bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How Bank Managers Anticipate Non-Performing Loans Evidence from Europe, US, Asia and Africa
Authors: Ozili P. K.
Published: June 2015

This study extends the literature on the determinants of NPL. I investigate whether banks anticipate non-performing loans by making balance sheet adjustments. This study draws insight into the actions taken by credit risk management teams and bank managers to minimize the size of non-performing loans. After examining 82 banks from US, Europe, Asia and Africa, the result indicate that banks adjust the level of loan loss reserves and loan growth to minimize the size of NPLs. Our results do not show evidence that loan diversification minimizes NPLs. Further, I find that banks in developing countries reduce loan growth when they expect high NPL while banks in developed countries do not anticipate the level of NPL by adjusting loan growth. Further, I find that post-crisis Basel regulation did not lead to a decrease in the size of NPLs among banks in developed countries but appear to minimize NPLs in some developing countries. Overall, the significance and predictive power of each bank-specific factor (excluding loan diversification), regulatory variable and macroeconomic indicator in explaining NPLs depends on regional factors (less significantly) and country-specific factors (more significantly).
A Comprehensive Fuzzy Uncertainty Analysis of a Controlled Nonlinear System With Unstable Internal Dynamics
Authors: Walz Nico-Philipp , Burkhardt Markus , Eberhard Peter , Hanss Michael
Published: June 2015

Fuzzy uncertainty analyses disclose a deeper insight and provide a better understanding of complex systems with highly interdependent parameters. In contrast to probability theory, fuzzy arithmetic is concerned with epistemic uncertainties, which originate from a lack of knowledge or from idealizing assumptions in the modeling process. Direct fuzzy arithmetic can be used to illustrate how parameter uncertainties propagate through a system. In contrast, inverse fuzzy arithmetic can be used to identify admissible parameter uncertainties that obey defined error bounds. In addition, fuzzy arithmetic is capable of providing global sensitivity analyses. Therefore, an improved formulation for inverse analyses as well as a new concept for the computation of global sensitivities is presented. These tools are used here to assess the model-based feed-forward control of a nonlinear system with unstable internal dynamics.
Intuitive Interface for the Quantitative Evaluation of Speckle Patterns for Use in Digital Image and Volume Correlation Techniques
Authors: Estrada Jonathan B. , Franck Christian
Published: June 2015

Digital image correlation (DIC) and digital volume correlation (DVC) are powerful means of resolving local kinematic descriptions of material deformation fields across a variety of material and testing platforms. Their spatial resolution, sensitivity, and accuracy depend in large part on the quality of the intrinsic material speckle pattern. Traditional evaluation of speckle pattern quality, or subset intensity distribution, relies on a set of well-characterized experimental measurements including rigid-body translation and rotation. In order to provide a significantly faster quantitative evaluation process on whether a particular speckle pattern is suitable for DIC or DVC purposes, we present a simple, intuitive DIC and DVC speckle pattern graphical user interface (GUI) tool programmed in matlab. This tool assesses the DIC and DVC robustness of user-supplied speckle patterns via a two-step procedure: The first step involves warping the specific image according to a set of analytically prescribed deformation functions. The second step involves correlating the analytically warped and reference image pairs to recover the prescribed displacement field and its quantitative comparison to the prescribed warping function. Since the accuracy and precision of the recovered solution depend on the characteristics of the intensity distributions encoded in the image, this approach allows for a simple, yet effective, quantification procedure of the correlation suitability in the supplied image speckle pattern. In short, this procedure allows for fast and quantitative evaluation of the quality and suitability of a given speckle pattern to be used in DIC and DVC applications without the need of performing time-consuming experimental measurements. As such, we hope that this free tool will benefit anyone interested in performing DIC- or DVC-based kinematic measurements.
First insights into weed communities of rice agrocoenoses in southern Thailand
Authors: Nowak Arkadiusz , Nowak Sylwia , Nobis Marcin
Published: June 2015

The study presents the results of geobotanical investigations conducted in rice fields in southern Thailand in 2013. It is focussed on the classification of plant communities poorly investigated from a geobotanical standpoint. Altogether 125 phytosociological relevés were collected,
using the Braun-Blanquet method. We noted more than 100 species in the vegetation plots, including many rare ones. We classified the vegetation into seven communities, including six associations. Five associations are proposed as new: Nymphaeetum nouchali, Fimbristylido miliaceae-Sphenocleetum
zeylanicae, Ischaemo rugosi-Cyperetum pulcherrimi, Pentapeto phoeniceae-Aeschynomenetum indicae and Marsileetum minutae. The distinctiveness in species composition compared to other Oryzetea sativae phytocoenoses justifies a new alliance: Ludwigion hyssopifolio-octovalvidis.
The main discrimination factors for the data set were water depth and species richness. The study reveals that rice paddy fields are inhabited by a variety of littoral and aquatic vegetation types. In particular, non-intensively cultivated rice fields hold a diverse hydrophilous flora, especially
taxa typical for mud or littoral habitats.
High-Quality Draft Genome Sequence of
Candida apicola
NRRL Y-50540
Authors: Vega-Alvarado Leticia , Gómez-Angulo Jorge , Escalante-García Zazil , Grande Ricardo , Gschaedler-Mathis Anne , Amaya-Delgado Lorena , Sanchez-Flores Alejandro , Arrizon Javier
Published: June 2015

