bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interstitial Cells: Regulators of Smooth Muscle Function
Authors: Sanders Kenton M. , Ward Sean M. , Koh Sang Don
Published: July 2014

Smooth muscles are complex tissues containing a variety of cells in addition to muscle cells. Interstitial cells of mesenchymal origin interact with and form electrical connectivity with smooth muscle cells in many organs, and these cells provide important regulatory functions. For example, in the gastrointestinal tract, interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) and PDGFRα+cells have been described, in detail, and represent distinct classes of cells with unique ultrastructure, molecular phenotypes, and functions. Smooth muscle cells are electrically coupled to ICC and PDGFRα+cells, forming an integrated unit called the SIP syncytium. SIP cells express a variety of receptors and ion channels, and conductance changes in any type of SIP cell affect the excitability and responses of the syncytium. SIP cells are known to provide pacemaker activity, propagation pathways for slow waves, transduction of inputs from motor neurons, and mechanosensitivity. Loss of interstitial cells has been associated with motor disorders of the gut. Interstitial cells are also found in a variety of other smooth muscles; however, in most cases, the physiological and pathophysiological roles for these cells have not been clearly defined. This review describes structural, functional, and molecular features of interstitial cells and discusses their contributions in determining the behaviors of smooth muscle tissues.
Optimal Investment for Insurers with the Extended CIR Interest Rate Model
Authors: Chiu Mei Choi , Wong Hoi Ying
Published: July 2014

A fundamental challenge for insurance companies (insurers) is to strike the best balance between optimal investment and risk management of paying insurance liabilities, especially in a low interest rate environment. The stochastic interest rate becomes a critical factor in this asset-liability management (ALM) problem. This paper derives the closed-form solution to the optimal investment problem for an insurer subject to the insurance liability of compound Poisson process and the stochastic interest rate following the extended CIR model. Therefore, the insurer’s wealth follows a jump-diffusion model with stochastic interest rate when she invests in stocks and bonds. Our problem involves maximizing the expected constant relative risk averse (CRRA) utility function subject to stochastic interest rate and Poisson shocks. After solving the stochastic optimal control problem with the HJB framework, we offer a verification theorem by proving the uniform integrability of a tight upper bound for the objective function.
Characterization of the Nanoporous Template Using Anodic Alumina Method
Authors: Houng Mau-Phon , Lu Wei-Lun , Yang Tsung-Hsin , Lee Kuan-Wei
Published: July 2014

Porous anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) is deposited on a 5 cm × 5 cm tin‐doped indium oxide (ITO)/glass substrate, and the AAO/ITO/glass structure thus formed is used to reduce the amount of unreacted Al inside the AAO template, thereby reducing the transmittance of the AAO/glass structure. The enhancement of transmittance is achieved by modulating the diameter of the pores and varying the applied bias. The proposed AAO can be used at a high applied bias (up to 120 V) to improve the uniformity of the current density. Following pore‐widening treatment and posttreatment annealing, the morphologies and transmittance of the AAO/ITO/glass structure were also investigated.
A Linear Functional Equation of Third Order Associated with the Fibonacci Numbers
Authors: Jung Soon-Mo , Rassias Michael Th.
Published: July 2014

Given a vector spaceX, we investigate the solutionsf:R→Xof the linear functional equation of third orderfx=pfx-1+qfx-2+rf(x-3), which is strongly associated with a well-known identity for the Fibonacci numbers. Moreover, we prove the Hyers-Ulam stability of that equation.
Effect of Simulated Gastrointestinal Conditions on Biofilm Formation bySalmonella1,4,[5],12:i:-
Authors: Seixas R. , Gabriel M. , Machado J. , Tavares L. , Bernardo F. , Oliveira M.
Published: July 2014

SalmonellaTyphimurium 1,4,[5],12:i:- is a major serovar responsible for human salmonellosis whose biofilm-forming ability, influenced by environmental conditions like those found in the gastrointestinal tract, is one of the main contributing factors to its ability to persist in the host and thus one of the main causes of chronic relapsing infections. Most studies to evaluate biofilm formation are performed in microtiter assays using standard media. However, no reports are available on the ability of this serovar to produce biofilm underin vitrosimulated gastrointestinal conditions which better correlate with the environment found in the gastrointestinal tract. To address this, a modified biofilm assay simulating intestinal fluid was conceived to assess the biofilm formation of 133SalmonellaTyphimurium 1,4,[5],12:i:- isolates with and without agitation and at three different time points (24 h, 48 h, and 72 h). The results were then compared to the existing microtiter method using conventional biofilm growth medium (Mueller Hinton Broth). Statistical analysis revealed significant differences in the results obtained between the three protocols used. The simulated human intestinal environment impaired biofilm production demonstrating that conditions like pH, agitation or the presence of enzymes can influence biofilm production. Therefore, results fromin vitrosimulation ofin vivoconditions may contribute to unravelling factors relating to biofilm formation and persistence in the context of the human host.
The Role of Narrow Band Imaging in the Detection of Recurrent Laryngeal and Hypopharyngeal Cancer after Curative Radiotherapy
Authors: Zabrodsky Michal , Lukes Petr , Lukesova Eva , Boucek Jan , Plzak Jan
Published: July 2014

