bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transition under noise in the Sznajd model on square lattice
Authors: Lima F. W. S.
Published: July 2015

In order to describe the formation of a consensus in human opinion dynamics, in this paper, we study the Sznajd model with probabilistic noise in two dimensions. The time evolution of this system is performed via Monte Carlo simulations. This social behavior model with noise presents a well defined second-order phase transition. For small enough noise q < 0.33 most agents end up sharing the same opinion.
Probing Dark Energy models with neutrons
Authors: Pignol Guillaume
Published: July 2015

There is a deep connection between cosmology — the science of the infinitely large — and particle physics — the science of the infinitely small. This connection is particularly manifest in neutron particle physics. Basic properties of the neutron — its Electric Dipole Moment and its lifetime — are intertwined with baryogenesis and nucleosynthesis in the early Universe. I will cover this topic in the first part, that will also serve as an introduction (or rather a quick recap) of neutron physics and Big Bang cosmology. Then, the rest of the paper will be devoted to a new idea: using neutrons to probe models of Dark Energy. In the second part, I will present the chameleon theory: a light scalar field accounting for the late accelerated expansion of the Universe, which interacts with matter in such a way that it does not mediate a fifth force between macroscopic bodies. However, neutrons can alleviate the chameleon mechanism and reveal the presence of the scalar field with properly designed experiments. In the third part, I will describe a recent experiment performed with a neutron interferometer at the Institut Laue Langevin that sets already interesting constraints on the chameleon theory. Last, the chameleon field can be probed by measuring the quantum states of neutrons bouncing over a mirror. In the fourth part, I will present the status and prospects of the GRANIT experiment at the ILL.
The generating function of amplitudes with N twisted and L untwisted states
Authors: Pesando Igor
Published: July 2015

We show that the generating function of all correlators with N twisted and L untwisted states, i.e. the Reggeon vertex for magnetized branes on [Formula: see text] can be computed once the correlator of N nonexcited twisted states and the corresponding Green function are known and we give an explicit expression as a functional of these objects.
Predator population depending on lemming cycles
Authors: Anashkina Ekaterina I. , Chichigina Olga A. , Valenti Davide , Kargovsky Aleksey V. , Spagnolo Bernardo
Published: July 2015

In this paper, a Langevin equation for predator population with multiplicative correlated noise is analyzed. The noise source, which is a nonnegative random pulse noise with regulated periodicity, corresponds to the prey population cycling. The increase of periodicity of noise affects the average predator density at the stationary state.
Identifying community structure in complex networks
Authors: Shao Chenxi , Duan Yubing
Published: July 2015

A wide variety of applications could be formulated to resolve the problem of finding all communities from a given network, ranging from social and biological network analysis to web mining and searching. In this study, we propose the concept of virtual attractive strength between each pair of node in networks, and then give the definition of community structure based on the proposed attractive strength. Furthermore, we present a community detection method by moving vertices to the clusters that produce the largest attractive strengths to them until the division of network reaches unchanged. Experimental results on synthetic and real networks indicate that the proposed approach has favorite effectiveness and fast convergence speed, which provides an efficient method for exploring and analyzing complex systems.
La and Co doping effects on magnetoresistance of double perovskite Sr2FeMoO6
Authors: Ri SongChol , Kim GwangSu
Published: July 2015

Double perovskite Sr 2 FeMoO 6 (SFMO) with composition of Sr 2-x La x Fe 1-y Co y MoO 6(x = 0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5 at.%; y = 0, 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.5, 0.9 at.%) was synthesized by high energy ball milling and sintering. The sintered samples were investigated by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and magnetic measurements. XRD results show that all the samples have single phase double perovskite structure. EDS spectrum confirmed that the actual composition of prepared samples is in agreement with nominal ones. With the increase of doping concentration of La, the magnetization decreases, whereas Curie temperature increases in SFMO. And with doping concentration of La, the magnetoresistance (MR) ratio with a low magnetic field of 480 kA/m increases, has its maximum value as 5% for x = 0.3 at 293 K. The degree of antisite disorder decreases with Co 2+ doping, and therefore results in increase of MR ratio. At room temperature, the MR ratio with a considerable low magnetic field for x = 0.3, y = 0.1 has maximum value as 6.5%.
Synchrony in Metapopulations with Sporadic Dispersal
Authors: Jeter Russell , Belykh Igor
Published: July 2015

We study synchronization in ecological networks under the realistic assumption that the coupling among the patches is sporadic/stochastic and due to rare and short-term meteorological conditions. Each patch is described by a tritrophic food chain model, representing the producer, consumer, and predator. If all three species can migrate, we rigorously prove that the network can synchronize as long as the migration occurs frequently, i.e. fast compared to the period of the ecological cycle, even though the network is disconnected most of the time. In the case where only the top trophic level (i.e. the predator) can migrate, we reveal an unexpected range of intermediate switching frequencies where synchronization becomes stable in a network which switches between two nonsynchronous dynamics. As spatial synchrony increases the danger of extinction, this counterintuitive effect of synchrony emerging from slower switching dispersal can be destructive for overall metapopulation persistence, presumably expected from switching between two dynamics which are unfavorable to extinction.
Sensitivity and Robustness Analysis for Stochastic Model of Nanog Gene Regulatory Network
Authors: Wu Qianqian , Jiang Feng , Tian Tianhai
Published: July 2015

