bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Constraints on gravitational properties of antimatter from cyclotron-frequency measurements
Authors: Holzscheiter Michael H.
Published: May 2014

A fundamental question in physics that has yet to be addressed experimentally is whether particles of antimatter, such as the antiproton or positron, obey the weak equivalence principle (WEP). Several theoretical arguments have been put forward arguing limits for possible violations of WEP. No direct `classical' gravitational experiment, the measurement of the free fall of an antiparticle, has been performed to date to determine if a particle of antimatter would experience a force in the gravitational potential of a normal matter body that is different from normal gravity. 30 years ago we proposed a free fall experiment using protons and antiprotons, modeled after the experiment to measure the gravitational acceleration of a free electron. At that time we gave consideration to yet another possible observation of gravitational differences between matter and antimatter based on the gravitational red shift of clocks. I will recall the original arguments and make a number of comments pertaining to the technical problems and other issues that prevented the execution of the antiproton free fall measurement. Note that a different gravitational force on antimatter in the gravitational field of matter would not constitute a violation of CPT, as this is only concerned with the gravitational acceleration of antimatter in the gravitational field of an antimatter body.
An experimental test of the weak equivalence principle for antihydrogen at the future FLAIR facility
Authors: Blaum Klaus , Raizen Mark G. , Quint Wolfgang
Published: May 2014

We present new experimental ideas to investigate the gravitational interaction of antihydrogen. The experiment can first be performed in an off-line mirror measurement on hydrogen atoms, as a testing ground for our methods, before the implementation with antihydrogen atoms. A beam of hydrogen atoms is formed by launching a cold beam of protons through a cloud of trapped electrons in a nested Penning trap arrangement. In the next step, the atoms are stopped in a series of pulsed electromagnetic coils — so-called atomic coilgun. The stopped atoms are confined in a magnetic quadrupole trap and cooled by single-photon laser cooling. We intend to employ the method of Raman interferometry to study the gravitational interaction of atomic hydrogen — and later on antihydrogen at the FLAIR facility — with high sensitivity.
Preparing single ultra-cold antihydrogen atoms for free-fall in GBAR
Authors: Hilico Laurent , Karr Jean-Philippe , Douillet Albane , Indelicato Paul , Wolf Sebastian , Kaler Ferdinand Schmidt
Published: May 2014

We discuss an experimental approach allowing to prepare antihydrogen atoms for the GBAR experiment. We study the feasibility of all necessary experimental steps: The capture of incoming [Formula: see text] ions at keV energies in a deep linear RF trap, sympathetic cooling by laser cooled Be + ions, transfer to a miniaturized trap and Raman sideband cooling of an ion pair to the motional ground state, and further reducing the momentum of the wavepacket by adiabatic opening of the trap. For each step, we point out the experimental challenges and discuss the efficiency and characteristic times, showing that capture and cooling are possible within a few seconds.
Impact of high precision gravimetry in the context of a future new SI
Authors: Baumann Henri , Eichenberger Ali L.
Published: May 2014

In the early eighties, the development of ballistic absolute gravimeters based on laser interferometer opened the doors to new research areas in various scientific domains such as geodesy, geophysics or metrology. After a brief overview of the most used technique for gravity measurements, the implication of gravity in the context of an improved SI, especially for a new definition of the mass unit kg, will be presented.
Lorentz violation and vacuum structure in string theories
Authors: Hashimoto Koji
Published: May 2014

We briefly describe what is expected in superstring theory for the Lorentz violation and related CPT violation, for non-experts. Superstring theory is an advanced theory for quantum gravity, but we are still not at a stage of evaluating possible Lorentz violations, although there are proposals for compactification mechanisms of space-time.
Differential activation of an identified motor neuron and neuromodulation provideAplysia'sretractor muscle an additional function
Authors: McManus Jeffrey M. , Lu Hui , Cullins Miranda J. , Chiel Hillel J.
Published: May 2014

To survive, animals must use the same peripheral structures to perform a variety of tasks. How does a nervous system employ one muscle to perform multiple functions? We addressed this question through work on the I3 jaw muscle of the marine mollusk Aplysia californica's feeding system. This muscle mediates retraction of Aplysia's food grasper in multiple feeding responses and is innervated by a pool of identified neurons that activate different muscle regions. One I3 motor neuron, B38, is active in the protraction phase, rather than the retraction phase, suggesting the muscle has an additional function. We used intracellular, extracellular, and muscle force recordings in several in vitro preparations as well as recordings of nerve and muscle activity from intact, behaving animals to characterize B38's activation of the muscle and its activity in different behavior types. We show that B38 specifically activates the anterior region of I3 and is specifically recruited during one behavior, swallowing. The function of this protraction-phase jaw muscle contraction is to hold food; thus the I3 muscle has an additional function beyond mediating retraction. We additionally show that B38's typical activity during in vivo swallowing is insufficient to generate force in an unmodulated muscle and that intrinsic and extrinsic modulation shift the force-frequency relationship to allow contraction. Using methods that traverse levels from individual neuron to muscle to intact animal, we show how regional muscle activation, differential motor neuron recruitment, and neuromodulation are key components in Aplysia's generation of multifunctionality.
Nonmigraine-associated TRESK K+ channel variant C110R does not increase the excitability of trigeminal ganglion neurons
Authors: Guo Zhaohua , Liu Ping , Ren Fei , Cao Yu-Qing
Published: May 2014

