bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modeling of the Land Mobile Satellite Channel considering the Terminal’s Driving Direction
Authors: Rieche Marie , Ihlow Alexander , Arndt Daniel , Pérez-Fontán Fernando , Del Galdo Giovanni
Published: March 2015

A precise characterization of the Land Mobile Satellite (LMS) channel, that is, the channel between a satellite and a mobile terminal, is of crucial importance while designing a satellite-based communication system. State-of-the-art statistical LMS channel models offer the advantage of requiring only a few input parameters, which include the environment type and the elevation angle of the satellite. However, the azimuth angle relative to the driving direction of the mobile terminal is usually ignored, as its proper modeling requires either an extensive measurement campaign or a significant effort from the user, as a precise geometrical description of the scenario is required. In this contribution we show that the impact of the driving direction on the channel statistics is not negligible and requires to be modeled explicitly. Moreover, we propose a statistical LMS channel model whose parameters are obtained via an image-based state estimation method. The image-based method is verified by a comparison with measured radio frequency signal levels. The proposed method allows obtaining a complete statistical description of the channel for arbitrary elevation and azimuth angles.
Utility of MicroRNAs and siRNAs in Cervical Carcinogenesis
Authors: Díaz-González Sacnite del Mar , Deas Jessica , Benítez-Boijseauneau Odelia , Gómez-Cerón Claudia , Bermúdez-Morales Victor Hugo , Rodríguez-Dorantes Mauricio , Pérez-Plasencia Carlos , Peralta-Zaragoza Oscar
Published: March 2015

MicroRNAs and siRNAs belong to a family of small noncoding RNAs which bind through partial sequence complementarity to 3′-UTR regions of mRNA from target genes, resulting in the regulation of gene expression. MicroRNAs have become an attractive target for genetic and pharmacological modulation due to the critical function of their target proteins in several signaling pathways, and their expression profiles have been found to be altered in various cancers. A promising technology platform for selective silencing of cell and/or viral gene expression using siRNAs is currently in development. Cervical cancer is the most common cancer in women in the developing world and sexually transmitted infection with HPV is the cause of this malignancy. Therefore, a cascade of abnormal events is induced during cervical carcinogenesis, including the induction of genomic instability, reprogramming of cellular metabolic pathways, deregulation of cell proliferation, inhibition of apoptotic mechanisms, disruption of cell cycle control mechanisms, and alteration of gene expression. Thus, in the present review article, we highlight new research on microRNA expression profiles which may be utilized as biomarkers for cervical cancer. Furthermore, we discuss selective silencing of HPV E6 and E7 with siRNAs which represents a potential gene therapy strategy against cervical cancer.
Investigating Distribution of Capacity Based on Degradation Model
Authors: Shao Chang-qiao , Liu Xiao-ming
Published: March 2015

The breakdown phenomenon at freeway has both practical and theoretical interests. Many researchers have done great efforts on it. As a result, the stochastic concept for freeway capacity was defined and some approaches were developed. However, due to the fact that it is impossible to observe the value of the capacity, it is difficult to obtain the exact traffic capacity distribution. In this paper, traffic operational degradation concept was introduced and degradation model was developed to describe traffic breakdown process. A stochastic degradation parameter is introduced to explain the phenomena of traffic breakdown occurring at various flow rate levels. Traffic breakdown probability and traffic capacity distribution were derived theoretically. Based on the surveyed data, the experimental model was obtained by using the bootstrap method. The results indicate that Weibull distribution function can be used to describe traffic capacity stochastic nature.
Tunable Upconversion Luminescence and Energy Transfer Process in BaLa2ZnO5:Er3+/Yb3+Phosphors
Authors: Mei Lefu , Xie Jing , Liao Libing , Guan Ming , Liu Haikun
Published: March 2015

BaLa2ZnO5:Er3+/Yb3+has been synthesized via a high temperature solid-state method, and the tunable upconversion luminescence and energy transfer process between Yb3+and Er3+in this system have been demonstrated. Upon 980 nm laser excitation, the intense green and red emission around 527, 553, and 664 nm were observed for BaLa2ZnO5:Er3+/Yb3+, which can be assigned to the characteristic energy level transitions of2H11/2→4I15/2,4S3/2→4I15/2, and4F9/2→4I15/2of Er3+, respectively. The critical Er3+quenching concentration (QC) was determined to be about 5 mol%, and the power studies indicated that mixture of 2- and 3-photon process was responsible for the green and red upconversion luminescence.
Hysteresis Control for Shunt Active Power Filter under Unbalanced Three-Phase Load Conditions
Authors: Chelli Z. , Toufouti R. , Omeiri A. , Saad S.
Published: March 2015

This paper focuses on a four-wire shunt active power filter (APF) control scheme proposed to improve the performance of the APF. This filter is used to compensate harmonic distortion in three-phase four-wire systems. Several harmonic suppression techniques have been widely proposed and applied to minimize harmonic effects. The proposed control scheme can compensate harmonics and reactive power of the nonlinear loads simultaneously. This approach is compared to the conventional shunt APF reference compensation strategy. The developed algorithm is validated by simulation tests using MATLAB Simulink. The obtained results have demonstrated the effectiveness of the proposed scheme and confirmed the theoretical developments for balanced and unbalanced nonlinear loads.
Sufficient and Necessary Condition to Decide Compatibility for a Class of Interorganizational Workflow Nets
Authors: Liu Guanjun , Chen Lijing
Published: March 2015

