bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mutations in Transcriptional Regulators Allow Selective Engineering of Signal Integration Logic
Authors: Semsey Szabolcs
Published: June 2014

Bacterial cells monitor their environment by sensing a set of signals. Typically, these environmental signals affect promoter activities by altering the activity of transcription regulatory proteins. Promoters are often regulated by more than one regulatory protein, and in these cases the relevant signals are integrated by certain logic. In this work, we study how single amino acid substitutions in a regulatory protein (GalR) affect transcriptional regulation and signal integration logic at a set of engineered promoters. Our results suggest that point mutations in regulatory genes allow independent evolution of regulatory logic at different promoters.

IMPORTANCE
Gene regulatory networks are built from simple building blocks, such as promoters, transcription regulatory proteins, and their binding sites on DNA. Many promoters are regulated by more than one regulatory input. In these cases, the inputs are integrated and allow transcription only in certain combinations of input signals. Gene regulatory networks can be easily rewired, because the function of
cis
-regulatory elements and promoters can be altered by point mutations. In this work, we tested how point mutations in transcription regulatory proteins can affect signal integration logic. We found that such mutations allow context-dependent engineering of signal integration logic at promoters, further contributing to the plasticity of gene regulatory networks.
Pilomatrixoma-like testicular tumour without teratomatous elements
Authors: Süren Dinç , Yıldırım Mustafa , Erol Bekir , Tutuş Birsel
Published: June 2014

A 40-year-old man presented to us with infertility. During scrotal ultrasonography, a heterogeneous nodular mass was seen in the right testicle. Surprisingly, histopathological examination revealed shadow cells, which are the characteristic feature of pilomatrixomas.
Schnitzler's syndrome: a diagnostic conundrum
Authors: Fairris Catherine , Darvay Amrit
Published: June 2014

A 63-year-old man was referred to the rheumatology unit with myalgia, arthralgia and a widespread rash. He was investigated for rheumatological disease; however, this did not yield any specific findings. His symptoms were attributed to statin use and newly started antihypertensives which were promptly discontinued. There was some subsequent improvement in his symptoms so he was discharged. He re-presented 3 years later with pelvic bone pain which had responded to a course of oral steroids started by the general practitioner, who was treating a presumed diagnosis of polymyalgia rheumatica. However, MRI of the pelvis showed bone marrow oedema and the diagnosis was changed to mastocytosis. He did not tolerate or respond to initial treatment. It was not until a second opinion was sought from the dermatologists that the diagnosis of Schnitzler's syndrome was made and treatment with anakinra (an interleukin-1 receptor antagonist) was started with almost complete resolution of his symptoms.
Ischiofemoral impingement resulting from a chronic avulsion injury of the hamstrings
Authors: Hayat Zara , Konan Sujith , Pollock Rob
Published: June 2014

Significantly reduced distance between the ischium and the femur can result in symptomatic hip pain as a result of impingement. We present the case of a 16-year-old boy who presented with groin pain which had been affecting him for a year and a half following an innocuous football injury. Plain radiograph revealed a chronic apophyseal avulsion fracture of the ischium with excessive callus formation. CT scan and MRI revealed that the bony protuberance was responsible for symptomatic ischiofemoral impingement. In this case, he was successfully treated with non-operative management involving slow re-introduction to exercise. An unusual example of acquired ischiofemoral impingement, unrelated to surgery or significant trauma, this case highlights the need to consider such a diagnosis in otherwise unexplained groin pain.
An extended chronic lymphocytic inflammation with pontine perivascular enhancement responsive to steroids phenotype
Authors: Lane Chris , Phadke Rahul , Howard Robin
Published: June 2014

Chronic lymphocytic inflammation with pontine perivascular enhancement responsive to steroids (CLIPPERS) is a recently described central nervous system inflammatory condition. In this case report we describe a patient initially with features consistent with this syndrome, who represented with seizures (not previously reported in this syndrome) and corresponding prominent cortical involvement on imaging (also not previously noted). Owing to diagnostic uncertainty, cerebral biopsy was performed revealing histology consistent with CLIPPERS, excluding other differentials. Following a further brainstem relapse, this patient was treated with high-dose steroids, subsequently switched to a tapering oral regime and now, azathioprine, a steroid-sparing agent. She remains well on this.
Stroke as the presenting feature of new onset diabetes in a young man
Authors: Jones Ruth , McMurray Emily , Robinson Oliver
Published: June 2014

A 34-year-old man presented to a hospital with a 7-day history of nausea, vertigo, ataxia and frontal headache. Examination revealed ipsilateral cerebellar signs. CT of the brain demonstrated left cerebellar hypodensity suggestive of ischaemic stroke or space occupying lesion. Full blood count showed a markedly raised haemoglobin (219 g/L) and haematocrit (0.56). Admission urinalysis was performed but the results not reviewed. Owing to patient deterioration, an arterial blood gas was performed. This showed profound metabolic acidosis. Repeat urinalysis was positive for glucose and ketones. MRI of the brain confirmed ischaemic stroke. The underlying cause of this was hyperviscosity secondary to relative polycythaemia, resulting from undiagnosed diabetic ketoacidosis as a first presentation of diabetes. This case report highlights ischaemic stroke as an unusual presenting feature of diabetic ketoacidosis. Notably, the underlying diagnosis of diabetic ketoacidosis was initially missed, thereby emphasising the importance of performing an admission urinalysis and acting on the results.
Vincristine-induced polyneuropathy in a child with stage I Wilms’ tumour presenting with unilateral abducens nerve palsy
Authors: Panjawatanan Panadeekarn , Charoenkwan Pimlak , Katanyuwong Kamornwan , Choeyprasert Worawut
Published: June 2014