Recent genetic studies suggest that dysfunction of ion channels and transporters may contribute to migraine pathophysiology. A migraine-associated frameshift mutation in the TWIK-related spinal cord K+ (TRESK) channel results in nonfunctional channels. Moreover, mutant TRESK subunits exert a dominant-negative effect on whole cell TRESK currents and result in hyperexcitability of small-diameter trigeminal ganglion (TG) neurons, suggesting that mutant TRESK may increase the gain of the neuronal circuit underlying migraine headache. However, the nonmigraine-associated TRESK C110R variant exhibits the same effect on TRESK currents as the mutant subunits in Xenopus oocytes, suggesting that dysfunction of TRESK is not sufficient to cause migraine. Here, we confirmed that the C110R variant formed nonfunctional channels and exerted a dominant-negative effect on TRESK currents in HEK293T cells, similar to the migraine-associated mutant TRESK. To compare the functional consequences of TRESK mutations/variants in a more physiological setting, we expressed the mutant TRESK and the C110R variant in cultured mouse TG neurons and investigated their effects on background K+ currents and neuronal excitability. Both mutant TRESK and the C110R variant reduced the endogenous TRESK currents in TG neurons, but the effect of the C110R variant was significantly smaller. Importantly, only TG neurons expressing mutant TRESK subunits, but not those expressing the C110R variant, exhibited a significant increase in excitability. Thus only the migraine-associated TRESK mutation, but not the C110R variant, reduces the endogenous TRESK currents to a degree that affects TG excitability. Our results support a potential causal relationship between the frameshift TRESK mutation and migraine susceptibility.
Alteration of ROS Homeostasis and Decreased Lifespan inS. cerevisiaeElicited by Deletion of the Mitochondrial TranslocatorFLX1
Authors: Giancaspero Teresa Anna , Dipalo Emilia , Miccolis Angelica , Boles Eckhard , Caselle Michele , Barile Maria
Published: May 2014

This paper deals with the control exerted by the mitochondrial translocatorFLX1, which catalyzes the movement of the redox cofactor FAD across the mitochondrial membrane, on the efficiency of ATP production, ROS homeostasis, and lifespan ofS. cerevisiae. The deletion of theFLX1gene resulted in respiration-deficient and small-colony phenotype accompanied by a significant ATP shortage and ROS unbalance in glycerol-grown cells. Moreover, theflx1Δstrain showed H2O2hypersensitivity and decreased lifespan. The impaired biochemical phenotype found in theflx1Δstrain might be justified by an altered expression of the flavoprotein subunit of succinate dehydrogenase, a key enzyme in bioenergetics and cell regulation. A search for possiblecis-acting consensus motifs in the regulatory region upstream SDH1-ORF revealed a dozen of upstream motifs that might respond to induced metabolic changes by altering the expression of Flx1p. Among these motifs, two are present in the regulatory region of genes encoding proteins involved in flavin homeostasis. This is the first evidence that the mitochondrial flavin cofactor status is involved in controlling the lifespan of yeasts, maybe by changing the cellular succinate level. This is not the only case in which the homeostasis of redox cofactors underlies complex phenotypical behaviours, as lifespan in yeasts.
Adjuvant Ciprofloxacin for Persistent BK Polyomavirus Infection in Kidney Transplant Recipients
Authors: Arroyo David , Chandran Sindhu , Vagefi Parsia A. , Wojciechowski David
Published: May 2014

Background. BK virus (BKV) infection is a common complication following kidney transplantation. Immunosuppression reduction is the cornerstone of treatment while adjuvant drugs have been tried in small uncontrolled studies. We sought to examine our center’s experience with the use of ciprofloxacin in patients with persistent BKV infection.Methods. Retrospective evaluation of the effect of a 30-day ciprofloxacin course (250 mg twice daily) on BKV infection in kidney transplant recipients who had been diagnosed with BK viruria ≥106 copies/mL and viremia ≥500 copies/mL and in whom the infection did not resolve after immunosuppression reduction and/or treatment with other adjuvant agents. BKV in plasma and urine was evaluated after 3 months following treatment with ciprofloxacin.Results. Nine kidney transplant recipients received ciprofloxacin at a median of 130 days following the initial reduction in immunosuppression. Three patients showed complete viral clearance and another 3 had a ≥50% decrease in plasma viral load. No serious adverse events secondary to ciprofloxacin were reported and no grafts were lost due to BKV up to 1 year after treatment.Conclusion.Ciprofloxacin may be a useful therapy for persistent BKV infection despite conventional treatment. Randomized trials are required to evaluate the potential benefit of this adjuvant therapy.
The Lagrangian, Self-Adjointness, and Conserved Quantities for a Generalized Regularized Long-Wave Equation
Authors: Wei Long , Wang Yang
Published: May 2014

We consider the Lagrangian and the self-adjointness of a generalized regularized long-wave equation and its transformed equation. We show that the third-order equation has a nonlocal Lagrangian with an auxiliary function and is strictly self-adjoint; its transformed equation is nonlinearly self-adjoint and the minimal order of the differential substitution is equal to one. Then by Ibragimov’s theorem on conservation laws we obtain some conserved qualities of the generalized regularized long-wave equation.
Optimization of the Cathode Arc Plasma Deposition Processing Parameters of ZnO Film Using the Grey-Relational Taguchi Method
Authors: Hsu Shuo-Fu , Chou Jyh-Horng , Fang Chun-Hsiung , Weng Min-Hang
Published: May 2014

