bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
From Type II string theory toward BSM/dark sector physics
Authors: Honecker Gabriele
Published: November 2016

Four-dimensional compactifications of string theory provide a controlled set of possible gauge representations accounting for BSM particles and dark sector components. In this review, constraints from perturbative Type II string compactifications in the geometric regime are discussed in detail and then compared to results from heterotic string compactifications and nonperturbative/nongeometric corners. As a prominent example, an open string realization of the QCD axion is presented. The status of deriving the associated low-energy effective action in four dimensions is discussed and open avenues of major phenomenological importance are highlighted. As examples, a mechanism of closed string moduli stabilization by D-brane backreaction as well as one-loop threshold corrections to the gauge couplings and balancing a low string scale [Formula: see text] with unisotropic compact dimensions are discussed together with implications on potential future new physics observations. For illustrative purposes, an explicit example of a globally consistent D6-brane model with MSSM-like spectrum on [Formula: see text] is presented.
Parton Distribution Functions and models of proton structure functions with self-similarity
Authors: Choudhury D. K. , Saikia Baishali
Published: November 2016

Sometime back, a self-similarity based model of the proton structure function at small [Formula: see text] was proposed by Lastovicka. We make reanalysis of this model with most recent HERA data. No significance difference with the earlier analysis is found. Both the analyses have singularity within the kinematical range of [Formula: see text]: [Formula: see text]. We therefore study the model with the additional assumption that it should be singularity free, imposing positivity conditions on the model parameters. This results in a new model which is, however, phenomenologically valid only in a limited low [Formula: see text] range. We therefore make further generalization of the defining self-similar unintegrated Parton Density Function (uPDF) and show that the with proper generalizations and initial conditions on them not only remove the undesired singularity but also results in a structure function with logarithmic growth in [Formula: see text] closer to QCD. The phenomenological range of validity is then found to be much larger than the earlier versions. We also extrapolate the models to large [Formula: see text] in a parameter-free way. The possibility of incorporation of Transverse Momentum Dependent (TMD) PDF in this approach is explored as well.
Magnetic properties of zigzag metallic chains: A Monte Carlo study
Authors: Jabar A. , Masrour R. , Hamedoun M. , Benyoussef A. , Hlil E. K.
Published: November 2016

The magnetic properties of zigzag metallic chains have been calculated based on the Monte Carlo simulation. The reduced transition temperatures and the magnetization have been obtained for different exchange interactions and for different crystal fields. The hysteresis cycle is obtained for different exchange interactions, temperatures and crystal field. The superparamagnetic behavior is obtained for a specific value of temperatures and crystal field. The second-order phase transitions are also observed. The obtained results are comparable with some given by experiment results and theoretical calculations.
Link community detection by non-negative matrix factorization with multi-step similarities
Authors: Tang Xianchao , Yang Guoqing , Xu Tao , Feng Xia , Wang Xiao , Li Qiannan , Liu Yanbei
Published: November 2016

Uncovering community structures is a fundamental and important problem in analyzing the complex networks. While most of the methods focus on identifying node communities, recent works show the intuitions and advantages of detecting link communities in networks. In this paper, we propose a non-negative matrix factorization (NMF) based method to detect the link community structures. Traditional NMF-based methods mainly consider the adjacency matrix as the representation of network topology, while the adjacency matrix only shows the relationship between immediate neighbor nodes, which does not take the relationship between non-neighbor nodes into consideration. This may greatly reduce the information contained in the network topology, and thus leads to unsatisfactory results. Here, we address this by introducing multi-step similarities using the graph random walk approach so that the similarities between non-neighbor nodes can be captured. Meanwhile, in order to reduce impact caused by self-similarities (similarities between nodes themselves) and increase importance gained from similarities between other different nodes, we add a penalty term to our objective function. Then an efficient optimization scheme for the objective function is derived. Finally, we test the proposed method on both synthetic and real networks. Experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Information Based Universal Feature Extraction in Shallow Networks
Authors: Amiri Mohammad , Brause Rüdiger
Published: November 2016

In many real-world image based pattern recognition tasks, the extraction and usage of task-relevant features are the most crucial part of the diagnosis. In the standard approach, either the features are given by common sense like edges or corners in image analysis, or they are directly determined by expertise. They mostly remain task-specific, although human may learn the life time, and use different features too, although same features do help in recognition. It seems that a universal feature set exists, but it is not yet systematically found. In our contribution, we try to find such a universal image feature set that is valuable for most image related tasks. We trained a shallow neural network for recognition of natural and non-natural object images before different backgrounds, including pure texture and handwritten digits, using a Shannon information-based algorithm and learning constraints. In this context, the goal was to extract those features that give the most valuable information for classification of the visual objects, hand-written digits and texture datasets by a one layer network and then classify them by a second layer. This will give a good start and performance for all other image learning tasks, implementing a transfer learning approach. As result, in our case we found that we could indeed extract unique features which are valid in all three different kinds of tasks. They give classification results that are about as good as the results reported by the corresponding literature for the specialized systems, or even better ones.
Disjunctive total domination in permutation graphs
Authors: Yi Eunjeong
Published: November 2016

