bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Population clustering based on copy number variations detected from next generation sequencing data
Authors: Duan Junbo , Zhang Ji-Gang , Wan Mingxi , Deng Hong-Wen , Wang Yu-Ping
Published: July 2014

Copy number variations (CNVs) can be used as significant bio-markers and next generation sequencing (NGS) provides a high resolution detection of these CNVs. But how to extract features from CNVs and further apply them to genomic studies such as population clustering have become a big challenge. In this paper, we propose a novel method for population clustering based on CNVs from NGS. First, CNVs are extracted from each sample to form a feature matrix. Then, this feature matrix is decomposed into the source matrix and weight matrix with non-negative matrix factorization (NMF). The source matrix consists of common CNVs that are shared by all the samples from the same group, and the weight matrix indicates the corresponding level of CNVs from each sample. Therefore, using NMF of CNVs one can differentiate samples from different ethnic groups, i.e. population clustering. To validate the approach, we applied it to the analysis of both simulation data and two real data set from the 1000 Genomes Project. The results on simulation data demonstrate that the proposed method can recover the true common CNVs with high quality. The results on the first real data analysis show that the proposed method can cluster two family trio with different ancestries into two ethnic groups and the results on the second real data analysis show that the proposed method can be applied to the whole-genome with large sample size consisting of multiple groups. Both results demonstrate the potential of the proposed method for population clustering.
Amine-Assisted Synthesis and Characterization of Lanthanide Hydroxide Nanorods and Derived Oxides
Authors: Zhao Daoli , Guo Xuefei , Wang Linlin , Zheng Yuchuan , Yang Qing
Published: July 2014

One-step synthetic route has been developed for the preparation of Nd ( OH )3 nanorods in the presence of n-butylamine. The as-prepared sample is in hexagonal phase with good crystallinity, and made up of highly dispersed nanorods of 14–15 nm in diameter and up to 40–50 nm in length at 120°C for 24 h. Optical measurements show that these nanorods have intensive photoluminescence (PL) at room temperature and have the potential to become optical materials. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) of the Nd ( OH )3 nanorods reveals that the nanorods remain stable up to 220°C and decompose to the derived oxide of Nd 2 O 3 at higher temperatures. The derived oxides show the promise active catalyst for the oxidation of carbon monoxide. In addition, this synthetic route has been developed for the synthesis of a series of other lanthanide hydroxides nanorods including Pr ( OH )3, Sm ( OH )3, Eu ( OH )3, Gd ( OH )3, Tb ( OH )3 and Dy ( OH )3, and their PL properties, thermostability and catalytic properties are investigated.
RECENT TRENDS IN SPINTRONICS-BASED NANOMAGNETIC LOGIC
Authors: DAS JAYITA , ALAM SYED M. , BHANJA SANJUKTA
Published: July 2014

With the growing concerns of standby power in sub-100-nm CMOS technologies, alternative computing techniques and memory technologies are explored. Spin transfer torque magnetoresistive RAM (STT-MRAM) is one such nonvolatile memory relying on magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJs) to store information. It uses spin transfer torque to write information and magnetoresistance to read information. In 2012, Everspin Technologies, Inc. commercialized the first 64Mbit Spin Torque MRAM. On the computing end, nanomagnetic logic (NML) is a promising technique with zero leakage and high data retention. In 2000, Cowburn and Welland first demonstrated its potential in logic and information propagation through magnetostatic interaction in a chain of single domain circular nanomagnetic dots of Supermalloy ( Ni 80 Fe 14 Mo 5 X 1, X is other metals). In 2006, Imre et al. demonstrated wires and majority gates followed by coplanar cross wire systems demonstration in 2010 by Pulecio et al. Since 2004 researchers have also investigated the potential of MTJs in logic. More recently with dipolar coupling between MTJs demonstrated in 2012, logic-in-memory architecture with STT-MRAM have been investigated. The architecture borrows the computing concept from NML and read and write style from MRAM. The architecture can switch its operation between logic and memory modes with clock as classifier. Further through logic partitioning between MTJ and CMOS plane, a significant performance boost has been observed in basic computing blocks within the architecture. In this work, we have explored the developments in NML, in MTJs and more recent developments in hybrid MTJ/CMOS logic-in-memory architecture and its unique logic partitioning capability.
Marine cements reveal the structure of an anoxic, ferruginous Neoproterozoic ocean
Authors: Hood Ashleigh V. S. , Wallace Malcolm W.
Published: July 2014

Neoproterozoic oceans provided the setting for the rise of animals, yet little is known of their chemical composition. Marine carbonates from the Cryogenian Oodnaminta Reef Complex, South Australia, reveal the chemical structure of a Neoproterozoic ocean. Pseudo-depth profiles from shallow- to deep-water reef facies have been constructed from geochemical and sedimentological analysis of marine cements. Evidence suggests that under a peritidal oxic–anoxic chemocline, the water column was largely anoxic, strongly ferruginous and had a chemistry profoundly different from that of modern seawater. These geochemical data suggest early Archaean-like conditions for this late Cryogenian ocean, posing problems for metazoan evolution in extremely anoxic conditions.

