bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Normally Hyperbolic Sets in Discontinuous Dry Friction Oscillator
Authors: Cassiano Jeferson , Silva Lima Maurício Firmino , Fonseca André
Published: June 2015

In this paper, we study a four-parameters piecewise-smooth dry friction oscillator from Control theory. Using Filippov's convention, we prove the existence of a codimension-1 bifurcation which gives rise to a normally hyperbolic set composed by a family of attracting cylinders. This bifurcation exhibits interesting discontinuous oscillation phenomena. We also present consistent numerical simulations.
Time-Varying Herding Behavior, Global Financial Crisis, and the Chinese Stock Market
Authors: Sharma Susan Sunila , Narayan Paresh , Thuraisamy Kannan
Published: June 2015

In this paper, we examine the evidence of herding behavior on the Chinese stock market. Our main findings are as follows. First, we find strong evidence of herding behavior on both the Shanghai and Shenzhen stock exchanges. Second, we document evidence of asymmetric herding behavior with greater magnitude of herding behavior on up markets than on down markets. Third, our findings suggest that herding behavior is sector-specific and predominant in the industrial and properties sectors. Finally, we unravel strong evidence suggesting that herding behavior is time-varying and in some sectors time-varying herding behavior is more prevalent than in other sectors.
Free Vibration Analysis of Functionally Graded Beams Resting on Elastic Foundation in Thermal Environment
Authors: Zahedinejad P.
Published: June 2015

The free vibration of functionally graded (FG) beams with various boundary conditions resting on a two-parameter elastic foundation in the thermal environment is studied using the third-order shear deformation beam theory. The material properties are temperature-dependent and vary continuously through the thickness direction of the beam, based on a power-law distribution in terms of the volume fraction of the material constituents. In order to discretize the governing equations, the differential quadrature method (DQM) in conjunction with the Hamilton’s principle is adopted. The convergence of the method is demonstrated. In order to validate the results, comparisons are made with solutions available for the isotropic and FG beams. Through a comprehensive parametric study, the effect of various parameters involved on the FG beam was studied. It is concluded that the uniform temperature rise has more significant effect on the frequency parameters than the nonuniform case.
Adsorption enthalpies of alkyl halides in a FAU acidic zeolite investigated by the ONIOM2 method
Authors: Papayannis Demetrios K. , Kosmas Agnie M.
Published: June 2015

The adsorption of a series of alkyl halides, RX ( X = Cl , Br , I ) over acidic zeolite has been investigated by the ONIOM2 method. A 56T model cluster constructed from 55 Si atoms and one tetrahedral Al atom with one Brönsted acid site, has been used to represent the zeolite catalyst. Density functional theory (DFT) and specifically, the two layered schemes B3LYP/6-31+G(d,p)genECP:UFF and M06-2X/6-31+G(d,p)genECP:UFF have been employed, augmented with the addition of extra polarization functions for the proper treatment of the halogen atoms. Examination of selective structural changes and the computed adsorption enthalpies, ΔH ad , of the van der Waals 1:1 adsorption complexes assumingly formed, shows a strong dependence both on the theoretical method and the alkyl radical structure. A modest influence of the halogen atom involved is also observed. The comparison of the performance of the two functionals underlines the higher capacity of the M06-2X functional to provide a more satisfactory description of the adsorption process and the contribution of the van der Waals dispersion forces.
Adaptation of Robot Skills Models to New Task Contraints
Authors: García Daniel H. , Monje Concepción A. , Balaguer Carlos
Published: June 2015

Humanoid robots are required to perform a wide repertoire of tasks working beside humans in complex dynamic environments. Learning mechanisms are important for building up these types of repertoires of robot skills. However, despite the clear advantages of these approaches, it would be impractical to teach the robot skills for every needed task and for every foreseen situation. Robot skills learning approaches to develop humanoid robotic systems would have greater impact if the models of the skills can be operated upon to generate new behaviors of increasing levels of complexity. A framework that allows the adaptation of previously learned motion skills to new unseen contexts is necessary. In this work, we present different modalities for the adaptation and generation of new skill models based on the already learned models of the skills. Experimental results are presented to validate this approach.
Dynamic Walking on Uneven Terrain Using the Time-Varying Divergent Component of Motion
Authors: Hopkins Michael A. , Hong Dennis W. , Leonessa Alexander
Published: June 2015

This paper presents a framework for dynamic walking on uneven terrain using a novel time-varying extension of the divergent component of motion (DCM). By varying the natural frequency of the DCM, we are able to achieve generic CoM height trajectories during stepping. The proposed approach computes admissible DCM reference trajectories given desired zero moment point (ZMP) plans for single and double support, permitting both flat-footed and heel-toe walking. Real-time planning is accomplished using reverse-time integration of the discretized DCM dynamics over a finite time horizon. To account for discontinuities during replanning, linear model predictive control (MPC) is implemented over a short preview window, enabling smooth transitions between steps. DCM tracking control is achieved using a time-varying proportional-integral controller based on the virtual repellent point (VRP). The effectiveness of the combined approach is verified in simulation using a 30 DOF model of THOR, a compliant torque-controlled humanoid. We demonstrate dynamic locomotion on uneven terrain and heel-toe walking using a complementary whole-body controller to track the corresponding VRP forces.
Bootstrap generated confidence interval for time averaged measure
Authors: Park Jinsoo , Lee Haneul , Kim Yun Bae
Published: June 2015