Narrow band imaging is considered a significant improvement in the possibility of detecting early mucosal lesion of the upper aerodigestive tract. Early detection of mucosal neoplastic lesions is of utmost importance for patients survival. There is evidence that, especially in patients previously treated by means of curative radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy, the early detection rate of recurrent disease is quite low. The aim of this study was to prove whether the videoendoscopy coupled with NBI might help detect recurrent or secondary tumors of the upper aerodigestive tract. 66 patients previously treated by means of RT or CRT with curative intent were enrolled in the study. All patients underwent transnasal flexible videoendoscopy with NBI mode under local anesthesia. When a suspicious lesion was identified in an ambulatory setting, its nature was proved histologically. Many of these changes were not identifiable by means of conventional white light (WL) endoscopy. The accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive value of the method are very high (88%, 92%, 76%, 96%, and 91%, resp.). Results demonstrate that outpatient transnasal endoscopy with NBI is an excellent method for the follow-up of patients with carcinomas of the larynx and the hypopharynx primarily treated with radiotherapy.
Validation of NEPTUNE-CFD Two-Phase Flow Models Using Experimental Data
Authors: Mañes Jorge Pérez , Sánchez Espinoza Victor Hugo , Chiva Vicent Sergio , Böttcher Michael , Stieglitz Robert
Published: July 2014

This paper deals with the validation of the two-phase flow models of the CFD code NEPTUNEC-CFD using experimental data provided by the OECD BWR BFBT and PSBT Benchmark. Since the two-phase models of CFD codes are extensively being improved, the validation is a key step for the acceptability of such codes. The validation work is performed in the frame of the European NURISP Project and it was focused on the steady state and transient void fraction tests. The influence of different NEPTUNE-CFD model parameters on the void fraction prediction is investigated and discussed in detail. Due to the coupling of heat conduction solver SYRTHES with NEPTUNE-CFD, the description of the coupled fluid dynamics and heat transfer between the fuel rod and the fluid is improved significantly. The averaged void fraction predicted by NEPTUNE-CFD for selected PSBT and BFBT tests is in good agreement with the experimental data. Finally, areas for future improvements of the NEPTUNE-CFD code were identified, too.
ITO-Free Semitransparent Organic Solar Cells Based on Silver Thin Film Electrodes
Authors: Wang Zhizhe , Zhang Chunfu , Chen Dazheng , Tang Shi , Zhang Jincheng , Sun Li , Heng Ting , Hao Yue
Published: July 2014

ITO-free semitransparent organic solar cells (OSCs) based on MoO3/Ag anodes with poly(3-hexylthiophene) and [6,6]-phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester films as the active layer are investigated in this work. To obtain the optimal transparent (MoO3)/Ag anode, ITO-free reference OSCs are firstly fabricated. The power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 2.71% is obtained for OSCs based on the optimal MoO3(2 nm)/Ag (9 nm) anode, comparable to that of ITO-based reference OSCs (PCE of 2.85%). Then based on MoO3(2 nm)/Ag (9 nm) anode, ITO-free semitransparent OSCs with different thickness combination of Ca and Ag as the cathodes are investigated. It is observed from our results that OSCs with Ca (15 nm)/Ag (15 nm) cathode have the optimal transparency. Meanwhile, the PCE of 1.79% and 0.67% is obtained for illumination from the anode and cathode side, respectively, comparable to that of similar ITO-based semitransparent OSCs (PCE of 1.59% and 0.75% for illumination from the anode and cathode side, resp.) (Sol. Energy Mater. Sol. Cells, 95, pp. 877–880, 2011). The transparency and PCE of ITO-free semitransparent OSCs can be further improved by introducing a light couple layer. The developed method is compatible with various substrates, which is instructive for further research of ITO-free semitransparent OSCs.
Spontaneous Rupture of an Unscarred Gravid Uterus in a Primigravid Woman at 32 Weeks of Gestation
Authors: Mizutamari Etsuko , Honda Tomoko , Ohba Takashi , Katabuchi Hidetaka
Published: July 2014

Uterine rupture usually occurs in a scarred uterus, especially secondary to prior cesarean section. Antepartum uterine rupture in an unscarred uterus is extremely rare. We report a case of spontaneous rupture of an unscarred gravid uterus at 32 weeks of gestation in a primigravid woman. Ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging showed a bulging cystic lesion communicating with the intrauterine cavity. Operative findings during emergent cesarean section revealed uterine perforation in the right cornual area and a prolapsed, nonbleeding amniotic sac. The left cornual area was also focally thin. An arcuate uterus was suspected based on follow-up hysterosalpingography. Antepartum uterine rupture tends to occur in the uterine cornual area. In this case, Müllerian duct anomalies may have been associated with focal myometrial defects.
A Study of Lock-Free Based Concurrent Garbage Collectors for Multicore Platform
Authors: Wu Hao , Ji Zhen-Zhou
Published: July 2014