Let [Formula: see text] be a graph with vertex set [Formula: see text] and edge set [Formula: see text]. If [Formula: see text] has no isolated vertex, then a disjunctive total dominating set (DTD-set) of [Formula: see text] is a vertex set [Formula: see text] such that every vertex in [Formula: see text] is adjacent to a vertex of [Formula: see text] or has at least two vertices in [Formula: see text] at distance two from it, and the disjunctive total domination number [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text] is the minimum cardinality overall DTD-sets of [Formula: see text]. Let [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] be two disjoint copies of a graph [Formula: see text], and let [Formula: see text] be a bijection. Then, a permutation graph [Formula: see text] has the vertex set [Formula: see text] and the edge set [Formula: see text]. For any connected graph [Formula: see text] of order at least three, we prove the sharp bounds [Formula: see text]; we give an example showing that [Formula: see text] can be arbitrarily large. We characterize permutation graphs for which [Formula: see text] holds. Further, we show that [Formula: see text] when [Formula: see text] is a cycle, a path, and a complete [Formula: see text]-partite graph, respectively.
Evolution of fabric anisotropy in cyclic liquefaction of sands
Authors: Wei Jiangtao , Wang Gang
Published: November 2016

Cyclic liquefaction of sands is influenced by many factors including the initial fabric. Yet, it is difficult to quantify the soil fabric using laboratory technology. In this study, discrete element method (DEM) is used to numerically simulate the process of liquefaction under undrained cyclic loading. Samples with the same void ratio and varying degrees of fabric anisotropy are prepared by the pre-shearing method. Fabric evolution before and after cyclic liquefaction is quantified by the coordination number, angular distribution and the principal direction of inter-particle contacts. The DEM study demonstrated that the coordination number decreases and the fabric anisotropy increases gradually when the sand is cyclically sheared to approach the initial liquefaction. In this process, the principal direction of the anisotropic fabric tensor is not coaxial with the stress tensor. After initial liquefaction, all samples with different initial fabric evolve towards a same fabric, which is strongly anisotropic. The principal direction of the fabric aligns with the principal direction of the stress in the post-liquefaction stage.
Three distinct cell populations express extracellular matrix proteins and increase in number during skeletal muscle fibrosis
Authors: Chapman Mark A. , Mukund Kavitha , Subramaniam Shankar , Brenner David , Lieber Richard L.
Published: November 2016

Tissue extracellular matrix (ECM) provides structural support and creates unique environments for resident cells (Bateman JF, Boot-Handford RP, Lamandé SR. Nat Rev Genet 10: 173–183, 2009; Kjaer M. Physiol Rev 84: 649–98, 2004). However, the identities of cells responsible for creating specific ECM components have not been determined. In striated muscle, the identity of these cells becomes important in disease when ECM changes result in fibrosis and subsequent increased tissue stiffness and dysfunction. Here we describe a novel approach to isolate and identify cells that maintain the ECM in both healthy and fibrotic muscle. Using a collagen I reporter mouse, we show that there are three distinct cell populations that express collagen I in both healthy and fibrotic skeletal muscle. Interestingly, the number of collagen I-expressing cells in all three cell populations increases proportionally in fibrotic muscle, indicating that all cell types participate in the fibrosis process. Furthermore, while some profibrotic ECM and ECM-associated genes are significantly upregulated in fibrotic muscle, the fibrillar collagen gene expression profile is not qualitatively altered. This suggests that muscle fibrosis in this model results from an increased number of collagen I-expressing cells and not the initiation of a specific fibrotic collagen gene expression program. Finally, in fibrotic muscle, we show that these collagen I-expressing cell populations differentially express distinct ECM proteins—fibroblasts express the fibrillar components of ECM, fibro/adipogenic progenitors cells differentially express basal laminar proteins, and skeletal muscle progenitor cells differentially express genes important for the satellite cell.
Alterations of colonic function in theWinniemouse model of spontaneous chronic colitis
Authors: Robinson Ainsley M. , Rahman Ahmed A. , Carbone Simona E. , Randall-Demllo Sarron , Filippone Rhiannon , Bornstein Joel C. , Eri Rajaraman , Nurgali Kulmira
Published: November 2016

