bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Kinematics of jointed pipes and design estimates of joint rotation under differential ground movements
Authors: Saiyar Masoumeh , Moore Ian D. , Take W. Andrew
Published: April 2015

Centrifuge testing of reduced-scale models has been used to examine the kinematics of jointed pipelines crossing normal ground faults. The model pipeline was fabricated at 1/30th scale using segments of a semicircular cross section cut from an aluminum rod. Threaded rods were used to connect those segments and model a variety of joints having longitudinal bending stiffnesses from 3% to 47% of the bending stiffness of the pipe segments. The semicircular segments were placed against a glass sidewall of the test box and buried in sand. During testing under 30g, differential ground movements of up to 70% of the pipe diameter were imposed, and the pipe movements were monitored using particle image velocimetry. It is shown that maximum rotations occur at the joints when the shear zone generated by the ground fault passes across the joint rather than the pipe segment, and that joint stiffness has little impact on the pipe kinematics. A simplified kinematic model is introduced that permits straightforward, safe estimates of maximum joint rotation.
Magnetic models of the Moyie anticline, Purcell anticlinorium, southeastern Canadian Cordillera
Authors: Thomas Michael D.
Published: April 2015

Two-dimensional magnetic models of the Moyie anticline contribute to an independent project targeting development of a regional three-dimensional (3D) model of much of the Purcell anticlinorium by compensating for shortcomings in reflection seismic signatures and distributions of drill holes and surface structural data. Modelling has focused on prominent anomalies related to relatively strong magnetizations within the Creston Formation and Moyie sills. Models of the western flank of the anticline indicate the Creston Formation forms the bulk of a westward-thickening, wedge-shaped sedimentary package whose west-dipping layers are truncated by a steeply west-dipping Moyie fault, truncating also Moyie sills on the opposite side. Near-surface dips of the fault range from 54° to 87°. Stratigraphic comparisons across the fault indicate minimum reverse dip displacements ranging from 5.6 to 8.5 km. The eastern flank of the Moyie anticline is modelled consistently as a monoclinal, eastward-dipping stratigraphic package comprising mainly Lower Aldridge Formation (with intruded Moyie sills) through Kitchener Formation, in general accord with geological models. One magnetic model, however, shows stratigraphy disrupted by shallow thrust faults, above which a series of near-vertical blocks is modelled. The Yahk River syncline is modelled as a symmetrical fold having an axial depth of 4.2 km to the top of the Upper Aldridge Formation. Collectively, the models outline a broad domal pattern of Moyie sills in the core of the anticline to 12 km depth, supporting a proposal that a gravity high correlating with the Moyie anticline relates to high-density Moyie sills at relatively shallow depths, rather than deeper high-density basement.
Variation in understory and canopy reflectance during stand development in Finnish coniferous forests
Authors: Kuusinen Nea , Stenberg Pauline , Tomppo Erkki , Bernier Pierre , Berninger Frank
Published: April 2015

Inherent variability in the spectral properties of boreal forests complicates the retrieval of canopy properties such as canopy leaf area index from satellite images. Understanding the drivers of this variability could help provide better estimates of desired canopy cover properties. Field plot data from the Finnish National Forest Inventory and Landsat thematic mapper (TM) images were used to investigate the variation in canopy and understory reflectance during stand development in coniferous boreal forests. Spectral data for each plot were obtained from the Landsat pixel within which the plot center coordinates fell. Nonlinear unmixing was used to estimate the bidirectional reflectance factors (BRFs) of the “sunlit understory” and “canopy and shaded ground” components by site fertility and stand development classes. A forest albedo model was used to estimate the contribution of diffuse radiation reflected downwards from the canopy to the sunlit understory component. The sunlit understory BRF in the near-infrared spectral band decreased as the site fertility decreased and the forest matured, whereas the sunlit understory BRFs in the red and shortwave-infrared spectral bands concurrently increased. The BRFs of the canopy and shaded ground component decreased slightly during stand development, mostly in the near-infrared spectral band. Adding the diffuse contribution to the sunlit understory component changed the estimated component BRFs only a little (0.1%–1.7%) compared with those obtained using a linear mixing assumption. This effect was largest in the near-infrared spectral band and smallest in the red spectral band. For Norway spruce plots, the measured and estimated forest variables were well correlated with the BRFs in all of the studied spectral bands, but for the Scots pine plots, the correlations were notably weaker. Results show a greater importance of the fraction of visible sunlit understory on forest reflectance in Scots pine than in Norway spruce forests.
New Dynamic Multi-Objective Constrained Optimization Evolutionary Algorithm
Authors: Liu Chun-An , Wang Yuping , Ren Aihong
Published: April 2015

