bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Postharvest needle abscission resistance of balsam fir (Abies balsamea) is modified by harvest date
Authors: MacDonald Mason T. , Lada Rajasekaran R. , Veitch R. Scott , Thiagarajan Arumugam , Adams Azure D.
Published: July 2014

Earlier harvest dates have become necessary for Canadian Christmas tree producers to meet international demand, though by harvesting these trees early they may experience poor needle retention. The objective of this study is to understand the effect of harvest date on needle retention and link those changes to cold acclimation. In one experiment, balsam fir trees with varied needle abscission resistance (NAR) were collected in October and in January and monitored for needle retention. This was repeated for 3 years. In a second experiment, 45 branches were collected each month from September to January and monitored for needle retention, xylem pressure, membrane injury, capacitance, and accumulation of galactose, raffinose, and abscisic acid. High-NAR trees had little improvement in needle retention from October to January, whereas low-NAR trees had significantly improved needle retention from October to January. Between September and January, there was an 85% increase in raffinose, 147% increase in galactose, 80% increase in abscisic acid, and 62% decrease in stem capacitance. Early harvest was not detrimental for all trees, and it appears that cold acclimation is linked to postharvest needle abscission, though cold acclimation does not adequately explain differences between NAR classes.
Non-native species in Canada’s boreal zone: diversity, impacts, and risk
Authors: Langor David W. , Cameron Erin K. , MacQuarrie Chris J.K. , McBeath Alec , McClay Alec , Peter Brian , Pybus Margo , Ramsfield Tod , Ryall Krista , Scarr Taylor , Yemshanov Denys , DeMerchant Ian , Foottit Robert , Pohl Greg R.
Published: July 2014

More than 1180 non-native species, mostly of Palaearctic origin, have been recorded from the boreal zone of Canada, with the highest diversity on the island of Newfoundland and in the southern boreal zone of Ontario and Quebec. The non-native biota of the boreal zone (and of Canada in general) is poorly known in terms of species composition and distribution. A large proportion of species are associated with disturbed anthropogenic habitats such as urban areas, agricultural landscapes, transportation and communication corridors, and industrial developments. Natural habitats in the boreal zone have a high degree of resistance to invasion compared with those of other Canadian zones, likely owing to harsh climates, low light levels, poor soil nutrient availability, low soil pH, low productivity, and dense covering of the ground by plants, especially bryophytes. Of the relatively few non-native species that have successfully colonized the boreal zone, many decline greatly in abundance after a few years, suggesting biotic resilience. To date the boreal zone has shown the least resistance and resilience to large vertebrates (moose and white-tailed deer) translocated to islands, diseases of vertebrates, and earthworms. In general, the ecological impacts of non-native species on the boreal zone have been poorly studied, and there are few examples where such impacts are evident. Likewise, there has been little attempt to quantify the economic impacts of non-native species in either the boreal zone or in Canada as a whole. In the few cases where management measures have been implemented for highly destructive non-native species, results have been somewhat successful, especially where classical biological control measures have been implemented against insects on trees. Chemical and mechanical management measures have had only limited success in localized situations. Management resources are most effectively applied to reducing the risk of introduction. The risk to the boreal zone posed by future new non-native species is increasing with the warming climate and the fast and direct transport of goods into the boreal zone from points of origin. Five recommendations are provided to address recognized gaps concerning non-native species.
Structural and optical properties of lithium sodium borate glasses doped with Sm3+ ions
Authors: Dawaud R. S. E. S. , Hashim S. , Alajerami Y. S. M. , Mhareb M. H. A. , Maqableh M. M. , Tamchek N.
Published: July 2014

Absorption and emission spectra of Sm 3+ doped lithium sodium borate (LNB) have been reported. The samples were prepared by the melt-quenching technique and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), diffraction thermal analysis (DTA), Fourier transforms infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). From the thermo-grams spectrum, glass transition (Tg), crystallization (Tc) and melting temperatures (Tm) have been evaluated. Direct and indirect optical band gaps have been calculated based on the glasses UV absorption spectra. These glasses have shown strong nine absorption bands with hypersensitive transition at 1221 nm (6 H 5/2→4 H 3/2) and five emission bands for the transition at 4 I 7/2→6 H 13/2 (green color), 4 I 7/2→6 H 7/2 (orange color), 4 I 7/2→6 H 9/2 (orange color), 4 I 7/2→6 H 11/2 (red color) and 4 I 7/2→6 H 13/2 (red color) with performing an excitation of 400 nm. The oscillator strengths, refractive index, ions concentration, polaron radius and other parameters have been calculated for each dopant.
Adsorption and dissociation of O2 on MoSe2 and MoTe2 monolayers: ab initio study
Authors: Zhu X. F. , Wang L. , Chen L. F.
Published: July 2014

Adsorption and dissociation of O 2 molecule on the MoSe 2 and MoTe 2 monolayers are studied by using density functional theory (DFT) within the generalized gradient approximation (GGA) and a supercell approach. The physisorbed O 2 molecule on MoSe 2 and MoTe 2 with a magnetic moment (MM) close to that for an isolated O 2 molecule has small adsorption energy and long distance from the surface. The dissociative adsorption of configuration R5(R6) is the most stable adsorption site, whereas the chemisorption of O 2 is unfavorable at all adsorption sites. The dissociative adsorption of configuration R4 induces dramatic changes of electronic structures and localized spin polarization both for monolayer MoSe 2 and MoTe 2. The analysis of electronic density of states (DOSs) shows that the contribution of spin polarization is mainly from the hybridization between O –p, Se(Te) –p and Mo –d orbitals.
Regular and chaotic dynamics of a matter-wave soliton near the atomic mirror
Authors: Khamrakulov Kh. P.
Published: July 2014