The advances of systems biology have raised a large number of mathematical models for exploring the dynamic property of biological systems. A challenging issue in mathematical modeling is how to study the influence of parameter variation on system property. Robustness and sensitivity are two major measurements to describe the dynamic property of a system against the variation of model parameters. For stochastic models of discrete chemical reaction systems, although these two properties have been studied separately, no work has been done so far to investigate these two properties together. In this work, we propose an integrated framework to study these two properties for a biological system simultaneously. We also consider a stochastic model with intrinsic noise for the Nanog gene network based on a published model that studies extrinsic noise only. For the stochastic model of Nanog gene network, we identify key coefficients that have more influence on the network dynamics than the others through sensitivity analysis. In addition, robustness analysis suggests that the model parameters can be classified into four types regarding the bistability property of Nanog expression levels. Numerical results suggest that the proposed framework is an efficient approach to study the sensitivity and robustness properties of biological network models.
Complex Dynamics of Wetland Ecosystem with Nonlinear Harvesting: Application to Chilika Lake in Odisha, India
Authors: Upadhyay Ranjit Kumar , Tiwari S. K. , Roy Parimita
Published: July 2015

In this paper, an attempt has been made to study the spatial and temporal dynamical interactions among the species of wetland ecosystem through a mathematical model. The model represents the population dynamics of phytoplankton, zooplankton and fish species found in Chilika lake, Odisha, India. Nonlinear stability analysis of both the temporal and spatial models has been carried out. Maximum sustainable yield and optimal harvesting policy have been studied for a nonspatial model system. Numerical simulation has been performed to figure out the parameters responsible for the complex dynamics of the wetland system. Significant outcomes of our numerical findings and their interpretations from an ecological point of view are provided in this paper. Numerical simulation of spatial model exhibits some interesting and beautiful patterns. We have also pointed out the parameters that are responsible for the good health of wetland ecosystem.
Dynamic Hybrid Reliability Studies of a Decay Heat Removal System
Authors: Kumar Ranjan , Kudinov Pavel , Bechta Sevostian , Curnier Florence , Marques Michel
Published: July 2015

Some critical safety systems exhibit the characteristics of hybrid stochastic class whose performance depends on the dynamic interactions of deterministic variables of physical phenomena and probabilistic variables of system failures. However, conventional probabilistic safety assessment (PSA) method involves static event and linked fault tree analysis and does not capture the dynamic interactions of such hybrid stochastic systems. Additionally, the existing dynamic PSA methods do not consider any repair possibility of some failed components during safety assessment. To address these issues, this paper presents a dynamic hybrid reliability assessment scheme for performance studies of repairable nuclear safety systems during a mission time. This scheme combines the features of reliability block diagram (RBD) for system compositions and partial differential equations for system physics using a customized stochastic hybrid automata tool implemented on Python platform. A case study of decay heat removal (DHR) systems has been performed using the introduced scheme. The impacts of failure rates and repair rates on sodium temperature evolution over a mission time have been analyzed. The results provide useful safety insights in mission safety tests of DHR systems. In sum, this work advances the dynamic safety assessment approach for complex system designs including nuclear power plants.
CVA AND FVA TO DERIVATIVES TRADES COLLATERALIZED BY CASH
Authors: WU LIXIN
Published: July 2015

In this paper, we consider replication pricing of derivatives that are partially collateralized by cash. We let issuer replicate the derivatives payout using shares and cash, and let buyer replicate the loss given the counterparty default using credit default swaps. The costs of funding for replication and collateral posting are taken into account in the pricing process. A partial differential equation (PDE) for the derivatives price is established, and its solution is provided in a Feynman–Kac formula, which decomposes the derivatives value into the risk-free value of the derivative plus credit valuation adjustment (CVA) and funding valuation adjustment (FVA). For most derivatives, we show that CVAs can be evaluated analytically or semi-analytically, while FVAs as well as the derivatives values can be solved recursively through numerical procedures due to their interdependence. In numerical demonstrations, continuous and discrete margin revisions are considered, respectively, for an equity call option and a vanilla interest-rate swap.
MODELING BLOOD FLOW IN AN ECCENTRIC STENOSED ARTERY USING LARGE EDDY SIMULATION AND PARALLEL COMPUTING
Authors: BAHRAMIAN FERESHTEH , MOHAMMADI HADI
Published: July 2015

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is an excellent computational tool to assess the hemodynamics and detailed blood-flow structure for cardiovascular applications. Modeling turbulence for cardiovascular applications can be achieved (to some extent) using available numerical models such as Reynolds average Navier–Stokes (RANS), the large eddy simulation (LES) and the direct numerical solution (DNS). In order to develop an efficient model which is as accurate as DNS and as quick as RANS, our laboratory's focus is on LES. In this study, we develop an efficient numerical model which is based on LES and structured but non-orthogonal finite volumes. Using the proposed model, the detailed flow structure and turbulent features of the blood stream in a complicated geometry is captured. The aim of this study is to model blood-flow through an eccentric stenosis accurately and quickly. The results are similar to those obtained using DNS but in a fraction of the CPU time. The computational tools implemented in this study are based on a FORTRAN based in-house code coupled with parallel computing using SHARCNET. The developed model is a significant computational tool which can be used to assess the hemodynamic properties for cardiovascular applications, e.g., prosthetic heart valves and atherosclerosis.
A NEW MAGNETIC CONTROL METHOD FOR SPIRAL-TYPE WIRELESS CAPSULE ENDOSCOPE
Authors: BO YE , ZHENJUN SUN , YAQI CHEN , HONGHAI ZHANG , SHENG LIU
Published: July 2015

