bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vitamin A Impairs the Reprogramming of Tregs into IL-17-Producing Cells during Intestinal Inflammation
Authors: Tejón Gabriela , Manríquez Valeria , De Calisto Jaime , Flores-Santibáñez Felipe , Hidalgo Yessia , Crisóstomo Natalia , Fernández Dominique , Sauma Daniela , Mora J. Rodrigo , Bono María R. , Rosemblatt Mario
Published: October 2015

Maintaining the identity of Foxp3+regulatory T cells (Tregs) is critical for controlling immune responses in the gut, where an imbalance between Tregs and T effector cells has been linked to inflammatory bowel disease. Accumulating evidence suggests that Tregs can convert into Th17 cells and acquire an inflammatory phenotype. In this study, we used an adoptive transfer model of Ag-specific T cells to study the contribution of different factors to the reprogramming ofin vitro-generated Treg cells (iTreg) into IL-17-producing cells in a mouse model of gut inflammationin vivo. Our results show that intestinal inflammation induces the reprogramming of iTreg cells into IL-17-producing cells and that vitamin A restrains reprogramming in the gut. We also demonstrate that the presence of IL-2 during thein vitrogeneration of iTreg cells confers resistance to Th17 conversion but that IL-2 and retinoic acid (RA) cooperate to maintain Foxp3 expression following stimulation under Th17-polarizing conditions. Additionally, although IL-2 and RA differentially regulate the expression of different Treg cell suppressive markers, Treg cells generated under different polarizing conditions present similar suppressive capacity.
A Rare Case of Flare-Up of PID in Infertility Treatment
Authors: Wadhwa Leena , Wadhwa Sanjana N. , Jindal Sunita
Published: October 2015

Case Presentation. Mrs. X, 35 years old, case of primary infertility, was diagnosed to have genital tuberculosis on the basis of PCR positive and hysterolaparoscopy findings and received category I ATT for 6 months. Following ATT completion, her USG revealed no evidence of tuboovarian mass or hydrosalpinx. Since her tubes were patent, she underwent 3 cycles of ovulation induction and 2 cycles of IUI. The women presented with acute PID, five days after IUI, and was conservatively managed. She again presented 24 days after IUI with persistent low grade fever and abdominal pain. Suspecting relapse of genital tuberculosis, she was started on category II ATT. She had acute episodes of high grade fever with chills 2 weeks after starting ATT and MRI revealed bilateral TO masses suggestive of pyosalpinx. Emergency laparotomy was done, pus was drained, and cyst wall was removed and HPE was suggestive of chronic inflammation with few granulation tissues. ATT was continued for one year and the woman improved.Conclusion. The possibility of flare-up of PID (pelvic inflammatory disease) in treated case of tuberculosis undergoing infertility management should be kept in mind and aggressive management should be done.
On the Distribution of Norm of Vector Projection and Rejection of Two Complex Normal Random Vectors
Authors: Maleki Mehdi , Bahrami Hamid Reza
Published: October 2015

Vector projection and vector rejection are highly common and useful operations in mathematics, information theory, and signal processing. In this paper, we find the distribution of the norm of projection and rejection vectors when the original vectors are standard complex normally distributed.
An In Vivo Study of Low-Dose Intra-Articular Tranexamic Acid Application with Prolonged Clamping Drain Method in Total Knee Replacement: Clinical Efficacy and Safety
Authors: Sa-ngasoongsong Paphon , Chanplakorn Pongsthorn , Wongsak Siwadol , Uthadorn Krisorn , Panpikoon Tanapong , Jittorntam Paisan , Aryurachai Katcharin , Angchaisukisiri Pantap , Kawinwonggowit Viroj
Published: October 2015

Background. Recently, combined intra-articular tranexamic acid (IA-TXA) injection with clamping drain method showed efficacy for blood loss and transfusion reduction in total knee replacement (TKR). However, until now, none of previous studies revealed the effect of this technique on pharmacokinetics, coagulation, and fibrinolysis.Materials and Methods. An experimental study was conducted, during 2011-2012, in 30 patients undergoing unilateral TKR. Patients received IA-TXA application and then were allocated into six groups regarding clamping drain duration (2-, 4-, 6-, 8-, 10-, and 12-hours). Blood and drainage fluid were collected to measure tranexamic acid (TXA) level and related coagulation and fibrinolytic markers. Postoperative complication was followed for one year.Results. There was no significant difference of serum TXA level at 2 hour and 24 hour among groups(p<0.05). Serum TXA level at time of clamp release was significantly different among groups with the highest level at 2 hour(p<0.0001). There was no significant difference of TXA level in drainage fluid, postoperative blood loss, blood transfusion, and postoperative complications(p<0.05).  Conclusions. Low-dose IA-TXA application in TKR with prolonged clamping drain method is a safe and effective blood conservative technique with only minimal systemic absorption and without significant increase in systemic absorption over time.
Optical and Sensing Properties of Cu Doped ZnO Nanocrystalline Thin Films
Authors: Shukla R. K. , Srivastava Anchal , Kumar Nishant , Pandey Akhilesh , Pandey Mamta
Published: October 2015