For dynamic multi-objective constrained optimization problem (DMCOP), it is important to find a sufficient number of uniformly distributed and representative dynamic Pareto optimal solutions. In this paper, the time period of the DMCOP is first divided into several random subperiods. In each random subperiod, the DMCOP is approximately regarded as a static optimization problem by taking the time subperiod fixed. Then, in order to decrease the amount of computation and improve the effectiveness of the algorithm, the dynamic multi-objective constrained optimization problem is further transformed into a dynamic bi-objective constrained optimization problem based on the dynamic mean rank variance and dynamic mean density variance of the evolution population. The evolution operators and a self-check operator which can automatically checkout the change of time parameter are introduced to solve the optimization problem efficiently. And finally, a dynamic multi-objective constrained optimization evolutionary algorithm is proposed. Also, the convergence analysis for the proposed algorithm is given. The computer simulations are made on four dynamic multi-objective optimization test functions and the results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm can effectively track and find the varying Pareto optimal solutions or the varying Pareto fronts with the change of time.
A New Implementation of the Extended Helmholtz Resonator Acoustic Liner Impedance Model in Time Domain CAA
Authors: Pascal L. , Piot E. , Casalis G.
Published: April 2015

The application of wall acoustic lining is a major factor in the reduction of aircraft engine noise. The extended Helmholtz Resonator (EHR) impedance model is widely used since it is representative of the behavior of realistic liners over a wide range of frequencies. Its application in time domain CAA methods by means of [Formula: see text]-transform has been the subject of several papers. In contrast to standard liner modeling in time domain CAA, which consists in imposing a boundary condition modeling both the cavities and the perforated sheet of the liner, an alternative approach involves adding the cavities to the computational domain and imposing a condition between these cavities and the duct domain to model the resistive sheet. However, the original method may not be used for broadband acoustics since it implements an impedance condition with frequency independent resistance. This paper describes an extension of this method to implement the EHR impedance model in a time domain CAA method.
A Robust Recognition Method for Occlusion of Mini Tomatoes Based on Hue Information and the Curvature
Authors: Iwasaki Fumiya , Imamura Hiroki
Published: April 2015

In this paper, we propose a robust recognition method for occlusion of mini tomatoes based on hue information and the curvature. This method is used for a managing system using robots for hydroponic that we have proposed. In this system, robots need to recognize mini tomatoes to manage farmlands. In a lot of cases, mini tomatoes are covered partially by leaves or other tomatoes. Thence, the system needs a mini tomato recognition method in the situations including occlusion. First, this method detects red areas using hue information from a source image. Second, the method detects contours from the areas by using contour tracking. Finally, the method judges whether contours are mini tomatoes or not by using the curvature. We compared our method with circle detection method using Hough transform. Experimental results showed that the recognition rate of our method was 78.8%. On the other hand, the recognition rate of the comparative method was 47.9%. Therefore, we consider that the proposed method is appropriate for mini tomato recognition in the situations including occlusion.
Background Ruled-Lines Detection and Removal in Full-Colored Handwritten Image Documents
Authors: Refaey Mohammed A. A.
Published: April 2015

Automation becomes the standard in nearly all aspects of life. Some of these aspects are text analysis, translating and retrieval. This requires machine typed format as a preprocessing step. Converting the handwritten text into machine printed counterpart requires Optical Character Recognition (OCR) system, which requires clean text as input. One of the problems facing the process of getting clean handwritten text is the ruled background lines which are intersecting and mixed with the text. In this work, we present fast algorithms for detection and removal of these ruled lines. The detection stage use only the centralized and squared part of the image document instead of wasting time if the whole image document is used, and use Hough transform for getting the ruled lines location and direction. The removal algorithm uses the color histogram segmentation for separating the text from the ruled lines. The Hue of the color is used to represent colors instead of using all color components. Then the segmented image document is morphologically enhanced and converted to binary image that is suitable for OCR. The results show the benefits of the proposed algorithms with F1-measures 91.43% and 88.52% for detection and removal respectively.
TUMOR CELL GROWTH SUBJECTED TO CORRELATED NOISES AND TIME DELAY
Authors: FENG Y. L. , GAO L. L. , LIU Y. F. , ZHANG M. , DONG J. M.
Published: April 2015

The tumor cell growth with time-delayed feedback driven by correlated noises under the immune surveillance are investigated within an anti-tumor model. The effects of the noise correlation strength and time delay on the stationary probability distribution, the average tumor cell population and the mean first passage time (MFPT) are analyzed in detail based on the delay Fokker–Planck equation. The effects of the correlation strength and time delay could play the same role in the average tumor cell population, but play opposite role in the MFPT. In addition, the role of the correlation strength and time delay for different activation thresholds of immune system is explored.
CATIONIC POLYMER BASED GENE DELIVERY: UPTAKE AND INTRACELLULAR TRAFFICKING
Authors: HO YOONKHEI , TOO HENG-PHON
Published: April 2015

To date, low transfection efficiency remains the major drawback of polymer based gene delivery. Many cell types including stem cells, fibroblast and neurons are known to be poorly transfected with polymer based gene carriers and the high toxicity severely restrict their utility in gene delivery. Continual efforts are made to identify cellular barriers to efficient transfection as these carriers have low immunogenicity, ease of manufacturing and scalability. Here, we summarize the current status of understanding on uptake mechanism of polymer-DNA complexes (polyplexes), their endosomal escape, cytosolic transport and nuclear entry of pDNA.
Coupling constants and the generalized Riemann problem for isothermal junction flow
Authors: Reigstad Gunhild A. , Flåtten Tore , Haugen Nils Erland , Ytrehus Tor
Published: April 2015