We deposited undoped ZnO films on the glass substrate at a low temperature (<70°C) using cathode arc plasma deposition (CAPD) and the grey-relational Taguchi method was used to determine the processing parameters of ZnO thin films. The Taguchi method with an L9 orthogonal array, signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio, and analysis of variance (ANOVA) is employed to investigate the performances in the deposition operations. The effect and optimization of deposition parameters, comprising the Ar : O2gas flow ratio of 1 : 6, 1 : 8, and 1 : 10, the arc current of 50 A, 60 A, and 70 A, and the deposition time of 5 min, 10 min, and 15 min, on the electrical resistivity and optical transmittance of the ZnO films are studied. The results indicate that, by using the grey-relational Taguchi method, the optical transmittance of ZnO thin films increases from 88.17% to 88.82% and the electrical resistivity decreases from5.12×10-3Ω-cm to4.38×10-3Ω-cm, respectively.
Formulation Development and Optimization of Fast Dissolving Tablets of Aceclofenac Using Natural Superdisintegrant
Authors: Kaur Lovleen , Bala Rajni , Kanojia Neha , Nagpal Manju , Dhingra Gitika Arora
Published: May 2014

The current research work involves preparation of fast dissolving tablets of Aceclofenac by direct compression method using different concentrations of Lepidium sativum mucilage as natural superdisintegrant. A two-factor three-level (32) factorial design is being used to optimize the formulation. Nine formulation batches (D1–D9) were prepared accordingly. Two factors as independent variables (X1-amount of β-cyclodextrin and X2-amount of Lepidium sativum mucilage) were taken with three levels (+1,0,-1). The levels of two factors were selected on the basis of preliminary experiments conducted and their effect on three dependent variables (disintegration time, wetting time, and in vitro drug release) was studied along with their % prediction error. All the active blends were evaluated for postcompression parameters (angle of repose, Carr’s index, Hausner ratio, etc.) and the tablets were evaluated for postcompression parameters (weight variation, hardness, and friability, wetting time, disintegration time, water absorption ratio, and in vitro drug release studies). The optimum batch was further used for SEM and stability studies. Formulation D5 was selected by the Design-Expert software which exhibited DT (15.5 sec), WT (18.94 sec), and in vitro drug release (100%) within 15 minutes.
Almost Automorphic Random Functions in Probability
Authors: Ding Hui-Sheng , Deng Chao , N’Guérékata Gaston M.
Published: May 2014

We introduce the notion of almost automorphic random functions in probability. Some basic and fundamental properties of such functions are established.
On Nonnegative Solutions of Fractionalq-Linear Time-Varying Dynamic Systems with Delayed Dynamics
Authors: De la Sen M.
Published: May 2014

This paper is devoted to the investigation of nonnegative solutions and the stability and asymptotic properties of the solutions of fractional differential dynamic linear time-varying systems involving delayed dynamics with delays. The dynamic systems are described based onq-calculus and Caputo fractional derivatives on any order.
Magnetic-Field-Orientation Dependent Magnetoelectric Effect in FeBSiC/PZT/FeBSiC Composites
Authors: Ye Jun-Xian , Hu Jia-Mian , Shi Zhan , Li Zheng , Shen Yang , Ma Jing , Nan C. W.
Published: May 2014

We investigate the magnetic-field-orientation dependent magnetoelectric (ME) effect in the FeBSiC/Pb(Zr,Ti)O3(PZT)/FeBSiC laminates. It is shown that, by only using the bias-magnetic-field dependent ME response measured with the magnetic-field parallel to the surface plane of PZT slab, the magnetic-field-orientation dependent ME coefficient upon magnetic-fields of various amplitudes can be obtained via computer simulations. The simulation results match well the experimental measurements, demonstrating the applicability of the ME laminates-based sensors in detecting magnetic-fields with uncertain amplitudes and/or orientations in environment.
Intrathecal Administration of High-Titer Cytomegalovirus Immunoglobulin for Cytomegalovirus Meningitis
Authors: Fujiwara Shin-ichiro , Muroi Kazuo , Tatara Raine , Ohmine Ken , Matsuyama Tomohiro , Mori Masaki , Nagai Tadashi , Ozawa Keiya
Published: May 2014

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) central nervous system disease after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is a rare but life-threatening complication. Here, we report a patient who developed CMV meningitis after HSCT and was treated with the combination therapy of intrathecal high-titer CMV immunoglobulin and antiviral drugs. A 38-year-old man with myelodysplastic syndrome received a cord blood transplant after graft failure. On day 147, he was diagnosed with CMV meningitis based on pleocytosis and CMV DNA in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Intravenous ganciclovir, foscarnet, and immunoglobulin were administered; however, CMV DNA in the CSF was continuously detected. The addition of intrathecal high-titer CMV immunoglobulin resulted in CMV DNA in the CSF becoming undetectable. On day 241, CMV DNA in the CSF was detected again, but both intrathecal immunoglobulin and intravenous ganciclovir led to its disappearance. No adverse effects related to intrathecal administration were observed. The intrathecal administration of immunoglobulin may be safe and effective for CMV meningitis.
Discussion on “Multidimensional Coincidence Points” via Recent Publications
Authors: Al-Mezel Saleh A. , Alsulami Hamed H. , Karapınar Erdal , López-de-Hierro Antonio-Francisco Roldán
Published: May 2014

