bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ADAPTIVE MULTIPLE KNOT B-SPLINE WAVELETS FOR SOLVING SAINT-VENANT EQUATIONS
Authors: TAVAKOLI ALI , POURAKBARI FATEMEH , NEGARESTANI HOSSEIN
Published: November 2013

Solving the Saint-Venant equations by numerical methods like finite element and finite difference methods yields an unstable solution for a fairly large open channel. Multiple Knot B-Spline Wavelets (MKBSW) are in the class of semi-orthogonal wavelets that have compact support. Hence, these basis functions are suitable for solving the Saint-Venant equations. However, solving the Saint-Venant equations by MKBSW method requires a long CPU time. In this paper, we present an adaptive wavelet method to solve the Saint-Venant equation in a fairly short time. In fact, we first solve the problem in a few first moments and then by statistical methods of time series and regression, where the active wavelets are predicted in the next moments. Moreover, by this adaptive method, the cumulative errors (that are produced by solving the discretized system, numerically) are decreased for large open channels. Two numerical examples are given to support our results.
ERROR ANALYSIS FOR THE SPARSE GRAPH-BASED SEMI-SUPERVISED CLASSIFICATION ALGORITHM
Authors: ZUO LING , PENG JIANGTAO , ZOU BIN
Published: November 2013

Recently, semi-supervised learning (SSL) has attracted significant attention in machine learning fields. While numerous experimental results have shown the effectiveness of SSL methods, the theoretical analysis in this area is still poorly understood. In this paper, we investigate the generalization performance of the recently proposed sparse graph-based semi-supervised classification algorithm. We use a computationally more simple way to solve the algorithm and present the excess misclassification error bounds. In detail, the Fenchel-Legendre conjugate is first employed to reform the algorithm to an inf-sup problem. Then, the covering number is used to estimate the excess misclassification error. Experiment results are given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the sparse SSL algorithm with new solving strategy.
A HYBRID SVM BASED ON NEAREST NEIGHBOR RULE
Authors: JI JIE , ZHAO QIANGFU
Published: November 2013

This paper proposes a hybrid learning method to speed up the classification procedure of Support Vector Machines (SVM). Comparing most algorithms trying to decrease the support vectors in an SVM classifier, we focus on reducing the data points that need SVM for classification, and reduce the number of support vectors for each SVM classification. The system uses a Nearest Neighbor Classifier (NNC) to treat data points attentively. In the training phase, the NNC selects data near partial decision boundary, and then trains sub SVM for each Voronoi pair. For classification, most non-boundary data points are classified by NNC directly, while remaining boundary data points are passed to a corresponding local expert SVM. We also propose a data selection method for training reliable expert SVM. Experimental results on several generated and public machine learning data sets show that the proposed method significantly accelerates the testing speed.
A WAVELET MULTIFRACTAL FORMALISM FOR SIMULTANEOUS SINGULARITIES OF FUNCTIONS
Authors: AOUIDI JAMIL , MABROUK ANOUAR BEN
Published: November 2013

In this paper, a wavelet multifractal analysis is developed which permits to characterize simultaneous singularities for a vector of functions. An associated multifractal formalism is introduced and checked for the case of functions involving self similar aspects.
ANALYZING THE BINARY PULSARS ABOVE THE SPIN-UP LINE
Authors: PAN YUANYUE , WANG NA , ZHANG CHENGMIN
Published: November 2013

With accretion of mass from an evolving companion star, a neutron star can be spun up to an equilibrium period, which is set by the Kepler orbital period at the magnetosphere radius, expressed as a proportional relation between the spin period and magnetic field strength. The spin-up line relationship can be also expressed as a relation between period (P) and period derivative (Ṗ) for the pulsars with dipole radiation. All binary pulsars should lie below the spin-up line, if they accrete the sufficient masses from companions. So, we investigate the distribution of isolated and binary pulsars in the period (P) and magnetic field (B) diagram to see their positions relative to the spin-up line. It is found that the eight binary pulsars (of total 172) are above the spin-up line, thus we analyze their properties and present the possible process of their formations.
EVIDENCES FOR A DOUBLE COMPONENT IN THE EMISSION OF GRB 101023
Authors: PENACCHIONI A. V. , RUFFINI R. , IZZO L. , MUCCINO M. , BIANCO C. L. , CAITO L. , PATRICELLI B.
Published: November 2013

In this work we present the results of the analysis of GRB 101023 in the fireshell scenario. We infered its redshift from the Amati Relation, obtaining z=0.9. Its light curve is very similar to the already studied GRB 090618, in the sense that it presents a double emission. We called each part Episode 1 and Episode 2. We performed a time-resolved spectral analysis with RMFIT using different spectral models, and fitted the light curve with a numerical code integrating the fireshell equations of motion. We used Fermi GBM data to build the light curve, in particular the second NaI detector, in the range (8.5-1000 keV). We considered different hypotheses about which part of the light curve could be the GRB and analyzed all of them. We noticed a great variation of the temperature with time in the first episode and almost no variation of the progenitor radius. The first emission does not match the requirements for a GRB, while the second part perfectly agrees with being a canonical GRB, with a P-GRB lasting 4s.
DEVELOPMENT OF SCINTILLATING BOLOMETERS FOR DARK MATTER SEARCHES
Authors: MARTÍNEZ M. , CUESTA C. , GARCÍA E. , GINESTRA C. , DE SOLÓRZANO A. ORTIZ , ORTIGOZA Y. , POBES C. , PUIMEDÓN J. , ROLÓN T. , SARSA M. L. , VILLAR J. A. , CORON N. , GIRONNET J. , LEBLANC J. , DE MARCILLAC P. , REDON T. , TORRES L. , VEBER P. , VELÁZQUEZ M.
Published: November 2013

