Parallel Algorithms Based on the Temporal-Window Method for Non-Alternating 3D-WT over Angiographies Using a Multicomputer

In this paper, we introduce and evaluate the parallel implementations of two video sequences decorrelation algorithms having been developed based on the non-alternating three-dimensional wavelet transform (3D-WT) and the temporal-window method. The proposed algorithms have been proven to outperform the classic 3D-WT algorithm in terms of a better coding efficiency and lower computational requirements while enabling a lossless coding and a top-quality reconstruction: the two most highly relevant features to medical imaging applications. The parallel implementations of the algorithms are developed and tested on a shared memory system, a SGI Origin 3800 supercomputer, making use of a message-passing paradigm. We evaluate and analyze the performance of the implementations in terms of the response time and speed-up factor by varying the number of processors and various video coding parameters. The key point enabling the development of highly efficient implementations rely on a workload distribution strategy supplemented by the use of parallel I/O primitives, for better exploiting the inherent features of the application and computing platform. Two sets of I/O primitives are tested and evaluated: the ones provided by the C compiler and the ones belonging to the MPI/IO library.     

Control mechanisms to improve the robustness of mpeg-2 based communications over ATM networks

Audio-visual and other multimedia services are seen as an important source of traffic for ATM networks. Due to the statistical multiplexing schemes used by ATM networks, cells are exposed to delays, jitters and losses. These phenomena affect the quality of the service provided to the video-based applications. In this paper, we introduce a set of control mechanisms at different levels of the protocol architecture. These mechanisms have been particularly tailored to better support MPEG-2-based video communications applications using ATM networks as their underlying transmission mechanism. We show that the use of errorconcealment mechanisms prove more effective when supplemented by a structured set of protocol mechanisms. We study the impact of cell losses on the quality of MPEG-2 video sequences and provide an evaluation of the quality of the decoded video as perceived by the end user. Our results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed protocol architecture in improving the quality of service provided to the video application.     

Olive oil and modulation of cell signaling in disease prevention

Epidemiological studies show that populations consuming a predominantly plant-based Mediterranean-style diet exhibit lower incidences of chronic diseases than those eating a northern European or North American diet. This observation has been attributed to the greater consumption of fruits and vegetables and the lower consumption of animal products, particularly fat. Although total fat intake in Mediterranean populations can be higher than in other regions (ca. 40% of calories), the greater proportion is derived from olive oil and not animals. Increased olive oil consumption is implicated in a reduction in cardiovascular disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and, to a lesser extent, a variety of cancers. Olive oil intake also has been shown to modulate immune function, particularly the inflammatory processes associated with the immune system. Olive oil is a nonoxidative dietary component, and the attenuation of the in-flammatory process it elicits could explain its beneficial effects on disease risk since oxidative and inflammatory stresses appear to be underlying factors in the etiology of these diseases in man. The antioxidant effects of olive oil are probably due to a combination of its high oleic acid content (low oxidation potential compared with linoleic acid) and its content of a variety of plant antioxidants, particularly oleuropein, hydroxytyrosol, and tyrosol. It is also possible that the high oleic acid content and a proportionate reduction in linoleic acid intake would allow a greater conversion of α-linolenic acid (18∶3n−3) to longer-chain n−3 PUFA, which have characteristic health benefits. Adoption of a Mediterranean diet could confer health benefits in high-risk populations.     

Identification of Oxidative Stress Related Proteins as Biomarkers for Lung Cancer and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in Bronchoalveolar Lavage

Lung cancer (LC) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) commonly coexist in smokers, and the presence of COPD increases the risk of developing LC. Cigarette smoke causes oxidative stress and an inflammatory response in lung cells, which in turn may be involved in COPD and lung cancer development. The aim of this study was to identify differential proteomic profiles related to oxidative stress response that were potentially involved in these two pathological entities. Protein content was assessed in the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) of 60 patients classified in four groups: COPD, COPD and LC, LC, and control (neither COPD nor LC). Proteins were separated into spots by two dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (2D-PAGE) and examined by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF/TOF). A total of 16 oxidative stress regulatory proteins were differentially expressed in BAL samples from LC and/or COPD patients as compared with the control group. A distinct proteomic reactive oxygen species (ROS) protein signature emerged that characterized lung cancer and COPD. In conclusion, our findings highlight the role of the oxidative stress response proteins in the pathogenic pathways of both diseases, and provide new candidate biomarkers and predictive tools for LC and COPD diagnosis.     