In this paper, the authors propose a new magnetic control method for spiral-type wireless capsule endoscope (WCE). A cylindrical external permanent magnet (EPM) is used to generate rotational magnetic field to manipulate the synchronous rotation of a magnetic spiral-type WCE. To verify the feasibility of this method, a handheld actuator (HA) controlled by micro controller unit (MCU) was fabricated to drive the rotation of the EPM which is fixed on a step motor, and a magnetic spiral-type WCE along with a bracket were fabricated, too. Theoretical analysis and magnetic simulation about the control distance were performed. In ex vivo experiments were carried out in porcine small intestine, the control distance and control performances were evaluated. Experimental results indicate that this method can provide a maximum control distance up to 426.6[Formula: see text]mm with good control stability. Compared with Helmholtz coils method, this method is more cost-effective and the control region is broader. In addition, the estimated value of static friction torque (about 0.5694[Formula: see text]mN[Formula: see text][Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m) is obtained, which enriches the current research on friction issue in active control of the magnetic spiral-type WCE. This method has great potential to be applied in future clinical application.
The Use of Spatial Econometrics, Stakeholder Analysis and Qualitative Methodologies in The Evaluation of Rural Development Policy
Authors: Yang Anastasia , Rounsevell Mark , Haggett Claire , Piorr Annette , Wilson Ronald
Published: July 2015

The analysis and evaluation of European Rural Development Policy (RDP) is challenging because of its delivery at multiple scales by multiple actors. To address this challenge the Common Monitoring and Evaluation Framework (CMEF) indicators were introduced. However, these quantitative indicators are limited by data gaps and their inability to address the less tangible aspects of policy performance. In this paper we explore, how to address these limitations through complimentary policy evaluation approaches using evidence from empirical studies. We discuss the strengths and weakness of applying three different quantitative and qualitative evaluation approaches: (1) spatial econometrics; (2) stakeholder analysis; and, (3) qualitative interviews. The findings from the three methods are then triangulated proposing the potential of an integrated methodological approach to inform policy and management. A mixed method approach provides a broader understanding of how policy design, stakeholder's roles, and spatial characteristics impact on implementation and environmental targeting capacity, highlighting the multifaceted nature of the determinants of policy performance.
Quantitative Analysis of Shape-Sensitive Interaction of a Charged Nanoplate and a Charged Nanowire
Authors: Ciftja Orion
Published: July 2015

Systems with nanoscale dimensions have attracted great attention for many decades since they manifest interesting size-dependent behavior and have many possible technological applications. While significant progress has been made toward the experimental and theoretical understanding of various phenomena at nanoscale, much is yet is to be explored in fully comprehending how the interplay of several parameters such as shape, size and dimensionality affects the resulting properties. In this work, we study the nature of the interaction in a nanosystem consisting of a charged nanoplate and a charged nanowire. The two constituent nanostructures of this nanosystem represent important building blocks for bottom-up assembly processes. We consider a specific orientation of the two nanostructures and calculate exactly their interaction energy as a function of shape, size and relative distance. With help from suitable though nontrivial mathematical transformations, we are able to derive a closed form exact expression for such an interaction energy. It is shown that the interaction energy of this configuration is very sensitive to shape and depends in a nontrivial way on size and separation distance.
The stratigraphic, sedimentological and structural evolution of the southern margin of the Kazakhstan continent in the Tien Shan Range during the Devonian to Permian
Authors: Alexeiev Dmitriy V. , Cook Harry E. , Djenchuraeva Alexandra V. , Mikolaichuk Alexander V.
Published: July 2015

The passive margin carbonate platform in the Middle Tien Shan rests on Givetian–Frasnian red siliciclastic strata. It evolved from an attached carbonate platform in the Famennian and early Tournaisian to an isolated carbonate platform in the late Tournaisian to early Bashkirian. The open-ocean side of the platform was reef-rimmed, whereas the continental side was both reef- and shoal-rimmed. Platform interiors exhibit low-energy facies during the Famennian to early Visean and high-energy facies during the late Visean to Bashkirian. Eustatic sea-level rises in the middle Tournaisian, early Visean and near the Visean and Serpukhovian boundary caused major reorganizations in platform architecture.

Deformation in the middle Bashkirian reflects the onset of a convergent margin. Flexural loading by an orogenic thrust wedge controlled basin subsidence along the southern edge of the Middle Tien Shan in the Late Pennsylvanian to Asselian. Cessation of deposition in the Asselian followed by folding and granitoid plutonism reflects the onset of a rigid collision.

