bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Activation of NLRP3 inflammasome in macrophages by mycoplasmal lipoproteins and lipopeptides
Authors: Saeki A. , Sugiyama M. , Hasebe A. , Suzuki T. , Shibata K.
Published: April 2018

The NLRP3 inflammasome, an intracellular sensor consisting of the nucleotide‐binding oligomerization domain‐like receptor family, pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3), the adaptor protein apoptosis‐associated speck‐like protein containing a caspase‐recruitment domain (ASC), and procaspase‐1, plays critical roles in host defense against microbial pathogens by inducing production of interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) and IL‐18. Mycoplasma salivarium and Mycoplasma pneumoniae cells activated murine bone marrow‐derived macrophages (BMMs) to induce production of IL‐1α, IL‐1β, and IL‐18. The IL‐1β production‐inducing activities of these mycoplasmas toward BMMs from Toll‐like receptor 2 (TLR2)‐deficient mice were significantly attenuated compared with those from C57BL/6 mice (B6BMMs). This result suggests the possibility that their lipoproteins as TLR2 agonists are involved in the activity. Lipoproteins of M. salivarium and M. pneumoniae (MsLP and MpLP), and the M. salivarium‐derived lipopeptide FSL‐1 induced IL‐1β production by B6BMMs, but not by BMMs from caspase‐1‐, NLRP3‐ or ASC‐deficient mice. The activities of MsLP and MpLP were not downregulated by the proteinase K treatment, suggesting that the active sites are their N‐terminal lipopeptide moieties. B6BMMs internalized the mycoplasmal N‐terminal lipopeptide FSL‐1 at least 30 min after incubation, FSL‐1‐containing endosomes started to fuse with the lysosomes around 2 hours, and then FSL‐1 translocated into the cytosol from LAMP‐1+ endosomes. The artificial delivery of FSL‐1 into the cytosol of B6BMMs drastically enhanced the IL‐1β production‐inducing activity. FSL‐1 as well as the representative NLRP3 inflammasome activator nigericin induced the NLRP3/ASC speck, but FSL‐1 located in a compartment different from the NLRP3/ASC speck.
Dissociation of frontal‐midline delta‐theta and posterior alpha oscillations: A mobile EEG study
Authors: Liang Mingli , Starrett Michael J. , Ekstrom Arne D.
Published: April 2018

Numerous reports have demonstrated low‐frequency oscillations during navigation using invasive recordings in the hippocampus of both rats and human patients. Given evidence, in some cases, of low‐frequency synchronization between midline cortex and hippocampus, it is also possible that low‐frequency movement‐related oscillations manifest in healthy human neocortex. However, this possibility remains largely unexplored, in part due to the difficulties of coupling free ambulation and effective scalp EEG recordings. In the current study, participants freely ambulated on an omnidirectional treadmill and explored an immersive virtual reality city rendered on a head‐mounted display while undergoing simultaneous wireless scalp EEG recordings. We found that frontal‐midline (FM) delta‐theta (2–7.21 Hz) oscillations increased during movement compared to standing still periods, consistent with a role in navigation. In contrast, posterior alpha (8.32–12.76 Hz) oscillations were suppressed in the presence of visual input, independent of movement. Our findings suggest that FM delta‐theta and posterior alpha oscillations arise at independent frequencies, under complementary behavioral conditions, and, at least for FM delta‐theta oscillations, at independent recordings sites. Together, our findings support a double dissociation between movement‐related FM delta‐theta and resting‐related posterior alpha oscillations. Our study thus provides novel evidence that FM delta‐theta oscillations arise, in part, from real‐world ambulation, and are functionally independent from posterior alpha oscillations.
Detecting Multivariate Interactions in Spatial Point Patterns with Gibbs Models and Variable Selection
Authors: Rajala T. , Murrell D. J. , Olhede S. C.
Published: April 2018

We propose a method for detecting significant interactions in very large multivariate spatial point patterns. This methodology thus develops high dimensional data understanding in the point process setting. The method is based on modelling the patterns by using a flexible Gibbs point process model to characterize point-to-point interactions at different spatial scales directly. By using the Gibbs framework significant interactions can also be captured at small scales. Subsequently, the Gibbs point process is fitted by using a pseudolikelihood approximation, and we select significant interactions automatically by using the group lasso penalty with this likelihood approximation. Thus we estimate the multivariate interactions stably even in this setting. We demonstrate the feasibility of the method with a simulation study and show its power by applying it to a large and complex rainforest plant population data set of 83 species.
Effect of Soccer Foot Pressure on Pressure Distributions
Authors: Uzun Ahmet , Aydos Latif , Kaya Metin , Pekel H. Ahmet , Kanatli Ulunay
Published: April 2018

The aim of this research is to investigate the effect of playing soccer for a long time in for professional soccer players regarding sole pressure. Despite the increasing prevalence of new methods developed in the footpad pressure measurement in recent years, our knowledge about pressure distribution of the footplate is still insufficient, especially for sportsmen (Ford et al., 2006). Plantar pressure analysis system (EMED-SF) was used in the study. Statistically significant differences between the study groups were examined using the non-parametric Mann-Whitney U test. According to the results of the research, there was no statistical difference between the experimental and control groups in terms of physical characteristics. However, significant results were found at (0.01-0.05) level in the beginning and grand total of heel medial, heel lateral, 1,2,3,4,5 metatars in the maximal force comparisons applied to the right and left foot contact area and the floor.
Protective role of Parkin in skeletal muscle contractile and mitochondrial function
Authors: Gouspillou Gilles , Godin Richard , Piquereau Jérome , Picard Martin , Mofarrahi Mahroo , Mathew Jasmin , Purves‐Smith Fennigje M. , Sgarioto Nicolas , Hepple Russell T. , Burelle Yan , Hussain Sabah N. A.
Published: April 2018

Key points

Parkin, an E3 ubiquitin ligase encoded by the Park2 gene, has been implicated in the regulation of mitophagy, a quality control process in which defective mitochondria are degraded.

