bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genome analysis of Elymus alatavicus and E. batalinii (Poaceae: Triticeae)
Authors: Jensen Kevin B. , Dewey Douglas R. , Asay Kay H.
Published: November 2014

Elymus alatavicus (Drob.) A. Love and E. batalinii (Krasn.) A. Love were studied to determine (i) meiotic behaviour, (ii) the mode of reproduction, (iii) the relationship between the two species, (iv) genomic constitutions, and (v) the most logical taxonomic classification of both species. A series of F1 hybrids between E. alatavicus, E. batalinii, and six "analyzer" species were developed. Chromosome pairing was studied at metaphase I to identify genomic similarities or differences. The results showed that E. alatavicus and E. batalinii are caespitose, self-fertile allohexaploids (2n = 42) with the same genomic formula SSYYXX. The F1 hybrids between E. alatavicus and E. batalinii had complete pairing (21 bivalents) at metaphase I in 7% of the cells and almost complete pairing in the remaining cells. High chromosome pairing and partial fertility (4 seeds/plant) in the F1 hybrids shows that the two species are closely related. Hybrids were obtained between E. alatavicus or E. batalinii and the following "analyzer" species with known genomic formulas: Pseudoroegneria spicata (Pursh) A. Love, 2n = 14, SS; P. cognata (Hack.) A. Love, 2n = 14, SS; E. lanceolatus (Scribn. &Smith) Gould, 2n = 28, SSHH; E. trachycaulus1 (Link) Gould ex Shinners, 2n = 28, SSHH; E. mutabilis (Drob.) Tzvelev, 2n = 28, SSHH; and E. drobovii (Nevski) Tzvelev, 2n = 42, SSHHYY. Chromosome pairing in this series of hybrids demonstrated that E. alatavicus and E. batalinii contain an S and probably a Y genome plus an unknown genome, X, that may have been derived from Psathryostachys huashanica Keng or from Agropyron. Elymus alatavicus and E. batalinii are correctly classified in the genus Elymus.Key words: cytotaxonomy, Agropyron, meiosis, chromosome.
Gene interactions in Saccharomyces cerevisiae resulting in high-level resistance to the herbicide sulfometuron methyl
Authors: Rank G. H.
Published: November 2014

The multiple drug resistant mutant pdrl-1 was used to select for independent isolates with resistance to high levels of the herbicide sulfometuron methyl. Tetrad analyses of isolates identified a pdrl-1 gene interaction resulting in resistance to high levels of herbicide. All isolates were shown to carry new recessive mutations in the smr1 (ILV2) locus. Mutants of this locus also gave high herbicide resistance when combined with the smr3-21 mutation. However, pdrl-1 did not have an altered herbicide-resistance phenotype when combined with smr3-21 or a single gene suppressor (sur) of the pdrl-1 phenotype. It was suggested that the pdr1/smr1 interaction resulted from the additive effect of a cell permeability barrier and a resistant target enzyme (acetolactate synthase).Key words: Saccharomyces, sulfometuron methyl, selection, genetic interaction.
Random environmental variation and inbreeding: effects on pure-strain and hybrid populations of flour beetles (Tribolium)
Authors: Wool David , Bergerson Orna
Published: November 2014

The effect of inbreeding and of random environmental variation on fitness characters was studied in small populations derived from 10 inbred laboratory strains of Tribolium castaneum (I) and in 18 hybrids (IH) populations, obtained by crossing six mutant to three wild-type strains. Replicate population of each type were held in a constant (C) and a randomly varying (V) environment. Each replicate population was founded by a single pair of adults and one pair of sibs founded each subsequent generation. Thus four groups of inbreeding populations were created: IC, IV, IHC, and IHV. Outbred hybrid populations were held in the varying environment (OV). Several fitness characters were measured. The results confirmed that inbreeding populations exposed to random environmental variation had lower fitness than similar populations in the constant environment populations, as expected (IHC > IHV, IC > IV for each fitness trait). The environmental stress did not result in selection for individuals with higher fitness. In the hybrid populations, consistent and significant differences in fitness between populations having different wild-type (female) ancestors persisted for several generations. No such differences were found among populations grouped by their mutant ancestor. Within each environment, inbreeding had a pronounced effect on fitness. The order of magnitude of the fitness characters was IHC > IC, OV > IHV > IV, parallel to the level of inbreeding. Directional changes in relative (rank) magnitude of fitness characters among populations suggested that their genetic composition was changing temporally.Key words: Tribolium, selection, fitness, inbreedig, population.
Inheritance of earliness, height, and leaf number in crosses of early maturing rapeseed
Authors: Ringdahl E. A. , McVetty P. B. E. , Sernyk J. L.
Published: November 2014