We consider gas flow in pipe networks governed by the isothermal Euler equations. A set of coupling conditions is required to completely specify the Riemann problem at the junction. The momentum-related condition has no obvious expression and different approaches have been used in previous work. For the condition of equal momentum flux, Colombo and Garavello [A well posed Riemann problem for the p-system at a junction, Netw. Heterog. Media 1 (2006) 495–511] proved existence and uniqueness of solutions globally in time and locally in the subsonic region of the state space. If the entropy constraint is not considered, we are able to prove existence and uniqueness globally in the subsonic region for any momentum-related coupling constant satisfying a monotonicity requirement. The previously suggested conditions of equal pressure and equal momentum flux satisfy this requirement, but in general they both fail to fulfill the entropy constraint. The classical Bernoulli invariant is a natural scalar formulation of momentum conservation under ideal flow conditions. Our analysis shows that this invariant is monotone and unconditionally leads to solutions satisfying the entropy constraint. Of the coupling constants considered, this is therefore the only choice that guarantees the unique existence of entropy solutions to the N-junction Riemann problem for all initial data in the subsonic region.
The global future stability of the FLRW solutions to the Dust-Einstein system with a positive cosmological constant
Authors: Hadžić Mahir , Speck Jared
Published: April 2015

We study small perturbations of the Friedman–Lemaître–Robertson–Walker (FLRW) solutions to the dust-Einstein system with a positive cosmological constant in the case that the space-like Cauchy hypersurfaces are diffeomorphic to 𝕋3. We show that the FLRW solutions are nonlinearly globally future-stable under small perturbations of their initial data. In our analysis, we construct harmonic-type coordinates such that the cosmological constant results in the presence of dissipative terms in the evolution equations. Our result extends those of [I. Rodnianski and J. Speck, The nonlinear future stability of the FLRW family of solutions to the irrotational Euler–Einstein system with a positive cosmological constant, J. Eur. Math. Soc. 15 (2013) 2369–2462; J. Speck, The nonlinear future stability of the FLRW family of solutions to the Euler–Einstein system with a positive cosmological constant, Selecta Math. 18 (2012) 633–715; C. Lübbe and J. A. Valiente Kroon, A conformal approach for the analysis of the nonlinear stability of pure radiation cosmologies, Ann. Phys. 328 (2013) 1–25], where analogous results were proved for the Euler–Einstein system under the equations of state [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]. The dust-Einstein system is the case cs = 0. The main difficulty that we overcome here is that the dust's energy density loses one degree of differentiability compared to the cases [Formula: see text], which introduces many obstacles for closing the estimates. To resolve this difficulty, we commute the equations with a well-chosen differential operator and derive elliptic estimates that complement the energy estimates of [I. Rodnianski and J. Speck, The nonlinear future stability of the FLRW family of solutions to the irrotational Euler–Einstein system with a positive cosmological constant, J. Eur. Math. Soc. 15 (2013) 2369–2462; J. Speck, The nonlinear future stability of the FLRW family of solutions to the Euler–Einstein system with a positive cosmological constant, Selecta Math. 18 (2012) 633–715]. Our results apply in particular to small perturbations of the vanishing dust state containing vacuum regions.
HEALTH IMPACT ASSESSMENT
Authors: O'MULLANE MONICA , HARRIS-ROXAS BEN
Published: April 2015

This article provides a statement on the state of the research context for Health Impact Assessment.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT RESEARCH IN JAPAN: RETROSPECTIVE AND PROSPECTIVE
Authors: NISHIKIZAWA SHIGEO
Published: April 2015

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) research have been performed in a wide range of topics over 40 years in Japan. The study underlying this paper reviewed the achievement of Japanese EIA research through the academic database survey and identified which areas would be required for future EIA research. As a result, whilst there are only 30–50 EIAs conducted per year under EIA Act and genuine SEA is currently not practiced, there is a noticeable research interest with over 30 associated research papers published in the professional Japanese literature every year on average. Most of EIA articles could be classified into five groups; (a) systems and laws, (b) methods, (c) Theme-oriented Studies, (d) Sector-oriented Studies and (e) Case Studies. The following three main areas were identified for future EIA research; (1) studies on pro-active sound decision making for sustainability; (2) effectiveness of EIA from a proponent's viewpoint, leading to enhance public acceptance, for example; and (3) substantive and methodological aspects, including the use of both quantitative and qualitative evaluation methods.
On a Partitioned Strong Coupling Algorithm for Modeling Fluid–Structure Interaction
Authors: He Tao
Published: April 2015

This paper presents a partitioned strong coupling algorithm for fluid–structure interaction in the arbitrary Lagrangian–Eulerian finite element framework. The incompressible Navier–Stokes equations are solved by the semi-implicit characteristic-based split (CBS) scheme while the structural equations are temporally advanced by the Bathe method. The celled-based smoothed finite element method is adopted for the solution of a geometrically nonlinear solid. To update the dynamic mesh, the moving submesh approach is performed in conjunction with the ortho-semi-torsional spring analogy method. A mass source term is implanted into the pressure Poisson equation to respect the geometric conservation law for the fractional-step-type CBS fluid solver. The iterative solution is achieved by fixed-point method with Aitken's Δ2accelerator. The proposed methodology is validated against flow-induced oscillations of a bluff body and a flexible body. The overall numerical results agree well with the available data. Some important flow phenomena have been disclosed successfully.
Complex Trapped Modes of the Helmholtz Equation in Cross, S, and U Bends
Authors: Wang C. Y.
Published: April 2015