Scintillating bolometers, in which the simultaneous detection of light and heat allows to discriminate the nature of the interacting particle, are one of the most promising detectors for Dark Matter (DM) searches. One main advantage is the wide range of materials that can be used as target, that could provide a key for WIMP identification. The EURECA (European Underground Rare Event Calorimeter Array) project aims to install 1 ton of cryogenic detectors ( Ge and solid state scintillators) to explore the spin independent (SI) scalar cross sections down to the 10-46 cm2 region. In this frame, the ROSEBUD collaboration is developing low temperature scintillating materials to be installed at the Canfranc Underground Laboratory. Work on 6 Li and 10 B based targets, that could allow to monitor the thermal and fast neutron flux within the experiments, is also presented.
THE GRAND SOLAR MINIMA AND THE SOLAR DYNAMO
Authors: JIANG JIE
Published: November 2013

Both the direct sunspot observations and the indirect solar activity proxies indicate the existences of the solar grand minima during which time the solar activities are greatly reduced. They are usually coincided with periods of lower-than-average global temperatures. The existences of the grand minima pose a challenge for the solar dynamo. The main features of the grand minima and the new dynamo models to explain their existences will be reviewed in the paper.
LOW FREQUENCY SEEING AND SOLAR DIAMETER MEASUREMENTS
Authors: SIGISMONDI COSTANTINO , WANG XIAOFAN
Published: November 2013

The action of the atmospheric seeing is blurring, image stretching and image motion. This happens even to the image of the Sun which is more than half degree wide. Low frequency seeing components affect the solar diameter values measured either through the drift-scan or the heliometer methods. We present evidences of image motion and stretching down to 0.001 Hz.
HOW WAS ATOMIC HI (λ = 21 CM LINE) IN SPACE DISCOVERED?
Authors: STROM RICHARD G.
Published: November 2013

The discovery of neutral atomic hydrogen (HI) in the interstellar medium was based on a prediction by H. C. van de Hulst. The story of how Jan Oort suggested that the student Van de Hulst might investigate the question, who then reported his results at a wartime colloquium in Leiden, is well known. Recent archival research has turned up letters and other documents which, while not changing the basic storyline, do throw new light on certain details. From letters to Oort, it is now possible to determine when he first heard about Reber's observations of radio emission from the Milky Way, and what his immediate reaction was. After the 1944 colloquium, Oort began his quest to detect and study the HI line, despite technical and financial limitations, and the lack of radar know-how in the Netherlands. The Dutch effort achieved success in 1951, but not before the Harvard team of Ewen and Purcell had detected the line some six weeks before.
Inertial focusing cytometer with integrated optics for particle characterization
Authors: Kotz Kenneth T. , Petrofsky Anne C. , Haghgooie Ramin , Granier Robert , Toner Mehmet , Tompkins Ronald G.
Published: November 2013

Microfluidic inertial focusing has been shown as a simple and effective method to localize cells and particles within a flow cell for interrogation by an external optical system. To enable portable point of care optical cytometry, however, requires a reduction in the complexity of the large optical systems that are used in standard flow cytometers. Here, we present a new design that incorporates optical waveguides and focusing elements with an inertial focusing flow cell to make a compact robust cytometer capable of enumerating and discriminating beads, cells, and platelets.
Pestiviruses
Authors: Schweizer Matthias , Peterhans Ernst
Published: November 2013

Pestiviruses cause economically important diseases among domestic ruminants and pigs, but they may also infect a wide spectrum of wild species of even-toed ungulates (Artiodactyla). Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) and Border disease virus of sheep infect their hosts either transiently or persistently. Cellular and humoral immunotolerance to the infecting strain is a unique feature of persistent infection (PI) by ruminant pestiviruses. Persistence, caused by transplacental infection early in fetal development, depends on virally encoded interferon antagonists that inactivate the host’s innate immune response to the virus without globally interfering with its function against other viruses. At epidemiological equilibrium, approximately 1–2% of animals are PI. Successful BVDV control programs show that removal of PI animals results in viral extinction in the host population. The nucleotide sequences of ruminant pestiviruses change little during persistent infection. Nevertheless, they display large heterogeneity, pointing to a long history of virus-host coevolution in which avirulent strains are more successful.
Molecular interactions of serotonin (5-HT) and endothelin-1 in vascular smooth muscle cells: in vitro and ex vivo analyses
Authors: Bhaskaran Subha , Zaluski Jeremy , Banes-Berceli Amy
Published: November 2013