The dynamics of the soliton in a self-attractive Bose–Einstein condensate under the gravity are investigated. First, we apply the inverse scattering method, which gives rise to equation of motion for the center-of-mass coordinate of the soliton. We analyze the amplitude-frequency characteristic for nonlinear resonance. Applying the Krylov–Bogoliubov method for the small parameters the dynamics of soliton on the phase plane are considered. Hamiltonian chaos under the action of the gravity on the Poincaré map are studied.
Dual Lukacs regressions of negative orders for noncommutative variables
Authors: Szpojankowski Kamil
Published: July 2014

In the paper we study characterizations of probability measures in free probability. By constancy of regressions for random variable 𝕍1/2(𝕀 - 𝕌)𝕍1/2 given by 𝕍1/2𝕌𝕍1/2, where 𝕌 and 𝕍 are free, we characterize free Poisson and free binomial distributions. Our paper is a free probability analogue of results known in classical probability,3 where gamma and beta distributions are characterized by constancy of 𝔼((V(1 - U))i|UV), for i ∈ {-2, -1, 1, 2}. This paper together with previous results18 exhaust all cases of characterizations from Ref. 3.
Determinants of Innovation Commercialization Management and Anticipated Returns: An Exploratory Typology of SMEs
Authors: Do Thuy Hang
Published: July 2014

This paper explores the effects of firm characteristics on the commercialization management and anticipated innovation returns within small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Our results suggest that young and small firms tend to be more innovative and have higher expectation for anticipated returns despite their less systematic management. By contrast, medium-sized firms are more likely to formalize their management, yet they have lower anticipated returns. Small equity-financed firms tend to approach a more systematic management of commercialization and anticipate high returns. Mature firms pursue a less systematic approach and anticipate lower returns. Overall, our findings show that firm characteristics such as size, age, R&D level, type of financing, innovation novelty and protection of intellectual properties play a significant role in the commercialization process. Employing an updated typology, this study provides additional insights into the firms' commercialization management and sheds some light on the owner-managers' anticipated returns from innovation.
Perceptions of Creativity in University–Industry Partnerships: A Pedagogical Approach
Authors: Rampersad Giselle
Published: July 2014

Building innovation capability is vital for prosperity and economic growth. The purpose of this study is to determine how innovation and creativity capability can be fostered through partnership between university and industry which is a core component of innovation systems. It compares student and industry perceptions of creativity, with a view to identifying discrepancies that may result in unclear expectations for creative work and hinder efforts to building creative capability. Unlike previous studies that provide a single viewpoint, this study contributes to the innovation and technology management literature by offering a dyadic perspective of both employers and students. Results reflect a shift toward "second generation", contextual views of creativity. Implications are discussed for formulating pedagogical approaches and managing the development of creativity.
Correlations in Single File Diffusion: Open and Closed Systems
Authors: Tripathi Ashwani Kr. , Kumar Deepak
Published: July 2014

We present a discussion of positional and velocity correlations of particles in single-file diffusion, based on some earlier work. We consider two physical situations: (a) An open system of N hard-core particles on an infinite line. (b) A large system with a fixed density of hard-core particles at an arbitrary temperature. In the first case (a), moments and correlations show unusual behavior. The average displacement of a particle is nonzero and grows as t1/2. Furthermore it depends on the position of the particle. Particles on the right of center are pushed right and those on the left are pushed left. The mean-square displacement also depends on the position. The diffusion constant is small for particles around the center but grows rapidly toward edges. Certain correlations in particle displacement grow with separation. For the second case (b) we give exact results for velocity-velocity auto-correlator of a tagged particle and establish that with time this correlator becomes negative and approaches zero as a power-law t-3/2 at long times. The mobility of the tagged particle is shown to decrease rapidly with density as has been observed in experiments.

[Formula: see text] Special Issue Comments: This article presents mathematical results on the dynamics in expanding files, and constant density files. This article is connected to the Special Issue articles about advanced statistical properties in single file dynamics29 and files with force and advanced formulations.30
Single-File Transport of Classical Electrons on the Surface of Liquid Helium
Authors: Rees David G. , Kono Kimitoshi
Published: July 2014

Electrons trapped on the surface of liquid helium form a model two-dimensional system. Because the electron density is low (~ 109 cm-2) and the Coulomb interaction between the electrons is essentially unscreened, the system can be regarded as a classical analogue of the degenerate Fermi gas. Electrons on helium have therefore long been used to study many-body transport phenomena in two dimensions. Here we review recent experiments investigating the transport of electrons on helium through microscopic constrictions formed in microchannel devices. Two constriction geometries are studied; short saddle-point constrictions and long constrictions in which the length greatly exceeds the width. In both cases, the constriction width can be tuned electrostatically so that the electrons move in single file. As the width of the short constriction is increased, a periodic suppression of the electron current is observed due to pinning for commensurate states of the electron lattice. A related phenomenon is observed for the long constriction whereby the quasi-one-dimensional Wigner lattice exhibits reentrant melting as the number of electron chains increases. Our results demonstrate that electrons on helium are an ideal system in which to study many-body transport in the limit of single-file motion.