In the simulation output analysis, there are some measures that should be calculated by time average concept such as the mean queue length. Especially, the confidence interval of those measures might be required for statistical analysis. In this situation, the traditional method that utilizes the central limit theorem (CLT) is inapplicable if the output data set has autocorrelation structure. The bootstrap is one of the most suitable methods which can reflect the autocorrelated phenomena in statistical analysis. Therefore, the confidence interval for a time averaged measure having autocorrelation structure can also be calculated by the bootstrap methods. This study introduces the method that constructs these confidence intervals applying the bootstraps. The bootstraps proposed are the threshold bootstrap (TB), the moving block bootstrap (MBB) and stationary bootstrap (SB). Finally, some numerical examples will be provided for verification.
The Gains from Market Integration
Authors: Donaldson Dave
Published: June 2015

How large are the gains from product market integration—or, equivalently, from a reduction in barriers to trade over space? This article surveys recent work on this question in the context of both international and intranational trade.
Non-CG Methylation in the Human Genome
Authors: He Yupeng , Ecker Joseph R.
Published: June 2015

DNA methylation is a chemical modification that occurs predominantly on CG dinucleotides in mammalian genomes. However, recent studies have revealed that non-CG methylation (mCH) is abundant and nonrandomly distributed in the genomes of pluripotent cells and brain cells, and is present at lower levels in many other human cells and tissues. Surprisingly, mCH in pluripotent cells is distinct from that in brain cells in terms of sequence specificity and association with transcription, indicating the existence of different mCH pathways. In addition, several recent studies have begun to reveal the biological significance of mCH in diverse cellular processes. In reprogrammed somatic cells, mCH marks megabase-scale regions that have failed to revert to the pluripotent epigenetic state. In myocytes, promoter mCH accumulation is associated with the transcriptional response to environmental factors. In brain cells, mCH accumulates during the establishment of neural circuits and is associated with Rett syndrome. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of mCH and its possible functional consequences in different biological contexts.
The Ontogeny of Brown Adipose Tissue
Authors: Symonds Michael E. , Pope Mark , Budge Helen
Published: June 2015

There are three different types of adipose tissue (AT)—brown, white, and beige—that differ with stage of development, species, and anatomical location. Of these, brown AT (BAT) is the least abundant but has the greatest potential impact on energy balance. BAT is capable of rapidly producing large amounts of heat through activation of the unique uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) located within the inner mitochondrial membrane. White AT is an endocrine organ and site of lipid storage, whereas beige AT is primarily white but contains some cells that possess UCP1. BAT first appears in the fetus around mid-gestation and is then gradually lost through childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. We focus on the interrelationships between adipocyte classification, anatomical location, and impact of diet in early life together with the extent to which fat development differs between the major species examined. Ultimately, novel dietary interventions designed to reactivate BAT could be possible.
Autophagy and Lipid Droplets in the Liver
Authors: Martinez-Lopez Nuria , Singh Rajat
Published: June 2015

Autophagy is a conserved quality-control pathway that degrades cytoplasmic contents in lysosomes. Autophagy degrades lipid droplets through a process termed lipophagy. Starvation and an acute lipid stimulus increase autophagic sequestration of lipid droplets and their degradation in lysosomes. Accordingly, liver-specific deletion of the autophagy gene Atg7 increases hepatic fat content, mimicking the human condition termed nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. In this review, we provide insights into the molecular regulation of lipophagy, discuss fundamental questions related to the mechanisms by which autophagosomes recognize lipid droplets and how ATG proteins regulate membrane curvature for lipid droplet sequestration, and comment on the possibility of cross talk between lipophagy and cytosolic lipases in lipid mobilization. Finally, we discuss the contribution of lipophagy to the pathophysiology of human fatty liver disease. Understanding how lipophagy clears hepatocellular lipid droplets could provide new ways to prevent fatty liver disease, a major epidemic in developed nations.
Durable Resistance of Crops to Disease: A Darwinian Perspective
Authors: Brown James K.M.
Published: June 2015

This review takes an evolutionary view of breeding crops for durable resistance to disease. An understanding of coevolution between hosts and parasites leads to predictors of potentially durable resistance, such as corresponding virulence having a high fitness cost to the pathogen or resistance being common in natural populations. High partial resistance can also promote durability. Whether or not resistance is actually durable, however, depends on ecological and epidemiological processes that stabilize genetic polymorphism, many of which are absent from intensive agriculture. There continues to be no biological, genetic, or economic model for durable resistance. The analogy between plant breeding and natural selection indicates that the basic requirements are genetic variation in potentially durable resistance, effective and consistent selection for resistance, and an efficient breeding process in which trials of disease resistance are integrated with other traits. Knowledge about genetics and mechanisms can support breeding for durable resistance once these fundamentals are in place.
The Economics of the International Trade of Waste
Authors: Kellenberg Derek
Published: June 2015