Supplementary material:

Detailed methods and data tables are available at
www.geolsoc.org.uk/SUP18764
.
Equivalent upscaled hydro-mechanical properties of a damaged and fractured claystone around a gallery (Meuse/Haute-Marne Underground Research Laboratory)
Authors: Ababou Rachid , Cañamón Israel , Poutrel Adrien
Published: July 2014

In this work, we present calculations and analyses of equivalent continuum (upscaled) coefficients describing the damaged, fissured and fractured claystone around an underground gallery. We focus here on mechanical and coupled hydro-mechanical properties of the damaged claystone (the upscaled Darcy permeability of the same claystone was studied in a previous paper focused on hydraulics without mechanical deformations). Concerning the geometric structure of the damaged clay stone around the cylindrical excavation, we use a hybrid 3D geometric model of fissuring and fracturing, comprising (a) a set of 10 000 statistical fissures with radially inhomogeneous statistics (size, thickness and density increasing near the wall), and (b) a deterministic set of large curved ‘chevrons’ fractures, periodically spaced along the axis of the drift according to a 3D chevron pattern. The hydro-mechanical coefficients calculated here are second- and fourth-rank tensors, which are displayed using ellipsoids. For simplicity, we also calculate equivalent isotropic coefficients extracted from these tensors: Young's modulus (
E
), bulk modulus (
K
), Lamé shear modulus (μ), Poisson's ratio (ν), Biot coefficient (
B
, stress–pressure coupling) and Biot modulus (
M
, pressure–fluid production coupling). All of these coefficients are affected by the degree of damage and fracturing, which increases near the wall of the gallery. Both 3D and ‘2D transverse’ distributions are analysed, on grids of 3D cubic voxels and 2D pixels, respectively. Global coefficients upscaled over the entire damaged and fractured zone are also analysed. Other types of averages are presented, for example, upscaled values over a cylindrical annular shell at various radial distances from the gallery wall. The relation to the degree of fracturing is discussed, including for instance the effect of fracturing on bulk and shear stiffnesses, and on the hydro-mechanical coupling coefficients of the damaged claystone.
Neuropeptidergic Control of Sleep and Wakefulness
Authors: Richter Constance , Woods Ian G. , Schier Alexander F.
Published: July 2014

Sleep and wake are fundamental behavioral states whose molecular regulation remains mysterious. Brain states and body functions change dramatically between sleep and wake, are regulated by circadian and homeostatic processes, and depend on the nutritional and emotional condition of the animal. Sleep-wake transitions require the coordination of several brain regions and engage multiple neurochemical systems, including neuropeptides. Neuropeptides serve two main functions in sleep-wake regulation. First, they represent physiological states such as energy level or stress in response to environmental and internal stimuli. Second, neuropeptides excite or inhibit their target neurons to induce, stabilize, or switch between sleep-wake states. Thus, neuropeptides integrate physiological subsystems such as circadian time, previous neuron usage, energy homeostasis, and stress and growth status to generate appropriate sleep-wake behaviors. We review the roles of more than 20 neuropeptides in sleep and wake to lay the foundation for future studies uncovering the mechanisms that underlie the initiation, maintenance, and exit of sleep and wake states.
Embodied Cognition and Mirror Neurons: A Critical Assessment
Authors: Caramazza Alfonso , Anzellotti Stefano , Strnad Lukas , Lingnau Angelika
Published: July 2014

According to embodied cognition theories, higher cognitive abilities depend on the reenactment of sensory and motor representations. In the first part of this review, we critically analyze the central claims of embodied theories and argue that the existing behavioral and neuroimaging data do not allow investigators to discriminate between embodied cognition and classical cognitive accounts, which assume that conceptual representations are amodal and symbolic. In the second part, we review the main claims and the core electrophysiological findings typically cited in support of the mirror neuron theory of action understanding, one of the most influential examples of embodied cognition theories. In the final part, we analyze the claim that mirror neurons subserve action understanding by mapping visual representations of observed actions on motor representations, trying to clarify in what sense the representations carried by these neurons can be claimed motor.
Neuromodulation of Circuits with Variable Parameters: Single Neurons and Small Circuits Reveal Principles of State-Dependent and Robust Neuromodulation
Authors: Marder Eve , O'Leary Timothy , Shruti Sonal
Published: July 2014

Neuromodulation underlies many behavioral states and has been extensively studied in small circuits. This has allowed the systematic exploration of how neuromodulatory substances and the neurons that release them can influence circuit function. The physiological state of a network and its level of activity can have profound effects on how the modulators act, a phenomenon known as state dependence. We provide insights from experiments and computational work that show how state dependence can arise and the consequences it can have for cellular and circuit function. These observations pose a general unsolved question that is relevant to all nervous systems: How is robust modulation achieved in spite of animal-to-animal variability and degenerate, nonlinear mechanisms for the production of neuronal and network activity?
Neural Coding of Uncertainty and Probability
Authors: Ma Wei Ji , Jazayeri Mehrdad
Published: July 2014

Organisms must act in the face of sensory, motor, and reward uncertainty stemming from a pandemonium of stochasticity and missing information. In many tasks, organisms can make better decisions if they have at their disposal a representation of the uncertainty associated with task-relevant variables. We formalize this problem using Bayesian decision theory and review recent behavioral and neural evidence that the brain may use knowledge of uncertainty, confidence, and probability.
Translational Control in Synaptic Plasticity and Cognitive Dysfunction
Authors: Buffington Shelly A. , Huang Wei , Costa-Mattioli Mauro
Published: July 2014