Candida apicola
, a highly osmotolerant ascomycetes yeast, produces sophorolipids (biosurfactants), membrane fatty acids, and enzymes of biotechnological interest. The genome obtained has a high-quality draft for this species and can be used as a reference to perform further analyses, such as differential gene expression in yeast from
Candida
genera.
Genomic Sequences of Five Helicoverpa armigera Nucleopolyhedrovirus Genotypes from Spain That Differ in Their Insecticidal Properties
Authors: Arrizubieta Maite , Simón Oihane , Williams Trevor , Caballero Primitivo
Published: June 2015

Helicoverpa armigera
nucleopolyhedrovirus (HearNPV) has proved effective as the basis for various biological insecticides. Complete genome sequences of five Spanish HearNPV genotypes differed principally in the homologous regions (
hrs
) and the baculovirus repeat open reading frame (
bro
) genes, suggesting that they may be involved in the phenotypic differences observed among genotypes.
Genome Sequence of Lactobacillus rhamnosus Strain CNCM I-3698
Authors: Tareb R. , Bernardeau M. , Vernoux J. P.
Published: June 2015

Lactobacillus rhamnosus
CNCM I-3698 is a commercially available probiotic that is used in animal feed as an additive. Here, we announce the draft genome sequence for this strain, consisting of 71 contigs corresponding to 2,966,480 bp and a G+C content of 46.69%.
Complete Genome Sequence of Burkholderia cepacia Strain LO6
Authors: Belcaid Mahdi , Kang Yun , Tuanyok Apichai , Hoang Tung T.
Published: June 2015

Burkholderia cepacia
strain LO6 is a betaproteobacterium that was isolated from a cystic fibrosis patient. Here we report the 6.4 Mb draft genome sequence assembled into 2 contigs. This genome sequence will aid the transcriptomic profiling of this bacterium and help us to better understand the mechanisms specific to pulmonary infections.
Draft Genome Sequences of Two Streptococcus pneumoniae Serotype 19F Sequence Type 271 Clinical Isolates with Low- and High-Level Cefotaxime Resistance
Authors: Ip Margaret , Ma Helen , Li Carmen , Tsui Stephen , Zhou Haokui
Published: June 2015

We report here the draft genomes of two pneumococcal isolates in Hong Kong, CU_SPNE1_05 and CU_SPNE32_06. Strain CU_SPNE1_05 had a cefotaxime MIC of 1 µg/ml, and CU_SPNE32_06 had an MIC of 32 µg/ml. Both strains belong to the multidrug-resistant serogroup 19, sequence type 271 (clonal complex 3200/271).
Draft Genome Sequence of the Bacterium Pseudomonas putida CBB5, Which Can Utilize Caffeine as a Sole Carbon and Nitrogen Source
Authors: Quandt Erik M. , Summers Ryan M. , Subramanian Mani V. , Barrick Jeffrey E.
Published: June 2015

Pseudomonas putida
CBB5
was isolated from soil by enriching for growth on caffeine (1,3,7-trimethylxanthine). The draft genome of this strain is 6.9 Mb, with 5,941 predicted coding sequences. It includes the previously studied Alx gene cluster encoding alkylxanthine
N
-demethylase enzymes and other genes that enable the degradation of purine alkaloids.
Draft Genome Sequence of Gerbil-Adapted Carcinogenic Helicobacter pylori Strain 7.13
Authors: Asim Mohammad , Chikara Surendra K. , Ghosh Arpita , Vudathala Srinivas , Romero-Gallo Judith , Krishna Uma S. , Wilson Keith T. , Israel Dawn A. , Peek Richard M. , Chaturvedi Rupesh
Published: June 2015

We report here the draft genome sequence of
Helicobacter pylori
strain 7.13, a gerbil-adapted strain that causes gastric cancer in gerbils. Strain 7.13 is derived from clinical strain B128, isolated from a patient with a duodenal ulcer. This study reveals genes associated with the virulence of the strain.
Draft Whole-Genome Sequence of the Biocontrol Agent
Trichoderma harzianum
T6776
Authors: Baroncelli Riccardo , Piaggeschi Giulia , Fiorini Lisa , Bertolini Edoardo , Zapparata Antonio , Pè Mario Enrico , Sarrocco Sabrina , Vannacci Giovanni
Published: June 2015

Trichoderma harzianum
T6776 is a promising beneficial isolate whose effects consist of growth promotion, positive response of photosynthetic activity, hormonal signaling, and carbon partitioning in tomato, coupled with biocontrol of plant pathogens. Here, we present the first genome assembly of T6776, providing a useful platform for the scientific community.
Genome Sequence of Arthrobacter koreensis 5J12A, a Plant Growth-Promoting and Desiccation-Tolerant Strain
Authors: Manzanera Maximino , Narváez-Reinaldo Juan Jesús , García-Fontana Cristina , Vílchez Juan Ignacio , González-López Jesús
Published: June 2015

Arthrobacter koreensis
5J12A is a desiccation-tolerant organism isolated from the
Nerium oleander
rhizosphere. Here, we report its genome sequence, which may shed light on its role in plant growth promotion. This is believed to be the first published genome of a desiccation-tolerant plant growth promoter from the genus
Arthrobacter
.
Draft Genome Sequence of Tannerella forsythia Type Strain ATCC 43037
Authors: Friedrich Valentin , Pabinger Stephan , Chen Tsute , Messner Paul , Dewhirst Floyd E. , Schäffer Christina
Published: June 2015