The Winnie mouse, carrying a missense mutation in Muc2, is a model for chronic intestinal inflammation demonstrating symptoms closely resembling inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Alterations to the immune environment, morphological structure, and innervation of Winnie mouse colon have been identified; however, analyses of intestinal transit and colonic functions have not been conducted. In this study, we investigated in vivo intestinal transit in radiographic studies and in vitro motility of the isolated colon in organ bath experiments. We compared neuromuscular transmission using conventional intracellular recording between distal colon of Winnie and C57BL/6 mice and smooth muscle contractions using force displacement transducers. Chronic inflammation in Winnie mice was confirmed by detection of lipocalin-2 in fecal samples over 4 wk and gross morphological damage to the colon. Colonic transit was faster in Winnie mice. Motility was altered including decreased frequency and increased speed of colonic migrating motor complexes and increased occurrence of short and fragmented contractions. The mechanisms underlying colon dysfunctions in Winnie mice included inhibition of excitatory and fast inhibitory junction potentials, diminished smooth muscle responses to cholinergic and nitrergic stimulation, and increased number of α-smooth muscle actin-immunoreactive cells. We conclude that diminished excitatory responses occur both prejunctionally and postjunctionally and reduced inhibitory purinergic responses are potentially a prejunctional event, while diminished nitrergic inhibitory responses are probably due to a postjunction mechanism in the Winnie mouse colon. Many of these changes are similar to disturbed motor functions in IBD patients indicating that the Winnie mouse is a model highly representative of human IBD.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY This is the first study to provide analyses of intestinal transit and whole colon motility in an animal model of spontaneous chronic colitis. We found that cholinergic and purinergic neuromuscular transmission, as well as the smooth muscle cell responses to cholinergic and nitrergic stimulation, is altered in the chronically inflamed Winnie mouse colon. The changes to intestinal transit and colonic function we identified in the Winnie mouse are similar to those seen in inflammatory bowel disease patients.
Effectiveness of individualized lung recruitment strategies at birth: an experimental study in preterm lambs
Authors: Tingay David G. , Rajapaksa Anushi , Zannin Emanuela , Pereira-Fantini Prue M. , Dellaca Raffaele L. , Perkins Elizabeth J. , Zonneveld Cornelis E. E. , Adler Andy , Black Don , Frerichs Inéz , Lavizzari Anna , Sourial Magdy , Grychtol Bartłomiej , Mosca Fabio , Davis Peter G.
Published: November 2016

Respiratory transition at birth involves rapidly clearing fetal lung liquid and preventing efflux back into the lung while aeration is established. We have developed a sustained inflation (SIOPT) individualized to volume response and a dynamic tidal positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) (open lung volume, OLV) strategy that both enhance this process. We aimed to compare the effect of each with a group managed with PEEP of 8 cmH2O and no recruitment maneuver (No-RM), on gas exchange, lung mechanics, spatiotemporal aeration, and lung injury in 127 ± 1 day preterm lambs. Forty-eight fetal-instrumented lambs exposed to antenatal steroids were ventilated for 60 min after application of the allocated strategy. Spatiotemporal aeration and lung mechanics were measured with electrical impedance tomography and forced-oscillation, respectively. At study completion, molecular and histological markers of lung injury were analyzed. Mean (SD) aeration at the end of the SIOPTand OLV groups was 32 (22) and 38 (15) ml/kg, compared with 17 (10) ml/kg (180 s) in the No-RM ( P = 0.024, 1-way ANOVA). This translated into better oxygenation at 60 min ( P = 0.047; 2-way ANOVA) resulting from better distal lung tissue aeration in SIOPTand OLV. There was no difference in lung injury. Neither SIOPTnor OLV achieved homogeneous aeration. Histological injury and mRNA biomarker upregulation were more likely in the regions with better initial aeration, suggesting volutrauma. Tidal ventilation or an SI achieves similar aeration if optimized, suggesting that preventing fluid efflux after lung liquid clearance is at least as important as fluid clearance during the initial inflation at birth.
Sex-based difference in Achilles peritendinous levels of matrix metalloproteinases and growth factors after acute resistance exercise
Authors: Astill Broc D. , Katsma Mark S. , Cauthon David J. , Greenlee Jason , Murphy Mark , Curtis Donald , Carroll Chad C.
Published: November 2016

Several recent investigations have demonstrated that the ability of various tendons to alter structural and functional properties in response to exercise are muted in women compared with men. We hypothesize that this disparity between men and women may be due to a reduced tendon production of key mediators of tendon extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling in response to mechanical loading, e.g., exercise. Using microdialysis before and after an acute bout of resistance exercise, we evaluated Achilles peritendinous levels of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), which have both been shown to increase tendon collagen synthesis. Additionally, the matrix remodeling enzymes matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), MMP-9, and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) were also evaluated. IGF-1 levels were elevated ( P < 0.05) to a similar extent in men and women after 3 h of exercise but remained elevated at 4 h in only women. IL-6 levels were ~4-fold greater after exercise in both men and women ( P < 0.05). MMP-2 levels increased to a similar extent (~2-3-fold) in men and women ( P < 0.05). In contrast, MMP-9 increased with exercise but only in men ( P < 0.05). Last, TIMP-1 levels also increased ( P < 0.05) with exercise in men and women but the increase was more prolonged in women. In conclusion, we observed modest sex differences in tendon release of MMP-9, TIMP-1, and IGF-1 after acute resistance exercise. If such differences persist throughout a chronic exercise training, they may contribute to the reduced ability of women to adapt to exercise compared with men.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY In this investigation we utilized microdialysis of the peritendinous Achilles to evaluate potential differences between men and women in tendon production of key regulators of extracellular matrix remodeling. We demonstrate that a modest sex-specific difference exists in peritendinous levels of several key extracellular matrix modulators after an acute bout of resistance exercise.
A Linear Active Disturbance Rejection Control for a Ball and Rigid Triangle System
Authors: Aguilar-Ibanez Carlos , Sira-Ramirez Hebertt , Suarez-Castanon Miguel S.
Published: November 2016