The Helmholtz equation with zero boundary conditions is important in the vibration of membranes, simply-supported plates, and electromagnetic and quantum waveguides. Trapped modes, with a lowered frequency and limited local effect, may exist for infinite strips with local bends or enlargements. Infinite strips with a cross bulge, with an S bend and with a U bend are studied using an efficient eigenfunction expansion and domain decomposition method. As the bulge become larger, more trapped modes with more complexity appear. Some geometries do not support trapped modes at all. These results are new.
Elastic Bottom Effect on Trapped Waves in a Two-Layer Fluid
Authors: Saha Sunanda , Bora Swaroop Nandan
Published: April 2015

In this paper, a hydroelastic model is considered to examine the trapped modes supported by a horizontal submerged cylinder placed in either of the layers of a two-layer fluid flowing over an elastic bottom at a finite depth. The elastic bottom is modeled as a thin elastic plate and is based on the Euler–Bernoulli beam equation. Using multipole expansion method, an infinite system of homogenous linear equations is obtained. For a fixed geometrical configuration and a specific arrangement of a set of other parameters, the frequencies for which the value of the truncated determinant is zero are numerically computed and the trapped wavenumbers corresponding to those frequencies are obtained by using the dispersion relation. These trapped modes are compared with those for which the lower layer is of infinite depth. We also look into the effect of the variation of the elastic plate parameters on the existence of trapped modes. Significant difference is observed with respect to the existence and also in the pattern of the trapped modes between the present case and the one when the cylinder is placed in an infinite depth lower layer of a two-layer fluid.
Optimal Lower and Upper Bounds for Representing Sequences
Authors: Belazzougui Djamal , Navarro Gonzalo
Published: April 2015

Sequence representations supporting the queries
access
,
select
, and
rank
are at the core of many data structures. There is a considerable gap between the various upper bounds and the few lower bounds known for such representations, and how they relate to the space used. In this article, we prove a strong lower bound for
rank
, which holds for rather permissive assumptions on the space used, and give matching upper bounds that require only a compressed representation of the sequence. Within this compressed space, the operations
access
and
select
can be solved in constant or almost-constant time, which is optimal for large alphabets. Our new upper bounds dominate all of the previous work in the time/space map.
Information Reliability Evaluation
Authors: Bounhas Ibrahim , Elayeb Bilel , Evrard Fabrice , Slimani Yahya
Published: April 2015

The literature on information retrieval shows the importance of information reliability as a key criterion for relevance judgment. However, information reliability evaluation is discussed in many disciplines such as history, Arabic storytelling, and computer science. Although these disciplines share common principles, they differ in many aspects, which are studied in this article. However, we mainly focus on two disciplines. On the one hand, Arabic storytelling stands by rigid rules for transmitting information and inspecting sources and contents. On the other hand, the characteristics of the Web as a collaborative, open and vast area for information sharing has caused changes in our evaluation of information. This article studies related works to enumerate the main principles and steps that constitute guidelines for automatic information reliability evaluation. Finally, these guidelines are applied to Arabic storytelling, and experimental results are presented.
Fixed-Parameter Algorithms for Minimum-Cost Edge-Connectivity Augmentation
Authors: Marx Dániel , Végh László A.
Published: April 2015

We consider connectivity-augmentation problems in a setting where each potential new edge has a non-negative cost associated with it, and the task is to achieve a certain connectivity target with at most
p
new edges of minimum total cost. The main result is that the minimum cost augmentation of edge-connectivity from
k
− 1 to
k
with at most
p
new edges is fixed-parameter tractable parameterized by
p
and admits a polynomial kernel. We also prove the fixed-parameter tractability of increasing edge connectivity from 0 to 2 and increasing node connectivity from 1 to 2.
Picture Gesture Authentication
Authors: Zhao Ziming , Ahn Gail-Joon , Hu Hongxin
Published: April 2015

Picture gesture authentication has been recently introduced as an alternative login experience to text-based password on touch-screen devices. In particular, the newly on market Microsoft Windows 8™ operating system adopts such an alternative authentication to complement its traditional text-based authentication. We present an empirical analysis of picture gesture authentication on more than 10,000 picture passwords collected from more than 800 subjects through online user studies. Based on the findings of our user studies, we propose a novel attack framework that is capable of cracking passwords on previously unseen pictures in a picture gesture authentication system. Our approach is based on the concept of selection function that models users’ thought processes in selecting picture passwords. Our evaluation results show the proposed approach could crack a considerable portion of picture passwords under different settings. Based on the empirical analysis and attack results, we comparatively evaluate picture gesture authentication using a set of criteria for a better understanding of its advantages and limitations.
Noise-Tolerant Explicit Stencil Computations for Nonuniform Process Execution Rates
Authors: Hammouda Adam , Siegel Andrew R. , Siegel Stephen F.
Published: April 2015