Elevated levels of serotonin (5-HT) and endothelin-1 (ET-1) may be involved in cardiovascular complications of diabetes mellitus. Data suggest supraphysiological concentrations of 5-HT (10−6 M) potentiate the ability of ET-1 to stimulate DNA synthesis and vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation in vitro via activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (p42/44 MAPK) and Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) pathways. Additionally, 5-HT enhances agonist-induced contractions via p42/44 MAPK and an unknown tyrosine kinase. However, the exact mechanisms of the 5-HT/ET-1 interactions and whether these effects occur at physiological levels (10−9 M) are unknown. Therefore, we hypothesized that interactions between 5-HT and ET-1 at physiological concentrations in VSMC enhanced activation of both p42/44 MAPK and JAK2 pathways contributing to vascular growth and contractile responses. With the use of rat VSMC and Western blot analysis, our data suggest no effect of acute (30 min) preincubation with 5-HT (10−9 M) and/or ET-1 (10−9 M) on the activation of either pathway in normal or high glucose conditions. To determine if there was altered vascular reactivity in intact vessels we tested the effects of 5-HT and ET-1 interaction using myographs to measure isometric contractions of rat thoracic aortic rings. 5-HT (10−9 M) and ET-1 (10−12 M) stimulate enhanced contractile responses to each other that were inhibited by JAK2 and p42/44 MAPK antagonists. Our findings demonstrate that both 5-HT and ET-1 at physiological concentrations could interact with each other and activate p42/44 MAPK and JAK2 signaling pathways to cause an increase in smooth muscle contraction that could lead to altered vascular function.
Do you know the sex of your cells?
Authors: Shah Kalpit , McCormack Charles E. , Bradbury Neil A.
Published: November 2013

Do you know the sex of your cells? Not a question that is frequently heard around the lab bench, yet thanks to recent research is probably one that should be asked. It is self-evident that cervical epithelial cells would be derived from female tissue and prostate cells from a male subject (exemplified by HeLa and LnCaP, respectively), yet beyond these obvious examples, it would be true to say that the sex of cell lines derived from non-reproductive tissue, such as lung, intestine, kidney, for example, is given minimal if any thought. After all, what possible impact could the presence of a Y chromosome have on the biochemistry and cell biology of tissues such as the exocrine pancreatic acini? Intriguingly, recent evidence has suggested that far from being irrelevant, genes expressed on the sex chromosomes can have a marked impact on the biology of such diverse tissues as neurons and renal cells. It is also policy of AJP-Cell Physiology that the source of all cells utilized (species, sex, etc.) should be clearly indicated when submitting an article for publication, an instruction that is rarely followed ( http://www.the-aps.org/mm/Publications/Info-For-Authors/Composition ). In this review we discuss recent data arguing that the sex of cells being used in experiments can impact the cell's biology, and we provide a table outlining the sex of cell lines that have appeared in AJP-Cell Physiology over the past decade.
Physical Biology in Cancer. 5. The rocky road of metastasis: the role of cytoskeletal mechanics in cell migratory response to 3D matrix topography
Authors: Bordeleau Francois , Alcoser Turi A. , Reinhart-King Cynthia A.
Published: November 2013

The tumor microenvironment is a milieu of heterogeneous architectural features that affect tumor growth and metastatic invasion. Pore size, density, stiffness, and fiber architecture change dramatically from location to location throughout the tumor matrix. While many studies have addressed the effects of two-dimensional extracellular matrix structure and composition on cell migration, less is known about how cancer cells navigate complex, heterogeneous three-dimensional (3D) microenvironments. Mechanical structures such as actin and keratin, part of the cytoskeletal framework, and lamins, part of the nucleoskeletal framework, play a key role in migration and are altered during cancer progression. Recent evidence suggests that these changes in cytoskeletal and nucleoskeletal structures may enable cancer cells to efficiently respond to features such as pore size and stiffness to invade and migrate. Here we discuss the role of cell mechanics and the cytoskeleton in the ability of cells to navigate and respond to 3D matrix features and heterogeneities.
Possible causes of apoptotic volume decrease: an attempt at quantitative review
Authors: Model Michael A.
Published: November 2013

Cell shrinkage and dehydration are essential characteristics of apoptosis, and loss of as much as half of the initial cell volume is not uncommon. This phenomenon is usually explained by efflux of K+ and Cl−. We reexamine this hypothesis on the basis of the available data for ion concentrations and the requirements for osmotic equilibrium and electroneutrality. In addition to ion loss, we discuss the possible impacts of several other processes: efflux of low-molecular-weight osmolytes, acidification of the cytosol, effects of water channels and pumps, heterogeneity of intracellular water, and dissociation of apoptotic bodies. We conclude that most mammalian cells are theoretically capable of reducing their volume by 15–20% through ion loss or a decrease in cytosolic pH, although, in reality, the contribution of these mechanisms to apoptotic shrinkage may be smaller. Transitions between osmotically active and inactive water pools might influence cell volume as well; these mechanisms are poorly understood but are amenable to experimental study. Dissociation of apoptotic bodies is a separate mechanism of volume reduction and should be monitored closely; this can be best achieved by measurement of intracellular water, rather than cell volume.
The role of receptor tyrosine kinase activation in cholangiocytes and pulmonary vascular endothelium in experimental hepatopulmonary syndrome
Authors: Yang Wenli , Zhang Junlan , Hu Bingqian , Wu Wei , Venter Julie , Alpini Gianfranco , Fallon Michael B.
Published: November 2013