Interorganizational Workflow nets (IWF-nets) can well model many concurrent systems such as web service composition, in which multiple processes interact via sending/receiving messages. Compatibility of IWF-nets is a crucial criterion for the correctness of these systems. It guarantees that a system has no deadlock, livelock, or dead tasks. In our previous work we proved that the compatibility problem is PSPACE-complete for safe IWF-nets. This paper defines a subclass of IWF-nets that can model many cases about interactions. Necessary and sufficient condition is presented to decide their compatibility, and it depends on the net structures only. Finally, an algorithm is developed based on the condition.
Influence of the Nd:YAG Laser Pulse Duration on the Temperature of Primary Enamel
Authors: Valério R. A. , Cunha V. S. da , Galo R. , de Lima F. A. , Bachmann L. , Corona S. A. M. , Borsatto M. C.
Published: March 2015

The aim of this study is to evaluate the temperature change on specimens of primary enamel irradiated with different pulse duration of Nd:YAG laser. Fifteen sound primary molars were sectioned mesiodistally, resulting in 30 specimens (3.5 × 3.5 × 2.0 mm). Two small holes were made on the dentin surface in which K‐type thermocouples were installed to evaluate thermal changes. Specimens were randomly assigned in 3 groups (n = 10): A = EL (extra long pulse, 10.000 μs), B = LP (long pulse, 700 μs), and C = SP (short pulse, 350 μs). Nd:YAG laser (λ = 1.064 μm) was applied at contact mode (10 Hz, 0.8 W, 80 mJ) and energy density of 0.637 mJ/mm2. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed for the statistical analysis (P = 0.46). Nd:YAG laser pulse duration provided no difference on the temperature changes on primary enamel, in which the following means were observed: A = EL (23.15°C ± 7.75), B = LP (27.33°C ± 11.32), and C = SP (26.91°C ± 12.85). It can be concluded that the duration of the laser pulse Nd:YAG increased the temperature of the primary enamel but was not influenced by different pulse durations used in the irradiation.
Numerical Study of the Effects of Topography and Urbanization on the Local Atmospheric Circulations over the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei, China
Authors: Miao Yucong , Liu Shuhua , Zheng Yijia , Wang Shu , Chen Bicheng
Published: March 2015

The effects of the topography and urbanization on the local atmospheric circulations over the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei (BTH) region were studied by the weather research and forecasting (WRF) model, as well as the interactions among these local atmospheric circulations. It was found that, in the summer day time, the multiscale thermally induced local atmospheric circulations may exist and interact in the same time over the BTH region; the topography played a role in the strengthening of the sea breeze circulations; after sunset, the inland progress of sea breeze was slowed down by the opposite mountain breeze; when the land breeze circulation dominated the Bohai bay, the mountain breeze circulation can couple with the land breeze circulation to form a large circulation ranging from the coastline to the mountains. And the presence of cities cannot change the general state of the sea-land breeze (SLB) circulation and mountain-valley breeze (MVB) circulation but acted to modify these local circulations slightly. Meanwhile, the development of the urban heat island (UHI) circulation was also strongly influenced by the nearby SLB circulation and MVB circulation.
Primary Path Reservation Using Enhanced Slot Assignment in TDMA for Session Admission
Authors: Koneri Chandrasekaran Suresh , Savarimuthu Prakash , Andi Elumalai Priya , Ayyaswamy Kathirvel
Published: March 2015

Mobile ad hoc networks (MANET) is a self‐organized collection of nodes that communicates without any infrastructure. Providing quality of service (QoS) in such networks is a competitive task due to unreliable wireless link, mobility, lack of centralized coordination, and channel contention. The success of many real time applications is purely based on the QoS, which can be achieved by quality aware routing (QAR) and admission control (AC). Recently proposed QoS mechanisms do focus completely on either reservation or admission control but are not better enough. In MANET, high mobility causes frequent path break due to the fact that every time the source node must find the route. In such cases the QoS session is affected. To admit a QoS session, admission control protocols must ensure the bandwidth of the relaying path before transmission starts; reservation of such bandwidth noticeably improves the admission control performance. Many TDMA based reservation mechanisms are proposed but need some improvement over slot reservation procedures. In order to overcome this specific issue, we propose a framework—PRAC (primary path reservation admission control protocol), which achieves improved QoS by making use of backup route combined with resource reservation. A network topology has been simulated and our approach proves to be a mechanism that admits the session effectively.
Catalysis of Rice Straw Hydrolysis by the Combination of Immobilized Cellulase fromAspergillus nigeronβ-Cyclodextrin-Fe3O4Nanoparticles and Ionic Liquid
Authors: Huang Po-Jung , Chang Ken-Lin , Hsieh Jung-Feng , Chen Shui-Tein
Published: March 2015