Activity-dependent changes in the strength of synaptic connections are fundamental to the formation and maintenance of memory. The mechanisms underlying persistent changes in synaptic strength in the hippocampus, specifically long-term potentiation and depression, depend on new protein synthesis. Such changes are thought to be orchestrated by engaging the signaling pathways that regulate mRNA translation in neurons. In this review, we discuss the key regulatory pathways that govern translational control in response to synaptic activity and the mRNA populations that are specifically targeted by these pathways. The critical contribution of regulatory control over new protein synthesis to proper cognitive function is underscored by human disorders associated with either silencing or mutation of genes encoding proteins that directly regulate translation. In light of these clinical implications, we also consider the therapeutic potential of targeting dysregulated translational control to treat cognitive disorders of synaptic dysfunction.
Regulation of Intestinal Lipid Absorption by Clock Genes
Authors: Hussain M. Mahmood
Published: July 2014

Plasma levels of triacylglycerols and diacylglycerols, the lipoproteins that transport them, and proteins involved in their absorption from the intestinal lumen fluctuate in a circadian manner. These changes are likely controlled by clock genes expressed in the intestine that are probably synchronized by neuronal and humoral signals from the suprachiasmatic nuclei, which constitute a master clock entrained by light signals from the eyes and from the environment, e.g., food availability. Acute changes in circadian rhythms—e.g., due to nonsynchronous work schedules or a transcontinental flight—may trigger intestinal discomfort. Chronic disruptions in circadian control mechanisms may predispose the individual to irritable bowel syndrome, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and peptic ulcer disease. A more detailed understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying temporal changes in intestinal activity might allow us to identify novel targets for developing therapeutic approaches to these disorders.
Sulfur as a Signaling Nutrient Through Hydrogen Sulfide
Authors: Kabil Omer , Vitvitsky Victor , Banerjee Ruma
Published: July 2014

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has emerged as an important signaling molecule with beneficial effects on various cellular processes affecting, for example, cardiovascular and neurological functions. The physiological importance of H2S is motivating efforts to develop strategies for modulating its levels. However, advancement in the field of H2S-based therapeutics is hampered by fundamental gaps in our knowledge of how H2S is regulated, its mechanism of action, and its molecular targets. This review provides an overview of sulfur metabolism; describes recent progress that has shed light on the mechanism of H2S as a signaling molecule; and examines nutritional regulation of sulfur metabolism, which pertains to health and disease.
Mechanical stretch upregulates proteins involved in Ca2+ sensitization in urinary bladder smooth muscle hypertrophy
Authors: Boopathi Ettickan , Gomes Cristiano , Zderic Stephen A. , Malkowicz Bruce , Chakrabarti Ranjita , Patel Darshan P. , Wein Alan J. , Chacko Samuel
Published: July 2014

Partial bladder outlet obstruction (pBOO)-induced remodeling of bladder detrusor smooth muscle (DSM) is associated with the modulation of cell signals regulating contraction. We analyzed the DSM from obstructed murine urinary bladders for the temporal regulation of RhoA GTPase and Rho-activated kinase (ROCK), which are linked to Ca2+ sensitization. In addition, the effects of equibiaxial cell stretch, a condition thought to be associated with pBOO-induced bladder wall smooth muscle hypertrophy and voiding frequency, on the expression of RhoA, ROCK, and C-kinase-activated protein phosphatase I inhibitor (CPI-17) were investigated. DSM from 1-, 3-, 7-, and 14-day obstructed male mice bladders and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)-induced obstructed human bladders revealed overexpression of RhoA and ROCK-β at the mRNA and protein levels compared with control. Primary human bladder myocytes seeded onto type I collagen-coated elastic silicone membranes were subjected to cyclic equibiaxial stretch, mimicking the cellular mechanical stretch in the bladder in vivo, and analyzed for the expression of RhoA, ROCK-β, and CPI-17. Stretch caused a significant increase of RhoA, ROCKβ, and CPI-17 expression. The stretch-induced increase in CPI-17 expression occurs at the transcriptional level and is associated with CPI-17 promoter binding by GATA-6 and NF-κB, the transcription factors responsible for CPI-17 gene transcription. Cell stretch caused by bladder overdistension in pBOO is the likely mechanism for initiating overexpression of the signaling proteins regulating DSM tone.
Reduced endoplasmic reticulum stress-induced apoptosis and impaired unfolded protein response in TRPC3-deficient M1 macrophages
Authors: Solanki Sumeet , Dube Prabhatchandra R. , Tano Jean-Yves , Birnbaumer Lutz , Vazquez Guillermo
Published: July 2014

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is a prominent mechanism of macrophage apoptosis in advanced atherosclerotic lesions. Recent studies from our laboratory showed that advanced atherosclerotic plaques in Apoe−/− mice with bone marrow deficiency of the calcium-permeable channel Transient Receptor Potential Canonical 3 (TRPC3) are characterized by reduced areas of necrosis and fewer apoptotic macrophages than animals transplanted with Trpc3+/+ bone marrow. In vitro, proinflammatory M1 but not anti-inflammatory M2 macrophages derived from Trpc3−/−Apoe−/− animals exhibited reduced ER stress-induced apoptosis. However, whether this was due to a specific effect of TRPC3 deficiency on macrophage ER stress signaling remained to be determined. In the present work we used polarized macrophages derived from mice with macrophage-specific deficiency of TRPC3 to examine the expression level of ER stress markers and the activation status of some typical mediators of macrophage apoptosis. We found that the reduced susceptibility of TRPC3-deficient M1 macrophages to ER stress-induced apoptosis correlates with an impaired unfolded protein response (UPR), reduced mitochondrion-dependent apoptosis, and reduced activation of the proapoptotic molecules calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II and signal transducer and activator of transcription 1. Notably, none of these pathways was altered in TRPC3-deficient M2 macrophages. These findings show for the first time an obligatory requirement for a member of the TRPC family of cation channels in ER stress-induced apoptosis in macrophages, underscoring a rather selective role of the TRPC3 channel on mechanisms related to the UPR signaling in M1 macrophages.
Sleep efficiency and nocturnal hemodynamic dipping in young, normotensive adults
Authors: Ross Amanda J. , Yang Huan , Larson Robert A. , Carter Jason R.
Published: July 2014