[Formula: see text] Special Issue Comments: This article presents experimental results on the dynamics of classical electrons moving on the surface of liquid helium in narrow channels with constrictions, with a focus on the "quantum wire", i.e. single file, regime. This article is related to the Special Issue articles about advanced statistical properties in single file dynamics34 and the mathematical results on electron dynamics in liquid helium.35
Novel elastico-mechanoluminescence materials CaZnOS:Mn2+ and CaZr(PO4)2:Eu2+
Authors: Zhang Jun-Cheng , Xu Chao-Nan , Wang Xusheng , Long Yun-Ze
Published: July 2014

This paper highlights our work on the recent progress in novel elastico-mechanoluminescence (EML) materials CaZnOS : Mn 2+ and CaZr ( PO 4)2: Eu 2+, which can simultaneously "feel" (sense) and "see" (image) the applied mechanical stress as an intense and proportional luminescence. CaZnOS : Mn 2+ can sense various types of mechanical stress, including ultrasonic vibration, impact, friction and compression because of the large piezoelectric coefficient. CaZr ( PO 4)2: Eu 2+ with multiple trap levels shows a broad measurement range for dynamic load. Both of CaZnOS : Mn 2+ and CaZr ( PO 4)2: Eu 2+ belong to the defect-controlled type piezoelectric phosphors, and their EML mechanisms could be explained using the piezoelectrically induced carrier de-trapping model.
Focal blood-brain-barrier disruption with high-frequency pulsed electric fields
Authors: Arena Christopher B. , Garcia Paulo A. , Sano Michael B. , Olson John D. , Rogers-Cotrone Thomas , Rossmeisl John H. , Davalos Rafael V.
Published: July 2014

The blood-brain-barrier (BBB), a network of tight junctions that impedes large molecule transport, limits the usefulness of systemic chemotherapeutic delivery for the treatment of malignant gliomas and other neurological diseases. Here, we present a tool for BBB disruption that uses bursts of sub-microsecond bipolar pulses to enhance the transfer of large molecules to the brain. Blunt needle electrodes were advanced into the motor cortex of anesthetized adult rats, and a series of 90–900 bursts were delivered with voltage-to-distance ratios of 250 or 2000 V/cm, a total programmed energized time of 100 μs, and a repetition rate of 1 Hz. BBB disruption was assessed via a gadolinium-Evans blue albumin tracer, and all experimental conditions were found to cause BBB disruption immediately following treatment without inducing local or distal muscle contractions. The lowest energy condition, 300 bursts consisting of 850 ns bipolar pulses, resulted in significant BBB disruption (0.51 cm3), without displaying necrotic or apoptotic damage to neurological tissue.
DPP IV inhibitor treatment attenuates bone loss and improves mechanical bone strength in male diabetic rats
Authors: Glorie Lorenzo , Behets Geert J. , Baerts Lesley , De Meester Ingrid , D'Haese Patrick C. , Verhulst Anja
Published: July 2014

Dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP IV) modulates protein activity by removing dipeptides. DPP IV inhibitors are currently used to improve glucose tolerance in type 2 diabetes patients. DPP IV substrates not only increase insulin secretion but also affect bone metabolism. In this study, the effect of DPP IV inhibitor sitagliptin on bone was evaluated in normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. This study included 64 male Wistar rats divided into four groups ( n = 16): two diabetic and two control groups. One diabetic and one control group received sitagliptin through drinking water. Tibiae were scanned every 3 wk using an in vivo μCT scanner. After 6 and 12 wk, rats were euthanized for histomorphometric analysis of bone parameters. The mechanical resistance of femora to fracture was assessed using a three-point bending test, and serum levels of bone metabolic markers were measured. Efficient DPP IV inhibition was achieved in sitagliptin-treated groups. Trabecular bone loss, the decrease in trabecular number, and the increase in trabecular spacing was attenuated through sitagliptin treatment in diabetic rats, as shown by in vivo μCT. Bone histomorphometry was in line with these results. μCT analysis furthermore showed that sitagliptin prevented cortical bone growth stagnation in diabetic rats, resulting in stronger femora during three-point bending. Finally, the serum levels of the resorption marker CTX-I were significantly lower in sitagliptin-treated diabetic animals compared with untreated diabetic animals. In conclusion, sitagliptin treatment attenuates bone loss and increases bone strength in diabetic rats probably through the reduction of bone resorption and independent of glycemic management.
A Novel Concept Acquisition Approach Based on Formal Contexts
Authors: Qian Ting , Wei Ling
Published: July 2014

As an important tool for data analysis and knowledge processing, formal concept analysis (FCA) has been applied to many fields. In this paper, we introduce a new method to find all formal concepts based on formal contexts. The amount of intents calculation is reduced by the method. And the corresponding algorithm of our approach is proposed. The main theorems and the corresponding algorithm are examined by examples, respectively. At last, several real-life databases are analyzed to demonstrate the application of the proposed approach. Experimental results show that the proposed approach is simple and effective.
Investigation of the Stage Performance and Flow Fields in a Centrifugal Compressor with a Vaneless Diffuser
Authors: Jaatinen-Värri Ahti , Grönman Aki , Turunen-Saaresti Teemu , Backman Jari
Published: July 2014