Cellulase fromAspergillus nigerwas immobilized ontoβ-cyclodextrin-conjugated magnetic particles by silanization and reductive amidation. The immobilized cellulase gained supermagnetism due to the magnetic nanoparticles. Ninety percent of cellulase was immobilized, but the activity of immobilized cellulase decreased by 10%. In this study, ionic liquid (1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride) was introduced into the hydrolytic process because the original reaction was a solid-solid reaction. The activity of immobilized cellulase was improved from 54.87 to 59.11 U g immobilized cellulase−1at an ionic liquid concentration of 200 mM. Using immobilized cellulase and ionic liquid in the hydrolysis of rice straw, the initial reaction rate was increased from 1.629 to 2.739 g h−1 L−1. One of the advantages of immobilized cellulase is high reusability—it was usable for a total of 16 times in this study. Compared with free cellulase, magnetized cellulase can be recycled by magnetic field and the activity of immobilized cellulase was shown to remain at 85% of free cellulase without denaturation under a high concentration of glucose (15 g L−1). Therefore, immobilized cellulase can hydrolyze rice straw continuously compared with free cellulase. The amount of harvested glucose can be up to twentyfold higher than that from the hydrolysis by free cellulase.
A Probabilistic Spatial Distribution Model for Wire Faults in Parallel Network-on-Chip Links
Authors: Vitkovskiy Arseniy , Christodoulides Paul , Soteriou Vassos
Published: March 2015

High-performance chip multiprocessors contain numerous parallel-processing cores where a fabric devised as a network-on-chip (NoC) efficiently handles their escalating intertile communication demands. Unfortunately, prolonged operational stresses cause accelerated physically induced wearout leading to permanent metal wire faults in links. Where only a subset of wires may malfunction, enduring healthy wires are leveraged to sustain connectivity when a partially faulty link recovery mechanism is utilized, where its data recovery latency overhead is proportional to the number of consecutive faulty wires. With NoC link failure models being ultimately important, albeit being absent from existing literature, the construction of a mathematical model towards the understanding of the distribution of wire faults in parallel on-chip links is very critical. This paper steps in such a direction, where the objective is to find the probability of having a “fault segment” consisting of a certain number of consecutive “faulty” wires in a parallel NoC link. First, it is shown how the given problem can be reduced to an equivalent combinatorial problem through partitions and necklaces. Then the proposed algorithm counts certain classes of necklaces by making a separation between periodic and aperiodic cases. Finally, the resulting analytical model is tested successfully against a far more costly brute-force algorithm.
Strong Convergence for the Split Common Fixed-Point Problem for Total Quasi-Asymptotically Nonexpansive Mappings in Hilbert Space
Authors: Mohammed Lawan Bulama , Kılıçman A.
Published: March 2015

In this paper, we study and modify the algorithm of Kraikaew and Saejung for the class of total quasi-asymptotically nonexpansive case so that the strong convergence is guaranteed for the solution of split common fixed-point problems in Hilbert space. Moreover, we justify our result through an example. The results presented in this paper not only extend the result of Kraikaew and Saejung but also extend, improve, and generalize some existing results in the literature.
Pantoprazole Decreases Cell Viability and Function of Human Osteoclasts In Vitro
Authors: Prause Markus , Seeliger Claudine , Unger Marina , Rosado Balmayor Elizabeth , van Griensven Martijn , Haug Alexander Tobias
Published: March 2015

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are commonly prescribed drugs that decrease stomach acidity and are thus often used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease and as a preventative agent for the adverse effects of nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs on the stomach mucosa. In recently published literature, an association between proton pump inhibitor administration and increased fracture risk has been stated. In order to reveal the underlying pathomechanisms of these observations, the effects of pantoprazole, a representative of the proton pump inhibitors, on human osteoclasts in vitro were evaluated in this study. Osteoclasts were stimulated with increasing concentrations of pantoprazole ranging from 0 μg/mL to 10 μg/mL over a period of seven days. Cell viability and tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) activity assays were performed after 1 day, 3 days, and 7 days, respectively. Here, stimulated osteoclasts presented a significantly lower viability and TRAP activity than the negative controls. Osteoclast‐specific gene expression was evaluated after seven days and revealed no significant differences between all samples. Overall, the bone degrading and resorptive function of osteoclasts is inhibited by the administration of proton pump inhibitors. While PPI‐related fractures through “basic multicellular unit” dysfunction are unlikely, the underlying pathomechanism remains unknown.
Improving E-Bike Safety on Urban Highways in China
Authors: Lu Linjun , Wang Chen , Wang Tao
Published: March 2015

This paper aims to examine characteristics of e-bike fatal crashes on urban highways in China. Crash data were retrieved from the three-year crash reports (2010–2012) of Taixing City. Descriptive analysis was conducted to examine characteristics of e-bike riders, drivers, and crashes. The important findings include the following: (1) most fatal crashes were related to e-bike riders’ aberrant driving behaviors, including driving in motorized lanes, red-light running, driving against the direction of traffic, inattentive driving, and drunk driving; (2) e-bike riders with lower educational background tended to perform illegal or inattentive driving behaviors in fatal crashes; (3) most drivers were not found to commit any faults and very few drivers were found to commit drunk driving offences; (4) most nighttime fatal crashes were related to absence of street lightings; (5) heavy good vehicles (HGVs) and small passenger cars were the two vehicle types that were mostly involved in the e-bike fatal crashes. This study provides useful information that can help traffic engineers better understand e-bike safety in China and develop safety countermeasures.
On Jacobsthal and Jacobsthal-Lucas Circulant Type Matrices
Authors: Gong Yanpeng , Jiang Zhaolin , Gao Yun
Published: March 2015

Circulant type matrices have become an important tool in solving fractional order differential equations. In this paper, we consider the circulant and left circulant andg-circulant matrices with the Jacobsthal and Jacobsthal-Lucas numbers. First, we discuss the invertibility of the circulant matrix and present the determinant and the inverse matrix. Furthermore, the invertibility of the left circulant andg-circulant matrices is also discussed. We obtain the determinants and the inverse matrices of the left circulant andg-circulant matrices by utilizing the relation between left circulant,g-circulant matrices, and circulant matrix, respectively.
Analysis of Low Dimensional Nanoscaled Inversion-Mode InGaAs MOSFETs for Next-Generation Electrical and Photonic Applications
Authors: Yu C. H. , Chen X. Y. , Luo X. D. , Xu W. W. , Liu P. S.
Published: March 2015