Next-generation HPC computing platforms are likely to be characterized by significant, unpredictable nonuniformities in execution time among compute nodes and cores. The resulting load imbalances from this nonuniformity are expected to arise from a variety of sources—manufacturing discrepancies, dynamic power management, runtime component failure, OS jitter, software-mediated resiliency, and TLB/- cache performance variations, for example. It is well understood that existing algorithms with frequent points of bulk synchronization will perform relatively poorly in the presence of these sources of process nonuniformity. Thus, recasting classic bulk synchronous algorithms into more asynchronous, coarse-grained parallelism is a critical area of research for next-generation computing. We propose a class of parallel algorithms for explicit stencil computations that can tolerate these nonuniformities by decoupling per process communication and computation in order for each process to progress asynchronously while maintaining solution correctness. These algorithms are benchmarked with a 1D domain decomposed (“slabbed”) implementation of the 2D heat equation as a model problem, and are tested in the presence of simulated nonuniform process execution rates. The resulting performance is compared to a classic bulk synchronous implementation of the model problem. Results show that the runtime of this article’s algorithm on a machine with simulated process nonuniformities is 5--99% slower than the runtime of its classic counterpart on a machine free of nonuniformities. However, when both algorithms are run on a machine with comparable synthetic process nonuniformities, this article’s algorithm is 1--37 times faster than its classic counterpart.
The Shape of the Search Tree for the Maximum Clique Problem and the Implications for Parallel Branch and Bound
Authors: McCreesh Ciaran , Prosser Patrick
Published: April 2015

Finding a maximum clique in a given graph is one of the fundamental NP-hard problems. We compare two multicore thread-parallel adaptations of a state-of-the-art branch-and-bound algorithm for the maximum clique problem and provide a novel explanation as to why they are successful. We show that load balance is sometimes a problem but that the interaction of parallel search order and the most likely location of solutions within the search space is often the dominating consideration. We use this explanation to propose a new low-overhead, scalable work-splitting mechanism. Our approach uses explicit early diversity to avoid strong commitment to the weakest heuristic advice and late resplitting for balance. More generally, we argue that, for branch-and-bound, parallel algorithm design should not be performed independently of the underlying sequential algorithm.
Administration of 17β-estradiol to ovariectomized obese female mice reverses obesity-hypertension through an ACE2-dependent mechanism
Authors: Wang Yu , Shoemaker Robin , Thatcher Sean E. , Batifoulier-Yiannikouris Frederique , English Victoria L. , Cassis Lisa A.
Published: April 2015

We recently demonstrated that female mice are resistant to the development of obesity-induced hypertension through a sex hormone-dependent mechanism that involved adipose angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). In this study, we hypothesized that provision of 17β-estradiol (E2) to ovariectomized (OVX) high-fat (HF)-fed female hypertensive mice would reverse obesity-hypertension through an ACE2-dependent mechanism. Pilot studies defined dose-dependent effects of E2 in OVX female mice on serum E2 concentrations and uterine weights. An E2 dose of 36 μg/ml restored normal serum E2 concentrations and uterine weights. Therefore, HF-fed OVX female Ace2 +/+ and Ace2 −/− mice were administered vehicle or E2 (36 μg/ml) for 16 wk. E2 administration significantly decreased body weights of HF-fed OVX female Ace2 +/+ and Ace2 −/− mice of either genotype. At 15 wk, E2 administration decreased systolic blood pressure (SBP) of OVX HF-fed Ace2 +/+ but not Ace2 −/− females during the light but not the dark cycle. E2-mediated reductions in SBP in Ace2 +/+ females were associated with significant elevations in adipose ACE2 mRNA abundance and activity and reduced plasma ANG II concentrations. In contrast to females, E2 administration had no effect on any parameter quantified in HF-fed male hypertensive mice. In 3T3-L1 adipocytes, E2 promoted ACE2 mRNA abundance through effects at estrogen receptor-α (ERα) and resulted in ERα-mediated binding at the ACE2 promoter. These results demonstrate that E2 administration to OVX females reduces obesity-induced elevations in SBP (light cycle) through an ACE2-dependent mechanism. Beneficial effects of E2 to decrease blood pressure in OVX obese females may result from stimulation of adipose ACE2.
Modeling Routing Overhead of Reactive Protocols at Link Layer and Network Layer in Wireless Multihop Networks
Authors: Javaid N. , Khan Z. A. , Qasim U. , Jamil M. , Ishfaq M. , Alghamdi T. A.
Published: April 2015

To keep information recent between two nodes, two types of link sensing feed-back mechanisms are used: link layer (LL) and network layer (NL). In this paper, we model and evaluate these link sensing mechanisms in three widely used reactive routing protocols: ad hoc on-demand distance vector (AODV), dynamic source routing (DSR), and dynamic MANET on-demand (DYMO). Total cost paid by a routing protocol is the sum of cost paid in the form of energy consumed (in terms of packet reception/transmission) and time spent (in terms of processing route information). Routing operations are divided into two phases: route discovery (RD) and route maintenance (RM). These protocols majorly focus on broadcast cost optimization performed by expanding ring search (ERS) algorithm to control blind flooding. Hence, our model relates link sensing mechanisms in RD and RM for the selected routing protocols to compute consumed energy and processing time. The proposed framework is evaluated via NS-2, where the selected protocols are tested with different nodes' mobilities and densities.
KCNJ11: Genetic Polymorphisms and Risk of Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Haghvirdizadeh Polin , Mohamed Zahurin , Abdullah Nor Azizan , Haghvirdizadeh Pantea , Haerian Monir Sadat , Haerian Batoul Sadat
Published: April 2015