International trade in hazardous and nonhazardous waste and scrap products has been growing at an exceptional rate the past two decades. This review presents current data on the magnitude and trends regarding this growth and discusses the recent literature as it pertains to the economic incentives and drivers of international waste trade. Differences in environmental policy, taxes, disposal fees, and transport costs are important determinants across countries. However, the illegal nature of many types of hazardous waste also means that organized crime may play a role in some countries. Gaps in our understanding regarding microeconomic incentives as they relate to upstream and downstream recyclers and to the social welfare implications for wages, environmental quality, and human health are also discussed.
PPARγ controls pregnancy outcome through activation of EG-VEGF: new insights into the mechanism of placental development
Authors: Garnier Vanessa , Traboulsi Wael , Salomon Aude , Brouillet Sophie , Fournier Thierry , Winkler Carine , Desvergne Beatrice , Hoffmann Pascale , Zhou Qun-Yong , Congiu Cenzo , Onnis Valentina , Benharouga Mohamed , Feige Jean-Jacques , Alfaidy Nadia
Published: June 2015

PPARγ-deficient mice die at E9.5 due to placental abnormalities. The mechanism by which this occurs is unknown. We demonstrated that the new endocrine factor EG-VEGF controls the same processes as those described for PPARγ, suggesting potential regulation of EG-VEGF by PPARγ. EG-VEGF exerts its functions via prokineticin receptor 1 (PROKR1) and 2 (PROKR2). This study sought to investigate whether EG-VEGF mediates part of PPARγ effects on placental development. Three approaches were used: 1) in vitro, using human primary isolated cytotrophoblasts and the extravillous trophoblast cell line (HTR-8/SVneo); 2) ex vivo, using human placental explants ( n = 46 placentas); and 3) in vivo, using gravid wild-type PPARγ+/− and PPARγ−/− mice. Major processes of placental development that are known to be controlled by PPARγ, such as trophoblast proliferation, migration, and invasion, were assessed in the absence or presence of PROKR1 and PROKR2 antagonists. In both human trophoblast cell and placental explants, we demonstrated that rosiglitazone, a PPARγ agonist, 1) increased EG-VEGF secretion, 2) increased EG-VEGF and its receptors mRNA and protein expression, 3) increased placental vascularization via PROKR1 and PROKR2, and 4) inhibited trophoblast migration and invasion via PROKR2. In the PPARγ−/− mouse placentas, EG-VEGF levels were significantly decreased, supporting an in vivo control of EG-VEGF/PROKRs system during pregnancy. The present data reveal EG-VEGF as a new mediator of PPARγ effects during pregnancy and bring new insights into the fine mechanism of trophoblast invasion.
Transcriptomic analysis of cyclic AMP response in bovine cumulus cells
Authors: Khan D. R. , Guillemette C. , Sirard M. A. , Richard F. J.
Published: June 2015

Acquisition of oocyte developmental competence needs to be understood to improve clinical outcomes of assisted reproduction. The stimulation of cumulus cell concentration of cyclic adenosine 3′5′-monophosphate (cAMP) by pharmacological agents during in vitro maturation (IVM) participates in improvement of oocyte quality. However, precise coordination and downstream targets of cAMP signaling in cumulus cells are largely unknown. We have previously demonstrated better embryo development after cAMP stimulation for first 6 h during IVM. Using this model, we investigated cAMP signaling in cumulus cells through in vitro culture of cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) in the presence of cAMP raising agents: forskolin, IBMX, and dipyridamole (here called FID treatment). Transcriptomic analysis of cumulus cells indicated that FID-induced differentially expressed transcripts were implicated in cumulus expansion, steroidogenesis, cell metabolism, and oocyte competence. Functional genomic analysis revealed that protein kinase-A (PKA), extracellular signal regulated kinases (ERK1/2), and calcium (Ca2+) pathways as key regulators of FID signaling. Inhibition of PKA (H89) in FID-supplemented COCs or substitution of FID with calcium ionophore (A23187) demonstrated that FID activated primarily the PKA pathway which inhibited ERK1/2 phosphorylation and was upstream of calcium signaling. Furthermore, inhibition of ERK1/2 phosphorylation by FID supported a regulation by dual specific phosphatase ( DUSP1) via PKA. Our findings imply that cAMP (FID) regulates cell metabolism, steroidogenesis, intracellular signaling and cumulus expansion through PKA which modulates these functions through optimization of ERK1/2 phosphorylation and coordination of calcium signaling. These findings have implications for development of new strategies for improving oocyte in vitro maturation leading to better developmental competence.
Identification of conserved hepatic transcriptomic responses to 17β-estradiol using high-throughput sequencing in brown trout
Authors: Uren Webster Tamsyn M. , Shears Janice A. , Moore Karen , Santos Eduarda M.
Published: June 2015