The electrical characteristics of In0.53Ga0.47As MOSFET grown with Si interface passivation layer (IPL) and highkgate oxide HfO2layer have been investigated in detail. The influences of Si IPL thickness, gate oxide HfO2thickness, the doping depth, and concentration of source and drain layer on output and transfer characteristics of the MOSFET at fixed gate or drain voltages have been individually simulated and analyzed. The determination of the above parameters is suggested based on their effect on maximum drain current, leakage current, saturated voltage, and so forth. It is found that the channel length decreases with the increase of the maximum drain current and leakage current simultaneously. Short channel effects start to appear when the channel length is less than 0.9 μm and experience sudden sharp increases which make device performance degrade and reach their operating limits when the channel length is further lessened down to 0.5 μm. The results demonstrate the usefulness of short channel simulations for designs and optimization of next-generation electrical and photonic devices.
Osteoprotective Effect of Cordycepin on Estrogen Deficiency-Induced OsteoporosisIn VitroandIn Vivo
Authors: Zhang Da-wei , Deng Hualiang , Qi Wei , Zhao Guang-yue , Cao Xiao-rui
Published: March 2015

The purpose of this study was to verify the effect of cordycepin on ovariectomized osteopenic rats. Fifty Wistar female rats used were divided into 5 groups: (1) sham-operation rats (control), (2) ovariectomized (OVX) rats with osteopenia, and (3) OVX’d rats with osteopenia treated with cordycepin (5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg) for 8 weeks. After the rats were treated orally with cordycepin, serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP), tartrate resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP), serum osteocalcin (OC), homocysteine (HCY) , C-terminal crosslinked telopeptides of collagen type I (CTX) level, and oxidative stress were examined, respectively. The femoral neck was used for mechanical compression testing. At the same time, we further investigated the effect of cordycepinin vitroassay. The beneficial effects of cordycepin on improvement of osteoporosis in rats were attributable mainly to decrease ALP activity, TRAP activity, and CTX level. At the same time, cordycepin also increases the OC level in ovariectomized osteopenic rats. The histological examination clearly showed that dietary cordycepin can prevent bone loss caused by estrogen deficiency. These experimental results suggest that complement cordycepin is protective after ovariectomized osteopenic in specific way.
Metastasis of Ciliary Body Melanoma to the Contralateral Eye: A Case Report and Review of Uveal Melanoma Literature
Authors: Torossian Nouritza M. , Wallace Roy T. , Hwu Wen-Jen , Bedikian Agop Y.
Published: March 2015

Many types of cancers metastasize to the eye. However, uveal melanoma metastasizing to the contralateral choroid is very rare. We report the case of a 68-year-old man with history of treated uveal melanoma of the right eye that developed metastasis to the liver and the choroid of the left eye. Ten years earlier, he was diagnosed to have uveal melanoma of the right eye and was initially treated with plaque radiotherapy. Two years later, upon progression of the disease in the right eye he had enucleation of the eye. We describe the patient’s clinical history, the diagnosis of recurrent disease in the contralateral eye, therapy of the left eye, and systemic metastasis. In addition, we reviewed the published medical literature and described the recent advances in the management of uveal melanoma.
Thiopurines Induce Oxidative Stress in T‐Lymphocytes: A Proteomic Approach
Authors: Misdaq Misbah , Ziegler Sonia , von Ahsen Nicolas , Oellerich Michael , Asif Abdul R.
Published: March 2015

Thiopurines are extensively used immunosuppressants for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The polymorphism of thiopurine S‐methyltransferase (TPMT) influences thiopurine metabolism and therapy outcome. We used a TPMT knockdown (kd) model of human Jurkat T‐lymphocytes cells to study the effects of treatment with 6‐mercaptopurine (6‐MP) and 6‐thioguanine (6‐TG) on proteome and phosphoproteome. We identified thirteen proteins with altered expression and nine proteins with altered phosphorylation signals. Three proteins (THIO, TXD17, and GSTM3) with putative functions in cellular oxidative stress responses were altered by 6‐TG treatment and another protein PRDX3 was differentially phosphorylated in TPMT kd cells. Furthermore, reactive oxygen species (ROS) assay results were consistent with a significant induction of oxidative stress by both TPMT knockdown and thiopurine treatments. Immunoblot analyses showed treatment altered expression of key antioxidant enzymes (i.e., SOD2 and catalase) in both wt and kd groups, while SOD1 was downregulated by 6‐TG treatment and TPMT knockdown. Collectively, increased oxidative stress might be a mechanism involved in thiopurine induced cytotoxicity and adverse effects (i.e., hepatotoxicity) and an antioxidant cotherapy might help to combat this. Results highlight the significance of oxidative stress in thiopurines’ actions and could have important implications for the treatment of IBD patients.
Asymptotic Tracking Control for a Class of Nonlinear Systems with Unknown Failures of Hysteretic Actuators
Authors: Hou Chuanjing , Hu Lisheng , Zhang Yingwei
Published: March 2015