A 4-year-old boy presented with right esotropia while receiving vincristine and dactinomycin for stage I Wilms’ tumour according to the National Wilms Tumour Study-5 protocol. On examination, he had isolated limitation of his right lateral gaze. CT of the brain and cerebrospinal fluid examination were normal. A nerve conduction velocity study which was performed on the peripheral nerves revealed predominant motor polyneuropathy compatible with axonal loss involving the upper limbs. The patient had received a cumulative vincristine dose of 17 mg/m2before developing esotropia. Vincristine-induced abducens nerve mononeuropathy and subclinical motor polyneuropathy was suspected. Unilateral esotropia markedly improved after the discontinuation of vincristine and a short course of oral pyridoxine treatment.
Ciguatera poisoning in the Cook Islands
Authors: Bailey Stephanie , Withers Tristan
Published: June 2014

This case report presents two British medical students who contracted ciguatera poisoning while on elective in the Cook Islands. Thirty-six hours after consuming two reef fish they developed paraesthesia of the mouth, hands and feet, myalgia, pruritis and cold allodynia. Neurological examination was normal. Diagnosis of ciguatera poisoning was made on history of reef fish consumption and classical clinical presentation. Management was symptomatic (antihistamines) and both students made a full recovery within 10 weeks.
Rapid sequence induction of anaesthesia via the intraosseous route: a prospective observational study
Authors: Barnard E B G , Moy R J , Kehoe A D , Bebarta V S , Smith J E
Published: June 2014

Background

Intraosseous (IO) drug infusion has been reported to have similar pharmacokinetics to intravenous (IV) infusion. In military and civilian trauma, the IO route is often used to obtain rapid and reliable parenteral access for drug administration. Only a few case reports have described the use of IO infusion to administer drugs for rapid sequence induction of anaesthesia (RSI).

Objective

We aimed to assess the feasibility of the administration of RSI drugs via an IO catheter in a prospective observational study.

Methods

A prospective observational study was undertaken at a combat hospital in Afghanistan. A validated data form was used to record the use of IO drugs for RSI by the prehospital, physician-led Medical Emergency Response Team (MERT), and by inhospital physicians. Data were captured between January and May 2012 by interview with MERT physicians and inhospital physicians directly after RSI. The primary outcome measure was the success rate of first-pass intubation with direct laryngoscopy.

Results

34 trauma patients (29 MERT and 5 inhospital) underwent RSI with IO drug administration. The median age was 24 years and median injury severity score 25; all were male. The predominant mechanism of injury was blast (n=24), followed by penetrating (n=6), blunt (n=3) and burn (n=1). First-pass intubation success rate was 97% (95% CI 91% to 100%). A Cormack-Lehane grade 1 view, by direct laryngoscopy, was obtained at first look in 91% (95% CI 81% to 100%) of patients.

Conclusions

In this prospective, observational study, IO drug administration was successfully used for trauma RSI, with a comparable first pass intubation success than published studies describing the IV route.

Trial registration number

RCDM/Res/Audit/1036/12/0162.
Affordable care 2014: a tale of two boards
Authors: Hirsch Joshua A , Barr Robert M , McGinty Geraldine , Nicola Gregory N , Schaefer Pamela W , Silva Ezequiel , Manchikanti Laxmaiah
Published: June 2014

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) became law on 23 March 2010. As part of the law, two independent boards were established. The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute embodies national aspirations for employing comparative effectiveness research in healthcare decision-making, and the Independent Payment Advisory Board is focused on the need for a group of impartial experts to establish anticipatable growth rates for Medicare. Approximately 4 years after the bill was passed into law, these independent boards are at very different points in their life cycles. This article provides a status update.
Nitrogen form affects physiological responses and root expansigenous honeycomb aerenchyma in the emergent macrophyte Acorus americanus
Authors: Equiza María Alejandra , Zwiazek Janusz J.
Published: June 2014

High nitrogen (N) concentrations and high NH4+:NO3− ratios that are characteristic of heavily eutrophic and constructed wetlands may be detrimental to the growth and establishment of macrophytes in wetlands formed in the oil sands reclamation areas. This study investigates the effects of N form on the physiology, growth, and root expansigenous honeycomb aerenchyma structure of Acorus americanus (Raf.) Raf., an important macrophyte targeted for wetland reclamation in Canada. Three populations of A. americanus were grown in aerated solution culture and provided for up to 3 months with two different concentrations of N (2 mmol·L−1, 8 mmol·L−1) as NH4+, NO3−, or NH4+ + NO3−. Fresh mass and physiological parameters including gas exchange, chlorophyll fluorescence, stomatal traits, nitrogen and chlorophyll concentration, root morphology, and aerenchyma structure were examined. The effects of N form were concentration-dependent. At 2 mmol·L−1 N, NH4+ + NO3− plants had higher fresh mass, photosynthetic rates, number of first-order roots, root diameter, and maximum root length than those provided solely with NH4+ or NO3−. At 8 mmol·L−1 N, both NH4+ and NH4+ + NO3− treatments had a negative impact on growth, net photosynthesis, and chlorophyll concentrations, and they also led to thinner and shorter roots with necrotic tips, a significant reduction in fractional root porosity, and a denser aerenchyma with smaller lacunae. The results indicate that high levels of NH4+-N may negatively affect the establishment of A. americanus plants in constructed wetlands through its impact on growth, net photosynthesis, and root morpho-anatomy.
Nucleotide and amino acid variations of tannase gene from differentAspergillusstrains
Authors: Borrego-Terrazas J.A. , Lara-Victoriano F. , Flores-Gallegos A.C. , Veana F. , Aguilar C.N. , Rodríguez-Herrera R.
Published: June 2014