Concurrent garbage collectors (CGC) have recently obtained extensive concern on multicore platform. Excellent designed CGC can improve the efficiency of runtime systems by exploring the full potential processing resources of multicore computers. Two major performance critical components for designing CGC are studied in this paper, stack scanning and heap compaction. Since the lock-based algorithms do not scale well, we present a lock-free solution for constructing a highly concurrent garbage collector. We adopt CAS/MCAS synchronization primitives to guarantee that the programs will never be blocked by the collector thread while the garbage collection process is ongoing. The evaluation results of this study demonstrate that our approach achieves competitive performance.
A New Intrusion Detection System Based on KNN Classification Algorithm in Wireless Sensor Network
Authors: Li Wenchao , Yi Ping , Wu Yue , Pan Li , Li Jianhua
Published: July 2014

The Internet of Things has broad application in military field, commerce, environmental monitoring, and many other fields. However, the open nature of the information media and the poor deployment environment have brought great risks to the security of wireless sensor networks, seriously restricting the application of wireless sensor network. Internet of Things composed of wireless sensor network faces security threats mainly from Dos attack, replay attack, integrity attack, false routing information attack, and flooding attack. In this paper, we proposed a new intrusion detection system based onK-nearest neighbor (K-nearest neighbor, referred to as KNN below) classification algorithm in wireless sensor network. This system can separate abnormal nodes from normal nodes by observing their abnormal behaviors, and we analyse parameter selection and error rate of the intrusion detection system. The paper elaborates on the design and implementation of the detection system. This system has achieved efficient, rapid intrusion detection by improving the wireless ad hoc on-demand distance vector routing protocol (Ad hoc On-Demand Distance the Vector Routing, AODV). Finally, the test results show that: the system has high detection accuracy and speed, in accordance with the requirement of wireless sensor network intrusion detection.
Signless Laplacian Spectral Conditions for Hamiltonicity of Graphs
Authors: Yu Guidong , Ye Miaolin , Cai Gaixiang , Cao Jinde
Published: July 2014

We establish some signless Laplacian spectral radius conditions for a graph to be Hamiltonian or traceable or Hamilton-connected.
Partitioning Technique for Relaxed Stability Criteria of Discrete-Time Systems with Interval Time-Varying Delay
Authors: Lian Kuang-Yow , Yang Wen-Tsung , Liu Peter
Published: July 2014

We demonstrate an improved stability analysis based on a partition oriented technique for discrete-time systems with interval time-varying delay. The partition oriented technique introduces beneficial terms contributing to the negative definiteness of the Lyapunov function difference, meanwhile completely avoiding traditional inequality based approaches. In contrast, nonpartitioning oriented techniques do not put emphasis on further dividing the interval of the summation in the Lyapunov function. Herein, we demonstrate that the advantages of exploiting partitioning techniques manifest the relaxed stability criteria, as well as the flexibility to tune tradeoff between allowable timedelay range performance and computational load. Simulation carried out on a benchmark discrete-time system reveals the significant improvement in terms of maximum allowable upper bound in comparison.
Inhibition Effect of Glycerol on the Corrosion of Copper in NaCl Solutions at Different pH Values
Authors: Chi-Ucán Santos Lorenzo , Castillo-Atoche Andrea , Castro Borges Pedro , Manzanilla-Cano José Antonio , González-García Gerardo , Patiño Rodrigo , Díaz-Ballote Luis
Published: July 2014

The inhibitory effect of glycerol on copper corrosion in aerated NaCl (0.5 M) solutions at three pH values (4, 7, and 10) was evaluated. Inhibition efficiency was assessed with conventional electrochemical techniques: open circuit potential, potentiodynamic polarization, and electrochemical impedance analysis. Glycerol reduced the corrosion rate of copper in NaCl solutions. The best inhibition effect (η≈83%) was produced in alkaline (pH 10) chloride media. This effect can be ascribed to increased viscosity and the presence of copper-glycerol complexes.
Hybrid Intelligence Model Based on Image Features for the Prediction of Flotation Concentrate Grade
Authors: Wang YaLin , Chen XiaoFang , Zhou XiaoLing , Gui WeiHua , Caccetta Louis , Xu Honglei
Published: July 2014

In flotation processes, concentrate grade is the key production index but is difficult to be measured online. The mechanism models reflect the basic tendency of concentrate grade changes but cannot provide adequate prediction precision. The data-driven models based on froth image features provide accurate prediction within well-sampled space but rely heavily on sample data with less generalization capability. So, a hybrid intelligent model combining the two kinds of model is proposed in this paper. Since the information of image features is enormous, and the relationship between image features and concentrate grade is nonlinear, a B-spline partial least squares (BS-PLS) method is adopted to construct the data-driven model for concentrate grade prediction. In order to gain better generalization capability and prediction accuracy, information entropy is introduced to integrate the mechanism model and the BS-PLS model together and modify the model output online through an output deviation compensation strategy. Moreover, a slide window scheme is employed to update the hybrid model in order to improve its adaptability. The industrial practical data testing results show that the performance of the hybrid model is better than either of the two single models and it satisfies the accuracy and stability requirements in industrial applications.
Optimization of Self-Directed Target Coverage in Wireless Multimedia Sensor Network
Authors: Yang Yang , Wang Yufei , Pi Dechang , Wang Ruchuan
Published: July 2014