An adaptive failure compensation controller for a class of nonlinear systems preceded by hysteretic actuators is proposed in this paper. Three types of high-gain functions are constructed to counteract the effects of the hysteresis, bounded modeling errors, and bounded disturbances. It is shown that the proposed controller not only ensures bounded signals and asymptotic tracking but also avoids possible chattering, despite the presence of unknown hysteretic actuator failures. Simulation results verify the desired failure compensation performance.
A Novel Multiobjective Evolutionary Algorithm Based on Regression Analysis
Authors: Song Zhiming , Wang Maocai , Dai Guangming , Vasile Massimiliano
Published: March 2015

As is known, the Pareto set of a continuous multiobjective optimization problem with m objective functions is a piecewise continuous (m − 1)‐dimensional manifold in the decision space under some mild conditions. However, how to utilize the regularity to design multiobjective optimization algorithms has become the research focus. In this paper, based on this regularity, a model‐based multiobjective evolutionary algorithm with regression analysis (MMEA‐RA) is put forward to solve continuous multiobjective optimization problems with variable linkages. In the algorithm, the optimization problem is modelled as a promising area in the decision space by a probability distribution, and the centroid of the probability distribution is (m − 1)‐dimensional piecewise continuous manifold. The least squares method is used to construct such a model. A selection strategy based on the nondominated sorting is used to choose the individuals to the next generation. The new algorithm is tested and compared with NSGA‐II and RM‐MEDA. The result shows that MMEA‐RA outperforms RM‐MEDA and NSGA‐II on the test instances with variable linkages. At the same time, MMEA‐RA has higher efficiency than the other two algorithms. A few shortcomings of MMEA‐RA have also been identified and discussed in this paper.
Optimal Dividend and Capital Injection Strategies in the Cramér-Lundberg Risk Model
Authors: Li Yan , Liu Guoxin
Published: March 2015

We discuss the optimal dividend and capital injection strategies in the Cramér-Lundberg risk model. The value functionV(x)is defined by maximizing the discounted value of the dividend payment minus the penalized discounted capital injection until the time of ruin. It is shown thatV(x)can be characterized by the Hamilton-Jacobi-Bellman equation. We find the optimal dividend barrierb, the optimal upper capital injection barrier 0, and the optimal lower capital injection barrier-z*. In the case of exponential claim size especially, we give an explicit procedure to obtainb,-z*, and the value functionV(x).
Distribution of Flavonoids and Cyclohexenyl Chalcone Derivatives in Conventional Propagated andIn Vitro-Derived Field-GrownBoesenbergia rotunda(L.) Mansf.
Authors: Tan Boon Chin , Tan Siew Kiat , Wong Sher Ming , Ata Nabeel , Rahman Noorsaadah Abd. , Khalid Norzulaani
Published: March 2015

The distribution patterns of flavonoids and cyclohexenyl chalcone derivatives in conventional propagated (CP) andin vitro-derived (CPA) field-grown plants of an important medicinal ginger,Boesenbergia rotunda, are described. A total of eight compounds were extracted from six organs (rootlet, rhizome, shoot base, maroon stem, stalk, and leaf) of the CP and CPA plants. Five major chromatographic peaks, namely, alpinetin, pinocembrin, pinostrobin, 4-hydroxypanduratin A, and panduratin A, were consistently observed by high performance liquid chromatography. Nonaerial organs had higher levels of flavonoids than the aerial ones for all types of samples. Among the compounds detected, pinostrobin and 4-hydroxypanduratin A were the most abundant flavonoid and cyclohexenyl chalcone derivative, respectively. The distribution and abundance of the bioactive compounds suggested that the shoot base could be more potentially useful for medicinal application than other organs of the plant and may be the site of storage or occurrence of biosynthetic enzymatic activities.
Identifying Odd/Even-Order Binary Kernel Slices for a Nonlinear System Using Inverse Repeat m-Sequences
Authors: Hu Jin-yan , Yan Gang , Wang Tao
Published: March 2015

The study of various living complex systems by system identification method is important, and the identification of the problem is even more challenging when dealing with a dynamic nonlinear system of discrete time. A well-established model based on kernel functions for input of the maximum length sequence (m-sequence) can be used to estimate nonlinear binary kernel slices using cross-correlation method. In this study, we examine the relevant mathematical properties of kernel slices, particularly their shift-and-product property and overlap distortion problem caused by the irregular shifting of the estimated kernel slices in the cross-correlation function between the input m-sequence and the system output. We then derive the properties of the inverse repeat (IR) m-sequence and propose a method of using IR m-sequence as an input to separately estimate odd- and even-order kernel slices to reduce the chance of kernel-slice overlapping. An instance of third-order Wiener nonlinear model is simulated to justify the proposed method.
Determining the Optimal Layout Design for Public Bicycle System within the Attractive Scope of a Metro Station
Authors: Chen Jingxu , Chen Xuewu , Jiang Hang , Zhu Senlai , Li Xiaowei , Li Zhibin
Published: March 2015

Public bicycle acts as a seamless feeder mode in combination with the citywide public transit, as well as a competitor for the inner-city short trips. The primary objective of this study is to address the layout planning of public bicycle system within the attracted scope of a metro station. Based on the land use function, population, and bicycle mode share, bicycle rental stations are divided into three types, namely, the metro station, district station, and resident station, and later the quantity of bicycle facilities in each rental station is estimated. Then, the service stations are selected from these bicycle rental stations to provide the service of periodical bicycle redistribution. An improved immune algorithm is proposed to determine the number and locations of service stations and the optimal route options for the implement of redistributing strategy. Finally, a case study of Nanjing Tianyin Road metro station is conducted to illustrate the proposed model and clarify some of its implementation details.
Evolution of Genetic Techniques: Past, Present, and Beyond
Authors: Durmaz Asude Alpman , Karaca Emin , Demkow Urszula , Toruner Gokce , Schoumans Jacqueline , Cogulu Ozgur
Published: March 2015