Tannase is an enzyme that catalyses the hydrolysis of ester bonds present in tannins. Most of the scientific reports about this biocatalysis focus on aspects related to tannase production and its recovery; on the other hand, reports assessing the molecular aspects of the tannase gene or protein are scarce. In the present study, a tannase gene fragment from several Aspergillus strains isolated from the Mexican semidesert was sequenced and compared with tannase amino acid sequences reported in NCBI database using bioinformatics tools. The genetic relationship among the different tannase sequences was also determined. A conserved region of 7 amino acids was found with the conserved motif GXSXG common to esterases, in which the active-site serine residue is located. In addition, in Aspergillus niger strains GH1 and PSH, we found an extra codon in the tannase sequences encoding glycine. The tannase gene belonging to semidesert fungal strains followed a neutral evolution path with the formation of 10 haplotypes, of which A. niger GH1 and PSH haplotypes are the oldest.
Feedback control of digital chaotic systems with application to pseudorandom number generator
Authors: Deng Yashuang , Hu Hanping , Liu Lingfeng
Published: June 2014

The dynamical properties will degrade when chaotic systems are implemented in digital computers with finite precisions, and such degradation often has serious negative influence on some digital chaos-based systems. Degradation reduction for a class of digital chaotic systems is investigated in this paper. A varying parameter control method is proposed based on the state feedback control technology at first. Then two chaotic maps are applied to verify its validity. Finally, a novel pseudorandom number generator is constructed, which can pass all the tests of NIST SP800-22 at both level-one and level-two approaches and also most of the tests of TestU01. Moreover, it performs better than some existing pseudorandom number generators. Thus, it has acceptable quality of randomness and can be used for cryptography and other applications.
Communities and classes in symmetric fractals
Authors: Krawczyk Małgorzata J.
Published: June 2014

Two aspects of fractal networks are considered: the community structure and the class structure, where classes of nodes appear as a consequence of a local symmetry of nodes. The analyzed systems are the networks constructed for two selected symmetric fractals: the Sierpinski triangle and the Koch curve. Communities are searched for by means of a set of differential equations. Overlapping nodes which belong to two different communities are identified by adding some noise to the initial connectivity matrix. Then, a node can be characterized by a spectrum of probabilities of belonging to different communities. Our main goal is that the overlapping nodes with the same spectra belong to the same class.
Microstructure and magnetostrictive properties of epoxy-bonded Tb1-xNdx(Fe0.8Co0.2)1.93 (0.20 ≤ x ≤ 0.75) composites
Authors: Pan Z. B. , Liu J. J. , Liu X. Y. , Wang R. , Wang J. , Si P. Z.
Published: June 2014

An epoxy-resin bonding route was used to produce composite rods of the highly magnetostrictive alloys Tb 1-x Nd x( Fe 0.8 Co 0.2)1.93 (0.20 ≤ x ≤ 0.75). The structure, spin configuration, magnetostriction and particle size are investigated by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD), a standard strain technique and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The epoxy-bonded 0–3 type and pseudo 1–3 type composites are successfully fabricated, respectively. XRD analysis shows that the easy magnetization direction (EMD) for the alloy of x = 0.20 lies along 〈111〉 axis. The magnetic curing field makes the particles align as a particulate chain and also causes the particles rotating along its EMD direction. The pseudo 1–3 type epoxy-bonded composite has a larger magnetostriction than that of the 0–3 type composite, which can be attributed to the larger magnetostriction coefficient λ111, EMD lying along 〈111〉 direction, the 〈111〉-textured orientation and the chain structure. A large saturation magnetostriction (λ0S ~ 570 ppm) is achieved for the 1–3 type epoxy/ Tb 0.35 Nd 0.65( Fe 0.8 Co 0.2)1.93 composite (about 150–250 μm, 10 kOe), which approaches 70% of its monolithic alloy. Furthermore, it only contains 27 vol.% alloy particles in the insulating epoxy matrix and performs a low magnetic anisotropy, which could make it technologically interesting for the field of Nd -containing magnetostrictive materials.
Groups, nonadditive entropy and phase transitions
Authors: Kalogeropoulos Nikos
Published: June 2014

We investigate the possibility of discrete groups furnishing a kinematic framework for systems whose thermodynamic behavior may be given by nonadditive entropies. Relying on the well-known result of the growth rate of balls of nilpotent groups, we see that maintaining extensivity of the entropy of a nilpotent group requires using a non-Boltzmann/Gibbs/Shannon (BGS) entropic form. We use the Tsallis entropy as an indicative alternative. Using basic results from hyperbolic and random groups, we investigate the genericity and possible range of applicability of the BGS entropy in this context. We propose a sufficient condition for phase transitions, in the context of (multi-) parameter families of nonadditive entropies.
A completeness result for time-dependent vector fields and applications
Authors: Biagi Stefano , Bonfiglioli Andrea
Published: June 2014

