically the mode shapes and corresponding frequencies of mechanically coupled microbeam resonators. To demonstrate the methodology, we analyze a mechanical filter composed of two beams coupled by a weak beam. The boundary-value problem (BVP) for the linear vibration problem of the coupled beams depends on the number of beams and the boundary conditions of the attachment points. This implies that the system of linear homogeneous algebraic equations becomes larger as the array of resonators becomes complicated. We suggest a method to reduce the large system of equations into a smaller system. We reduce the BVP composed of five equations and twenty boundary conditions to a set of three linear homogeneous algebraic equations for three constants and the frequencies. This methodology can be simply extended to accommodate any configuration of mechanically coupled arrays. To validate our methodology, we compare our analytical results to these obtained numerically using ANSYS. We found that the agreement is excellent. We note that the weak coupling beam splits the frequency of the single resonator into two close frequencies. In addition, the effect of the coupling beam location on the natural frequencies, and hence the filter behavior, is investigated.
Durable Hematological and Major Cytogenetic Response in a Patient with Isolated 20q Deletion Myelodysplastic Syndrome Treated with Lenalidomide
Authors: Jana Bagi , Khanfar Anas , Ninan Mary
Published: February 2014

Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) is a clonal bone marrow disorder characterized by ineffective hematopoiesis. It is characterized by peripheral blood cytopenia and significant risk of progression to acute myeloid leukemia result. Deletion of the long arm of chromosome 20 (20q deletion) is present in 3–7% of patients with MDS. Lenalidomide is an immunomodulatory agent with antiangiogenic activity. It is FDA approved for the treatment of anemia in patients with low or int-1 risk MDS with chromosome 5q deletion with or without additional cytogenetic abnormalities. Study of lenalidomide in patients with MDS without 5q deletion but other karyotypic abnormalities demonstrated meaningful activity in transfusion dependent patients; however, response of patients with isolated 20q deletion to lenalidomide is not known. We are reporting a patient with 20q deletion MDS treated with lenalidomide after he failed to respond to azacytidine; to our knowledge this is the first report of a patient with isolated 20q deletion treated with lenalidomide.
Mucormycosis in a Renal Transplant Recipient: Case Report and Comprehensive Review of Literature
Authors: Hamdi Tamim , Karthikeyan Vanji , Alangaden George J.
Published: February 2014

Mucormycosis is a rare but devastating infection. We present a case of fatal disseminated mucormycosis infection in a renal transplant patient. Uncontrolled diabetes mellitus and immunosuppression are the major predisposing factors to infection with Mucorales. Mucorales are angioinvasive and can infect any organ system. Lungs are the predominant site of infection in solid organ transplant recipients. Prompt diagnosis is challenging and influences outcome. Treatment involves a combination of surgical and medical therapies. Amphotericin B remains the cornerstone in the medical management of mucormycosis, although other agents have been used. Newer agents are promising.
Synergistic Interaction between the HDAC Inhibitor, MPT0E028, and Sorafenib in Liver Cancer Cells In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Chen Chun-Han , Chen Mei-Chuan , Wang Jing-Chi , Tsai An-Chi , Chen Ching-Shih , Liou Jing-Ping , Pan Shiow-Lin , Teng Che-Ming
Published: February 2014

Purpose: To investigate the antitumor activities of a histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor, MPT0E028, plus sorafenib in liver cancer cells in vitro and in vivo.

Experimental Design: Different liver cancer cell lines were exposed to sorafenib in the presence or absence of MPT0E028, and cell viability was determined by MTT assay. Effects of combined treatment on cell cycle and intracellular signaling pathways were assessed by flow cytometry and Western blot analysis. The Hep3B xenograft model was used to examine the antitumor activity in vivo.