Estrogenic chemicals are major contaminants of surface waters and can threaten the sustainability of natural fish populations. Characterization of the global molecular mechanisms of toxicity of environmental contaminants has been conducted primarily in model species rather than species with limited existing transcriptomic or genomic sequence information. We aimed to investigate the global mechanisms of toxicity of an endocrine disrupting chemical of environmental concern [17β-estradiol (E2)] using high-throughput RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) in an environmentally relevant species, brown trout ( Salmo trutta). We exposed mature males to measured concentrations of 1.94, 18.06, and 34.38 ng E2/l for 4 days and sequenced three individual liver samples per treatment using an Illumina HiSeq 2500 platform. Exposure to 34.4 ng E2/L resulted in 2,113 differentially regulated transcripts (FDR < 0.05). Functional analysis revealed upregulation of processes associated with vitellogenesis, including lipid metabolism, cellular proliferation, and ribosome biogenesis, together with a downregulation of carbohydrate metabolism. Using real-time quantitative PCR, we validated the expression of eight target genes and identified significant differences in the regulation of several known estrogen-responsive transcripts in fish exposed to the lower treatment concentrations (including esr1 and zp2.5). We successfully used RNA-Seq to identify highly conserved responses to estrogen and also identified some estrogen-responsive transcripts that have been less well characterized, including nots and tgm2l. These results demonstrate the potential application of RNA-Seq as a valuable tool for assessing mechanistic effects of pollutants in ecologically relevant species for which little genomic information is available.
Antimicrobial Activity of the Essential Oil ofPlectranthus neochilusagainst Cariogenic Bacteria
Authors: Crevelin Eduardo José , Caixeta Soraya Carolina , Dias Herbert Júnior , Groppo Milton , Cunha Wilson Roberto , Martins Carlos Henrique Gomes , Crotti Antônio Eduardo Miller
Published: June 2015

This work used the broth microdilution method to investigate the antimicrobial activity of the essential oil obtained from the leaves ofPlectranthus neochilus(PN-EO) against a representative panel of oral pathogens. We assessed the antimicrobial activity of this oil in terms of the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). PN-EO displayed moderate activity againstEnterococcus faecalis(MIC = 250 μg/mL) andStreptococcus salivarus(MIC = 250 μg/mL), significant activity againstStreptococcus sobrinus(MIC = 62.5 μg/mL),Streptococcus sanguinis(MIC = 62.5 μg/mL),Streptococcus mitis(MIC = 31.25 μg/mL), andLactobacillus casei(MIC = 31.25 μg/mL), and interesting activity againstStreptococcus mutans(MIC = 3.9 μg/mL). GC-FID and GC-MS helped to identify thirty-one compounds in PN-EO;α-pinene (1, 14.1%),β-pinene (2, 7.1%),trans-caryophyllene (3, 29.8%), and caryophyllene oxide (4, 12.8%) were the major chemical constituents of this essential oil. When tested alone, compounds1,2,3, and4were inactive (MIC > 4000 μg/mL) against all the microorganisms. These results suggested that the essential oil extracted from the leaves ofPlectranthus neochilusdisplays promising activity against most of the evaluated cariogenic bacteria, especiallyS. mutans.
Fuzzy System of Irrigation Applied to the Growth of Habanero Pepper (Capsicum chinense Jacq.) under Protected Conditions in Yucatan, Mexico
Authors: Ceballos Martha Rocio , Gorricho Juan Luis , Palma Gamboa Oscar , Huerta Mónica Karel , Rivas David , Erazo Rodas Mayra
Published: June 2015

Agriculture is the largest user of water worldwide by using about 70 percent of total consumption. The world food production depends on the availability of water, considering factors such as demographic and climate change, so the use of efficient irrigation is necessary to apply the correct amount of water to crops. The traditional irrigation systems generally program their scheme based on measurements made at Class A evaporimeter pan. In this paper an irrigation scheme defined by an algorithm that automates the amount of water supplied is presented, it considers the consumption of habanero pepper crop, and a fuzzy system evaluates the necessary duration of irrigation. The climatic variables considered are temperature, relative humidity, and soil moisture. The algorithm was programmed in a microcontroller Atmel 328p included in Arduino platform, with the addition of a ZigBee wireless system that allows for monitoring through a PC. The climatic variables were inserted into the fuzzy system by sets of trapezoidal and triangular form and a Mamdani type inference mechanism in which the knowledge of an expert is registered through the fuzzy rules. The system was applied to a habanero pepper crop at Conkal Institute of Technology in Yucatan, Mexico.
Link Prediction Methods and Their Accuracy for Different Social Networks and Network Metrics
Authors: Gao Fei , Musial Katarzyna , Cooper Colin , Tsoka Sophia
Published: June 2015

Currently, we are experiencing a rapid growth of the number of social-based online systems. The availability of the vast amounts of data gathered in those systems brings new challenges that we face when trying to analyse it. One of the intensively researched topics is theprediction of social connections between users. Although a lot of effort has been made to develop new prediction approaches, the existing methods are not comprehensively analysed. In this paper we investigate the correlation between network metrics and accuracy of different prediction methods. We selected six time-stamped real-world social networks and ten most widely used link prediction methods. The results of the experiments show that the performance of some methods has a strong correlation with certain network metrics. We managed to distinguish “prediction friendly” networks, for which most of the prediction methods give good performance, as well as “prediction unfriendly” networks, for which most of the methods result in high prediction error. Correlation analysis between network metrics and prediction accuracy of prediction methods may form the basis of a metalearning system where based on network characteristics it will be able to recommend the right prediction method for a given network.
A DCT-Based Driving Cycle Generation Method and Its Application for Electric Vehicles
Authors: Lin Cheng , Zhao Li , Cheng Xingqun , Wang Wenwei
Published: June 2015