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a major worldwide health problem and its prevalence has been rapidly increasing in the last century. It is caused by defects in insulin secretion or insulin action or both, leading to hyperglycemia. Of the various types of DM, type 2 occurs most frequently. Multiple genes and their interactions are involved in the insulin secretion pathway. Insulin secretion is mediated through the ATP-sensitive potassium (KATP) channel in pancreatic beta cells. This channel is a heteromeric protein, composed of four inward-rectifier potassium ion channel (Kir6.2) tetramers, which form the pore of the KATP channel, as well as sulfonylurea receptor 1 subunits surrounding the pore. Kir6.2 is encoded by the potassium inwardly rectifying channel, subfamily J, member 11 (KCNJ11) gene, a member of the potassium channel genes. Numerous studies have reported the involvement of single nucleotide polymorphisms of the KCNJ11 gene and their interactions in the susceptibility to DM. This review discusses the current evidence for the contribution of common KCNJ11 genetic variants to the development of DM. Future studies should concentrate on understanding the exact role played by these risk variants in the development of DM.
Human Myeloma Cell Lines Induce Osteoblast Downregulation of CD99 Which Is Involved in Osteoblast Formation and Activity
Authors: Oranger Angela , Brunetti Giacomina , Carbone Claudia , Colaianni Graziana , Mongelli Teresa , Gigante Isabella , Tamma Roberto , Mori Giorgio , Di Benedetto Adriana , Sciandra Marika , Ventura Selena , Scotlandi Katia , Colucci Silvia , Grano Maria
Published: April 2015

CD99 is a transmembrane glycoprotein expressed in physiological conditions by cells of different tissues, including osteoblasts (OBs). High or low CD99 levels have been detected in various pathological conditions, and the supernatant of some carcinoma cell lines can modulate CD99 expression in OB-like cells. In the present work we demonstrate for the first time that two different human myeloma cell lines (H929 and U266) and, in a less degree, their conditioned media significantly downregulate CD99 expression in normal human OBs during the differentiation process. In the same experimental conditions the OBs display a less differentiated phenotype as demonstrated by the decreased expression of RUNX2 and Collagen I. On the contrary, when CD99 was activated by using a specific agonist antibody, the OBs become more active as demonstrated by the upregulation of Alkaline Phosphatase, Collagen I, RUNX2, and JUND expression. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the activation of CD99 is able to induce the phosphorylation of ERK 1/2 and AKT intracellular signal transduction molecules in the OBs.
Biofeedback Intervention for Stress, Anxiety, and Depression among Graduate Students in Public Health Nursing
Authors: Ratanasiripong Paul , Kaewboonchoo Orawan , Ratanasiripong Nop , Hanklang Suda , Chumchai Pornlert
Published: April 2015

Globally, graduate students have been found to have high prevalence of mental health problems. With increasing severity of mental health problems on university campuses and limited resources for mental health treatment, alternative interventions are needed. This study investigated the use of biofeedback training to help reduce symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression. A sample of 60 graduate students in public health nursing was randomly assigned to either the biofeedback intervention or the control group. Results indicated that biofeedback intervention was effective in significantly reducing the levels of stress, anxiety, and depression over the 4-week period, while the control group had increases in symptoms of anxiety and depression over the same timeframe. As future leaders in the public health nursing arena, the more psychologically healthy the graduate students in public health nursing are, the better the public health nursing professionals they will be as they go forth to serve the community after graduation.
The Involvement of GAS6 Signaling in the Development of Obesity and Associated Inflammation
Authors: Wu Kuo-Sheng , Hung Yi-Jen , Lee Chien-Hsing , Hsiao Fone-Ching , Hsieh Po-Shiuan
Published: April 2015

Growth arrest-specific 6 (GAS6), a vitamin K-dependent protein, plays a role in the survival, proliferation, migration, differentiation, adhesion, and apoptosis of cells. GAS6 is highly expressed during growth arrest, followed by a sharp decrease during differentiation in adipocytes. The functions of GAS6 signaling are limited to TAM (Tyro3, Axl, and Mer) receptors and are dependent on the cell type. While many studies have focused on the role of GAS6 in inflammation and cancer, only few studies focused on its roles of GAS6 in obesity. Accordingly, the participation of GAS6 in the progression of obesity remains controversial. In this review, we summarize the results of current studies from clinical and basic research to elucidate the possible role of GAS6 signaling in obesity and associated disorders. In addition, this summary may offer a direction to develop clinical therapeutic strategies for the prevention and treatment of obesity and related complications.
Vitex agnus-castusL. (Verbenaceae) Improves the Liver Lipid Metabolism and Redox State of Ovariectomized Rats
Authors: Moreno Franciele Neves , Campos-Shimada Lilian Brites , Costa Silvio Claudio da , Garcia Rosângela Fernandes , Cecchini Alessandra Lourenço , Natali Maria Raquel Marçal , Vitoriano Adriana de Souza , Ishii-Iwamoto Emy Luiza , Salgueiro-Pagadigorria Clairce Luzia
Published: April 2015

