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This paper proposes a fast algorithm based on depth map segmentation for the depth coding of 3D video coding to reduce the coding complexity of the depth map. The proposed algorithm segments the depth map into different regions by modifying automatic thresholding technique. We also propose the search range adjustment according to the classification of the coding tree unit (CTU). The early termination and fast prediction unit mode decisions are also proposed to reduce the coding complexity. The experimental results show that the proposed algorithm can reduce the coding time of depth map and maintain good synthesized view quality.

Human type II topoisomerase (Top2) isoforms, hTop2α and hTop2β, are targeted by some of the most successful anticancer drugs. These drugs induce Top2-mediated DNA cleavage to trigger cell-death pathways. The potency of these drugs correlates positively with their efficacy in stabilizing the enzyme-mediated DNA breaks. Structural analysis of hTop2α and hTop2β revealed the presence of methionine residues in the drug-binding pocket, we therefore tested whether a tighter Top2-drug association may be accomplished by introducing a methionine-reactive Pt2+ into a drug to further stabilize the DNA break. Herein, we synthesized an organoplatinum compound, etoplatin-N2β, by replacing the methionine-juxtaposing group of the drug etoposide with a cis-dichlorodiammineplatinum(II) moiety. Compared to etoposide, etoplatin-N2β more potently inhibits both human Top2s. While the DNA breaks arrested by etoposide can be rejoined, those captured by etoplatin-N2β are practically irreversible. Crystallographic analyses of hTop2β complexed with DNA and etoplatin-N2β demonstrate coordinate bond formation between Pt2+ and a flanking methionine. Notably, this stable coordinate tether can be loosened by disrupting the structural integrity of drug-binding pocket, suggesting that Pt2+ coordination chemistry may allow for the development of potent inhibitors with protein conformation-dependent reversibility. This approach may be exploited to achieve isoform-specific targeting of human Top2s.

Oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) has been indicated as one of the oral potentially malignant disorders. Epidemiological studies have attributed this pathological fibrosis to the habit of areca nuts chewing, which causes chronic inflammation and persistent activation of myofibroblasts in the oral cavity. Hence, it is crucial to find an effective intervention to ameliorate inflammation in order to prevent the malignant progression of OSF. In this study, we assessed the anti-inflammatory effect of the immunomodulatory protein, GMI, extracted from Ganoderma microsporum on the expression proinflammatory cytokines and the myofibroblast characteristics in human fibrotic buccal mucosal fibroblasts (fBMFs). Our results demonstrated that the expression level of interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8 were decreased after exposure of GMI and the myofibroblast activities, including collagen gel contraction, migration, invasion, and wound healing abilities were inhibited as well. Furthermore, we confirmed these findings in the arecoline-stimulated BMFs. Consistent with the above findings, the expression of the myofibroblast marker α-smooth muscle actin and other fibrogenic markers, such as type I collagen, fibronectin, and vimentin in fBMFs were all reduced in a dose-dependent manner. Collectively, our data suggested that GMI suppressed the proinflammatory cytokines and myofibroblast features in fBMFs, and could serve as a promising and natural antifibrosis agent.

Vinorelbine (VNR), a semisynthetic vinca alkaloid acquired from vinblastine, is frequently used as the candidate for intervention of solid tumors. Nevertheless, VNR-caused endothelial injuries may lead a mitigative effect of clinical treatment efficiency. A growing body of evidence reveals that aspirin is a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammation drug. We investigated whether aspirin attenuate VNR-induced endothelial dysfunction. Human endothelial cells (EA.hy 926) were treated with VNR to cause endothelial inflammation. Western blotting, ROS assay, ELISA were used to confirm the anti-inflammatory effect of aspirin. We confirmed that VNR supresses SIRT1 expression, reduced LKB1 and AMPK phosphorylation as well as enriched PKC activation in treated endothelial cells. Furthermore, the membrane translocation assay displayed that the levels of NADPH oxidase subunits p47phox and Rac-1 in membrane fractions of endothelial cells were higher in cells that had been treated with VNR for than in untreated cells. We corroborated that treatment of Aspirin significantly diminishes VNR-repressed SIRT1, LKB1 and AMPK phosphorylation and VNR-promoted NADPH oxidase activation, however, those findings were vanished by SIRT1 and AMPK siRNAs. Our data also shown that Aspirin represses VNR-activated TGF-beta-activated kinase-1 (TAK1) activation, inhibited the interaction of TAK1/TAK-binding protein1 (TAB1), suppressed NF-kappa B activation and pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion. We demonstrated a novel connection between VNR-caused oxidative damages and endothelial dysfunction, and provide further insight into the protective effects of aspirin in VNR-caused endothelial dysfunction.