Video and image sensors in wireless multimedia sensor networks (WMSNs) have directed view and limited sensing angle. So the methods to solve target coverage problem for traditional sensor networks, which use circle sensing model, are not suitable for WMSNs. Based on the FoV (field of view) sensing model and FoV disk model proposed, how expected multimedia sensor covers the target is defined by the deflection angle between target and the sensor’s current orientation and the distance between target and the sensor. Then target coverage optimization algorithms based on expected coverage value are presented for single-sensor single-target, multisensor single-target, and single-sensor multitargets problems distinguishingly. Selecting the orientation that sensor rotated to cover every target falling in the FoV disk of that sensor for candidate orientations and using genetic algorithm to multisensor multitargets problem, which has NP-complete complexity, then result in the approximated minimum subset of sensors which covers all the targets in networks. Simulation results show the algorithm’s performance and the effect of number of targets on the resulting subset.
Robust Stability Analysis of Nonlinear Fractional‐Order Time‐Variant Systems
Authors: Caixue Chen , Yunxiang Xie
Published: July 2014

This paper presents a stability theorem for a class of nonlinear fractional‐order time‐variant systems with fractional order α  (1 < α < 1) by using the Gronwall‐Bellman lemma. Based on this theorem, a sufficient condition for designing a state feedback controller to stabilize such fractional‐order systems is also obtained. Finally, a numerical example demonstrates the validity of this approach.
Axillary Artery Injury Caused by Fracture of Humerus Neck and Its Repair Using Basilic Vein Graft
Authors: Goyal Vikas Deep , Sharma Vipin , Kalia Sandeep , Sehgal Manik
Published: July 2014

Proximal humerus fractures are rarely associated with axillary artery injury. We present a case of a 59-year-old female who had fracture neck humerus along with absent pulsations in the left upper limb after blunt trauma. Computed tomographic angiogram revealed complete occlusion of the left axillary artery. Urgent surgical intervention was done in the form of fixation of fracture followed by exploration and repair of axillary artery. Axillary artery was contused and totally occluded by fractured edge of humerus. Repair of the axillary artery was done using basilic vein graft harvested through the same incision. Postprocedure pulsations were present in the upper limb.
Cooperation of Nectin-1 and Nectin-3 Is Required for Maintenance of Epidermal Stratification and Proper Hair Shaft Formation in the Mouse
Authors: Yoshida Toshiyuki , Takai Yoshimi , Thesleff Irma
Published: July 2014

Nectins constitute a family of four cell adhesion molecules which are localized on cell membrane. Mutations in NECTIN-1 gene cause the human ectodermal dysplasia syndrome (CLPED1) manifesting severe defects in skin and its appendages. However, nectin-1 null mutant mice have only a mild defect in epidermal stratification suggesting compensation by other nectins. We have analysed the epidermal and hair phenotypes of nectin-1; nectin-3 compound mutants. Epidermis was fragile and displayed severe defects in stratification, hair follicles were hypoplastic, and hair shaft structure was abnormal. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed severe defects in cell-cell junctions including adherens and tight junctions as well as desmosomes. It is therefore likely that the phenotypes were caused by impaired cell adhesion. The expression patterns of nectin-1 and nectin-3 together with the phenotypes in compound mutants indicated that heterophilic interactions between the two nectins are required for proper formation of epidermis and hair in mice. The nectin-1; nectin-3 compound mutant mice partially reproduced the phenotype of human CLPED1 patients.
Constructing Employability Indicators for Enhancing the Effectiveness of Engineering Education for the Solar Industry
Authors: Kuo Chin-Guo , Chang Chi-Cheng , Huang Chun-Cheng
Published: July 2014

The aim of this research is to establish a set of employability indicators that capture the competency requirements and performance expectations that solar energy enterprises have of their employees. In the qualitative component of the study, 12 administrators and 32 engineers in the industry were interviewed, and meetings with focus groups were conducted to formulate a questionnaire for a survey of Taiwanese solar energy companies for the confirmation and prioritisation of the employability indicators. On the basis of the results of the quantitative component, an interpretational model relating competence, job performance, working attitude, and employability for solar corporation recruitment and training purposes as well as for school curricular development was developed. The interpretation model formulated effectively interprets the relationship between solar enterprises’ expectations and students’ employability. The research contributes a framework for the selection and cultivation of talent, as well as providing a basis for fundamental development of the solar engineering curriculum.
The Prediction of Protein‐Protein Interaction Sites Based on RBF Classifier Improved by SMOTE
Authors: Li Hui , Pi Dechang , Wang Chishe
Published: July 2014

Protein‐protein interaction sites are the basis of biomolecule interactions, which are widely used in drug target identification and new drug discovery. Traditional site predictors of protein‐protein interaction mostly based on unbalanced datasets, the classification results tend to negative class, resulting in a lower predictive accuracy for positive class. A method called RBFIS (radial basis function improved by SMOTE) is presented in the paper to address the problem. The intelligent algorithm SMOTE is used to artificially synthesize the imbalanced datasets of negative sample classes. Simultaneously, KNN algorithm is utilized to interpolate values between the minority class samples to generate new samples, making the sample data tend to balance as much as possible. Then, RBF classifier is used to construct the site predictor of protein‐protein interaction based on the processed quasi‐equilibrium sample sets. The results of experiments indicated that the method had an improvement on recall and f‐measure of positive class compared with traditional methods by 12% and 25%. Moreover, many rounds of experiments were performed for different combinations of features. It was observed that the key combination of different multiple features can better efficiently improve the prediction performance. In conclusion, the studies we have performed show that the proposed method is better for dealing with the imbalanced protein interaction sites.
Target Capture and Massive Sequencing of Genes Transcribed inMytilus galloprovincialis
Authors: Rosani Umberto , Domeneghetti Stefania , Pallavicini Alberto , Venier Paola
Published: July 2014