Vitex agnus-castus(VAC) is a plant that has recently been used to treat the symptoms of menopause, by its actions on the central nervous system. However, little is known about its actions on disturbances in lipid metabolism and nonalcoholic fat liver disease (NAFLD), frequently associated with menopause. Ovariectomized (OVX) rats exhibit increased adiposity and NAFLD 13 weeks after ovary removal and were used as animal models of estrogen deficiency. The rats were treated with crude extract (CE) and a butanolic fraction of VAC (ButF) and displayed the beneficial effects of a reduction in the adiposity index and a complete reversion of NAFLD. NAFLD reversion was accompanied by a general improvement in the liver redox status. The activities of some antioxidant enzymes were restored and the mitochondrial hydrogen peroxide production was significantly reduced in animals treated with CE and the ButF. It can be concluded that the CE and ButF fromVitex agnus-castuswere effective in preventing NAFLD and oxidative stress, which are frequent causes of abnormal liver functions in the postmenopausal period.
Multitasking Planning and Executing of Intelligent Vehicles for Restaurant Service by Networking
Authors: Zhang Jun , Chen Zhixian , Hu Ying , Zhang Jianwei , Luo Zhenhua , Dong Xuehui
Published: April 2015

Indoor intelligent vehicles have been applied widely in restaurant service, where they are usually demanded to work for long period for multiple tasks and face the challenges of uncertainty, efficiency, and working online. In this paper, we propose an approach of multitasking planning and executing by networking for intelligent vehicles working for restaurant service. As to increase the efficiency of accomplishing multiple tasks, traditional HTN model is adapted to present the property of executing in parallel for the plan. As working online, the new inserted task is decomposed to get its individual plan, which is then merged into the global plan by optimization modelled as a maximal weight clique problem through evaluating the relations among actions and optimizing based on maximal cost saving first. Additionally, the protected states and goal states of an action are monitored in execution monitoring while action executing. Once exception occurs, the replanning based on partially backtracking would repair it. Moreover, with the mechanism of cooperation by networking, vehicles can allocate tasks, share information, and cooperate for execution monitoring. Finally, the test and demonstration of the experiment for drink service in restaurant environment show the feasibility and the improvement on the efficiency of multitasking.
Human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells Inhibit the Function of Allogeneic Activated Vγ9Vδ2 T Lymphocytes In Vitro
Authors: Liu Xiaohuan , Feng Ting , Gong Tianxiang , Shen Chongyang , Zhu Tingting , Wu Qihong , Li Qiang , Li Hong
Published: April 2015

Background. Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSCs) can regulate the function of immune cells. However, whether and how UC-MSCs can modulate the function of Vγ9Vδ2 T cells has not been fully understood. Methods. The PBMCs or Vγ9Vδ2 T cells were activated and expanded with pamidronate (PAM) and interleukin-2 (IL-2) with or without the presence UC-MSCs. The effects of UC-MSCs on the proliferation, cytokine expression, and cytotoxicity of Vγ9Vδ2 T cells were determined by flow cytometry. The effects of UC-MSCs on Fas-L, TRAIL-expressing Vγ9Vδ2 T cells, and Vγ9Vδ2 T cell apoptosis were determined by flow cytometry. Results. UC-MSCs inhibited Vγ9Vδ2 T cell proliferation in a dose-dependent but cell-contact independent manner. Coculture with UC-MSCs reduced the frequency of IFNγ+ but increased granzyme B+ Vγ9Vδ2 T cells. UC-MSCs inhibited the cytotoxicity of Vγ9Vδ2 T cells against influenza virus H1N1 infected A549 cells and also reduced the frequency of Fas-L+, TRAIL+ Vγ9Vδ2 T cells but failed to modulate the apoptosis of Vγ9Vδ2 T cells. Conclusions. These results indicated that UC-MSCs efficiently suppressed the proliferation and cytotoxicity of Vγ9Vδ2 T cells and modulated their cytokine production. Fas-L and TRAIL were involved in the regulation. Cell contact and apoptosis of Vγ9Vδ2 T cells were not necessary for the inhibition.
Genetic Damage Induced by a Food Coloring Dye (Sunset Yellow) on Meristematic Cells ofBrassica campestrisL.
Authors: Dwivedi Kshama , Kumar Girjesh
Published: April 2015

We have performed the present piece of work to evaluate the effect of synthetic food coloring azo dye (sunset yellow) on actively dividing root tip cells ofBrassica campestrisL. Three doses of azo dye were administered for the treatment of actively dividing root tip cells, namely, 1%, 3%, and 5%, for 6-hour duration along with control. Mitotic analysis clearly revealed the azo dye induced endpoint deviation like reduction in the frequency of normal divisions in a dose dependent manner. Mitotic divisions in the control sets were found to be perfectly normal while dose based reduction in MI was registered in the treated sets. Azo dye has induced several chromosomal aberrations (genotoxic effect) at various stages of cell cycle such as stickiness of chromosomes, micronuclei formation, precocious migration of chromosome, unorientation, forward movement of chromosome, laggards, and chromatin bridge. Among all, stickiness of chromosomes was present in the highest frequency followed by partial genome elimination as micronuclei. The present study suggests that extensive use of synthetic dye should be forbidden due to genotoxic and cytotoxic impacts on living cells. Thus, there is an urgent need to assess potential hazardous effects of these dyes on other test systems like human and nonhuman biota for better scrutiny.
Progress and Challenges toward the Development of Vaccines against Avian Infectious Bronchitis
Authors: Bande Faruku , Arshad Siti Suri , Hair Bejo Mohd , Moeini Hassan , Omar Abdul Rahman
Published: April 2015