For a student, determining how to choose from a set of courses is an important issue prior to learning. An appropriate learning guide can direct students toward an area of interest. The learning results produced by the student in this case are superior due to their strong interest in the subject matter. Although a number of methods have been proposed to address this issue, the effectiveness remains unsatisfactory. To this end, we created an effective system, called the personality-driven course decision assistant, to help students determine the courses they should select by mining and filtering learners&rsquo, personality patterns. For learner pattern mining, the relationships between the students&rsquo, learning results and the referred personalities are discovered to provide the learners with valuable information before learning. For filtering learner personality patterns, students with similar personality patterns are filtered to predict the potential learning results. Through the actual system, a number of subjective and objective evaluations were conducted, and the evaluation results reveal that the proposed system is highly effective and reliable.

In this paper, a method of unmatched disturbance compensating integral sliding model predictive control for constrained linear discrete-time systems with bounded disturbances is presented. The basic idea is to shape a discrete-time integral sliding mode control into an optimal constrained control problem with model predictive control. By choosing another projection matrix in the integral sliding surface, the performance on the unmatched channel can be improved at the expense of the nominal MPC performance. For this reason, a final disturbance observer-based method is then introduced. The theoretical analysis and a numerical example illustrate the validity of the proposed method.

Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) have promising potential in regenerative medicine, but whether iPSCs can promote corneal reconstruction remains undetermined. In this study, we successfully reprogrammed human corneal keratocytes into iPSCs. To prevent feeder cell contamination, these iPSCs were cultured onto a serum- and feeder-free system in which they remained stable through 30 passages and showed ESC-like pluripotent property. To investigate the availability of iPSCs as bioengineered substitutes in corneal repair, we developed a thermo-gelling injectable amphiphatic carboxymethyl-hexanoyl chitosan (CHC) nanoscale hydrogel and found that such gel increased the viability and CD44+proportion of iPSCs, and maintained their stem-cell like gene expression, in the presence of culture media. Combined treatment of iPSC with CHC hydrogel (iPSC/CHC hydrogel) facilitated wound healing in surgical abrasion-injured corneas. In severe corneal damage induced by alkaline, iPSC/CHC hydrogel enhanced corneal reconstruction by downregulating oxidative stress and recruiting endogenous epithelial cells to restore corneal epithelial thickness. Therefore, we demonstrated that these human keratocyte-reprogrammed iPSCs, when combined with CHC hydrogel, can be used as a rapid delivery system to efficiently enhance corneal wound healing. In addition, iPSCs reprogrammed from corneal surgical residues may serve as an alternative cell source for personalized therapies for human corneal damage.