Blunted dipping of nocturnal systolic arterial pressure (SAP) and heart rate (HR) are independent risk factors for hypertension and all-cause mortality. While several epidemiological studies report a significant association between short sleep duration and hypertension, associations between sleep efficiency and the nocturnal drop of SAP remain controversial. Moreover, relations between sleep efficiency and HR diurnal patterns have been overlooked. We hypothesized that low sleep efficiency (<85%) would be associated with blunted nocturnal SAP and HR dipping. Twenty-two normotensive subjects (13 men, 9 women; age: 18–28 yr) wore an actigraphy watch for 7 days and nights, and an ambulatory blood pressure monitor for 24 h on a nonactigraph night. There were no differences in age, sex, body mass index, mean sleep time, number of awakenings, or 24-h blood pressure between the low ( n = 12) and high ( n = 10) sleep efficiency groups. However, the low sleep efficiency subjects demonstrated a blunted dip of nocturnal SAP (10 ± 1% vs. 14 ± 1%, P = 0.04) and HR (12 ± 3% vs. 21 ± 3%, P = 0.03) compared with the high sleep efficiency group. The low sleep efficiency group also demonstrated a higher mean nocturnal HR (63 ± 2 vs. 55 ± 2 beats/min; P = 0.02). These findings support growing evidence that sleep efficiency, independent of total sleep time, may be an important cardiovascular risk factor.
Maintenance of relational information in working memory leads to suppression of the sensory cortex
Authors: Ikkai Akiko , Blacker Kara J. , Lakshmanan Balaji M. , Ewen Joshua B. , Courtney Susan M.
Published: July 2014

Working memory (WM) for sensory-based information about individual objects and their locations appears to involve interactions between lateral prefrontal and sensory cortexes. The mechanisms and representations for maintenance of more abstract, nonsensory information in WM are unknown, particularly whether such actively maintained information can become independent of the sensory information from which it was derived. Previous studies of WM for individual visual items found increased electroencephalogram (EEG) alpha (8–13 Hz) power over posterior electrode sites, which appears to correspond to the suppression of cortical areas that represent irrelevant sensory information. Here, we recorded EEG while participants performed a visual WM task that involved maintaining either concrete spatial coordinates or abstract relational information. Maintenance of relational information resulted in higher alpha power in posterior electrodes. Furthermore, lateralization of alpha power due to a covert shift of attention to one visual hemifield was marginally weaker during storage of relational information than during storage of concrete information. These results suggest that abstract relational information is maintained in WM differently from concrete, sensory representations and that during maintenance of abstract information, posterior sensory regions become task irrelevant and are thus suppressed.
The Evolving Role of Radiosurgery in the Management of Radiation-Induced Meningiomas: A Review of Current Advances and Future Directions
Authors: Mansouri Alireza , Badhiwala Jetan , Mansouri Sheila , Zadeh Gelareh
Published: July 2014

Meningiomas are among the most common primary adult brain tumors, which arise either spontaneously or secondary to environmental factors such as ionizing radiation. The latter are referred to as radiation-induced meningiomas (RIMs) which, while much less common than their spontaneous counterparts, are challenging from a management point of view. Similar to spontaneous meningiomas, the optimal management of RIMs is complete surgical resection. However, given their high grade, multiplicity, tendency to invade bone and venous sinuses, and high recurrence rate, this cannot always be accomplished safely. Therefore, other therapeutic modalities, such as stereotactic radiosurgery, have emerged. In the current review, we provide an overview of the historical outcomes achieved for RIMs through radiosurgery and microsurgical resection. Furthermore, we provide a discussion of clinical and radiological parameters that affect the decision-making process with regard to the management of RIMs. We also provide an outline of recent changes in our understanding of RIMs, based on molecular and genetic markers, and how these will change our management perspective. We conclude the review by summarizing some of the current obstacles in the management of RIMs with SRS and how current and future research can address these challenges.
Vertical Dynamic Response of Pile Embedded in Layered Transversely Isotropic Soil
Authors: Wu Wenbing , Jiang Guosheng , Huang Shenggen , Leo Chin Jian
Published: July 2014

