bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Concomitant low-dose doxorubicin treatment and exercise
Authors: Sturgeon Kathleen , Schadler Keri , Muthukumaran Geetha , Ding Dennis , Bajulaiye Akinyemi , Thomas Nicholas J. , Ferrari Victor , Ryeom Sandra , Libonati Joseph R.
Published: July 2014

Cardiotoxicity is a side effect for cancer patients treated with doxorubicin (DOX). We tested the hypothesis that low-intensity aerobic exercise concomitant with DOX treatment would offset DOX-induced cardiotoxicity while also improving the therapeutic efficacy of DOX on tumor progression. B16F10 melanoma cells (3 × 105) were injected subcutaneously into the scruff of 6- to 8-wk-old male C57BL/6 mice ( n = 48). A 4 mg/kg cumulative dose of DOX was administered over 2 wk, and exercise (EX) consisted of treadmill walking (10 m/min, 45 min/day, 5 days/wk, 2 wk). Four experimental groups were tested: 1) sedentary (SED) + vehicle, 2) SED + DOX, 3) EX + vehicle, and 4) EX + DOX. Tumor volume was attenuated in DOX and lowest in EX + DOX. DOX-treated animals had less gain in body weight, reduced heart weights (HW), smaller HW-to-body weight ratios, and shorter tibial lengths by the end of the protocol; and exercise did not reverse the cardiotoxic effects of DOX. Despite decreased left ventricular (LV) mass with DOX, cardiomyocyte cross-sectional area, β-myosin heavy chain gene expression, and whole heart systolic (fractional shortening) and diastolic (E/A ratio) function were similar among groups. DOX also resulted in increased LV fibrosis with lower LV end diastolic volume and stroke volume. Myocardial protein kinase B activity was increased with both DOX and EX treatments, and tuberous sclerosis 2 (TSC2) abundance was reduced with EX. Downstream phosphorylation of TSC2 and mammalian target of rapamycin were similar across groups. We conclude that exercise increases the efficacy of DOX in inhibiting tumor growth without mitigating subclinical DOX-induced cardiotoxicity in a murine model of melanoma.
Somatostatin-28 inhibitory action on somatolactin-α and -β gene expression in goldfish
Authors: Jiang Quan , Wong Anderson O. L.
Published: July 2014

Somatostain (SS) is known to inhibit growth hormone (GH) and prolactin (PRL) secretion. Somatolactin (SL) is a member of the GH/PRL family, but its regulation by goldfish brain somatostatin-28 (gbSS-28) has not been examined. To this end, the structural identity of goldfish SLα was established by 5′/3′-rapid amplification of cDNA ends. As revealed by in situ hybridization and immunohistochemical staining, the expression of SL isoforms was detected in pituitary cells located in the neurointermediate lobe (NIL). The transcripts of goldfish SS receptor 5a (Sst5a) but not Sst1b, Sst2, or Sst3a were detected in the goldfish NIL cells by RT-PCR. In goldfish pituitary cells, gbSS-28 not only had an inhibitory effect on basal SLα and SLβ mRNA levels but also could abolish insulin-like growth factor-stimulated SL gene expression. In primary cultures of goldfish NIL cells, gbSS-28 reduced forskolin-stimulated total cAMP production. With the use of a pharmacological approach, the adenylate cyclase (AC)/cAMP and phospholipase C (PLC)/inositol trisphosphate (IP3)/protein kinase C (PKC) cascades were shown to be involved in gbSS-28-inhibited SLα mRNA expression. Similar postreceptor signaling cascades were also observed for gbSS-28-reduced SLβ mRNA expression, except that PKC coupling to PLC was not involved. These results provide evidence that gbSS-28 can inhibit SLα and SLβ gene expression at the goldfish pituitary level via Sst5 through differential coupling of AC/cAMP and PLC/IP3/PKC cascades.
Serotonin triggers cAMP and PKA-mediated intracellular calcium waves in Malpighian tubules ofRhodnius prolixus
Authors: Gioino Paula , Murray Brendan G. , Ianowski Juan P.
Published: July 2014

Rhodnius prolixus is a hematophagous insect vector of Chagas disease capable of ingesting up to 10 times its unfed body weight in blood in a single meal. The excess water and ions ingested with the meal are expelled through a rapid postprandial diuresis driven by the Malpighian tubules. Diuresis is triggered by at least two diuretic hormones, a CRF-related peptide and serotonin, which were traditionally believed to trigger cAMP as an intracellular second messenger. Recently, calcium has been suggested to act as a second messenger in serotonin-stimulated Malpighian tubules. Thus, we tested the role of calcium in serotonin-stimulated Malpighian tubules from R. prolixus. Our results show that serotonin triggers cAMP-mediated intracellular Ca2+waves that were blocked by incubation in Ca2+-free saline containing the cell membrane-permeant Ca2+chelator BAPTA-AM, or the PKA blocker H-89. Treatment with 8-Br-cAMP triggered Ca2+waves that were blocked by H-89 and BAPTA-AM. Analysis of the secreted fluid in BAPTA-AM-treated tubules showed a 75% reduction in fluid secretion rate with increased K+concentration, reduced Na+concentration. Taken together, the results indicate that serotonin triggers cAMP and PKA-mediated Ca2+waves that are required for maximal ion transport rate.
TIMAP promotes angiogenesis by suppressing PTEN-mediated Akt inhibition in human glomerular endothelial cells
Authors: Obeidat Marya , Li Laiji , Ballermann Barbara J.
Published: July 2014