The exact physiological significance of Parkin in regulating mitochondrial function and contractility in skeletal muscle remains largely unexplored.

Using Park2−/− mice, we show that Parkin ablation causes a decrease in muscle specific force, a severe decrease in mitochondrial respiration, mitochondrial uncoupling and an increased susceptibility to opening of the permeability transition pore.

These results demonstrate that Parkin plays a protective role in the maintenance of normal mitochondrial and contractile functions in skeletal muscles.

Parkin is an E3 ubiquitin ligase encoded by the Park2 gene. Parkin has been implicated in the regulation of mitophagy, a quality control process in which defective mitochondria are sequestered in autophagosomes and delivered to lysosomes for degradation. Although Parkin has been mainly studied for its implication in neuronal degeneration in Parkinson disease, its role in other tissues remains largely unknown. In the present study, we investigated the skeletal muscles of Park2 knockout (Park2−/−) mice to test the hypothesis that Parkin plays a physiological role in mitochondrial quality control in normal skeletal muscle, a tissue highly reliant on mitochondrial content and function. We first show that the tibialis anterior (TA) of Park2−/− mice display a slight but significant decrease in its specific force. Park2−/− muscles also show a trend for type IIB fibre hypertrophy without alteration in muscle fibre type proportion. Compared to Park2+/+ muscles, the mitochondrial function of Park2−/− skeletal muscles was significantly impaired, as indicated by the significant decrease in ADP‐stimulated mitochondrial respiratory rates, uncoupling, reduced activities of respiratory chain complexes containing mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA)‐encoded subunits and increased susceptibility to opening of the permeability transition pore. Muscles of Park2−/− mice also displayed a decrease in the content of the mitochondrial pro‐fusion protein Mfn2 and an increase in the pro‐fission protein Drp1 suggesting an increase in mitochondrial fragmentation. Finally, Park2 ablation resulted in an increase in basal autophagic flux in skeletal muscles. Overall, the results of the present study demonstrate that Parkin plays a protective role in the maintenance of normal mitochondrial and contractile functions in normal skeletal muscles.
Enzymatic Synthesis of 6′-Sialyllactose, a Dominant Sialylated Human Milk Oligosaccharide, by a Novel
exo
-α-Sialidase from Bacteroides fragilis NCTC9343
Authors: Guo Longcheng , Chen Xiaodi , Xu Li , Xiao Min , Lu Lili
Published: April 2018

Gut bacteria provide a rich source of glycosidases that can recognize and/or hydrolyze glycans for nutrition. Interestingly, some glycosidases have also been found to catalyze transglycosylation reactions
in vitro
and thus can be used for oligosaccharide synthesis. In this work, six putative and one known
exo
-α-sialidase genes—three from
Bacteroides fragilis
NCTC9343, three from
Clostridium perfringens
ATCC 13124, and one known from
Bifidobacterium bifidum
JCM1254—were subjected to gene cloning and heterogeneous expression in
Escherichia coli
. The recombinant enzymes were purified, characterized for substrate specificity, and screened for transglycosylation activity. A sialidase, named BfGH33C, from
B. fragilis
NCTC9343 was found to possess excellent transglycosylation activity for the synthesis of sialylated human milk oligosaccharide. The native BfGH33C was a homodimer with a molecular weight of 113.6 kDa. The

K
m

and
k
cat
values for 4-methylumbelliferyl
N
-acetyl-α-
d
-neuraminic acid and sialic acid dimer were determined to be 0.06 mM and 283.2 s
−1
, and 0.75 mM and 329.6 s
−1
, respectively. The enzyme was able to transfer sialyl from sialic acid dimer or oligomer to lactose with high efficiency and strict α2-6 regioselectivity. The influences of the initial substrate concentration, pH, temperature, and reaction time on transglycosylation were investigated in detail. Using 40 mM sialic acid dimer (or 40 mg/ml oligomer) and 1 M lactose (pH 6.5) at 50°C for 10 min, BfGH33C could specifically produce 6′-sialyllactose, a dominant sialylated human milk oligosaccharide, at a maximal conversion ratio above 20%. It provides a promising alternative to the current chemical and enzymatic methods for obtaining sialylated oligosaccharides.