Pulmonary vascular dilation and angiogenesis underlie experimental hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS) induced by common bile duct ligation (CBDL) and may respond to receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) inhibition. Vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) expression occurs in proliferating cholangiocytes and pulmonary intravascular monocytes after CBDL, the latter contributing to angiogenesis. CBDL cholangiocytes also produce endothelin-1 (ET-1), which triggers lung vascular endothelin B receptor-mediated endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) activation and pulmonary intravascular monocyte accumulation. However, whether RTK pathway activation directly regulates cholangiocyte and pulmonary microvascular alterations in experimental HPS is not defined. We assessed RTK pathway activation in cholangiocytes and lung after CBDL and the effects of the type II RTK inhibitor sorafenib in experimental HPS. Cholangiocyte VEGF-A expression and ERK activation accompanied proliferation and increased hepatic and circulating ET-1 levels after CBDL. Sorafenib decreased each of these events and led to a reduction in lung eNOS activation and intravascular monocyte accumulation. Lung monocyte VEGF-A expression and microvascular Akt and ERK activation were also found in vivo after CBDL, and VEGF-A activated Akt and ERK and angiogenesis in rat pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells in vitro. Sorafenib inhibited VEGF-A-mediated signaling and angiogenesis in vivo and in vitro and improved arterial gas exchange and intrapulmonary shunting. RTK activation in experimental HPS upregulates cholangiocyte proliferation and ET-1 production, leading to pulmonary microvascular eNOS activation, intravascular monocyte accumulation, and VEGF-A-mediated angiogenic signaling pathways. These findings identify a novel mechanism in cholangiocytes through which RTK inhibition ameliorates experimental HPS.
Superoxide release from contracting skeletal muscle in pulmonary TNF-α overexpression mice
Authors: Zuo Li , Hallman Allison H. , Roberts William J. , Wagner Peter D. , Hogan Michael C.
Published: November 2013

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) often results in increased levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), a proinflammatory cytokine, which circulates in the blood. However, it is not clear whether pulmonary TNF-α overexpression (a COPD mimic) induces excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation in skeletal muscle and thereby may contribute to the muscle impairment often seen in COPD. We hypothesized that ROS generation in contracting skeletal muscle is elevated when there is TNF-α overproduction in the lung and that this can induce muscle dysfunction. Cytochrome c (cyt c) in the perfusate was used to assay superoxide (O2·−) release from isolated contracting soleus muscles from transgenic mice of pulmonary TNF-α overexpression (Tg+) and wild-type (WT) mice. Our results showed that Tg+muscle released significantly higher levels of O2·−than WT during a period of intense contractile activity (in nmol/mg wt; 17.5 ± 2.3 vs. 4.4 ± 1.3, respectively; n = 5; P < 0.05). In addition, the soleus muscle demonstrated a significantly reduced fatigue resistance in Tg+mice compared with WT mice. Perfusion of the contracting soleus muscle with superoxide dismutase, which specifically scavenges O2·−in the perfusate, resulted in significantly less cyt c reduction, thereby indicating that the type of ROS released from the Tg+muscles is O2·−. Our results demonstrate that pulmonary TNF-α overexpression leads to a greater O2·−release from contracting soleus muscle in Tg+compared with WT and that the excessive formation of O2·−in the contracting muscle of Tg+mice leads to earlier fatigue.
Effect of prior exercise on postprandial lipemia: an updated quantitative review
Authors: Freese Eric C. , Gist Nicholas H. , Cureton Kirk J.
Published: November 2013

Reducing postprandial triglycerides (TG) can lower the risk for cardiovascular disease. The purpose of this study was to perform a meta-analytic review of the literature to estimate the effect of prior exercise on postprandial lipemia. A total of 121 effects were found from 76 studies for the total TG response and 70 effects from 44 studies for the incremental area under the curve (iAUC) TG response. The weighted mean effect was moderate for the total TG response, Cohen's d = −0.60 ( P < 0.0001), and for the iAUC response, Cohen's d = −0.59 ( P < 0.0001). Moderator analysis revealed women exhibited a larger reduction ( P < .01) in the total TG response following exercise ( d = −0.96) than men ( d = −0.57); high-intensity interval training induced a larger reduction ( P < .05) in the iAUC response ( d = −1.49) than aerobic ( d = −0.58) or resistance ( d = −0.13) exercise, and participants maintaining an energy deficit following exercise exhibited a greater reduction in the iAUC response ( d = −0.67) compared with participants in energy balance ( d = −0.28). We conclude that prior acute exercise reduces postprandial lipemia, with the magnitude of effect influenced by sex, type of exercise, and energy deficit following exercise.
The effect of visual salience on memory-based choices
Authors: Pooresmaeili Arezoo , Bach Dominik R. , Dolan Raymond J.
Published: November 2013

Deciding whether a stimulus is the “same” or “different” from a previous presented one involves integrating among the incoming sensory information, working memory, and perceptual decision making. Visual selective attention plays a crucial role in selecting the relevant information that informs a subsequent course of action. Previous studies have mainly investigated the role of visual attention during the encoding phase of working memory tasks. In this study, we investigate whether manipulation of bottom-up attention by changing stimulus visual salience impacts on later stages of memory-based decisions. In two experiments, we asked subjects to identify whether a stimulus had either the same or a different feature to that of a memorized sample. We manipulated visual salience of the test stimuli by varying a task-irrelevant feature contrast. Subjects chose a visually salient item more often when they looked for matching features and less often so when they looked for a nonmatch. This pattern of results indicates that salient items are more likely to be identified as a match. We interpret the findings in terms of capacity limitations at a comparison stage where a visually salient item is more likely to exhaust resources leading it to be prematurely parsed as a match.
Cortical brain states and corticospinal synchronization influence TMS-evoked motor potentials
Authors: Keil Julian , Timm Jana , SanMiguel Iria , Schulz Hannah , Obleser Jonas , Schönwiesner Marc
Published: November 2013