Tannerella forsythia
is an oral pathogen implicated in the development of periodontitis. Here, we report the draft genome sequence of the
Tannerella forsythia
strain ATCC 43037. The previously available genome of this designation (NCBI reference sequence NC_016610.1) was discovered to be derived from a different strain, FDC 92A2 (= ATCC BAA-2717).
Phenytoin as an effective treatment for polymorphic ventricular tachycardia due to QT prolongation in a patient with multiple drug intolerances
Authors: Yager Neil , Wang Katherine , Keshwani Najiba , Torosoff Mikhail
Published: June 2015

We present a case of a 69-year-old woman presenting with polymorphic ventricular tachycardia caused by QT prolongation. Owing to known intolerances to a majority of antiarrhythmic medications, one remaining option was to initiate phenytoin. Phenytoin’s narrow therapeutic window, multiple drug interactions and side effect profile make it an infrequently used antiarrhythmic. It is, however, a potent antiarrhythmic agent, which may be useful in treatment of ventricular tachycardia, especially in patients with multiple drug intolerances.
Cervical masses in dogs and cats 1. Investigation and management
Authors: Bristow Poppy
Published: June 2015

Abnormalities in the cervical region can be challenging to investigate and manage; however, the area is a common location for disease processes in dogs and cats. The anatomy of this region can make investigations and treatment difficult and a thorough understanding of this is essential before embarking on management and treatment of conditions in this location. Due to the various anatomical structures in the cervical area, there is often a long potential differential diagnoses list for mass lesions in this region. It is important to perform a thorough and logical investigative process in order to manage these masses appropriately. This article discusses investigation and management of cervical masses, while a second article, to be published in a subsequent issue of In Practice, will focus on differential diagnoses.
Characterisation of lymphocyte subpopulations in infantile haemangioma
Authors: Tan Elysia M S , Itinteang Tinte , Chudakova Daria A , Dunne Jonathan C , Marsh Reginald , Brasch Helen D , Davis Paul F , Tan Swee T
Published: June 2015

Aims

Interstitial CD45+ cells and T lymphocytes have previously been demonstrated within infantile haemangioma (IH). This study investigated the expression of B and T lymphocyte markers by the CD45+ population, and the expression of Thy-1, a marker of thymocyte progenitors, which have the ability to give rise to both B and T cells.

Methods

Immunohistochemical (IHC) staining was performed on proliferating and involuted IHs for the expression of CD45, CD3, CD20, CD79a, Thy-1 and CD34. The presence of mRNA corresponding toCD45, CD3G, CD20andThy-1was confirmed by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction in snap-frozen IH tissues. Cell counting of 3,3-diaminobenzidine IHC-stained slides was performed on CD45+ only cells and dually stained CD45+/CD3+ cells or CD45+/CD20+ cells and analysed statistically. In situ hybridisation and mass spectrometry were also performed to confirm the presence and abundance of Thy-1, respectively.

Results

IHC staining showed a subpopulation of CD45+ interstitial cells that expressed the T lymphocyte marker, CD3, and another subpopulation that expressed the B lymphocyte marker, CD20, in proliferating and diminished in involuted IHs. The abundant expression of Thy-1 on the endothelium of proliferating, but not involuted IH, was demonstrated by IHC staining and confirmed by in situ hybridisation and mass spectrometry.

Conclusions

Both B and T lymphocytes are present within the interstitium of proliferating and involuted IH. The expression of Thy-1 by the endothelium suggests that B and T cells in IH may have originated from within the lesion, rather than migrating from the peripheral circulation.
Altered gut–liver axis and hepatic adiponectin expression in OSAS: novel mediators of liver injury in paediatric non-alcoholic fatty liver
Authors: Nobili Valerio , Alisi Anna , Cutrera Renato , Carpino Guido , De Stefanis Cristiano , D'Oria Valentina , De Vito Rita , Cucchiara Salvatore , Gaudio Eugenio , Musso Giovanni
Published: June 2015

Background

Mechanism(s) connecting obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) to liver injury in paediatric non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are unknown. We hypothesised alterations in gut–liver axis and in the pool and phenotype of hepatic progenitor cells (HPCs) may be involved in OSAS-associated liver injury in NAFLD.

Methods

Eighty biopsy-proven NAFLD children (age, mean±SD, 11.4±2.0 years, 56% males, body mass indexz-score 1.95±0.57) underwent a clinical–biochemical assessment, with measurement of insulin sensitivity, plasma cytokines, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), an intestinal permeability test and a standard polysomnography. Hepatic toll-like receptor (TLR)-4 expression by liver-resident cells and overall number and expression of resistin and adiponectin by HPCs were assessed by immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry. OSAS was defined by an apnoea/hypopnoea index ≥1.

Results

OSAS was characterised by an increased intestinal permeability and endotoxemia, coupled with TLR-4 upregulation in hepatocytes, Kupffer and hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and by an expansion of an adiponectin-deficient HPC pool, key features of steatohepatitis and fibrosis.

The duration of haemoglobin desaturation (SaO2<90%) independently predicted intestinal permeability (β: 0.396; p=0.026), plasma LPS (β: 0.358; p=0.008) and TLR-4 expression by hepatocytes (β: 0.332; p=0.009), Kupffer cells (β: 0.357; p=0.006) and HSCs (β:0.445; p=0.002).