A dwarf early Brassica napus line (D-001), derived from crosses with Diplotaxis muralis, was crossed to two B. napus cultivars, 'Regent' and 'Pivot' to study the inheritance of earliness (days to bud, days to first flower, and days to maturity), height, and leaf number. Spaced plants of P1, P2, F1, F2, BC1, and BC2 generations for both crosses were grown in a completely randomized design at two locations in Manitoba in 1984. Results of means analyses indicated that additive gene action predominated for all traits for both crosses and both locations. In addition, dominance gene action was found to influence days to first flower, days to maturity, and leaf number for the D-001 × 'Regent' cross and all traits for the D-001 × 'Pivot' cross. Nonallelic interactions were nonsignificant in all cases. Genotype × environment interactions were not significant for all traits except height. Variance analyses indicated a predominance of additive gene action. Broad sense heritabilities for phenological traits ranged from 55 to 90%, while narrow sense heritabilities ranged from 0 to 81%. For height, broad and narrow sense heritability estimates were equal and ranged from 51 to 84%. Heritability for leaf number ranged from 73 to 82% for broad sense and from 49 to 77% for narrow sense estimates. The predominance of additive gene action and the high heritabilities associated with these traits suggest that D-001 may be useful as a source of earliness in B. napus breeding programs. Key words: Brassica napus, earliness, inheritance, Diplotaxis muralis.
Cytogenetics of the acrotrisomic 5S5L in barley
Authors: Shahla A. , Tsuchiya T.
Published: November 2014

An acrotrisomic plant was identified in the progeny of a telotrisomic for 1S. The acrocentric chromosome had a complete short arm (5S) and 40% of the proximal segment of the long arm (5L). Morphology of the acrotrisomic 5S5L was similar to the primary trisomic (triplo 5) and triplo 5L. At meiosis the acrocentric 5S5L either paired with its normal homologues forming a trivalent or remained as a univalent. Seed fertility was high. Transmission of the acrocentric was 37.6% through the female and 9% through the male. Genetic tests showed that fs2 and g were located in this 40% proximal segment of the 5L. Gene f3 showed a trisomic ratio with acrotrisomic 5S5L, but its arm location is not known. Two genes, f7 and trd, were located on the 60% distal segment of the 5L. The segregation ratio with gene int-a1 was also disomic but it could not be assigned to the 60% distal segment because its location on chromosome 5 is questionable at this time. This experiment demonstrates the usefulness of acrotrisomics in physical gene mapping by locating genes on a specific segment of the chromosome arm.Key words: acrotrisomic, barley, acrocentric, trisomic, telotrisomic.
The expected probabilities of identity for the circular stepping-stone model
Authors: Strobeck Curtis
Published: November 2014

The expected values of the probabilities of identity by descent are derived for the circular stepping-stone model. The results are more easily interpreted than those derived previously.Key words: model, population, ecology.
Expression and localization of hsp-23 in unstressed and heat-shocked Drosophila cultured cells
Authors: Duband J. L. , Lettre F. , Arrigo A. P. , Tanguay R. M.
Published: November 2014

The cellular distribution and expression of hsp-23 in Drosophila Kc cultured cells was studied by indirect immunofluorescence. In unstressed cells, hsp-23 is only expressed in less than 5% of the cellular population and shows an exclusive cytoplasmic localization. Following heat shock, the 23-kilodalton (kDa) heat-shock protein (HSP) is present in all cells; it can be found both in the nucleolus and in granules in the cytoplasm. After 3 h of recovery at 23 °C, the 23-kDa HSP returns to the cytoplasm where it shows a diffuse distribution. Thus the previously reported low amounts of the 23-kDa HSP in unstressed cells does not seem to represent a basal level of expression in every cell but rather selective expression in certain cells.Key words: heat shock, heat-shock protection, prosome, Drosophila.
Towards a wave resolution of the wave-particle duality
Authors: Yu. Khrennikov Andrei
Published: November 2014

We developed a purely field model of microphenomena — prequantum classical statistical field theory (PCSFT). This model reproduces important probabilistic predictions of QM including correlations for entangled systems. Hence, the wave-particle duality can be resolved in favor of a purely wave model. In PCSFT "particles" are just clicks of detectors.
Controlling the excitation process of free electrons by a femtosecond elliptically polarized laser
Authors: Gao Lili , Wang Feng , Jiang Lan , Qu Liangti , Lu Yongfeng
Published: November 2014

This paper is focused on the excitation rates of free electrons of an aluminum (Al) bulk irradiated by an elliptically polarized laser in simulation, using time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT). The polarized 400 nm, 10 fs laser pulse consisted of two elementary sinusoidal beams, and is adjusted by changing the phase difference φ and the intersection angle θ of the polarization directions between the two beams. The simulation includes cases of φ = π/2 with θ = 30°, θ = 45°, θ = 60°, θ = 90°, θ = 120°, θ = 135°, θ = 150°, and cases of θ = 90° with φ = π/4, φ = π/3, φ = π/2, φ = 2π/3, φ = 3π/4. The absorbed energy, the excitation rates and the density distributions of free electrons after laser termination are investigated. At the given power intensity (1×1014 W cm -2), pulse width (10 fs) and wavelength (400 nm) of each elementary laser beam, computational results indicate that the excitation rate of free electrons is impacted by three major factors: the long axis direction of the laser projected profile, the amplitude difference of the first main oscillation (1st AD), and the total amplitude difference of main oscillations (TAD) of the external electric field. Among the aforementioned three factors for the excitation rate of free electrons, the direction of long axis plays the most significant role. The screen effect is crucial to compare the importance of the remaining two factors. The analysis approach to investigate the electron dynamics under an elliptically polarized laser is both pioneering and effective.
Molecular dynamic simulation of Fe nanoparticles
Authors: Kien P. H. , Hung P. K. , Thao N. T.
Published: November 2014