Devonian to Permian carbonates represent outcrop analogues of coeval oil- and gas-rich carbonate platforms in the North Caspian basin and can be used for comparative and predictive sedimentological studies. Palaeozoic carbonate reservoir facies may host subsurface Cenozoic oil fields in the Fergana Basin.
Predicted effects of nitric oxide and superoxide on the vasoactivity of the afferent arteriole
Authors: Layton Anita T. , Edwards Aurélie
Published: July 2015

We expanded a published mathematical model of an afferent arteriole smooth muscle cell in rat kidney (Edwards A, Layton, AT. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 306: F34–F48, 2014) to understand how nitric oxide (NO) and superoxide (O2−) modulate the arteriolar diameter and its myogenic response. The present model includes the kinetics of NO and O2−formation, diffusion, and reaction. Also included are the effects of NO and its second messenger cGMP on cellular Ca2+uptake and efflux, Ca2+-activated K+currents, and myosin light chain phosphatase activity. The model considers as well pressure-induced increases in O2−production, O2−-mediated regulation of L-type Ca2+channel conductance, and increased O2−production in spontaneous hypertensive rats (SHR). Our results indicate that elevated O2−production in SHR is sufficient to account for observed differences between normotensive and hypertensive rats in the response of the afferent arteriole to NO synthase inhibition, Tempol, and angiotensin II at baseline perfusion pressures. In vitro, whether the myogenic response is stronger in SHR remains uncertain. Our model predicts that if mechanosensitive cation channels are not modulated by O2−, then fractional changes in diameter induced by pressure elevations should be smaller in SHR than in normotensive rats. Our results also suggest that most NO diffuses out of the smooth muscle cell without being consumed, whereas most O2−is scavenged, by NO and superoxide dismutase. Moreover, the predicted effects of superoxide on arteriolar constriction are not predominantly due to its scavenging of NO.
High-mobility group box 1 inhibits HCO3−absorption in medullary thick ascending limb through a basolateral receptor for advanced glycation end products pathway
Authors: Good David W. , George Thampi , Watts Bruns A.
Published: July 2015

High-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) is a damage-associated molecule implicated in mediating kidney dysfunction in sepsis and sterile inflammatory disorders. HMGB1 is a nuclear protein released extracellularly in response to infection or injury, where it interacts with Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and other receptors to mediate inflammation. Previously, we demonstrated that LPS inhibits HCO3-absorption in the medullary thick ascending limb (MTAL) through a basolateral TLR4-ERK pathway (Watts BA III, George T, Sherwood ER, Good DW. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 301: C1296–C1306, 2011). Here, we examined whether HMGB1 could inhibit HCO3-absorption through the same pathway. Adding HMGB1 to the bath decreased HCO3−absorption by 24% in isolated, perfused rat and mouse MTALs. In contrast to LPS, inhibition by HMGB1 was preserved in MTALs from TLR4−/−mice and was unaffected by ERK inhibitors. Inhibition by HMGB1 was eliminated by the receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) antagonist FPS-ZM1 and by neutralizing anti-RAGE antibody. Confocal immunofluorescence showed expression of RAGE in the basolateral membrane domain. Inhibition of HCO3−absorption by HMGB1 through RAGE was additive to inhibition by LPS through TLR4 and to inhibition by Gram-positive bacterial molecules through TLR2. Bath amiloride, which selectively prevents inhibition of MTAL HCO3−absorption mediated through Na+/H+exchanger 1 (NHE1), eliminated inhibition by HMGB1. We conclude that HMGB1 inhibits MTAL HCO3−absorption through a RAGE-dependent pathway distinct from TLR4-mediated inhibition by LPS. These studies provide new evidence that HMGB1-RAGE signaling acts directly to impair the transport function of renal tubules. They reveal a novel paradigm for sepsis-induced renal tubule dysfunction, whereby exogenous pathogen-associated molecules and endogenous damage-associated molecules act directly and independently to inhibit MTAL HCO3−absorption through different receptor signaling pathways.
Long-term treadmill training ameliorates endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation mediated by insulin and insulin-like growth factor-1 in hypertension
Authors: Lin Yi-Yuan , Lee Shin-Da , Su Chia-Ting , Cheng Tsung-Lin , Yang Ai-Lun
Published: July 2015

Dysfunction of insulin and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) is associated with the pathophysiology of hypertension. The influence of long-term exercise on vascular dysfunction caused by hypertension remains unclear. We investigated whether long-term treadmill training improved insulin- and IGF-1-mediated vasorelaxation in hypertensive rats. Eight-week-old male spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) were randomly divided into sedentary and exercise (SHR-EX) groups. The SHR-EX group was trained on a treadmill for 60 min/day, 5 days/wk, for 8 wk. Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY) were used as the normal control group. After training, aortic insulin- and IGF-1-mediated vasorelaxation was evaluated in organ baths. Additionally, the roles of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), nitric oxide synthase (NOS), and aortic protein expression were examined in the three groups. Compared with sedentary SHR and WKY groups, insulin- and IGF-1-mediated vasorelaxation was significantly enhanced to a nearly normal level in the SHR-EX group. After endothelial denudation, blunted and comparable vasorelaxation was found among the three groups. Pretreatment with selective PI3K and NOS inhibitors attenuated insulin- and IGF-1-mediated vasorelaxation, and no significant difference was found among the three groups after the pretreatment. The aortic protein levels of the insulin receptor (IR), IGF-1 receptor (IGF-1R), insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1), and endothelial NOS (eNOS) were also significantly increased in the SHR-EX group compared with the other two groups. These results suggested that treadmill training elicited the amelioration of endothelium-dependent insulin/IGF-1-mediated vasorelaxation partly via the increased activation of PI3K and NOS, as well as the enhancement of protein levels of IR, IGF-1R, IRS-1, and eNOS, in hypertension.
Insight into motor control and motor impairment from stroke and beta oscillations
Authors: Adam Ramina , Isabella Silvia , Chan Jason L.
Published: July 2015