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) influences cortical processes. Recent findings indicate, however, that, in turn, the efficacy of TMS depends on the state of ongoing cortical oscillations. Whereas power and phase of electromyographic (EMG) activity recorded from the hand muscles as well as neural synchrony between cortex and hand muscles are known to influence the effect of TMS, to date, no study has shown an influence of the phase of cortical oscillations during wakefulness. We applied single-pulse TMS over the motor cortex and recorded motor-evoked potentials along with the electroencephalogram (EEG) and EMG. We correlated phase and power of ongoing EEG and EMG signals with the motor-evoked potential (MEP) amplitude. We also investigated the functional connectivity between cortical and hand muscle activity (corticomuscular coherence) with the MEP amplitude. EEG and EMG power and phase in a frequency band around 18 Hz correlated with the MEP amplitude. High beta-band (∼34 Hz) corticomuscular coherence exhibited a positive linear relationship with the MEP amplitude, indicating that strong synchrony between cortex and hand muscles at the moment when TMS is applied entails large MEPs. Improving upon previous studies, we demonstrate a clear dependence of TMS-induced motor effects on the state of ongoing EEG phase and power fluctuations. We conclude that not only the sampling of incoming information but also the susceptibility of cortical communication flow depends cyclically on neural phase.
Transient Acidosis during Early Reperfusion Attenuates Myocardium Ischemia Reperfusion Injury via PI3k-Akt-eNOS Signaling Pathway
Authors: Qiao Xin , Xu Jinjin , Yang Qing-Jun , Du Yun , Lei Shaoqing , Liu Zhi-Hong , Liu Xinwei , Liu Huimin
Published: November 2013

In this paper, we concluded that transient acidosis reperfusion conferred cardioprotection against myocardial ischemia reperfusion injury in isolated rat hearts through activating PI3K-Akt-eNOS pathway.
Body-Efficacy Expectation: Assessment of Beliefs concerning Bodily Coping Capabilities with a Five-Item Scale
Authors: Schützler Lena , Witt Claudia M.
Published: November 2013

Background. Expectancies regarding a treatment play an important role in recovery as has been shown in placebo research. The role of expectations regarding the bodily capability to overcome illness is less investigated although in complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) such capability is the target of interventions. We introduced a new construct, body-efficacy expectation, defined as the conviction that one’s body is able to deal with health-threatening factors by itself, and developed and validated a scale for its measurement.Methods. The scale was developed following expert recommendations. Using online survey data from 1054 participants an exploratory factor analysis was conducted and psychometric properties of the scale were examined (item characteristics, reliability, and validity).Results. The exploratory factor analysis yielded a one-factor solution explaining 51.96% of total variance (Cronbach’sα= 0.77). One of the originally six items was removed due to poor item characteristics. Correlations with several validation measures were in line with the theoretical background of the construct. Most importantly, participants with better general health showed higher body-efficacy expectation than participants with poorer health status.Conclusions. Further studies confirming the factor structure and using clinical samples are recommended. Also, the relations with the appraisal of CAM and CAM use warrant further research.
NucVoter: A Voting Algorithm for Reliable Nucleosome Prediction Using Next-Generation Sequencing Data
Authors: Byeon Boseon
Published: November 2013

Nucleosomes, which consist of DNA wrapped around histone octamers, are dynamic, and their structure, including their location, size, and occupancy, can be transformed. Nucleosomes can regulate gene expression by controlling the DNA accessibility of proteins. Using next-generation sequencing techniques along with such laboratory methods as micrococcal nuclease digestion, predicting the genomic locations of nucleosomes is possible. However, the true locations of nucleosomes are unknown, and it is difficult to determine their exact locations using next-generation sequencing data. This paper proposes a novel voting algorithm, NucVoter, for the reliable prediction of nucleosome locations. Multiple models verify the consensus areas in which nucleosomes are placed by the model with the highest priority. NucVoter significantly improves the performance of nucleosome prediction.
Contrast Improvement in Sub- and Ultraharmonic Ultrasound Contrast Imaging by Combining Several Hammerstein Models
Authors: Sbeity Fatima , Ménigot Sébastien , Charara Jamal , Girault Jean-Marc
Published: November 2013

Sub- and ultraharmonic (SUH) ultrasound contrast imaging is an alternative modality to the second harmonic imaging, since, in specific conditions it could produce high quality echographic images. This modality enables the contrast enhancement of echographic images by using SUH present in the contrast agent response but absent from the nonperfused tissue. For a better access to the components generated by the ultrasound contrast agents, nonlinear techniques based on Hammerstein model are preferred. As the major limitation of Hammerstein model is its capacity of modeling harmonic components only, in this work we propose two methods allowing to model SUH. These new methods use several Hammerstein models to identify contrast agent signals having SUH components and to separate these components from harmonic components. The application of the proposed methods for modeling simulated contrast agent signals shows their efficiency in modeling these signals and in separating SUH components. The achieved gain with respect to the standard Hammerstein model was 26.8 dB and 22.8 dB for the two proposed methods, respectively.
Evaluation of Genotoxic Effects of New Molecules with Possible Trypanocidal Activity for Chagas Disease Treatment
Authors: Mello Francisco V. C. , Carvalho Alcione S. , Bastos Mônica M. , Boechat Nubia , Aiub Claudia A. F. , Felzenszwalb Israel
Published: November 2013