SaO2<90% predicted also HPC number (β: 0.471; p=0.001) and impaired adiponectin expression by HPC pool (β: −0.532; p=0.0009).

These relationships were observed in obese and non-obese children.

Conclusions

In paediatric NAFLD, OSAS is associated with increased endotoxemia coupled with impaired gut barrier function, with increased TLR-4-mediated hepatic susceptibility to endotoxemia and with an expansion of an adiponectin-deficient HPC pool. These alterations may represent a novel pathogenic link and a potential therapeutic target for OSAS-associated liver injury in NAFLD.
Validation of the Hexoskin wearable vest during lying, sitting, standing, and walking activities
Authors: Villar Rodrigo , Beltrame Thomas , Hughson Richard L.
Published: June 2015

We tested the validity of the Hexoskin wearable vest to monitor heart rate (HR), breathing rate (BR), tidal volume (VT), minute ventilation, and hip motion intensity (HMI) in comparison with laboratory standard devices during lying, sitting, standing, and walking. Twenty healthy young volunteers participated in this study. First, participants walked 6 min on a treadmill at speeds of 1, 3, and 4.5 km/h followed by increasing treadmill grades until 80% of their predicted maximal heart rate. Second, lying, sitting, and standing tasks were performed (5 min each) followed by 6 min of treadmill walking at 80% of their ventilatory threshold. Analysis of each individual’s mean values under each resting or exercise condition by the 2 measurement systems revealed low coefficient of variation and high intraclass correlation values for HR, BR, and HMI. The Bland–Altman results from HR, BR, and HMI indicated no deviation of the mean value from zero and relatively small variability about the mean. VTand minute ventilation were provided in arbitrary units by the Hexoskin device; however, relative magnitude of change from Hexoskin closely tracked the laboratory standard method. Hexoskin presented low variability, good agreement, and consistency. The Hexoskin wearable vest was a valid and consistent tool to monitor activities typical of daily living such as different body positions (lying, sitting, and standing) and various walking speeds.
Bar size factors for lap splices in block walls subjected to flexure
Authors: Kelln Roanne D. , Feldman Lisa R.
Published: June 2015

An experimental investigation was conducted to evaluate bar size factors used for the calculation of required lap splice lengths according to US and Canadian codes for concrete block masonry walls subjected to out-of-plane loads. Wall splice specimens were constructed in running bond with all cells fully grouted, and were tested under monotonically increasing four-point loading. Specimens were longitudinally reinforced with either No. 15, 20, or 25 reinforcing bars with varying lap splice lengths that were sufficiently short to ensure that a bond failure would precede a failure in flexure. Modifications to the bar size factors included in both codes were derived from the resulting test data. The evaluation of the test data shows that decreases to lap splice lengths could be considered for walls subjected to out-of-plane loads, which would facilitate construction.
Fish growth, physiological stress, and tissue condition in response to rate of temperature change during cool or warm diel thermal cycles
Authors: Eldridge William H. , Sweeney Bernard W. , Law J. Mac
Published: June 2015

The effect of the rate of temperature change on fish was studied by exposing a variety of North American fish species to diel temperature cycles containing rates of change of 0.8, 1.1, 2.2, or 4.4 °C·h−1. During a simulated cool season (3.9–11.7 °C), bluntnose minnow (Pimephales notatus), spotfin shiner (Cyprinella spiloptera), and white sucker (Catostomus commersonii), but not smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu), gained mass in response to 0.8, 1.1, or 2.2 °C·h−1but not constant mean temperature. White sucker did not grow under 4.4 °C·h−1, which was slower than expected based upon bioenergetics models. Physiological indicators of acute stress (day 1 cortisol), chronic stress (day 44 cortisol and triglycerides), and histomorphological measures suggested no effect of treatment. During a simulated warm season (20.0–27.8 °C), growth by channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus), rosyside dace (Clinostomus funduloides), smallmouth bass, and spotfin shiner was not altered by any rate of temperature change; however, walleye (Sander vitreus) and white sucker grew slower than expected under 4.4 °C·h−1. Physiological indicators of acute stress (day 1 cortisol), chronic stress (day 29 cortisol and triglycerides), and histomorphological measures suggested no effect of treatment. Chronic exposure to temperature change of 4.4 °C·h−1may not induce an acute or chronic stress response but may slightly impair growth for some species.
A DUPIRE EQUATION FOR A REGIME-SWITCHING MODEL
Authors: ELLIOTT ROBERT J. , CHAN LEUNGLUNG , SIU TAK KUEN
Published: June 2015

A forward equation, which is also called the Dupire formula, is obtained for European call options when the price dynamics of the underlying risky assets are assumed to follow a regime-switching local volatility model. Using a regime-switching version of the adjoint formula, a system of coupled forward equations is derived for the price of the European call over different states of the economy.
Information geometric nonlinear filtering
Authors: Newton Nigel J.
Published: June 2015