The only curative treatment for hepatic failure is liver transplantation. Unfortunately, this treatment has several major limitations, as for example donor organ shortage. A previous report demonstrated that transplantation of induced pluripotent stem cells without reprogramming factor c-Myc (3-genes iPSCs) attenuates thioacetamide-induced hepatic failure with minimal incidence of tumorigenicity. In this study, we investigated whether 3-genes iPSC transplantation is capable of rescuing carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4))-induced fulminant hepatic failure and hepatic encephalopathy in mice. Firstly, we demonstrated that 3-genes iPSCs possess the capacity to differentiate into hepatocyte-like cells (iPSC-Heps) that exhibit biological functions and express various hepatic specific markers. 3-genes iPSCs also exhibited several antioxidant enzymes that prevented CCl(4)-induced reactive oxygen species production and cell death. Intraperitoneal transplantation of either 3-genes iPSCs or 3-genes iPSC-Heps significantly reduced hepatic necrotic areas, improved hepatic functions, and survival rate in CCl(4)-treated mice. CCl(4)-induced hepatic encephalopathy was also improved by 3-genes iPSC transplantation. Hoechst staining confirmed the successful engraftment of both 3-genes iPSCs and 3-genes iPSC-Heps, indicating the homing properties of these cells. The most pronounced hepatoprotective effect of iPSCs appeared to originate from the highest antioxidant activity of 3-gene iPSCs among all transplanted cells. In summary, our findings demonstrated that 3-genes iPSCs serve as an available cell source for the treatment of an experimental model of acute liver diseases.

With the proliferation of weblogs (blogs) used in educational contexts, gaining a better understanding of why students are willing to blog has become an important topic for practitioners and academics. The main purpose of this study is to explore the individual difference antecedents of perceived enjoyment and examine how they influence blogging intention through the mediation of perceived enjoyment. Based on previous literature, the Big Five personality traits (ie, extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, neuroticism and openness to experience), as well as computer self-efficacy and personal innovation in information technology, are hypothesised as potential antecedents of perceived enjoyment in the acceptance of blogging. Data collected from a sample of 358 students at seven universities in Taiwan were tested against the research model using the structural equation modelling approach. The results indicate that extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness and personal innovation in information technology have a significant influence on perceived enjoyment, which in turn significantly influences blogging intention. The findings of this study provide several theoretical and practical implications for educational uses of blogging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New information and communication technologies and emerging learning models have triggered a new wave of educational innovation-electronic learning (E-learning). This study utilizes a hypercube innovation model to analyze the differences in technology and learning models (instruction model/environment) used in traditional classroom learning versus E-learning environments. The results show that the innovation from traditional classroom learning to E-learning is radical for both the learner and instructor, leading to drastic changes in the technology and learning model. For educational institutions, the technology is a fundamental change, while the learning model is reinforced. From the dynamic capability perspectives, a set of core capabilities needed for successfully exploiting E-learning is identified. These results provide insight for learners, instructors and educational institutions for enhancing their understanding of E-learning innovation, and provide guidelines to help E-learning stakeholders adapt from the traditional classroom to E-learning environments.

In this paper, a robust control architecture is proposed for lane-keeping and obstacle avoidance of autonomous ground vehicles. A two-level hierarchical controller is used to separate the planning and tracking problems. At the higher-level, we solve a nonlinear model predictive control (MPC) problem with an oversimplified point-mass model. The desired trajectories are generated and fed into the lower-level controller, where a force-input nonlinear bicycle model is considered to set up the tracking control law. Moreover, at each time step, a linearized bicycle model is derived and implemented to reduce the real-time computational complexity. Based on the above profile, a discrete-time integral sliding MPC (DISMPC) technique is used to improve the system robustness. By introducing an additional sliding control term into the feedback control law, the system trajectories can be maintained within a quasi-sliding band. In this case, it becomes necessary to take into account the system dynamics induced by the sliding control. Namely, the state and the input constraints of the MPC problem at each level need to be tightened. This helps to guarantee the feasibility of the original constrained problem in the presence of disturbances. Simulations have been carried out to verify the effectiveness of the proposed controller. The results show that the controller is able to simultaneously achieve lane-keeping and obstacle avoidance with uncertain friction coefficients.Copyright © 2015 by ASME