Chagas disease is responsible for a large number of human infections and many are also at risk of infection. There is no effective drug for Chagas disease treatment. The Institute of Pharmaceutical Technology at Fiocruz, Brazil, has designed three nitro analogs of the nitroimidazole‐thiadiazole, megazol: two triazole analogs PTAL 05‐02 and PAMT 09 and a pyrazole analog PTAL 04‐09. A set of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium strains were used in the bacterial reverse mutation test (Ames test) to determine the mutagenicity and cytotoxicity of megazol and its nitro analogs. Megazol presented positive mutagenic activity at very low concentration, either with or without metabolic activation S9 mix. The mutagenic response of the analogs was detected at higher concentration than the lowest megazol concentration to yield mutagenic activity showing that new advances can be made to develop new analogs. The micronucleus test with rat macrophage cells was used in the genotoxic evaluation. The analogs were capable of inducing micronucleus formation and showed cytotoxic effects. PTAL 04‐09 structural modifications might be better suitable for the design of promising new drugs candidate for Chagas’ disease treatment.
Influence of the New Spanish Legislation concerning the Management of Nuclear Waste
Authors: Moratilla Soria B. Yolanda , Villar Lejarreta Ainhoa
Published: November 2013

The aim of the present paper is to present and analyse the results obtained from a comparative economic feasibility study performed for the two main nuclear spent fuel management cycles: Once-Through Cycle and Twice-Through Cycle in a Spanish scenario, taking into account the new Spanish legislation with which new tax provisions for generation and storage of nuclear waste must be included in the cycle costs.
A Reclusive Foreign Body in the Airway: A Case Report and a Literature Review
Authors: Philip Ajay , Rajan Sundaresan V. , George Philip , Dash Satyabrata , Thomas Regi , Job Anand , Anand V. K.
Published: November 2013

A foreign body in the larynx is an airway emergency that requires urgent evaluation and treatment. Irregular foreign bodies tend to orient in a sagittal plane and may produce only partial obstruction, allowing adequate air movement, hence making them undetectable for a long period of time. We report a case of a laryngotracheal foreign body that remained reclusive for 9 years.
Mechanisms of Perivascular Adipose Tissue Dysfunction in Obesity
Authors: Fernández-Alfonso Maria S. , Gil-Ortega Marta , García-Prieto Concha F. , Aranguez Isabel , Ruiz-Gayo Mariano , Somoza Beatriz
Published: November 2013

Most blood vessels are surrounded by adipose tissue. Similarly to the adventitia, perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) was considered only as a passive structural support for the vasculature, and it was routinely removed for isolated blood vessel studies. In 1991, Soltis and Cassis demonstrated for the first time that PVAT reduced contractions to noradrenaline in rat aorta. Since then, an important number of adipocyte-derived factors with physiological and pathophysiological paracrine vasoactive effects have been identified. PVAT undergoes structural and functional changes in obesity. During early diet-induced obesity, an adaptative overproduction of vasodilator factors occurs in PVAT, probably aimed at protecting vascular function. However, in established obesity, PVAT loses its anticontractile properties by an increase of contractile, oxidative, and inflammatory factors, leading to endothelial dysfunction and vascular disease. The aim of this review is to focus on PVAT dysfunction mechanisms in obesity.
Approximation of Eigenvalues of Sturm-Liouville Problems by Using Hermite Interpolation
Authors: Tharwat M. M. , Al-Harbi S. M.
Published: November 2013

Eigenvalue problems with eigenparameter appearing in the boundary conditions usually have complicated characteristic determinant where zeros cannot be explicitly computed. In this paper, we use the derivative sampling theorem “Hermite interpolations” to compute approximate values of the eigenvalues of Sturm-Liouville problems with eigenvalue parameter in one or two boundary conditions. We use recently derived estimates for the truncation and amplitude errors to compute error bounds. Also, using computable error bounds, we obtain eigenvalue enclosures. Also numerical examples, which are given at the end of the paper, give comparisons with the classical sinc method and explain that the Hermite interpolations method gives remarkably better results.
Mechanisms of L-Triiodothyronine-Induced Inhibition of Synaptosomal Na+-K+-ATPase Activity in Young Adult Rat Brain Cerebral Cortex
Authors: Sarkar Pradip K. , Biswas Avijit , Ray Arun K. , Martin Joseph V.
Published: November 2013

The role of thyroid hormones (TH) in the normal functioning of adult mammalian brain is unclear. Our studies have identified synaptosomal Na+-K+-ATPase as a TH-responsive physiological parameter in adult rat cerebral cortex. L-triiodothyronine (T3) and L-thyroxine (T4) both inhibited Na+-K+-ATPase activity (but not Mg2+-ATPase activity) in similar dose-dependent fashions, while other metabolites of TH were less effective. Although both T3and theβ-adrenergic agonist isoproterenol inhibited Na+-K+-ATPase activity in cerebrocortical synaptosomes in similar ways, theβ-adrenergic receptor blocker propranolol did not counteract the effect of T3. Instead, propranolol further inhibited Na+-K+-ATPase activity in a dose-dependent manner, suggesting that the effect of T3on synaptosomal Na+-K+-ATPase activity was independent ofβ-adrenergic receptor activation. The effect of T3on synaptosomal Na+-K+-ATPase activity was inhibited by theα2-adrenergic agonist clonidine and by glutamate. Notably, both clonidine and glutamate activateGi-proteins of the membrane second messenger system, suggesting a potential mechanism for the inhibition of the effects of TH. In this paper, we provide support for a nongenomic mechanism of action of TH in a neuronal membrane-related energy-linked process for signal transduction in the adult condition.
Back Propagation Neural Network Model for Predicting the Performance of Immobilized Cell Biofilters Handling Gas-Phase Hydrogen Sulphide and Ammonia
Authors: Rene Eldon R. , López M. Estefanía , Kim Jung Hoon , Park Hung Suck
Published: November 2013