IMPORTANCE
Sialylated human milk oligosaccharides are significantly beneficial to the neonate, as they play important roles in supporting resistance to pathogens, gut maturation, immune function, and brain and cognitive development. Therefore, access to the sialylated oligosaccharides has attracted increasing attention both for the study of saccharide functions and for the development of infant formulas that could mimic the nutritional value of human milk. Nevertheless, nine-carbon sialic acids are rather complicated for the traditional chemical modifications, which require multiple protection and deprotection steps to achieve a specific glycosidic bond. Here, the
exo
-α-sialidase BfGH33C synthesized 6′-sialyllactose in a simple step with high transglycosylation activity and strict regioselectivity. Additionally, it could utilize oligosialic acid, which was newly prepared in an easy, economical way to reduce the substrate cost, as a glycosyl donor. All the studies laid a foundation for the practical use of BfGH33C in large-scale synthesis of sialylated oligosaccharides in the future.
Identification of the I38T PA Substitution as a Resistance Marker for Next-Generation Influenza Virus Endonuclease Inhibitors
Authors: Jones Jeremy C. , Kumar Gyanendra , Barman Subrata , Najera Isabel , White Stephen W. , Webby Richard J. , Govorkova Elena A.
Published: April 2018

The clinical severity and annual occurrence of influenza virus epidemics, combined with the availability of just a single class of antivirals to treat infections, underscores the urgent need to develop new anti-influenza drugs. The endonuclease activity within the viral acidic polymerase (PA) protein is an attractive target for drug discovery due to the critical role it plays in viral gene transcription. RO-7 is a next-generation PA endonuclease inhibitor of influenza A and B viruses, but its drug resistance potential is unknown. Through serial passage of influenza A(H1N1) viruses in MDCK cells under selective pressure of RO-7, we identified an I38T substitution within the PA endonuclease domain that conferred
in vitro
resistance to RO-7 (up to a 287-fold change in 50% effective concentration [EC
50
]). I38T emerged between 5 and 10 passages, and when introduced into recombinant influenza A(H1N1) viruses, alone conferred RO-7 resistance (up to an 81-fold change in EC
50
). Cocrystal structures of mutant and wild-type endonuclease domains with RO-7 provided the structural basis of resistance, where a key hydrophobic interaction between RO-7 and the Ile38 side chain is compromised when mutated to the polar threonine. While Ile38 does not have a crucial role in coordinating the endonuclease active site, the switch to threonine does affect the polymerase activity of some viruses and influences RO-7 affinity for the PA
N
target (i.e., the ≈200-residue N-terminal domain of PA). However, the change does not lead to a complete loss of replication activity
in vitro
. Our results predict that RO-7-resistant influenza viruses carrying the I38T substitution may emerge under treatment. This should be taken into consideration for clinical surveillance and in refinement of these drugs.

IMPORTANCE
The effectiveness of antiviral drugs can be severely compromised by the emergence of resistant viruses. Therefore, determination of the mechanisms by which viruses become resistant is critical for drug development and clinical use. RO-7 is a compound that potently inhibits influenza virus replication and belongs to a new class of drugs in late-stage clinical trials for treatment of influenza virus infection. Here we demonstrate that a single amino acid change acquired under prolonged virus exposure to RO-7 renders influenza viruses significantly less susceptible to its inhibitory effects. We have discovered how the mutation can simultaneously interfere with drug activity and still maintain efficient virus replication. These findings have important implications for the development of more effective derivatives of RO-7-like drugs and provide guidance for how to monitor the emergence of resistance.
Impact of age on excess risk of coronary heart disease in patients with familial hypercholesterolaemia
Authors: Mundal Liv J , Igland Jannicke , Veierød Marit B , Holven Kirsten Bjørklund , Ose Leiv , Selmer Randi Marie , Wisloff Torbjorn , Kristiansen Ivar S , Tell Grethe S , Leren Trond P , Retterstøl Kjetil
Published: April 2018

Objective

The primary objective was to study the risk of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and coronary heart disease (CHD) in patients with familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) and compare with the risk in the general population.

Methods

Patients with an FH mutation but without prior AMI (n=3071) and without prior CHD (n=2795) were included in the study sample during 2001–2009. We obtained data on all AMI and CHD hospitalisations in Norway. We defined incident cases as first time hospitalisation or out-of-hospital death due to AMI or CHD. We estimated standardised incidence ratios (SIRs) with 95% CIs with indirect standardisation using incidence rates for the total Norwegian population stratified by sex, calendar year and 1 year age groups as reference rates.

Results

SIRs for AMI (95% CIs) were highest in the age group 25–39 years; 7.5 (3.7 to 14.9) in men and 13.6 (5.1 to 36.2) in women and decreased with age to 0.9 (0.4 to 2.1) in men and 1.8 (0.9 to 3.7) in women aged 70–79 years. Similarly, SIRs for CHD were highest among patients 25–39 years old; 11.1 (7.1–17.5) in men and 17.3 (9.6–31.2) in women and decreased 2.4 (1.4–4.2) in men and 3.2 (1.5–7.2) in women at age 70–79. For all age groups, combined SIRs for CHD were 4.2 (3.6–5.0) in men and 4.7 (3.9–5.7) in women.