This paper develops information geometric representations for nonlinear filters in continuous time. The posterior distribution associated with an abstract nonlinear filtering problem is shown to satisfy a stochastic differential equation on a Hilbert information manifold. This supports the Fisher metric as a pseudo-Riemannian metric. Flows of Shannon information are shown to be connected with the quadratic variation of the process of posterior distributions in this metric. Apart from providing a suitable setting in which to study such information-theoretic properties, the Hilbert manifold has an appropriate topology from the point of view of multi-objective filter approximations. A general class of finite-dimensional exponential filters is shown to fit within this framework, and an intrinsic evolution equation, involving Amari's -1-covariant derivative, is developed for such filters. Three example systems, one of infinite dimension, are developed in detail.
Visual Perception Based Engagement Awareness for Multiparty Human–Robot Interaction
Authors: Li Liyuan , Xu Qianli , Wang Gang S. , Yu Xinguo , Tan Yeow Kee , Li Haizhou
Published: June 2015

Computational systems for human–robot interaction (HRI) could benefit from visual perceptions of social cues that are commonly employed in human–human interactions. However, existing systems focus on one or two cues for attention or intention estimation. This research investigates how social robots may exploit a wide spectrum of visual cues for multiparty interactions. It is proposed that the vision system for social cue perception should be supported by two dimensions of functionality, namely, vision functionality and cognitive functionality. A vision-based system is proposed for a robot receptionist to embrace both functionalities for multiparty interactions. The module of vision functionality consists of a suite of methods that computationally recognize potential visual cues related to social behavior understanding. The performance of the models is validated by the ground truth annotation dataset. The module of cognitive functionality consists of two computational models that (1) quantify users’ attention saliency and engagement intentions, and (2) facilitate engagement-aware behaviors for the robot to adjust its direction of attention and manage the conversational floor. The performance of the robot’s engagement-aware behaviors is evaluated in a multiparty dialog scenario. The results show that the robot’s engagement-aware behavior based on visual perceptions significantly improve the effectiveness of communication and positively affect user experience.
Geometric Hamiltonian formulation of quantum mechanics in complex projective spaces
Authors: Pastorello Davide
Published: June 2015

In finite dimension (at least), Quantum Mechanics can be formulated as a proper Hamiltonian theory where a notion of phase space is given by the projective space P(H) constructed on the Hilbert space H of the considered quantum theory. It is well-known P(H) can be equipped with a structure of Kähler manifold, in particular we have a symplectic form and a Poisson structure; Quantum dynamics can be described in terms of a Hamiltonian vector field on P(H). In this paper, exploiting the notion and properties of so-called frame functions, I describe a general prescription for associating quantum observables to real functions on P(H), classical-like observables, and quantum states to probability densities on P(H), Liouville densities, in order to obtain a complete and meaningful Hamiltonian formulation of a finite-dimensional quantum theory.
Selective Vilsmeier–Haack aryl-formylations of tetrathienylporphyrin and its Ni(II) complex
Authors: Momo Patrícia B. , Sampaio Olívia M. , Brocksom Timothy J. , de Oliveira Kleber T.
Published: June 2015

Regioselective aryl-formylations of tetrathienylporphyrin and its Ni(II) complex were performed with the Vilsmeier–Haack reaction. We have studied different solvents and temperatures to obtain the mono, di, tri and tetra-formylated porphyrins, all at the α-position of the thienyl groups. No β-formylations were observed and the four different formylated products presented here are suitable intermediates for subsequent extended conjugation reactions.
Superdiffusive Dispersion and Mixing of Swarms
Authors: Beal Jacob
Published: June 2015

A common swarm task is to disperse evenly through an environment from an initial tightly packed formation. Due to communication and sensing limitations, it is often necessary to execute this task with little or no communication between swarm members. Unfortunately, prior approaches based on repulsive forces or uniform random walks can often converge quite slowly. With an appropriate choice of random distribution, however, it is possible to generate optimal or near-optimal dispersion and mixing in swarms with zero communication. In particular, we discuss three extremely simple algorithms: reactive Levy walk, reactive ball dispersion, and purely reactive dispersion. All three algorithms vastly outperform prior approaches in both constrained and unconstrained environments, providing a range of options for trading off between aggressiveness and evenness in dispersion.
Cooperative Resource Allocation in Open Systems of Systems
Authors: Anders Gerrit , Schiendorfer Alexander , Siefert Florian , Steghöfer Jan-Philipp , Reif Wolfgang
Published: June 2015

Resource allocation is a common problem in many technical systems. In multi-agent systems, the decentralized or regionalized solution of this problem usually requires the agents to cooperate due to their limited resources and knowledge. At the same time, if these systems are of large scale, scalability issues can be addressed by a self-organizing hierarchical system structure that enables problem decomposition and compartmentalization. In open systems, various uncertainties—introduced by the environment as well as the agents’ possibly self-interested or even malicious behavior—have to be taken into account to be able to allocate the resources according to the actual demand.