Results: Our data indicate that sorafenib and MPT0E028 synergistically reduced cell viability in liver cancer cells, and also markedly induced apoptotic cell death in these cells, as evidenced by the cleavage of caspase-3, PARP, and DNA fragmentation. MPT0E028 altered the global modifications of histone and nonhistone proteins regardless of the presence of sorafenib. However, sorafenib blocked MPT0E028-induced Erk activation and its downstream signaling cascades, such as Stat3 phosphorylation (Ser727) and Mcl-1 upregulation. Ectopic expression of constitutively active Mek successively reversed the apoptosis triggered by the combined treatment. Pharmacologic inhibition of Mek by PD98059 potentiated MPT0E028-induced apoptosis, suggesting that the synergistic interaction between MPT0E028 and sorafenib occurs at least partly through inhibition of Erk signaling. The data demonstrated that transcriptional activation of fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 (FGFR3) contributes to MPT0E028-mediated Erk phosphorylation. Finally, MPT0E028 plus sorafenib significantly improved the tumor growth delay (TGD) in a Hep3B xenograft model.

Conclusions: These findings suggest that MPT0E028 in combination with sorafenib has significant anti-hepatocellular carcinoma activity in preclinical models, potentially suggesting a novel therapeutic strategy for patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma. Clin Cancer Res; 20(5); 1274–87. ©2014 AACR.
Prevalence of Inferobasal Myocardial Crypts Among Patients Referred for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance
Authors: Petryka Joanna , Baksi A. John , Prasad Sanjay K. , Pennell Dudley J. , Kilner Philip J.
Published: February 2014

Background—

Crypts or clefts in the left ventricular inferobasal myocardium have been detected by cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR), but the extent to which they represent prephenotypic markers of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) or incidental structural variants remains controversial.

Methods and Results—

We examined retrospectively the routine vertical long-axis cines in 686 consecutive patients (48±20 years, 55% men) referred for CMR. Crypts were identified in 46 (6.7%), 17 being among patients (8.7% of 196) with otherwise normal CMR findings and without a known family history of HCM. Higher percentages were found in patients with HCM (16%), myocarditis (15%), and hypertension (14%) but without reaching statistical significance (
P
=0.12). Only 1 (5%) of 20 phenotype -negative HCM family members had a visible crypt. Relative to those without, patients with crypts had lower indexed left ventricular end-systolic volumes (
P
=0.042) and higher indexed left and right ventricular stroke volumes (
P
=0.007 and
P
=0.015) and ejection fractions (
P
=0.003 and
P
=0.021). Crypts tended to narrow in systole, varying slightly in size, shape- and number, without obvious group-related features.

Conclusions—

Single or paired inferobasal myocardial crypts were an occasional and by no means rare finding among patients referred for CMR without a pretest suspicion of HCM. This, together with similar previous findings in a cohort of healthy volunteers, supports their being regarded, in such individuals, as incidental variants of local myocardial structure, unlikely to require further investigation. However, a larger registry-type study may be justified to investigate the clinical implications of multiple crypts, especially if associated with HCM family history.
18F-Sodium Fluoride Uptake Is a Marker of Active Calcification and Disease Progression in Patients With Aortic Stenosis
Authors: Dweck Marc R. , Jenkins William S.A. , Vesey Alex T. , Pringle Mark A.H. , Chin Calvin W.L. , Malley Tamir S. , Cowie William J.A. , Tsampasian Vasiliki , Richardson Hamish , Fletcher Alison , Wallace William A. , Pessotto Renzo , van Beek Edwin J.R. , Boon Nicholas A. , Rudd James H.F. , Newby David E.
Published: February 2014

Background—

18F-Sodium fluoride (18F-NaF) and 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) are promising novel biomarkers of disease activity in aortic stenosis. We compared 18F-NaF and 18F-FDG uptake with histological characterization of the aortic valve and assessed whether they predicted disease progression.

Methods and Results—

Thirty patients with aortic stenosis underwent combined positron emission and computed tomography using 18F-NaF and 18F-FDG radiotracers. In 12 patients undergoing aortic valve replacement surgery (10 for each tracer), radiotracer uptake (mean tissue/background ratio) was compared with CD68 (inflammation), alkaline phosphatase, and osteocalcin (calcification) immunohistochemistry of the excised valve. In 18 patients (6 aortic sclerosis, 5 mild, and 7 moderate), aortic valve computed tomography calcium scoring was performed at baseline and after 1 year. Aortic valve 18F-NaF uptake correlated with both alkaline phosphatase (
r
=0.65;
P
=0.04) and osteocalcin (
r
=0.68;
P
=0.03) immunohistochemistry. There was no significant correlation between 18F-FDG uptake and CD68 staining (
r
=−0.43;
P
=0.22). After 1 year, aortic valve calcification increased from 314 (193–540) to 365 (207–934) AU (
P
<0.01). Baseline 18F-NaF uptake correlated closely with the change in calcium score (
r
=0.66;
P
<0.01), and this improved further (
r
=0.75;
P
<0.01) when 18F-NaF uptake overlying computed tomography–defined macrocalcification was excluded. No significant correlation was noted between valvular 18F-FDG uptake and change in calcium score (
r
=−0.11;
P
=0.66).