Undoped and Cu doped ZnO films of two different molarities deposited by spray pyrolysis using zinc nitrate and cupric chloride as precursors show polycrystalline nature and hexagonal wurtzite structure of ZnO. The crystallite size varies between 10 and 21 nm. Doping increases the transmittance of the films whereas the optical band gap of ZnO is reduced from 3.28 to 3.18 eV. With increment in doping the surface morphology changes from irregular shaped grains to netted structure with holes and then to net making needle-like structures which lends gas sensing characteristics to the films. Undoped ZnO shows maximum sensitivity at 400°C for higher concentration of CO2. The sensitivity of Cu doped sample is maximum at 200°C for all CO2concentrations from 500 to 4000 ppm.
Improvement on Load-Induced Cascading Failure in Asymmetrical Interdependent Networks: Modeling and Analysis
Authors: Han Haiyan , Yang Rennong
Published: October 2015

Many real-world systems can be depicted as interdependent networks and they usually show an obvious property of asymmetry. Furthermore, node or edge failure can trigger load redistribution which leads to a cascade of failure in the whole network. In order to deeply investigate the load-induced cascading failure, firstly, an asymmetrical model of interdependent network consisting of a hierarchical weighted network and a WS small-world network is constructed. Secondly, an improved “load-capacity” model is applied for node failure and edge failure, respectively, followed by a series of simulations of cascading failure over networks in both interdependent and isolated statuses. The simulation results prove that the robustness in isolated network changes more promptly than that in the interdependent one. Network robustness is positively related to “capacity,” but negatively related to “load.” The hierarchical weight structure in the subnetwork leads to a “plateau” phenomenon in the progress of cascading failure.
Free Vibration Analysis for Cracked FGM Beams by Means of a Continuous Beam Model
Authors: Yang E Chuan , Zhao Xiang , Li Ying Hui
Published: October 2015

Based on Euler-Bernoulli beam theory and a continuous stiffness beam model, the free vibration of rectangular-section beams made of functionally graded materials (FGMs) containing open edge cracks is studied. Assuming the material gradients follow exponential distribution along beam thickness direction, the conversion relation between the vibration governing equations of a FGM beam and that of an isotropic homogenous beam is deduced. A continuous function is used to characterize the bending stiffness of an edge cracked FGM beam. Thus, the cracked FGM beam is treated as an intact beam with continuously varying bending stiffness along its longitudinal direction. The characteristic equations of beams with different boundary conditions are obtained by transfer matrix method. To verify the validity of the proposed method, natural frequencies for intact and cracked FGM beams are calculated and compared with those obtained by three-dimensional finite element method (3D FEM) and available data in the literature. After that, further discussions are carried out to analyze the influences of crack depth, crack location, material property, and slenderness ratio on the natural frequencies of the cracked FGM beams.
Basis for the Induction of Tissue-Level Phase-2 Reentry as a Repolarization Disorder in the Brugada Syndrome
Authors: Bueno-Orovio Alfonso , Cherry Elizabeth M. , Evans Steven J. , Fenton Flavio H.
Published: October 2015

Aims. Human action potentials in the Brugada syndrome have been characterized by delayed or even complete loss of dome formation, especially in the right ventricular epicardial layers. Such a repolarization pattern is believed to trigger phase-2 reentry (P2R); however, little is known about the conditions necessary for its initiation. This study aims to determine the specific mechanisms that facilitate P2R induction in Brugada-affected cardiac tissue in humans.Methods. Ionic models for Brugada syndrome in human epicardial cells were developed and used to study the induction of P2R in cables, sheets, and a three-dimensional model of the right ventricular free wall.Results. In one-dimensional cables, P2R can be induced by adjoining lost-dome and delayed-dome regions, as mediated by tissue excitability and transmembrane voltage profiles, and reduced coupling facilitates its induction. In two and three dimensions, sustained reentry can arise when three regions (delayed-dome, lost-dome, and normal epicardium) are present.Conclusions. Not only does P2R induction by Brugada syndrome require regions of action potential with delayed-dome and lost-dome, but in order to generate a sustained reentry from a triggered waveback multiple factors are necessary, including heterogeneity in action potential distribution, tissue coupling, direction of stimulation, the shape of the late plateau, the duration of lost-dome action potentials, and recovery of tissue excitability, which is predominantly modulated by tissue coupling.
Fault Detection for Multimodal Process Using Quality-Relevant Kernel Neighborhood Preserving Embedding
Authors: Fan Yunpeng , Du Wenyou , Zhang Yingwei , Wang Xiaogang
Published: October 2015

A new method named quality-relevant kernel neighborhood preserving embedding (QKNPE) has been proposed. Quality variables have been considered for the first time in kernel neighborhood preserving embedding (KNPE) method for monitoring multimodal process. In summary, the whole algorithm is a two-step process: first, to improve manifold structure and to deal with multimodal nonlinearity problem, the neighborhood preserving embedding technique is introduced; and second to monitoring the complete production process, the product quality variables are added in the objective function. Compared with the conventional monitoring method, the proposed method has the following advantages: (1) the hidden manifold which related to the character of industrial process has been embedded to a low dimensional space and the identifying information of the different mode of the monitored system has been extracted; (2) the product quality as an important factor has been considered for the first time in manifold method. In the experiment section, we applied this method to electrofused magnesia furnace (EFMF) process, which is a representative case study. The experimental results show the effectiveness of the proposed method.
The Dynamics of a Diffusive Nutrient-Algae Model Based upon the Sanyang Wetland
Authors: Wang Yi , Zhao Min , Dai Chuanjun , Deng Yunli
Published: October 2015