Fe nanoparticles have been investigated by means of molecular dynamics simulation. The nucleation and crystal growth is analyzed through the potential energy and number of different types of atoms. The simulation shows that when the amorphous sample is annealed at 900 K, it is crystallized into bcc phase. We found that as the crystal cluster has a size larger than some critical value, the mean potential energy of different types of atoms decreases in following orders: amorphous-atom → surface-crystal atom → crystal-atom. As a result, the crystal cluster is stable and tends to have a nearly spherical shape. Further, it was shown that small nuclei form frequently in the core and rarely in the surface area. After a long annealing time a cluster expands and reaches the critical radius. Then this cluster grows exponentially with times. The fully crystallized sample consists of the core with crystalline structure and surface shell with amorphous porous structure. The Fe nanoparticle has a number of polymorphs which are stable upon annealing at 300 K. We have analyzed the pair radial distribution function (PRDF) for obtained polymorphs. We found that as the fraction of crystal-atoms is less than 0.18, the PRDF is like those of amorphous metal. However, the left sub-peak is higher than right sub-peak when the fraction of crystal-atoms is less than 0.05.
Electrostatic Vibration Energy Harvesters with Linear and Nonlinear Resonators
Authors: Harte Peter , Blokhina Elena , Feely Orla , Fournier-Prunaret Danièle , Galayko Dimitri
Published: November 2014

This paper discusses the time-dependent dynamics of electrostatic vibration energy harvesters (eVEHs) with linear and nonlinear mechanical resonators. These eVEHs are fundamentally nonlinear regardless of whether a linear or nonlinear resonator is being used. The model of the system under investigation has the form of a piecewise-smooth dynamical system of a Filippov type that has a specific discontinuity in the form of a hold-on term. We use a perturbation technique called the multiple scales method to develop a theory to analyze the steady-state dynamics of the system, be it with a linear or a nonlinear resonator. We then analyze the stability of the steady-state orbit to determine when the first doubling bifurcation occurs in the system. This gives an upper bound on the region of steady-state oscillations which allows us to determine a theoretical limit on the power convertible by the eVEH. We then turn our discussion to the nonlinear behavior we see in the system's transition to chaos. Since the eVEH studied here is a Filippov type system, sliding modes and sliding bifurcations are possible in the system. We discuss the evolution of the sliding region and give particular examples of sliding phenomena and sliding bifurcations. An understanding of sliding phenomena is required for analyzing the transition to chaos since segments of sliding motion appear on trajectories that undergo period-doubling bifurcations. The transition to chaos is explained in detail by the example of the system with a linear resonator, however we discuss examples of the system with mechanical nonlinearities and discuss the difference between the linear and nonlinear cases.
Vibrational and Ghost-Vibrational Resonances in a Modified Chua's Circuit Model Equation
Authors: Abirami K. , Rajasekar S. , Sanjuan M. A. F.
Published: November 2014

The role of the number of breakpoints N in the sawtooth form of the characteristic function in the modified Chua's circuit model equation on vibrational and ghost-vibrational resonances is investigated in this paper. To observe vibrational resonance, the system should be driven by two periodic forces of frequencies ω and Ω, with Ω ≫ ω. Resonance occurs at the frequency ω when the amplitude of the high-frequency force is varied. When the system is subjected to an input signal containing multifrequencies which are of higher-order than a certain (missing) fundamental frequency, then a resonance at the missing fundamental frequency is induced by the high-frequency input signal and is called ghost-vibrational resonance. In both types of resonances, the number of resonances is N and hysteresis occurs in each resonance region. There are some similarities and differences in these two resonance phenomena. We report in detail the influence of the role of number of breakpoints N on the features of vibrational and ghost-vibrational resonances.
Traveling Wave Solutions of the Nonlocal Brenner Hydrodynamic Models
Authors: Sergiy Skurativskyi
Published: November 2014

This paper deals with the nonlocal hydrodynamic models based on Brenner's modification of Navier–Stokes equations. Traveling wave solutions of the nonlocal models are studied in more detail. The models are shown to admit the multiperiodic, chaotic, as well as homoclinic solutions. The influence of spatiotemporal nonlocalities upon the solutions' features is studied by the Poincaré section technique.
The Chaos Game on a General Iterated Function System from a Topological Point of View
Authors: Barnsley Michael F. , Leśniak Krzysztof
Published: November 2014

We investigate combinatorial issues relating to the use of random orbit approximations to the attractor of an iterated function system with the aim of clarifying the role of the stochastic process during the generation of the orbit. A Baire category counterpart of almost sure convergence is presented.
Nonlinear Dynamics and Bifurcation Analysis of a Boost Converter for Battery Charging in Photovoltaic Applications
Authors: Al-Hindawi Mohammed M. , Abusorrah Abdullah , Al-Turki Yusuf , Giaouris Damian , Mandal Kuntal , Banerjee Soumitro
Published: November 2014