We provide a sufficient condition for the completeness of a time-dependent vector field in ℝN, generalizing the well-known left-invariance condition on Lie groups. This result can be applied to the construction of Lie groups associated to suitable families X of Hörmander vector fields, without the need to use the Third Fundamental Theorem of Lie. Further applications are given to the control-theoretic distance related to X, and to the existence of the relevant geodesics.
Allen–Cahn approximation of mean curvature flow in Riemannian manifolds, II: Brakke's flows
Authors: Pisante Adriano , Punzo Fabio
Published: June 2014

We prove convergence of solutions to the parabolic Allen–Cahn equation to Brakke's motion by mean curvature in Riemannian manifolds with Ricci curvature bounded from below. Our results hold for a general class of initial conditions and extend previous results from [T. Ilmanen, Convergence of the Allen–Cahn equation to the Brakke's motion by mean curvature, J. Differential Geom. 31 (1993) 417–461] even in Euclidean space. We show that a sequence of measures, associated to energy density of solutions of the parabolic Allen–Cahn equation, converges in the limit to a family of rectifiable Radon measures, which evolves by mean curvature flow in the sense of Brakke. A key role is played by nonpositivity of the limiting energy discrepancy and a local almost monotonicity formula (a weak counterpart of Huisken's monotonicity formula) proved in [Allen–Cahn approximation of mean curvature flow in Riemannian manifolds, I, uniform estimates, to appear in Ann. Sc. Norm. Super. Pisa Cl. Sci.; arXiv:1308.0569], to get various density bounds for the limiting measures.
An On-line Integration Technique for Structural Damage Detection and Active Optimal Vibration Control
Authors: Lei Ying , Zhou Huan , Liu Li Jun
Published: June 2014

Structural damage detection and vibration control have been actively studied in the past decades. However, in most previous investigations, these two aspects have been treated separately according to their individual primary objectives pursued. Although structural identification and model updating have been used in the adaptive control techniques, it is still necessary but challenging to study the on-line integration of structural damage detection and optimal vibration control. In this paper, a technique is proposed for such purpose. First, on-line structural parameter identification and on-line detection of the onset, locations and extents of structural damage of controlled structures with partial measurements of structural acceleration responses is studied. An algorithm is proposed based on the extended Kalman estimator/Kalman estimator and error tracking. Then, the updated structural models are on-line integrated with the instantaneous optimal control scheme to reach the goal of optimal active structural control of the undamaged/damaged structures. Numerical simulation results with different structural damage patterns illustrate the performances of the proposed technique for the on-line integration of structural damage detection and active optimal vibration control.
APPLICATION OF DUAL SERIES EQUATIONS TO WAVY CONTACT BETWEEN PIEZOELECTRIC MATERIALS AND AN ELASTIC SOLID
Authors: ZHOU YUE-TING , ZHONG ZHENG
Published: June 2014

In this paper, the wavy contact between piezoelectric materials and an isotropic solid is considered. The Papkovich–Neuber potentials for the isotropic solid and three harmonic functions for piezoelectric materials are also presented. The stated problem is reduced to a pair of dual series equations and then recast as an integral equation of the Abel type. Employing the product relation for trigonometric functions and the Mehler integral yields an exact solution of the reduced Abel type integral equation. The relationship between contact length and the level of loading, and the distribution of the surface normal stress are given in terms of elementary functions. The derived results agree well with the previous ones for the purely elastic solid. It is found that a critical loading exists for the disturbance. For limiting cases, such as the low level of loading case and full contact case, corresponding contact behaviors are presented. Numerical analyses are done to reveal the influence of the level of loading on the contact behaviors.
Rational approximation and arithmetic progressions
Authors: Adiceam Faustin
Published: June 2014

A reasonably complete theory of the approximation of an irrational by rational fractions whose numerators and denominators lie in prescribed arithmetic progressions is developed in this paper. Results are both, on the one hand, from a metrical and a non-metrical point of view and, on the other hand, from an asymptotic and also a uniform point of view. The principal novelty is a Khintchine type theorem for uniform approximation in this context. Some applications of this theory are also discussed.
Resonance sequences and recoverability
Authors: Birbrair Lev , Gomes Marlon , Pereira Wanderley
Published: June 2014

Let a = {a1,…, ak} be a finite multiset of positive integers. Consider the sequence of all positive integer multiples of all ais, and note the multiplicity of each term in this sequence. This sequence of multiplicities is called the resonance sequence generated by {a1,…, ak}. Two multisets are called combinatorially equivalent if they generate the same resonance sequence. Sometimes the initial set can be recovered from the resonance sequence, if we assume some additional information. These sets are called recoverable. The paper gives some criteria of recoverability for a rather generic class of generating sets.
Structure and electrochemical performance of nanosized Li1.1(Ni0.35Co0.35Mn0.30)O2 powders for lithium-ion battery
Authors: Deng Jianqiu , Liu Hao , Pan Jin , Chung C. Y. , Yao Qingrong , Wang Zhongmin , Zhou Huaiying
Published: June 2014