The dynamic response of pile embedded in layered transversely isotropic soil and subjected to arbitrary vertical harmonic force is investigated. Based on the viscoelastic constitutive relations for a transversely isotropic medium, the dynamic governing equation of the transversely isotropic soil is obtained in cylindrical coordinates. By introducing the fictitious soil pile model and the distributed Voigt model, the governing equations of soil‐pile system are also derived. Firstly, the vertical response of the soil layer is solved by using the Laplace transform technique and the separation of variables technique. Secondly, the analytical solution of velocity response in the frequency domain and its corresponding semianalytical solution of velocity response in the time domain are derived by means of inverse Fourier transform and convolution theorem. Finally, based on the obtained solutions, a parametric study has been conducted to investigate the influence of the soil anisotropy on the vertical dynamic response of pile. It can be seen that the influence of the shear modulus of soil in the vertical plane on the dynamic response of pile is more notable than the influence of the shear modulus of soil in the horizontal plane on the dynamic response of pile.
Maintenance Therapy with Trastuzumab in Her2 Positive Metastatic Parotid Ductal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Iqbal Muhammad Shahid , Shaikh Ghazia , Chatterjee Sanjoy , Cocks Helen , Kovarik Josef
Published: July 2014

Salivary ductal carcinomas (SDCs) are extremely rare and aggressive malignancies, accounting for approximately 6% of all salivary gland malignancies. One distinct feature is their resemblance to ductal carcinomas of breast. A significant percentage of SDCs overexpress Her2 and the use of targeted therapy with trastuzumab can be considered in these patients. We report a rare case of long term disease control with trastuzumab in Her2 positive metastatic parotid ductal carcinoma. Our case also highlights that isolated brain metastasis should be managed aggressively to allow optimal local control when systemic disease is under remission with trastuzumab. We have also reviewed the published literature on the use of trastuzumab in SDCs.
Pollution Characteristics and Possible Sources of Seldom Monitored Trace Elements in Surface Sediments Collected from Three Gorges Reservoir, China
Authors: Gao Bo , Wei Xin , Zhou Huaidong , Lu Jin , Hao Hong , Wan Xiaohong
Published: July 2014

A geochemical study of Three Gorges Reservoir (TGR) sediments was carried out to analyze the concentrations, distribution, accumulation, and potential sources of the seldom monitored trace elements (SMTEs). The mean concentrations of Li, B, Be, Bi, V, Co, Ga, Sn, Sb, and Tl were 47.08, 2.47, 59.15, 0.50, 119.20, 17.83, 30.31, 3.25, 4.14, and 0.58 mg/kg, respectively. The concentrations of total SMTEs, together with their spatial distribution, showed that the SMTEs were mainly due to anthropogenic inputs in the region of TGR. The assessment by Geoaccumulation Index indicates that Tl, Be, V, Co, and Fe are at the unpolluted level; Bi, Li, Ga, and Sn were at the “uncontaminated to moderately contaminated” level. However, B was classified as “moderately contaminated” level and Sb was ranked as “strongly contaminated” level. The pollution level of the SMTEs is Sb>B>Bi>Li>Ga>Sn>Tl>Be>V>Co>Fe. The results of Correlation Analysis and Principal Component Analysis indicated Be, V, Co, Ga, Sn, Tl, Bi, and Fe in sediments have a natural source. B and Li were positively correlated with each other and mainly attributed into similar anthropogenic input. In addition, Sb has less relationship with other SMTEs, indicating that Sb has another kind of anthropogenic source.
Physicochemical Characteristics of Citrus Seed Oils from Kerman, Iran
Authors: Reazai Mohammad , Mohammadpourfard Issa , Nazmara Shahrokh , Jahanbakhsh Mahdi , Shiri Leila
Published: July 2014

Recently, there has been a great deal of attention on usage, byproducts, and wastes of the food industry. There have been many studies on the properties of citrus seeds and extracted oil from citrus grown in Kerman, Iran. The rate of oil content of citrus seeds varies between 33.4% and 41.9%. Linoleic acid (33.2% to 36.3%) is the key fatty acid found in citrus seeds oil and oleic (24.8% to 29.3%) and palmitic acids (23.5% to 29.4%) are the next main fatty acids, respectively. There are also other acids found at trivial rates such as stearic, palmitoleic, and linolenic. With variation between 0.54 meg/kg and 0.77 mgq/kg in peroxide values of citrus seed oils, acidity value of the oil varies between 0.44% and 0.72%. The results of the study showed that citrus seeds under study (orange and sour lemon grown in Kerman province) and the extracted oil have the potential of being used as the source of edible oil.
An Intrusive Analyzer for Hadoop Systems Based on Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Bae Byoung-Jin , Kim Young-Joo , Kim Young-Kuk , Ha Ok-Kyoon , Jun Yong-Kee
Published: July 2014

Owing to the acceleration of IoT- (Internet of Things-) based wireless sensor networks, cloud-computing services using Big Data are rapidly growing. In order to manage and analyze Big Data efficiently, Hadoop frameworks have been used in a variety of fields. Hadoop processes Big Data as record values by using MapReduce programming in a distributed environment. Through MapReduce, data are stored in a Hadoop file system, and that form is not structured but unstructured. For this, it is not easy to grasp the cause, although inaccurate and unreliable data occur in the process of Hadoop-based MapReduce. As a result, Big Data may lead to a fatal flaw in the system, possibly paralyzing services. There are existing tools that monitor Hadoop systems' status. However, the status information is not related to inner structure of Hadoop system so it is not easy to analyze Hadoop systems. In this paper, we propose an intrusive analyzer that detects interesting events to occur in distributed processing systems with Hadoop in wireless sensor networks. This tool guarantees a transparent monitor as using the JDI (Java debug interface).
Graph-Based Symbolic Technique and Its Application in the Frequency Response Bound Analysis of Analog Integrated Circuits
Authors: Tlelo-Cuautle E. , Rodriguez-Chavez S. , Palma-Rodriguez A. A.
Published: July 2014