This paper proposes an application of linear flatness control along with active disturbance rejection control (ADRC) for the local stabilization and trajectory tracking problems in the underactuated ball and rigid triangle system. To this end, an observer-based linear controller of the ADRC type is designed based on the flat tangent linearization of the system around its corresponding unstable equilibrium rest position. It was accomplished through two decoupled linear extended observers and a single linear output feedback controller, with disturbance cancelation features. The controller guarantees locally exponentially asymptotic stability for the stabilization problem and practical local stability in the solution of the tracking error. An advantage of combining the flatness and the ADRC methods is that it possible to perform online estimates and cancels the undesirable effects of the higher-order nonlinearities discarded by the linearization approximation. Simulation indicates that the proposed controller behaves remarkably well, having an acceptable domain of attraction.
Construction of a Dual‐Fluorescence Reporter System to Monitor the Dynamic Progression of Pluripotent Cell Differentiation
Authors: Sun Wu-Sheng , Chun Ju-Lan , Do Jeong-Tae , Kim Dong-Hwan , Ahn Jin-Seop , Kim Min-Kyu , Hwang In-Sul , Kwon Dae-Jin , Hwang Seong-Soo , Lee Jeong-Woong
Published: November 2016

Oct4 is a crucial germ line‐specific transcription factor expressed in different pluripotent cells and downregulated in the process of differentiation. There are two conserved enhancers, called the distal enhancer (DE) and proximal enhancer (PE), in the 5′ upstream regulatory sequences (URSs) of the mouse Oct4 gene, which were demonstrated to control Oct4 expression independently in embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and epiblast stem cells (EpiSCs). We analyzed the URSs of the pig Oct4 and identified two similar enhancers that were highly consistent with the mouse DE and PE. A dual‐fluorescence reporter was later constructed by combining a DE‐free‐Oct4‐promoter‐driven EGFP reporter cassette with a PE‐free‐Oct4‐promoter‐driven mCherry reporter cassette. Then, it was tested in a mouse ESC‐like cell line (F9) and a mouse EpiSC‐like cell line (P19) before it is formally used for pig. As a result, a higher red fluorescence was observed in F9 cells, while green fluorescence was primarily detected in P19 cells. This fluorescence expression pattern in the two cell lines was consistent with that in the early naïve pluripotent state and late primed pluripotent state during differentiation of mouse ESCs. Hence, this reporter system will be a convenient tool for screening out ESC‐like naïve pluripotent stem cells from other metastable state cells in a heterogenous population.
A Novel Nonsense Mutation ofPOU4F3Gene Causes Autosomal Dominant Hearing Loss
Authors: Zhang Chi , Wang Mingming , Xiao Yun , Zhang Fengguo , Zhou Yicui , Li Jianfeng , Zheng Qingyin , Bai Xiaohui , Wang Haibo
Published: November 2016

POU4F3gene encodes a transcription factor which plays an essential role in the maturation and maintenance of hair cells in cochlea and vestibular system. Several mutations ofPOU4F3have been reported to cause autosomal dominant nonsyndromic hearing loss in recent years. In this study, we describe a pathogenic nonsense mutation located inPOU4F3in a four-generation Chinese family. Target region capture sequencing was performed to search for the candidate mutations from 81 genes related to nonsyndromic hearing loss in this family. A novel nonsense mutation ofPOU4F3, c.337C>T (p.Gln113⁎), was identified in a Chinese family characterized by late-onset progressive nonsyndromic hearing loss. The novel mutation cosegregated with hearing loss in this family and was absent in 200 ethnicity-matched controls. The mutation led to a stop codon and thus a truncated protein with no functional domains remained. Transient transfection and immunofluorescence assay revealed that the subcellular localization of the truncated protein differed markedly from normal protein, which could be the underlying reason for complete loss of its normal function. Here, we report the first nonsense mutation ofPOU4F3associated with progressive hearing loss and explored the possible underlying mechanism. Routine examination ofPOU4F3is necessary for the genetic diagnosis of hereditary hearing loss in the future.
A Bayesian Classifier for X-Ray Pulsars Recognition
Authors: Liang Hao , Zhan Yafeng , Duan Chaowei
Published: November 2016

Recognition for X-ray pulsars is important for the problem of spacecraft’s attitude determination by X-ray Pulsar Navigation (XPNAV). By using the nonhomogeneous Poisson model of the received photons and the minimum recognition error criterion, a classifier based on the Bayesian theorem is proposed. For X-ray pulsars recognition with unknown Doppler frequency and initial phase, the features of every X-ray pulsar are extracted and the unknown parameters are estimated using the Maximum Likelihood (ML) method. Besides that, a method to recognize unknown X-ray pulsars or X-ray disturbances is proposed. Simulation results certificate the validity of the proposed Bayesian classifier.
Positivel1State-Bounding Observer Design for Positive Interval Markovian Jump Systems
Authors: Zhang Di , Zhang Qingling , Lyu Borong
Published: November 2016