Conclusion

Patients with FH are at severely increased risk of AMI and CHD compared with the general population. The highest excess risk was in the youngest group aged 25–39 years, in both sexes.
Valproate and epilepsy: for women as well as men
Authors: Lawthom Charlotte
Published: April 2018

Sodium valproate remains the best drug for idiopathic generalised epilepsy. For men with the latter diagnosis, this is the drug of choice. Sodium valproate has an unacceptably high level of major fetal malformation and also causes learning disabilities in many children exposed to the drug in utero. Women of reproductive age should not normally be offered this drug. There are many women with refractory epilepsy who would benefit from this drug and who are not planning pregnancy. Individualised epilepsy care is the gold standard, not blanket bans on drug choice based on gender.
Determining the effects of biochar and an arbuscular mycorrhizal inoculant on the growth of fowl mannagrass (Glyceria striata) (Poaceae)
Authors: Moland Sadie , Robicheau Brent M. , Browne Robin , Newell Ruth , Walker Allison K.
Published: April 2018

Biochar is gaining attention as an organic soil amendment that can increase plant yields and improve soil fertility. We studied the effect of biochar on the growth of fowl mannagrass ( Glyceria striata (Lam.) Hitchc.) (Poaceae), propagated in a greenhouse for future re-introduction into restored wetlands. Three different application rates (10%, 50%, and 75% biochar volume/substrate volume ( v/ v)) of nutrient-charged (i.e., nutrients added) and uncharged biochar were tested with and without a commercial arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal (AMF) inoculant. Aboveground biomass (shoot mass), belowground biomass (root mass), and shoot height of 166 G. striata samples were recorded after 92 d of growth. Using generalized linear models our data indicated a 50% ( v/ v) application rate of nutrient-charged biochar without AMF produces a significantly greater growth response (4.4× greater shoot height and 85× greater shoot mass compared with 0% biochar (AMF negative) control). We propose that the increased G. striata growth may be due to changes in pH, and (or) increased nutrient availability due to the addition of biochar. We recommend an application rate of 50% biochar ( v/ v) charged with nutrients as an advantageous amendment for propagating G. striata.
THE SIZE OF AN AIR SHED: A MACROECONOMIC STOCK ESTIMATE
Authors: THAMPAPILLAI DODO J.
Published: April 2018

This paper presents a simple method for estimating the size of environmental capital (KN) assets that are otherwise mistaken as infinite. An illustration is provided for Australia’s air shed. The method draws on the perpetual inventory method (PIM) used in macroeconomics for measuring the size of manufactured capital (KM) stock. While the application of the PIM for measuring KM is based on net accumulation over time, with KN it involves net depreciation over time. The depreciation, however, can be negated by the resilience capabilities of KN assets based on their biophysical characteristics. Owing to sparse data, two proxy methods for estimating the resilience coefficient are developed. These proxies rely on emission targets and standards that have been discussed in Australia’s policy context.
Deriving Einstein–Podolsky–Rosen steering inequalities from the few-body Abner Shimony inequalities
Authors: Zhou Jie , Meng Hui-Xian , Jiang Shu-Han , Xu Zhen-Peng , Ren Changliang , Su Hong-Yi , Chen Jing-Ling
Published: April 2018

For the Abner Shimony (AS) inequalities, the simplest unified forms of directions attaining the maximum quantum violation are investigated. Based on these directions, a family of Einstein–Podolsky–Rosen (EPR) steering inequalities is derived from the AS inequalities in a systematic manner. For these inequalities, the local hidden state (LHS) bounds are strictly less than the local hidden variable (LHV) bounds. This means that the EPR steering is a form of quantum nonlocality strictly weaker than Bell nonlocality.
Some applications of the most general form of the higher-order GUP with minimal length uncertainty and maximal momentum
Authors: Shababi Homa , Chung Won Sang
Published: April 2018

In this paper, using the new type of D-dimensional nonperturbative Generalized Uncertainty Principle (GUP) which has predicted both a minimal length uncertainty and a maximal observable momentum,1 first, we obtain the maximally localized states and express their connections to [P. Pedram, Phys. Lett. B 714, 317 (2012)]. Then, in the context of our proposed GUP and using the generalized Schrödinger equation, we solve some important problems including particle in a box and one-dimensional hydrogen atom. Next, implying modified Bohr–Sommerfeld quantization, we obtain energy spectra of quantum harmonic oscillator and quantum bouncer. Finally, as an example, we investigate some statistical properties of a free particle, including partition function and internal energy, in the presence of the mentioned GUP.
Computer Aided Bright Lesion Classification in Fundus Image Based on Feature Extraction
Authors: Bhargavi V. Ratna , Rajesh V.
Published: April 2018

In this paper, a hybrid approach of fundus image classification for diabetic retinopathy (DR) lesions is proposed. Laplacian eigenmaps (LE), a nonlinear dimensionality reduction (NDR) technique is applied to a high-dimensional scale invariant feature transform (SIFT) representation of fundus image for lesion classification. The applied NDR technique gives a low-dimensional intrinsic feature vector for lesion classification in fundus images. The publicly available databases are used for demonstrating the implemented strategy. The performance of applied technique can be evaluated based on sensitivity, specificity and accuracy using Support vector classifier. Compared to other feature vectors, the implemented LE-based feature vector yielded better classification performance. The accuracy obtained is 96.6% for SIFT-LE-SVM.
Penalization model for Navier–Stokes–Darcy equations with application to porosity-oriented topology optimization
Authors: Bastide Alain , Cocquet Pierre-Henri , Ramalingom Delphine
Published: April 2018