The function of TIMAP, an endothelial cell (EC)-predominant protein phosphatase 1-regulatory subunit, is poorly understood. We explored the potential role of TIMAP in the Akt-dependent regulation of glomerular EC proliferation, survival, and in vitro angiogenesis. To deplete TIMAP, the EC were transfected with TIMAP-specific or nonspecific small interfering (si) RNA. The rate of electrical impedance development across subconfluent EC monolayers, a measure of the time-dependent increase in EC number, was 93 ± 2% lower in TIMAP-depleted than in control EC. This effect on cell proliferation was associated with reduced DNA synthesis and increased apoptosis: TIMAP silencing reduced 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine incorporation by 38 ± 2% during the exponential phase of EC proliferation, and cleaved caspase 3 as well as caspase 3 activity increased in TIMAP-depleted relative to control cells. Furthermore, TIMAP depletion inhibited the formation of angiogenic sprouts by glomerular EC in three-dimensional culture. TIMAP depletion strongly diminished growth factor-stimulated Akt phosphorylation without altering ERK1/2 phosphorylation, suggesting a specific effect on the PI3K/Akt/PTEN pathway. Endogenous TIMAP and PTEN colocalized in EC and coimmunoprecipitated from EC lysates. The inhibitory PTEN phosphorylation on S370 was significantly reduced in TIMAP-depleted compared with control EC, while phosphorylation of PTEN on the S380/T382/T383 cluster remained unchanged. Finally, the PTEN inhibitor bpV(phen) fully reversed the suppressive effect of TIMAP depletion on Akt phosphorylation. The data indicate that in growing EC, TIMAP is necessary for Akt-dependent EC proliferation, survival, and angiogenic sprout formation and that this effect of TIMAP is mediated by inhibition of the tumor suppressor PTEN.
Pharmacological and genetic depletion of fibrinogen protects from kidney fibrosis
Authors: Craciun Florin L. , Ajay Amrendra K. , Hoffmann Dana , Saikumar Janani , Fabian Steven L. , Bijol Vanesa , Humphreys Benjamin D. , Vaidya Vishal S.
Published: July 2014

Fibrinogen (Fg) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of several fibrotic disorders by acting as a profibrotic ligand for a variety of cellular surface receptors and by modulating the provisional fibrin matrix formed after injury. We demonstrated increased renal Fg expression after unilateral ureteral obstruction and folic acid (FA) nephropathy in mice, respectively. Urinary Fg excretion was also increased in FA nephropathy. Using in vitro and in vivo approaches, our results suggested that IL-6 mediates STAT3 activation in kidney fibrosis and that phosphorylated (p)STAT3 binds to Fgα, Fgβ, and Fgγ promoters in the kidney to regulate their transcription. Genetically modified Fg heterozygous mice (∼75% of normal plasma Fg levels) exhibited only 3% kidney interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy after FA nephropathy compared with 24% for wild-type mice. Fibrinogenolysis through Ancrod administration after FA reduced interstitial fibrosis more than threefold compared with vehicle-treated control mice. Mechanistically, we show that Fg acts synergistically with transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1to induce fibroblast proliferation and activates TGF-β1/pSMAD2 signaling. This study offers increased understanding of Fg expression and molecular interactions with TGF-β1in the progression to kidney fibrosis and, importantly, indicates that fibrinogenolytics like Ancrod present a treatment opportunity for a yet intractable disease.
Human cortical responses to slow and fast binaural beats reveal multiple mechanisms of binaural hearing
Authors: Ross Bernhard , Miyazaki Takahiro , Thompson Jessica , Jamali Shahab , Fujioka Takako
Published: July 2014

When two tones with slightly different frequencies are presented to both ears, they interact in the central auditory system and induce the sensation of a beating sound. At low difference frequencies, we perceive a single sound, which is moving across the head between the left and right ears. The percept changes to loudness fluctuation, roughness, and pitch with increasing beat rate. To examine the neural representations underlying these different perceptions, we recorded neuromagnetic cortical responses while participants listened to binaural beats at a continuously varying rate between 3 Hz and 60 Hz. Binaural beat responses were analyzed as neuromagnetic oscillations following the trajectory of the stimulus rate. Responses were largest in the 40-Hz gamma range and at low frequencies. Binaural beat responses at 3 Hz showed opposite polarity in the left and right auditory cortices. We suggest that this difference in polarity reflects the opponent neural population code for representing sound location. Binaural beats at any rate induced gamma oscillations. However, the responses were largest at 40-Hz stimulation. We propose that the neuromagnetic gamma oscillations reflect postsynaptic modulation that allows for precise timing of cortical neural firing. Systematic phase differences between bilateral responses suggest that separate sound representations of a sound object exist in the left and right auditory cortices. We conclude that binaural processing at the cortical level occurs with the same temporal acuity as monaural processing whereas the identification of sound location requires further interpretation and is limited by the rate of object representations.
Prestimulation phase predicts the TMS-evoked response
Authors: Kundu Bornali , Johnson Jeffrey S. , Postle Bradley R.
Published: July 2014