The stability and spatiotemporal dynamics of a diffusive nutrient-algae model are investigated mathematically and numerically. Mathematical theoretical studies have considered the positivity and boundedness of the solution and the existence, local stability, and global stability of equilibria. Turing instability has also been studied. Furthermore, a series of numerical simulations was performed and a complex Turing pattern found. These results indicate that the nutrient input rate has an important influence on the density and spatial distribution of algae populations. This may help us to obtain a better understanding of the interactions of nutrient and algae and to investigate plankton dynamics in aquatic ecosystems.
Undersampled Hyperspectral Image Reconstruction Based on Surfacelet Transform
Authors: Liu Lei , Yan Jingwen , Guo Di , Liu Yunsong , Qu Xiaobo
Published: October 2015

Hyperspectral imaging is a crucial technique for military and environmental monitoring. However, limited equipment hardware resources severely affect the transmission and storage of a huge amount of data for hyperspectral images. This limitation has the potentials to be solved by compressive sensing (CS), which allows reconstructing images from undersampled measurements with low error. Sparsity and incoherence are two essential requirements for CS. In this paper, we introduce surfacelet, a directional multiresolution transform for 3D data, to sparsify the hyperspectral images. Besides, a Gram-Schmidt orthogonalization is used in CS random encoding matrix, two-dimensional and three-dimensional orthogonal CS random encoding matrixes and a patch-based CS encoding scheme are designed. The proposed surfacelet-based hyperspectral images reconstruction problem is solved by a fast iterative shrinkage-thresholding algorithm. Experiments demonstrate that reconstruction of spectral lines and spatial images is significantly improved using the proposed method than using conventional three-dimensional wavelets, and growing randomness of encoding matrix can further improve the quality of hyperspectral data. Patch-based CS encoding strategy can be used to deal with large data because data in different patches can be independently sampled.
A Multimetric Ant Colony Optimization Algorithm for Dynamic Path Planning in Vehicular Networks
Authors: Wang Zhen , Li Jianqing , Fang Manlin , Li Yang
Published: October 2015

With the rapid growth in the number of vehicles, energy consumption and environmental pollution in urban transportation have become a worldwide problem. Efforts to reduce urban congestion and provide green intelligent transport become a hot field of research. In this paper, a multimetric ant colony optimization algorithm is presented to achieve real-time dynamic path planning in complicated urban transportation. Firstly, four attributes are extracted from real urban traffic environment as the pheromone values of ant colony optimization algorithm, which could achieve real-time path planning. Then Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution methods is adopted in forks to select the optimal road. Finally, a vehicular simulation network is set up and many experiments were taken. The results show that the proposed method can achieve the real-time planning path more accurately and quickly in vehicular networks with traffic congestion. At the same time it could effectively avoid local optimum compared with the traditional algorithms.
Effects of Temperature and Stirring on Mass Transfer to Maximize Biodiesel Production from Jatropha curcas Oil: A Mathematical Study
Authors: Al Basir Fahad , Roy Priti Kumar
Published: October 2015

Biodiesel, the most promising renewable and alternative energy, is produced through transesterification of vegetable oils. One of the most cost effective sources of biodiesel is Jatropha curcas oil. Transesterification of Jatropha oil depends significantly on reaction parameters such as reaction time, temperature, molar ratio, catalyst amount, and stirrer speed. Among these parameters temperature and stirring have noteworthy effect on mass transfer. In this research article, we have shown the simultaneous effect of temperature and stirring on mass transfer by considering a mathematical model. The optimal profiles of temperature and stirring are determined as a combined parameter, for which maximum biodiesel can be obtained. Further, we have shown that this pair exists and is unique for the optimality of the system.
Advanced Software Ground Station and UAV Development for NLoS Control Using Mobile Communications
Authors: AbdElHamid Amr , Zong Peng , Abdelhamid Bassant
Published: October 2015

Over the last decades, Unmanned Aerial Systems (UASs) have gained much attention due to their various applications in different sections. However, their communication range is limited to utilized communication equipment. Therefore, utilization of GSM channels opens a new prospect towards long distance UAV missions and mobile command and control centers. This paper demonstrates new design and development of a small-scale UAV and a Ground Control Station (GCS) using GSM bidirectional communications for Non-Line of Sight (NLoS) long range control. GCSs are considered the front end node in UAV guidance process. Therefore, the proposed GCS employs a two-layer framework to consider all ground pilot requirements. Moreover, a new exploitation of global weather forecast data is added to the GCS. On the other hand, the proposed airborne system utilizes a new integration of different Commercial off-the-Shelf (COTS) components and excludes short range receivers. The ground and flight tests show that stable bidirectional GSM communication is established, reliable hardware integration is accomplished, real time performance is achieved, GCS functional fidelity is obtained, and low cost is maintained. Finally, some qualitative aspects of the proposed platform are presented to address the detailed features.
A Study on the Power Consumption of H.264/AVC-Based Video Sensor Network
Authors: Sarif Bambang A. B. , Pourazad Mahsa , Nasiopoulos Panos , Leung Victor C. M.
Published: October 2015