Next generation sequencing (NGS) allows fast and massive production of both genome and transcriptome sequence datasets. As the genome of the Mediterranean musselMytilus galloprovincialisis not available at present, we have explored the possibility of reducing the whole genome sequencing efforts by using capture probes coupled with PCR amplification and high-throughput 454-sequencing to enrich selected genomic regions. The enrichment of DNA target sequences was validated by real-time PCR, whereas the efficacy of the applied strategy was evaluated by mapping the 454-output reads against reference transcript data already available forM. galloprovincialisand by measuring coverage, SNPs, number ofde novosequenced introns, and complete gene sequences. Focusing on a target size of nearly 1.5 Mbp, we obtained a target coverage which allowed the identification of more than 250 complete introns, 10,741 SNPs, and also complete gene sequences. This study confirms the transcriptome-based enrichment of gDNA regions as a good strategy to expand knowledge on specific subsets of genes also in nonmodel organisms.
Identifying the Missing Tags in Categorized RFID Systems
Authors: Zhao Jumin , Li Wenting , Li Deng-ao
Published: July 2014

RFID is a practical technology that supports extensive applications such as warehouse management, asset tracking, and transportation and logistics. Identifying the missing tags in categorized RFID systems is of practical importance for a variety of applications but is not yet thoroughly investigated. Traditional missing tag identification approaches can not solve the problem efficiently because they do not distinguish categories, leading to long scanning time and high energy consumption. To achieve time and energy efficiency, this paper proposes three protocols. First, we formally formulate the problem of missing tag identification in categorized RFID systems. And then a compact structure is proposed to active tags in protocols which carries a large volume aggregated tag ID information. To further improve the utilization rate of a frame, we design a rehash scheme to change empty slots and collision slots into singleton slots. We evaluate the performance of our protocols with extensive simulations. Compared with the physical-layer missing tag identification protocol (P-MTI), which is the state-of-the-art missing tag identification technology, our best protocol reduces the execution time up to 99.8%.
CFD Turbulence Study of PWR Spacer-Grids in a Rod Bundle
Authors: Peña-Monferrer C. , Muñoz-Cobo J. L. , Chiva S.
Published: July 2014

Nuclear fuel bundles include spacers essentially for mechanical stability and to influence the flow dynamics and heat transfer phenomena along the fuel rods. This work presents the analysis of the turbulence effects of a split-type and swirl-type spacer-grid geometries on single phase in a PWR (pressurized water reactor) rod bundle. Various computational fluid dynamics (CFD) calculations have been performed and the results validated with the experiments of the OECD/NEA-KAERI rod bundle CFD blind benchmark exercise on turbulent mixing in a rod bundle with spacers at the MATiS-H facility. Simulation of turbulent phenomena downstream of the spacer-grid presents high complexity issues; a wide range of length scales are present in the domain increasing the difficulty of defining in detail the transient nature of turbulent flow with ordinary turbulence models. This paper contains a complete description of the procedure to obtain a validated CFD model for the simulation of the spacer-grids. Calculations were performed with the commercial code ANSYS CFX using large eddy simulation (LES) turbulence model and the CFD modeling procedure validated by comparison with measurements to determine their suitability in the prediction of the turbulence phenomena.
River Flow Estimation from Upstream Flow Records Using Support Vector Machines
Authors: Karahan Halil , Iplikci Serdar , Yasar Mutlu , Gurarslan Gurhan
Published: July 2014

A novel architecture for flood routing model has been proposed and its efficiency is validated on several problems by employing support vector machines. The architecture is designed by including the inputs and observed and calculated outflows from the previous time step output. Whole observed data have been used for determining the model parameters in the heuristic methods given in the literature, which constitutes the major disadvantage of the existing approaches. Moreover, using the whole data for training may lead to overtraining problem that causes overfitting of estimations and data. Therefore, in this study, 60–90% of the data are randomly selected for training and then the remaining data are used for validation. In order to take the effects of the measurement errors into consideration, the data are corrupted by some additive noise. The results show that the proposed architecture improves the model performance under noisy and missing data conditions and that support vector machines can be powerful alternative in flood routing modeling.
A Note on the Warmth of Random Graphs with Given Expected Degrees
Authors: Shang Yilun
Published: July 2014

We consider the random graph modelG(w)for a given expected degree sequencew=(w1,w2,…,wn). Warmth, introduced by Brightwell and Winkler in the context of combinatorial statistical mechanics, is a graph parameter related to lower bounds of chromatic number. We present new upper and lower bounds on warmth ofG(w). In particular, the minimum expected degree turns out to be an upper bound of warmth when it tends to infinity and the maximum expected degreem=O(nα)with0<α<1/2.
MicroRNA Gene Interaction in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Dataset
Authors: Shinde Santosh , Bhadra Utpal
Published: July 2014