Prestimulation oscillatory phase and power in particular frequency bands predict perception of at-threshold visual stimuli and of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)-induced phosphenes. These effects may be due to changes in cortical excitability, such that certain ranges of power and/or phase values result in a state in which a particular brain area is more receptive to input, thereby biasing behavior. However, the effects of trial-by-trial fluctuations in phase and power of ongoing oscillations on the brain's electrical response to TMS itself have thus far not been addressed. The present study adopts a combined TMS and electroencepalography (EEG) approach to determine whether the TMS-evoked response is sensitive to momentary fluctuations in prestimulation phase and/or power in different frequency bands. Specifically, TMS was applied to superior parietal lobule while subjects performed a short-term memory task. Results showed that the prestimulation phase, particularly within the beta (15–25 Hz) band, predicted pulse-by-pulse variations in the global mean field amplitude. No such relationship was observed between prestimulation power and the global mean field amplitude. Furthermore, TMS-evoked power in the beta band fluctuated with prestimulation phase in the beta band in a manner that differed from spontaneous brain activity. These effects were observed in areas at and distal to the stimulation site. Together, these results confirm the idea that fluctuating phase of ongoing neuronal oscillations create “windows of excitability” in the brain, and they give insight into how TMS interacts with ongoing brain activity on a pulse-by-pulse basis.
A Framework to Determine the Effectiveness of Maintenance Strategies Lean Thinking Approach
Authors: Irajpour Alireza , Fallahian-Najafabadi Ali , Mahbod Mohammad Ali , Karimi Mohammad
Published: July 2014

The purpose of this paper is to provide a framework that can identify and evaluate the effectiveness of a given maintenance strategy and to rank components of maintenance system. The framework is developed using DEMATEL method on maintenance strategy as a guideline. To gain a richer understanding of the framework, a questionnaire is constructed and answered by experts. Then the DEMATEL method is applied to analyze the importance of criteria and the casual relations among the criteria are constructed. The scope of the paper is limited to performance measurement of maintenance strategies. It is found that the framework is applicable and useful for the strategic management of the maintenance function. It is observed that the influencing and preferred infrastructures for designing Learning and Training are three components, that is, optimal maintenance, CMMS, and RCM which are interdependent on each other and are the fundamental components to realize the designed goals of maintenance process. This paper provides an overview of research and developments in the measurement of maintenance performance. Many tools and techniques have been developed in other fields. However, the applicability of those tools to maintenance function has never been tried. In that respect this topic is novel. It helps in managing maintenance more effectively.
Antiobesity and Hypolipidemic Activity ofMoringa oleiferaLeaves against High Fat Diet-Induced Obesity in Rats
Authors: Bais Souravh , Singh Guru Sewak , Sharma Ramica
Published: July 2014

In the present study, the methanolic extract ofMoringa oleiferaleaves (MEMOL) was evaluated for antiobesity activity in rats. The antiobesity potential of MEMOL was studied against high fat diet-induced obesity (HFD) in rats. In this study, chronic administration of HFD in rats produced hypercholesterolemia (116.2 ± 0.27 mg/dL), which led to an increase in the body weight (225 gr), total cholesterol, triglycerides (263.0 ± 4.69 mg/dL), and attenuation in the levels of HDL (34.51 ± 2.20 mg/dL) as well as changes in body temperature of animals. Treatment of obese rats with MEMOL for 49 days resulted in a significant (P<0.001) change in body weight, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL level along with a significant (P<0.001) increase in body temperature as compared to the HFD-induced obesity. MEMOL treated rats also showed a significant decrease in the level of liver biomarkers, organ weight, and blood glucose level. Further, rats treated with MEMOL (200 mg and 400 mg/kg) show reduced atherogenic index (1.7 ± 0.6 and 0.87 ± 0.76). The results indicate that the rats treated withMoringa oleifera(MO) have significantly attenuated the body weight without any change in the feed intake and also elicited significant thermogenic effect and to act as hypolipidemic and thermogenic property in obesity related disorders.
Effective Task Scheduling and IP Mapping Algorithm for Heterogeneous NoC‐Based MPSoC
Authors: Yang Peng-Fei , Wang Quan
Published: July 2014

Quality of task scheduling is critical to define the network communication efficiency and the performance of the entire NoC‐ (Network‐on‐Chip‐) based MPSoC (multiprocessor System‐on‐Chip). In this paper, the NoC‐based MPSoC design process is favorably divided into two steps, that is, scheduling subtasks to processing elements (PEs) of appropriate type and quantity and then mapping these PEs onto the switching nodes of NoC topology. When the task model is improved so that it reflects better the real intertask relations, optimized particle swarm optimization (PSO) is utilized to achieve the first step with expected less task running and transfer cost as well as the least task execution time. By referring to the topology of NoC and the resultant communication diagram of the first step, the second step is done with the minimal expected network transmission delay as well as less resource consumption and even power consumption. The comparative experiments have shown the preferable resource and power consumption of the algorithm when it is actually adopted in a system design.
A Finite Volume Method for Modeling Shallow Flows with Wet‐Dry Fronts on Adaptive Cartesian Grids
Authors: Bi Sheng , Zhou Jianzhong , Liu Yi , Song Lixiang
Published: July 2014