Anaplastic astrocytoma (AA) is a grade III glioma that often occurs in middle-aged patients and presents a uniformly poor prognosis. A small subpopulation of cancer stem cells (CSCs) possessing a self-renewing capacity is reported to be responsible for tumor recurrence and therapeutic resistance. An accumulating amount of microRNAs (miRNA) were found aberrantly expressed in human cancers and regulate CSCs. Efforts have been made to couple miRNAs with nonviral gene delivery approaches to target specific genes in cancer cells. However, the efficiency of delivery of miRNAs to AA-derived CSCs is still an applicability hurdle. The present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness and applicability of nonviral vector-mediated delivery of Let-7a with regard to eradication of AA and AA-derived CSC cells. Herein, our miRNA/mRNA microarray and RT-PCR analysis showed that the expression of Let-7a, a tumor-suppressive miRNA, is inversely correlated with the levels of HMGA2 and Sox2 in the AA side population (SP+) cells. Luciferase reporter assay showed that Let-7a directly targets the 3′-UTRs of HMGA2 in AA-SP+ cells. Knockdown of HMGA2 significantly suppressed the protein expression of Sox2 in AA-SP+ cells, whereas overexpression of HMGA2 upregulated Sox2 expression in AA-SP-. Nuclear localization signal (NLS) peptides can facilitate nuclear targeting of DNA and are used to improve gene delivery. Using polyurethane-short branch polyethylenimine (PU-PEI) as a therapeutic delivery vehicle, we conjugated NLS with Let-7 and successfully delivered it to AA-SP+ cells, resulting in significantly suppressed expression of HMGA2 and Sox2, tumorigenicity, and CSC-like abilities. This treatment facilitated the differentiation of AA-SP+ cells into non-SP CSCs. Furthermore, PU-PEI-mediated delivery of NLS-conjugated Let-7a in AA-SP+ cells suppressed the expression of drug-resistant and antiapoptotic genes, and increased cell sensitivity to radiation. Finally, the in vivo delivery of PU-PEI-NLS-Let-7a significantly suppressed the tumorigenesis of AA-SP+ cells and synergistically improved the survival rate of orthotopically AA-SP+-transplanted immunocompromised mice when combined with radiotherapy. Therefore, PU-PEI-NLS-Let-7a is a potential novel therapeutic approach for AA.

In this paper, a method of robust model predictive control for constrained linear discrete-time systems with bounded disturbances is presented. The approach is based on modifying the concept of discrete-time integral sliding mode control into an optimal constrained control problem. By introducing an additional sliding mode control term into the state feedback law, the closed-loop system can be maintained within a quasi-sliding band throughout the entire response. To avoid violating the original constraints, we need to tighten the constraints beforehand based on the knowledge of the quasisliding band and the switching signal in the sliding mode control. As the result, the tightened optimal control problem determines the discrete-time integral sliding surface and the associated sliding mode control term rejects the additional disturbance. The theoretical analysis and a numerical example illustrate the validity of the proposed method. A key feature of this method is its constraint tightening approach, which eliminates the complexity of iterative computation for the robust invariant set.

Patrick Gladding , Sarah Gleeson , Yi-Wen Liao , Clementina Dugo , Andrew Cave , Lifeng Zhou , Martin Orr , Kazuaki Negishi , Alan Borowski , Jagir Hussan , Peter Hunter , Mohammed Kassemi , David Martin , Benjamin Levine , Todd Schlegel , James Thomas 9 Waitemata DHB, Auckland, New Zealand Menzies Research Institute, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tas, Australia Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio, USA Auckland Bioengineering Institute, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand NASA Glen Research Centre, Cleveland, Ohio, USA Wyle Science, Technology and Engineering Group, Houston, Texas, USA University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA Karolinska Institutet, and Nicollier-Schlegel Sarl, Stockholm, Trelex, Sweden, Switzerland Blumh Cardiovascular Institute, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Ill., USA, National Space Biomedical Research Foundation, Houston, Texas, USA Corresponding author.

