bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dietary HMB and β-alanine co-supplementation does not improve in situ muscle function in sedentary, aged male rats
Authors: Russ David W. , Acksel Cara , Boyd Iva M. , Maynard John , McCorkle Katherine W. , Edens Neile K. , Garvey Sean M.
Published: August 2015

This study evaluated the effects of dietary β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate (HMB) combined with β-alanine (β-Ala) in sedentary, aged male rats. It has been suggested that dietary HMB or β-Ala supplementation may mitigate age-related declines in muscle strength and fatigue resistance. A total of 20 aged Sprague–Dawley rats were studied. At age 20 months, 10 rats were administered a control, purified diet and 10 rats were administered a purified diet supplemented with both HMB and β-Ala (HMB+β-Ala) for 8 weeks (approximately equivalent to 3 and 2.4 g per day human dose). We measured medial gastrocnemius (MG) size, force, fatigability, and myosin composition. We also evaluated an array of protein markers related to muscle mitochondria, protein synthesis and breakdown, and autophagy. HMB+β-Ala had no significant effects on body weight, MG mass, force or fatigability, myosin composition, or muscle quality. Compared with control rats, those fed HMB+β-Ala exhibited a reduced (41%, P = 0.039) expression of muscle RING-finger protein 1 (MURF1), a common marker of protein degradation. Muscle from rats fed HMB+β-Ala also exhibited a 45% reduction (P = 0.023) in p70s6K phosphorylation following fatiguing stimulation. These data suggest that HMB+β-Ala at the dose studied may reduce muscle protein breakdown by reducing MURF1 expression, but has minimal effects on muscle function in this model of uncomplicated aging. They do not, however, rule out potential benefits of HMB+β-Ala co-supplementation at other doses or durations of supplementation in combination with exercise or in situations where extreme muscle protein breakdown and loss of mass occur (e.g., bedrest, cachexia, failure-to-thrive).
Public preferences for planting genetically improved poplars on public land for biofuel production in western Canada
Authors: Rollins Curtis L. , Boxall Peter C. , Luckert Martin K.
Published: August 2015

We examine public opinion of planting genetically improved poplars on public lands in western Canada. Policy scenarios consider the use of three different breeding methods (traditional selective breeding, genomics-assisted breeding, and genetic modification), each with and without poplars being used for biofuels. We employ a choice experiment to provide alternative outcomes to policy scenarios and to investigate differences among characteristics of respondents. Overall, a majority of respondents voted in favour of policies that allowed improved poplars on public land if the fibre is used to generate biofuels. Adding biofuel production to a policy scenario increases the probability of acceptance by 17%–32%. In contrast, the various types of breeding technology do not matter as much regarding public acceptance. Responses differ among segments of the population, but these differences do not greatly influence choices. Attributes that increase the probability of acceptance are being a male, being from Alberta, and being from a population centre of 10 000–100 000 people (relative to centers that are >100 000 people). Attributes that decrease the probability of acceptance are age, being from British Columbia, and being from a population centre of <10 000 people (relative to centers that are >100 000 people). Despite these significant patterns of preferences, there is substantial uncertainty underlying the responses.
Marketing sophistication in private sawmilling companies in the United States
Authors: Han Xiaoou (Jane) , Hansen Eric
Published: August 2015

Recent research in the field of marketing documents a shift from a production–sales orientation to a customer–market–stakeholder orientation. However, there is no systematic investigation of marketing sophistication in firms. This study examines marketing sophistication in the context of private sawmilling companies in the United States using a case study approach. Specifically, marketing culture and marketing strategies in the companies are the focus of the study. Data were collected from 20 firms via personal interviews, website information, and field notes. Findings show that the studied companies do not have a holistic understanding of marketing and a production-oriented mentality still largely presents. An enhanced understanding of marketing would benefit the firms. However, it is also quite clear that many of the studied companies are starting to pursue an outward-looking, market-oriented approach to marketing.
Quantum volume
Authors: Ryabov V. A.
Published: August 2015

Quantum systems in a mechanical embedding, the breathing mode of a small particles, optomechanical system, etc. are far not the full list of examples in which the volume exhibits quantum behavior. Traditional consideration suggests strain in small systems as a result of a collective movement of particles, rather than the dynamics of the volume as an independent variable. The aim of this work is to show that some problem here might be essentially simplified by introducing periodic boundary conditions. At this case, the volume is considered as the independent dynamical variable driven by the internal pressure. For this purpose, the concept of quantum volume based on Schrödinger’s equation in [Formula: see text] manifold is proposed. It is used to explore several 1D model systems: An ensemble of free particles under external pressure, quantum manometer and a quantum breathing mode. In particular, the influence of the pressure of free particle on quantum oscillator is determined. It is shown also that correction to the spectrum of the breathing mode due to internal degrees of freedom is determined by the off-diagonal matrix elements of the quantum stress. The new treatment not using the “force” theorem is proposed for the quantum stress tensor. In the general case of flexible quantum 3D dynamics, quantum deformations of different type might be introduced similarly to monopole mode.
Coherent and Compatible Statistical Models in Structural Analysis
Authors: Nogal Maria , Castillo Enrique , Calviño Aida , O’Connor Alan J.
Published: August 2015