The effect of the width of the vaneless diffuser on the stage performance and flow fields of a centrifugal compressor is studied numerically and experimentally. The diffuser width is varied by reducing the diffuser flow area from the shroud side (i.e., pinching the diffuser). Seven different diffuser widths are studied with numerical simulation. In the modeling, the diffuser widthb/b2is varied within the range 1.00 to 0.50. The numerical results are compared with results obtained in previous studies. In addition, two of the diffusers are further investigated with experimental measurement. The main finding of the work is that the pinch reduces losses in the impeller associated with the tip-clearance flow. Furthermore, it is shown that a too large width reduction causes the flow to accelerate excessively, resulting in a highly nonuniform flow field and flow separation near the shroud.
Modelling Cochlear Mechanics
Authors: Ni Guangjian , Elliott Stephen J. , Ayat Mohammad , Teal Paul D.
Published: July 2014

The cochlea plays a crucial role in mammal hearing. The basic function of the cochlea is to map sounds of different frequencies onto corresponding characteristic positions on the basilar membrane (BM). Sounds enter the fluid-filled cochlea and cause deflection of the BM due to pressure differences between the cochlear fluid chambers. These deflections travel along the cochlea, increasing in amplitude, until a frequency-dependent characteristic position and then decay away rapidly. The hair cells can detect these deflections and encode them as neural signals. Modelling the mechanics of the cochlea is of help in interpreting experimental observations and also can provide predictions of the results of experiments that cannot currently be performed due to technical limitations. This paper focuses on reviewing the numerical modelling of the mechanical and electrical processes in the cochlea, which include fluid coupling, micromechanics, the cochlear amplifier, nonlinearity, and electrical coupling.
Improved Quantum Genetic Algorithm in Application of Scheduling Engineering Personnel
Authors: Wang Huaixiao , Li Ling , Liu Jianyong , Wang Yong , Fu Chengqun
Published: July 2014

To verify the availability of the improved quantum genetic algorithm in solving the scheduling engineering personnel problem, the following work has been carried out: the characteristics of the scheduling engineering personnel problem are analyzed, the quantum encoding method is proposed, and an improved quantum genetic algorithm is applied to address the issue. Taking the low efficiency and the bad performance of the conventional quantum genetic algorithm into account, a universal improved quantum genetic algorithm is introduced to solve the scheduling engineering personnel problem. Finally, the examples are applied to verify the effectiveness and superiority of the improved quantum genetic algorithm and the rationality of the encoding method.
A Rational Threshold Signature Model and Protocol Based on Different Permissions
Authors: Wang Bojun , Cai Cheng , Zhou Quan
Published: July 2014

This paper develops a novel model and protocol used in some specific scenarios, in which the participants of multiple groups with different permissions can finish the signature together. We apply the secret sharing scheme based on difference equation to the private key distribution phase and secret reconstruction phrase of our threshold signature scheme. In addition, our scheme can achieve the signature success because of the punishment strategy of the repeated rational secret sharing. Besides, the bit commitment and verification method used to detect players’ cheating behavior acts as a contributing factor to prevent the internal fraud. Using bit commitments, verifiable parameters, and time sequences, this paper constructs a dynamic game model, which has the features of threshold signature management with different permissions, cheat proof, and forward security.
The Effects of Doping Copper and Mesoporous Structure on Photocatalytic Properties of TiO2
Authors: Wang Yang , Duan Wubiao , Liu Bo , Chen Xidong , Yang Feihua , Guo Jianping
Published: July 2014

This paper describes a system for the synthesis of Cu‐doped mesoporous TiO2 nanoparticles by a hydrothermal method at relatively low temperatures. The technique used is to dope the as‐prepared mesoporous TiO2 system with copper. In this method, the copper species with the form of Cu1+, which was attributed to the reduction effect of dehydroxylation and evidenced by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD), was well dispersed in the optimal concentration 1 wt.% Cu‐doped mesoporous TiO2. In this as‐prepared mesoporous TiO2 system, original particles with a size of approximately 20 nm are aggregated together to shapes of approximately 1100 nm, which resulted in the porous aggregate structure. More importantly, the enhancement of the photocatalytic activity was discussed as effects due to the formation of stable Cu(I) and the mesoporous structure in the Cu‐doped mesoporous TiO2. Among them, Cu‐doped mesoporous TiO2 shows the highest degradation rate of methyl orange (MO). In addition, the effects of initial solution pH on degradation of MO had also been investigated. As a result, the optimum values of initial solution pH were found to be 3.
Serum Matrix Metalloproteinase-3 as a Noninvasive Biomarker of Histological Synovitis for Diagnosis of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Ma Jian-Da , Zhou Jing-Jing , Zheng Dong-Hui , Chen Le-Feng , Mo Ying-Qian , Wei Xiu-ning , Yang Li-Juan , Dai Lie
Published: July 2014