There is an increasing interest in using video sensor networks (VSNs) as an alternative to existing video monitoring/surveillance applications. Due to the limited amount of energy resources available in VSNs, power consumption efficiency is one of the most important design challenges in VSNs. Video encoding contributes to a significant portion of the overall power consumption at the VSN nodes. In this regard, the encoding parameter settings used at each node determine the coding complexity and bitrate of the video. This, in turn, determines the encoding and transmission power consumption of the node and the VSN overall. Therefore, in order to calculate the nodes’ power consumption, we need to be able to estimate the coding complexity and bitrate of the video. In this paper, we modeled the coding complexity and bitrate of the H.264/AVC encoder, based on the encoding parameter settings used. We also propose a method to reduce the model estimation error for videos whose content changes within a specified period of time. We have conducted our experiments using a large video dataset captured from real-life applications in the analysis. Using the proposed model, we show how to estimate the VSN power consumption for a given topology.
Th17 Cell Plasticity and Functions in Cancer Immunity
Authors: Guéry Leslie , Hugues Stéphanie
Published: October 2015

Th17 cells represent a particular subset of T helper lymphocytes characterized by high production of IL-17 and other inflammatory cytokines. Th17 cells participate in antimicrobial immunity at mucosal and epithelial barriers and particularly fight against extracellular bacteria and fungi. While a role for Th17 cells in promoting inflammation and autoimmune disorders has been extensively and elegantly demonstrated, it is still controversial whether and how Th17 cells influence tumor immunity. Although Th17 cells specifically accumulate in many different types of tumors compared to healthy tissues, the outcome might however differ from a tumor type to another. Th17 cells were consequently associated with both good and bad prognoses. The high plasticity of those cells toward cells exhibiting either anti-inflammatory or in contrast pathogenic functions might contribute to Th17 versatile functions in the tumor context. On one hand, Th17 cells promote tumor growth by inducing angiogenesis (via IL-17) and by exerting themselves immunosuppressive functions. On the other hand, Th17 cells drive antitumor immune responses by recruiting immune cells into tumors, activating effector CD8+T cells, or even directly by converting toward Th1 phenotype and producing IFN-γ. In this review, we are discussing the impact of the tumor microenvironment on Th17 cell plasticity and function and its implications in cancer immunity.
Mobile Phone-Based Joint Angle Measurement for Functional Assessment and Rehabilitation of Proprioception
Authors: Mourcou Quentin , Fleury Anthony , Diot Bruno , Franco Céline , Vuillerme Nicolas
Published: October 2015

Assessment of joint functional and proprioceptive abilities is essential for balance, posture, and motor control rehabilitation. Joint functional ability refers to the capacity of movement of the joint. It may be evaluated thereby measuring the joint range of motion (ROM). Proprioception can be defined as the perception of the position and of the movement of various body parts in space. Its role is essential in sensorimotor control for movement acuity, joint stability, coordination, and balance. Its clinical evaluation is commonly based on the assessment of the joint position sense (JPS). Both ROM and JPS measurements require estimating angles through goniometer, scoliometer, laser-pointer, and bubble or digital inclinometer. With the arrival of Smartphones, these costly clinical tools tend to be replaced. Beyond evaluation, maintaining and/or improving joint functional and proprioceptive abilities by training with physical therapy is important for long-term management. This review aims to report Smartphone applications used for measuring and improving functional and proprioceptive abilities. It identifies that Smartphone applications are reliable for clinical measurements and are mainly used to assess ROM and JPS. However, there is lack of studies on Smartphone applications which can be used in an autonomous way to provide physical therapy exercises at home.
Water Absorption and Thermomechanical Characterization of Extruded Starch/Poly(lactic acid)/Agave Bagasse Fiber Bioplastic Composites
Authors: Aranda-García F. J. , González-Núñez R. , Jasso-Gastinel C. F. , Mendizábal E.
Published: October 2015

Water absorption and thermomechanical behavior of composites based on thermoplastic starch (TPS) are presented in this work, wherein the concentration of agave bagasse fibers (ABF, 0–15 wt%) and poly(lactic acid) (PLA, 0–30 wt%) is varied. Glycerol (G) is used as starch (S) plasticizer to form TPS. Starch stands as the polymer matrix (70/30 wt/wt, S/G). The results show that TPS hygroscopicity decreases as PLA and fiber content increase. Storage, stress-strain, and flexural moduli increase with PLA and/or agave bagasse fibers (ABF) content while impact resistance decreases. The TPS glass transition temperature increases with ABF content and decreases with PLA content. Micrographs of the studied biocomposites show a stratified brittle surface with a rigid fiber fracture.
Iodine-Supported Hip Implants: Short Term Clinical Results
Authors: Kabata Tamon , Maeda Toru , Kajino Yoshitomo , Hasegawa Kazuhiro , Inoue Daisuke , Yamamoto Takashi , Takagi Tomoharu , Ohmori Takaaki , Tsuchiya Hiroyuki
Published: October 2015