Modeling problems in structural analysis requires of a statistical approach that allows the consideration of the random nature of the variables as well as the uncertainties involved in the problem analyzed. However, neither all statistical models are valid nor all assumptions are mathematically or physically reasonable. The aim of this paper is twofold: (a) to explain how to build statistical models with mathematical and physical coherence, and (b) to describe the most common mistakes made when building or selecting mathematical and statistical models. Some interesting tools are provided to carry out this important task and some examples are presented showing the inconveniences and consequences derived from an incorrectly established model.
An Adaptive Polygonal Scaled Boundary Finite Element Method for Elastodynamics
Authors: Zhang Z. H. , Yang Z. J. , Li J. H.
Published: August 2015

An adaptive polygonal scaled boundary finite element method (APSBFEM) is developed for elastodynamics. Flexible polygonal meshes are generated from background Delaunay triangular meshes and used to calculate structure’s dynamic responses. In each time step, a posteriori-type energy error estimator is employed to locate the polygonal subdomains with exceeding spatial discretization error, then edge midpoints of the corresponding triangles are inserted into the background. A new Delaunay triangular mesh and a polygonal mesh are regenerated successively. The state variables, including displacement, velocity and acceleration are mapped from the old polygonal mesh to the new one by a simple algorithm. A benchmark elastodynamic problem is modeled to validate the developed method. The results show that the adaptive meshes are capable of capturing the steep stress regions, and the dynamic responses agree well with those from the adaptive finite element method and the polygonal scaled boundary finite element method without adaptivity using fine meshes.
Distances of Fuzzy Choice Functions
Authors: Georgescu Irina , Kinnunen Jani
Published: August 2015

In this paper, we introduce four distances on the set of fuzzy choice functions defined on a finite choice space. They are studied along with four distances on the set of fuzzy relations. The two types of distance allow to investigate the way the changes in fuzzy preferences are reflected in the changes of fuzzy choice associated with them. Also the way the changes in fuzzy choices manifest themselves in changes in fuzzy preferences are studied. The coefficient of normality of a fuzzy choice function is defined as a measure of normality and its variation is evaluated with respect to the variation of fuzzy choices. Finally, the variation of some congruence indicators is evaluated as effect of the changes in fuzzy choices.
Influence of acute and chronic streptozotocin-induced diabetes on the rat tendon extracellular matrix and mechanical properties
Authors: Volper Brent D. , Huynh Richard T. , Arthur Kathryn A. , Noone Joshua , Gordon Benjamin D. , Zacherle Emily W. , Munoz Eduardo , Sørensen Mikkel A. , Svensson René B. , Broderick Tom L. , Magnusson S. Peter , Howden Reuben , Hale Taben M. , Carroll Chad C.
Published: August 2015

Diabetes is a major risk factor for tendinopathy, and tendon abnormalities are common in diabetic patients. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effect of streptozotocin (60 mg/kg)-induced diabetes and insulin therapy on tendon mechanical and cellular properties. Sprague-Dawley rats ( n = 40) were divided into the following four groups: nondiabetic (control), 1 wk of diabetes (acute), 10 wk of diabetes (chronic), and 10 wk of diabetes with insulin treatment (insulin). After 10 wk, Achilles tendon and tail fascicle mechanical properties were similar between groups ( P > 0.05). Cell density in the Achilles tendon was greater in the chronic group compared with the control and acute groups (control group: 7.8 ± 0.5 cells/100 μm2, acute group: 8.3 ± 0.4 cells/100 μm2, chronic group: 10.9 ± 0.9 cells/100 μm2, and insulin group: 9.2 ± 0.8 cells/100 μm2, P < 0.05). The density of proliferating cells in the Achilles tendon was greater in the chronic group compared with all other groups (control group: 0.025 ± 0.009 cells/100 μm2, acute group: 0.019 ± 0.005 cells/100 μm2, chronic group: 0.067 ± 0.015, and insulin group: 0.004 ± 0.004 cells/100 μm2, P < 0.05). Patellar tendon collagen content was ∼32% greater in the chronic and acute groups compared with the control or insulin groups (control group: 681 ± 63 μg collagen/mg dry wt, acute group: 938 ± 21 μg collagen/mg dry wt, chronic: 951 ± 52 μg collagen/mg dry wt, and insulin group: 596 ± 84 μg collagen/mg dry wt, P < 0.05). In contrast, patellar tendon hydroxylysyl pyridinoline cross linking and collagen fibril organization were unchanged by diabetes or insulin ( P > 0.05). Our findings suggest that 10 wk of streptozotocin-induced diabetes does not alter rat tendon mechanical properties even with an increase in collagen content. Future studies could attempt to further address the mechanisms contributing to the increase in tendon problems noted in diabetic patients, especially since our data suggest that hyperglycemia per se does not alter tendon mechanical properties.
Principles of the prolactin/vasoinhibin axis
Authors: Triebel Jakob , Bertsch Thomas , Bollheimer Cornelius , Rios-Barrera Daniel , Pearce Christy F. , Hüfner Michael , Martínez de la Escalera Gonzalo , Clapp Carmen
Published: August 2015