Photovoltaic (PV) systems with a battery back-up form an integral part of distributed generation systems and therefore have recently attracted a lot of interest. In this paper, we consider a system of charging a battery from a PV panel through a current mode controlled boost dc-dc converter. We analyze its complete nonlinear/nonsmooth dynamics, using a piecewise model of the converter and realistic nonlinear v–i characteristics of the PV panel. Through this study, it is revealed that system design without taking into account the nonsmooth dynamics of the converter combined with the nonlinear v–i characteristics of the PV panel can lead to unpredictable responses of the overall system with high current ripple and other undesirable phenomena. This analysis can lead to better designed converters that can operate under a wide variation of the solar irradiation and the battery's state of charge. We show that the v–i characteristics of the PV panel combined with the battery's output voltage variation can increase or decrease the converter's robustness, both under peak current mode control and average current mode control. We justify the observation in terms of the change in the discrete-time map caused by the nonlinear v–i characteristics of the PV panel. The theoretical results are validated experimentally.
Lattices of subclasses. II
Authors: Schwidefsky Marina , Zamojska-Dzienio Anna
Published: November 2014

We prove that the class K(σ) of all algebraic structures of signature σ is Q-universal if and only if there is a class K ⊆ K(σ) such that the problem whether a finite lattice embeds into the lattice of K-quasivarieties is undecidable.
The Optimal Hedge Ratio — An Analytical Decision Model Considering Periodical Accounting Constraints
Authors: Zorzi Robin , Friedl Bettina
Published: November 2014

In practice, it is observable that firms tend to smooth periodical earnings because periodical earnings are considered by capital markets as a proxy for firms' success, and therefore, are often operationalized by the respective compensation plans for managers. Considering financial hedging strategies such as purchasing financial derivatives, income smoothing can lead to a restricted use of financial derivatives even if it decreases firm value because the periodical changes of the value of financial derivatives possibly cause undesired volatilities in periodical earnings. In this paper, a deductive multi-period analytical decision model based on the capital market theory is presented to explain the influence of income smoothing on firms' hedging strategy. Thereby, principal-agent relations between a firm's investors and managers (decision makers) are assumed. Moreover, the decision model is applied to a real data set by conducting a sensitivity analysis. To our knowledge, this is the first paper to operationalize accounting constraints to determine how much a firm should hedge its risk exposure.
Effects of Supporting Member on the Nonlinear Parametric Resonance of a Cable
Authors: Hong Shi Cong , Zou Du Jian , Wei Ming Hai , Lin Kun
Published: November 2014

The cables in cable-supported structures are commonly subjected to potentially damaging large amplitude motions mainly arising from parametric vibrations of the cables. This paper presents an analysis of the effects of supporting member on the nonlinear parametric vibration of a cable using a coupled cable-beam model. The proposed model considers the parameters of the beam and geometric nonlinearities of the cable. First, the multiple scales method is applied directly to the model, and by using the first-order equation, the frequency response and stability conditions are obtained. The effects of the mass ratio, stiffness ratio, and inclined angle of the coupled model are then evaluated. Then, the effects of these parameters on the parametric vibration characteristics of cable are investigated in terms of the maximum mid-span displacement and dynamic amplification factor. The results obtained represent an extension of the previous studies, which provide some useful insights into the design of cable-supported structures.
Proposal for the Implementation of the ALOHA Up-Conversion Interferometer on the CHARA Telescope Array
Authors: Gomes J. T. , Grossard L. , Baudoin R. , Delage L. , Reynaud F. , ten Brummelaar T. A. , Scott N. J. , Sturmann J. , Coudé du Foresto V.
Published: November 2014

In this paper, we present a new concept of instrument for high resolution imaging in astronomy, involving the sum frequency generation in non-linear waveguides. The aim is to convert the infrared radiation emitted by an astronomical source to the visible spectral domain where the optical components are mature and efficient. We present the main experimental results obtained in laboratory, and propose a new design for this instrument for its implementation on the Center for High Angular Resolution Astronomy (CHARA) telescope array. Preliminary stability and photometric results obtained at CHARA are presented. Using these last measurements, we estimate the limiting magnitudes which could be reached by this interferometer in the H spectral band.
Stratigraphic variations control deformation patterns in evaporite basins: Messinian examples, onshore and offshore Sicily (Italy)
Authors: Butler Robert W.H. , Maniscalco Rosanna , Sturiale Giovanni , Grasso Mario
Published: November 2014

Three-dimensional seismic data are increasingly resolving original compositional heterogeneity and structural complexity in evaporitic successions within sedimentary basins. The relationship between basin structure, evaporite composition and its influence on subsequent deformation are investigated here using Messinian examples from the Maghrebian thrust system of Sicily and applied to the adjacent Ionian sea-bed. By integrating outcrop and onshore subsurface data, we demonstrate variations in evaporite stratigraphies deposited across thrust-top basins, and how these variations have controlled subsequent deformation of these basins. Gypsum and carbonate units develop broad single-layer buckle fold trains, with wavelengths reflecting layer thickness. The development of deformation appears limited by bending resistance at fold hinges, which can be overcome by syntectonic erosion. In contrast, the thick halite and K-salt accumulations in growth synclines have deformed with short-wavelength folds and distributed strain. These structures can display rapid lateral variations (on a scale of hundreds of metres). Similar structural styles, with buckle fold trains passing laterally into more homogeneously shortened, short-wavelength folding, are evident on seismic data from the buried Messinian interval beneath the Ionian Sea. Using the Sicilian outcrop as analogues, the structural styles for the Ionian may be used to infer evaporite type in these subsurface examples.
Rift and supradetachment basins during extension: insight from the Tyrrhenian rift
Authors: Milia Alfonsa , Torrente Maurizio M.
Published: November 2014