We developed a new povidone iodine coating technology for titanium hip implants and performed a clinical trial to assess its usefulness in suppressing postoperative infection. Results indicate that iodine-supported titanium has favorable antibacterial activity, biocompatibility, and no cytotoxicity. Thirty joints in 28 patients were treated using iodine-supported implants. Fourteen joints were revision total hip arthroplasty (THA) after periprosthetic infection, 13 were primary THA for immunosuppressive conditions or pyogenic arthritis, and 3 were conversions from hemiarthroplasty to THA for immunosuppressive conditions. Two examinations were conducted sequentially until final follow-up: white blood cell (WBC) and C-reactive protein (CRP) were measured pre- and postoperatively and thyroid hormone levels in the blood were examined. The mean follow-up period was 33 months (14–78). There were no signs of infection in any patient at the last follow-up. WBC and CRP levels returned to normal within several weeks. No abnormalities of thyroid gland function were detected. Loosening of the implants did not occur in any patient. Excellent bone ingrowth and ongrowth were found around prostheses. No cytotoxicity or adverse effects were detected. These results suggest that iodine-supported THA implants can be highly effective in preventing and treating postoperative infections.
Summary Instance: Scalable Event Priority Determination Engine for Large-Scale Distributed Event-Based System
Authors: Shi Ruisheng , Zhang Yang , Lan Lina , Li Fei , Chen Junliang
Published: October 2015

Data prioritization problem is paramount for distributed publish/subscribe infrastructure to the timely delivery of real-time events since a large number of low priority events may clog the channel thereby causing high priority events to get delayed. The challenge raised for the event-based middleware in large-scale distributed system such as vehicular ad hoc networks is that event priority determination engine must be efficient and scalable in terms of priority rule size and event throughputs. This paper proposes an innovative approach based on Bloom filter and event discretization. A Bloom filter data structure is used to store the rule instances and their priorities. The complex rule evaluation is reduced to set membership testing as queries on Bloom filters. The time complexity of data prioritization is constant and independent of the number of priority rules. As event discretization signatures can be cached, this approach is cache friendly in nature. The previous computation results can be cached in overlay network nodes and reused to improve the system throughputs and determination time. We have evaluated our proposed approach and the results show a significant performance improvement.
Sulforaphane Protects against Cardiovascular Disease via Nrf2 Activation
Authors: Bai Yang , Wang Xiaolu , Zhao Song , Ma Chunye , Cui Jiuwei , Zheng Yang
Published: October 2015

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) causes an unparalleled proportion of the global burden of disease and will remain the main cause of mortality for the near future. Oxidative stress plays a major role in the pathophysiology of cardiac disorders. Several studies have highlighted the cardinal role played by the overproduction of reactive oxygen or nitrogen species in the pathogenesis of ischemic myocardial damage and consequent cardiac dysfunction. Isothiocyanates (ITC) are sulfur-containing compounds that are broadly distributed among cruciferous vegetables. Sulforaphane (SFN) is an ITC shown to possess anticancer activities by bothin vivoand epidemiological studies. Recent data have indicated that the beneficial effects of SFN in CVD are due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. SFN activates NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), a basic leucine zipper transcription factor that serves as a defense mechanism against oxidative stress and electrophilic toxicants by inducing more than a hundred cytoprotective proteins, including antioxidants and phase II detoxifying enzymes. This review will summarize the evidence from clinical studies and animal experiments relating to the potential mechanisms by which SFN modulates Nrf2 activation and protects against CVD.
RNA 1 and RNA 2 Genomic Segments of Chronic Bee Paralysis Virus Are Infectious and Induce Chronic Bee Paralysis Disease
Authors: Youssef Ibrahim , Schurr Frank , Goulet Adeline , Cougoule Nicolas , Ribière-Chabert Magali , Darbon Hervé , Thiéry Richard , Dubois Eric
Published: October 2015

Chronic bee paralysis virus (CBPV) causes an infectious and contagious disease of adult honeybees. Its segmented genome is composed of two major positive single-stranded RNAs, RNA 1 (3,674 nt) and RNA 2 (2,305 nt). Three minor RNAs (about 1,000 nt each) have been described earlier but they were not detected by sequencing of CBPV genome. In this study, the results ofin vivoinoculation of the two purified CBPV major RNAs are presented and demonstrate that RNA 1 and RNA 2 are infectious. Honeybees inoculated with 109RNA copies per bee developed paralysis symptoms within 6 days after inoculation. The number of CBPV RNA copies increased significantly throughout the infection. Moreover, the negative strand of CBPV RNA was detected by RT-PCR, and CBPV particles were visualized by electronic microscopy in inoculated honeybees. Taken together, these results show that CBPV RNA 1 and CBPV RNA 2 segments can induce virus replication and produce CBPV virus particles. Therefore, the three minor RNAs described in early studies are not essential for virus replication. These data are crucial for the development of a reverse genetic system for CBPV.
Computational Approaches to Understanding the Role of Fibroblast-Myocyte Interactions in Cardiac Arrhythmogenesis
Authors: Brown Tashalee R. , Krogh-Madsen Trine , Christini David J.
Published: October 2015