This paper studies the problem of positivel1state-bounding observer design for a class of positive Markovian jump systems with interval parameter uncertainties by a linear programming approach. For the first, necessary and sufficient conditions are obtained for stochastic stability andl1performance of positive Markovian jump systems by an “equivalent” deterministic positive linear system. Furthermore, based on the results obtained in this paper, sufficient conditions for the existence of the positivel1state-bounding observer are derived. The conditions can be solved in terms of linear programming. Finally, a numerical example is used to illustrate the effectiveness of the results obtained.
Radar-Derived Quantitative Precipitation Estimation Based on Precipitation Classification
Authors: Yang Lili , Yang Yi , Liu Peng , Wang Lina
Published: November 2016

A method for improving radar-derived quantitative precipitation estimation is proposed. Tropical vertical profiles of reflectivity (VPRs) are first determined from multiple VPRs. Upon identifying a tropical VPR, the event can be further classified as either tropical-stratiform or tropical-convective rainfall by a fuzzy logic (FL) algorithm. Based on the precipitation-type fields, the reflectivity values are converted into rainfall rate using a Z-R relationship. In order to evaluate the performance of this rainfall classification scheme, three experiments were conducted using three months of data and two study cases. In Experiment I, the Weather Surveillance Radar-1988 Doppler (WSR-88D) default Z-R relationship was applied. In Experiment II, the precipitation regime was separated into convective and stratiform rainfall using the FL algorithm, and corresponding Z-R relationships were used. In Experiment III, the precipitation regime was separated into convective, stratiform, and tropical rainfall, and the corresponding Z-R relationships were applied. The results show that the rainfall rates obtained from all three experiments match closely with the gauge observations, although Experiment II could solve the underestimation, when compared to Experiment I. Experiment III significantly reduced this underestimation and generated the most accurate radar estimates of rain rate among the three experiments.
Inflammation Related MicroRNAs Are Modulated in Total Plasma and in Extracellular Vesicles from Rats with Chronic Ingestion of Sucrose
Authors: Brianza-Padilla Malinalli , Carbó Roxana , Arana Julio C. , Vázquez-Palacios Gonzalo , Ballinas-Verdugo Martha A. , Cardoso-Saldaña Guillermo C. , Palacio Adán G. , Juárez-Vicuña Yaneli , Sánchez Fausto , Martínez-Martínez Eduardo , Huang Fengyang , Sánchez-Muñoz Fausto , Bojalil Rafael
Published: November 2016

Circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) and the functional implications of miRNAs contained in extracellular vesicles (EVs) have gained attention in the last decade. Little is known about the regulation of the abundance of plasma miRNAs in response to chronic ingestion of carbohydrates. Therefore, we explored the circulating levels of miR-21, miR-146a, miR-155, and miR-223 in rats consuming sucrose in drinking water. Weanling Wistar rats were 25 weeks with 30% sucrose in drinking water, and miRNAs expression was determined in total plasma and in microvesicles, by RT-qPCR with TaqMan probe based assays for miR-21, miR-146a, miR-155, and miR-223, using cel-miR-39 (as spike in control and reference). Endotoxemia was also measured. Sucrose-fed animals showed higher body weight and retroperitoneal adipose tissue as well as higher glucose and triglyceride plasma levels than controls. Plasma endotoxin levels were low and not different among groups. Plasma miR-21 and miR-223 were higher in the sucrose group (p<0.05), whereas miR-155 tended to be lower (p=0.0661), and miR-146a did not show significant differences. In the plasma EVs the same trend was found except for miR-146a that showed significantly higher levels (p<0.05). Overall, our results show that high carbohydrate ingestion modulates circulating miRNAs levels related to an inflammatory response.
A New Double Color Image Watermarking Algorithm Based on the SVD and Arnold Scrambling
Authors: Li Ying , Wei Musheng , Zhang Fengxia , Zhao Jianli
Published: November 2016

We propose a new image watermarking scheme based on the real SVD and Arnold scrambling to embed a color watermarking image into a color host image. Before embedding watermark, the color watermark image W with size of M×M is scrambled by Arnold transformation to obtain a meaningless image W~. Then, the color host image A with size of N×N is divided into nonoverlapping N/M×N/M pixel blocks. In each (i,j) pixel block Ai,j, we form a real matrix Ci,j with the red, green, and blue components of Ai,j and perform the SVD of Ci,j. We then replace the three smallest singular values of Ci,j by the red, green, and blue values of W~ij with scaling factor, to form a new watermarked host image A~ij. With the reserve procedure, we can extract the watermark from the watermarked host image. In the process of the algorithm, we only need to perform real number algebra operations, which have very low computational complexity and are more effective than the one using the quaternion SVD of color image.
Variable Splitting Based Method for Image Restoration with Impulse Plus Gaussian Noise
Authors: Wu Tingting
Published: November 2016

Image denoising is a fundamental problem in realm of image processing. A large amount of literature is dedicated to restoring an image corrupted by a certain type of noise. However, little literature is concentrated on the scenario of mixed noise removal. In this paper, based on the model of two-phase method for image denoising proposed by Cai et al. (2008) and the idea of variable splitting, we are capable of decomposing the image denoising problem into subproblems with closed form. Numerical results illustrate the validity and robustness of the proposed algorithms, especially for restoring the images contaminated by impulse plus Gaussian noise.
In Vitro Characterization of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells Isolated from Different Tissues with a Potential to Promote Complex Bone Regeneration
Authors: Szepesi Áron , Matula Zsolt , Szigeti Anna , Várady György , Szalma József , Szabó Gyula , Uher Ferenc , Sarkadi Balázs , Német Katalin
Published: November 2016