Genetics is the study of heredity, which means the study of genes and factors related to all aspects of genes. The scientific history of genetics began with the works of Gregor Mendel in the mid-19th century. Prior to Mendel, genetics was primarily theoretical whilst, after Mendel, the science of genetics was broadened to include experimental genetics. Developments in all fields of genetics and genetic technology in the first half of the 20th century provided a basis for the later developments. In the second half of the 20th century, the molecular background of genetics has become more understandable. Rapid technological advancements, followed by the completion of Human Genome Project, have contributed a great deal to the knowledge of genetic factors and their impact on human life and diseases. Currently, more than 1800 disease genes have been identified, more than 2000 genetic tests have become available, and in conjunction with this at least 350 biotechnology-based products have been released onto the market. Novel technologies, particularly next generation sequencing, have dramatically accelerated the pace of biological research, while at the same time increasing expectations. In this paper, a brief summary of genetic history with short explanations of most popular genetic techniques is given.
Analysis of Drivers’ Eye-Movement Characteristics When Driving around Curves
Authors: Ren Yuan-yuan , Li Xian-sheng , Zheng Xue-lian , Li Zhe , Zhao Qi-chao
Published: March 2015

To investigate drivers’ visual strategies and the distribution of fixation points, much work had been done and salient conclusions had been drawn. However, there is still no consensus on what the gaze target is and what functional significance the point might have. To improve theories on this subject, research was done to investigate drivers’ visual characteristics. On-road experiment was carried out, and drivers’ eye-movement and vehicle driving parameters were registered when driving around left- and right-hand curves. The results showed that drivers’ gaze direction fluctuates around the reference axis, and the fixation points are distributed in the region centered on the horizontal gaze position rather than a particular point that has geographical meanings. With the consideration of the traffic rules in China, we suggest here that there is no particular point on which drivers concentrate. Any point or position that could indicate the bend’s curvature could be the so-called target point. Drivers just want to operate their vehicle so as to pass through bends safely in a comfortable and labor-saving way.
Development of an Android OS Based Controller of a Double Motor Propulsion System for Connected Electric Vehicles and Communication Delays Analysis
Authors: Urbina Coronado Pedro Daniel , Ahuett-Garza Horacio , Sundaresan Vishnu-Baba , Morales-Menendez Ruben
Published: March 2015

Developments of technologies that facilitate vehicle connectivity represent a market demand. In particular,mobile device(MD) technology provides advanced user interface, customization, and upgradability characteristics that can facilitate connectivity and possibly aid in the goal of autonomous driving. This work explores the use of a MD in the control system of a conceptualelectric vehicle(EV). While the use of MD for real-time control and monitoring has been reported, proper consideration has not been given to delays in data flow and their effects on system performance. The motor of a novel propulsion system for an EV was conditioned to be controlled in a wireless local area network by an ecosystem that includes a MD and an electronic board. An intended accelerator signal is predefined and sent to the motor and rotational speed values produced in the motor are sent back to the MD. Sample periods in which the communication really occurs are registered. Delays in the sample periods and produced errors in the accelerator and rotational speed signals are presented and analyzed. Maximum delays found in communications were of 0.2 s, while the maximum error produced in the accelerator signal was of 3.54%. Delays are also simulated, with a response that is similar to the behavior observed in the experiments.
Ultrafast Cone-Beam Computed Tomography: A Comparative Study of Imaging Protocols during Image-Guided Therapy Procedure
Authors: Paul Jijo , Chacko Annamma , Farhang Mohammad , Kamali Shahram , Tavanania Mohsen , Vogl Thomas , Panahi Bita
Published: March 2015

Objective. To evaluate two ultrafast cone-beam CT (UF-CBCT) imaging protocols with different acquisition and injection parameters regarding image quality and required contrast media during image-guided hepatic transarterial chemoembolization (TACE).Methods. In 80 patients (male: 46, female: 34; mean age: 56.8 years; range: 33–83) UF-CBCT was performed during TACE for intraprocedural guidance. Imaging was performed using two ultrafast CBCT acquisition protocols with different acquisition and injection parameters (imaging protocol 1: acquisition time 2.54 s, and contrast 6 mL with 3 s delay; imaging protocol 2: acquisition time 2.72 s, and contrast 7 mL with 6 s delay). Image evaluation was performed with both qualitative and quantitative methods. Contrast injection volume and dose parameters were compared using values from the literature.Results. Imaging protocol 2 provided significantly better(P<0.05)image quality than protocol 1 at the cost of slightly higher contrast load and patient dose. Imaging protocol 1 provided good contrast perfusion but it mostly failed to delineate the tumors(P<0.05). On the contrary, imaging protocol 2 showed excellent enhancement of hepatic parenchyma, tumor, and feeding vessels.Conclusion. Tumor delineation, visualization of hepatic parenchyma, and feeding vessels are clearly possible using imaging protocol 2 with ultrafast CBCT imaging. A reduction of required contrast volume and patient dose were achieved due to the ultrafast CBCT imaging.
Analysis of the Structured Perturbation for the BCSCB Linear System
Authors: Tang Xia , Jiang Zhaolin
Published: March 2015