The adult heart is composed of a dense network of cardiomyocytes surrounded by nonmyocytes, the most abundant of which are cardiac fibroblasts. Several cardiac diseases, such as myocardial infarction or dilated cardiomyopathy, are associated with an increased density of fibroblasts, that is, fibrosis. Fibroblasts play a significant role in the development of electrical and mechanical dysfunction of the heart; however the underlying mechanisms are only partially understood. One widely studied mechanism suggests that fibroblasts produce excess extracellular matrix, resulting in collagenous septa. These collagenous septa slow propagation, cause zig-zag conduction paths, and decouple cardiomyocytes resulting in a substrate for arrhythmia. Another emerging mechanism suggests that fibroblasts promote arrhythmogenesis through direct electrical interactions with cardiomyocytes via gap junctions. Due to the challenges of investigating fibroblast-myocyte coupling in native cardiac tissue, computational modeling andin vitroexperiments have facilitated the investigation into the mechanisms underlying fibroblast-mediated changes in cardiomyocyte action potential morphology, conduction velocity, spontaneous excitability, and vulnerability to reentry. In this paper, we summarize the major findings of the existing computational studies investigating the implications of fibroblast-myocyte interactions in the normal and diseased heart. We then present investigations from our group into the potential role of voltage-dependent gap junctions in fibroblast-myocyte interactions.
Simulating Cardiac Electrophysiology Using Unstructured All-Hexahedra Spectral Elements
Authors: Cuccuru Gianmauro , Fotia Giorgio , Maggio Fabio , Southern James
Published: October 2015

We discuss the application of the spectral element method to the monodomain and bidomain equations describing propagation of cardiac action potential. Models of cardiac electrophysiology consist of a system of partial differential equations coupled with a system of ordinary differential equations representing cell membrane dynamics. The solution of these equations requires solving multiple length scales due to the ratio of advection to diffusion that varies among the different equations. High order approximation of spectral elements provides greater flexibility in resolving multiple length scales. Furthermore, spectral elements are extremely efficient to model propagation phenomena on complex shapes using fewer degrees of freedom than its finite element equivalent (for the same level of accuracy). We illustrate a fully unstructured all-hexahedra approach implementation of the method and we apply it to the solution of full 3D monodomain and bidomain test cases. We discuss some key elements of the proposed approach on some selected benchmarks and on an anatomically based whole heart human computational model.
A Flexible Framework for Assessing the Quality of Information in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Guo Hao , Pan Zhongming , Huang Zhiping , Zhou Jing
Published: October 2015

As wireless sensor networks (WSNs) often provide incorrect and outdated information about the events in a monitored environment, quality of information (QoI) assessment is invaluable for users to manage and use the information in particular applications. In this paper, we propose a flexible framework to dynamically assess the QoI in different WSN applications, with focus on accuracy and timeliness. Our framework is constructed on the infrastructure of an information aggregation procedure under some assumptions about the network. Based on information fusion theory, two processing models are adopted to assess the accuracy of low-level measurement data and high-level decision information without the need for Ground Truth (GT). Meanwhile, our framework generally exploits two respective models according to the specific category of the information timeliness in different delay-sensitive applications. To quantify the timeliness, we utilize a practical measurement method by means of timestamp to determine the information acquisition time. The framework is evaluated by simulations, including accuracy assessment in two environmental monitoring application scenarios, and timeliness assessment in two delay-sensitive application scenarios. The simulation results show that our framework is effective and flexible for quantitative assessment of the QoI in different WSN applications.
T Lymphocyte Dynamics in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: Role of the Microbiome
Authors: Larmonier C. B. , Shehab K. W. , Ghishan F. K. , Kiela P. R.
Published: October 2015

Humans have coevolved with a complex community of bacterial species also referred to as the microbiome, which reciprocally provides critical contributions to human metabolism and immune system development. Gut microbiome composition differs significantly between individuals depending on host genetics, diet, and environmental factors. A dysregulation of the symbiotic nature of the intestinal host-microbial relationship and an aberrant and persistent immune response are the fundamental processes involved in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). Considering the essential role of T cells in IBD and the contributing role of the microbiome in shaping the immune response during the pathogenesis of IBD, this review focuses on the complex relationship, interplay, and communication between the gut microbiome and T cells, including their differentiation into different subsets of effector or regulatory cells.
A Comprehensive Sensitivity Analysis of a Data Center Network with Server Virtualization for Business Continuity
Authors: Nguyen Tuan Anh , Min Dugki , Park Jong Sou
Published: October 2015