We show that some definitions of multidimensional coincidence points are not compatible with the mixed monotone property. Thus, some theorems reported in the recent publications (Dalal et al., 2014 and Imdad et al., 2013) have gaps. We clarify these gaps and we present a new theorem to correct the mentioned results. Furthermore, we show how multidimensional results can be seen as simple consequences of our unidimensional coincidence point theorem.
Micromagnetic Simulation of Domain Walls in Exchange Spring Trilayers
Authors: Wang Zijun , Ma Xingqiao , Huang Houbing , Xiao Hongwen , Li Tianfu
Published: May 2014

Chiral domain wall structures in ferromagnetic exchange spring soft/hard/soft and hard/soft/hard trilayers were investigated with micromagnetic simulation, which enables us to fully characterize the nucleation and growth of buried domain walls in layered ferromagnetic thin films. Simulated results show that the trilayers are both exchange coupled and presenting chiral spin structures. Detailed features of field-dependent domain walls evolution in the spring magnets are also revealed. In process of remagnetization, the spin structure of soft/hard/soft is energetically more stable than that of hard/soft/hard.
Pricing American Options Using a Nonparametric Entropy Approach
Authors: Yu Xisheng , Yang Li
Published: May 2014

This paper studies the pricing problem of American options using a nonparametric entropy approach. First, we derive a general expression for recovering the risk-neutral moments of underlying asset return and then incorporate them into the maximum entropy framework as constraints. Second, by solving this constrained entropy problem, we obtain a discrete risk-neutral (martingale) distribution as the unique pricing measure. Third, the optimal exercise strategies are achieved via the least-squares Monte Carlo algorithm and consequently the pricing algorithm of American options is obtained. Finally, we conduct the comparative analysis based on simulations and IBM option contracts. The results demonstrate that this nonparametric entropy approach yields reasonably accurate prices for American options and produces smaller pricing errors compared to other competing methods.
Aberrant MicroRNAs in Pancreatic Cancer: Researches and Clinical Implications
Authors: Sun Tao , Kong Xiangyu , Du Yiqi , Li Zhaoshen
Published: May 2014

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is an aggressive malignancy with a high rate of mortality and poor prognosis. Numerous studies have proved that microRNA (miRNA) may play a vital role in a wide range of malignancies, including PDAC, and dysregulated miRNAs, including circulating miRNAs, are associated with PDAC proliferation, invasion, chemosensitivity, and radiosensitivity, as well as prognosis. Greater understanding of the roles of miRNAs in PDAC could provide insights into this disease and identify potential diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets. The current review focuses on recent advances with respect to the roles of miRNAs in PDAC and their practical value.
An Improved Multicell MMSE Channel Estimation in a Massive MIMO System
Authors: Li Ke , Song Xiaoqin , Ahmad M. Omair , Swamy M. N. S.
Published: May 2014

Massive MIMO is a promising technology to improve both the spectrum efficiency and the energy efficiency. The key problem that impacts the throughput of a massive MIMO system is the pilot contamination due to the nonorthogonality of the pilot sequences in different cells. Conventional channel estimation schemes cannot mitigate this problem effectively, and the computational complexity is increasingly becoming larger in views of the large number of antennas employed in a massive MIMO system. Furthermore, the channel estimation is always carried out with some ideal assumptions such as the complete knowledge of large-scale fading. In this paper, a new channel estimation scheme is proposed by utilizing interference cancellation and joint processing. Highly interfering users in neighboring cells are identified based on the estimation of large-scale fading and then included in the joint channel processing; this achieves a compromise between the effectiveness and efficiency of the channel estimation at a reasonable computational cost, and leads to an improvement in the overall system performance. Simulation results are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed scheme.
Grid-PPPS: A Skyline Method for Efficiently Handling Top-kQueries in Internet of Things
Authors: Ihm Sun-Young , Nasridinov Aziz , Park Young-Ho
Published: May 2014

A rapid development in wireless communication and radio frequency technology has enabled the Internet of Things (IoT) to enter every aspect of our life. However, as more and more sensors get connected to the Internet, they generate huge amounts of data. Thus, widespread deployment of IoT requires development of solutions for analyzing the potentially huge amounts of data they generate. A top-kquery processing can be applied to facilitate this task. The top-kqueries retrievektuples with the lowest or the highest scores among all of the tuples in the database. There are many methods to answer top-kqueries, where skyline methods are efficient when considering all attribute values of tuples. The representative skyline methods are soft-filter-skyline (SFS) algorithm, angle-based space partitioning (ABSP), and plane-project-parallel-skyline (PPPS). Among them, PPPS improves ABSP by partitioning data space into a number of spaces using hyperplane projection. However, PPPS has a high index building time in high-dimensional databases. In this paper, we propose a new skyline method (called Grid-PPPS) for efficiently handling top-kqueries in IoT applications. The proposed method first performs grid-based partitioning on data space and then partitions it once again using hyperplane projection. Experimental results show that our method improves the index building time compared to the existing state-of-the-art methods.
In Silico Investigation of Cytochrome P450 2C9 in relation to Aging Using Traditional Chinese Medicine
Authors: Hung Tzu-Chieh , Kuo Chia-Chen , Chen Calvin Yu-Chian
Published: May 2014

Cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) metabolizes dehydroepiandrosterone‐sulfate (DHEA‐S), but in elderly people the amount of DHEA‐S remaining after CYP2C9 metabolization may be insufficient for optimal health. A prediction model, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics were used to screen the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) database to determine molecular compounds that may inhibit CYP2C9. The candidate compounds apocynoside(I), 4‐methoxymagndialdehyde, and prunasin have higher Dock Scores, and prediction bioactivity than warfarin (the control drug). The interaction between 4‐methoxymagndialdehyde and CYP2C9 is more intense than with other TCM compounds, but the simulation is longer. In these compounds, apocynoside(I) and prunasin have a greater number of pathways for their flexible structure, but these structures create weak interactions. These candidate compounds, which are known to have antioxidation and hypolipidemic functions that have an indirect effect on the aging process, can be extracted from traditional Chinese medicines. Thus, these candidate compounds may become CYP2C9 inhibitors and play an important role in providing optimal health in the elderly.
Meteorological and Back Trajectory Modeling for the Rocky Mountain Atmospheric Nitrogen and Sulfur Study II
Authors: Gebhart Kristi A. , Malm William C. , Rodriguez Marco A. , Barna Michael G. , Schichtel Bret A. , Benedict Katherine B. , Collett Jeffrey L. , Carrico Christian M.
Published: May 2014

The Rocky Mountain Atmospheric Nitrogen and Sulfur (RoMANS II) study with field operations during November 2008 through November 2009 was designed to evaluate the composition and sources of reactive nitrogen in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado, USA. As part of RoMANS II, a mesoscale meteorological model was utilized to provide input for back trajectory and chemical transport models. Evaluation of the model's ability to capture important transport patterns in this region of complex terrain is discussed. Previous source-receptor studies of nitrogen in this region are also reviewed. Finally, results of several back trajectory analyses for RoMANS II are presented. The trajectory mass balance (TrMB) model, a receptor-based linear regression technique, was used to estimate mean source attributions of airborne ammonia concentrations during RoMANS II. Though ammonia concentrations are usually higher when there is transport from the east, the TrMB model estimates that, on average, areas to the west contribute a larger mean fraction of the ammonia. Possible reasons for this are discussed and include the greater frequency of westerly versus easterly winds, the possibility that ammonia is transported long distances as ammonium nitrate, and the difficulty of correctly modeling the transport winds in this area.
Isomorphic Operators and Functional Equations for the Skew-Circulant Algebra
Authors: Jiang Zhaolin , Xu Tingting , Lu Fuliang
Published: May 2014

The skew-circulant matrix has been used in solving ordinary differential equations. We prove that the set of skew-circulants with complex entries has an idempotent basis. On that basis, a skew-cyclic group of automorphisms and functional equations on the skew-circulant algebra is introduced. And different operators on linear vector space that are isomorphic to the algebra ofn×ncomplex skew-circulant matrices are displayed in this paper.
Subalgebras of BCK/BCI-Algebras Based on Cubic Soft Sets
Authors: Muhiuddin G. , Feng Feng , Jun Young Bae
Published: May 2014

Operations of cubic soft sets including “AND” operation and “OR” operation based onP-orders andR-orders are introduced and some related properties are investigated. An example is presented to show that theR-union of two internal cubic soft sets might not be internal. A sufficient condition is provided, which ensure that theR-union of two internal cubic soft sets is also internal. Moreover, some properties of cubic soft subalgebras of BCK/BCI-algebras based on a given parameter are discussed.
The Putative HORMA Domain Protein Atg101 Dimerizes and Is Required for Starvation-Induced and Selective Autophagy inDrosophila
Authors: Hegedűs Krisztina , Nagy Péter , Gáspári Zoltán , Juhász Gábor
Published: May 2014

The large-scale turnover of intracellular material including organelles is achieved by autophagy-mediated degradation in lysosomes. Initiation of autophagy is controlled by a protein kinase complex consisting of an Atg1-family kinase, Atg13, FIP200/Atg17, and the metazoan-specific subunit Atg101. Here we show that loss of Atg101 impairs both starvation-induced and basal autophagy inDrosophila. This leads to accumulation of protein aggregates containing the selective autophagy cargo ref(2)P/p62. Mapping experiments suggest that Atg101 binds to the N-terminal HORMA domain of Atg13 and may also interact with two unstructured regions of Atg1. Another HORMA domain-containing protein, Mad2, forms a conformational homodimer. We show thatDrosophilaAtg101 also dimerizes, and it is predicted to fold into a HORMA domain. Atg101 interacts with ref(2)P as well, similar to Atg13, Atg8a, Atg16, Atg18, Keap1, and RagC, a known regulator of Tor kinase which coordinates cell growth and autophagy. These results raise the possibility that the interactions and dimerization of the putative HORMA domain protein Atg101 play critical roles in starvation-induced autophagy and proteostasis, by promoting the formation of protein aggregate-containing autophagosomes.
On Solution of Integrodifferential Equation with Delay Parameter by Sinc Basis Functions
Authors: Najafi Khalilsaraye I. , Maleknejad K.
Published: May 2014