Nowadays, many widely used driving cycle (DC) representing and generating methods are designed for traditional vehicles with internal combustion engines (ICE). The real-world driving is viewed as a sequence of acceleration, cruise, deceleration, and idle modes. The emission and fuel consumption in each period should be taken into account carefully. However, for electric vehicles (EVs), most of them are powered by low or zero-emission renewable energy sources. The working status and energy management algorithms of them are very different from traditional vehicles. To facilitate the EV design, we proposed a novel DC representing and construction method to generate DCs for EVs. The whole driving route is divided into several length-fixed segments and each of these segments is converted into a frequency sequence. After doing that, we can adjust the frequency and amplitude of the generated driving cycle directly. The experiment results showed that the proposed method was effective and convenient.
Hereditary Syndromes Manifesting as Endometrial Carcinoma: How Can Pathological Features Aid Risk Assessment?
Authors: Wong Adele , Ngeow Joanne
Published: June 2015

Endometrial carcinoma is the most common gynecological tumor worldwide. It can be the presenting malignancy, acting as the harbinger, of an undiagnosed hereditary syndrome. Up to 50% of females with Lynch syndrome present in this manner. Differentiation between Lynch, Muir-Torre, and Cowden syndromes can at times be challenging due to the overlapping features. Our review emphasizes on the strengths, pitfalls, and limitations of microscopic features as well as immunohistochemical and polymerase chain reaction- (PCR-) based tests used by laboratories to screen for DNA mismatch repair (MMR) andPTENgene mutations in patients to enable a more targeted and cost effective approach in the use of confirmatory gene mutational analysis tests. This is crucial towards initiating timely and appropriate surveillance measures for the patient and affected family members. We also review the evidence postulating on the possible inclusion of uterine serous carcinoma as part of the spectrum of malignancies seen in hereditary breast and ovarian carcinoma syndrome, driven by mutations inBRCA1/2.
Scalar Method of Fault Diagnosis of Inertial Measurement Unit
Authors: Avrutov Vadym
Published: June 2015

The scalar method of fault diagnosis systems of the inertial measurement unit (IMU) is described. All inertial navigation systems consist of such IMU. The scalar calibration method is a base of the scalar method for quality monitoring and diagnostics. In accordance with scalar calibration method algorithms of fault diagnosis systems are developed. As a result of quality monitoring algorithm verification is implemented in the working capacity monitoring of IMU. A failure element determination is based on diagnostics algorithm verification and after that the reason for such failure is cleared. The process of verifications consists of comparison of the calculated estimations of biases, scale factor errors, and misalignments angles of sensors to their data sheet certificate, kept in internal memory of computer. As a result of such comparison the conclusion for working capacity of each IMU sensor can be made and also the failure sensor can be determined.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation to Address Mild Cognitive Impairment in the Elderly: A Randomized Controlled Study
Authors: Drumond Marra Hellen Livia , Myczkowski Martin Luiz , Maia Memória Cláudia , Arnaut Débora , Leite Ribeiro Philip , Sardinha Mansur Carlos Gustavo , Lancelote Alberto Rodrigo , Boura Bellini Bianca , Alves Fernandes da Silva Adriano , Tortella Gabriel , Ciampi de Andrade Daniel , Teixeira Manoel Jacobsen , Forlenza Orestes Vicente , Marcolin Marco Antonio
Published: June 2015

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a noninvasive brain stimulation technique with potential to improve memory. Mild cognitive impairment (MCI), which still lacks a specific therapy, is a clinical syndrome associated with increased risk of dementia. This study aims to assess the effects of high-frequency repetitive TMS (HF rTMS) on everyday memory of the elderly with MCI. We conducted a double-blinded randomized sham-controlled trial using rTMS over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC). Thirty-four elderly outpatients meeting Petersen’s MCI criteria were randomly assigned to receive 10 sessions of either active TMS or sham, 10 Hz rTMS at 110% of motor threshold, 2,000 pulses per session. Neuropsychological assessment at baseline, after the last session (10th) and at one-month follow-up, was applied. ANOVA on the primary efficacy measure, the Rivermead Behavioural Memory Test, revealed a significant group-by-time interactionp=0.05, favoring the active group. The improvement was kept after one month. Other neuropsychological tests were heterogeneous. rTMS at 10 Hz enhanced everyday memory in elderly with MCI after 10 sessions. These findings suggest that rTMS might be effective as a therapy for MCI and probably a tool to delay deterioration.
Stabilizing Solution for a Discrete-Time Modified Algebraic Riccati Equation in Infinite Dimensions
Authors: Ungureanu Viorica Mariela
Published: June 2015