The style of extensional basins provides key insights into the magnitude of extension and their kinematic evolution. The newly documented Stilo rift (off Calabria, Italy) features a Serravallian–Tortonian rift basin bounded by a high-angle normal fault and a Messinian adjacent supradetachment basin bounded by a low-angle normal fault. We propose a kinematic model suggesting the abandonment of the high-angle normal fault and the beginning of low-angle normal fault activity, followed by a rapid increase in extension. The triggering mechanism of the low-angle normal faults can be attributed to rapid rollback of the subducting plate and/or to isostatic crustal uplift.

Supplementary material:

The seismic dataset and methods of interpretation are available at
http://www.geolsoc.org.uk/SUP18794
.
Mosapride citrate improves nonalcoholic steatohepatitis with increased fecal lactic acid bacteria and plasma glucagon-like peptide-1 level in a rodent model
Authors: Okubo Hirofumi , Nakatsu Yusuke , Sakoda Hideyuki , Kushiyama Akifumi , Fujishiro Midori , Fukushima Toshiaki , Matsunaga Yasuka , Ohno Haruya , Yoneda Masayasu , Kamata Hideaki , Shinjo Takanori , Iwashita Misaki , Nishimura Fusanori , Asano Tomoichiro
Published: November 2014

Several lines of evidence have suggested a role of gut microbiota in the etiology of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). NASH subjects reportedly showed a prolonged orocecal transit time coexistent with small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. We considered the possibility that enhanced gastrointestinal motility would influence gut microbiota and thus investigated the effects of the gastroprokinetic agent mosapride citrate (MC) on gut microbiota and the development of NASH using a methionine-choline deficient (MCD) diet-fed rodent model. Mice were divided into three groups, given the normal chow diet (NCD), the MCD diet, or the MCD diet containing 10 mg·kg−1·day−1of MC (MCD plus MC) for 6 wk. NASH development was evaluated based on hepatic histochemical findings, serum parameters and various mRNA and/or protein expression levels. MC treatment suppressed MCD diet-induced NASH development, with reduced serum lipopolysaccharide and increased plasma glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) concentrations. Calculation of the relative abundance of each strain based on gut microbiota analyses indicated lactic acid bacteria specifically, such as Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus, in feces to be decreased in the MCD, compared with the NCD group. Interestingly, the reduction in lactic acid bacteria in the MCD diet group was reversed in the MCD plus MC group. In addition, colon inflammation observed in the MCD diet group was reduced in the MCD plus MC group. Therefore, MC showed a protective effect against MCD diet-induced NASH development in our rodent model, with possible involvements of increased fecal lactic acid bacteria, protection against colon inflammation and elevated plasma GLP-1.
GAPDH and β-actin protein decreases with aging, making Stain-Free technology a superior loading control in Western blotting of human skeletal muscle
Authors: Vigelsø Andreas , Dybboe Rie , Hansen Christina Neigaard , Dela Flemming , Helge Jørn W. , Guadalupe Grau Amelia
Published: November 2014

Reference proteins (RP) or the total protein (TP) loaded is used to correct for uneven loading and/or transfer in Western blotting. However, the signal sensitivity and the influence of physiological conditions may question the normalization methods. Therefore, three widely used reference proteins [β-actin, glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), and α-tubulin], as well as TP loaded measured by Stain-Free technology (SF) as normalization tool were tested. This was done using skeletal muscle samples from men subjected to physiological conditions often investigated in applied physiology where the intervention has been suggested to impede normalization (ageing, muscle atrophy, and different muscle fiber type composition). The linearity of signal and the methodological variation coefficient was obtained. Furthermore, the inter- and intraindividual variation in signals obtained from SF and RP was measured in relation to ageing, muscle atrophy, and different muscle fiber type composition, respectively. A stronger linearity of SF and β-actin compared with GAPDH and α-tubulin was observed. The methodological variation was relatively low in all four methods (4–11%). Protein level of β-actin and GAPDH was lower in older men compared with young men. In conclusion, β-actin, GAPDH, and α-tubulin may not be used for normalization in studies that include subjects with a large age difference. In contrast, the RPs may not be affected in studies that include muscle wasting and differences in muscle fiber type. The novel SF technology adds lower variation to the results compared with the existing methods for correcting for loading inaccuracy in Western blotting of human skeletal muscle in applied physiology.
Sensing-enabled hippocampal deep brain stimulation in idiopathic nonhuman primate epilepsy
Authors: Lipski W. J. , DeStefino V. J. , Stanslaski S. R. , Antony A. R. , Crammond D. J. , Cameron J. L. , Richardson R. M.
Published: November 2014