A second‐order accurate, Godunov‐type upwind finite volume method on dynamic refinement grids is developed in this paper for solving shallow‐water equations. The advantage of this grid system is that no data structure is needed to store the neighbor information, since neighbors are directly specified by simple algebraic relationships. The key ingredient of the scheme is the use of the prebalanced shallow‐water equations together with a simple but effective method to track the wet/dry fronts. In addition, a second‐order spatial accuracy in space and time is achieved using a two‐step unsplit MUSCL‐Hancock method and a weighted surface‐depth gradient method (WSDM) which considers the local Froude number is proposed for water depths reconstruction. The friction terms are solved by a semi‐implicit scheme that can effectively prevent computational instability from small depths and does not invert the direction of velocity components. Several benchmark tests and a dam‐break flooding simulation over real topography cases are used for model testing and validation. Results show that the proposed model is accurate and robust and has advantages when it is applied to simulate flow with local complex topographic features or flow conditions and thus has bright prospects of field‐scale application.
Fractal Analysis of Laplacian Pyramidal Filters Applied to Segmentation of Soil Images
Authors: de Castro J. , Ballesteros F. , Méndez A. , Tarquis A. M.
Published: July 2014

The laplacian pyramid is a well-known technique for image processing in which local operators of many scales, but identical shape, serve as the basis functions. The required properties to the pyramidal filter produce a family of filters, which is unipara metrical in the case of the classical problem, when the length of the filter is 5. We pay attention to gaussian and fractal behaviour of these basis functions (or filters), and we determine the gaussian and fractal ranges in the case of single parametera. These fractal filters loose less energy in every step of the laplacian pyramid, and we apply this property to get threshold values for segmenting soil images, and then evaluate their porosity. Also, we evaluate our results by comparing them with the Otsu algorithm threshold values, and conclude that our algorithm produce reliable test results.
Advances in the Statistical Characterization of Fading: From 2005 to Present
Authors: Paris José F.
Published: July 2014

This review paper presents some of the most significant advances in statistical characterization of wireless communication fading. We will focus on the fundamental statistical characterizations of the fading distributions in terms of the probability density function (PDF), the cumulative density function (CDF), and the moment generating function (MGF). The period from 2005 to present will be considered in order to complement the information which can be found in the specialized literature like Simon and Alouini’s book on digital communications over fading channels. We present both the advances on classical fading models and a brief summary of some selected new fading models. Some open problems in the field will be also stated.
Promising Poly(ε-caprolactone) Composite Reinforced with Weft-Knitted Polyester for Small-Diameter Vascular Graft Application
Authors: Wang Fu-Jun , Mohammed Abedalwafa , Li Chao-Jing , Wang Lu
Published: July 2014

The present study was designed to improve the mechanical performance of a small-diameter vascular prosthesis made from a flexible membrane of poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL). PCL reinforcement was achieved by embedding a tubular fabric knitted from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) yarns within the freeze-dried composite structure. The knitting density of PET fabric influenced the mechanical properties of the new vascular graft. Results showed that the composite prototype has good mechanical properties, water permeability, elastic recovery, and suture retention strength. Increases in loop density increased compressive strength and suture retention strength and decreased elastic recovery. The new composite prototype vascular graft has promising potential applications in clinics because of its excellent mechanical properties.
Can the TLR-4-Mediated Signaling Pathway Be “A Key Inflammatory Promoter for Sporadic TAA”?
Authors: Ruvolo Giovanni , Pisano Calogera , Candore Giuseppina , Lio Domenico , Palmeri Cesira , Maresi Emiliano , Balistreri Carmela R.
Published: July 2014

Thoracic aorta shows with advancing age various changes and a progressive deterioration in structure and function. As a result, vascular remodeling (VR) and medial degeneration (MD) occur as pathological entities responsible principally for the sporadic TAA onset. Little is known about their genetic, molecular, and cellular mechanisms. Recent evidence is proposing the strong role of a chronic immune/inflammatory process in their evocation and progression. Thus, we evaluated the potential role of Toll like receptor- (TLR-) 4-mediated signaling pathway and its polymorphisms in sporadic TAA. Genetic, immunohistochemical, and biochemical analyses were assessed. Interestingly, the rs4986790 TLR4 polymorphism confers a higher susceptibility for sporadic TAA (OR=14.4,P=0.0008) and it represents, together with rs1799752 ACE, rs3918242 MMP-9, and rs2285053 MMP-2 SNPs, an independent sporadic TAA risk factor. In consistency with these data, a significant association was observed between their combined risk genotype and sporadic TAA. Cases bearing this risk genotype showed higher systemic inflammatory mediator levels, significant inflammatory/immune infiltrate, a typical MD phenotype, lower telomere length, and positive correlations with histopatological abnormalities, hypertension, smoking, and ageing. Thus, TLR4 pathway should seem to have a key role in sporadic TAA. It might represent a potential useful tool for preventing and monitoring sporadic TAA and developing personalized treatments.
The Virtual Resistance Control Strategy for HVRT of Doubly Fed Induction Wind Generators Based on Particle Swarm Optimization
Authors: Xie Zhen , Li Xue
Published: July 2014

Grid voltage swell will cause transient DC flux component in the doubly fed induction generator (DFIG) stator windings, creating serious stator and rotor current and torque oscillation, which is more serious than influence of the voltage dip. It is found that virtual resistance manages effectively to suppress rotor current and torque oscillation, avoid the operation of crowbar circuit, and enhance its high voltage ride through technology capability. In order to acquire the best virtual resistance value, the excellent particle library (EPL) of dynamic particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm is proposed. It takes the rotor voltage and rotor current as two objectives, which has a fast convergence performance and high accuracy. Simulation and experimental results verify the effectiveness of the virtual resistance control strategy.
Radiosynthesis of [18F]Trifluoroalkyl Groups: Scope and Limitations
Authors: Lien V. T. , Riss P. J.
Published: July 2014