The hormonal family of vasoinhibins, which derive from the anterior pituitary hormone prolactin, are known for their inhibiting effects on blood vessel growth, vasopermeability, and vasodilation. As pleiotropic hormones, vasoinhibins act in multiple target organs and tissues. The generation, secretion, and regulation of vasoinhibins are embedded into the organizational principle of an axis, which integrates the hypothalamus, the pituitary, and the target tissue microenvironment. This axis is designated as the prolactin/vasoinhibin axis. Disturbances of the prolactin/vasoinhibin axis are associated with the pathogenesis of retinal and cardiac diseases and with diseases occurring during pregnancy. New phylogenetical, physiological, and clinical implications are discussed.
Blockade of CD40 ligand for intercellular communication reduces hypertension, placental oxidative stress, and AT1-AA in response to adoptive transfer of CD4+ T lymphocytes from RUPP rats
Authors: Cornelius Denise C. , Castillo Javier , Porter Justin , Amaral Lorena M. , Campbell Nathan , Paige Adrienne , Thomas Alexia J. , Harmon Ashlyn , Cunningham Mark W. , Wallace Kedra , Herse Florian , Wallukat Gerd , Dechend Ralf , LaMarca Babbette
Published: August 2015

Preeclampsia (PE) is associated with altered immune activation during pregnancy. We have previously shown that adoptive transfer of CD4+ T cells from the reduced uterine perfusion pressure (RUPP) rat model of PE increases blood pressure, oxidative stress (ROS), and inflammation in normal pregnant recipient rats. The objective of this study was to determine if blockade of communication via the CD40-CD40 ligand (CD40L) interaction between placental ischemia-induced CD4+ T cells with endogenous normal pregnant (NP) cells would improve pathophysiology that was previously observed in NP recipient rats of RUPP CD4+ T cells. Splenic CD4+ T lymphocytes were magnetically separated, incubated with 2.5 μg/ml anti-CD40 ligand (αCD40L) overnight, and transferred into NP rats on day 12 of gestation (NP+RUPP CD4+ T+anti-CD40L). On day 19 of gestation, blood pressure (MAP), blood, and tissues were collected. MAP was 99 ± 2 in NP ( n = 13), 116 ± 4 in NP+RUPP CD4+ T cells ( n = 7; P < 0.01); MAP only increased to 104 ± 2 in NP+RUPP CD4+ T cells+CD40L ( n = 24) ( P < 0.05 vs. NP+RUPP CD4+ T cells). Mechanisms of hypertension in response to RUPP CD4+ T cells include endothelin-1 (ET-1), ROS, and angiotensin II type I receptor (AT1-AA) were analyzed. Inhibition of CD40L binding reduced placental ET-1 to 2.3-fold above NP rats and normalized placental ROS from 318.6 ± 89 in NP+RUPP CD4+ T cells ( P < 0.05) to 118.7 ± 24 in NP+RUPP CD4+ T+anti-CD40L ( P < 0.05). AT1-AA was also normalized with inhibition of CD40L. These data suggest that placental ischemia-induced T-cell communication via the CD40L is one important mechanism leading to much of the pathophysiology of PE.
A mouse model of Townes-Brocks syndrome expressing a truncated mutant Sall1 protein is protected from acute kidney injury
Authors: Hirsch Sara , El-Achkar Tarek , Robbins Lynn , Basta Jeannine , Heitmeier Monique , Nishinakamura Ryuichi , Rauchman Michael
Published: August 2015

It has been postulated that developmental pathways are reutilized during repair and regeneration after injury, but functional analysis of many genes required for kidney formation has not been performed in the adult organ. Mutations in SALL1 cause Townes-Brocks syndrome (TBS) and nonsyndromic congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract, both of which lead to childhood kidney failure. Sall1 is a transcriptional regulator that is expressed in renal progenitor cells and developing nephrons in the embryo. However, its role in the adult kidney has not been investigated. Using a mouse model of TBS ( Sall1TBS), we investigated the role of Sall1 in response to acute kidney injury. Our studies revealed that Sall1 is expressed in terminally differentiated renal epithelia, including the S3 segment of the proximal tubule, in the mature kidney. Sall1TBSmice exhibited significant protection from ischemia-reperfusion injury and aristolochic acid-induced nephrotoxicity. This protection from acute injury is seen despite the presence of slowly progressive chronic kidney disease in Sall1TBSmice. Mice containing null alleles of Sall1 are not protected from acute kidney injury, indicating that expression of a truncated mutant protein from the Sall1TBSallele, while causative of congenital anomalies, protects the adult kidney from injury. Our studies further revealed that basal levels of the preconditioning factor heme oxygenase-1 are elevated in Sall1TBSkidneys, suggesting a mechanism for the relative resistance to injury in this model. Together, these studies establish a functional role for Sall1 in the response of the adult kidney to acute injury.
Emergence of invariant representation of vocalizations in the auditory cortex
Authors: Carruthers Isaac M. , Laplagne Diego A. , Jaegle Andrew , Briguglio John J. , Mwilambwe-Tshilobo Laetitia , Natan Ryan G. , Geffen Maria N.
Published: August 2015

An essential task of the auditory system is to discriminate between different communication signals, such as vocalizations. In everyday acoustic environments, the auditory system needs to be capable of performing the discrimination under different acoustic distortions of vocalizations. To achieve this, the auditory system is thought to build a representation of vocalizations that is invariant to their basic acoustic transformations. The mechanism by which neuronal populations create such an invariant representation within the auditory cortex is only beginning to be understood. We recorded the responses of populations of neurons in the primary and nonprimary auditory cortex of rats to original and acoustically distorted vocalizations. We found that populations of neurons in the nonprimary auditory cortex exhibited greater invariance in encoding vocalizations over acoustic transformations than neuronal populations in the primary auditory cortex. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that invariant representations are created gradually through hierarchical transformation within the auditory pathway.
Predicting plasticity: acute context-dependent changes to vocal performance predict long-term age-dependent changes
Authors: James Logan S. , Sakata Jon T.
Published: August 2015