Pure Li 1.1 Ni 0.35 Co 0.35 Mn 0.30 O 2 nanosized powders have been successfully synthesized by improved hydroxide co-precipitation method, and characterized with X-ray powder diffraction and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The electrochemical properties of cathodes and Li 1.1 Ni 0.35 Co 0.35 Mn 0.30 O 2/ Li 4 Ti 5 O 12 full cells have been studied by charge–discharge tests and cyclic voltammetry. The Li 1.1 Ni 0.35 Co 0.35 Mn 0.30 O 2 powders have a typical layered hexagonal crystal structure with an average particle size of about 780 nm. The cathodes exhibit high capacities and good cycling performance. The initial discharge capacity of the cathodes is 154.8 mAhg-1 at 0.5 C between 2.5 V and 4.3 V, and the capacity retention keeps 80.6% after 50 charge–discharge cycles. The Li 1.1 Ni 0.35 Co 0.35 Mn 0.30 O 2/ Li 4 Ti 5 O 12 cells also deliver high specific capacities, good cycling stability and rate capability. This work demonstrates that Li 1.1 Ni 0.35 Co 0.35 Mn 0.30 O 2 is a promising cathode material for lithium-ion batteries.
Singular values of products of random matrices and polynomial ensembles
Authors: Kuijlaars Arno B. J. , Stivigny Dries
Published: June 2014

Akemann, Ipsen, and Kieburg showed recently that the squared singular values of a product of M complex Ginibre matrices are distributed according to a determinantal point process. We introduce the notion of a polynomial ensemble and show how their result can be interpreted as a transformation of polynomial ensembles. We also show that the squared singular values of the product of M - 1 complex Ginibre matrices with one truncated unitary matrix is a polynomial ensemble, and we derive a double integral representation for the correlation kernel associated with this ensemble. We use this to calculate the scaling limit at the hard edge, which turns out to be the same scaling limit as the one found by Kuijlaars and Zhang for the squared singular values of a product of M complex Ginibre matrices. Our final result is that these limiting kernels also appear as scaling limits for the biorthogonal ensembles of Borodin with parameter θ > 0, in case θ or 1/θ is an integer. This further supports the conjecture that these kernels have a universal character.
Optimal trade execution under displaced diffusions dynamics across different risk criteria
Authors: Brigo Damiano , Di Graziano Giuseppe
Published: June 2014

We solve a version of the optimal trade execution problem when the mid asset price follows a displaced diffusion (DD). Optimal strategies in the adapted class under various risk criteria, namely value-at-risk (VaR), expected shortfall (ES) and a new criterion called squared asset expectation (SAE), related to a version of the cost variance measure, are derived and compared. It is well known that DDs exhibit dynamics that are in-between arithmetic Brownian motions (ABM) and geometric Brownian motions (GBM) depending of the choice of the shift parameter. Furthermore, DD allows for changes in the support of the mid asset price distribution, allowing one to include a minimum permitted value for the mid price, either positive or negative. We study the dependence of the optimal solution on the choice of the risk aversion criterion. Optimal solutions across criteria and asset dynamics are comparable although differences are not negligible for high levels of risk aversion and low market impact assets. This is illustrated with numerical examples.
Uniqueness of concentration index
Authors: Yang Yimin
Published: June 2014

This paper establishes axioms for concentration index (CI) and its allocation function. It proves that the Herfindahl index (HI) and the square allocation function are the only one that satisfies these rules.
Optimizing the value of reservoir simulation through quality-assured initialization
Authors: Worthington Paul F. , Hattingh Shane K. F.
Published: June 2014

The initialization of a reservoir simulator calls for the populating of a three-dimensional dynamic grid-cell model using subsurface data and interrelational algorithms that have been synthesized to be fit for purpose. These prerequisites are rarely fully satisfied in practice. This paper sets out to strengthen initialization through four key thrusts, all of which seek to optimize the bridgehead between reservoir geoscience and reservoir engineering, and thereby maximize value from reservoir simulation. The first addresses representative data acquisition, which includes the key-well concept as a framework for the cost-effective incorporation of free-fluid porosity and permeability within an initialization database. The second concerns the preparation of these data and their products for populating the static and dynamic models. Important elements are dynamically conditioned net-reservoir cut-offs, recognition of primary flow units, and establishing interpretative algorithms at the simulator grid-cell scale for application over net-reservoir zones. The third thrust is directed at the internal consistency of capillary character, relative permeability properties and petrophysically-derived hydrocarbon saturations over net reservoir. This exercise is central to the simulation function and it is an integral component of hydraulic data partitioning. The fourth concerns the handling of formation heterogeneity and anisotropy, especially from the standpoint of directional parametric averaging and interpretative algorithms. These matters have been synthesized into a workflow for optimizing the initialization of reservoir simulators. In so doing, a further important consideration is the selection of the appropriate procedures that are available within and specific to different software packages.