Sensitivity assessment of availability for data center networks (DCNs) is of paramount importance in design and management of cloud computing based businesses. Previous work has presented a performance modeling and analysis of a fat-tree based DCN using queuing theory. In this paper, we present a comprehensive availability modeling and sensitivity analysis of a DCell-based DCN with server virtualization for business continuity using stochastic reward nets (SRN). We use SRN in modeling to capture complex behaviors and dependencies of the system in detail. The models take into account (i) two DCell configurations, respectively, composed of two and three physical hosts in a DCell0unit, (ii) failure modes and corresponding recovery behaviors of hosts, switches, and VMs, and VM live migration mechanism within and between DCell0s, and (iii) dependencies between subsystems (e.g., between a host and VMs and between switches and VMs in the same DCell0). The constructed SRN models are analyzed in detail with regard to various metrics of interest to investigate system’s characteristics. A comprehensive sensitivity analysis of system availability is carried out in consideration of the major impacting parameters in order to observe the system’s complicated behaviors and find the bottlenecks of system availability. The analysis results show the availability improvement, capability of fault tolerance, and business continuity of the DCNs complying with DCell network topology. This study provides a basis of designing and management of DCNs for business continuity.
Network Structure-Aware Ant-Based Routing in Large-Scale Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Kim Kyungdoh , Ha Chunghun , Ok Changsoo
Published: October 2015

Routing algorithms for large-scale sensor networks should be capable of finding energy efficient paths to prolong the lifetime of the networks in a decentralized manner. With this respect, Ant System has several proper characteristics for routing algorithm in large-scale wireless sensor networks. First, its distributed mechanism enables routing algorithm to find a solution with only local information and be robust for uncertainties in wireless sensor networks. Second, the framework of the Ant System is proper to solve dynamic problems such as routing problem. Transition probability in Ant System can be used to estimate how good a given routing path is. Capturing these features, this work proposes two Ant Systems based routing algorithms, which are AS-RWSNs (Ant System for Routing in Wireless Sensor Networks) and SAAS-RWSN (Structure-Aware AS-RWSN). The AS-RWSN applies the original Ant System to routing algorithm for wireless sensor network and SAAS-RSN upgrades AS-RWSN with considering properties of network structure such as degree of node. In SAAS-RSN, sensors with high node degree have high data traffic since they have more routing paths. Consequently, SAAS-RSN achieves an energy balance over sensor network through this routing scheme. We demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithms by comparing three existing routing algorithms.
DIY Interface for Enhanced Service Customization of Remote IoT Devices: A CoAP Based Prototype
Authors: Khan Muhammad Sohail , Kim DoHyeun
Published: October 2015

DIY vision for the design of a smart and customizable world in the form of IoT demands the involvement of general public in its development process. General public lacks the technical depths for programming state-of-the-art prototyping and development kits. Latest IoT kits, for example, Intel Edison, are revolutionizing the DIY paradigm for IoT and more than ever a DIY intuitive programming interface is required to enable masses to interact with and customize the behavior of remote IoT devices on the Internet. This paper presents the novel implementation of such a system enabling general public to customize the behavior of remote IoT devices through a visual interface. The interface enables the visualization of the resources exposed by a remote CoAP device in the form of graphical virtual objects. The VOs are used to create service design through simple operations like drag-and-drop and properties settings. The design is maintained as an XML document, thus being easily distributable and recognizable. CoAP proxy acts as an operation client for the remote device and also provides communication link between the designer and the device. The paper presents the architecture, detailed design, and prototype implementation of the system using state-of-the-art technologies.
An Overview of the Mechanical Integrity of Dental Implants
Authors: Shemtov-Yona Keren , Rittel Daniel
Published: October 2015

With the growing use of dental implants, the incidence of implants’ failures grows. Late treatment complications, after reaching full osseointegration and functionality, include mechanical failures, such as fracture of the implant and its components. Those complications are deemed severe in dentistry, albeit being usually considered as rare, and therefore seldom addressed in the clinical literature. The introduction of dental implants into clinical practice fostered a wealth of research on their biological aspects. By contrast, mechanical strength and reliability issues were seldom investigated in the open literature, so that most of the information to date remains essentially with the manufacturers. Over the years, implants have gone through major changes regarding the material, the design, and the surface characteristics aimed at improving osseointegration. Did those changes improve the implants’ mechanical performance? This review article surveys the state-of-the-art literature about implants’ mechanical reliability, identifying the known causes for fracture, while outlining the current knowledge-gaps. Recent results on various aspects of the mechanical integrity and failure of implants are presented and discussed next. The paper ends by a general discussion and suggestions for future research, outlining the importance of mechanical considerations for the improvement of their future performance.
Resolution of Fundic Gland Polyposis following Laparoscopic Magnetic Sphincter Augmentation and Subsequent Cessation of Proton Pump Inhibitors
Authors: Brockmeyer Joel R. , Connolly Erin E. , Wittchow Richard J. , Kothari Shanu N.
Published: October 2015