The present paper is concerned with radiochemical methodology to furnish the trifluoromethyl motif labelled with18F. Literature spanning the last four decades is comprehensively reviewed and radiochemical yields and specific activities are discussed.
Synthesis and Characterization of Tolvaptan Impurities
Authors: Sethi Madhuresh Kumar , Singh Rawat Vijendra , Thirunavukarasu Jayaprakash , Yerramalla Rajakrishna , Kumar Anish
Published: July 2014

Twenty-six possible as well as observed impurities during the preparation of Tolvaptan have been identified, prepared, and characterized by HPLC (high performance liquid chromatography), NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance), and mass spectra. Control of these impurities, formed during various stages of Tolvaptan preparation, has been mentioned in this paper.
Statistical Downscaling of ERA-Interim Forecast Precipitation Data in Complex Terrain Using LASSO Algorithm
Authors: Gao Lu , Schulz Karsten , Bernhardt Matthias
Published: July 2014

Precipitation is an essential input parameter for land surface models because it controls a large variety of environmental processes. However, the commonly sparse meteorological networks in complex terrains are unable to provide the information needed for many applications. Therefore, downscaling local precipitation is necessary. To this end, a new machine learning method, LASSO algorithm (least absolute shrinkage and selection operator), is used to address the disparity between ERA-Interim forecast precipitation data (0.25° grid) and point-scale meteorological observations. LASSO was tested and validated against other three downscaling methods, local intensity scaling (LOCI), quantile-mapping (QM), and stepwise regression (Stepwise) at 50 meteorological stations, located in the high mountainous region of the central Alps. The downscaling procedure is implemented in two steps. Firstly, the dry or wet days are classified and the precipitation amounts conditional on the occurrence of wet days are modeled subsequently. Compared to other three downscaling methods, LASSO shows the best performances in precipitation occurrence and precipitation amount prediction on average. Furthermore, LASSO could reduce the error for certain sites, where no improvement could be seen when LOCI and QM were used. This study proves that LASSO is a reasonable alternative to other statistical methods with respect to the downscaling of precipitation data.
Impact of Risk Aversion on Price and Quality Decisions under Demand Uncertainty via the CARA Utility Function
Authors: Li Qinqin , Liu Zhiying , He Yi
Published: July 2014

This paper investigates optimal price and quality decisions of a manufacturer‐retailer supply chain under demand uncertainty, in which players are both risk‐averse decision makers. The manufacturer determines the wholesale price and quality of the product, and the retailer determines the retail price. By means of game theory, we employ the constant absolute risk aversion (CARA) function to analyze two different supply chain structures, that is, manufacturer Stackelberg model (MS) and retailer Stackelberg model (RS). We then analyze the results to explore the effects of risk aversion of the manufacturer and the retailer upon the equilibrium decisions. Our results imply that both the risk aversion of the manufacturer and the retailer play an important role in the price and quality decisions. We find that, in general, in MS and RS models, the optimal wholesale price and quality decrease with the risk aversion of the manufacturer but increase with the risk aversion of the retailer, while the retail price decreases with the risk aversion of the manufacturer as well as the retailer. We also examine the impact of quality cost coefficient on the optimal decisions. Finally, numerical examples are presented to illustrate the different degree of effects of players’ risk aversion on equilibrium results and to compare results in different models considered.
Research of Obstacle Recognition Technology in Cross‐Country Environment for Unmanned Ground Vehicle
Authors: Yibing Zhao , Hongbin Xu , Lie Guo , Linhui Li , Mingheng Zhang
Published: July 2014

Being aimed at the obstacle recognition problem of unmanned ground vehicles in cross‐country environment, this paper uses monocular vision sensor to realize the obstacle recognition of typical obstacles. Firstly, median filtering algorithm is applied during image preprocessing that can eliminate the noise. Secondly, image segmentation method based on the Fisher criterion function is used to segment the region of interest. Then, morphological method is used to process the segmented image, which is preparing for the subsequent analysis. The next step is to extract the color feature S, color feature a and edge feature “verticality” of image are extracted based on the HSI color space, the Lab color space, and two value images. Finally multifeature fusion algorithm based on Bayes classification theory is used for obstacle recognition. Test results show that the algorithm has good robustness and accuracy.
SER Performance of Enhanced Spatial Multiplexing Codes with ZF/MRC Receiver in Time-Varying Rayleigh Fading Channels
Authors: Lee In-Ho
Published: July 2014

We propose enhanced spatial multiplexing codes (E-SMCs) to enable various encoding rates. The symbol error rate (SER) performance of the E-SMC is investigated when zero-forcing (ZF) and maximal-ratio combining (MRC) techniques are used at a receiver. The proposed E-SMC allows a transmitted symbol to be repeated over time to achieve further diversity gain at the cost of the encoding rate. With the spatial correlation between transmit antennas, SER equations forM-ary QAM and PSK constellations are derived by using a moment generating function (MGF) approximation of a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), based on the assumption of independent zero-forced SNRs. Analytic and simulated results are compared for time-varying and spatially correlated Rayleigh fading channels that are modelled as first-order Markovian channels. Furthermore, we can find an optimal block length for the E-SMC that meets a required SER.
Xilei San Ameliorates Experimental Colitis in Rats by Selectively Degrading Proinflammatory Mediators and Promoting Mucosal Repair
Authors: Hao Yongbiao , Nagase Kazuko , Hori Kazutoshi , Wang Shenglan , Kogure Yoko , Fukunaga Ken , Kashiwamura Shinichiro , Yamamoto Satoshi , Nakamura Shiro , Li Junxiang , Miwa Hiroto , Noguchi Koichi , Dai Yi
Published: July 2014