Topology optimization for fluid flow aims at finding the location of a porous medium minimizing a cost functional under constraints given by the Navier–Stokes equations. The location of the porous media is usually taken into account by adding a penalization term [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is a kinematic viscosity divided by a permeability and [Formula: see text] is the velocity of the fluid. The fluid part is obtained when [Formula: see text] while the porous (solid) part is defined for large enough [Formula: see text] since this formally yields [Formula: see text]. The main drawback of this method is that only solid that does not let the fluid to enter, that is perfect solid, can be considered. In this paper, we propose to use the porosity of the media as optimization parameter hence to minimize some cost function by finding the location of a porous media. The latter is taken into account through a singular perturbation of the Navier–Stokes equations for which we prove that its weak-limit corresponds to an interface fluid-porous medium problem modeled by the Navier–Stokes–Darcy equations. This model is then used as constraint for a topology optimization problem. We give necessary condition for such problem to have at least an optimal solution and derive first order necessary optimality condition. This paper ends with some numerical simulations, for Stokes flow, to show the interest of this approach.
Short gamma-ray burst central engines
Authors: Ciolfi Riccardo
Published: April 2018

Growing evidence connects the progenitor systems of the short-hard subclass of gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) to the merger of compact object binaries composed of two neutron stars (NSs) or of an NS and a black hole (BH). The recent observation of the binary NS (BNS) merger event GW170817 associated with GRB 170817A brought a great deal of additional information and provided further support to the above connection, even though the identification of this burst as a canonical short GRB (SGRB) remains uncertain. Decades of observational constraints and theoretical models consolidated the idea of a jet origin for the GRB prompt emission, which can also explain the multiwavelength afterglow radiation observed in most of the events. However, the mechanisms through which a BNS or NS–BH merger remnant would power a collimated outflow are much less constrained. Understanding the properties of the remnant systems and whether they can provide the right conditions for jet production has been a main driver of the great effort devoted to study BNS and NS–BH mergers, and still represents a real challenge from both the physical and the computational points of view. One fundamental open question concerns the nature of the central engine itself. While the leading candidate system is a BH surrounded by a massive accretion disk, the recent observation of plateau-shaped X-ray afterglows in some SGRBs would suggest a longer-lived engine, i.e. a metastable (or even stable) massive NS, which would also exclude NS–BH progenitors. Here we elaborate on this key aspect, considering three different scenarios to explain the SGRB phenomenology based on different hypotheses on the nature of the merger remnant. Then, we discuss the basic properties of GRB 170817A and how this event would fit within the different frameworks of the above scenarios, under the assumption that it was or was not a canonical SGRB.
Renormalizability and Newtonian potential in scale-invariant gravity
Authors: Myung Yun Soo
Published: April 2018

There is a conjecture that renormalizable higher-derivative gravity has a finite classical potential at the origin. In this work, we show clearly that the scale-invariant gravity (SIG) satisfies the conjecture. This gravity produces the better-behaved [Formula: see text] UV behavior as needed for renormalizability. It turns out that the SIG has the linear classical potential of [Formula: see text] and it is a UV complete theory.
AN EMPIRICAL APPROACH TO FINANCIAL CRISIS INDICATORS BASED ON RANDOM MATRICES
Authors: DOUADY RAPHAEL , KORNPROBST ANTOINE
Published: April 2018

The aim of this work is to build a class of financial crisis indicators based on the spectral properties of the dynamics of market data. After choosing an appropriate size for a rolling window, the historical market data inside this rolling window are seen every trading day as a random matrix from which a correlation matrix is obtained. Our goal is to study the correlations between the assets that constitute this market and look for reproducible patterns that are indicative of an impending financial crisis. A weighting of the assets in the market is then introduced and is proportional to the daily traded volumes. This manipulation is realized in order to give more importance to the most liquid assets. Our financial crisis indicators are based on the spectral radius of this weighted correlation matrix. The idea behind this type of financial crisis indicators is that large eigenvalues are a sign of dynamic instability. The out-of-sample predictive power of the financial crisis indicators in this framework is then demonstrated, in particular by using them as decision-making tools in a protective put strategy.
A LATTICE-BASED MODEL FOR EVALUATING BONDS AND INTEREST-SENSITIVE CLAIMS UNDER STOCHASTIC VOLATILITY
Authors: RUSSO EMILIO , STAINO ALESSANDRO
Published: April 2018

We propose a flexible lattice model for pricing bonds and interest-sensitive claims under stochastic volatility, which is able to accommodate different dynamics specifications, and permits correlation between the interest rate and volatility diffusion. The model is based on the forward shooting grid method where the volatility process, as the primary state variable, is discretized by means of a recombining binomial tree. Then, the interest rate, as the auxiliary state variable, is discretized by attaching a subset of representative realizations to each node of the volatility lattice to cover the range of possible interest rates at each time slice. Finally, we develop a bivariate lattice presenting four branches for each node, where the joint probabilities for the possible jumps embed the correlation. Since the model works on representative interest rate values, a linear interpolation technique is used when solving backward through the lattice to compute the bond present value or the interest-sensitive claim price.
On Analyzing Cost Allocation Problems: Cooperation Building Structures and Order Problem Representations
Authors: Kleppe John , Borm Peter , Hendrickx Ruud , Reijnierse Hans
Published: April 2018