Avian infectious bronchitis (IB) is a widely distributed poultry disease that has huge economic impact on poultry industry. The continuous emergence of new IBV genotypes and lack of cross protection among different IBV genotypes have been an important challenge. Although live attenuated IB vaccines remarkably induce potent immune response, the potential risk of reversion to virulence, neutralization by the maternal antibodies, and recombination and mutation events are important concern on their usage. On the other hand, inactivated vaccines induce a weaker immune response and may require multiple dosing and/or the use of adjuvants that probably have potential safety risks and increased economic burdens. Consequently, alternative IB vaccines are widely sought. Recent advances in recombinant DNA technology have resulted in experimental IB vaccines that show promise in antibody and T-cells responses, comparable to live attenuated vaccines. Recombinant DNA vaccines have also been enhanced to target multiple serotypes and their efficacy has been improved using delivery vectors, nanoadjuvants, andin ovovaccination approaches. Although most recombinant IB DNA vaccines are yet to be licensed, it is expected that these types of vaccines may hold sway as future vaccines for inducing a cross protection against multiple IBV serotypes.
A Novel Animal Model of Impaired Glucose Tolerance Induced by the Interaction of Vitamin E Deficiency and60Co Radiation
Authors: Guan Yue , Cheng Yan , Yin Ying , Duan Jialin , Wei Guo , Weng Yan , Guo Chao , Zhu Yanrong , Wang Yanhua , Xi Miaomiao , Wen Aidong
Published: April 2015

Impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), known as the prediabetes stage, is usually induced by habits of life or environmental factors. Established IGT animal models are mostly conducted with chemical compounds such as streptozocin or genetic modification. However, the occasion of exposure to these factors in daily life is seldom. The objective of this study was to establish a new animal model of IGT induced by VE deficiency in diet and exposure to radiation. SD rats were treated individually or in combination of these two factors. In the combination group, the calculated insulin sensitivity index decreased; then HOMA-βvalue increased. Oxidative damage and IGT were observed. Insulin secretion level in perfusate from pancreas response to glucose was characterized by a rapid but reduced first phase and an obviously defective second phase upon pancreas perfusion. Histopathological images demonstrated the pathological changes. Western blotting analysis showed that the insulin signaling pathway was downregulated. The interaction of VE deficiency in diet and exposure to radiation could break the equilibrium of oxidation and antioxidation and result in IGT. More importantly, a new IGT model was successfully established which may be conducive to further research into development of drugs against human IGT.
The Mechanism and Application of Deep-Hole Precracking Blasting on Rockburst Prevention
Authors: Ouyang Zhenhua , Qi Qingxin , Zhao Shankun , Wu Baoyang , Zhang Ningbo
Published: April 2015

The mechanism of preventing rockburst through deep-hole precracking blasting was studied based on experimental test, numerical simulation, and field testing. The study results indicate that the deep-hole precracking could change the bursting proneness and stress state of coal-rock mass, thereby preventing the occurrence of rockburst. The bursting proneness of the whole composite structure could be weakened by the deep-hole precracking blasting. The change of stress state in the process of precracking blasting is achieved in two ways: (1) artificially break the roof apart, thus weakening the continuity of the roof strata, effectively inducing the roof caving while reducing its impact strength; and (2) the dynamic shattering and air pressure generated by the blasting can structurally change the properties of the coal-rock mass by mitigating the high stress generation and high elastic energy accumulation, thus breaking the conditions of energy transfer and rock burst occurrence.
Is Type 2 Diabetes Really Resolved after Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy? Glucose Variability Studied by Continuous Glucose Monitoring
Authors: Capoccia D. , Coccia F. , Guida A. , Rizzello M. , De Angelis F. , Silecchia G. , Leonetti F.
Published: April 2015

The study was carried out on type 2 diabetic obese patients who underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). Patients underwent regular glycemic controls throughout 3 years and all patients were defined cured from diabetes according to conventional criteria defined as normalization of fasting glucose levels and glycated hemoglobin in absence of antidiabetic therapy. After 3 years of follow-up, Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) was performed in each patient to better clarify the remission of diabetes. In this study, we found that the diabetes resolution after LSG occurred in 40% of patients; in the other 60%, even if they showed a normal fasting glycemia and A1c, patients spent a lot of time in hyperglycemia. During the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), we found that 2 h postload glucose determinations revealed overt diabetes only in a small group of patients and might be insufficient to exclude the diagnosis of diabetes in the other patients who spent a lot of time in hyperglycemia, even if they showed a normal glycemia (<140 mg/dL) at 120 minutes OGTT. These interesting data could help clinicians to better individualize patients in which diabetes is not resolved and who could need more attention in order to prevent chronic complications of diabetes.