Understanding the factors that predict and guide variation in behavioral change can lend insight into mechanisms of motor plasticity and individual differences in behavior. The performance of adult birdsong changes with age in a manner that is similar to rapid context-dependent changes to song. To reveal mechanisms of vocal plasticity, we analyzed the degree to which variation in the direction and magnitude of age-dependent changes to Bengalese finch song could be predicted by variation in context-dependent changes. Using a repeated-measures design, we found that variation in age-dependent changes to the timing, sequencing, and structure of vocal elements (“syllables”) was significantly predicted by variation in context-dependent changes. In particular, the degree to which the duration of intersyllable gaps, syllable sequencing at branch points, and fundamental frequency of syllables within spontaneous [undirected (UD)] songs changed over time was correlated with the degree to which these features changed from UD song to female-directed (FD) song in young-adult finches (FDyoung). As such, the structure of some temporal features of UD songs converged over time onto the structure of FDyoungsongs. This convergence suggested that the FDyoungsong could serve as a stable target for vocal motor plasticity. Consequently, we analyzed the stability of FD song and found that the temporal structure of FD song changed significantly over time in a manner similar to UD song. Because FD song is considered a state of heightened performance, these data suggest that age-dependent changes could reflect practice-related improvements in vocal motor performance.
The Effect of Omega-3 Docosahexaenoic Acid Supplementation on Gestational Length: Randomized Trial of Supplementation Compared to Nutrition Education for Increasing n-3 Intake from Foods
Authors: Harris Mary A. , Reece Melanie S. , McGregor James A. , Wilson John W. , Burke Shannon M. , Wheeler Marsha , Anderson Jennifer E. , Auld Garry W. , French Janice I. , Allen Kenneth G. D.
Published: August 2015

Objective. DHA supplementation was compared to nutrition education to increase DHA consumption from fish and DHA fortified foods.Design. This two-part intervention included a randomized double-blind placebo controlled DHA supplementation arm and a nutrition education arm designed to increase intake of DHA from dietary sources by 300 mg per day.Setting. Denver Health Hospitals and Clinics, Denver, Colorado, USA.Population. 871 pregnant women aged 18–40 were recruited between16 and 20 weeks of gestation of whom 564 completed the study and complete delivery data was available in 505 women and infants.Methods. Subjects received either 300 or 600 mg DHA or olive oil placebo or nutrition education.Main Outcome Variable. Gestational length.Results. Gestational length was significantly increased by 4.0–4.5 days in women supplemented with 600 mg DHA per day or provided with nutrition education. Each 1% increase in RBC DHA at delivery was associated with a 1.6-day increase in gestational length. No significant effects on birth weight, birth length, or head circumference were demonstrated. The rate of early preterm birth (1.7%) in those supplemented with DHA (combined 300 and 600 mg/day) was significantly lower than in controls.Conclusion. Nutrition education or supplementation with DHA can be effective in increasing gestational length.
Response to Plasmapheresis Measured by Angiogenic Factors in a Woman with Antiphospholipid Syndrome in Pregnancy
Authors: Mayer-Pickel Karoline , Horn Sabine , Lang Uwe , Cervar-Zivkovic Mila
Published: August 2015

An imbalance of angiogenic and antiangiogenic placental factors such as endoglin and soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 has been implicated in the pathophysiology of preeclampsia. Extraction of these substances by plasmapheresis might be a therapeutical approach in cases of severe early-onset preeclampsia.Case Report. A 21-year-old primigravida with antiphospholipid syndrome developed early-onset preeclampsia at 18 weeks’ gestation. She was treated successfully with plasmapheresis in order to prolong pregnancy. Endoglin and sflt-1-levels were measured by ELISA before and after treatment. Endoglin levels decreased significantly after treatment (p< 0.05) and showed a significant decrease throughout pregnancy. A rerise of endoglin and sflt-1 preceded placental abruption 4 weeks before onset of incident.Conclusion. Due to the limited long-term therapeutical possibilities for pregnancies complicated by PE, plasmapheresis seems to be a therapeutical option. This consideration refers especially to pregnancies with early-onset preeclampsia, in which, after first conventional treatment of PE, prolongation of pregnancy should be above all.
Morphine Reduces Myocardial Infarct Size via Heat Shock Protein 90 in Rodents
Authors: Small Bryce A. , Lu Yao , Hsu Anna K. , Gross Garrett J. , Gross Eric R.
Published: August 2015