Beta oscillations are associated with motor function and are thought to play a role in movement impairment. In a recent magnetoencephalography (MEG) study, Rossiter et al. ( J Neurophysiol 112: 2053–2058, 2014) found a disruption in the modulation of movement-related beta oscillations in stroke patients that correlated with motor impairment. We discuss how beta oscillatory measures characterize motor impairment, the implications of stroke variability, and the potential role of GABA in modulating oscillations following stroke and during stroke recovery.
Cortical and thalamic contributions to response dynamics across layers of the primary somatosensory cortex during tactile discrimination
Authors: Pais-Vieira Miguel , Kunicki Carolina , Tseng Po-He , Martin Joel , Lebedev Mikhail , Nicolelis Miguel A. L.
Published: July 2015

Tactile information processing in the rodent primary somatosensory cortex (S1) is layer specific and involves modulations from both thalamocortical and cortico-cortical loops. However, the extent to which these loops influence the dynamics of the primary somatosensory cortex while animals execute tactile discrimination remains largely unknown. Here, we describe neural dynamics of S1 layers across the multiple epochs defining a tactile discrimination task. We observed that neuronal ensembles within different layers of the S1 cortex exhibited significantly distinct neurophysiological properties, which constantly changed across the behavioral states that defined a tactile discrimination. Neural dynamics present in supragranular and granular layers generally matched the patterns observed in the ventral posterior medial nucleus of the thalamus (VPM), whereas the neural dynamics recorded from infragranular layers generally matched the patterns from the posterior nucleus of the thalamus (POM). Selective inactivation of contralateral S1 specifically switched infragranular neural dynamics from POM-like to those resembling VPM neurons. Meanwhile, ipsilateral M1 inactivation profoundly modulated the firing suppression observed in infragranular layers. This latter effect was counterbalanced by contralateral S1 block. Tactile stimulus encoding was layer specific and selectively affected by M1 or contralateral S1 inactivation. Lastly, causal information transfer occurred between all neurons in all S1 layers but was maximal from infragranular to the granular layer. These results suggest that tactile information processing in the S1 of awake behaving rodents is layer specific and state dependent and that its dynamics depend on the asynchronous convergence of modulations originating from ipsilateral M1 and contralateral S1.
Zebrafish needle EMG: a new tool for high-throughput drug screens
Authors: Cho Sung-Joon , Nam Tai-Seung , Byun Donghak , Choi Seok-Yong , Kim Myeong-Kyu , Kim Sohee
Published: July 2015

Zebrafish models have recently been highlighted as a valuable tool in studying the molecular basis of neuromuscular diseases and developing new pharmacological treatments. Needle electromyography (EMG) is needed not only for validating transgenic zebrafish models with muscular dystrophies (MD), but also for assessing the efficacy of therapeutics. However, performing needle EMG on larval zebrafish has not been feasible due to the lack of proper EMG sensors and systems for such small animals. We introduce a new type of EMG needle electrode to measure intramuscular activities of larval zebrafish, together with a method to hold the animal in position during EMG, without anesthetization. The silicon-based needle electrode was found to be sufficiently strong and sharp to penetrate the skin and muscles of zebrafish larvae, and its shape and performance did not change after multiple insertions. With the use of the proposed needle electrode and measurement system, EMG was successfully performed on zebrafish at 30 days postfertilization (dpf) and at 5 dpf. Burst patterns and spike morphology of the recorded EMG signals were analyzed. The measured single spikes were triphasic with an initial positive deflection, which is typical for motor unit action potentials, with durations of ∼10 ms, whereas the muscle activity was silent during the anesthetized condition. These findings confirmed the capability of this system of detecting EMG signals from very small animals such as 5 dpf zebrafish. The developed EMG sensor and system are expected to become a helpful tool in validating zebrafish MD models and further developing therapeutics.
On Third Order Stable Difference Scheme for Hyperbolic Multipoint Nonlocal Boundary Value Problem
Authors: Yildirim Ozgur , Uzun Meltem
Published: July 2015

This paper presents a third order of accuracy stable difference scheme for the approximate solution of multipoint nonlocal boundary value problem of the hyperbolic type in a Hilbert space with self-adjoint positive definite operator. Stability estimates for solution of the difference scheme are obtained. Some results of numerical experiments that support theoretical statements are presented.
Design of Feedback Control for Networked Finite-Distributed Delays Systems with Quantization and Packet Dropout Compensation
Authors: Hsu Wen-Chiung , Lee Lian-Wang , Tseng Kuan-Hsuan , Lu Chien-Yu , Liao Chin-Wen , Shou Ho-Nien
Published: July 2015

This paper investigates the feedback control for networked discrete-time finite-distributed delays with quantization and packet dropout, and systems induce theH∞control problem. The compensation scheme occurs in a random way. The quantization of system state or output signal is in front of being communicated. It is shown that the design of both a state feedback controller and an observer-based output feedback controller can be achieved, which ensure the asymptotical stability as well as a prescribedH∞performance of the resulting closed-loop system satisfying dependence on the size of the discrete and distributed delays. Numerical examples are given to illustrate the effectiveness and applicability of the design method in this paper.
Two Algorithms for a Class of Elliptic Problems in Shape Optimization
Authors: Tian Li , Xiaoxia Dai , Chengwei Zhang
Published: July 2015