To analyze cost allocation problems, this paper identifies associated cooperation building structures, with joint cost functions, and corresponding efficient order problem representations, with individualized cost functions. This paper presents an approach that, when applicable, offers a way not only to adequately model a cost allocation problem by means of a cooperative cost game, but also to construct a core element of such a game by means of a generalized Bird allocation. We apply the approach to both existing and new classes of cost allocation problems related to operational research problems: sequencing situations without initial ordering, maintenance problems, minimum cost spanning tree situations, permutation situations without initial allocation, public congestion network situations, traveling salesman problems, shared taxi problems and traveling repairman problems.
Genetic Algorithm-Enabled Particle Swarm Optimization (PSOGA)-Based Task Scheduling in Cloud Computing Environment
Authors: Agarwal Mohit , Srivastava Gur Mauj Saran
Published: April 2018

Task scheduling is one of the most difficult problems which is associated with cloud computing. Due to its nature, as it belongs to nondeterministic polynomial time (NP)-hard class of problem. Various heuristic as well as meta-heuristic approaches have been used to find the optimal solution. Task scheduling basically deals with the allocation of the task to the most efficient machine for optimal utilization of the computing resources and results in better makespan. As per literature, various meta-heuristic algorithms like genetic algorithm (GA), particle swarm optimization (PSO), ant colony optimization (ACO) and their other hybrid techniques have been applied. Through this paper, we are presenting a novel meta-heuristic technique — genetic algorithm enabled particle swarm optimization (PSOGA), a hybrid version of PSO and GA algorithm. PSOGA uses the diversification property of PSO and intensification property of the GA. The proposed algorithm shows its supremacy over other techniques which are taken into consideration by presenting less makespan time in majority of the cases which leads up to 22.2% improvement in performance of the system and also establishes that proposed PSOGA algorithm converges faster than the others.
Routine million-particle simulations of epoxy curing with dissipative particle dynamics
Authors: Thomas Stephen , Alberts Monet , Henry Michael M , Estridge Carla E , Jankowski Eric
Published: April 2018

Mesoscale simulation techniques have helped to bridge the length scales and time scales needed to predict the microstructures of cured epoxies, but gaps in computational cost and experimental relevance have limited their impact. In this work, we develop an open-source plugin epoxpy for HOOMD-Blue that enables epoxy crosslinking simulations of millions of particles to be routinely performed on a single modern graphics card. We demonstrate the first implementation of custom temperature-time curing profiles with dissipative particle dynamics and show that reaction kinetics depend sensitively on the stochastic bonding rates. We provide guidelines for modeling first-order reaction dynamics in a classic epoxy/hardener/toughener system and show structural sensitivity to the temperature-time profile during cure. We conclude with a discussion of how these efficient large-scale simulations can be used to evaluate ensembles of epoxy processing protocols to quantify the sensitivity of microstructure on processing.
Algebraic aspects of massive gravity
Authors: Golovnev Alexey , Smirnov Fedor
Published: April 2018

We describe the freedom of choosing a square root in massive gravity from algebraic point of view. This contribution is based on the talk given by one of us (AG) at the Geometric Foundations of Gravity conference in Tartu in August 2017.
Scalar field assisted f(R) gravity inflation
Authors: Kleidis K. , Oikonomou V. K.
Published: April 2018

In this paper, we investigate the inflationary dynamics of an [Formula: see text] gravity in the presence of a canonical scalar field. We specifically choose the cosmological evolution to be a quasi-de Sitter evolution and also the [Formula: see text] gravity is assumed to be a modified version of the [Formula: see text] gravity. We investigate which scalar field potential can produce the quasi-de Sitter evolution for the choice of the [Formula: see text] gravity we made, and also we study in detail the inflationary dynamics of the resulting theory. As we demonstrate, the spectral index is identical to the one corresponding to the ordinary [Formula: see text] gravity, while the scalar-to-tensor ratio is found to be smaller than the [Formula: see text] inflation one consequently, compatibility with both the Planck 2015 and BICEP2/Keck-Array data is achieved.
On the physical interpretation of non-metricity in Brans–Dicke gravity
Authors: Lobo Iarley P.
Published: April 2018

Brans–Dicke theory is described by an action that allows the so-called frame transformation, which replaces the non-minimal coupling between the scalar field and the curvature by a coupling between the scalar field and matter fields. In this paper, we describe how the viewpoint that they are physically equivalent has a geometrical counterpart in the framework of Weyl integrable geometry. This way, Dicke’s interpretation in terms of running units is a physical manifestation of the non-metricity tensor.
On Bishop frame of a null Cartan curve in Minkowski space-time
Authors: Ilarslan Kazim , Nešović Emilija
Published: April 2018

In this paper, we define the Bishop frame of a null Cartan curve in Minkowski space-time [Formula: see text]. We obtain the Bishop’s frame equations of a null Cartan curve which lies in the timelike hyperplane of [Formula: see text]. We show that a null Cartan cubic lying in the timelike hyperplane of [Formula: see text] has two Bishop frames, one of which coincides with its Cartan frame. We also derive the Bishop’s frame equation of the null Cartan curve which has the third Cartan curvature [Formula: see text]. As an application, we find a solution of the null Betchov-Da Rios vortex filament equation in terms of a null Cartan curve and its Bishop frame, which generates a timelike Hasimoto surface.
On causality violation in Lyra Geometry
Authors: Jesus W. D. R. , Santos A. F.
Published: April 2018