Xilei san (XLS), a herbal preparation widely used in China for erosive and ulcerative diseases, has been shown to be effective in ulcerative colitis (UC). The present experiments were conducted to assess its efficacy and determine its mechanism of action in a rat model that resembles human UC. The model was induced by adding 4% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) to the rats’ drinking water for 7 days. XLS was administered daily by retention enema from day 2 to day 7; the rats were sacrificed on day 8. The colon tissues were obtained for further experiments. A histological damage score and the activity of tissue myeloperoxidase were used to evaluate the severity of the colitis. The colonic cytokine levels were detected in a suspension array, and epithelial proliferation was assessed using Ki‐67 immunohistochemistry. Intrarectal administration of XLS attenuated the DSS‐induced colitis, as evidenced by a reduction in both the histological damage score and myeloperoxidase activity. It also decreased the levels of proinflammatory cytokines, but increased the mucosal repair‐related cytokines. In addition, the epithelial Ki‐67 expression was upregulated by XLS. These results suggest that XLS attenuates DSS‐induced colitis by degrading proinflammatory mediators and promoting mucosal repair. XLS could be a potential topical treatment for human UC.
A Characterization of Completeness via Absolutely Convergent Series and the Weierstrass Test in Asymmetric Normed Semilinear Spaces
Authors: Shahzad N. , Valero O.
Published: July 2014

Asymmetric normed semilinear spaces are studied. A description of biBanach, leftK-sequentially complete, and Smyth complete asymmetric normed semilinear spaces is provided and three appropriate notions of absolute convergence in the asymmetric normed framework are introduced. Some characterizations of completeness are also obtained via absolutely convergent series. Moreover, as an application, a Weierstrass test for the convergence of series is derived.
Majorization for a Class of Analytic Functions Defined by q‐Differentiation
Authors: Selvakumaran K. A. , Purohit Sunil Dutt , Secer Aydin
Published: July 2014

We introduce a new class of multivalent analytic functions defined by using q‐differentiation and fractional q‐calculus operators. Further, we investigate majorization properties for functions belonging to this class. Also, we point out some new and known consequences of our main result.
Exopolysaccharide fromGanoderma applanatumas a Promising Bioactive Compound with Cytostatic and Antibacterial Properties
Authors: Osińska-Jaroszuk Monika , Jaszek Magdalena , Mizerska-Dudka Magdalena , Błachowicz Adriana , Rejczak Tomasz Piotr , Janusz Grzegorz , Wydrych Jerzy , Polak Jolanta , Jarosz-Wilkołazka Anna , Kandefer-Szerszeń Martyna
Published: July 2014

A new exopolysaccharide preparation isolated from stationary cultures of the white rot fungusGanoderma applanatum(GpEPS) was tested in terms of its bioactive properties including its cytotoxic and immunostimulatory effect. The results indicate that the tested GpEPS (at concentrations above 22.85 µg/mL and 228.5 µg/mL) may exhibit selective activity against tumor cells (cell lines SiHa) and stimulate production of TNF-αTHP-1-derived macrophages at the level of 752.17 pg/mL. The GpEPS showed antibacterial properties againstStaphyloccoccus aureusand a toxic effect againstVibrio fischericells (82.8% cell damage). High cholesterol-binding capacity and triglycerides-binding capacity (57.9% and 41.6% after 24 h of incubation with the tested substances, resp.) were also detected for the investigated samples of GpEPS.
Y-Stenting for Bifurcation Aneurysm Coil Embolization: What is the Risk?
Authors: Spiotta Alejandro M. , Lena Jonathan , Chaudry M. Imran , Turner Raymond D. , Turk Aquilla S.
Published: July 2014

The use of two stents in a “Y” configuration (Y-stenting) to assist with coil embolization of complex bifurcation aneurysms has been accepted as an alternative to clip reconstruction of a select subset of challenging aneurysms. We review the risks associated with Y-stenting, including its procedural complication rates, angiographic occlusion rates, rerupture, and retreatment rates.
A Clinical and Confocal Microscopic Comparison of Transepithelial PRK and LASEK for Myopia
Authors: Korkmaz Safak , Bilgihan Kamil , Sul Sabahattin , Hondur Ahmet
Published: July 2014

Purpose. To compare the clinical and confocal microscopic results of transepithelial PRK versus LASEK for correction of myopia.Materials and Methods. Twelve patients with myopia received transepithelial PRK in one eye and LASEK in the other. In transepithelial PRK-treated eyes, the corneal epithelium was removed with 40 microns of excimer laser ablation and in LASEK-treated eyes with 25-second application of 18% ethanol. Time to epithelial healing, ocular discomfort, uncorrected and best corrected visual acuities, manifest refraction, haze, greyscale value, and keratocyte apoptosis in confocal microscopy were recorded.Results. The mean time to epithelial healing was significantly longer after LASEK (4.00 ± 0.43 versus 3.17 ± 0.6 days). On day 1, ocular discomfort was significantly higher after transepithelial PRK. The grade of haze, keratocyte apoptosis, and greyscale value in confocal microscopy were significantly higher in transepithelial PRK-treated eyes at 1 month. All transepithelial PRK- and LASEK-treated eyes achieved 20/25 or better UCVA and were within ±1.00 D of emmetropia at final visits.Conclusions. Both transepithelial PRK and LASEK offer effective correction of myopia at 1 year. However, LASEK appeared to induce less discomfort and less intense wound healing in the early postoperative period.
Optimal Portfolio Strategy under Rolling Economic Maximum Drawdown Constraints
Authors: Yu Xiaojian , Xie Siyu , Xu Weijun
Published: July 2014