A new graph-based symbolic technique (GBST) for deriving exact analytical expressions like the transfer functionH(s)of an analog integrated circuit (IC), is introduced herein. The derivedH(s)of a given analog IC is used to compute the frequency response bounds (maximum and minimum) associated to the magnitude and phase ofH(s), subject to some ranges of process variational parameters, and by performing nonlinear constrained optimization. Our simulations demonstrate the usefulness of the new GBST for deriving the exact symbolic expression forH(s), and the last section highlights the good agreement between the frequency response bounds computed by our variational analysis approach versus traditional Monte Carlo simulations. As a conclusion, performing variational analysis using our proposed GBST for computing the frequency response bounds of analog ICs, shows a gain in computing time of 100x for a differential circuit topology and 50x for a 3-stage amplifier, compared to traditional Monte Carlo simulations.
Investigation of Mechanical Properties and Plastic Deformation Behavior of (Ti45Cu40Zr10Ni5)100−xAlxMetallic Glasses by Nanoindentation
Authors: Huang Lanping , Hu Xuzhe , Guo TaoTao , Li Song
Published: July 2014

The effect of Al addition on mechanical properties and plastic deformation behavior of (Ti45Cu40Zr10Ni5)100−xAlx(x= 0, 2, 4, 6 and 8) amorphous alloy ribbons have been investigated by nanoindentation. The hardness and elastic modulus do not simply increase with the increase of Al content. The alloy with 8 at.% Al exhibits the highest hardness and elastic modulus. The serrations or pop-in events are strongly dependent on the loading rate and alloy composition.
Protective Effect of Ethanolic Extract ofTabernaemontana divaricata(L.) R. Br. against DEN and Fe NTA Induced Liver Necrosis in Wistar Albino Rats
Authors: Poornima Kannappan , Chella Perumal Palanisamy , Gopalakrishnan Velliyur Kanniappan
Published: July 2014

This study is an attempt to evaluate the hepatoprotective activity ofTabernaemontana divaricataagainst DEN and Fe NTA induced liver necrosis in rats. Ethanolic extract of the whole plant ofTabernaemontana divaricataat doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight and 5-fluorouracil (standard drug) was orally administered to male Wistar Albino rats once daily for 24 weeks, simultaneously treated with the carcinogen DEN and Fe NTA. In simultaneously treated animals, the plant extract significantly decreased the levels of uric acid, bilirubin, AST, ALT, and ALP in serum and increased the levels of liver marker enzymes in liver. Treatment with the extracts resulted in a significant increase in the levels of antioxidants accompanied by a marked reduction in the levels of malondialdehyde when compared to DEN and Fe NTA treated group. When compared with 200 mg/kg bw rats, 400 mg/kg bw rats and 5-fluorouracil treated rats showed better results in all the parameters. The histopathological studies confirmed the protective effects of extract against DEN and Fe NTA induced liver necrosis. Thus, it could be concluded that the use ofTabernaemontana divaricataextract in the treatment of carcinogen induced hepatic necrosis.
Determination of the Sediment Carrying Capacity Based on Perturbed Theory
Authors: Ni Zhi-hui , Zeng Qiang , Li-chun Wu
Published: July 2014

According to the previous studies of sediment carrying capacity, a new method of sediment carrying capacity on perturbed theory was proposed. By taking into account the average water depth, average flow velocity, settling velocity, and other influencing factors and introducing the median grain size as one main influencing factor in deriving the new formula, we established a new sediment carrying capacity formula. The coefficients were determined by the principle of dimensional analysis, multiple linear regression method, and the least square method. After that, the new formula was verified through measuring data of natural rivers and flume tests and comparing the verified results calculated by Cao Formula, Zhang Formula, Li Formula, Engelung-Hansen Formula, Ackers-White Formula, and Yang Formula. According to the compared results, it can be seen that the new method is of high accuracy. It could be a useful reference for the determination of sediment carrying capacity.
Efficacy of Topical Mesenchymal Stem Cell Therapy in the Treatment of Experimental Dry Eye Syndrome Model
Authors: Beyazyıldız Emrullah , Pınarlı Ferda Alpaslan , Beyazyıldız Özlem , Hekimoğlu Emine Rümeysa , Acar Uğur , Demir Muhammed Necati , Albayrak Aynur , Kaymaz Figen , Sobacı Güngör , Delibaşı Tuncay
Published: July 2014

Purpose. The current study was set out to address the therapeutic efficacy of topically applied mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) on dry eye syndrome (DES) induced by benzalkonium chloride (BAC) in rats.Methods. Rats were divided into two groups just after establishment of DES. Eye drops containing either bromodeoxyuridine labeled MSCs (n=9) or phosphate buffer solution (n=7) were topically applied once daily for one week. Schirmer test, break-up time score, ocular surface evaluation tests, and corneal inflammatory index scoring tests were applied to all rats at baseline and after treatment. All rats were sacrificed after one week for histological and electron microscopic analysis.Results. Mean aqueous tear volume and tear film stability were significantly increased in rats treated with MSCs (P<0.05). Infiltration of bromodeoxyuridine labeled MSCs into the meibomian glands and conjunctival epithelium was observed in MSCs treated rats. Increased number of secretory granules and number of goblet cells were observed in MSCs treated rats.Conclusion. Topical application of MSCs could be a safe and effective method for the treatment of DES and could potentially be used for further clinical research studies.
Generalizeds-Convex Functions on Fractal Sets
Authors: Mo Huixia , Sui Xin
Published: July 2014