Circulant and block circulant type matrices are important tools in solving networked systems. In this paper, based on the style spectral decomposition of the basic circulant matrix and the basic skew circulant matrix, the block style spectral decomposition of the BCSCB matrix is obtained. And then, the structure perturbation is analysed, which includes the condition number and relative error of the BCSCB linear system. Then the optimal backward perturbation bound of the BCSCB linear system is discussed. Simultaneously, the algorithm for the optimal backward perturbation bound is given. Finally, a numerical example is provided to verify the effectiveness of the algorithm.
Effect of Helicobacter pylori Eradication on TLR2 and TLR4 Expression in Patients with Gastric Lesions
Authors: Cadamuro Aline Cristina Targa , Rossi Ana Flávia Teixeira , Matos Biselli-Périco Joice , Fucuta Pereira Patrícia , Do Vale Edla Polsinelli Bedin Mascarin , Acayaba Ricardo , Leite Kátia Ramos Moreira , Goloni-Bertollo Eny Maria , Silva Ana Elizabete
Published: March 2015

Objective. Helicobacter pylori (Hp) is recognized by TLR4 and TLR2 receptors, which trigger the activation of genes involved in the host immune response. Thus, we evaluated the effect of eradication therapy on TLR2 and TLR4 mRNA and protein expression in H. pylori‐infected chronic gastritis patients (CG‐Hp+) and 3 months after treatment. Methods. A total of 37 patients CG‐Hp+ were evaluated. The relative quantification (RQ) of mRNA was assessed by TaqMan assay and protein expression by immunohistochemistry. Results. Before treatment both TLR2 and TLR4 mRNA in CG‐Hp+ patients were slightly increased (TLR2 = 1.32; TLR4 = 1.26) in relation to Hp‐negative normal gastric mucosa (P ≤ 0.05). After successful eradication therapy no significant change was observed (TLR2 = 1.47; TLR4 = 1.53; P > 0.05). In addition, the cagA and vacA bacterial genotypes did not influence the gene expression levels, and we observed a positive correlation between the RQ values of TLR2 and TLR4, both before and after treatment. Immunoexpression of the TLR2 and TLR4 proteins confirmed the gene expression results. Conclusion. In conclusion, the expression of both TLR2 and TLR4 is increased in CG‐Hp+ patients regardless of cagA and vacA status and this expression pattern is not significantly changed after eradication of bacteria, at least for the short period of time evaluated.
Experimental Determination of Effective Minority Carrier Lifetime in HgCdTe Photovoltaic Detectors Using Optical and Electrical Methods
Authors: Cui Haoyang , Wang Jialin , Wang Chaoqun , Liu Can , Pi Kaiyun , Li Xiang , Xu Yongpeng , Tang Zhong
Published: March 2015

This paper presents experiment measurements of minority carrier lifetime using three different methods including modified open-circuit voltage decay (PIOCVD) method, small parallel resistance (SPR) method, and pulse recovery technique (PRT) onpnjunction photodiode of the HgCdTe photodetector array. The measurements are done at the temperature of operation near 77 K. A saturation constant background light and a small resistance paralleled with the photodiode are used to minimize the influence of the effect of junction capacitance and resistance on the minority carrier lifetime extraction in the PIOCVD and SPR measurements, respectively. The minority carrier lifetime obtained using the two methods is distributed from 18 to 407 ns and from 0.7 to 110 ns for the different Cd compositions. The minority carrier lifetime extracted from the traditional PRT measurement is found in the range of 4 to 20 ns forx=0.231–0.4186. From the results, it can be concluded that the minority carrier lifetime becomes longer with the increase of Cd composition and the pixels dimensional area.
Study on a Stratified Sampling Investigation Method for Resident Travel and the Sampling Rate
Authors: Shi Fei
Published: March 2015

This text first dissected the relationship between average travel frequency, trip mode structure, and the characteristics of residential areas. The results showed that conducting a stratified resident travel investigation in accordance with the characteristics of residential areas will yield samples with much smaller differences and reduce the investigation sampling rate. Accordingly, a new type of resident travel investigation method was put forward based on the above ideas. The stratified sampling rate formula and the sampling rate of each layer have been derived in detail according to Probability Theory and Mathematical Statistical Methods. Finally, for the main urban area of Kunshan City in Jiangsu province, China, we discussed the reasonable values of parameters in the formulas and obtained sampling rates for travel surveys in different residential areas. Theory and case studies illustrated the operability of this method and its advantages compared to random sampling.
Sialic Acid Expression in the MosquitoAedes aegyptiand Its Possible Role in Dengue Virus-Vector Interactions
Authors: Cime-Castillo Jorge , Delannoy Philippe , Mendoza-Hernández Guillermo , Monroy-Martínez Verónica , Harduin-Lepers Anne , Lanz-Mendoza Humberto , Hernández-Hernández Fidel de la Cruz , Zenteno Edgar , Cabello-Gutiérrez Carlos , Ruiz-Ordaz Blanca H.
Published: March 2015