This paper deals with the problem of optimal portfolio strategy under the constraints of rolling economic maximum drawdown. A more practical strategy is developed by using rolling Sharpe ratio in computing the allocation proportion in contrast to existing models. Besides, another novel strategy named “REDP strategy” is further proposed, which replaces the rolling economic drawdown of the portfolio with the rolling economic drawdown of the risky asset. The simulation tests prove that REDP strategy can ensure the portfolio to satisfy the drawdown constraint and outperforms other strategies significantly. An empirical comparison research on the performances of different strategies is carried out by using the 23‐year monthly data of SPTR, DJUBS, and 3‐month T‐bill. The investment cases of single risky asset and two risky assets are both studied in this paper. Empirical results indicate that the REDP strategy successfully controls the maximum drawdown within the given limit and performs best in both return and risk.
CTCFL(BORIS) mRNA Expression in a Peripheral Giant Cell Granuloma of the Oral Cavity
Authors: Zambrano-Galván Graciela , Reyes-Romero Miguel , Bologna-Molina Ronell , Almeda-Ojeda Oscar Eduardo , Lemus-Rojero Obed
Published: July 2014

Peripheral giant cell granuloma (PGCG) is a relatively common benign reactive lesion of the oral cavity which can occur at any age.CTCFL/BORIS(CTCFlike/Brother of the Regulator of Imprinted Sites) andCTCF(CCCTC-binding factor) are paralogous genes with an important role in the regulation of gene expression, genomic imprinting, and nuclear chromatin insulators regulation.BORISexpression promotes cell immortalization and growth whileCTCFhas tumor suppressor activity; the expression pattern may reflect the reverse transcription silencing ofBORIS. The aim of this work was to describe a histopathological and molecular approach of an 8-year-old pediatric male patient with PGCG diagnosis. It was observed that the PGCG under study expressedCTCFas well asBORISmRNAs alongside with the housekeeping geneGAPDH, which may be related to possible genetic and epigenetic changes in normal cells of oral cavity.
Some Bounds for the Kirchhoff Index of Graphs
Authors: Yang Yujun
Published: July 2014

The resistance distance between two vertices of a connected graphGis defined as the effective resistance between them in the corresponding electrical network constructed fromGby replacing each edge ofGwith a unit resistor. The Kirchhoff index ofGis the sum of resistance distances between all pairs of vertices. In this paper, general bounds for the Kirchhoff index are given via the independence number and the clique number, respectively. Moreover, lower and upper bounds for the Kirchhoff index of planar graphs and fullerene graphs are investigated.
3D Multiscale Integrated Modeling Approach of Complex Rock Mass Structures
Authors: Li Mingchao , Han Yanqing , Wang Gang , Yan Fugen
Published: July 2014

Based on abundant geological data of different regions and different scales in hydraulic engineering, a new approach of 3D engineering‐scale and statistical‐scale integrated modeling was put forward, considering the complex relationships among geological structures and discontinuities and hydraulic structures. For engineering‐scale geological structures, the 3D rock mass model of the study region was built by the exact match modeling method and the reliability analysis technique. For statistical‐scale jointed rock mass, the random network simulation modeling method was realized, including Baecher structure plane model, Monte Carlo simulation, and dynamic check of random discontinuities, and the corresponding software program was developed. Finally, the refined model was reconstructed integrating with the engineering‐scale model of rock structures, the statistical‐scale model of discontinuities network, and the hydraulic structures model. It has been applied to the practical hydraulic project and offers the model basis for the analysis of hydraulic rock mass structures.
Improving the Efficiency of a Coagulation-Flocculation Wastewater Treatment of the Semiconductor Industry through Zeta Potential Measurements
Authors: López-Maldonado Eduardo Alberto , Oropeza-Guzmán Mercedes Teresita , Ochoa-Terán Adrián
Published: July 2014

Efficiency of coagulation-flocculation process used for semiconductor wastewater treatment was improved by selecting suitable conditions (pH, polyelectrolyte type, and concentration) through zeta potential measurements. Under this scenario the zeta potential,ζ, is the right parameter that allows studying and predicting the interactions at the molecular level between the contaminants in the wastewater and polyelectrolytes used for coagulation-flocculation. Additionally, this parameter is a key factor for assessing the efficiency of coagulation-flocculation processes based on the optimum dosages and windows for polyelectrolytes coagulation-flocculation effectiveness. In this paper, strategic pH variations allowed the prediction of the dosage of polyelectrolyte on wastewater from real electroplating baths, including the isoelectric point (IEP) of the dispersions of water and commercial polyelectrolytes used in typical semiconductor industries. The results showed that there is a difference between polyelectrolyte demand required for the removal of suspended solids, turbidity, and organic matter from wastewater (23.4 mg/L and 67 mg/L, resp.). It was also concluded that the dose of polyelectrolytes and coagulation-flocculation window to achieve compliance with national and international regulations as EPA in USA and SEMARNAT in Mexico is influenced by the physicochemical characteristics of the dispersions and treatment conditions (pH and polyelectrolyte dosing strategy).
Inhibition of Bromodomain Proteins for the Treatment of Human Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma
Authors: Trabucco Sally E. , Gerstein Rachel M. , Evens Andrew M. , Bradner James E. , Shultz Leonard D. , Greiner Dale L. , Zhang Hong
Published: July 2014

Purpose: Approximately 50% of patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) enter long-term remission after standard chemotherapy. Patients with DLBCL who do not respond to chemotherapy have few treatment options. There remains a critical need to identify effective and targeted therapeutics for DLBCL.