Conclusions—

18F-NaF uptake identifies active tissue calcification and predicts disease progression in patients with calcific aortic stenosis.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT01358513.
Exchange Protein Directly Activated by cAMP Mediates Slow Delayed-Rectifier Current Remodeling by Sustained β-Adrenergic Activation in Guinea Pig Hearts
Authors: Aflaki Mona , Qi Xiao-Yan , Xiao Ling , Ordog Balazs , Tadevosyan Artavazd , Luo Xiaobin , Maguy Ange , Shi Yanfen , Tardif Jean-Claude , Nattel Stanley
Published: February 2014

Rationale:

β-Adrenoceptor activation contributes to sudden death risk in heart failure. Chronic β-adrenergic stimulation, as occurs in patients with heart failure, causes potentially arrhythmogenic reductions in slow delayed-rectifier K
+
current (I
Ks
).

Objective:

To assess the molecular mechanisms of I
Ks
downregulation caused by chronic β-adrenergic activation, particularly the role of exchange protein directly activated by cAMP (Epac).

Methods and Results:

Isolated guinea pig left ventricular cardiomyocytes were incubated in primary culture and exposed to isoproterenol (1 μmol/L) or vehicle for 30 hours. Sustained isoproterenol exposure decreased I
Ks
density (whole cell patch clamp) by 58% (
P
<0.0001), with corresponding decreases in potassium voltage-gated channel subfamily E member 1 (KCNE1) mRNA and membrane protein expression (by 45% and 51%, respectively). Potassium voltage-gated channel, KQT-like subfamily, member 1 (KCNQ1) mRNA expression was unchanged. The β1-adrenoceptor antagonist 1-[2-((3-Carbamoyl-4-hydroxy)phenoxy)ethylamino]-3-[4-(1-methyl-4-trifluoromethyl-2-imidazolyl)phenoxy]-2-propanol dihydrochloride (CGP-20712A) prevented isoproterenol-induced I
Ks
downregulation, whereas the β
2
-antagonist ICI-118551 had no effect. The selective Epac activator 8-pCPT-2′-O-Me-cAMP decreased I
Ks
density to an extent similar to isoproterenol exposure, and adenoviral-mediated knockdown of Epac1 prevented isoproterenol-induced I
Ks
/KCNE1 downregulation. In contrast, protein kinase A inhibition with a cell-permeable highly selective peptide blocker did not affect I
Ks
downregulation. 1,2-Bis(o-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N′,N′-tetraacetate-AM acetoxymethyl ester (BAPTA-AM), cyclosporine, and inhibitor of nuclear factor of activated T cell (NFAT)-calcineurin association-6 (INCA6) prevented I
Ks
reduction by isoproterenol and INCA6 suppressed isoproterenol-induced KCNE1 downregulation, consistent with signal-transduction via the Ca
2+
/calcineurin/NFAT pathway. Isoproterenol induced nuclear NFATc3/c4 translocation (immunofluorescence), which was suppressed by Epac1 knockdown. Chronic in vivo administration of isoproterenol to guinea pigs reduced I
Ks
density and KCNE1 mRNA and protein expression while inducing cardiac dysfunction and action potential prolongation. Selective in vivo activation of Epac via sp-8-pCPT-2′-O-Me-cAMP infusion decreased I
Ks
density and KCNE1 mRNA/protein expression.

Conclusions:

Prolonged β
1
-adrenoceptor stimulation suppresses I
Ks
by downregulating KCNE1 mRNA and protein via Epac-mediated Ca
2+
/calcineurin/NFAT signaling. These results provide new insights into the molecular basis of K
+
channel remodeling under sustained adrenergic stimulation.