Gastric polyps occur from a variety of sources and are found commonly on upper endoscopy. We present the case of a 49-year-old female who presented for evaluation for antireflux surgery with a history of fundic gland polyposis who required twice-daily proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) for control of her gastric reflux. After verifying that she met criteria for surgery, she underwent an uncomplicated laparoscopic magnetic sphincter augmentation placement. With the cessation of PPIs following surgery, the fundic gland polyposis resolved. Fundic gland polyps may occur sporadically or within certain syndromes, such as familial adenomatous polyposis. Multiple possible inciting factors exist, including the use of PPIs. This is the first reported case of the resolution of numerous fundic gland polyps following the completion of laparoscopic magnetic sphincter augmentation.
H∞Filtering for Networked Markovian Jump Systems with Multiple Stochastic Communication Delays
Authors: Dong Hui , Chen Juntong
Published: October 2015

This paper is concerned with theH∞filtering for a class of networked Markovian jump systems with multiple communication delays. Due to the existence of communication constraints, the measurement signal cannot arrive at the filter completely on time, and the stochastic communication delays are considered in the filter design. Firstly, a set of stochastic variables is introduced to model the occurrence probabilities of the delays. Then based on the stochastic system approach, a sufficient condition is obtained such that the filtering error system is stable in the mean-square sense and with a prescribedH∞disturbance attenuation level. The optimal filter gain parameters can be determined by solving a convex optimization problem. Finally, a simulation example is given to show the effectiveness of the proposed filter design method.
Reduced Worries of Hypoglycaemia, High Satisfaction, and Increased Perceived Ease of Use after Experiencing Four Nights of MD-Logic Artificial Pancreas at Home (DREAM4)
Authors: Ziegler Claudia , Liberman Alon , Nimri Revital , Muller Ido , Klemenčič Simona , Bratina Nataša , Bläsig Sarah , Remus Kerstin , Phillip Moshe , Battelino Tadej , Kordonouri Olga , Danne Thomas , Lange Karin
Published: October 2015

Aims.This study assesses the impact of using an AP-system at home on fear of hypoglycaemia. In addition, satisfaction and acceptance of the new technology are evaluated.Methods.In a multicentre, multinational study of 75 patients using the MD-Logic AP during four consecutive nights in home setting 59 of them (aged 10–54 years, 54% male, HbA1c 7.89 ± 0.69% [62.72 ± 7.51 mmol/mol], diabetes duration 11.6 ± 8.4 yrs) answered standardized questionnaires (HFS, adapted TAM, and AP satisfaction) before and after using the AP.Results.After experiencing the AP in home setting worries of hypoglycaemia were significantly reduced (before 1.04 ± 0.53 versus after 0.90 ± 0.63;P=0.017). Perceived ease of use as a measure of acceptance with the AP significantly increased after personal experience (before 4.64 ± 0.94 versus after 5.06 ± 1.09;P=0.002). The overall satisfaction mean score after using the AP was 3.02 ± 0.54 (range 0–4), demonstrating a high level of satisfaction with this technology.Conclusions.The four-night home-based experience of using MD Logic AP was associated with reduced worries of hypoglycaemia, high level of satisfaction, and increased perceived ease of use of the new technology in children, adolescents, and adults.
The Application of MPC in Microwave Heating Process Based on Model Constructed by Lambert’s Law Combined with Temperature
Authors: Li Jianshuo , Xiong Qingyu , Wang Kai , Shi Xin , Liang Shan , Gao Min
Published: October 2015

Microwave heating has been the research hot spot for many years. It has the capability of volumetric heating, which makes it save energy and time compared to traditional heating by conduction. A lot of work has been done to easily and exactly describe power distribution in the heating material. Maxwell’s equations and Lambert’s law are the most common ways. Maxwell’s equation is complicated and hard to apply, while Lambert’s law ignores the temperature influence. For material thickness less than penetration depth, only Maxwell’s equation can accurately solve power distribution. For large thickness material, Lambert’s law combined with regional temperature proposed in this paper can be more precise than only Lambert’s law. But there also exist some differences. To precisely control the heating process and make the whole process safe, this paper proposes the use of model predictive control (MPC) algorithm to make the maximum temperature follow a preset reference trajectory. The simulation results demonstrate that the algorithm can well control the heating process with little difference between the reference trajectory and the practical output.
Thermal Degradation and Damping Characteristic of UV Irradiated Biopolymer
Authors: Rus Anika Zafiah M. , Hassan Nik Normunira Mat
Published: October 2015

Biopolymer made from renewable material is one of the most important groups of polymer because of its versatility in application. In this study, biopolymers based on waste vegetable oil were synthesized and cross-link with commercial polymethane polyphenyl isocyanate (known as BF). The BF was compressed by using hot compression moulding technique at 90°C based on the evaporation of volatile matter, known as compress biopolymer (CB). Treatment with titanium dioxide (TiO2) was found to affect the physical property of compressed biopolymer composite (CBC). The characterization of thermal degradation, activation energy, morphology structure, density, vibration, and damping of CB were determined after UV irradiation exposure. This is to evaluate the photo- and thermal stability of the treated CB or CBC. The vibration and damping characteristic of CBC samples is significantly increased with the increasing of UV irradiation time, lowest thickness, and percentages of TiO2loading at the frequency range of 15–25 Hz due to the potential of the sample to dissipate energy during the oscillation harmonic system. The damping property of CBC was improved markedly upon prolonged exposure to UV irradiation.