We want to find a numerical solution for an integrodifferential equation with an integral boundary condition and delay parameter. This type of problems arises in mathematical physics, mechanics, population growth, and other fields of physics and mathematical chemistry. So, convergence of this approach is discussed by presenting a theorem which gives exponential type convergence rate and guarantees the accuracy of that. Finally, by some numerical examples, we show the efficiency and accuracy of this numerical method.
HLA Associations and Clinical Implications in T-Cell Mediated Drug Hypersensitivity Reactions: An Updated Review
Authors: Cheng Chi-Yuan , Su Shih-Chi , Chen Chi-Hua , Chen Wei-Li , Deng Shin-Tarng , Chung Wen-Hung
Published: May 2014

T-cell mediated drug hypersensitivity reactions may range from mild rash to severe fatal reactions. Among them, drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) or drug-induced hypersensitivity syndrome (DIHS), Stevens-Johnson syndrome/ toxic epidermal necrolysis (SJS/TEN), are some of the most life-threatening severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCARs). Recent advances in pharmacogenetic studies show strong genetic associations between human leukocyte antigen (HLA) alleles and susceptibility to drug hypersensitivity. This review summarizes the literature on recent progresses in pharmacogenetic studies and clinical application of pharmacogenetic screening based on associations between SCARs and specific HLA alleles to avoid serious conditions associated with drug hypersensitivity.
Early Childhood Nutritional Status in CARICOM Countries: An Overview with respect to Five Nutrition Related Millennium Development Goals
Authors: Gaskin Pamela S. , Nielsen Anders L. , Willie Douladel , Durant Tara C.
Published: May 2014

Previous reviews of nutritional status in children under 5 years describe the Caribbean grouped with Latin America. This paper focuses specifically on the Caribbean and the goals and targets of the Millennium Declaration that have bearing on childhood development. The results indicate that CARICOM countries have made progress in terms of child health as assessed by gross health indicators. Yet, the millennium generation experiences coexistence of undernutrition and overweight in early childhood. The associations of GNI with markers such as poverty indices are somewhat inconsistent with traditional findings and highlight a need to reassess the causes of infant mortality and low birth weight. However, a lack of systematic local data has hampered progress on an individual country basis. Interventions that deal more pointedly with country specific needs are required including those targeting obesity if the MDGs are to be attained by all member states.
Relative Status Determination for Spacecraft Relative Motion Based on Dual Quaternion
Authors: Sun Jun , Zhang Shijie , Wu Xiande , Guo Fengzhi , Xie Yaen
Published: May 2014

For the two‐satellite formation, the relative motion and attitude determination algorithm is a key component that affects the flight quality and mission efficiency. The relative status determination algorithm is proposed based on the Extended Kalman Filter (EKF) and the system state optimal estimate linearization. Aiming at the relative motion of the spacecraft formation navigation problem, the spacecraft relative kinematics and dynamics model are derived from the dual quaternion in the algorithm. Then taking advantage of EKF technique, combining with the dual quaternion integrated dynamic models, considering the navigation algorithm using the fusion measurement by the gyroscope and star sensors, the relative status determination algorithm is designed. At last the simulation is done to verify the feasibility of the algorithm. The simulation results show that the EKF algorithm has faster convergence speed and higher accuracy.
SIRS Model of Passengers’ Panic Propagation under Self‐Organization Circumstance in the Subway Emergency
Authors: Zhao Haifeng , Jiang Jie , Xu Rongyu , Ye Yang
Published: May 2014

Subway emergency may lead to passengers’ panic, especially under self‐organizing circumstance, which will spread rapidly and have an adverse impact on the society. This paper builds an improved SIRS model of passengers’ panic spread in subway emergency with consideration of passengers’ density, the characteristic of subway car with the confined space, and passengers’ psychological factors. The spread of passengers’ panic is simulated by use of Matlab, which draws the rules of how group panic spreads dynamically. The trend of stable point of the infection ratio is analyzed by changing different parameters, which help to draw a conclusion that immunization rate, spontaneous immune loss rate, and passenger number have a great influence on the final infected ratio. Finally, we propose an integrated control strategy and find the peak of passengers’ panic and the final infected ratio is greatly improved through the numerical simulation. The research plays a vital role in helping the government and subway administration to master the panic spread mechanism and reduce the panic spread by improving measures and also provides certain reference significance for rail system construction, emergency contingency plans, and the construction and implementation of emergency response system.
Tailoring Carbon Nanostructure for High Frequency Supercapacitor Operation
Authors: Hiralal Pritesh , Rius Gemma , Andrew Piers , Yoshimura Masamichi , Amaratunga Gehan A. J.
Published: May 2014

The possibility of enhancing the frequency performance of electrochemical capacitors by tailoring the nanostructure of the carbon electrode to increase electrolyte permeability is demonstrated. Highly porous, vertically oriented carbon electrodes which are in direct electrical contact with the metallic current collector are produced via MPECVD growth on metal foils. The resulting structure has a capacitance and frequency performance between that of an electrolytic capacitor and an electrochemical capacitor. Fully packaged devices are produced on Ni and Cu current collectors and performance compared to state‐of‐the‐art electrochemical capacitors and electrolytic capacitors. The extension of capacitive behavior to the AC regime (~100 Hz) opens up an avenue for a number of new applications where physical volume of the capacitor may be significantly reduced.
Powers of Convex-Cyclic Operators
Authors: León-Saavedra Fernando , Romero-de la Rosa María del Pilar
Published: May 2014