In this article, we present a trust- and cooperation-based algorithm that solves a dynamic resource allocation problem in open systems of systems. To measure and deal with uncertainties imposed by the environment and the agents at runtime, the algorithm uses the social concept of trust. In a hierarchical setting, we additionally show how agents create constraint models by learning the capabilities of subordinate agents if these are not able or willing to disclose this information. Throughout the article, the creation of power plant schedules in decentralized autonomous power management systems serves as a running example.
Abstracts of recent doctoral dissertations in computer algebra
Authors: editors CCA
Published: June 2015

Each quarter we are pleased to present abstracts of recent doctoral dissertations in Computer Algebra and Symbolic Computation. We encourage all recent Ph.D. graduates who have defended in the past two years (and their supervisors), to submit their abstracts for publication in CCA. Please send abstracts to the CCA editors  for consideration.
miR-124 regulates fetal pulmonary epithelial cell maturation
Authors: Wang Yang , Huang Chaoqun , Chintagari Narendranath Reddy , Xi Dong , Weng Tingting , Liu Lin
Published: June 2015

MicroRNAs are a family of small noncoding RNAs that regulate the expression of their target proteins at the posttranscriptional level. Their functions cover almost every aspect of cell physiology. However, the roles of microRNAs in fetal lung development are not completely understood. The objective of this study is to investigate the regulation and molecular mechanisms of alveolar epithelial cell maturation during fetal lung development by miR-124. We discovered that miR-124 was downregulated during rat fetal lung development and predominantly expressed in the epithelial cells at late stage of the lung development. Overexpression of miR-124 with an adenovirus vector led to the inhibition of epithelial maturation in rat fetal lung organ cultures and fetal alveolar epithelial type II cells, as demonstrated by a decrease in the type II cell marker expression and an increase in glycogen content. We further demonstrated by luciferase reporter assays that miR-124 inhibited the NF-κB, cAMP/PKA, and MAPK/ERK pathways. In addition, nuclear factor I/B (NFIB), a critical protein in fetal lung maturation, was validated as a direct target of miR-124. Furthermore, miR-124 expression was induced by the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway through a direct interaction of LEF1 and the miR-124 promoter region. We concluded that miR-124 downregulation is critical to fetal lung epithelial maturation and miR-124 inhibits this maturation process at least partially through the inhibition of NFIB.
Iron, oxygen, and the pulmonary circulation
Authors: Frise Matthew C. , Robbins Peter A.
Published: June 2015

The human pulmonary vasculature vasoconstricts in response to a reduction in alveolar oxygen tension, a phenomenon termed hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction (HPV). This review describes the time course of this behavior, which occurs in distinct phases, and then explores the importance for HPV of the hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) pathway. Next, the HIF-hydroxylase enzymes that act as molecular oxygen sensors within the HIF pathway are discussed. These enzymes are particularly sensitive to intracellular iron availability, which confers iron-sensing properties on the HIF pathway. Human studies of iron chelation and supplementation are then reviewed. These demonstrate that the iron sensitivity of the HIF pathway evident from in vitro experiments is relevant to human pulmonary vascular physiology. Next, the importance of iron status in high-altitude illness and chronic cardiopulmonary disease is explored, and the therapeutic potential of intravenous iron discussed. The review concludes by highlighting some further complexities that arise from interactions between the HIF pathway and other intracellular iron-sensing mechanisms.
Facile Biosynthesis and Antioxidant Property of Nanogold‐Cellulose Fiber Composite
Authors: Bumbudsanpharoke Nattinee , Choi Jungwook , Park Insik , Ko Seonghyuk
Published: June 2015

Direct synthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) on cellulose fiber has been successfully performed via facile green approach using lignin‐containing unbleached kraft softwood pulp. The resulting AuNPs composited fibers showed apparent color change from pale yellow to purplish‐dark brown by varying the amount of gold ions (Au3+) due to the surface plasmon resonance of nanogold. Further confirmation of AuNP formation on the fiber surface was conducted by UV‐Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM). X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis revealed that gold nanoparticles formed on the fiber are well‐defined pure metallic gold, indicating that Au3+ ions are efficiently bioreduced into Au0 and bind to the fiber surface. Antioxidant activity was evaluated by decomposition of 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picryl‐hydrazyl (DPPH) in dark and light condition. As‐prepared unbleached kraft fiber‐AuNP composite showed significantly enhanced antioxidant activity and its DPPH scavenging rate reached about 86.05%.
Fabrication of Coatings on the Surface of Magnesium Alloy by Plasma Electrolytic Oxidation Using ZrO2 and SiO2 Nanoparticles
Authors: Gnedenkov S. V. , Sinebryukhov S. L. , Mashtalyar D. V. , Imshinetskiy I. M. , Samokhin A. V. , Tsvetkov Yu. V.
Published: June 2015

Results of investigation of the incorporation of zirconia and silica nanoparticles into the coatings formed on magnesium alloy by plasma electrolytic oxidation are presented. Comprehensive research of electrochemical and mechanical properties of obtained coatings was carried out. It was established that the polarization resistance of the samples with a coating containing zirconia nanoparticles is two times higher than that for the sample with base PEO layer. One of the important reasons for improving the protective properties of coatings formed in electrolytes containing nanoparticles consists in enhanced morphological characteristics, in particular, the porosity decrease and increase of thickness and resistivity (up to two orders of magnitude for ZrO2‐containing coating) of porousless sublayer in comparison with base PEO layer. Incorporation of silica and zirconia particles into the coating increases the mechanical performances. The layers containing nanoparticles have greater hardness and are more wear resistant in comparison with the coatings formed in the base electrolyte.
A Review on Automatic Mammographic Density and Parenchymal Segmentation
Authors: He Wenda , Juette Arne , Denton Erika R. E. , Oliver Arnau , Martí Robert , Zwiggelaar Reyer
Published: June 2015

Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in women. However, the exact cause(s) of breast cancer still remains unknown. Early detection, precise identification of women at risk, and application of appropriate disease prevention measures are by far the most effective way to tackle breast cancer. There are more than 70 common genetic susceptibility factors included in the current non-image-based risk prediction models (e.g., the Gail and the Tyrer-Cuzick models). Image-based risk factors, such as mammographic densities and parenchymal patterns, have been established as biomarkers but have not been fully incorporated in the risk prediction models used for risk stratification in screening and/or measuring responsiveness to preventive approaches. Within computer aided mammography, automatic mammographic tissue segmentation methods have been developed for estimation of breast tissue composition to facilitate mammographic risk assessment. This paper presents a comprehensive review of automatic mammographic tissue segmentation methodologies developed over the past two decades and the evidence for risk assessment/density classification using segmentation. The aim of this review is to analyse how engineering advances have progressed and the impact automatic mammographic tissue segmentation has in a clinical environment, as well as to understand the current research gaps with respect to the incorporation of image-based risk factors in non-image-based risk prediction models.
Adaptive Filter Updating for Energy-Efficient Top-k Queries in Wireless Sensor Networks Using Gaussian Process Regression
Authors: Zheng Jiping , Song Baoli , Wang Yongge , Wang Haixiang
Published: June 2015

Adopting filtering mechanism of dynamic filtering windows installed on sensor nodes to process top- k queries is an important research direction in wireless sensor networks. The mechanism can reduce transmissions of redundant data by utilizing filters. However, existing algorithms based on filters consume a vast amount of energy due to filter updating. In this paper, an energy-efficient top- k query technique based on adaptive filters is proposed. Due to updating filters consuming a large amount of energy, an algorithm named FUGPR based on Gaussian process regression to process top- k queries is provided for saving energy. When the filters change, the sensor readings are predicted to calculate the updating costs of filters; then FUGPR decides whether the filters need to be updated or not. Thus, the energy consumption for updating filters is decreased. Experimental results show that our approach can reduce energy consumption efficiently for updating filters on two distinct real datasets.
Synthesis and Characterization of Chitosan‐Saponin Nanoparticle for Application in Plasmid DNA Delivery
Authors: Bande Faruku , Arshad Siti Suri , Hair Bejo Mohd , Abdullahi Kamba Shafiu , Omar Abdul Rahman
Published: June 2015

Nonviral delivery system receives attention over the last decade. Chitosan (CS) is a cationic polymer whereas saponin (SP) is classified as glycoside. In this study, a spherically‐shaped CS‐SP nanoparticle was synthesized and characterized. The ability of the nanoparticle to protect DNA from enzymatic degradation, its thermostability and cytotoxicity were evaluated. The particle size was found below 100 nm as determined by Zetasizer, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and field scanning electron microscopy (FSEM) results. The surface charge ranges from 43.7 mV to 38.5 mV before and after encapsulation with DNA plasmid, respectively. In terms of thermostability, Thermal Gravimetric Analysis (TGA) and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) revealed that CS‐SP nanoparticle had a melting temperature of 110°C, with rapid decomposition occurring at 120°C. Encapsulation of DNA with the synthesized nanoparticle was evidenced by changes in the FTIR spectra including characteristic peaks at 3267.39 and 1635.58 cm−1, wavenumbers. Additional peak was also observed at 1169.7 cm−1 following encapsulation. Electrophoretic mobility showed that CS‐SP nanoparticle protected plasmid DNA from enzymatic degradation, while cell viability assays confirmed that the synthesized nanoparticle exhibited low cytotoxicity at different concentrations in avian cells. Taken together these, CS‐SP nanoparticle showed potentials for applications as a DNA delivery system.
An Implicit Identity Authentication System Considering Changes of Gesture Based on Keystroke Behaviors
Authors: Wu Jiyun , Chen Zhide
Published: June 2015

Smartphones have become ubiquitous personal devices so that much of sensitive and private information will be saved in the phone, and users have their own unique behavioral characteristics when using smartphones, so, to prevent private information from falling into the hands of impostors, there is a kind of identity authentication system based on user's behavioral features while the user is unlocking. However, due to the impact of environmental factors, changes of gesture will introduce bias into the feature data, which results in a diminishment of the system performance. To solve this problem, we propose an implicit identity authentication system based on keystroke behaviors, and it is the first attempt to consider the changes of a user's gesture. This system collects five keystroke features in the background and analyzes to identify different users without additional hardware supporting. We present our work with an experimental study, and our experiments show that the accuracy of identity authentication system we proposed is up to 99.1329%. Comparing with the identity authentication system without considering the impact of gesture changes, the EER of the system considering the impact of gesture changes is decreased by 1.2514%.
Secrecy Cognitive Gain of Cognitive Radio Sensor Networks with Primary Outage Constraint
Authors: Ma Hongyu , Niu Kai , Wu Weiling , Li Shengyu , Chu Guangqian
Published: June 2015

This paper studies the physical layer security issue for cognitive radio sensor networks (CRSNs) with primary outage constraint, for which a tractable framework is developed to analyze the secrecy performance for CRSNs related to the random channel characteristics, the spatial distributions of nodes, the nearest neighbour routing protocol, and the aggregate interference. Based on stochastic geometry technique, a novel random analysis method is proposed to derive the closed-form expression of secrecy transmission capacity and analyze the connection outage probability (COP) and secrecy outage probability (SOP) for both secondary (SR) and primary (PR) systems. Then, the concept of secrecy cognitive gain is produced to highlight the effect of SR systems with secrecy on the whole networks security. Comparing with a single PR system, the SR system is beneficial to enhance the secrecy level for overlaid CRSNs. In addition, the maximum achievable secrecy capacity is achieved through optimizing the density of SR systems satisfying outage constraints of PR and SR systems. Analytical results provide insights into regimes in which the SR system with secrecy is beneficial for the overlaid network secrecy.
Multivariate Statistical Approach for Anomaly Detection and Lost Data Recovery in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Magán-Carrión Roberto , Camacho José , García-Teodoro Pedro
Published: June 2015