In this paper, the causality issues are discussed in a non-Riemannian geometry, called Lyra geometry. It is a non-Riemannian geometry originated from Weyl geometry. In order to compare this geometry with the Riemannian geometry, the Einstein field equations are considered. It is verified that the Gödel and Gödel-type metric are consistent with this non-Riemannian geometry. A non-trivial solution for Gödel universe in the absence of matter sources is determined without analogue in general relativity. Different sources are considered and then different conditions for causal and non-causal solutions are discussed.
G-theory and its reduction to F(R)-gravity in FRW universe
Authors: Sepehri Alireza , Pincak Richard
Published: April 2018

A new theory, named G(General)-theory in 14 dimensions, has been proposed that is reduced to [Formula: see text]-gravity and produces the metric of FRW universe in four dimensions. In this theory, the Universe is born in six stages. First, there is nothing in the world. Then, two strings, one with positive energy and one with negative energy in 14th, dimension are created such that the sum over their energies is zero. These strings are excited and for flowing their energies, other dimensions are produced. Second, these strings decay to G0-branes. Third, these branes join each other and construct Gp-branes which tensor fields live on. The rank of these fields can change from zero to p for [Formula: see text] and from zero to six for [Formula: see text]. Four, by compacting Gp-branes on three circles, supersymmetry is born which contains the equal number of degrees of freedom for fermions and bosons. Six, by reducing G-theory to four dimensions, FRW universe is emerges and initial tensor fields produce the predicted shape of [Formula: see text]-gravity.
Fabrication of MnFe2O4 and MnCO3 Nanoparticles Anchored on Amorphous Carbon-Coated Carbon Nanotubes for High-Performance Lithium Batteries and Supercapacitors
Authors: Wen Quanwu , Zhang Shaohua , Sun Mingwei , Jin Rencheng
Published: April 2018

Transition metal oxides as Li-ion batteries (LIBs) anodes have attracted much attention because of their high theoretical capacity. However, the large volume change and low electrical conductivity still hinder their application in LIBs. In this work, a new strategy is proposed to enhance the electrochemical performance by anchoring ultrafine MnFe2O4 and MnCO3 ([Formula: see text][Formula: see text]nm) on amorphous carbon-coated carbon nanotubes. Benefiting from the unique structure, the electrode displays excellent cyclability with a reversible specific capacity of 1012[Formula: see text]mAh g[Formula: see text] at 0.1[Formula: see text]A g[Formula: see text] after 100 cycles and outstanding rate performance accompanied by a high specific capacity of 568[Formula: see text]mAh g[Formula: see text] at 5[Formula: see text]A g[Formula: see text] as anode for lithium batteries. When evaluated as supercapacitors, the electrode delivers the specific capacitance of 588.9[Formula: see text]F g[Formula: see text] at a current density of 1[Formula: see text]A g[Formula: see text] and maintains the capacitance retention 94.7% after 4000 cycles at 5[Formula: see text]A g[Formula: see text].
Thermo-mechanical characteristics of the stretchable serpentine-patterned microelectrode
Authors: Lee Myoungwoo , Kim Hyun-Oh , Boo Jin-Hyo , Kim Youn-Jea
Published: April 2018

Stretchable microelectrode is applied in various fields, such as sensory skins for soft robotics and wearable electronics for biomedical patches, etc. The structural quality of the stretchable microelectrode is a significant factor since it influences the thermo-mechanical characteristics. In order to improve the structural quality of the electrode, a serpentine-patterned configuration with various curvature angles of 60[Formula: see text], 90[Formula: see text] and 120[Formula: see text] were applied to the film of each electrode. In addition, thermal stress was applied at certain voltages to demonstrate the thermo-mechanical characteristics of the serpentine-patterned microelectrode. The numerical analysis on von Mises stress and thermal stress of the electrode was conducted with a commercial code, COMSOL Multiphysics ver. 5.3a. The results were graphically described by showing stress distributions of each case and the microelectrode having highest thermo-mechanical characteristics was derived.
Perfectness of a graph associated with annihilating ideals of a ring
Authors: Aghapouramin V. , Nikmehr M. J.
Published: April 2018

Let [Formula: see text] be a commutative ring with identity which is not an integral domain. An ideal [Formula: see text] of a ring [Formula: see text] is called an annihilating ideal if there exists [Formula: see text] such that [Formula: see text]. Let [Formula: see text] be a simple undirect graph associated with [Formula: see text] whose vertex set is the set of all nonzero annihilating ideals of [Formula: see text] and two distinct vertices [Formula: see text] are joined if and only if [Formula: see text] is also an annihilating ideal of [Formula: see text]. A perfect graph is a graph in which the chromatic number of every induced subgraph equals the size of the largest clique of that subgraph. In this paper, we characterize all rings whose [Formula: see text] is perfect.
Quantitative evaluation of perceived depth of transparently-visualized medical 3D data presented with a multi-view 3D display
Authors: Sakano Yuichi , Kitaura Yurina , Hasegawa Kyoko , Lopez-Gulliver Roberto , Li Liang , Ando Hiroshi , Tanaka Satoshi
Published: April 2018