A new biobased plasticizer for poly(vinyl chloride) based on epoxidized cottonseed oil

The use of epoxidized cottonseed oil as plasticizer for poly(vinyl chloride) was studied. The plasticizer content was set to 70 phr and the optimum isothermal curing conditions were studied in the temperature range comprised between 160 and 220 °C with varying curing times in the 7.5–17.5 min range. The influence of the curing conditions on overall performance of cured plastisols was followed by the evolution of mechanical properties (tensile tests with measurements of tensile strength, elongation at break, and modulus), change in color, surface changes of fractured samples by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermal transitions by differential scanning calorimetry, and migration in n‐hexane. The optimum mechanical features of cured plastisols are obtained for curing temperatures in the 190–220 °C range. For these curing conditions, fractography analysis by SEM gives evidences of full curing process as no PVC particles and free plasticizer can be found. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016 , 133, 43642.     

Palladium Nanoparticles in Water: A Reusable Catalytic System for the Cycloetherification or Benzannulation of α‐Allenols

A convenient ligand‐free catalytic system has been developed for the chemoselective cyclization reaction of various α‐allenol derivatives by palladium nanoparticles (PdNPs) in an aqueous reaction medium.

     

κ-Opioid Signaling in the Lateral Hypothalamic Area Modulates Nicotine-Induced Negative Energy Balance

Several studies have reported that nicotine, the main bioactive component of tobacco, exerts a marked negative energy balance. Apart from its anorectic action, nicotine also modulates energy expenditure, by regulating brown adipose tissue (BAT) thermogenesis and white adipose tissue (WAT) browning. These effects are mainly controlled at the central level by modulation of hypothalamic neuropeptide systems and energy sensors, such as AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). In this study, we aimed to investigate the kappa opioid receptor (κOR)/dynorphin signaling in the modulation of nicotine’s effects on energy balance. We found that body weight loss after nicotine treatment is associated with a down-regulation of the κOR endogenous ligand dynorphin precursor and with a marked reduction in κOR signaling and the p70 S6 kinase/ribosomal protein S6 (S6K/rpS6) pathway in the lateral hypothalamic area (LHA). The inhibition of these pathways by nicotine was completely blunted in κOR deficient mice, after central pharmacological blockade of κOR, and in rodents where κOR was genetically knocked down specifically in the LHA. Moreover, κOR-mediated nicotine effects on body weight do not depend on orexin. These data unravel a new central regulatory pathway modulating nicotine’s effects on energy balance.     

Loliolide,a New Therapeutic Option for Neurological Diseases? In Vitro Neuroprotective and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of a Monoterpenoid Lactone Isolated from Codium tomentosum

Parkinsons Disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease worldwide, and is characterized by a progressive degeneration of dopaminergic neurons. Without an effective treatment, it is crucial to find new therapeutic options to fight the neurodegenerative process, which may arise from marine resources. Accordingly, the goal of the present work was to evaluate the ability of the monoterpenoid lactone Loliolide, isolated from the green seaweed Codium tomentosum, to prevent neurological cell death mediated by the neurotoxin 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) on SH-SY5Y cells and their anti-inflammatory effects in RAW 264.7 macrophages. Loliolide was obtained from the diethyl ether extract, purified through column chromatography and identified by NMR spectroscopy. The neuroprotective effects were evaluated by the MTT method. Cells’ exposure to 6-OHDA in the presence of Loliolide led to an increase of cells’ viability in 40%, and this effect was mediated by mitochondrial protection, reduction of oxidative stress condition and apoptosis, and inhibition of the NF-kB pathway. Additionally, Loliolide also suppressed nitric oxide production and inhibited the production of TNF-α and IL-6 pro-inflammatory cytokines. The results suggest that Loliolide can inspire the development of new neuroprotective therapeutic agents and thus, more detailed studies should be considered to validate its pharmacological potential.