Objective. To explore the correlation between matrix metalloproteinase- (MMP-) 3 and histological synovitis in rheumatoid arthritis (RA).Methods. Serum MMP-3 of 62 patients with active RA was detected by ELISA. Serial synovial tissue sections from all RA patients, 13 osteoarthritis, and 10 orthopedic arthropathies patients were stained with hematoxylin and eosin and immunohistochemically for MMP-3, CD3, CD20, CD38, CD68, and CD15.Results. The percentage of lining MMP3+ cells was significantly higher in RA patients especially with high grade synovitis and it was significantly correlated with Krenn’s synovitis scorer=0.574, P<0.001and sublining inflammatory cells. Multivariate stepwise linear regression analysis revealed that the association of the percentage of lining MMP3+ cells with activation of synovial stroma, sublining CD68+ macrophages, and CD15+ neutrophils was stronger than other histological indicators. The percentage of lining MMP3+ cells was significantly correlated with serum MMP-3 in RAr=0.656, P<0.001. Serum MMP-3 was higher in RA patients with high grade synovitis than that of low grade synovitis and significantly correlated with synovitis score and activation of synovial stroma subscore (allP<0.05).Conclusion. Serum MMP-3 may be an alternative noninvasive biomarker of histological synovitis and RA diagnosis.
Evaluation of the Influence of Formulation and Process Variables on Mechanical Properties of Oral Mucoadhesive Films Using Multivariate Data Analysis
Authors: Landová Hana , Vetchý David , Gajdziok Jan , Doležel Petr , Muselík Jan , Dvořáčková Kateřina , Jekl Vladimír , Hauptman Karel , Knotek Zdeněk
Published: July 2014

Oral mucosa is an attractive region for the local and systemic application of many drugs. Oral mucoadhesive films are preferred for their prolonged time of residence, the improved bioavailability of the drug they contain, their painless application, their protection against lesions, and their nonirritating properties. This work was focused on preparation of nonmedicated carmellose-based films using both solvent casting and impregnation methods, respectively. Moreover, a modern approach to evaluation of mucoadhesive films applying analysis of texture and subsequent multivariate data analysis was used. In this experiment, puncture strength strongly correlated with tensile strength and could be used to obtain necessary information about the mechanical film characteristics in films prepared using both methods. Puncture work and tensile work were not correlated in films prepared using the solvent casting method, as increasing the amount of glycerol led to an increase in the puncture work in thinner films. All measured texture parameters in films prepared by impregnation were significantly smaller compared to films prepared by solvent casting. Moreover, a relationship between the amount of glycerol and film thickness was observed, and a greater recalculated tensile/puncture strength was needed for an increased thickness in films prepared by impregnation.
Dynamics of a Delayed Model for the Transmission of Malicious Objects in Computer Network
Authors: Zhang Zizhen , Yang Huizhong
Published: July 2014

An SEIQRS model for the transmission of malicious objects in computer network with two delays is investigated in this paper. We show that possible combination of the two delays can affect the stability of the model and make the model bifurcate periodic solutions under some certain conditions. For further investigation, properties of the periodic solutions are studied by using the normal form method and center manifold theory. Finally, some numerical simulations are given to justify the theoretical results.
Dose of Incorporated Immunodominant Antigen in Recombinant BCG Impacts Modestly on Th1 Immune Response and Protective Efficiency againstMycobacterium tuberculosisin Mice
Authors: Ma Hui , Wu Kang , Liu Fang , Yang Hua , Kang Han , Chen Ning-Ning , Yuan Qin , Zhou Wen-Jiang , Fan Xiao-Yong
Published: July 2014

One approach for improving BCG efficacy is to utilize BCG as vehicle to develop recombinant BCG (rBCG) strains overexpressingMycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tb)antigens. Also expression level of a candidate antigen should impact the final T cell responses conferred by rBCG. In this study, based on our previously constructed differential expression system, we developed two rBCG strains overexpressingM. tbchimeric antigen Ag856A2 (coding a recombinantag85awith 2 copies ofesat-6inserted atAccI site ofag85a) at differential levels under the control of the subtly modifiedfurApromoters. These two rBCG strains were used to vaccinate C57BL/6 mice and exploit dose of incorporated antigen in rBCG to optimize immune response and protective efficiency againstM. tbchallenge in mouse model. The results showed that rBCG strains overexpressing Ag856A2 at differential levels induced different antigen-specific IFN-γproduction and comparable number ofM. tb-specific CD4 T cells expressing IL-2.M. tbchallenge experiment showed that rBCG strains afforded enhanced but comparable immune protection characterized by reduced bacillary load, lung pathology, and inflammation. These results suggested that the dose of antigens incorporated in rBCG can impact T cell immune responses but imposed no significantly differential protective efficacies.
A Hadoop-Based Method to Predict Potential Effective Drug Combination
Authors: Sun Yifan , Xiong Yi , Xu Qian , Wei Dongqing
Published: July 2014

Combination drugs that impact multiple targets simultaneously are promising candidates for combating complex diseases due to their improved efficacy and reduced side effects. However, exhaustive screening of all possible drug combinations is extremely time-consuming and impractical. Here, we present a novel Hadoop-based approach to predict drug combinations by taking advantage of the MapReduce programming model, which leads to an improvement of scalability of the prediction algorithm. By integrating the gene expression data of multiple drugs, we constructed data preprocessing and the support vector machines and naïve Bayesian classifiers on Hadoop for prediction of drug combinations. The experimental results suggest that our Hadoop-based model achieves much higher efficiency in the big data processing steps with satisfactory performance. We believed that our proposed approach can help accelerate the prediction of potential effective drugs with the increasing of the combination number at an exponential rate in future. The source code and datasets are available upon request.
Cellular Signaling and Production of Galactose-Deficient IgA1 in IgA Nephropathy, an Autoimmune Disease
Authors: Reily Colin , Ueda Hiroyuki , Huang Zhi-Qiang , Mestecky Jiri , Julian Bruce A. , Willey Christopher D. , Novak Jan
Published: July 2014