Epilepsy is a debilitating condition affecting 1% of the population worldwide. Medications fail to control seizures in at least 30% of patients, and deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a promising alternative treatment. A modified clinical DBS hardware platform was recently described (PC+S) allowing long-term recording of electrical brain activity such that effects of DBS on neural networks can be examined. This study reports the first use of this device to characterize idiopathic epilepsy and assess the effects of stimulation in a nonhuman primate (NHP). Clinical DBS electrodes were implanted in the hippocampus of an epileptic NHP bilaterally, and baseline local field potential (LFP) recordings were collected for seizure characterization with the PC+S. Real-time automatic detection of ictal events was demonstrated and validated by concurrent visual observation of seizure behavior. Seizures consisted of large-amplitude 8- to 25-Hz oscillations originating from the right hemisphere and quickly generalizing, with an average occurrence of 0.71 ± 0.15 seizures/day. Various stimulation parameters resulted in suppression of LFP activity or in seizure induction during stimulation under ketamine anesthesia. Chronic stimulation in the awake animal was studied to evaluate how seizure activity was affected by stimulation configurations that suppressed broadband LFPs in acute experiments. This is the first electrophysiological characterization of epilepsy using a next-generation clinical DBS system that offers the ability to record and analyze neural signals from a chronically implanted stimulating electrode. These results will direct further development of this technology and ultimately provide insight into therapeutic mechanisms of DBS for epilepsy.
An Effective Privacy-Preserving Algorithm Based on Logistic Map and Rubik’s Cube Transformation
Authors: Yao Wenbin , Ye Pengdi , Li Xiaoyong
Published: November 2014

Security and privacy issues present a strong barrier for users to adapt to cloud storage systems. In this paper, a new algorithm for data splitting called EPPA is presented to strengthen the confidentiality of data by two-phase process. In EPPA, data object is organized to be several Rubik’s cubes executed for several rounds transformation at the first phase. In every round, chaotic logistic maps generate pseudorandom sequences to cover the plaintext by executing Exclusive-OR operation to form the cipher. Then logistic map is used to create rotation policies to scramble data information based on Rubik’s cube transformation. At the second phase, all cubes are unfolded and combined together as a cross-shaped cube, which will be partitioned into a few data fragments to guarantee that every fragment does not contain continuous bytes. These fragments are stored on randomly chosen servers within cloud environment. Analyses and experiments show that this approach is efficient and useable for the confidentiality of user data in cloud storage system.
Computed Tomographic Image Analysis Based on FEM Performance Comparison of Segmentation on Knee Joint Reconstruction
Authors: Jang Seong-Wook , Seo Young-Jin , Yoo Yon-Sik , Kim Yoon Sang
Published: November 2014

The demand for an accurate and accessible image segmentation to generate 3D models from CT scan data has been increasing as such models are required in many areas of orthopedics. In this paper, to find the optimal image segmentation to create a 3D model of the knee CT data, we compared and validated segmentation algorithms based on both objective comparisons and finite element (FE) analysis. For comparison purposes, we used 1 model reconstructed in accordance with the instructions of a clinical professional and 3 models reconstructed using image processing algorithms (Sobel operator, Laplacian of Gaussian operator, and Canny edge detection). Comparison was performed by inspecting intermodel morphological deviations with the iterative closest point (ICP) algorithm, and FE analysis was performed to examine the effects of the segmentation algorithm on the results of the knee joint movement analysis.
Refinements of Generalized Hölder’s Inequalities
Authors: Tian Jingfeng , Wang Wen-Li , O’Regan Donal
Published: November 2014

We present some new versions of generalized Hölder’s inequalities. The results are used to improve Minkowski’s inequality and a Beckenbach-type inequality.
A Structured Approach for Investigating the Causes of Medical Device Adverse Events
Authors: Amoore John N.
Published: November 2014

Aim. Medical device-related adverse events are often ascribed to “device” or “operator” failure although there are more complex causes. A structured approach, viewing the device in its clinical context, is developed to assist in-depth investigations of the causes. Method. Medical device applications involve devices, clinical teams, patients, and supporting infrastructure. The literature was explored for investigations and approaches to investigations, particularly structured approaches. From this a conceptual framework of causes was developed based primarily on device and clinical team caring for the patient within a supporting infrastructure, each aspect having detailed subdivisions. The approach was applied to incidents from the literature and an anonymous incident database. Results. The approach identified and classified the underlying causes of incidents described in the literature, exploring the details of “device,” “operator,” or “infrastructure” failures. Applied to incident databases it suggested that causes differ between device types and identified the causes of device unavailability. Discussion. The structured approach enables digging deeper to uncover the wider causes rather than ascribing to device or user fault. It can assess global patterns of causes. It can help develop consistent terminology for describing and sharing information on the causes of medical device adverse events.
Cerebral Venous Thrombosis in Two Patients with Spontaneous Intracranial Hypotension
Authors: Garcia-Carreira M. C. , Vergé D. Cánovas , Branera J. , Zauner M. , Herrero J. Estela , Tió E. , Perpinyà G. Ribera
Published: November 2014