Lab scale studies were conducted to evaluate the performance of two simultaneously operated immobilized cell biofilters (ICBs) for removing hydrogen sulphide (H2S) and ammonia (NH3) from gas phase. The removal efficiencies (REs) of the biofilter treating H2S varied from 50 to 100% at inlet loading rates (ILRs) varying up to 13 g H2S/m3·h, while the NH3biofilter showed REs ranging from 60 to 100% at ILRs varying between 0.5 and 5.5 g NH3/m3·h. An application of the back propagation neural network (BPNN) to predict the performance parameter, namely, RE (%) using this experimental data is presented in this paper. The input parameters to the network were unit flow (per min) and inlet concentrations (ppmv), respectively. The accuracy of BPNN-based model predictions were evaluated by providing the trained network topology with a test dataset and also by calculating the regression coefficient (R2) values. The results from this predictive modeling work showed that BPNNs were able to predict the RE of both the ICBs efficiently.
Physical Activity after Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Field Matthew J. , Gebruers Nick , Shanmuga Sundaram Thavapriya , Nicholson Sarah , Mead Gillian
Published: November 2013

Background and Purpose. Physical activity is beneficial after stroke, but it is unclear how active stroke survivors are. This systematic review and meta-analysis sought to determine levels of activity and factors predicting activity. Summary of Review: Methods. MEDLINE (1946 to present) and EMBASE (1980 to present) were systematically searched until July 2012. All studies quantifying whole-body-free living physical activity by objective and self-reported methods in a community dwelling population with stroke were included. A random effect meta-analysis was performed. Results. Twenty-six studies were included (n=1105), of which eleven (n=315) contained sufficient data for meta-analysis. There were heterogeneous designs, measurements, and procedures. The studies generally recruited small samples of high-functioning participants. Level of physical activity was generally low in quantity, duration and intensity. Poorer walking ability, specific sensorimotor functions, and low mood were correlates of low physical activity. Meta-analysis generated an estimate of 4355.2 steps/day (95% CI: 3210.4 to 5499.9) with no significant heterogeneity (I2 = 0). Conclusions. In high-functioning stroke survivors, physical activity including walking was generally low. Strategies are needed to promote and maintain physical activity in stroke survivors. Research is needed to establish reasons for low physical activity after stroke.
Associations between Caries among Children and Household Sugar Procurement, Exposure to Fluoridated Water and Socioeconomic Indicators in the Brazilian Capital Cities
Authors: Gonçalves Michele Martins , Leles Cláudio Rodrigues , Freire Maria do Carmo Matias
Published: November 2013

The objective of this ecological study was to investigate the association between caries experience in 5- and 12-year-old Brazilian children in 2010 and household sugar procurement in 2003 and the effects of exposure to water fluoridation and socioeconomic indicators. Sample units were all 27 Brazilian capital cities. Data were obtained from the National Surveys of Oral Health; the National Household Food Budget Survey; and the United Nations Program for Development. Data analysis included correlation coefficients, exploratory factor analysis, and linear regression. There were significant negative associations between caries experience and procurement of confectionery, fluoridated water, HDI, and per capita income. Procurement of confectionery and soft drinks was positively associated with HDI and per capita income. Exploratory factor analysis grouped the independent variables by reducing highly correlated variables into two uncorrelated component variables that explained 86.1% of total variance. The first component included income, HDI, water fluoridation, and procurement of confectionery, while the second included free sugar and procurement of soft drinks. Multiple regression analysis showed that caries is associated with the first component. Caries experience was associated with better socioeconomic indicators of a city and exposure to fluoridated water, which may affect the impact of sugars on the disease.
Highly Conductive, Transparent Flexible Films Based on Metal Nanoparticle‐Carbon Nanotube Composites
Authors: Ko Wen-Yin , Lin Kuan-Jiuh
Published: November 2013

Metallic nanoparticles decorated on MWCNTs based transparent conducting thin films (TCFs) show a cheap and efficient option for the applications in touch screens and the replacement of the ITO film because of their interesting properties of electrical conductivity, mechanical property, chemical inertness, and other unique properties, which may not be accessible by their individual components. However, a great challenge that always remains is to develop effective ways to prepare junctions between metallic nanoparticles and MWCNTs for the improvement of high‐energy barriers, high contact resistances, and weak interactions which could lead to the formation of poor conducting pathways and result in the CNT‐based devices with low mechanical flexibility. Herein, we not only discuss recent progress in the preparation of MNP‐CNT flexible TCFs but also describe our research studies in the relevant areas. Our result demonstrated that the MNP‐CNT flexible TCFs we prepared could achieve a highly electrical conductivity with the sheet resistance of ~100 ohm/sq with ~80% transmittance at 550 nm even after being bent 500 times. This electrical conductivity is much superior to the performances of other MWCNT‐based transparent flexible films, making it favorable for next‐generation flexible touch screens and optoelectronic devices.
Biocompatibility Assessment of Novel Collagen-Sericin Scaffolds Improved with Hyaluronic Acid and Chondroitin Sulfate for Cartilage Regeneration
Authors: Dinescu Sorina , Gălăţeanu Bianca , Albu Mădălina , Lungu Adriana , Radu Eugen , Hermenean Anca , Costache Marieta
Published: November 2013