Immunoglobulin A (IgA) nephropathy (IgAN), the leading cause of primary glomerulonephritis, is characterized by IgA1-containing immunodeposits in the glomeruli. IgAN is a chronic disease, with up to 40% of patients progressing to end-stage renal disease, with no disease-specific treatment. Multiple studies of the origin of the glomerular immunodeposits have linked elevated circulating levels of aberrantly glycosylated IgA1 (galactose-deficient in someO-glycans; Gd-IgA1) with formation of nephritogenic Gd-IgA1-containing immune complexes. Gd-IgA1 is recognized as an autoantigen in susceptible individuals by anti-glycan autoantibodies, resulting in immune complexes that may ultimately deposit in the kidney and induce glomerular injury. Genetic studies have revealed that an elevated level of Gd-IgA1 in the circulation of IgAN patients is a hereditable trait. Moreover, recent genome-wide association studies have identified several immunity-related loci that associated with IgAN. Production of Gd-IgA1 by IgA1-secreting cells of IgAN patients has been attributed to abnormal expression and activity of several key glycosyltransferases. Substantial evidence is emerging that abnormal signaling in IgA1-producing cells is related to the production of Gd-IgA1. As Gd-IgA1 is the key autoantigen in IgAN, understanding the genetic, biochemical, and environmental aspects of the abnormal signaling in IgA1-producing cells will provide insight into possible targets for future disease-specific therapy.
Optimal Treatment Strategy for a Tumor Model under Immune Suppression
Authors: Kim Kwang Su , Cho Giphil , Jung Il Hyo
Published: July 2014

We propose a mathematical model describing tumor-immune interactions under immune suppression. These days evidences indicate that the immune suppression related to cancer contributes to its progression. The mathematical model for tumor-immune interactions would provide a new methodology for more sophisticated treatment options of cancer. To do this we have developed a system of 11 ordinary differential equations including the movement, interaction, and activation of NK cells, CD8+T-cells, CD4+T cells, regulatory T cells, and dendritic cells under the presence of tumor and cytokines and the immune interactions. In addition, we apply two control therapies, immunotherapy and chemotherapy to the model in order to control growth of tumor. Using optimal control theory and numerical simulations, we obtain appropriate treatment strategies according to the ratio of the cost for two therapies, which suggest an optimal timing of each administration for the two types of models, without and with immunosuppressive effects. These results mean that the immune suppression can have an influence on treatment strategies for cancer.
Role of Intravitreal Antivascular Endothelial Growth Factor Injections for Choroidal Neovascularization due to Choroidal Osteoma
Authors: Mansour Ahmad M. , Arevalo J. Fernando , Al Kahtani Eman , Zegarra Hernando , Abboud Emad , Anand Rajiv , Ahmadieh Hamid , Sisk Robert A. , Mirza Salman , Tuncer Samuray , Navea Tejerina Amparo , Mataix Jorge , Ascaso Francisco J. , Pulido Jose S. , Guthoff Rainer , Goebel Winfried , Roh Young Jung , Banker Alay S. , Gentile Ronald C. , Martinez Isabel Alonso , Morris Rodney , Panday Neeraj , Min Park Jung , Mercé Emilie , Lai Timothy Y. Y. , Massoud Vicky , Ghazi Nicola G.
Published: July 2014

We treated 26 eyes of 25 young patients having a mean age of 30 years with intravitreal vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitor for choroidal new vessel (CNV) formation overlying choroidal osteoma over a mean follow-up of 26 months. Mean number of injections was 2.4 at 6 months, 3.2 at 12 months, and 5.5 at 24 months. CNV was subfoveal in 14 eyes, juxtafoveal in 5, extrafoveal in 5, and peripapillary in 2. By paired comparison, mean decrease from baseline was 119.7 microns at 6 months (n=15;P=0.001), 105.3 microns at 1 year (n=10;P=0.03), and 157.6 microns at 2 years (n=7;P=0.08). BCVA improved by 3.3 lines at 6 months after therapy (n=26;P<0.001), 2.8 lines (n=20;P=0.01) at 1 year, and 3.1 lines (n=13;P=0.049) at 2 years. We conclude that intravitreal anti-VEGF injections improve vision in majority of eyes with CNV from choroidal osteoma.
Existence Results and the Monotone Iterative Technique for Nonlinear Fractional Differential Systems with Coupled Four-Point Boundary Value Problems
Authors: Cui Yujun , Zou Yumei
Published: July 2014

By establishing a comparison result and using the monotone iterative technique combined with the method of upper and lower solutions, we investigate the existence of solutions for nonlinear fractional differential systems with coupled four-point boundary value problems.
Time- and Event-Driven Communication Process for Networked Control Systems: A Survey
Authors: Zou Lei , Wang Zidong , Dong Hongli , Liu Yurong , Gao Huijun
Published: July 2014