Experimental Design: Recent studies have highlighted the incidence of increased c-MYC protein in DLBCL and the correlation between high levels of c-MYC protein and poor survival prognosis of patients with DLBCL, suggesting that c-MYC is a compelling target for DLBCL therapy. The small molecule JQ1 suppresses c-MYC expression through inhibition of the bromodomain and extra-terminal (BET) family of bromodomain proteins. We investigated whether JQ1 can inhibit proliferation of DLBCL cells in culture and xenograft models in vivo.

Results: We show that JQ1 at nanomolar concentrations efficiently inhibited proliferation of human DLBCL cells in a dose-dependent manner regardless of their molecular subtypes, suggesting a broad effect of JQ1 in DLBCL. The initial G1 arrest induced by JQ1 treatment in DLBCL cells was followed by either apoptosis or senescence. The expression of c-MYC was suppressed as a result of JQ1 treatment from the natural, chromosomally translocated, or amplified loci. Furthermore, JQ1 treatment significantly suppressed growth of DLBCL cells engrafted in mice and improved survival of engrafted mice.

Conclusion: Our results demonstrate that inhibition of the BET family of bromodomain proteins by JQ1 has potential clinical use in the treatment of DLBCL. Clin Cancer Res; 21(1); 113–22. ©2014 AACR.

See related commentary by Mottok and Gascoyne, p. 4
T-box Transcription Factor Brachyury Is Associated with Prostate Cancer Progression and Aggressiveness
Authors: Pinto Filipe , Pértega-Gomes Nelma , Pereira Márcia S. , Vizcaíno José R. , Monteiro Pedro , Henrique Rui M. , Baltazar Fátima , Andrade Raquel P. , Reis Rui M.
Published: July 2014

Purpose: Successful therapy of patients with prostate cancer is highly dependent on reliable diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. Brachyury is considered a negative prognostic factor in colon and lung cancer; however, there are no reports on Brachyury's expression in prostate cancer.

Experimental Design: In this study, we aimed to assess the impact of Brachyury expression in prostate tumorigenesis using a large series of human prostate samples comprising benign tissue, prostate intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN) lesions, localized tumor, and metastatic tissues. The results obtained were compared with what can be inferred from the Oncomine database. In addition, multiple in vitro models of prostate cancer were used to dissect the biologic role of Brachyury in prostate cancer progression.

Results: We found that Brachyury is significantly overexpressed in prostate cancer and metastatic tumors when compared with normal tissues, both at protein and at mRNA levels. Brachyury expression in the cytoplasm correlates with highly aggressive tumors, whereas the presence of Brachyury in the nucleus is correlated with tumor invasion. We found that Brachyury-positive cells present higher viability, proliferation, migration, and invasion rates than Brachyury-negative cells. Microarray analysis further showed that genes co-expressed with Brachyury are clustered in oncogenic-related pathways, namely cell motility, cell-cycle regulation, and cell metabolism.

Conclusions: Collectively, the present study suggests that Brachyury plays an important role in prostate cancer aggressiveness and points, for the first time, to Brachyury as a significant predictor of poor prostate cancer prognosis. Our work paves the way for future studies assessing Brachyury as a possible prostate cancer therapeutic target. Clin Cancer Res; 20(18); 4949–61. ©2014 AACR.
HBV-Associated Cryoglobulinemic Vasculitis: Remission after Antiviral Therapy with Entecavir
Authors: Viganò Mauro , Martin Paul , Cappelletti Mattia , Fabrizi Fabrizio
Published: July 2014

Background/Aims: Cryoglobulinemic vasculitis remains an uncommon complication of hepatitis B virus infection. Methods: We report the case of a 40-years old female Chinese patient with chronic hepatitis B developing cryoglobulinemic vasculitis with multiple organ involvement (liver, kidney, and skin) coupled with weakness, arthralgias, haemolytic anaemia, and autoimmune thyroiditis. She received entecavir mono-therapy at dose adjusted for estimated glomerular filtration rate. Results: Within five months of entecavir treatment, hepatitis B viraemia decreased below the limit of detection with normal serum amino-transferase levels, HBeAg clearance occurred, vasculitis regressed with disappearance of purpura and ascites; in addition, renal function normalized and nephritic syndrome remitted. After a five-year follow-up, the patient is asymptomatic with intact kidney function, proteinuria in the normal range, and normal liver biochemistry, despite the antiviral treatment was withdrawn and the patient remained HBsAg positive. Conclusions: This is the second case of hepatitis B virus-related cryoglobulinemic vasculitis successfully treated with entecavir suggesting that effective antiviral therapy may counteract both the hepatic and extra-hepatic manifestations of infection by hepatitis B virus.