Dengue fever (DF) is the most prevalent arthropod-borne viral disease which affects humans. DF is caused by the four dengue virus (DENV) serotypes, which are transmitted to the host by the mosquitoAedes aegyptithat has key roles in DENV infection, replication, and viral transmission (vector competence). Mosquito saliva also plays an important role during DENV transmission. In this study, we detected the presence of sialic acid (Sia) inAedes aegyptitissues, which may have an important role during DENV-vector competence. We also identified genome sequences encoding enzymes involved in Sia pathways. The cDNA forAedes aegyptiCMP-Sia synthase (CSAS) was amplified, cloned, and functionally evaluated via the complementation of LEC29.Lec32 CSAS-deficient CHO cells.AedesCSAS-transfected LEC29.Lec32 cells were able to express Sia moieties on the cell surface. Sequences related toα-2,6-sialyltransferase were detected in theAedes aegyptigenome. Likewise, we identified Sia-α-2,6-DENV interactions in different mosquito tissues. In addition, we evaluated the possible role of sialylated molecules in a salivary gland extract during DENV internalization in mammalian cells. The knowledge of early DENV-host interactions could facilitate a better understanding of viral tropism and pathogenesis to allow the development of new strategies for controlling DENV transmission.
Acute Cholangitis following Intraductal Migration of Surgical Clips 10 Years after Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy
Authors: Cookson Natalie E. , Mirnezami Reza , Ziprin Paul
Published: March 2015

Background. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy represents the gold standard approach for treatment of symptomatic gallstones. Surgery-associated complications include bleeding, bile duct injury, and retained stones. Migration of surgical clips after cholecystectomy is a rare complication and may result in gallstone formation “clip cholelithiasis”.Case Report. We report a case of a 55-year-old female patient who presented with right upper quadrant pain and severe sepsis having undergone an uncomplicated laparoscopic cholecystectomy 10 years earlier. Computed tomography (CT) imaging revealed hyperdense material in the common bile duct (CBD) compatible with retained calculus. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) revealed appearances in keeping with a migrated surgical clip within the CBD. Balloon trawl successfully extracted this, alleviating the patient’s jaundice and sepsis.Conclusion. Intraductal clip migration is a rarely encountered complication after laparoscopic cholecystectomy which may lead to choledocholithiasis. Appropriate management requires timely identification and ERCP.
The Asymptotics of Recovery Probability in the Dual Renewal Risk Model with Constant Interest and Debit Force
Authors: Wang Hao , Xu Lin
Published: March 2015

The asymptotic behavior of the recovery probability for the dual renewal risk model with constant interest and debit force is studied. By means the idea of Markov Skeleton method, we studied the times that the random premium incomes happened and transformed the continuous time model into a discrete time model. By investigating the fluctuations of this discrete time model, we obtained the asymptotic behavior when the random premium income belongs to a kind of heavy-tailed distributions.
A Load Balancing Scheme Using Federate Migration Based on Virtual Machines for Cloud Simulations
Authors: Song Xiao , Ma Yaofei , Teng Da
Published: March 2015

A maturing and promising technology, Cloud computing can benefit large-scale simulations by providing on-demand, anywhere simulation services to users. In order to enable multitask and multiuser simulation systems with Cloud computing, Cloud simulation platform (CSP) was proposed and developed. To use key techniques of Cloud computing such as virtualization to promote the running efficiency of large-scale military HLA systems, this paper proposes a new type of federate container, virtual machine (VM), and its dynamic migration algorithm considering both computation and communication cost. Experiments show that the migration scheme effectively improves the running efficiency of HLA system when the distributed system is not saturated.
Circulating Malondialdehyde-Modified LDL-Related Variables and Coronary Artery Stenosis in Asymptomatic Patients with Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Fujihara Kazuya , Suzuki Hiroaki , Sato Akira , Kodama Satoru , Heianza Yoriko , Saito Kazumi , Iwasaki Hitoshi , Kobayashi Kazuto , Yatoh Shigeru , Takahashi Akimitsu , Yahagi Naoya , Yagyu Hiroaki , Sone Hirohito , Shimano Hitoshi
Published: March 2015

Aims. To elucidate the levels of malondialdehyde-modified LDL (MDA-LDL)-related variables for predicting coronary artery stenosis (CAS) by coronary CT angiography (CCTA) in asymptomatic patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM).Methods. Enrolled were 36 Japanese patients with T2DM who underwent CCTA and in whom MDA-LDL levels were measured. Definition of CAS was luminal narrowing of ≥50%. Trends through tertiles of each MDA-LDL-related variable were analyzed with a general linear model. The ability of each MDA-LDL-related variable to predict CAS was compared to areas under the curve (AUCs) in receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis.Results. Seventeen patients had CAS. Each MDA-LDL-related variable was an independent predictor of CAS (P=0.039for MDALDL,P=0.013for MDA-LDL/LDL-C,P=0.047for MDA-LDL/HDL-C, andP=0.013for (MDA-LDL/LDL-C)/HDL-C). AUCs of MDA-LDL, MDA-LDL/LDL-C, MDA-LDL/HDL-C, and (MDA-LDL/LDL-C)/HDL-C were 0.675 (95% CI 0.496–0.854), 0.765 (0.602–0.927), 0.752 (0.592–0.913), and 0.799 (0.643–0.955), respectively, for predicting CAS. Trends throughout the tertiles showed significant associations between MDA-LDL/LDL-C, MDA-LDL/HDL-C, or (MDALDL/LDL-C)/HDL-C and CAS (P=0.003for MDA-LDL/LDL-C,P=0.042for MDA-LDL/HDL-C, andP=0.001for (MDA-LDL/LDL-C)/HDL-C).Conclusions. Data suggest that measurements of MDA-LDL/LDL-C, MDA-LDL/HDLC, and (MDA-LDL/LDL-C)/HDL-C are useful for predicting CAS.