It is the authors’ experience that implementation of these thrusts has demonstrably enhanced the authentication of reservoir simulators through more readily attainable history matches with less required tuning. This outcome is attributed to a more systematic initialization process with a lower risk of artefacts. Of course, these benefits feed through to more assured estimates of ultimate recovery and, thence, hydrocarbon reserves.
Molecular brakes regulating mTORC1 activation in skeletal muscle following synergist ablation
Authors: Lee Hamilton D. , Philp Andrew , MacKenzie Matthew G. , Patton Amy , Towler Mhairi C. , Gallagher Iain J. , Bodine Sue C. , Baar Keith
Published: June 2014

The goal of the current work was to profile positive (mTORC1 activation, autocrine/paracrine growth factors) and negative [AMPK, unfolded protein response (UPR)] pathways that might regulate overload-induced mTORC1 (mTOR complex 1) activation with the hypothesis that a number of negative regulators of mTORC1 will be engaged during a supraphysiological model of hypertrophy. To achieve this, mTORC1-IRS-1/2 signaling, BiP/CHOP/IRE1α, and AMPK activation were determined in rat plantaris muscle following synergist ablation (SA). SA resulted in significant increases in muscle mass of ∼4% per day throughout the 21 days of the experiment. The expression of the insulin-like growth factors (IGF) were high throughout the 21st day of overload. However, IGF signaling was limited, since IRS-1 and -2 were undetectable in the overloaded muscle from day 3 to day 9. The decreases in IRS-1/2 protein were paralleled by increases in GRB10 Ser501/503and S6K1 Thr389phosphorylation, two mTORC1 targets that can destabilize IRS proteins. PKB Ser473phosphorylation was higher from 3–6 days, and this was associated with increased TSC2 Thr939phosphorylation. The phosphorylation of TSC2Thr1345(an AMPK site) was also elevated, whereas phosphorylation at the other PKB site, Thr1462, was unchanged at 6 days. In agreement with the phosphorylation of Thr1345, SA led to activation of AMPKα1 during the initial growth phase, lasting the first 9 days before returning to baseline by day 12. The UPR markers CHOP and BiP were elevated over the first 12 days following ablation, whereas IRE1α levels decreased. These data suggest that during supraphysiological muscle loading at least three potential molecular brakes engage to downregulate mTORC1.
One month in the life of a neuron: longitudinal single-unit electrophysiology in the monkey visual system
Authors: McMahon David B. T. , Bondar Igor V. , Afuwape Olusoji A. T. , Ide David C. , Leopold David A.
Published: June 2014

Conventional recording methods generally preclude following the activity of the same neurons in awake animals across days. This limits our ability to systematically investigate the principles of neuronal specialization, or to study phenomena that evolve over multiple days such as experience-dependent plasticity. To redress this shortcoming, we developed a drivable, chronically implanted microwire recording preparation that allowed us to follow visual responses in inferotemporal (IT) cortex in awake behaving monkeys across multiple days, and in many cases across months. The microwire bundle and other implanted components were MRI compatible and thus permitted in the same animals both functional imaging and long-term recording from multiple neurons in deep structures within a region the approximate size of one voxel (<1 mm). The distinct patterns of stimulus selectivity observed in IT neurons, together with stable features in spike waveforms and interspike interval distributions, allowed us to track individual neurons across weeks and sometimes months. The long-term consistency of visual responses shown here permits large-scale mappings of neuronal properties using massive image libraries presented over the course of days. We demonstrate this possibility by screening the visual responses of single neurons to a set of 10,000 stimuli.
First- and Second-Order Full-Differential in Edge Analysis of Images
Authors: Pu Dong-Mei , Yuan Yu-Bo
Published: June 2014

Two concepts of first- and second-order differential of images are presented to deal with the changes of pixels. These are the basic ideas in mathematics. We propose and reformulate them with a uniform definition framework. Based on our observation and analysis with the difference, we propose an algorithm to detect the edge from image. Experiments on Corel5K and PASCAL VOC 2007 are done to show the difference between the first order and the second order. After comparison with Canny operator and the proposed first-order differential, the main result is that the second-order differential has the better performance in analysis of changes of the context of images with good selection of control parameter.
Effectiveness of the Top‐Down Nanotechnology in the Production of Ultrafine Cement (~220 nm)
Authors: Jo Byung-Wan , Chakraborty Sumit , Kim Ki Heon , Lee Yun Sung
Published: June 2014

The present investigation is dealing with the communition of the cement particle to the ultrafine level (~220 nm) utilizing the bead milling process, which is considered as a top‐down nanotechnology. During the grinding of the cement particle, the effect of various parameters such as grinding time (1–6 h) and grinding agent (methanol and ethanol) on the production of the ultrafine cement has also been investigated. Performance of newly produced ultrafine cement is elucidated by the chemical composition, particle size distribution, and SEM and XRD analyses. Based on the particle size distribution of the newly produced ultrafine cement, it was assessed that the size of the cement particle decreases efficiently with increase in grinding time. Additionally, it is optimized that the bead milling process is able to produce 90% of the cement particle <350 nm and 50% of the cement particle < 220 nm, respectively, after 6.3 h milling without affecting the chemical phases. Production of the ultrafine cement utilizing this method will promote the construction industries towards the development of smart and sustainable construction materials.
Limited Applicability of GW9662 to Elucidate PPARγ-Mediated Fatty Acid Effects in Primary Human T-Helper Cells
Authors: Jaudszus Anke , Lorkowski Stefan , Gruen Michael , Roth Alexander , Jahreis Gerhard
Published: June 2014