Opioids reduce injury from myocardial ischemia-reperfusion in humans. In experimental models, this mechanism involves GSK3βinhibition. HSP90 regulates mitochondrial protein import, with GSK3βinhibition increasing HSP90 mitochondrial content. Therefore, we determined whether morphine-induced cardioprotection is mediated by HSP90 and if the protective effect is downstream of GSK3βinhibition. Male Sprague-Dawley rats, aged 8–10 weeks, were subjected to anin vivomyocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury protocol involving 30 minutes of ischemia followed by 2 hours of reperfusion. Hemodynamics were continually monitored and myocardial infarct size determined. Rats received morphine (0.3 mg/kg), the GSK3βinhibitor, SB216763 (0.6 mg/kg), or saline, 10 minutes prior to ischemia. Some rats received selective HSP90 inhibitors, radicicol (0.3 mg/kg), or deoxyspergualin (DSG, 0.6 mg/kg) alone or 5 minutes prior to morphine or SB216763. Morphine reduced myocardial infarct size when compared to control (42 ± 2% versus 60 ± 1%). This protection was abolished by prior treatment of radicicol or DSG (59 ± 1%, 56 ± 2%). GSK3βinhibition also reduced myocardial infarct size (41 ± 2%) with HSP90 inhibition by radicicol or DSG partially inhibiting SB216763-induced infarct size reduction (54 ± 3%, 47 ± 1%, resp.). These data suggest that opioid-induced cardioprotection is mediated by HSP90. Part of this protection afforded by HSP90 is downstream of GSK3β, potentially via the HSP-TOM mitochondrial import pathway.
Compressed Sensing for fMRI: Feasibility Study on the Acceleration of Non-EPI fMRI at 9.4T
Authors: Han Paul Kyu , Park Sung-Hong , Kim Seong-Gi , Ye Jong Chul
Published: August 2015

Conventional functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) technique known as gradient-recalled echo (GRE) echo-planar imaging (EPI) is sensitive to image distortion and degradation caused by local magnetic field inhomogeneity at high magnetic fields. Non-EPI sequences such as spoiled gradient echo and balanced steady-state free precession (bSSFP) have been proposed as an alternative high-resolution fMRI technique; however, the temporal resolution of these sequences is lower than the typically used GRE-EPI fMRI. One potential approach to improve the temporal resolution is to use compressed sensing (CS). In this study, we tested the feasibility ofk-tFOCUSS—one of the high performance CS algorithms for dynamic MRI—for non-EPI fMRI at 9.4T using the model of rat somatosensory stimulation. To optimize the performance of CS reconstruction, different sampling patterns andk-tFOCUSS variations were investigated. Experimental results show that an optimizedk-tFOCUSS algorithm with acceleration by a factor of 4 works well for non-EPI fMRI at high field under various statistical criteria, which confirms that a combination of CS and a non-EPI sequence may be a good solution for high-resolution fMRI at high fields.
Dentin Morphology of Root Canal Surface: A Quantitative Evaluation Based on a Scanning Electronic Microscopy Study
Authors: Lo Giudice Giuseppe , Cutroneo Giuseppina , Centofanti Antonio , Artemisia Alessandro , Bramanti Ennio , Militi Angela , Rizzo Giuseppina , Favaloro Angelo , Irrera Alessia , Lo Giudice Roberto , Cicciù Marco
Published: August 2015

Dentin is a vital, hydrated composite tissue with structural components and properties that vary in the different topographic portions of the teeth. These variations have a significant implication for biomechanical teeth properties and for the adhesive systems utilized in conservative dentistry. The aim of this study is to analyse the root canal dentin going from coronal to apical zone to find the ratio between the intertubular dentin area and the surface occupied by dentin tubules varies. Observations were conducted on 30 healthy premolar teeth extracted for orthodontic reasons in patients aged between 10 and 14. A SEM analysis of the data obtained in different canal portions showed that, in the coronal zone, dentinal tubules had a greater diameter (4.32 μm) than the middle zone (3.74 μm) and the apical zone (1.73 μm). The average number of dentinal tubules (in an area of 1 mm2) was similar in coronal zone (46,798±10,644) and apical zone (45,192±10,888), while in the middle zone they were lower in number (30,940±7,651). However, intertubular dentin area was bigger going from apical to coronal portion. The differences between the analysed areas must be considered for the choice of the adhesive system.
Automatic Segmentation of Nature Object Using Salient Edge Points Based Active Contour
Authors: Gao Shangbing , Yan Yunyang , Zhang Youdong , Zhou Jingbo , Cao Suqun , Xue Jianxun
Published: August 2015

Natural image segmentation is often a crucial first step for high-level image understanding, significantly reducing the complexity of content analysis of images. LRAC may have some disadvantages. (1) Segmentation results heavily depend on the initial contour selection which is a very skillful task. (2) In some situations, manual interactions are infeasible. To overcome these shortcomings, we propose a novel model for unsupervised segmentation of viewer’s attention object from natural images based on localizing region-based active model (LRAC). With aid of the color boosting Harris detector and the core saliency map, we get the salient object edge points. Then, these points are employed as the seeds of initial convex hull. Finally, this convex hull is improved by the edge-preserving filter to generate the initial contour for our automatic object segmentation system. In contrast with localizing region-based active contours that require considerable user interaction, the proposed method does not require it; that is, the segmentation task is fulfilled in a fully automatic manner. Extensive experiments results on a large variety of natural images demonstrate that our algorithm consistently outperforms the popular existing salient object segmentation methods, yielding higher precision and better recall rates. Our framework can reliably and automatically extract the object contour from the complex background.
Automatic Tooth Segmentation of Dental Mesh Based on Harmonic Fields
Authors: Liao Sheng-hui , Liu Shi-jian , Zou Bei-ji , Ding Xi , Liang Ye , Huang Jun-hui
Published: August 2015