A bounded operatorTon a Banach spaceXis convex cyclic if there exists a vectorxsuch that the convex hull generated by the orbitTnxn≥0is dense inX. In this note we study some questions concerned with convex-cyclic operators. We provide an example of a convex-cyclic operatorTsuch that the powerTnfails to be convex cyclic. Using this result we solve three questions posed by Rezaei (2013).
Figure of Image Quality and Information Capacity in Digital Mammography
Authors: Michail Christos M. , Kalyvas Nektarios E. , Valais Ioannis G. , Fudos Ioannis P. , Fountos George P. , Dimitropoulos Nikos , Koulouras Grigorios , Kandris Dionisis , Samarakou Maria , Kandarakis Ioannis S.
Published: May 2014

Objectives. In this work, a simple technique to assess the image quality characteristics of the postprocessed image is developed and an easy to use figure of image quality (FIQ) is introduced. This FIQ characterizes images in terms of resolution and noise. In addition information capacity, defined within the context of Shannon’s information theory, was used as an overall image quality index.Materials and Methods. A digital mammographic image was postprocessed with three digital filters. Resolution and noise were calculated via the Modulation Transfer Function (MTF), the coefficient of variation, and the figure of image quality. In addition, frequency dependent parameters such as the noise power spectrum (NPS) and noise equivalent quanta (NEQ) were estimated and used to assess information capacity.Results. FIQs for the “raw image” data and the image processed with the “sharpen edges” filter were found 907.3 and 1906.1, correspondingly. The information capacity values were60.86×103and78.96×103 bits/mm2.Conclusion. It was found that, after the application of the postprocessing techniques (even commercial nondedicated software) on the raw digital mammograms, MTF, NPS, and NEQ are improved for medium to high spatial frequencies leading to resolving smaller structures in the final image.
Multistep Hybrid Iterations for Systems of Generalized Equilibria with Constraints of Several Problems
Authors: Ceng Lu-Chuan , Liao Cheng-Wen , Pang Chin-Tzong , Wen Ching-Feng
Published: May 2014

We first introduce and analyze one multistep iterative algorithm by hybrid shrinking projection method for finding a solution of the system of generalized equilibria with constraints of several problems: the generalized mixed equilibrium problem, finitely many variational inclusions, the minimization problem for a convex and continuously Fréchet differentiable functional, and the fixed-point problem of an asymptotically strict pseudocontractive mapping in the intermediate sense in a real Hilbert space. We prove strong convergence theorem for the iterative algorithm under suitable conditions. On the other hand, we also propose another multistep iterative algorithm involving no shrinking projection method and derive its weak convergence under mild assumptions.
The Effects of Massage Therapy on Multiple Sclerosis Patients’ Quality of Life and Leg Function
Authors: Schroeder Brittany , Doig Jennifer , Premkumar Kalyani
Published: May 2014

Background. Massage therapy is a noninvasive treatment that many individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) use to supplement their conventional treatment. Objective. We hypothesize that massage therapy will improve the leg function and overall quality of life (QoL) of MS patients. Design. A two‐period (rest, massage) crossover design was used. Twenty‐four individuals with MS ranging from 3.0 to 7.0 on the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) received Swedish massage treatments for four weeks. Exercise capacity and leg function as well as QoL were assessed using the Six‐Minute Walk Test (6MWT) and the Hamburg Quality of Life in Multiple Sclerosis (HAQUAMS) instrument, respectively. Assessments were measured before and after a massage period and a rest period where no massages were employed. Results. The results displayed no significant changes in 6MWT distances or HAQUAMS scores. However, the participants perceived improvement in overall health as expressed in written comments. Conclusions. Massage is a safe, noninvasive treatment that may assist MS patients in managing the stress of their symptoms. Future studies with larger sample size and cortisol measures are warranted.
Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa Inhibitors Use and Outcome after Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for Non-ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Howard J. P. , Jones D. A. , Gallagher S. , Rathod K. , Antoniou S. , Wright P. , Knight C. , Mathur A. , Weerackody R. , Wragg A.
Published: May 2014

Aims. We investigate the effect of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa (GP IIb/IIIa) inhibitors on long-term outcomes following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) after non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). Meta-analyses indicate that these agents are associated with improved short-term outcomes. However, many trials were undertaken before the routine use of P2Y12inhibitors. Recent studies yield conflicting results and registry data have suggested that GP IIb/IIIa inhibitors may cause more bleeding than what trials indicate.Methods and Results. This retrospective observational study involves 3047 patients receiving dual-antiplatelet therapy who underwent PCI for NSTEMI. Primary outcome was all-cause mortality. Major adverse cardiac events (MACE) were a secondary outcome. Mean follow-up was 4.6 years. Patients treated with GP IIb/IIIa inhibitors were younger with fewer comorbidities. Although the unadjusted Kaplan-Meier analysis suggested that GP IIb/IIIa inhibitor use was associated with improved outcomes, multivariate analysis (including propensity scoring) showed no benefit for either survival (P=0.136) or MACE (P=0.614). GP IIb/IIIa inhibitor use was associated with an increased risk of major bleeding (P=0.021).Conclusion. Although GP IIb/IIIa inhibitor use appeared to improve outcomes after PCI for NSTEMI, patients who received GP IIb/IIIa inhibitors tended to be at lower risk. After multivariate adjustment we observed no improvement in MACE or survival and an increased risk of major bleeding.
Two-Level Brezzi-Pitkäranta Stabilized Finite Element Methods for the Incompressible Flows
Authors: An Rong , Wang Xian
Published: May 2014