Data loss due to integrity attacks or malfunction constitutes a principal concern in wireless sensor networks (WSNs). The present paper introduces a novel data loss/modification detection and recovery scheme in this context. Both elements, detection and data recovery, rely on a multivariate statistical analysis approach that exploits spatial density, a common feature in network environments such as WSNs. To evaluate the proposal, we consider WSN scenarios based on temperature sensors, both simulated and real. Furthermore, we consider three different routing algorithms, showing the strong interplay among (a) the routing strategy, (b) the negative effect of data loss on the network performance, and (c) the data recovering capability of the approach. We also introduce a novel data arrangement method to exploit the spatial correlation among the sensors in a more efficient manner. In this data arrangement, we only consider the nearest nodes to a given affected sensor, improving the data recovery performance up to 99%. According to the results, the proposed mechanisms based on multivariate techniques improve the robustness of WSNs against data loss.
The Use of D‐Optimal Mixture Design in Optimizing Development of Okara Tablet Formulation as a Dietary Supplement
Authors: Mohamad Zen Nur Izzati , Abd Gani Siti Salwa , Shamsudin Rosnah , Fard Masoumi Hamid Reza
Published: June 2015

The usage of soy is increasing year by year. It increases the problem of financial crisis due to the limited sources of soybeans. Therefore, production of oral tablets containing the nutritious leftover of soymilk production, called okara, as the main ingredient was investigated. The okara tablets were produced using the direct compression method. The percentage of okara, guar gum, microcrystalline cellulose (Avicel PH‐101), and maltodextrin influenced tablets’ hardness and friability which are analyzed using a D‐optimal mixture design. Composition of Avicel PH‐101 had positive effects for both hardness and friability tests of the tablets. Maltodextrin and okara composition had a significant positive effect on tablets’ hardness, but not on percentage of friability of tablets. However, guar gum had a negative effect on both physical tests. The optimum tablet formulation was obtained: 47.0% of okara, 2.0% of guar gum, 35.0% of Avicel PH‐101, and 14.0% of maltodextrin.
Protective Effects of Tamarillo (Cyphomandra betacea) Extract against High Fat Diet Induced Obesity in Sprague-Dawley Rats
Authors: Abdul Kadir Noor Atiqah Aizan , Rahmat Asmah , Jaafar Hawa Z. E.
Published: June 2015

This study aims to investigate the protective effect ofCyphomandra betaceain adult male Sprague-Dawley rats fed with high fat diet. Rats were fed on either normal chow or high fat diet for 10 weeks for obesity induction phase and subsequently receivedC. betaceaextract at low dose (150 mg kg−1), medium dose (200 mg kg−1), or high dose (300 mg kg−1) or placebo via oral gavages for another 7 weeks for treatment phase. Treatment of obese rats withC. betaceaextracts led to a significant decrease in total cholesterol and significant increase in HDL-C (p<0.05). Also there was a trend of positive reduction in blood glucose, triglyceride, and LDL-C with positive reduction of body weight detected in medium and high dosage ofC. betaceaextract. Interestingly,C. betaceatreated rats showed positive improvement of superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity along with a significant increase of total antioxidant status (TAS) (p<0.05). Further, rats treated withC. betaceashow significantly lower in TNF-αand IL-6 activities (p<0.05). This study demonstrates the potential use ofCyphomandra betaceaextract for weight maintenance and complimentary therapy to suppress some obesity complication signs.
Expression of Tropomyosin 1 Gene Isoforms in Human Breast Cancer Cell Lines
Authors: Dube Syamalima , Yalamanchili Santhi , Lachant Joseph , Abbott Lynn , Benz Patricia , Mitschow Charles , Dube Dipak K. , Poiesz Bernard J.
Published: June 2015

Nine malignant breast epithelial cell lines and 3 normal breast cell lines were examined for stress fiber formation and expression of TPM1 isoform-specific RNAs and proteins. Stress fiber formation was strong (++++) in the normal cell lines and varied among the malignant cell lines (negative to +++). Although TPM1γand TPM1δwere the dominant transcripts ofTPM1, there was no clear evidence for TPM1δprotein expression. Four novel human TPM1 gene RNA isoforms were discovered (λ,μ,ν, andξ), which were not identified in adult and fetal human cardiac tissues. TPM1λwas the most frequent isoform expressed in the malignant breast cell lines, and it was absent in normal breast epithelial cell lines. By western blotting, we were unable to distinguish between TPM1γ,λ, andνprotein expression, which were the only TPM1 gene protein isoforms potentially expressed. Some malignant cell lines demonstrated increased or decreased expression of these isoforms relative to the normal breast cell lines. Stress fiber formation did not correlate with TPM1γRNA expression but significantly and inversely correlated with TPM1δand TPM1λexpression, respectively. The exact differences in expression of these novel isoforms and their functional properties in breast epithelial cells will require further study.