We propose two algorithms for elliptic boundary value problems in shape optimization. With the finite element method, the optimization problem is replaced by a discrete variational problem. We give rules and use them to decide which elements are to be reserved. Those rules are determined by the optimization; as a result, we get the optimal design in shape. Numerical examples are provided to show the effectiveness of our algorithms.
Influence of Tensile Speeds on the Failure Loads of the DP590 Spot Weld under Various Combined Loading Conditions
Authors: Song Jung Han , Huh Hoon
Published: July 2015

This paper is concerned with the evaluation of the dynamic failure load of the spot weld under combined axial and shear loading conditions. The testing fixture is designed to impose the combined axial and shear load on the spot weld. Using the proposed testing fixtures and specimens, quasi-static and dynamic failure tests of the spot weld are conducted with seven different combined loading conditions. The failure load and failure behavior of the spot weld are investigated with different loading conditions. Effect of tensile speeds on the failure load of the spot weld, which is critical for structural crashworthiness, is also examined based on the experimental data. The failure loads measured from the experiment are decomposed into the two components along the axial and shear directions and failure contours are plotted with different loading speeds. Dynamic sensitivities of failure loads with various combined loading conditions were also analyzed. Experimental results indicate that the failure contour is expanded with increasing loading speeds and failure loads show similar dynamic sensitivity with respect to the loading angles.
Ultrahigh Frequency Data Liquidity Duration Estimation: A Case Study of Chinese A Shares
Authors: Yuan Jianhui , Pan Yu , Zhang Xin
Published: July 2015

Liquidity has always been a hot spot for researchers of financial market microstructures. Analysis of liquidity is of great significance for investors and market regulators. Ultrahigh frequency data records the whole dynamic change of the trading process, so it has advantages in depicting the market microstructure. This study analyzes Asian emerging market equities liquidity using ultrahigh frequency data. We used various forms of WACD models and let trading duration be indicators of liquidity. Through the residual test, we were able to select the best model to describe the overall liquidity.
Symbolic Computation of the Orthogonal Projection of Rational Curves onto Rational Parameterized Surfaces
Authors: Gan Zhiwang , Zhou Meng
Published: July 2015

This paper focuses on the orthogonal projection of rational curves onto rational parameterized surface. Three symbolic algorithms are developed and studied. One of them, based on regular systems, is able to compute the exact parametric loci of projection. The one based on Gröbner basis can compute the minimal variety that contains the parametric loci. The remaining one computes a variety that contains the parametric loci via resultant. Examples show that our algorithms are efficient and valuable.
Oxidative Coupling Copolymerization of 2,6-Dimethylphenol and Dihydroxynaphthalene Affording Poly(phenylene oxide) Derivatives
Authors: Habaue Shigeki , Ito Ryosuke , Okumura Ken , Takamushi Yuki
Published: July 2015

The oxidative coupling copolymerization between 2,6-dimethylphenol (DMP) and dihydroxynaphthalenes, such as the 2,3- and 2,6-dihydroxynaphthalenes (2,3- and 2,6-DHN), was carried out using a Cu catalyst under an O2 atmosphere. The polymerization was significantly affected by the structure of the comonomer, and the copolymers were efficiently obtained during the copolymerization of DMP and 2,6-DHN. The obtained copolymers containing hydroxyl groups of the DHN unit were further transformed into polymers containing ester and urethane groups. The obtained copolymers containing various functional groups showed a very different solubility from that of the homopolymer of DMP.
Path Prediction Method for Effective Sensor Filtering in Sensor Registry System
Authors: Lee Sukhoon , Jeong Dongwon , Baik Doo-Kwon , Kim Dae-Kyoo
Published: July 2015

The Internet of Things (IoT) has emerged and several issues have arisen in the area such as sensor registration and management, semantic interpretation and processing, and sensor searching and filtering in Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs). Also, as the number of sensors in an IoT environment increases significantly, sensor filtering becomes more important. Many sensor filtering techniques have been researched. However most of them do not consider real-time searching and efficiency of mobile networks. In this paper, we suggest a path prediction approach for effective sensor filtering in Sensor Registry System (SRS). SRS is a sensor platform to register and manage sensor information for sensor filtering. We also propose a method for learning and predicting user paths based on the Collective Behavior Pattern. To improve prediction accuracy, we consider a time feature to measure weights and predict a path. We implement the method and the implementation and its evaluation confirm the improvement of time and accuracy for processing sensor information.
Combination Antiretroviral Therapy for HIV in Rwandan Adults: Clinical Outcomes and Impact on Reproductive Health up to 24 Months
Authors: Asiimwe-Kateera Brenda , Veldhuijzen Nienke , Balinda Jean Paul , Rusine John , Eagle Sally , Vyankandondera Joseph , Mugabekazi Julie , Ondoa Pascale , Boer Kimberly , Asiimwe Anita , Lange Joep , Reiss Peter , van de Wijgert Janneke
Published: July 2015