We present a new stabilized finite element method for incompressible flows based on Brezzi-Pitkäranta stabilized method. The stability and error estimates of finite element solutions are derived for classical one-level method. Combining the techniques of two-level discretizations, we propose two-level Stokes/Oseen/Newton iteration methods corresponding to three different linearization methods and show the stability and error estimates of these three methods. We also propose a new Newton correction scheme based on the above two-level iteration methods. Finally, some numerical experiments are given to support the theoretical results and to check the efficiency of these two-level iteration methods.
The Behavior of Midsets When Repeatedly Taking the Midset of Two Lines inℓ1Geometry
Authors: Fitzhugh Joshua M. , Farnsworth David L.
Published: May 2014

We study the outcome of taking midsets of two lines inℓ1geometry. We establish the algorithm for repeatedly finding these midsets and characterize the limiting midsets. We discuss the issue of angle measurement in Minkowski geometries, especially with respect to the limiting midsets.
Chromatographic Fingerprint Analysis and Effects of the Medicinal Plant SpeciesMitracarpus frigiduson AdultSchistosoma mansoniWorms
Authors: Fabri Rodrigo Luiz , Aragão Danielle Maria de Oliveira , Florêncio Jônatas Rodrigues , Pinto Nícolas de Castro Campos , Mattos Ana Carolina Alves , Coelho Paulo Marcos Zech , Castañon Maria Christina Marques Nogueira , Vasconcelos Eveline Gomes , Pinto Priscila de Faria , Scio Elita
Published: May 2014

The aims of this work were to evaluate thein vitroandin vivoschistosomicidal properties of the methanolic extract of the aerial parts ofMitracarpus frigidus(MFM) and to determine its HPLC profile. For thein vitroexperiment, four pairs of adult worms, obtained from infected mice, were exposed to different concentrations of MFM (100 to 400 μg/mL) for 24 and 48 h and analyzed under an inverted microscope. For thein vivoexperiment, mice were inoculated with cercariae and, 20 days after infection, MFM (100 and 300 mg/kg) was administered orally for the following 25 days. Mice were euthanized after 60 days. MFM showedin vitroschistosomicidal activity, exhibiting the opening of the gynaecophoral canal of some male schistosomes, the presence of contorted muscles, vesicles, and the darkening of the paired worms skin.In vivoexperiments showed that MFM treatments significantly reduced total worm count, as praziquantel, showing a decrease in liver and spleen weight. Also, a significant reduction in granuloma density was observed. MFM treatment did not cause alterations in the liver function of either infected or noninfected mice. The HPLC chromatogram profile showed the presence of kaempferol-O-rutinoside, rutin, kaempferol, psychorubrin, and ursolic acid.
On the Strong Convergence and Complete Convergence for Pairwise NQD Random Variables
Authors: Shen Aiting , Zhang Ying , Volodin Andrei
Published: May 2014

Letan,n≥1be a sequence of positive constants withan/n↑and letX,Xn,n≥1be a sequence of pairwise negatively quadrant dependent random variables. The complete convergence for pairwise negatively quadrant dependent random variables is studied under mild condition. In addition, the strong laws of large numbers for identically distributed pairwise negatively quadrant dependent random variables are established, which are equivalent to the mild condition∑n=1∞PX>an<∞. Our results obtained in the paper generalize the corresponding ones for pairwise independent and identically distributed random variables.
Estimating Energy Savings in Smart Street Lighting by Using an Adaptive Control System
Authors: Escolar Soledad , Carretero Jesús , Marinescu Maria-Cristina , Chessa Stefano
Published: May 2014

The driving force behind the smart city initiative is to offer better, more specialized services which can improve the quality of life of the citizens while promoting sustainability. To achieve both of these apparently competing goals, services must be increasingly autonomous and continuously adaptive to changes in their environment and the information coming from other services. In this paper we focus on smart lighting, a relevant application domain for which we propose an intelligent street light control system based on adaptive behavior rules. We evaluate our approach by using a simulator which combines wireless sensor networks and belief-desire-intention (BDI) agents to enable a precise simulation of both the city infrastructure and the adaptive behavior that it implements. The results reveal energy savings of close to 35% when the lighting system implements an adaptive behavior as opposed to a rigid, predefined behavior.
Positivity and Monotonicity Preserving Biquartic Rational Interpolation Spline Surface
Authors: Liu Xinru , Zhu Yuanpeng , Liu Shengjun
Published: May 2014

A biquartic rational interpolation spline surface over rectangular domain is constructed in this paper, which includes the classical bicubic Coons surface as a special case. Sufficient conditions for generating shape preserving interpolation splines for positive or monotonic surface data are deduced. The given numeric experiments show our method can deal with surface construction from positive or monotonic data effectively.