Although few patients with spontaneous intracranial hypotension develop cerebral venous thrombosis, the association between these two entities seems too common to be simply a coincidental finding. We describe two cases of spontaneous intracranial hypotension associated with cerebral venous thrombosis. In one case, extensive cerebral venous thrombosis involved the superior sagittal sinus and multiple cortical cerebral veins. In the other case, only a right frontoparietal cortical vein was involved. Several mechanisms could contribute to the development of cerebral venous thrombosis in spontaneous intracranial hypotension. When spontaneous intracranial hypotension and cerebral venous thrombosis occur together, it raises difficult practical questions about the treatment of these two conditions. In most reported cases, spontaneous intracranial hypotension was treated conservatively and cerebral venous thrombosis was treated with anticoagulation. However, we advocate aggressive treatment of the underlying cerebrospinal fluid leak.
New Results on Robust Model Predictive Control for Time-Delay Systems with Input Constraints
Authors: Lu Qing , Sun Yiyong , Zhou Qi , Feng Zhiguang
Published: November 2014

This paper investigates the problem of model predictive control for a class of nonlinear systems subject to state delays and input constraints. The time-varying delay is considered with both upper and lower bounds. A new model is proposed to approximate the delay. And the uncertainty is polytopic type. For the state-feedback MPC design objective, we formulate an optimization problem. Under model transformation, a new model predictive controller is designed such that the robust asymptotical stability of the closed-loop system can be guaranteed. Finally, the applicability of the presented results are demonstrated by a practical example.
Nonlinear Analysis on Traffic Flow Based on Catastrophe and Chaos Theory
Authors: Gu Jian , Chen Shuyan
Published: November 2014

We applied catastrophe and chaos theory to analyze the traffic nonlinear characteristics of expressway condition. Catastrophe theory was generally used to explore the mathematical relationships among the traffic data collected from highway conditions, which could not be appropriate for the urban expressway conditions. Traffic flow data collected from the 3rd ring road expressway in Beijing was used to build flow-density model and speed-density Greenshields model. Then the density was discussed based on the traffic wave speed function with cusp catastrophe theory; in particular, density conditions on median lanes and shoulder lanes were deeply discussed. Meanwhile the chaotic characteristics were analyzed based on the traffic temporal sequence data collected from 29 detectors located at the 3rd ring road expressway, and C-C method was used to reconstruct the phase space and the largest Lyapunov exponents were estimated by Wolf method and the small data sets method. The results indicated that the traffic operation catastrophe density on the median lanes was a bit higher than that on the shoulder lanes; additionally chaotic characteristics obviously existed in the local corridor composed of 29 detectors in the 3rd ring road expressway traffic flow system.
Galactic Halo Wormhole Solutions inf(T)Gravity
Authors: Sharif M. , Rani Shamaila
Published: November 2014

The proposal of galactic halo region is based on the idea that dark halos contain some characteristics needed to support traversable wormhole solutions. We explore wormhole solutions in this region in the framework of generalized teleparallel gravity. We consider static spherically symmetric wormhole spacetime with flat galactic rotational curves and obtain expressions of matter components for nondiagonal tetrad. The effective energy-momentum tensor leads to the violation of energy conditions which may impose condition on the normal matter to satisfy these conditions. We take two well-knownf(T)models in exponential and logarithmic forms to discuss wormhole solutions as well as the equilibrium condition. It is concluded that wormhole solutions violating weak energy condition are obtained for both models with stable configuration.
Residuation Properties and Weakly Primary Elements in Lattice Modules
Authors: Manjarekar C. S. , Kandale U. N.
Published: November 2014

We obtain some elementary residuation properties in lattice modules and obtain a relation between a weakly primary element in a lattice module M and weakly prime element of a multiplicative lattice L.
Polymorphisms in the Sortilin-Related Receptor 1 Gene Are Associated with Cognitive Impairment in Filipinos
Authors: Casingal Cristine R. , Daroy Maria Luisa G. , Mapua Cynthia A. , Florendo Dianne Jane A. , Natividad Filipinas F. , Dominguez Jacqueline C.
Published: November 2014

Background/Aims. Sortilin-related receptor 1 (SORL1) is involved in the neuronal transport processes and plays a role in the formation of amyloid plaques. This study investigated the association of 6 SORL1 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs 8, 9, 10, 13, 19, and 23) with cognitive impairment (CI) in Filipinos. Methods. DNA samples from 484 subjects (100 Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) cases, 109 mild cognitive impairment (MCI) cases, 18 other types of CI, and 257 no dementia controls (NDC)) were genotyped using TaqMan SNP Genotyping Assays. Data Analysis. Our study showed strong linkage disequilibrium in the SNPs 8, 9, and 10 block. Our results showed that CI was significantly associated with SNPs 13 and 23. None of the SORL1 SNPs studied was associated with AD while SNPs 8, 9, 10, and 23 were associated with MCI. Conclusion. The findings had provided evidence that SORL1 may predispose individuals to CI. Further studies are needed to clarify the role of SORL1 in Filipinos with AD.
Multi-Softcore Architecture on FPGA
Authors: Baklouti Mouna , Abid Mohamed
Published: November 2014