We introduce two kinds of generalizeds-convex functions on real linear fractal setsRα  (0<α<1). And similar to the class situation, we also study the properties of these two kinds of generalizeds-convex functions and discuss the relationship between them. Furthermore, some applications are given.
Multivariable Time Series Prediction for the Icing Process on Overhead Power Transmission Line
Authors: Li Peng , Zhao Na , Zhou Donghua , Cao Min , Li Jingjie , Shi Xinling
Published: July 2014

The design of monitoring and predictive alarm systems is necessary for successful overhead power transmission line icing. Given the characteristics of complexity, nonlinearity, and fitfulness in the line icing process, a model based on a multivariable time series is presented here to predict the icing load of a transmission line. In this model, the time effects of micrometeorology parameters for the icing process have been analyzed. The phase-space reconstruction theory and machine learning method were then applied to establish the prediction model, which fully utilized the history of multivariable time series data in local monitoring systems to represent the mapping relationship between icing load and micrometeorology factors. Relevant to the characteristic of fitfulness in line icing, the simulations were carried out during the same icing process or different process to test the model’s prediction precision and robustness. According to the simulation results for the Tao-Luo-Xiong Transmission Line, this model demonstrates a good accuracy of prediction in different process, if the prediction length is less than two hours, and would be helpful for power grid departments when deciding to take action in advance to address potential icing disasters.
Inducing Effect of Dihydroartemisinic Acid in the Biosynthesis of Artemisinins with Cultured Cells ofArtemisia annuaby Enhancing the Expression of Genes
Authors: Zhu Jianhua , Yang Jiazeng , Zeng Zihan , Zhang Wenjin , Song Liyan , Wen Wei , Yu Rongmin
Published: July 2014

Artemisinin has been used in the production of “artemisinin combination therapies” for the treatment of malaria. Feeding of precursors has been proven to be one of the most effective methods to enhance artemisinin production in plant cultured cells. At the current paper, the biosynthesis of artemisinin (ART) and its four analogs from dihydroartemisinic acid (DHAA) in suspension-cultured cells ofArtemisia annuawere investigated. ARTs were detected by HPLC/GC-MS and isolated by various chromatography methods. The structures of four DHAA metabolites, namely, dihydro-epi-deoxyarteannuin B, arteannuin I, arteannuin K, and 3-β-hydroxy-dihydro-epi-deoxyarteannuin B, were elucidated by physicochemical and spectroscopic analyses. The correlation between gene expression and ART content was investigated. The results of RT-PCR showed that DHAA could up-regulate expression of amorpha-4,11-diene synthase gene (ADS), amorpha-4,11-diene C-12 oxidase gene (CYP71AV1), and farnesyl diphosphate synthase gene (FPS) (3.19-, 7.21-, and 2.04-fold higher than those of control group, resp.), which indicated that biosynthesis processes from DHAA to ART were enzyme-mediated.
Image Tracking for the High Similarity Drug Tablets Based on Light Intensity Reflective Energy and Artificial Neural Network
Authors: Liang Zhongwei , Zhou Liang , Liu Xiaochu , Wang Xiaogang
Published: July 2014

It is obvious that tablet image tracking exerts a notable influence on the efficiency and reliability of high-speed drug mass production, and, simultaneously, it also emerges as a big difficult problem and targeted focus during production monitoring in recent years, due to the high similarity shape and random position distribution of those objectives to be searched for. For the purpose of tracking tablets accurately in random distribution, through using surface fitting approach and transitional vector determination, the calibrated surface of light intensity reflective energy can be established, describing the shape topology and topography details of objective tablet. On this basis, the mathematical properties of these established surfaces have been proposed, and thereafter artificial neural network (ANN) has been employed for classifying those moving targeted tablets by recognizing their different surface properties; therefore, the instantaneous coordinate positions of those drug tablets on one image frame can then be determined. By repeating identical pattern recognition on the next image frame, the real-time movements of objective tablet templates were successfully tracked in sequence. This paper provides reliable references and new research ideas for the real-time objective tracking in the case of drug production practices.
Mean Curvature Type Flow with Perpendicular Neumann Boundary Condition inside a Convex Cone
Authors: Guo Fangcheng , Li Guanghan , Wu Chuanxi
Published: July 2014

We investigate the evolution of hypersurfaces with perpendicular Neumann boundary condition under mean curvature type flow, where the boundary manifold is a convex cone. We find that the volume enclosed by the cone and the evolving hypersurface is invariant. By maximal principle, we prove that the solutions of this flow exist for all time and converge to some part of a sphere exponentially asttends to infinity.
Flow of a Maxwell Fluid between Two Porous Disks Rotating about Noncoincident Axes
Authors: Ersoy H. Volkan
Published: July 2014