Bone tissue regeneration is a major, worldwide medical need, and several strategies have been developed to support the regeneration of extensive bone defects, including stem cell based bone grafts. In addition to the application of stem cells with high osteogenic potential, it is important to maintain proper blood flow in a bone graft to avoid inner graft necrosis. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) may form both osteocytes and endothelial cells; therefore we examined the combined in vitro osteogenic and endothelial differentiation capacities of MSCs derived from adipose tissue, Wharton’s jelly, and periodontal ligament. Based on a detailed characterization presented here, MSCs isolated from adipose tissue and periodontal ligament may be most appropriate for generating vascularized bone grafts.
Fever: Views in Anthroposophic Medicine and Their Scientific Validity
Authors: Martin David D.
Published: November 2016

Objective. To conduct a scoping review to characterize how fever is viewed in anthroposophic medicine (AM) and discuss the scientific validity of these views. Methods. Systematic searches were run in Medline, Embase, CAMbase, and Google Scholar. Material from anthroposophic medical textbooks and articles was also used. Data was extracted and interpreted. Results. Most of the anthroposophic literature on this subject is in the German language. Anthroposophic physicians hold a beneficial view on fever, rarely suppress fever with antipyretics, and often use complementary means of alleviating discomfort. In AM, fever is considered to have the following potential benefits: promoting more complete recovery; preventing infection recurrences and atopic diseases; providing a unique opportunity for caregivers to provide loving care; facilitating individual development and resilience; protecting against cancer and boosting the anticancer effects of mistletoe products. These views are discussed with regard to the available scientific data. Conclusion. AM postulates that fever can be of short‐term and long‐term benefit in several ways; many of these opinions have become evidence‐based (though still often not practiced) while others still need empirical studies to be validated, refuted, or modified.
Study on Hydraulic Performances of a 3-Bladed Inducer Based on Different Numerical and Experimental Methods
Authors: Fu Yanxia , Fang Yujiang , Yuan Jiangping , Yuan Shouqi , Pace Giovanni , Dagostino Luca
Published: November 2016

The hydraulic performances of a 3-bladed inducer, designed at Alta, Pisa, Italy, are investigated both experimentally and numerically. The 3D numerical model developed in ANSYS CFX to simulate the flow through the inducer and different lengths of its inlet/outlet ducts is illustrated. The influence of the inlet/outlet boundary conditions, of the turbulence models, and of the location of inlet/outlet different pressure taps on the evaluation of the hydraulic performance of the inducer is analyzed. As expected, the predicted hydraulic performance of the inducer is significantly affected by the lengths of the inlet/outlet duct portions included in the computations, as well as by the turbulent flow model and the locations of the inlet/outlet pressure taps. It is slightly affected by the computational boundary conditions and better agreement with the test data obtained when adopting the k-ω turbulence model. From the point of the pressure tap locations, the pressure rise coefficient is much higher when the inlet/outlet static pressure taps were chosen in the same locations used in the experiments.
A Sparsity-Constrained Preconditioned Kaczmarz Reconstruction Method for Fluorescence Molecular Tomography
Authors: Chen Duofan , Liang Jimin , Li Yao , Qiu Guanghui
Published: November 2016

Fluorescence molecular tomography (FMT) is an imaging technique that can localize and quantify fluorescent markers to resolve biological processes at molecular and cellular levels. Owing to a limited number of measurements and a large number of unknowns as well as the diffusive transport of photons in biological tissues, the inverse problem in FMT is usually highly ill-posed. In this work, a sparsity-constrained preconditioned Kaczmarz (SCP-Kaczmarz) method is proposed to reconstruct the fluorescent target for FMT. The SCP-Kaczmarz method uses the preconditioning strategy to minimize the correlation between the rows of the forward matrix and constrains the Kaczmarz iteration results to be sparse. Numerical simulation and phantom and in vivo experiments were performed to test the efficiency of the proposed method. The results demonstrate that both the convergence and accuracy of the proposed method are improved compared with the classical memory-efficient low-cost Kaczmarz method.
Random Subspace Aggregation for Cancer Prediction with Gene Expression Profiles
Authors: Yang Liying , Liu Zhimin , Yuan Xiguo , Wei Jianhua , Zhang Junying
Published: November 2016

Background. Precisely predicting cancer is crucial for cancer treatment. Gene expression profiles make it possible to analyze patterns between genes and cancers on the genome-wide scale. Gene expression data analysis, however, is confronted with enormous challenges for its characteristics, such as high dimensionality, small sample size, and low Signal-to-Noise Ratio.Results. This paper proposes a method, termed RS_SVM, to predict gene expression profiles via aggregating SVM trained on random subspaces. After choosing gene features through statistical analysis, RS_SVM randomly selects feature subsets to yield random subspaces and training SVM classifiers accordingly and then aggregates SVM classifiers to capture the advantage of ensemble learning. Experiments on eight real gene expression datasets are performed to validate the RS_SVM method. Experimental results show that RS_SVM achieved better classification accuracy and generalization performance in contrast with single SVM,K-nearest neighbor, decision tree, Bagging, AdaBoost, and the state-of-the-art methods. Experiments also explored the effect of subspace size on prediction performance.Conclusions. The proposed RS_SVM method yielded superior performance in analyzing gene expression profiles, which demonstrates that RS_SVM provides a good channel for such biological data.
Parametric Study of Tuned Mass Dampers for Long Span Transmission Tower-Line System under Wind Loads
Authors: Tian Li , Zeng Yujie
Published: November 2016

