Simulating spiking neural networks on massively parallel graphical processing units using a code generation approach with GeNN

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More flexibility for code generation with GeNN v2.1

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Spiking neural network model of reinforcement learning in the honeybee implemented on the GPU

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Determination of snow water equivalent (SWE) according to elevation and its importance for water resources in semi-humid region of Turkey

The aim of this study was to determine the altitudinal distribution of snow water equivalent (SWE) in the north-east facing aspect of the basin of the Fabrika River in Artvin. Study sites were selected at four different altitudes, where a total of thirty snow samples were collected from each study site from the depth steps of 0–5 cm and 5–10 cm. As a result, the snow sample collected on February 21, 2008 at 1250 m altitude and from 5–10 cm depth was found to produce the highest SWE value while the snow sample collected on February 15, 2008 at 200 m altitude and from 0– 5 cm depth was found to produce the lowest SWE value. A strong relationship was detected between the SWE of the snow sample collected from 0–5 cm depth and the altitude of the sampling site. This relationship was formulated as: [R2= 0.94, SWE = 0.1328* (Altitude 0.687)], while this relationship was formulated as: R2= 0.928, SWE = 0.15 * (Altitude 0.6750)], in depth of 5–10 cm

Decreased therapeutic effects of noscapine combined with imatinib mesylate on human glioblastoma in vitro and the effect of midkine

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Glioblastoma (GBM) develops resistance to the advances in chemotherapy leading to poor prognosis and life quality. Consequently, new treatment modalities are needed. Our aims were to investigate the effects of combined noscapine (NOS) and imatinib mesylate (IM) on human GBM <it>in vitro </it>and the role of midkine (MK) in this new combination treatment.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Monolayer and spheroid cultures of T98G human GBM cell line were used to evaluate the effects of IM (10 μM), Nos (10 μM) and their combination on cell proliferation and apoptotic indexes, cell cycle, the levels of antiapoptotic MK, MRP-1, p170, PFGFR-α, EGFR, bcl-2 proteins, apoptotic caspase-3 levels, morphology (SEM) and ultrastructure (TEM) for 72 hrs. Results were statistically analyzed using the Student's t-test.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The combination group induced highest decrease in cell proliferation and apoptotic indexes, caspase-3 levels, MRP-1 and PDGFR-α levels. The decrease in p170 levels were lower than IM but higher that NOS. The highest increases were in EGFR, MK, bcl-2 and cAMP levels in the combination group. The G0+G1 cell cycle arrest at the end of 72^ndhr was the lowest in the combination group. Apoptotic appearence was observed rarely both in the morphologic and ultrastructural evaluation of the combination group. In addition, autophagic vacuoles which were frequently observed in the IM group were observed rarely.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>The combination of Nos with IM showed antagonist effect in T98G human GBM cells in vitro. This antagonist effect was correlated highly with MK levels. The effects of NOS on MRP-1, MK and receptor tyrosine kinase levels were firstly demonstrated in our report. In addition, we proposed that MK is one of the modulator in the switch of autophagy to cell death or survival/resistance.</p

Morphologically different hydroxyapatite nanoparticles exert differential genotoxic effects in Drosophila

Altres ajuts: acords transformatius de la UABHydroxyapatite (HAP) occurs naturally in sedimentary and metamorphic rocks and constitutes the hard structures in many organisms. Since synthetic nano-sized HAP (HAP-NPs) are used in orthopedic applications and for heavy metal remediation in aquatic and terrestrial media, both environment and humans are exposed to them. Due to the concerns about their potential hazards, the genotoxic effects that round/rod forms of HAP-NPs were investigated in Drosophila using the wing-spot and the comet assays. Furthermore, caspase activities were evaluated to examine the activation of cell death pathways. As a novelty, the expression of 36 genes involved in DNA repair was investigated, as a tool to indirectly determine DNA damage induction. Obtained sizes were 35-60 nm (roundHAP-NPs) and 45-90 nm (rodHAP-NPs) with a low Zeta-potential (-1.65 and 0.37 mV, respectively). Genotoxicity was detected in the wing-spot (round form), and in the comet assay (round and rod-like HA-NPs). In addition, increased expression of Caspases 3/7, 8, and 9 activities were observed. For both HAP forms, increased changes in the expression were observed for mismatch repair genes, while decreased expression was observed for genes involved in ATM, ATR, and cell cycle pathways. The observed changes in the repair pathways would reinforce the view that HAP-NPs have genotoxic potential, although more markedly in the round form. Thus, the environmental presence of engineered nanoparticles, including HAPs, raises concerns about potential effects on human health. It is essential that the effects of their use are carefully assessed and monitored to ensure safety and to mitigate any potential adverse effects

SpineML and Brian 2.0 interfaces for using GPU enhanced Neuronal Networks (GeNN)

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The relationship between glycemic control and BNP levels in diabetic patients

Background: Glycemic control affects cardiovascular risk factors positively. The purpose of this study was to assess B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels in patients with poorly controlled diabetes before and after glycemic regulation was achieved.Methods: The study was performed in a prospective design. The study population consisted of 79 consecutive diabetic patients with poor glycemic control. All subjects underwent transthoracic echocardiography. Levels of fasting plasma glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), lipid parameters, and BNP were measured before the onset of the treatment and after glycemic regulation was achieved.Results: A significant decrease in BNP (95.0 [4.0–1807] ng/L vs. 52.0 [2.1–987.0] ng/L, p &lt; 0.001) levels were observed, after improving glycemic control. The decrease in BNP levels was positively correlated with the decrease in HbA1c (r = 0.345, p = 0.003) and fasting plasma glucose (r = 0.366, p = 0.002). There was no correlation between the decrease in BNP levels and lipid parameters (p = NS).Conclusions: We conclude that poor glycemic control may cause high levels of BNP which maylead to overdiagnosis of congestive heart failure. We suggest that HbA1c and fasting plasma glucose should be checked in patients with high levels of BNP