An important preprocess in computer-aided orthodontics is to segment teeth from the dental models accurately, which should involve manual interactions as few as possible. But fully automatic partition of all teeth is not a trivial task, since teeth occur in different shapes and their arrangements vary substantially from one individual to another. The difficulty is exacerbated when severe teeth malocclusion and crowding problems occur, which is a common occurrence in clinical cases. Most published methods in this area either are inaccurate or require lots of manual interactions. Motivated by the state-of-the-art general mesh segmentation methods that adopted the theory of harmonic field to detect partition boundaries, this paper proposes a novel, dental-targeted segmentation framework for dental meshes. With a specially designed weighting scheme and a strategy of a priori knowledge to guide the assignment of harmonic constraints, this method can identify teeth partition boundaries effectively. Extensive experiments and quantitative analysis demonstrate that the proposed method is able to partition high-quality teeth automatically with robustness and efficiency.
Adaptive Image-Based Leader-Follower Approach of Mobile Robot with Omnidirectional Camera
Authors: Guo Dejun , Wang Hesheng , Chen Weidong , Liang Xinwu
Published: August 2015

This paper focuses on the problem of the adaptive image-based leader-follower formation control of mobile robot with on-board omnidirectional camera. A calibrated omnidirectional camera is fixed on the follower in any position, and a feature point representing the leader can be chosen in any position. An adaptive image-based controller without depending on the velocity of the leader is proposed based on a filter technology. In other words, only by relying on the projection of the feature on the image plane, can the follower track the leader and achieve the formation control. Moreover, an observer is introduced to estimate the unknown camera extrinsic parameters and the unknown parameters of plane, where the feature point moves, relative to omnidirectional camera frame. At last, the lyapunov method is applied to prove the uniform semiglobal practical asymptotic stability (USPAS) for the closed-loop system. Simulation results are presented to validate the algorithm.
Epigenomics of Neural Cells: REST-Induced Down- and Upregulation of Gene Expression in a Two-Clone PC12 Cell Model
Authors: Garcia-Manteiga Jose M. , Bonfiglio Silvia , Malosio Maria Luisa , Lazarevic Dejan , Stupka Elia , Cittaro Davide , Meldolesi Jacopo
Published: August 2015

Cell epigenomics depends on the marks released by transcription factors operating via the assembly of complexes that induce focal changes of DNA and histone structure. Among these factors is REST, a repressor that, via its strong decrease, governs both neuronal and neural cell differentiation and specificity. REST operation on thousands of possible genes can occur directly or via indirect mechanisms including repression of other factors. In previous studies of gene down- and upregulation, processes had been only partially investigated in neural cells. PC12 are well-known neural cells sharing properties with neurons. In the widely used PC12 populations, low-REST cells coexist with few, spontaneous high-REST PC12 cells. High- and low-REST PC12 clones were employed to investigate the role and the mechanisms of the repressor action. Among 15,500 expressed genes we identified 1,770 target and nontarget, REST-dependent genes. Functionally, these genes were found to operate in many pathways, from synaptic function to extracellular matrix. Mechanistically, downregulated genes were predominantly repressed directly by REST; upregulated genes were mostly governed indirectly. Among other factors, Polycomb complexes cooperated with REST for downregulation, and Smad3 and Myod1 participated in upregulation. In conclusion, we have highlighted that PC12 clones are a useful model to investigate REST, opening opportunities to development of epigenomic investigation.
Resting-State fMRI in MS: General Concepts and Brief Overview of Its Application
Authors: Sbardella Emilia , Petsas Nikolaos , Tona Francesca , Pantano Patrizia
Published: August 2015

Brain functional connectivity (FC) is defined as the coherence in the activity between cerebral areas under a task or in the resting-state (RS). By applying functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), RS FC shows several patterns which define RS brain networks (RSNs) involved in specific functions, because brain function is known to depend not only on the activity within individual regions, but also on the functional interaction of different areas across the whole brain. Region-of-interest analysis and independent component analysis are the two most commonly applied methods for RS investigation. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is characterized by multiple lesions mainly affecting the white matter, determining both structural and functional disconnection between various areas of the central nervous system. The study of RS FC in MS is mainly aimed at understanding alterations in the intrinsic functional architecture of the brain and their role in disease progression and clinical impairment. In this paper, we will examine the results obtained by the application of RS fMRI in different multiple sclerosis (MS) phenotypes and the correlations of FC changes with clinical features in this pathology. The knowledge of RS FC changes may represent a substantial step forward in the MS research field, both for clinical and therapeutic purposes.
The SSVEP-Based BCI Text Input System Using Entropy Encoding Algorithm
Authors: Chen Yeou-Jiunn , Chen Shih-Chung , Zaeni Ilham A. E. , Wu Chung-Min , Tickle Andrew Jason , Chen Pei-Jarn
Published: August 2015

The so-called amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or motor neuron disease (MND) is a neurodegenerative disease with various causes. It is characterized by muscle spasticity, rapidly progressive weakness due to muscle atrophy, and difficulty in speaking, swallowing, and breathing. The severe disabled always have a common problem that is about communication except physical malfunctions. The steady-state visually evoked potential based brain computer interfaces (BCI), which apply visual stimulus, are very suitable to play the role of communication interface for patients with neuromuscular impairments. In this study, the entropy encoding algorithm is proposed to encode the letters of multilevel selection interface for BCI text input systems. According to the appearance frequency of each letter, the entropy encoding algorithm is proposed to construct a variable-length tree for the letter arrangement of multilevel selection interface. Then, the Gaussian mixture models are applied to recognize electrical activity of the brain. According to the recognition results, the multilevel selection interface guides the subject to spell and type the words. The experimental results showed that the proposed approach outperforms the baseline system, which does not consider the appearance frequency of each letter. Hence, the proposed approach is able to ease text input interface for patients with neuromuscular impairments.
Evaluation of the Contribution of Signals Originating from Large Blood Vessels to Signals of Functionally Specific Brain Areas
Authors: Chung Jun-Young , Sung Yul-Wan , Ogawa Seiji
Published: August 2015