A parametric study of tuned mass dampers for a long span transmission tower-line system under wind loads is done in this paper. A three-dimensional finite element model of transmission tower-line system is established by SAP2000 software to numerically verify the effectiveness of the tuned mass damper device. The wind load time history is simulated based on Kaimal spectrum by the harmony superposition method. The equations of motion of a system with tuned mass damper under wind load excitation are proposed, and the schematic of tuned mass damper is introduced. The effects of mass ratio, frequency ratio, damping ratio, the change of the sag of transmission line, and the robustness of TMD are investigated, respectively. Results show that(1)the change of mass ratio has a greater effect on the vibration reduction ratio than those of frequency ratio and damping ratio, and the best vibration reduction ratio of TMD is not the frequency ratio of 1;(2)the sag-span ratio has an insignificant effect on the vibration reduction ratio of transmission tower when the change of sag-span ratio is not large; and(3)the effect of ice should be considered when the robustness study of TMD is carried out.
Frequency ofTNFA,INFG, andIL10Gene Polymorphisms and Their Association with MalariaVivaxand Genomic Ancestry
Authors: Furini Adriana Antônia da Cruz , Cassiano Gustavo Capatti , Petrolini Capobianco Marcela , dos Santos Sidney Emanuel Batista , Dantas Machado Ricardo Luiz
Published: November 2016

Polymorphisms in cytokine genes can alter the production of these proteins and consequently affect the immune response. The trihybrid heterogeneity of the Brazilian population is characterized as a condition for the use of ancestry informative markers. The objective of this study was to evaluate the frequency of -1031T>C,-308G>A and -238G>A TNFA,+874 A>T IFNGand -819C>T, and -592C>A IL10gene polymorphisms and their association with malariavivaxand genomic ancestry. Samples from 90vivaxmalaria-infected individuals and 51 noninfected individuals from northern Brazil were evaluated. Genotyping was carried out by using ASO-PCR or PCR/RFLP. The genomic ancestry of the individuals was classified using 48 insertion/deletion polymorphism biallelic markers. There were no differences in the proportions of African, European, and Native American ancestry between men and women. No significant association was observed for the allele and genotype frequencies of the 6 SNPs between malaria-infected and noninfected individuals. However, there was a trend toward decreasing the frequency of individuals carrying theTNF-308Aallele with the increasing proportion of European ancestry. No ethnic-specific SNPs were identified, and there was no allelic or genotype association with susceptibility or resistance tovivaxmalaria. Understanding the genomic mechanisms by which ancestry influences this association is critical and requires further study.
Gait Training in Chronic Stroke Using Walk-Even Feedback Device: A Pilot Study
Authors: Krishnan V. , Khoo I. , Marayong P. , DeMars K. , Cormack J.
Published: November 2016

Asymmetrical gait and a reduction in weight bearing on the affected side are a common finding in chronic stroke survivors. The purpose of this pilot study was to determine the effectiveness of a shoe insole device that we developed, called Walk-Even, in correcting asymmetric gait in chronic stroke survivors. Six individuals with chronic (>6 months) stroke underwent 8 weeks of intervention with 2 sessions/week, each consisting of 20 minutes of gait training and 20 minutes of lower-extremity strength training. The 2 control participants underwent conventional gait training, while 4 participants underwent gait training using the Walk-Even. Following intervention, all the participants improved on most of the gait measures: peak pressure of the foot, time of transfer of weight from heel-to-forefoot, center of pressure (COP) trajectory, COP velocity, asymmetry ratio of stance, mean-force-heel, mean-force-metatarsals, Timed “Up and Go,” and Activities-specific Balance Scale. The improvement was more pronounced in the 4 participants that underwent training with Walk-Even compared to the control participants. This pilot study suggests that a combination of strength and gait training with real-time feedback may reduce temporal asymmetry and enhance weight-bearing on the affected side in chronic stroke survivors. A large randomized controlled study is needed to confirm its efficacy.
Series Solution for the Time-Fractional Coupled mKdV Equation Using the Homotopy Analysis Method
Authors: Gómez-Aguilar J. F. , Yépez-Martínez H. , Escobar-Jiménez R. F. , Olivares-Peregrino V. H. , Reyes J. M. , Sosa I. O.
Published: November 2016

We present new analytical approximated solutions for the space-time fractional nonlinear partial differential coupled mKdV equation. A homotopy analysis method is considered to obtain an infinite series solution. The effectiveness of this method is demonstrated by finding exact solutions of the fractional equation proposed, for the special case when the limit of the integral order of the time derivative is considered. The comparison shows a precise agreement between these solutions.
Road Short-Term Travel Time Prediction Method Based on Flow Spatial Distribution and the Relations
Authors: Deng Mingjun , Qu Shiru
Published: November 2016