In recent years, theoretical and practical research topics on networked control systems (NCSs) have gained an increasing interest from many researchers in a variety of disciplines owing to the extensive applications of NCSs in practice. In particular, an urgent need has arisen to understand the effects of communication processes on system performances. Sampling and protocol are two fundamental aspects of a communication process which have attracted a great deal of research attention. Most research focus has been on the analysis and control of dynamical behaviors under certain sampling procedures and communication protocols. In this paper, we aim to survey some recent advances on the analysis and synthesis issues of NCSs with different sampling procedures (time- and event-driven sampling) and protocols (static and dynamic protocols). First, these sampling procedures and protocols are introduced in detail according to their engineering backgrounds as well as dynamic natures. Then, the developments of the stabilization, control, and filtering problems are systematically reviewed and discussed in great detail. Finally, we conclude the paper by outlining future research challenges for analysis and synthesis problems of NCSs with different communication processes.
Pharmacological Activities of Sijunzi Decoction Which Are Related to Its Antioxidant Properties
Authors: Ye Lei , Gong Jianwei , Wang Yonghua , Sun Xiling
Published: July 2014

This paper introduces the antioxidant constituents and pharmacological effects of Sijunzi decoction by looking up literatures in recent years. Sijunzi decoction is composed of Ginseng, Atractylodes, Tuckahoe, and Glycyrrhiza. The antioxidant ingredients of Sijunzi decoction include paeonol, dauricine, naringin, and isoliquiritigenin. The study has proved that it possesses wide pharmacological effects of anticardiovascular diseases, antinervous system disease, antidiabetes, antimetabolic syndrome, and antitumor. Research on the antioxidant components of Sijunzi decoction and their targets is a promising study area in the future.
Unsteady Flow of Reactive Viscous, Heat Generating/Absorbing Fluid with Soret and Variable Thermal Conductivity
Authors: Uwanta I. J. , Hamza M. M.
Published: July 2014

This study investigates the unsteady natural convection and mass transfer flow of viscous reactive, heat generating/absorbing fluid in a vertical channel formed by two infinite parallel porous plates having temperature dependent thermal conductivity. The motion of the fluid is induced due to natural convection caused by the reactive property as well as the heat generating/absorbing nature of the fluid. The solutions for unsteady state temperature, concentration, and velocity fields are obtained using semi-implicit finite difference schemes. Perturbation techniques are used to get steady state expressions of velocity, concentration, temperature, skin friction, Nusselt number, and Sherwood number. The effects of various flow parameters such as suction/injection (γ), heat source/sinks (S), Soret number (Sr), variable thermal conductivityδ, Frank-Kamenetskii parameterλ, Prandtl number (Pr), and nondimensional timeton the dynamics are analyzed. The skin friction, heat transfer coefficients, and Sherwood number are graphically presented for a range of values of the said parameters.
Solvability for a Coupled System of Fractional Integrodifferential Equations withm-Point Boundary Conditions on the Half-Line
Authors: Nasertayoob Payam , Vaezpour S. Mansour , Baleanu Dumitru
Published: July 2014

The aim of this paper is to study the solvability for a coupled system of fractional integrodifferential equations with multipoint fractional boundary value problems on the half-line. An example is given to demonstrate the validity of our assumptions.
Effects of Outlets on Cracking Risk and Integral Stability of Super-High Arch Dams
Authors: Lin Peng , Liu Hongyuan , Li Qingbin , Hu Hang
Published: July 2014

In this paper, case study on outlet cracking is first conducted for the Goupitan and Xiaowan arch dams. A nonlinear FEM method is then implemented to study effects of the outlets on integral stability of the Xiluodu arch dam under two loading conditions, i.e., normal loading and overloading conditions. On the basis of the case study and the numerical modelling, the outlet cracking mechanism, risk, and corresponding reinforcement measures are discussed. Furthermore, the numerical simulation reveals that (1) under the normal loading conditions, the optimal distribution of the outlets will contribute to the tensile stress release in the local zone of the dam stream surface and decrease the outlet cracking risk during the operation period. (2) Under the overloading conditions, the cracks initiate around the outlets, then propagate along the horizontal direction, and finally coalesce with those in adjacent outlets, where the yield zone of the dam has a shape of butterfly. Throughout this study, a dam outlet cracking risk control and reinforcement principle is proposed to optimize the outlet design, select the appropriate concrete material, strengthen the temperature control during construction period, design reasonable impounding scheme, and repair the cracks according to their classification.
A Fast Independent Component Analysis Algorithm for Geochemical Anomaly Detection and Its Application to Soil Geochemistry Data Processing
Authors: Liu Bin , Guo Si , Wei Youhua , Zhan Zedong
Published: July 2014