Synthetic antagonists of the nuclear receptor PPARγsuch as GW9662 are widely used to elucidate receptor-mediated ligand effects. In addition and complementary to recent work, we examined whether GW9662 is suitable to serve for mechanistic investigation in T-helper cells. Human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were preincubated with increasing concentrations of GW9662 (0, 0.4, 2, and 10 μmol/L) 30 min before adding thec9,t11-isomer of conjugated linoleic acid (c9,t11-CLA) as representative of PPARγ-activating fatty acids with immunomodulatory properties. Corresponding cultures were incubated with GW9662 in the absence of the fatty acid. After 19 h, cells were mitogen stimulated for further 5 h. Subsequently, intracellular IL-2 was measured in CD3+CD4+lymphocytes by means of flow cytometry. 100 μmol/Lc9,t11-CLA reduced the number of T-helper cells expressing IL-2 by 68%. GW9662 failed to abrogate this fatty acid effect, likely due to the fact that the compound exerted an own inhibitory effect on IL-2 production. Moreover, GW9662 dose-dependently induced cell death in human leukocytes. These results suggest that application of GW9662 is not conducive in this experimental setting.
Tissue Engineering of Muscles and Cartilages Using Polyelectrolyte Hydrogels
Authors: Kwon Hyuck Joon
Published: June 2014

The prevalent nature of osteoarthritis that causes the erosion of joint surfaces and loss of mobility and muscle dystrophy that weakens the musculoskeletal system and hampers locomotion underlies the importance of developing functional replacement or regeneration of muscle and cartilage tissues. Polyelectrolyte gels have high potential as cellular scaffolds due to characteristic properties similar to biological matrixes. A number of in vitro and in vivo studies demonstrated that polyelectrolyte gels are useful for replacement and regeneration of muscle and cartilage tissues. In addition, it was also found that polyelectrolyte gels have high biocompatibility, durability, and resistance to biodegradation. Moreover, polyelectrolyte gels can overcome their drawbacks of mechanical behavior by introducing double network into the gel. This paper reviews the current status and recent progress of polyelectrolyte gel-based tissue engineering for repairs of muscle and cartilage tissues.
Obsessive-Compulsive Aspects and Pathological Gambling in an Italian Sample
Authors: Petruccelli Filippo , Diotaiuti Pierluigi , Verrastro Valeria , Petruccelli Irene , Carenti Maria Luisa , De Berardis Domenico , Iasevoli Felice , Valchera Alessandro , Fornaro Michele , Martinotti Giovanni , Di Giannantonio Massimo , Janiri Luigi
Published: June 2014

Introduction.Gambling behaviour appears as repetitive and difficult to resist and seems to be aimed at neutralizing or reducing negative feelings such as anxiety and tension, confirming its similarities with the obsessive-compulsive spectrum.Aims.Estimating the prevalence of gambling behaviour in an Italian sample and assessing the effects of sociodemographic variables and the correlations between gambling behaviour and obsessive-compulsive features.Methods.A sample of 300 Italian subjects was evaluated based on gambling behaviours and obsessive-compulsive attitudes. The assessment was carried out in small centers in Italy, mainly in coffee and tobacco shops, where slot machines are located, using theSouth Oaks Gambling Screen(SOGS) and the MOCQ-R, a reduced form ofMaudsley Obsessional-Compulsive Questionnaire.Results.A negative correlation between SOGS and MOPQ-R, with reference to thecontrolandcleaningsubscales, was evidenced in the majority of the examined subjects. Both evaluating instruments showed reliability and a good discriminative capacity.Conclusions.Our study evidenced that the sample of gamblers we analysed did not belong to the obsessive-compulsive disorders area, supporting the validity of the model proposed by DSM-5 for the classification of PG. These data confirm the importance of investing in treatments similar to those used for substance use disorders.
FPGA Implementation of Self-Organized Spiking Neural Network Controller for Mobile Robots
Authors: Xue Fangzheng , Wang Wei , Li Nan , Yang Yuchao
Published: June 2014

Spiking neural network, a computational model which uses spikes to process the information, is good candidate for mobile robot controller. In this paper, we present a novel mechanism for controlling mobile robots based on self-organized spiking neural network (SOSNN) and introduce a method for FPGA implementation of this SOSNN. The spiking neuron we used is Izhikevich model. A key feature of this controller is that it can simulate the process of unconditioned reflex (avoid obstacles using infrared sensor signals) and conditioned reflex (make right choices in multiple T-maze) by spike timing-dependent plasticity (STDP) learning and dopamine-receptor modulation. Experimental results show that the proposed controller is effective and is easy to implement. The FPGA implementation method aims to build up a specific network using generic blocks designed in the MATLAB Simulink environment. The main characteristics of this original solution are: on-chip learning algorithm implementation, high reconfiguration capability, and operation under real time constraints. An extended analysis has been carried out on the hardware resources used to implement the whole SOSNN network, as well as each individual component block.
Stability Analysis and Optimal Control Strategy for Prevention of Pine Wilt Disease
Authors: Lee Kwang Sung
Published: June 2014