All microRNAs (miRNAs) in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) study were collected from public databases such as miRBase, mir2Disease, and Human miRNA and Disease Database (HMDD). These miRNA datasets were used for target identification; these sets of miRNAs were expressed in brain specific parts of brain such as midbrain, cerebellum, frontal cortex, and hippocampus. Gene’s information and sequences were collected from NCBI and KEGG databases. All miRNAs were used for target prediction against 35 ALS associated genes. Three programs were used for target identification, namely, miRanda, TargetScan, and PicTar. The dataset contained information about miRNA targets sites identified by each program. Intersection studies of three programs such as miRanda versus TargetScan, miRanda versus PicTar, and TargetScan versus PicTar were carried out with all datasets. Target sites identified by each program were further explored for distribution of target sites across 35 genes in 5′ UTR, CDS, and 3′ UTR for miRNAs expressed in midbrain, cerebellum, frontal cortex, and hippocampus as predicted. Dataset was also used for calculation of multiplicity and coopretivity; this information was then used for construction of complex gene‐microRNA interaction map.
Synthesis and Characterization of Hexadecylamine Capped ZnS, CdS, and HgS Nanoparticles Using Heteroleptic Single Molecular Precursors
Authors: Ajibade Peter A. , Osuntokun Jejenija
Published: July 2014

Zn(II), Cd(II), and Hg(II) complexes of tetramethyl thiuram disulfides and 1‐ethoxylcarbonyl‐1‐ethylenecarbonyl‐2‐dithiolate were synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, FTIR, and 1H‐ and 13C‐NMR spectroscopy. The complexes were thermolysed in hexadecylamine as single molecule precursors to prepare HDA capped ZnS, CdS, and HgS nanoparticles. The optical and structural properties of the nanoparticles are reported. ZnS nanoparticles existed in the hexagonal phase with particle sizes of 8–15 nm; the CdS nanoparticles in the cubic phase have particle sizes in the range 4–7 nm and the HgS nanoparticles indexed to face‐centered cubic phase have an average particle size of 7–12 nm.
RHPMAN: Replication in Highly Partitioned Mobile Ad Hoc Networks
Authors: Shi Ke , Chen Hongsheng
Published: July 2014

Accessing data in mobile ad hoc networks is a challenging problem, which is caused by frequent network partitions due to node mobility and due to the impairments of wireless communications. The partitioning pattern is studied by examining the statistics of network partitions for a number of mobility models. Then the relation between the network partitioning pattern and the effectiveness of the data replication scheme is established. Based on these results, a novel replication scheme, RHPMAN (replication in highly partitioned mobile ad hoc network), taking into account the fact that the network is often partitioned in smaller portions, enjoying only intermittent connectivity thanks to mobile nodes traveling across partition, is proposed. In RHPMAN, data items are replicated to the nodes with rather stable neighboring topology and with enough resources. A semiprobabilistic data disseminating protocol is employed to distribute the replicas and propagate the updates, which can identify the potential mobile nodes traveling across partitions to maximize data delivery. To maintain replica consistency, a weak consistency model is utilized to ensure that all updates eventually propagate to all replicas in a finite delay. Simulation results demonstrate that RHPMAN can achieve high data availability with low overhead.
Valerian: No Evidence for Clinically Relevant Interactions
Authors: Kelber Olaf , Nieber Karen , Kraft Karin
Published: July 2014

In recent popular publications as well as in widely used information websites directed to cancer patients, valerian is claimed to have a potential of adverse interactions with anticancer drugs. This questions its use as a safe replacement for, for example, benzodiazepines. A review on the interaction potential of preparations from valerian root (Valeriana officinalis L. root) was therefore conducted. A data base search and search in a clinical drug interaction data base were conducted. Thereafter, a systematic assessment of publications was performed. Seven in vitro studies on six CYP 450 isoenzymes, on p‐glycoprotein, and on two UGT isoenzymes were identified. However, the methodological assessment of these studies did not support their suitability for the prediction of clinically relevant interactions. In addition, clinical studies on various valerian preparations did not reveal any relevant interaction potential concerning CYP 1A2, 2D6, 2E1, and 3A4. Available animal and human pharmacodynamic studies did not verify any interaction potential. The interaction potential of valerian preparations therefore seems to be low and thereby without clinical relevance. We conclude that there is no specific evidence questioning their safety, also in cancer patients.
Prevalence and Correlates of Binge Drinking among Young Adults Using Alcohol: A Cross-Sectional Survey
Authors: Bartoli Francesco , Carretta Daniele , Crocamo Cristina , Schivalocchi Alessandro , Brambilla Giulia , Clerici Massimo , Carrà Giuseppe
Published: July 2014