This paper is concerned with the steady flow of a Maxwell fluid between two porous disks rotating with the same angular velocity about noncoincident axes normal to the disks. An exact solution to the problem depending on the Deborah number, the suction/injection velocity parameter, and the Reynolds number is obtained. It is shown that the core of fluid tends to rotate about the z-axis that characterizes the line in equal distance to the two axes of rotation when the Deborah and Reynolds numbers increase and a thinner boundary layer occurs in the region adjacent to the top disk when the axial velocity of fluid that is based on the suction/injection velocity parameter is upward. In addition, an approximate solution is presented for small Deborah numbers. The comparison between the exact and approximate solutions is given and found to be in excellent agreement.
Compositional Constraint Is the Key Force in Shaping Codon Usage Bias in Hemagglutinin Gene in H1N1 Subtype of InfluenzaAVirus
Authors: Deka Himangshu , Chakraborty Supriyo
Published: July 2014

It is vital to unravel the codon usage bias in order to gain insights into the evolutionary forces dictating the viral evolution process. InfluenzaAvirus has attracted attention of many investigators over the years due to high mutation rate and being cross-specific shift operational in the viral genome. Several authors have reported that the codon usage bias is low in influenzaAviruses, citing mutational pressure as the decisive force shaping up the codon usage in these viruses. In this study, complete coding sequences of hemagglutinin genes for H1N1 subtype of influenzaAvirus have been explored for the possible codon usage bias acting upon these genes. The results indicate overall low bias with peaking ENC values. The GC content is found to be substantially low as against AT content in the silent codon sites. Significant correlations were observed in between the compositional parameters versus AT3, implying the possible role of the latter in shaping codon usage profile in the viral hemagglutinin. The data showed conspicuously that the sequences wereAredundant with most codons preferring nucleotideAover others in the third synonymous codon site. The results indicated the pivotal role of compositional pressure affecting codon usage in this virus.
On H∞ Fault Estimator Design for Linear Discrete Time‐Varying Systems under Unreliable Communication Link
Authors: Li Yueyang , Liu Shuai , Wang Zhonghua , Yan Xuehua
Published: July 2014

This paper investigates the H∞ fixed‐lag fault estimator design for linear discrete time‐varying (LDTV) systems with intermittent measurements, which is described by a Bernoulli distributed random variable. Through constructing a novel partially equivalent dynamic system, the fault estimator design is converted into a deterministic quadratic minimization problem. By applying the innovation reorganization technique and the projection formula in Krein space, a necessary and sufficient condition is obtained for the existence of the estimator. The parameter matrices of the estimator are derived by recursively solving two standard Riccati equations. An illustrative example is provided to show the effectiveness and applicability of the proposed algorithm.
One Step Photopolymerization of N, N-Methylene Diacrylamide and Photocuring of Carboxymethyl Starch-Silver Nanoparticles onto Cotton Fabrics for Durable Antibacterial Finishing
Authors: El-Sheikh M. A. , Ibrahim H. M.
Published: July 2014

The PI/UV system ((4-trimethyl ammonium methyl) benzophenone chloride/UV) was used to synthesize carboxymethyl starch- (CMS-) stabilized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). AgNPs so prepared had round shape morphology with size of 1–7 nm. The prepared AgNPs were utilized to impart antibacterial finishing for cotton fabrics. The PI/UV system was further utilized to fix AgNPs onto cotton fabrics by photocrosslinking of AgNPs-CMS composite onto cotton fabrics to impart durable antibacterial properties. Effect of irradiation time and incorporating N, N-methylene diacrylamide (MDA) in different concentrations on antibacterial performance before and after repeated washing cycles was studied.S. aureusandE. coliwere used to evaluate the antibacterial performance of finished fabrics. The antibacterial performance was directly proportional to the irradiation time and concentration of MDA but inversely proportional to the number of washing cycles. The inhibition zone ofS. aureusandE. coliis the same although they are different in the cell wall structure and mode of action due to the nanosize structure formed.
Short‐Term Power Generation Energy Forecasting Model for Small Hydropower Stations Using GA‐SVM
Authors: Li Gang , Sun Yongjun , He Yong , Li Xiufeng , Tu Qiyu
Published: July 2014

Accurate and reliable power generation energy forecasting of small hydropower (SHP) is essential for hydropower management and scheduling. Due to nonperson supervision for a long time, there are not enough historical power generation records, so the forecasting model is difficult to be developed. In this paper, the support vector machine (SVM) is chosen as a method for short‐term power generation energy prediction because it shows many unique advantages in solving small sample, nonlinear, and high dimensional pattern recognition. In order to identify appropriate parameters of the SVM prediction model, the genetic algorithm (GA) is performed. The GA‐SVM prediction model is tested using the short‐term observations of power generation energy in the Yunlong County and Maguan County in Yunnan province. Through the comparison of its performance with those of the ARMA model, it is demonstrated that GA‐SVM model is a very potential candidate for the prediction of short‐term power generation energy of SHP.
Proton-Based Stereotactic Ablative Radiotherapy in Early-Stage Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Grant Jonathan D. , Chang Joe Y.
Published: July 2014

Stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR), a recent implementation in the practice of radiation oncology, has been shown to confer high rates of local control in the treatment of early stage non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This technique, which involves limited invasive procedures and reduced treatment intervals, offers definitive treatment for patients unable or unwilling to undergo an operation. The use of protons in SABR delivery confers the added physical advantage of normal tissue sparing due to the absence of collateral radiation dose delivered to regions distal to the target. This may translate into clinical benefit and a decreased risk of clinical toxicity in patients with nearby critical structures or limited pulmonary reserve. In this review, we present the rationale for proton-based SABR, principles relating to the delivery and planning of this modality, and a summary of published clinical studies.