We propose a mathematical model of pine wilt disease (PWD) which is caused by pine sawyer beetles carrying the pinewood nematode (PWN). We calculate the basic reproduction numberR0and investigate the stability of a disease-free and endemic equilibrium in a given mathematical model. We show that the stability of the equilibrium in the proposed model can be controlled through the basic reproduction numberR0. We then discuss effective optimal control strategies for the proposed PWD mathematical model. We demonstrate the existence of a control problem, and then we apply both analytical and numerical techniques to demonstrate effective control methods to prevent the transmission of the PWD. In order to do this, we apply two control strategies: tree-injection of nematicide and the eradication of adult beetles through aerial pesticide spraying. Optimal prevention strategies can be determined by solving the corresponding optimality system. Numerical simulations of the optimal control problem using a set of reasonable parameter values suggest that reducing the number of pine sawyer beetles is more effective than the tree-injection strategy for controlling the spread of PWD.
Induction of Resistance Mediated by an Attenuated Strain ofValsa malivar.maliUsing Pathogen-Apple Callus Interaction System
Authors: Zhang Qingming , Wang Caixia , Yong Daojing , Li Guifang , Dong Xiangli , Li Baohua
Published: June 2014

To study the induced resistance in apple againstValsa malivar.mali (Vmm), aVmm–apple callus interaction system was developed to evaluate the induced resistance of an attenuatedVmmstrain LXS081501 against further infection by a virulentVmmstrain LXS080601. The infection index was up to 97.32 for apple calli inoculated with LXS080601 alone at 15 days after inoculation whereas it was only 41.84 for calli pretreated with LXS081501 followed by LXS080601 inoculation. In addition, the maximum levels of free proline, soluble sugar, and protein in calli treated with LXS081501 plus LXS080601 were 2.14 to 3.47 times higher than controls and 1.42 to 1.75 times higher than LXS080601 treatment. The activities of defense-related enzymes such as phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL), polyphenol oxidase (PPO), peroxidase (POD), and catalase (CAT) as well asβ-1,3-glucanase and chitinase in apple calli inoculated with LXS080601 alone or LXS081501 plus LXS080601 increased significantly 24 hai and peaked from 48 to 120 hpi. However, in the latter treatment, the maximum enzyme activities were much higher and the activities always maintained much higher levels than control during the experimental period. These results suggested the roles of osmotic adjustment substances and defense-related enzymes in induced resistance.
Fabrication of Nanohydroxyapatite/Poly(caprolactone) Composite Microfibers Using Electrospinning Technique for Tissue Engineering Applications
Authors: Hassan Mohd Izzat , Sun Tao , Sultana Naznin
Published: June 2014

Tissue engineering fibrous scaffolds serve as three‐dimensional (3D) environmental framework by mimicking the extracellular matrix (ECM) for cells to grow. Biodegradable polycaprolactone (PCL) microfibers were fabricated to mimic the ECM as a scaffold with 7.5% (w/v) and 12.5% (w/v) concentrations. Lower PCL concentration of 7.5% (w/v) resulted in microfibers with bead defects. The average diameter of fibers increased at higher voltage and the distance of tip to collector. Further investigation was performed by the incorporation of nanosized hydroxyapatite (nHA) into microfibers. The incorporation of 10% (w/w) nHA with 7.5% (w/v) PCL solution produced submicron sized beadless fibers. The microfibrous scaffolds were evaluated using various techniques. Biodegradable PCL and nHA/PCL could be promising for tissue engineering scaffold application.
Variability in the Structure of Phytoplankton Assemblages in relation to Human Disturbance in Southern Coast of Tunisia
Authors: Mabrouk Lotfi , Dammak Lamia , Hamza Asma , Mahfoudhi Mabrouka , Bradai Med-Najmeddine
Published: June 2014

We investigated the impact of industrial effluents on phytoplankton assemblage in southern Tunisia (Skhira). We specifically addressed changes in microalgae composition caused by this anthropogenic interference. A hierarchical sampling design was used to compare planktonic microalgae structure between one disturbed station and one control station. Samples were collected by scuba diving at 5 m depth in August 2012. A total of 76 microalgae taxa were identified. Dinoflagellates abundance was low in the disturbed station, especially Gonyaulacales and Prorocentrales due to P-limitation, whereas diatoms and cyanobacteria abundance were low in control station which is characterized by Si-limitation.
Joint Management of Energy Harvesting, Storage, and Usage for Green Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Jin Xi , Kong Fanxin , Zeng Peng , Deng Qingxu , Xu Huiting
Published: June 2014

Recently, energy harvesting has been emerging as a promising technique to prolong the lifetime for wireless sensor nodes. Most existing efforts address the design of energy harvesting and sensor node subsystem separately or ignore some real-world constraints. In this paper, we study how to codesign the two subsystems and how to jointly manage energy harvesting,

storage, and usage. We first propose a novel system architecture for energy harvesting which employs several supercapacitors to eliminate the conflicts on charging and discharging among different system components. Then, we present a method to schedule their charging and discharging, which is proved to be able to guarantee zero waste of the harvested energy if the battery is not full. Third, we propose an optimal algorithm to minimize different components’ capacity and two heuristic algorithms to maximize the system reward. We conduct extensive experiments based on real-life data traces. Results show that the proposed system architecture can harvest more energy compared to the state of the art, and the capacity optimization algorithm can choose the most suitable size for each system component.
On Complete Convergence and Strong Law for Weighted Sums of i.i.d. Random Variables
Authors: Chen Pingyan , Ma Xiaofang , Sung Soo Hak
Published: June 2014

We improve and generalize the result of Stout (1974, Theorem 4.1.3). In particular, the sharp moment conditions are obtained and some well-known results can be obtained as special cases of the main result. The method of the proof is completely different from that in Stout. We also improve and generalize Li et al. (1995) strong law for weighted sums of i.i.d. random variables.