Background. Although binge drinking prevalence and correlates among young people have been extensively studied in the USA and Northern Europe, less is known for Southern Europe countries with relatively healthier drinking cultures.Objective. We aimed at analyzing prevalence and correlates of binge drinking in a representative sample of young adults in Italy.Methods. We conducted a cross-sectional survey among alcohol-consuming young adults. We carried out univariate and multivariate analyses to assess associations between recent binge drinking and candidate variables.Results. We selected 654 subjects, with 590 (mean age: 20.65 ± 1.90) meeting inclusion criteria. Prevalence for recent binge drinking was 38.0%, significantly higher for females than males. Multivariate analysis showed that high alcohol expectancies, large amount of money available during the weekend, interest for parties and discos, female gender, cannabis use, influence by peers, and electronic cigarettes smoking all were significantly associated with recent binge drinking, whereas living with parents appeared a significant protective factor.Conclusions. More than a third of young adults using alcohol are binge drinkers, and, in contrast with findings from Anglo-Saxon countries, females show higher risk as compared with males. These data suggest the increasing importance of primary and secondary prevention programmes for binge drinking.
Design of Optical Wireless Networks with Fair Traffic Flows
Authors: Tomaszewski Artur
Published: July 2014

The paper presents a method for optimising the wireless optical network that carries elastic packet traffic. The particular focus is on modelling the effect of elastic traffic flows slowing down in response to the decrease of the optical transmission systems’ capacity at bad weather conditions. A mathematical programming model of the network design problem is presented that assumes that the packet rates of elastic traffic flows decrease fairly. While practically any subset of network links can be simultaneously affected by unfavourable transmission conditions, a particular challenge of solving the problem results from a huge number of network states considered in the model. Therefore, how the problem can be solved by generating the most unfavourable network states is presented. Moreover, it is proved that it is entirely sufficient to consider only the states that correspond to the decrease of capacity on a single link. Finally, as the general problem is nonlinear, it is shown that the problem can be transformed to a linear MIP problem and solved effectively when single-path routing of traffic flows is assumed.
Static Response of Functionally Graded Material Plate under Transverse Load for Varying Aspect Ratio
Authors: Bhandari Manish , Purohit Kamlesh
Published: July 2014

Functionally gradient materials (FGM) are one of the most widely used materials in various applications because of their adaptability to different situations by changing the material constituents as per the requirement. Nowadays it is very easy to tailor the properties to serve specific purposes in functionally gradient material. Most structural components used in the field of engineering can be classified as beams, plates, or shells for analysis purposes. In the present study the power law, sigmoid law and exponential distribution, is considered for the volume fraction distributions of the functionally graded plates. The work includes parametric studies performed by varying volume fraction distributions and aspect ratio. The FGM plate is subjected to transverse UDL (uniformly distributed load) and point load and the response is analysed.
Effects of Supply Chain Strategy on Stump Fuel Cost: A Simulation Approach
Authors: Eriksson Anders , Eliasson Lars , Hansson Per-Anders , Jirjis Raida
Published: July 2014

In Sweden, stump fuel extraction for energy purposes is not a well-established practice and this major resource is currently left in the forest. The stump fuel supply chain is both challenging and complex, due to distance between resource and end user, material bulkiness, and the number of subprocesses involved. This study examined the impact of different aspects such as site characteristics, fuel quality, biomass losses, and machine performance on fuel cost. Two systems, including transport of comminuted and uncomminuted fuel, were studied. Discrete-event simulation was used to model systems and to analyse the dynamics of the supply chain and its various components. For a distance of 10 km, transportation of uncomminuted fuel gave the lowest costs. For distances from 30 to 70 km, site size (odt) determined whether to comminute or not before transport. For longer distances, comminution before transport proved to be necessary. Well-planned stump storage was shown to reduce the delivery costs significantly, while high moisture content (>45%) had detrimental effects on system costs per unit energy delivered. However, the most influential parameters were productivity level and site characteristics (distance and site size).
Efficient Identification of Mutated Cancer Antigens Recognized by T Cells Associated with Durable Tumor Regressions
Authors: Lu Yong-Chen , Yao Xin , Crystal Jessica S. , Li Yong F. , El-Gamil Mona , Gross Colin , Davis Lindy , Dudley Mark E. , Yang James C. , Samuels Yardena , Rosenberg Steven A. , Robbins Paul F.
Published: July 2014

Purpose: Cancer immunotherapy with adoptive transfer of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) represents an effective treatment for patients with metastatic melanoma, with the objective regressions in up to 72% of patients in three clinical trials. However, the antigen targets recognized by these effective TILs remain largely unclear.

Experimental Design: Melanoma patients 2359 and 2591 both experienced durable complete regressions of metastases ongoing beyond five years following adoptive TIL transfer. Two conventional screening approaches were carried out to identify the antigens recognized by these clinically effective TILs. In addition, a novel approach was developed in this study to identify mutated T-cell antigens by screening a tandem minigene library, which comprised nonsynonymous mutation sequences identified by whole-exome sequencing of autologous tumors.

Results: Screening of an autologous melanoma cDNA library using a conventional approach led to the identification of previously undescribed nonmutated targets recognized by TIL 2359 or TIL 2591. In contrast, screening of tandem minigene libraries encoding tumor-specific mutations resulted in the identification of mutated kinesin family member 2C (KIF2C) antigen as a target of TIL 2359, and mutated DNA polymerase alpha subunit B (POLA2) antigen as a target of TIL 2591. Both KIF2C and POLA2 have been found to play important roles in cell proliferation.