There are many short-term road travel time forecasting studies based on time series, but indeed, road travel time not only relies on the historical travel time series, but also depends on the road and its adjacent sections history flow. However, few studies have considered that. This paper is based on the correlation of flow spatial distribution and the road travel time series, applying nearest neighbor and nonparametric regression method to build a forecasting model. In aspect of spatial nearest neighbor search, three different space distances are defined. In addition, two forecasting functions are introduced: one combines the forecasting value by mean weight and the other uses the reciprocal of nearest neighbors distance as combined weight. Three different distances are applied in nearest neighbor search, which apply to the two forecasting functions. For travel time series, the nearest neighbor and nonparametric regression are applied too. Then minimizing forecast error variance is utilized as an objective to establish the combination model. The empirical results show that the combination model can improve the forecast performance obviously. Besides, the experimental results of the evaluation for the computational complexity show that the proposed method can satisfy the real-time requirement.
Assessment of Tear Film Quality among Smokers Using Tear Ferning Patterns
Authors: Masmali Ali M. , Al-Shehri Adil , Alanazi Saud A. , Abusharaha Ali , Fagehi Raied , El-Hiti Gamal A.
Published: November 2016

Purpose. To investigate the effect of cigarette smoking on the ocular tear film. Methods. Thirty healthy young male cigarette smokers (20–38 years old) and 30 healthy age matched nonsmokers were enrolled in the study. McMonnies questionnaire, slit lamp, and PRT test were used to screen the subjects. Tear samples were collected from the right eyes and tear ferning patterns were observed and graded. Results. The mean MacMonnies scores and TF grades were significantly higher in the smoker subjects (mean ± SD = 9.83±5.22 and 0.96±0.54, resp.) compared to nonsmokers (mean ± SD = 5.96±3.06 and 0.41±0.38, resp.). The mean values obtained from PRT and TBUT tests were 22.23±6.35 mm and 12.17±3.81 s for smokers and 22.16±5.63 mm and 14.13±2.62 s for nonsmokers, respectively. Strong correlations were found between MacMonnies scores and both PRT (r=0.596) and TF (r=0.516). There was statistically significant difference in TF grades (p=0.00), TBUT (p=0.036) and McMonnies (p=0.02) between smokers and nonsmokers. Conclusion. Cigarette smoking could have a significant effect on the tear film quality of the eye.
Development of an Efficient Steel Beam Section for Modular Construction Based on Six-Sigma
Authors: Ha Tae-Hyu , Cho Bong-Ho , Kim Hongjin , Kim Dae-Jin
Published: November 2016

This study presents a systematic approach for the development of an efficient steel beam section for modular construction based on Six-Sigma. Although the Six-Sigma is frequently implemented in manufacturing and other service industries, it is a relatively new concept in the area of building design and construction. As a first step in this approach, market studies and surveys are conducted to obtain the opinions of potential customers. Then the opinions of customers are converted into quality characteristics for the steel beam using the quality function deployment methodology. A steel hollow flanged channel is chosen as the main modular beam shape, and the design concept is derived and developed by applying the Pugh matrix methodology. A pilot test was performed to validate the effectiveness of the developed beam section. The results indicated that the developed channel beam section showed excellent performance and retained high accuracy in fabrication, thus resulting in a significant reduction of steel consumption.
Effects of Electroacupuncture on the Daily Rhythmicity of Intestinal Movement and Circadian Rhythmicity of Colonic Per2 Expression in Rats with Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Cheng Jie , Wang Xueqiang , Guo Jiabao , Yang Yujie , Zhang Wenyi , Xie Bin , Zhu Zhaojin , Lu Yuemei , Zhu Yi
Published: November 2016

Background. Spinal cord injury (SCI) leads to bowel dysfunction. Electroacupuncture (EA) may improve bowel function. Objective. To assess EA on daily rhythmicity of intestinal movement and circadian rhythmicity of colonic Per2 expression in rats with SCI. Methods. Rats were randomized to the sham, SCI, and SCI+EA groups. EA was performed at bilateral Zusanli point (ST36) during daytime (11:00–11:30) for 14 days following SCI. Intestinal transit and daily rhythmicity of intestinal movement were assessed. Circadian rhythmicity of colonic Per2 expression was assessed by real-time RT-PCR. Results. EA shortened the stool efflux time and increased the dry fecal weight within 24 h in SCI rats. Daily rhythmicity of intestinal movements was unaffected by SCI. The expression of colonic Per2 peaked at 20:00 and the nadir was observed at 8:00 in the SCI and sham groups. In the SCI+EA group, colonic Per2 expression peaked at 12:00 and 20:00, and the nadir was observed at 8:00. Conclusion. SCI did not change the circadian rhythmicity of colonic Per2 expression in rats, and daily intestinal movement rhythmicity was retained. EA changed the daily rhythmicity of intestinal movement and the circadian rhythmicity of colonic Per2 expression in rats with SCI, increasing Per2 expression shortly after EA treatment.