We provide necessary and sufficient conditions for the existence of stabilizing solutions for a class of modified algebraic discrete-time Riccati equations (MAREs) defined on ordered Banach spaces of sequences of linear and bounded operators. These MAREs arise in the study of linear quadratic (LQ) optimal control problems for infinite-dimensional discrete-time linear systems (DTLSs) affected simultaneously by multiplicative white noise (MN) and Markovian jumps (MJs). Unlike most of the previous works, where the detectability and observability notions are key tools for studying the global solvability of MAREs, in this paper the conditions of existence of mean-square stabilizing solutions are given directly in terms of system parameters. The methods we have used are based on the spectral theory of positive operators and the properties of trace class and compact operators. Our results generalise similar ones obtained for finite-dimensional MAREs associated with stochastic DTLSs without MJs. Also they complete and extend (in the autonomous case) former investigations concerning the existence of certain global solutions (as minimal, maximal, and stabilizing solutions) for generalized discrete-time Riccati type equations defined on infinite-dimensional ordered Banach spaces.
Expression ofFOXP3,CD14, andARG1in Neuroblastoma Tumor Tissue from High-Risk Patients Predicts Event-Free and Overall Survival
Authors: Stigliani Sara , Croce Michela , Morandi Fabio , Scaruffi Paola , Rigo Valentina , Carlini Barbara , Manzitti Carla , Gigliotti Anna Rita , Tonini Gian Paolo , Pistoia Vito , Ferrini Silvano , Corrias Maria Valeria
Published: June 2015

The prognosis of children with metastatic neuroblastoma (NB) > 18 months at diagnosis is dismal. Since the immune status of the tumor microenvironment could play a role in the history of disease, we evaluated the expression ofCD45,CD14,ARG1,CD163,CD4,FOXP3,Perforin-1(PRF1),Granzyme B (GRMB), andIL-10mRNAs in primary tumors at diagnosis from children with metastatic NB and tested whether the transcript levels are significantly associated to event-free and overall survival (EFS and OS, resp.). Children with high expression ofCD14,ARG1andFOXP3mRNA in their primary tumors had significantly better EFS. Elevated expression ofCD14, andFOXP3mRNA was significantly associated to better OS.CD14mRNA expression levels significantly correlated to all markers, with the exception ofCD4. Strong positive correlations were found betweenPRF1andCD163, as well as betweenPFR1andFOXP3. It is worth noting that the combination of high levels ofCD14,FOXP3, andARG1mRNAs identified a small group of patients with excellent EFS and OS, whereas low levels ofCD14were sufficient to identify patients with dismal survival. Thus, the immune status of the primary tumors of high-risk NB patients may influence the natural history of this pediatric cancer.
Mechanical Ventilation Induces an Inflammatory Response in Preinjured Lungs in Late Phase of Sepsis
Authors: Xuan Wei , Zhou Quanjun , Yao Shanglong , Deng Qingzhu , Wang Tingting , Wu Qingping
Published: June 2015

Mechanical ventilation (MV) may amplify the lung-specific inflammatory response in preinjured lungs by elevating cytokine release and augmenting damage to the alveolar integrity. In this study, we test the hypothesis that MV exerts different negative impacts on inflammatory response at different time points of postlung injury. Basic lung injury was induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) surgery in rats. Physiological indexes including blood gases were monitored during MV and samples were assessed following each experiment. LowVT(tidal volume) MV caused a slight increase in cytokine release and tissue damage at day 1 and day 4 after sepsis induced lung injury, while cytokine release from the lungs in the two moderately ventilatedVTgroups was amplified. Interestingly, in the two groups where rats received lowVTMV, we found that infiltration of inflammatory cells was only profound at day 4 after CLP. Marked elevation of protein leakage indicated a compromise in alveolar integrity in rats that received moderateVTMV at day 4 following CLP, correlating with architectural damage to the alveoli. Our study indicates that preinjured lungs are more sensitive to mechanical MV at later phases of sepsis, and this situation may be a result of differing immune status.
Immunotherapy in Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Raman Rachna , Vaena Daniel
Published: June 2015

Localized renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is often curable by surgery alone. However, metastatic RCC is generally incurable. In the 1990s, immunotherapy in the form of cytokines was the mainstay of treatment for metastatic RCC. However, responses were seen in only a minority of highly selected patients with substantial treatment-related toxicities. The advent of targeted agents such as vascular endothelial growth factor tyrosine kinase inhibitors VEGF-TKIs and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors led to a change in this paradigm due to improved response rates and progression-free survival, a better safety profile, and the convenience of oral administration. However, most patients ultimately progress with about 12% being alive at 5 years. In contrast, durable responses lasting 10 years or more are noted in a minority of those treated with cytokines. More recently, an improved overall survival with newer forms of immunotherapy in other malignancies (such as melanoma and prostate cancer) has led to a resurgence of interest in immune therapies in metastatic RCC. In this review we discuss the rationale for immunotherapy and recent developments in immunotherapeutic strategies for treating metastatic RCC.
Numerical Evaluation of the Impact of Urbanization on Summertime Precipitation in Osaka, Japan
Authors: Shimadera Hikari , Kondo Akira , Shrestha Kundan Lal , Kitaoka Ken , Inoue Yoshio
Published: June 2015

This study utilized the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model version 3.5.1 to evaluate the impact of urbanization on summertime precipitation in Osaka, Japan. The evaluation was conducted by comparing the WRF simulations with the present land use and no-urban land use (replacing “Urban” with “Paddy”) for August from 2006 to 2010. The urbanization increased mean air temperature by 2.1°C in urban areas because of increased sensible heat flux and decreased mean humidity by 0.8 g kg−1because of decreased latent heat flux. In addition, the urbanization increased duration of the southwesterly sea breeze. The urbanization increased precipitation in urban areas and decreased in the surrounding areas. The mean precipitation in urban areas was increased by 20 mm month−1(27% of the total amount without the synoptic-scale precipitation). The precipitation increase was generally due to the enhancement of the formation and development of convective clouds by the increase in sensible heat flux during afternoon and evening time periods. The urbanization in Osaka changes spatial and temporal distribution patterns of precipitation and evaporation, and consequently it substantially affects the water cycle in and around the urban areas of Osaka.
Modeling and Identification of Discrete-Time Nonlinear Dynamic Cascade Systems with Input Hysteresis
Authors: Vörös Jozef
Published: June 2015