Conclusions: These findings suggest that the minigene screening approach can facilitate the antigen repertoire analysis of tumor reactive T cells, and lead to the development of new adoptive cell therapies with purified T cells that recognize candidate-mutated antigens derived from genes essential for the carcinogenesis. Clin Cancer Res; 20(13); 3401–10. ©2014 AACR.
BDNF Modulates Contextual Fear Learning during Adolescence
Authors: Dincheva Iva , Pattwell Siobhan S. , Tessarollo Lino , Bath Kevin G. , Lee Francis S.
Published: July 2014

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a growth factor that plays key roles in regulating higher-order emotional and cognitive processes including fear learning and memory. A common single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) has been identified in the human BDNF gene (BDNF Val66Met) that leads to decreased BDNF secretion and impairments in specific forms of fear learning in adult humans and genetically modified mice containing this SNP. As the emergence of anxiety and other fear-related disorders peaks during adolescence, we sought to better understand the impact of this BDNF SNP on fear learning during the transition through adolescence in BDNF Val66Met knock-in mice. Previously, we have shown that contextual fear expression is temporarily suppressed in wild-type mice during a distinct period in adolescence, but re-emerges at later, postadolescent ages. Until recently, it was unclear whether BDNF-TrkB signaling is involved in the modulation of hippocampal-dependent contextual fear learning and memory during this adolescent period. Here we show that in BDNF Val66Met mice, the presence of the Met allele does not alter contextual fear expression during adolescence, but when previously conditioned BDNFMet/Met mice are tested in adulthood, they fail to display the delayed expression of contextual fear compared to wild-type BDNFVal/Val controls, indicating that the Met allele may permanently alter hippocampal function, leading to persistent functioning that is indistinguishable from the adolescent state. Conversely, truncated TrkB receptor (TrkB.T1)-deficient (TrkB.T1-/-) mice, a genetic mouse model with increased BDNF-TrkB signaling through full-length TrkB receptors, exhibit an accelerated expression of contextual fear during adolescence compared to wild-type controls. Our results point to a critical function for BDNF-TrkB signaling in fear regulation in vivo, particularly during a potentially sensitive period in adolescence.
Different Patterns of Chromosomal Histone H3 Phosphorylation in Land Plants
Authors: Marcon-Tavares Adriana B. , Felinto Filipe , Feitoza Lidiane , Barros e Silva Ana E. , Guerra Marcelo
Published: July 2014

The chromosomal phosphorylation of histone H3 during mitosis and meiosis seems to play a fundamental role in the control of cell division in all eukaryotes. In plants, the temporal and spatial distribution of H3S10 phosphorylated (H3S10ph) is currently known only for chromosomes of a few angiosperms. In the present study, we analyzed the pattern of H3S10ph in mitotic chromosomes of 14 plant species, including 2 bryophytes and 12 tracheophytes. In all species, the phosphorylation of H3S10 was cytologically detected first in prophase and disappeared in late anaphase. Two patterns of chromosomal phosphorylation were observed: (1) only the pericentromeric regions were hyperphosphorylated, whereas the remaining chromosome arms appeared weakly and diffusely immunolabeled, and (2) the whole chromosomes appear uniformly phosphorylated, increasing the labeling intensity at metaphase. The first pattern was observed in all tracheophytes with monocentric chromosomes, whereas the second one was restricted to the bryophytes and angiosperms with holokinetic chromosomes. In both cases, no particular kind of chromatin such as NORs or heterochromatic bands were differentially labeled. Based on this data and previous analyses in other eukaryotes, we suggest that hyperphosphorylation of the whole mitotic metaphase chromosome represents the ancestral condition for eukaryotic chromosomes, and the change to the pericentromeric pattern occurred in the transition from bryophytes to tracheophytes. The meaning and possible implications of these results are discussed in the light of recent and classical experiments.
PTP1b Is a Physiologic Regulator of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Signaling in Endothelial Cells
Authors: Lanahan Anthony A. , Lech Diana , Dubrac Alexandre , Zhang Jiasheng , Zhuang Zhen W. , Eichmann Anne , Simons Michael
Published: July 2014

Background—

Regulation of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR2) signaling is a control point that determines the extent of vascular tree formation. Recent studies demonstrated an important role played by VEGFR2 endothelial trafficking in control of its activity and suggested the involvement of a phosphotyrosine phosphatase 1b (PTP1b) in this process. This study was designed to define the role of PTP1b in endothelial VEGFR2 signaling and its role in regulation of angiogenesis and arteriogenesis.

Methods and Results—

We generated mice carrying an endothelial-specific deletion of PTP1b and examined the effect of this knockout on VEGF signaling, angiogenesis, and arteriogenesis in vitro and in vivo. PTP1b knockout endothelial cells had increased VEGF-dependent activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase signaling, sprouting, migration, and proliferation compared with controls. Endothelial PTP1b null mice had increased retinal and Matrigel implant angiogenesis and accelerated wound healing, pointing to enhanced angiogenesis. Increased arteriogenesis was demonstrated by observations of faster recovery of arterial blood flow and large numbers of newly formed arterioles in the hindlimb ischemia mouse model. PTP1b endothelial knockout also rescued impaired blood flow recovery after common femoral artery ligation in synectin null mice.

Conclusions—

PTP1b is a key regulator of endothelial VEGFR2 signaling and plays an important role in regulation of the extent of vascular tree formation.