To meet the high performance demands of embedded multimedia applications, embedded systems are integrating multiple processing units. However, they are mostly based on custom-logic design methodology. Designing parallel multicore systems using available standards intellectual properties yet maintaining high performance is also a challenging issue. Softcore processors and field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) are a cheap and fast option to develop and test such systems. This paper describes a FPGA-based design methodology to implement a rapid prototype of parametric multicore systems. A study of the viability of making the SoC using the NIOS II soft-processor core from Altera is also presented. The NIOS II features a general-purpose RISC CPU architecture designed to address a wide range of applications. The performance of the implemented architecture is discussed, and also some parallel applications are used for testing speedup and efficiency of the system. Experimental results demonstrate the performance of the proposed multicore system, which achieves better speedup than the GPU (29.5% faster for the FIR filter and 23.6% faster for the matrix-matrix multiplication).
Treatment of Febrile Neutropenia and Prophylaxis in Hematologic Malignancies: A Critical Review and Update
Authors: Villafuerte-Gutierrez Paola , Villalon Lucia , Losa Juan E. , Henriquez-Camacho Cesar
Published: November 2014

Febrile neutropenia is one of the most serious complications in patients with haematological malignancies and chemotherapy. A prompt identification of infection and empirical antibiotic therapy can prolong survival. This paper reviews the guidelines about febrile neutropenia in the setting of hematologic malignancies, providing an overview of the definition of fever and neutropenia, and categories of risk assessment, management of infections, and prophylaxis.
The Mouse as a Model for Age-Related Hearing Loss - A Mini-Review
Authors: Bowl Michael R. , Dawson Sally J.
Published: November 2014

The most common form of sensory disability is age-related hearing loss (ARHL), also referred to as presbycusis. ARHL is a complex disorder with a mixture of genetic and environmental components, a combination that leads to a progressive decline in hearing function with increased age. In the last 15 years, there has been a vast increase in our knowledge of the genes that underlie congenital deafness and the critical components of hearing. In contrast, knowledge of the pathological processes involved in ARHL remains very limited. The mouse has proved an essential tool in the identification of early-onset deafness genes and in revealing the basic mechanisms of hearing. As focus is now turning toward elucidating the most common form of hearing loss, ARHL, the mouse will again play a fundamental role in this research. Here, we review the need for an animal model and discuss the suitability of the mouse as an ARHL model. Finally, we outline the ways in which hearing researchers are utilising the mouse in the investigation of ARHL and provide perspectives on the need for these data to be integrated with the results of human genetic studies.
Decline in Asthma Prevalence and Severity in Israel over a 10-Year Period
Authors: Cohen Shlomo , Berkman Neville , Avital Avraham , Springer Chaim , Kordoba Levana , Haklai Ziona , Eshel Amram , Goldberg Shmuel , Picard Elie
Published: November 2014

Background: The prevalence of asthma has increased in western countries towards the end of the last century, but recently seems to have stabilized. Objective: To evaluate trends in the prevalence and severity of asthma that occurred in Israel over the past decade. Methods: The medical records of 17-year-old boys, eligible for national service, between 1999 and 2008 were reviewed. National annual hospitalization and death rates for asthma were extracted. Results: Three hundred thousand medical records were reviewed. During the study period, lifetime asthma prevalence decreased from 9.7 to 8.1% (p = 0.002). The point prevalence of moderate-to-severe and mild persistent asthma decreased significantly from 0.88 and 3.41% to 0.36 and 2.44%, respectively, during this period. The prevalence of intermittent asthma and asthma in clinical remission for more than 3 years did not change significantly. The annual hospitalization rate for asthma decreased from 13.0 to 7.5 per 10,000 population (p < 0.0001), whilst the annual death rate due to asthma decreased between 1999 and 2008 from 2.1 to 1.4 per 100,000 population (p = 0.003). Conclusions: The prevalence of asthma in Israeli teenage boys decreased significantly over the last decade. In addition, asthma hospitalization and asthma-related death rates in the total population also decreased.
Loss of Heterozygosity of PTEN (Encoding Phosphate and Tensin Homolog) Associated with Elevated HER2 Expression Is an Adverse Prognostic Indicator in Gastric Cancer
Authors: Zaitsu Yoko , Oki Eiji , Ando Koji , Ida Satoshi , Kimura Yasue , Saeki Hiroshi , Morita Masaru , Hirahashi Minako , Oda Yoshinao , Maehara Yoshihiko
Published: November 2014

Objective: PTEN (the encoding phosphate and tensin homolog) is a well-known cancer suppressor gene and its mutation and loss of heterozygosity (LOH) occurs in various types of carcinomas. This study aimed to examine the association between LOH of PTEN and prognosis in HER2-expressing and nonexpressing gastric cancer patients. Methods: Fresh-frozen tumor samples of 221 gastric cancer patients with a primary diagnosis of gastric carcinoma were examined for LOH of PTEN. The results were compared with pathological parameters and the HER2 status. To elucidate the role of LOH of PTEN, the activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway was examined immunohistochemically using a phosphorylation-specific antibody. Results: LOH of PTEN was observed in 20% of the patients (39 of 195 cases). LOH of PTEN was associated with vascular involvement (25 of 39 cases; p = 0.0083), equivocal to positive staining for HER2 (p = 0.0080), and phospho-Akt expression (p = 0.0067). Patients with HER2-expressing gastric cancer with LOH of PTEN had a significantly worse prognosis (p = 0.0050). Conclusions: Although HER2 expression itself was not a prognostic factor, the combination of HER2 expression and LOH of PTEN exacerbates the malignant potential of gastric cancer through its proliferative function. © 2014 S. Karger AG, Basel