A simple approach to modeling and identification of discrete-time nonlinear dynamic systems having an input hysteresis in cascade with a linear dynamic system is presented. A special form of Coleman-Hodgdon model for the hysteresis is considered, which is linear in parameters. For the cascade system parameter estimation, an iterative method with internal variable estimation is proposed. Simulation studies of cascade systems identification using special periodic inputs are included.
Vitamin D Status and VDR Genotype in NF1 Patients: A Case-Control Study from Southern Brazil
Authors: Souza Mario Bueno Larissa , Rosset Clévia , Aguiar Ernestina , Pereira Fernando de Souza , Izetti Ribeiro Patrícia , Scalco Rosana , Matzenbacher Bittar Camila , Brinckmann Oliveira Netto Cristina , Gischkow Rucatti Guilherme , Chies José Artur , Camey Suzi Alves , Ashton-Prolla Patricia
Published: June 2015

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) patients are more likely to have vitamin D deficiency when compared to the general population. This study aimed to determine the levels of 25-OH-vitamin D [25(OH)D] in individuals with NF1 and disease-unaffected controls and analyzeFokI andBsmIVDRgene polymorphisms in a case and in a control group. Vitamin D levels were compared between a group of 45 NF1 patients from Southern Brazil and 45 healthy controls matched by sex, skin type, and age. Genotypic and allelic frequencies ofVDRgene polymorphisms were obtained from the same NF1 patients and 150 healthy controls. 25(OH)D deficiency or insufficiency was not more frequent in NF1 patients than in controls (p=0.074). We also did not observe an association betweenFokI andBsmIVDRgene polymorphisms and vitamin D levels in NF1 patients, suggesting that their deficient or insufficient biochemical phenotypes are not associated with these genetic variants. The differences between the groups in genotypic and allelic frequencies forFokI andBsmIVDRgene polymorphisms were small and did not reach statistical significance. These polymorphisms are in partial linkage disequilibrium and the haplotype frequencies also did not differ in a significant way between the two groups (p=0.613).
Intratumoral Heterogeneity of MAGE-C1/CT7 and MAGE-C2/CT10 Expression in Mucosal Melanoma
Authors: Curioni-Fontecedro A. , Pitocco R. , Schoenewolf N. L. , Holzmann D. , Soldini D. , Dummer R. , Calvieri S. , Moch H. , Mihic-Probst D. , Fitsche A.
Published: June 2015

Mucosal melanoma is a rare disease, which differs from its cutaneous counterpart genetically and for its clinical behaviour. Moreover this is a heterogeneous disease based on the tissue of origin. As CT7 and CT10 are highly expressed in cutaneous melanoma and are immunogenic in this disease, we analysed their expression throughout the different subtypes of mucosal melanoma and tumor development. We detected a frequent expression of CT7 in primaries and corresponding metastases (55%) as well as for CT10 (30%). This expression resulted to be heterogeneous in the same tumor specimen and moreover influenced by the tissue of origin. Our results support the role of these antigens in immunotherapy for mucosal melanoma.
Skillrank: Towards a Hybrid Method to Assess Quality and Confidence of Professional Skills in Social Networks
Authors: Álvarez-Rodríguez Jose María , Colomo-Palacios Ricardo , Stantchev Vladimir
Published: June 2015

The present paper introduces a hybrid technique to measure the expertise of users by analyzing their profiles and activities in social networks. Currently, both job seekers and talent hunters are looking for new and innovative techniques to filter jobs and candidates where candidates are trying to improve and make their profiles more attractive. In this sense, the Skillrank approach is based on the conjunction of existing and well-known information and expertise retrieval techniques that perfectly fit the existing web and social media environment to deliver an intelligent component to integrate the user context in the analysis of skills confidence. A major outcome of this approach is that it actually takes advantage of existing data and information available on the web to perform both a ranked list of experts in a field and a confidence value for every professional skill. Thus, expertise and experts can be detected, verified, and ranked using a suited trust metric. An experiment to validate the Skillrank technique based on precision and recall metrics is also presented using two different datasets: (1) ad hoc created using real data from a professional social network and (2) real data extracted from the LinkedIn API.
A Reinforcement Learning-Based Maximum Power Point Tracking Method for Photovoltaic Array
Authors: Hsu Roy Chaoming , Liu Cheng-Ting , Chen Wen-Yen , Hsieh Hung-I , Wang Hao-Li
Published: June 2015