A fast independent component analysis algorithm (FICAA) is introduced to process geochemical data for anomaly detection. In geochemical data processing, the geological significance of separated geochemical elements must be explicit. This requires that correlation coefficients be used to overcome the limitation of indeterminacy for the sequences of decomposed signals by the FICAA, so that the sequences of the decomposed signals can be correctly reflected. Meanwhile, the problem of indeterminacy in the scaling of the decomposed signals by the FICAA can be solved by the cumulative frequency method (CFM). To classify surface geochemical samples into true anomalies and false anomalies, assays of the 1 : 10 000 soil geochemical data in the area of Dachaidan in the Qinghai province of China are processed. The CFM and FICAA are used to detect the anomalies of Cu and Au. The results of this research demonstrate that the FICAA can demultiplex the mixed signals and achieve results similar to actual mineralization when 85%, 95%, and 98% are chosen as three levels of anomaly delineation. However, the traditional CFM failed to produce realistic results and has no significant use for prospecting indication. It is shown that application of the FICAA to geochemical data processing is effective.
Electron Correlation Effects on the Longitudinal Polarizabilities and Second Hyperpolarizabilities of Polyenes: A Finite Field Study
Authors: Li Qingxu , Zhou Xianju , Yin Shiwei
Published: July 2014

We carry out ab initio calculations, based on finite-field scheme, of the longitudinal polarizabilities (αL) and second hyperpolarizabilities (γL) of conjugated polyenes, and study the effects of electron correlation, with second-order Moller-Plesset perturbation theory and coupled cluster with singles and doubles method. Calculations with density functional theory are also made to compare with wave-function based methods. Our study shows that electron correlation reduces linear longitudinal polarizability and enhances longitudinal second hyperpolarizability for short polyenes, but the effects decrease as the chain increases; choosing appropriate basis sets is important when quantitative results are required.
Web Spider Defense Technique in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Canovas Alejandro , Lloret Jaime , Macias Elsa , Suarez Alvaro
Published: July 2014

Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) are currently widely used in many environments. Some of them gather many critical data, which should be protected from intruders. Generally, when an intruder is detected in the WSN, its connection is immediately stopped. But this way does not let the network administrator gather information about the attacker and/or its purposes. In this paper, we present a bioinspired system that uses the procedure taken by the web spider when it wants to catch its prey. We will explain how all steps performed by the web spider are included in our system and we will detail the algorithm and protocol procedure. A real test bench has been implemented in order to validate our system. It shows the performance for different response times, the CPU and RAM consumption, and the average and maximum values for ping and tracert time responses using constant delay and exponential jitter.
Development of a System to Assist Automatic Translation of Hand-Drawn Maps into Tactile Graphics and Its Usability Evaluation
Authors: Chen Jianjun , Takagi Noboru
Published: July 2014

Tactile graphics are images that use raised surfaces so that a visually impaired person can feel them. Tactile maps are used by blind and partially sighted people when navigating around an environment, and they are also used prior to a visit for orientation purposes. Since the ability to read tactile graphics deeply depends on individuals, providing tactile graphics individually is needed. This implies that producing tactile graphics should be as simple as possible. Based on this background, we are developing a system for automating production of tactile maps from hand-drawn figures. In this paper, we first present a pattern recognition method for hand-drawn maps. The usability of our system is then evaluated by comparing it with the two different methods to produce tactile graphics.
Interaction of Hyperoside with Human Serum Albumin and Effect of Glucose on the Binding
Authors: Yang Jie , Qu Lingling , Yang Wenyue , Huang Yun , Jiao Ning , Zhan Wenhong , Zhao Ding , Cui Lijian
Published: July 2014

The interaction of hyperoside (Hyp) with human serum albumin (HSA) and effect of glucose on the binding were studied in simulating physiological condition (pH 7.40). The results suggested that Hyp quenched the endogenous fluorescence of HSA via a static quenching process with the distance of 1.95 nm between Hyp and HSA. Hydrophobic forces played a major role in stabilizing the Hyp-HSA complex. Through synchronous fluorescence monitoring of conformation of HSA, we found that the binding to Hyp can change the microenvironment around tryptophan (Trp) residues. Increasing in glucose concentration over a range from 0 to 9 mM decreased the binding ability of HSA to Hyp, implying that increasing in glucose concentration would increase the concentration of free Hyp.
Solving Split Common Fixed-Point Problem of Firmly Quasi-Nonexpansive Mappings without Prior Knowledge of Operators Norms
Authors: Zhao Jing , Zhang Hang
Published: July 2014

Very recently, Moudafi introduced alternating CQ-algorithms and simultaneous iterative algorithms for the split common fixed-point problem concerned two bounded linear operators. However, to employ Moudafi’s algorithms, one needs to know a prior norm (or at least an estimate of the norm) of the bounded linear operators. To estimate the norm of an operator is very difficult, if it is not an impossible task. It is the purpose of this paper to introduce a viscosity iterative algorithm with a way of selecting the stepsizes such that the implementation of the algorithm does not need any prior information about the operator norms. We prove the strong convergence of the proposed algorithms for split common fixed-point problem governed by the firmly quasi-nonexpansive operators. As a consequence, we obtain strong convergence theorems for split feasibility problem and split common null point problems of maximal monotone operators. Our results improve and extend the corresponding results announced by many others.
Sinc Collocation Method for Solving the Benjamin-Ono Equation
Authors: Pindza Edson , Maré Eben
Published: July 2014

We propose a simple, though powerful, technique for numerical solutions of the Benjamin-Ono equation. This approach is based on a global collocation method using Sinc basis functions. Some properties of the Sinc collocation method required for our subsequent development are given and utilized to reduce the computation of the Benjamin-Ono equation to a system of ordinary differential equations. The propagation of one soliton and the interaction of two solitons are used to validate our numerical method. The method is easy to implement and yields accurate results.