Adult women (n=113) and men (n=100) initiating combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) and women not yet eligible for cART (n=199) in Kigali, Rwanda, were followed for 6–24 months between 2007 and 2010. In the cART groups, 21% of patients required a drug change due to side effects and 11% of patients had virological failure (defined as >1,000 HIV RNA copies/mL) after 12 months of cART. About a third of the pregnancies since HIV diagnosis were unintended. The proportion of women in the pre-cART group using modern contraception other than condoms (50%) was similar to women in the general population, but this proportion was only 25% in women initiating cART. Of the women who carried at least one pregnancy to term since having been diagnosed HIV-positive, a third reported to have participated in a prevention-of-mother-to-child-transmission (PMTCT, option A) intervention. Many patients were coinfected with herpes simplex virus type 2 (79–92%), human papillomavirus (38–53%), and bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs) with no differences between groups. We applaud the Rwandan government for having strengthened family planning and PMTCT services and for having introduced HPV vaccination in recent years, but additional work is needed to strengthen STI and HPV-related cancer screening and management in the HIV-positive population.
Kinetic Studies of Atom Transfer Radical Polymerisations of Styrene and Chloromethylstyrene with Poly(3-hexyl thiophene) Macroinitiator
Authors: Rattanathamwat Nattawoot , Wootthikanokkhan Jatuphorn , Nimitsiriwat Nonsee , Thanachayanont Chanchana , Asawapirom Udom
Published: July 2015

Poly(3-hexyl thiophene)-b-poly(styrene-co-chloromethylstyrene) copolymers, to be used as a prepolymer for preparing donor-acceptor block copolymers for organic solar cells, have been synthesised by reacting P3HT macroinitiators with styrene and chloromethylstyrene via three types of atom transfer radical polymerisation (ATRP) systems, which are (1) a normal ATRP, (2) activators generated by electron transfer (AGET), and (3) a simultaneous reverse and normal initiation (SR&NI). The kinetics of these ATRP systems were studied as a function of monomers to the macroinitiator molar ratio. It was found that all of the three types of ATRP systems led to first order kinetics with respect to monomers. The highest rate constant (k) of 3.4 × 10−3 s−1was obtained from the SR&NI ATRP system. The molecular weights of the product determined by the GPC were lower than were the theoretical values. The result was discussed in light of the chain transfer reaction to the poly(chloromethylstyrene) repeating units. Morphology of the synthesized block copolymers, examined by an atomic force microscopy (AFM), were also compared and discussed.
Abstract A09: ErbB3/ErbB2 complexes as a therapeutic target in a subset of wild-type BRAF/NRAS cutaneous melanomas
Authors: Capparelli Claudia , Rosenbaum Sheera , Berman-Booty Lisa D. , Gaborit Nadège , Zhan Tingting , Davies Michael A. , Setiady Yulius Y. , Yarden Yosef , Aplin Andrew E.
Published: July 2015

The treatment options remain poor for melanoma patients who are wild-type for both BRAF and NRAS (WT/WT). ErbB3 regulates melanocyte homeostasis and elevated ErbB3 expression in malignant melanomas correlates with reduced patient survival; however, the effect of selectively targeting ErbB3 in melanoma remains poorly characterized. We demonstrate that a subgroup of WT/WT melanomas display high basal phosphorylation of ErbB3 that is associated with autocrine production of the ErbB3 ligand, neuregulin-1 (NRG1). In phospho-ErbB3-high WT/WT cell lines, knockdown of NRG1 reduced cell viability that was associated with decreased phosphorylation of ErbB3, its co-receptor ErbB2 and its downstream target, AKT. Analogous effects were obtained targeting ErbB3 with either small interfering RNAs or the neutralizing ErbB3 monoclonal antibodies, huHER3-8 and NG33. Additionally, pertuzumab-mediated inhibition of ErbB2 heterodimerization decreased AKT phosphorylation, cell growth in vitro and xenograft growth in vivo. Our study demonstrates that targeting ErbB3-ErbB2 signaling in a cohort WT/WT melanomas leads to tumor growth reduction. These findings are supportive of targeting the NRG1-ErbB3-ErbB2 axis as a novel treatment strategy in a subset of malignant cutaneous melanoma.

Citation Format: Claudia Capparelli, Sheera Rosenbaum, Lisa D. Berman-Booty, Nadège Gaborit, Tingting Zhan, Michael A. Davies, Yulius Y. Setiady, Yosef Yarden, Andrew E. Aplin. ErbB3/ErbB2 complexes as a therapeutic target in a subset of wild-type BRAF/NRAS cutaneous melanomas. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Advances in Melanoma: From Biology to Therapy; Sep 20-23, 2014; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(14 Suppl):Abstract nr A09.
Abstract A13: MSX1-induced neural crest-like reprograming promotes melanoma progression
Authors: Heppt Markus V. , Joshua Wang X. , Hristova Denitsa M. , Wei Zhi , Irmler Martin , Berking Carola , Besch Robert , Beckers Johannes , Rauscher Frank J. , Fisher David E. , Herlyn Meenhard , Fukunaga-Kalabis Mizuho
Published: July 2015

Melanoma cells share many biological properties with neural crest cells. Here, we show that the homeodomain transcription factor Msh homeobox 1 (MSX1), which is essential for neural crest specification, reprograms melanocytes towards a neural crest precursor-like state. MSX1-reprogrammed melanocytes express the neural crest marker p75 and are able to differentiate into neuronal and mesenchymal lineages. Mechanistically, MSX1 suppresses the proximal promoter of microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF), the master transcriptional regulator of melanogenesis. MSX1 expression is also significantly correlated with melanoma progression. MSX1 prompts melanoma cell motility and depletion of MSX1 significantly inhibits melanoma metastasis. These results demonstrate that not only can neural crest-like reprogramming in melanocytes be achieved by a single factor, but also that similar dedifferentiation is a critical process for melanoma progression.