Cartilage tissue engineering (CTE) applications are focused towards the use of implantable biohybrids consisting of biodegradable scaffolds combined within vitrocultured cells. Hyaluronic acid (HA) and chondroitin sulfate (CS) were identified as the most potent prochondrogenic factors used to design new biomaterials for CTE, while human adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) were proved to display high chondrogenic potential. In this context, our aim was not only to build novel 3D porous scaffolds based on natural compounds but also to evaluate theirin vitrobiological performances. Therefore, for prospective CTE, collagen-sericin (Coll-SS) scaffolds improved with HA (5% or 10%) and CS (5% or 10%) were used as temporary physical supports for ASCs and were analyzed in terms of structural, thermal, morphological, and swelling properties and cytotoxic potential. To complete biocompatibility data, ASCs viability and proliferation potential were also assessed. Our studies revealed that Coll-SS hydrogels improved with 10% HA and 5% CS displayed the best biological performances in terms of cell viability, proliferation, morphology, and distribution. Thus, further work will address a novel 3D system including both HA 10% and CS 5% glycoproteins, which will probably be exposed to prochondrogenic conditions in order to assess its potential use in CTE applications.
Nonuniform Exponential Trichotomy for Linear Discrete-Time Systems in Banach Spaces
Authors: Song Xiao-qiu , Yue Tian , Li Dong-qing
Published: November 2013

The aim of this paper is to give several characterizations for nonuniform exponential trichotomy properties of linear difference equations in Banach spaces. Well-known results for exponential stability and exponential dichotomy are extended to the case of nonuniform exponential trichotomy.
Target Tracking with NLOS Detection and Mitigation in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Wu Xiaoping , Hu Junguo , Jiang Yujia , Liu Enbin , Wang Guoying
Published: November 2013

RN and SSR approaches are designed to detect NLOS propagation paths in this paper. When the NLOS propagation paths are detected, an estimation approach for the NLOS range errors is proposed by using residual-error decomposition. The approach can estimate the NLOS range errors quickly and effectively, even if there are multiple NLOS propagation paths. Combining the movement equation with observation position, the position of mobile target node can be tracked precisely with Kalman filter algorithm. Using the estimated NLOS range errors, we correct the localization result and modify Kalman filter to mitigate the NLOS propagations. The simulations demonstrate the validity with RN and SSR detection methods and analyze the impacts of NLOS range errors and number of NLOS anchor nodes. The estimated NLOS range errors are proved to be close to the true especially when the NLOS range errors are much bigger than LOS range errors. The simulation results show that the position of target node can be tracked precisely and effectively, when the NLOS mitigation is used to track the target node position with modified Kalman filter.
CFD Study on Wall/Nanoparticle Interaction in Nanofluids Convective Heat Transfer
Authors: Tarybakhsh Mohammad Reza , Lotfi Neyestanak Ali Akbar , Tarybakhsh Hamed
Published: November 2013

The Brownian motion of the nanoparticles in nanofluid is one of the potential contributors to enhance effective thermal conductivity and the mechanisms that might contribute to this enhancement are the subject of considerable discussion and debate. In this paper, the mixing effect of the base fluid in the immediate vicinity of the nanoparticles caused by the Brownian motion was analyzed, modeled, and compared with existing experimental data available in the literature. CFD was developed to study the effect of wall/nanoparticle interaction on forced convective heat transfer in a tube under constant wall temperature condition. The results showed that the motion of the particle near the wall which can decrease boundary layer and the hydrodynamics effects associated with the Brownian motion have a significant effect on the convection heat transfer of nanofluid.
Development of an Immunochromatographic Test Strip for Detection of Cholera Toxin
Authors: Yamasaki Eiki , Sakamoto Ryuta , Matsumoto Takashi , Morimatsu Fumiki , Kurazono Takayuki , Hiroi Toyoko , Nair G. Balakrish , Kurazono Hisao
Published: November 2013

Because cholera toxin (CT) is responsible for most of the symptoms induced byVibrio choleraeinfection, detection of CT is critical for diagnosis of the disease. In this study, we constructed an immunochromatographic test strip for detection of CT (CT-IC) with polyclonal antibodies developed against purified recombinant whole CT protein. The detection limit of the CT-IC was 10 ng/mL of purified recombinant CT, and it could detect the CT in culture supernatant of all 15 toxigenicV. choleraeisolates examined, whereas no false-positive signal was detected in all 5 nontoxigenicV. choleraeisolates examined. The specificity of the CT-IC was examined with recombinant heat-labile toxin (LT), which shares high homology with CT, and it was revealed that the minimum detection limit for LT was 100 times higher than that for CT. In addition,ltgene-positive enterotoxigenicEscherichia coli(ETEC) was examined by CT-IC. The false-positive signals were observed in 3 out of 12 ETEC isolates, but these signals were considerably faint. The CT-IC did not develop false-positive signals with all 7V. parahaemolyticusisolates. These results showed the high specificity of CT-IC and the feasible use of it for the detection and surveillance of toxigenicV. cholerae.