The fusiform face area (FFA) is known to play a pivotal role in face processing. The FFA is located in the ventral region, at the base of the brain, through which large blood vessels run. The location of the FFA via functional MRI (fMRI) may be influenced by these large blood vessels. Responses of large blood vessels may not exactly correspond to neuronal activity in a target area, because they may be diluted and influenced by inflow effects. In this study, we investigated the effects of large blood vessels in the FFA, that is, whether the FFA includes large blood vessels and/or whether inflow signals contribute to fMRI signals of the FFA. For this purpose, we used susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) sequences to visualize large blood vessels and dual-echo gradient-echo echo-planar imaging (GE-EPI) to measure inflow effects. These results showed that the location and response signals of the FFA were not influenced by large blood vessels or inflow effects, although large blood vessels were located near the FFA. Therefore, the data from the FFA obtained by individual analysis were robust to large blood vessels but leaving a warning that the data obtained by group analysis may be prone to large blood vessels.
Does the Maternal Serum IgG Level during Pregnancy in Primary Antibody Deficiency Influence the IgG Level in the Newborn?
Authors: Nagendran Vasantha , Emmanuel Noel , Bansal Amolak S.
Published: August 2015

Purpose. To find out if the serum IgG level in the newborn baby was affected by low maternal serum IgG during pregnancy in two newly diagnosed primary antibody deficient patients.Method. Infant cord blood IgG level was compared with maternal IgG level in 2 mothers with newly diagnosed primary antibody deficiency, who declined replacement IgG treatment during pregnancy.Results. Both mothers delivered healthy babies with normal IgG levels at birth.Conclusions. The normal IgG levels and sound health in these 2 babies in spite of low maternal IgG throughout pregnancy raise interesting discussion points about maternofoetal immunoglobulin transport mechanisms in primary antibody deficiency.
Functional and Structural Details about the Fabella: What the Important Stabilizer Looks Like in the Central European Population
Authors: Hauser Nicole Helene , Hoechel Sebastian , Toranelli Mireille , Klaws Joerg , Müller-Gerbl Magdalena
Published: August 2015

The posterolateral corner of the knee accommodating the fabella complex is of importance in orthopaedic surgery. Unfortunately, there is a lack of data in literature for clinical routine. Therefore, we investigated the fabella’s characteristics, biomechanical nature, and present histologic details. Of special interest were the fabella’s occurrence and position, calcium concentration as long-term load intake indicator, and the histology. Within our analysis, fabellae were found in 30.0% of all datasets, located on the upper part of the posterolateral femoral condyle. The region of fabella contact on this condyle showed a significantly lower calcium concentration than its surroundings. Histologically, the fabella showed no articular cartilage but a clearly distinguishable fabellofibular ligament that consisted of two bundles: one, as already described in literature inserted at the fibular tip, and another part newly described on the top of the lateral meniscus. In its role of stabilizing the soft tissue structures of the posterolateral knee, the fabella seems to serve as suspension for the ligaments evolving from its base. Even though a joint formation of any kind is unlikely, the presence of a fabella needs to be kept in mind during knee examination and any surgical procedures.
Methotrexate Treatment in Children with Febrile Ulceronecrotic Mucha-Habermann Disease: Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Bulur Isil , Kaya Erdoğan Hilal , Nurhan Saracoglu Zeynep , Arık Deniz
Published: August 2015

Febrile Ulceronecrotic Mucha-Habermann disease is a rare and potentially fatal variant of pityriasis lichenoides et varioliformis acuta and is characterized by high fever, constitutional symptoms, and acute oncet of ulceronecrotic lesions. We present an 11-year-old male with Febrile Ulceronecrotic Mucha-Habermann disease who was cured with methotrexate and review the use of methotrexate for this disorder in the pediatric age group with the relevant literature.
Evaluation of Motor Neuron Excitability by CMAP Scanning with Electric Modulated Current
Authors: Araújo Tiago , Candeias Rui , Nunes Neuza , Gamboa Hugo
Published: August 2015

Introduction. Compound Muscle Action Potential (CMAP) scan is a noninvasive promissory technique for neurodegenerative pathologies diagnosis. In this work new CMAP scan protocols were implemented to study the influence of electrical pulse waveform on peripheral nerve excitability. Methods. A total of 13 healthy subjects were tested. Stimulation was performed with an increasing intensities range from 4 to 30 mA. The procedure was repeated 4 times per subject, using a different single pulse stimulation waveform: monophasic square and triangular and quadratic and biphasic square. Results. Different waveforms elicit different intensity-response amplitude curves. The square pulse needs less current to generate the same response amplitude regarding the other waves and this effect is gradually decreasing for the triangular, quadratic, and biphasic pulse, respectively. Conclusion. The stimulation waveform has a direct influence on the stimulus-response slope and consequently on the motoneurons excitability. This can be a new prognostic parameter for neurodegenerative disorders.
Quantitative Anatomy of the Growing Lungs in the Human Fetus
Authors: Szpinda Michał , Siedlaczek Waldemar , Szpinda Anna , Woźniak Alina , Mila-Kierzenkowska Celestyna , Badura Mateusz
Published: August 2015