Citation Format: Markus V. Heppt, Wang X. Joshua, Denitsa M. Hristova, Zhi Wei, Martin Irmler, Carola Berking, Robert Besch, Johannes Beckers, Frank J. Rauscher, III, David E. Fisher, Meenhard Herlyn, Mizuho Fukunaga-Kalabis. MSX1-induced neural crest-like reprograming promotes melanoma progression. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Advances in Melanoma: From Biology to Therapy; Sep 20-23, 2014; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(14 Suppl):Abstract nr A13.
Abstract A14: Hyperactivation of RSK1 is a hallmark of metastatic nodular melanoma
Authors: Salhi Amel , Farhadian Joshua A. , Giles Keith M. , Miera Eleazar C. Vega-Saenz de , Silva Ines Pires Da , Bourque Caitlin , Yeh Karen , Chhangawala Sagar , Wang Jinhua , Ye Fei , Zhang David Y. , Hernando-Monge Eva , Houvras Yariv , Osman Iman
Published: July 2015

It is generally accepted that superficial spreading (SSM) and nodular melanoma (NM), the most common melanoma histologic subtypes, are biologically indistinct once they invade and metastasize. Consequently, targeted therapy is dictated by the mutational profile of metastatic disease, regardless of the histologic subtype of the primary melanoma. Here, we show that p90 ribosomal S6 kinase (RSK1) is constitutively phosphorylated in human melanoma cell lines derived from NM but not SSM. Significantly, metastases from primary NM patients showed p-RSK1 overexpression and a distinct metalloproteinase profile compared with metastases from primary SSM patients. Interestingly, p-RSK1 hyper-activation could not be solely explained by MAPK activation due to BRAF mutations. We show that NM-derived cell lines were more sensitive to genetic and pharmacological RSK1 inhibition than SSM-derived cell lines. Using a zebrafish model, we demonstrate that activated RSK1 significantly accelerates melanoma progression. In addition, RNAseq revealed up-regulation of extracellular matrix degradation, cell migration, and cell proliferation genes in the RSK1 mutant-expressing tumors. Together, our data demonstrate that metastatic melanoma originating from different histologic subtypes might depend on distinct oncogenic pathways. Data also support constitutive RSK1 activation as a driver of nodular metastatic melanoma, a finding that supports the concept of subtype-specific melanoma therapy.

Citation Format: Amel Salhi, Joshua A. Farhadian, Keith M. Giles, Eleazar C. Vega-Saenz de Miera, Ines Pires Da Silva, Caitlin Bourque, Karen Yeh, Sagar Chhangawala, Jinhua Wang, Fei Ye, David Y. Zhang, Eva Hernando-Monge, Yariv Houvras, Iman Osman. Hyperactivation of RSK1 is a hallmark of metastatic nodular melanoma. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Advances in Melanoma: From Biology to Therapy; Sep 20-23, 2014; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(14 Suppl):Abstract nr A14.
Abstract A19: Expression of BRAFV600E in melanocytes induces Schwannian differentiation in vivo
Authors: Pietruska Jodie R. , Luo Chi , Hinds Philip W.
Published: July 2015

Transgenic mice expressing BRAFV600E targeted to melanocytes via the tyrosinase promoter display hyperpigmentation of the skin, ears, tail, and paws, as well as profound graying of the hair, benign melanocytic hyperplasias and a low frequency of spontaneous melanomas on a mixed genetic background. In order to investigate the underlying mechanism of BRAFV600E-induced alterations in skin and hair, mice were backcrossed extensively onto a C57BL/6 background. Backcrossed BRAFV600E mice retained the phenotype of mixed background transgenic animals with respect to skin hyperpigmentation as well as premature hair graying. Analysis of skin samples from mice of different ages revealed an accumulation and mislocalization of hyperproliferative melanocytes, suggesting a developmental defect in melanocyte homing to hair follicles in response to activated BRAF. Moreover, melanocytic lesions in the skin developed into benign tumors resembling nerve sheath tumors of Schwannian origin, presumably due to the phenotypic switching of melanocytes into Schwann cells in response to chronic BRAFV600E stimulation. These benign tumors seldom progressed to melanoma in the absence of Akt pathway activation. A role for Akt activation in repressing the Schwannian differentiation program is suggested, as treatment of melanoma-derived cell lines with the Akt inhibitor MK-2206 results in elevated expression of Schwannian lineage markers at the transcript level. Therefore, in addition to induction of oncogene-induced senescence, eliciting lineage-switching from melanocytes into Schwann cells in response to oncogenic BRAF represents a potential tumor suppression mechanism to protect melanocytes from transformation, and repression of this phenotypic switch via activation of the Akt pathway may facilitate the ability of BRAFV600E to drive melanomagenesis.

Citation Format: Jodie R. Pietruska, Chi Luo, Philip W. Hinds. Expression of BRAFV600E in melanocytes induces Schwannian differentiation in vivo. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Advances in Melanoma: From Biology to Therapy; Sep 20-23, 2014; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(14 Suppl):Abstract nr A19.