A reinforcement learning-based maximum power point tracking (RLMPPT) method is proposed for photovoltaic (PV) array. By utilizing the developed system model of PV array and configuring the environment for the reinforcement learning, the proposed RLMPPT method is able to observe the environment state of the PV array in the learning process and to autonomously adjust the perturbation to the operating voltage of the PV array in obtaining the best MPP. Simulations of the proposed RLMPPT for a PV array are conducted. Experimental results demonstrate that, in comparison to an existing MPPT method, the RLMPPT not only achieves better efficiency factor for both simulated weather data and real weather data but also adapts to the environment much fast with very short learning time.
Abnormal Cerebrovascular Reactivity in Patients with Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Camargo Carlos Henrique Ferreira , Martins Eduardo Antunes , Lange Marcos Christiano , Hoffmann Henrique Alvaro , Luciano Jissa Jeanete , Young Blood Marcelo Rezende , Schafranski Marcelo Derbli , Ferro Marcelo Machado , Miyoshi Edmar
Published: June 2015

Background. Orthostatic hypotension (OH) is an important nonmotor manifestation of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Changes in cerebrovascular reactivity may contribute to this manifestation and can be monitored using transcranial Doppler.Objective. To identify possible changes in cerebrovascular reactivity in patients with OH.Methods. Twenty-two individuals were selected and divided into three groups: with and without OH and controls. Transcranial Doppler was used to assess basal mean blood flow velocity, postapnea mean blood flow velocity, percentage increase in mean blood flow velocity, and cerebrovascular reactivity as measured by the breath-holding index.Results. PD patients had lower values of basal velocity (p=0.019), postapnea velocity (p=0.0015), percentage increase in velocity (p=0.039), and breath-holding index (p=0.04) than the controls. Patients with OH had higher values of basal velocity (p=0.09) and postapnea velocity (p=0.19) but lower values of percentage increase in velocity (p=0.22) and breath-holding index (p=0.32) than patients without OH.Conclusions. PD patients present with abnormalities in a compensatory mechanism that regulates cerebral blood flow. OH could be an indicator of these abnormalities.
Normal Hearing Ability but Impaired Auditory Selective Attention Associated with Prediction of Response to Donepezil in Patients with Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Ouchi Yoshitaka , Meguro Kenichi , Akanuma Kyoko , Kato Yuriko , Yamaguchi Satoshi
Published: June 2015

Background.Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients have a poor response to the voices of caregivers. After administration of donepezil, caregivers often find that patients respond more frequently, whereas they had previously pretended to be “deaf.” We investigated whether auditory selective attention is associated with response to donepezil.Methods.The subjects were40 AD patients, 20 elderly healthy controls (HCs), and 15 young HCs. Pure tone audiometry was conducted and an original Auditory Selective Attention (ASA) test was performed with a MoCA vigilance test. Reassessment of the AD group was performed after donepezil treatment for 3 months.Results.Hearing level of the AD group was the same as that of the elderly HC group. However, ASA test scores decreased in the AD group and were correlated with the vigilance test scores. Donepezil responders (MMSE 3+) also showed improvement on the ASA test. At baseline, the responders had higher vigilance and lower ASA test scores.Conclusion.Contrary to the common view, AD patients had a similar level of hearing ability to healthy elderly. Auditory attention was impaired in AD patients, which suggests that unnecessary sounds should be avoided in nursing homes. Auditory selective attention is associated with response to donepezil in AD.
Oxidative Stress and Lung Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury
Authors: Ferrari Renata Salatti , Andrade Cristiano Feijó
Published: June 2015

Ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury is directly related to the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), endothelial cell injury, increased vascular permeability, and the activation of neutrophils and platelets, cytokines, and the complement system. Several studies have confirmed the destructiveness of the toxic oxygen metabolites produced and their role in the pathophysiology of different processes, such as oxygen poisoning, inflammation, and ischemic injury. Due to the different degrees of tissue damage resulting from the process of ischemia and subsequent reperfusion, several studies in animal models have focused on the prevention of IR injury and methods of lung protection. Lung IR injury has clinical relevance in the setting of lung transplantation and cardiopulmonary bypass, for which the consequences of IR injury may be devastating in critically ill patients.
Clinical Development of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors
Authors: Ito Ayumu , Kondo Shunsuke , Tada Kohei , Kitano Shigehisa
Published: June 2015

Recent progress in cancer immunotherapy has been remarkable. Most striking are the clinical development and approval of immunomodulators, also known as immune checkpoint inhibitors. These monoclonal antibodies (mAb) are directed to immune checkpoint molecules, which are expressed on immune cells and mediate signals to attenuate excessive immune reactions. Although mAbs targeting tumor associated antigens, such as anti-CD20 mAb and anti-Her2 mAb, directly recognize tumor cells and induce cell death, immune checkpoint inhibitors restore and augment the antitumor immune activities of cytotoxic T cells by blocking immune checkpoint molecules on T cells or their ligands on antigen presenting and tumor cells. Based on preclinical data, many clinical trials have demonstrated the acceptable safety profiles and efficacies of immune checkpoint inhibitors in a variety of cancers. The first in class approved immune checkpoint inhibitor is ipilimumab, an anti-CTLA-4 (cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen-4) mAb. Two pivotal phase III randomized controlled trials demonstrated a survival benefit in patients with metastatic melanoma. In 2011, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved ipilimumab for metastatic melanoma. Several clinical trials have since investigated new agents, alone and in combination, for various cancers. In this review, we discuss the current development status of and future challenges in utilizing immune checkpoint inhibitors.