BACKGROUND:Increased spatial QRS-T angle has been shown to predict appropriate implantable cardioverter defibrilIator (ICD) therapy in patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD). We performed a retrospective cohort study in patients with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) 31-40% to assess the relationship between the spatial QRS-T angle and other advanced ECG (A-ECG) as well as echocardiographic metadata, with all-cause mortality or ICD implantation for secondary prevention. METHODS:534 patients ≤75 years of age with LVEF 31-40% were identified through an echocardiography reporting database. Digital 12-lead ECGs were retrospectively matched to 295 of these patients, for whom echocardiographic and A-ECG metadata were then generated. Data mining was applied to discover novel ECG and echocardiographic markers of risk. Machine learning was used to develop a model to predict possible outcomes. RESULTS:49 patients (17%) had events, defined as either mortality (n = 16) or ICD implantation for secondary prevention (n = 33). 72 parameters (58 A-ECG, 14 echocardiographic) were univariately different (p110° had an adjusted HR of 3.4 (95% CI 1.6 to 7.4) for secondary ICD implantation or all-cause death and adjusted HR of 4.1 (95% CI 1.2 to 13.9) for future heart failure admission. There was a loss of complexity between A-ECG and echocardiographic variables with an increasing degree of disease. CONCLUSION:Spatial QRS-T angle >110° was strongly associated with arrhythmic events and all-cause death. Deep analysis of global ECG and echocardiographic metadata revealed underlying relationships, which otherwise would not have been appreciated. Delivered at scale such techniques may prove useful in clinical decision making in the future.

The impact of long-term spaceflight on cardiac electromechanical function is unknown. Integrating heterogeneous biophysical data from sources such as echocardiography (Echo), electrocardiography (ECG), and genomics into a mathematical model could be used to predict cardiac dysfunction in space. We have developed a multiscale heart model, onto which astronaut-specific ultrasound data can be imposed, with the aim of integrating advanced ECG (A-ECG) and genomic data.

With the proliferation of Weblogs (blogs) use in educational contexts, gaining a better understanding of why students are willing to utilize blog systems has become an important topic for practitioners and academics. While perceived enjoyment has been found to have a significant influence on behavioral intentions to use blogs or hedonic systems, few studies have investigated the antecedents of perceived enjoyment in the acceptance of blogging. The main purpose of the present study is to explore the individual difference antecedents of perceived enjoyment and examine how they influence behavioral intention to blog through the mediation of perceived enjoyment. Based on the previous literature, the Big Five personality traits (i.e., extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, neuroticism, and openness to experience), as well as computer self-efficacy and personal innovation in information technology (PIIT), are hypothesized as potential antecedents of perceived enjoyment in the acceptance of blogging. Data collected from 358 respondents in Taiwan are tested against the research model using the structural equation modeling approach. The results indicate that extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, and PIIT have a significant influence on perceived enjoyment, which in turn significantly influences the behavioral intention to blog. These findings lead to several important implications for future research., {"references":["Agarwal, R., Karahanna, E., 2000. Time flies when you-re having fun:\ncognitive absorption and beliefs about information technology usage.\nMIS Quarterly, 24(4), 665-694.","Agarwal, R., Prasad, J., 1998. 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The popularity of Internet and the emergence of wireless technology have changed people's lifestyle. In the past, as people walked around their surrounding environment, many impulse-induced transactions were deferred, mostly due to the lack of adequate technology or decision-making ability to conduct them. Although mobile shopping related research topics have been widely studied in the past few years, seldom have they been done in the issues of how to design a framework to provide timely shopping, location, and decision-making information to mobile shoppers to help them conduct transactions promptly and efficiently. This study presents an agent-based framework to fulfill the requirement of impulse-induced mobile shopping. The proposed framework utilizes agent technology, location-based information, and user preferences to provide an environment that is capable of responding to users' shopping needs at the point of impulse generation. A prototyping system of the proposed framework is built and its feasibility is discussed.