Using anatomical, digital, and statistical methods we examined the three-dimensional growth of the lungs in 67 human fetuses aged 16–25 weeks. The lung dimensions revealed no sex differences. The transverse and sagittal diameters and the base circumference were greater in the right lungs while the lengths of anterior and posterior margins and the lung height were greater in the left lungs. The best-fit curves for all the lung parameters were natural logarithmic models. The transverse-to-sagittal diameter ratio remained stable and averaged0.56±0.08and0.52±0.08for the right and left lungs, respectively. For the right and left lungs, the transverse diameter-to-height ratio significantly increased from0.74±0.09to0.92±0.08and from0.56±0.07to0.79±0.09, respectively. The sagittal diameter-to-height ratio significantly increased from1.41±0.23to1.66±0.18in the right lung, and from1.27±0.17to1.48±0.22in the left lung. In the fetal lungs, their proportionate increase in transverse and sagittal diameters considerably accelerates with relation to the lung height. The lung dimensions in the fetus are relevant in the evaluation of the normative pulmonary growth and the diagnosis of pulmonary hypoplasia.
Fast Imaging Technique for fMRI: Consecutive Multishot Echo Planar Imaging Accelerated with GRAPPA Technique
Authors: Kang Daehun , Sung Yul-Wan , Kang Chang-Ki
Published: August 2015

This study was to evaluate the proposed consecutive multishot echo planar imaging (cmsEPI) combined with a parallel imaging technique in terms of signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and acceleration for a functional imaging study. We developed cmsEPI sequence using both consecutively acquired multishot EPI segments and variable flip angles to minimize the delay between segments and to maximize the SNR, respectively. We also combined cmsEPI with the generalized autocalibrating partially parallel acquisitions (GRAPPA) method. Temporal SNRs were measured at different acceleration factors and number of segments for functional sensitivity evaluation. We also examined the geometric distortions, which inherently occurred in EPI sequence. The practical acceleration factors,R=2orR=3, of the proposed technique improved the temporal SNR by maximally 18% in phantom test and by averagely 8.2% in in vivo experiment, compared to cmsEPI without parallel imaging. The data collection time was decreased in inverse proportion to the acceleration factor as well. The improved temporal SNR resulted in better statistical power when evaluated on the functional response of the brain. In this study, we demonstrated that the combination of cmsEPI with the parallel imaging technique could provide the improved functional sensitivity for functional imaging study, compensating for the lower SNR by cmsEPI.
Predictors for Early Identification of Hepatitis C Virus Infection
Authors: Tsai Mei-Hua , Lin Kuei-Hsiang , Lin Kuan-Tsou , Hung Chi-Ming , Cheng Hung-Shiang , Tyan Yu-Chang , Huang Hui-Wen , Sanno-Duanda Bintou , Yang Ming-Hui , Yuan Shyng-Shiou , Chu Pei-Yu
Published: August 2015

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection can cause permanent liver damage and hepatocellular carcinoma, and deaths related to HCV deaths have recently increased. Chronic HCV infection is often undiagnosed such that the virus remains infective and transmissible. Identifying HCV infection early is essential for limiting its spread, but distinguishing individuals who require further HCV tests is very challenging. Besides identifying high-risk populations, an optimal subset of indices for routine examination is needed to identify HCV screening candidates. Therefore, this study analyzed data from 312 randomly chosen blood donors, including 144 anti-HCV-positive donors and 168 anti-HCV-negative donors. The HCV viral load in each sample was measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction method. Receiver operating characteristic curves were used to find the optimal cell blood counts and thrombopoietin measurements for screening purposes. Correlations with values for key indices and viral load were also determined. Strong predictors of HCV infection were found by using receiver operating characteristics curves to analyze the optimal subsets among red blood cells, monocytes, platelet counts, platelet large cell ratios, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentrations. Sensitivity, specificity, and area under the receiver operator characteristic curve(P<0.0001)were 75.6%, 78.5%, and 0.859, respectively.
The Wavelength-Locking of High-Power 808 nm Semiconductor Laser
Authors: Guo Hai-Xia , Li Zai-Jin , Li Hui , Gao Feng , Tang Hai-Bin , Shi Bao-Hua , Qu Yi
Published: August 2015

A distributed feedback (DFB) laser of 808 nm is produced in this paper whose optical power is 2 W, cavity length is 3 mm, and injecting width is 200 μm. A second-order grating formed into an InGaP/GaAs/InGaP multilayer structure provides the optical distributed feedback. The holographic lithography method is adopted to make Bragg gratings in p-waveguide layer (Λ = 240 nm) of the GaAs epitaxial wafers. The best experimental conditions are determined by analyzing the surface morphology and three-dimensional holographic grating. In addition, the output power data and wavelength of the distributed feedback laser emitting at different temperatures are presented. And the wavelength varies with temperature at a rate of 0.062 nm/K. Finally, the conclusion is drawn that this kind of DFB laser has a better temperature stabilized wavelength and narrower line width.