Transparent visualization is used in many fields because it can visualize not only the frontal object but also other important objects behind it. Although in many situations, it would be very important for the 3D structures of the visualized transparent images to be perceived as they are simulated, little is known quantitatively as to how such transparent 3D structures are perceived. To address this question, in the present study, we conducted a psychophysical experiment in which the observers reported the perceived depth magnitude of a transparent object in medical images, presented with a multi-view 3D display. For the visualization, we employed a stochastic point-based rendering (SPBR) method, which was developed recently as a technique for efficient transparent-rendering. Perceived depth of the transparent object was smaller than the simulated depth. We found, however, that such depth underestimation can be alleviated to some extent by (1) applying luminance gradient inherent in the SPBR method, (2) employing high opacities, and (3) introducing binocular disparity and motion parallax produced by a multi-view 3D display.
Asymptotic null and non-null distributions of test statistics for redundancy in high-dimensional canonical correlation analysis
Authors: Oda Ryoya , Yanagihara Hirokazu , Fujikoshi Yasunori
Published: April 2018

In this paper, we derive asymptotic null and non-null distributions of three test statistics, namely, the likelihood ratio criterion, the Lawley–Hotelling criterion, and the Bartlett–Nanda–Pillai criterion, for tests of redundancy in high-dimensional (HD) canonical correlation analysis. Since our setting is that the dimension of one of two observation vectors may be large but does not exceed the sample size, we use a HD asymptotic framework such that the sample size and the dimension divided by the sample size tend to [Formula: see text] and a positive constant within [0,1), respectively, for evaluating asymptotic distributions. Through simulation experiments, it is shown that our proposed HD approximations are more accurate than those under the classical asymptotic framework, i.e. only the sample size tends to [Formula: see text].
The distribution and form of flint, with particular reference to the Chalk Group (Upper Cretaceous) of the Northern Province, UK
Authors: Hildreth P. N.
Published: April 2018

Flints are recognized reliable lithostratigraphic markers in chalk sedimentary rocks and may provide an indication of Late Cretaceous palaeogeographic conditions. Their distribution and often characteristic form allow correlation over a wide area, and they may provide information about the local variations in submarine topography and water depth. The absence of flint from parts of the Chalk Group is, like its presence, predictable, but not as well explained. The distribution of flint in the Northern Province is reviewed with quantitative methods being used to highlight sedimentary patterns, flint-rich levels and a possible correlation with marlstones containing reworked volcanic ash. The form of flints is considered to be an expression of conditions prevalent within the chalk sedimentary pile which, in turn, is influenced by variations in sea floor topography and water depth. Therefore, flints may be regarded as indicators of late Cretaceous environmental conditions; their distribution over the area of a wide, generally similar, shelf sea and their form demonstrates subtle local variations in water depth and sediment properties.
Association of Cytotoxic T Lymphocyte Antigen-4 Gene Polymorphisms with Psoriasis Vulgaris: A Case-Control Study in Turkish Population
Authors: Dursun Hatice Gül , Yılmaz Hüseyin Osman , Dursun Recep , Kulaksızoğlu Sevsen
Published: April 2018

Psoriasis is a common, chronic, and autoimmune skin disease in which dysregulation of immune cells, particularly T cells, is thought to play an important role in the pathogenesis. Cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4) expressed only on activated T cells is an immunoregulatory molecule and plays a role in the pathogenesis of autoimmune disorders. We aimed to determine whether CTLA-4 gene polymorphisms are associated with development and/or clinical features of psoriasis vulgaris (Pv). Genotyping of SNPs (−318C>T, +49A>G, and CT60A>G) in CTLA-4 gene was performed using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) in 103 Pv patients and 102 controls. No statistically significant associations were detected in any of the investigated genetic models for the −318C>T polymorphism. The genotype distributions of +49A>G and CT60A>G were associated with Pv development. In haplotype analysis, while frequency of CAA haplotype was significantly higher in the control group, frequencies of CGG and CAG haplotype were significantly higher among the patients. However, all of CTLA-4 polymorphisms and haplotypes do not have an effect on severity and onset age of Pv. In conclusion, the +49A>G and CT60A>G polymorphisms may be risk factors for Pv development. Furthermore, CGG and CAG haplotypes may contribute to Pv development, while CAA haplotype may be protective against Pv.
MOORA under Pythagorean Fuzzy Set for Multiple Criteria Decision Making
Authors: Pérez-Domínguez Luis , Rodríguez-Picón Luis Alberto , Alvarado-Iniesta Alejandro , Luviano Cruz David , Xu Zeshui
Published: April 2018

The multiobjective optimization on the basis of ratio analysis (MOORA) method captures diverse features such as the criteria and alternatives of appraising a multiple criteria decision‐making (MCDM) problem. At the same time, the multiple criteria problem includes a set of decision makers with diverse expertise and preferences. In fact, the literature lists numerous approaches to aid in this problematic task of choosing the best alternative. Nevertheless, in the MCDM field, there is a challenge regarding intangible information which is commonly involved in multiple criteria decision‐making problem; hence, it is substantial in order to advance beyond the research related to this field. Thus, the objective of this paper is to present a fused method between multiobjective optimization on the basis of ratio analysis and Pythagorean fuzzy sets for the choice of an alternative. Besides, multiobjective optimization on the basis of ratio analysis is utilized to choose the best alternatives. Finally, two decision‐making problems are applied to illustrate the feasibility and practicality of the proposed method.