Spinal cord injury has devastating consequences because adult central nervous system (CNS) neurons do not regenerate their axons after injury. Two key reasons for axon regeneration fail- ure are extrinsic inhibitory...Spinal cord injury has devastating consequences because adult central nervous system (CNS) neurons do not regenerate their axons after injury. Two key reasons for axon regeneration fail- ure are extrinsic inhibitory factors and a low intrinsic capacity for axon regrowth. Research has therefore focused on overcom- ing extrinsic growth inhibition, and enhancing intrinsic regeneration capacity. Both of these issues will need to be addressed to enable optimal repair of the injured sp+inal cord.展开更多
The commodity transportation capacity between all origin-destination ( OD ) pairs over the multimodal multi-commodities freight transportation network (MMFTN) is determined. A multi-ob- jectives mathematical model...The commodity transportation capacity between all origin-destination ( OD ) pairs over the multimodal multi-commodities freight transportation network (MMFTN) is determined. A multi-ob- jectives mathematical model is formulated for determining the OD capacity over the MMFTN accord- ing to a transporting capacity matrix that increased from the reference matrixes. The corresponding incremental factor for estimating the capacity matrix is obtained via the maximal likelihood estima- tion method that samples data of differences between the estimated commodity volumes and carrying capacities of the critical links. The proposed formulations are tested by an experimental highway and railroad freight transportation network in an existing literature. The relevant results of OD capacities are displayed and applicability of the algorithm is certified.展开更多
Historical mining activities often lead to continuing wide spread contaminants in both groundwater and surface water in previously operational mine site areas. The contamination may continue for many years after closi...Historical mining activities often lead to continuing wide spread contaminants in both groundwater and surface water in previously operational mine site areas. The contamination may continue for many years after closing down the mining activities. The essential first step for sustainable management of groundwater and development of remediation strategies is the unknown contaminant source characterization. In a mining site, there are multiple species of contaminants involving complex geochemical processes. It is difficult to identify the potential sources and pathways incorporating the chemically reactive multiple species of contaminants making the source characterization process more challenging. To address this issue, a reactive transport simulation model PHT3D is linked to a Simulated Annealing based the optimum decision model. The numerical simulation model PHT3D is utilized for numerically simulating the reactive transport process involving multiple species in the former mine site area. The simulation results from the calibrated PHT3D model are illustrated, with and without incorporating the chemical reactions. These comparisons show the utility of using a reactive, geochemical transport process’ simulation model. Performance evaluation of the linked simulation optimization methodology is evaluated for a contamination scenario in a former mine site in Queensland, Australia. These performance evaluation results illustrate the applicability of linked simulation optimization model to identify the source characteristics while using PHT3D as a numerical reactive chemical species’ transport simulation model for the hydro-geochemically complex aquifer study area.展开更多
This research applies network structuring theories to the aviation domain and predicts aviation network growth, considering a flight connection between airports as a link between nodes. Our link prediction approach is...This research applies network structuring theories to the aviation domain and predicts aviation network growth, considering a flight connection between airports as a link between nodes. Our link prediction approach is based on network structure information, and to improve prediction accuracy, it is necessary to estimate the mechanism of aviation network growth. This research critically evaluates the prediction accuracy of two methods: the receiver operating characteristic curve method (ROC) and the logistic regression method. We propose a four-step method to evaluate the relative predictive accuracy among different link prediction methods. A case study of US aviation networks indicated that the ROC method provided better prediction accuracy compared with the logistic regression method. This result suggests that tuning of the prediction distribution and the regression model coefficients can further improve the accuracy of the logistic regression method.展开更多
BACKGROUND: Serotonin transporter (5-HTT) polymorphisms comprise 5-HTT gene-linked polymorphism region (5-HTTLPR) and variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR). Studies have revealed an association between 5-HTT...BACKGROUND: Serotonin transporter (5-HTT) polymorphisms comprise 5-HTT gene-linked polymorphism region (5-HTTLPR) and variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR). Studies have revealed an association between 5-HTT polymorphism and major depressive disorder, which suggests that the "S" allele of 5-HTTLPR and Stin2.9 of 5-HTTVNTR are associated with major depressive disorder. However, there are a number of studies that do not support the 5-HTT polymorphism effect in major depressive disorder. OBJECTIVE: To study the relationship between 5-HTT gene polymorphism and major depressive disorder in Chinese Han population. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING: Case-controlled study of 5-HTT gene polymorphism. The experiment was performed at the Central Laboratory, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, China from March 2005 to January 2006. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 99 depressive patients of Chinese Han nationality were recruited for this study. All patients met DSM-IV diagnostic criteria for major depressive disorder and had a total score of Hamilton Depression Scale (24 items) ≥21 points. In addition, 101 healthy subjects, matched for age and gender, served as the control group. METHODS: Venous blood was collected from all subjects. 5-HTT genotypes and alleles were determined by polymerase chain reaction. Consistent with the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, the association between 5-HTT gene polymorphism and major depressive disorder were analyzed by Chi-square test. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: 5-HTTLPR and 5-HTTVNTR genotypes and allele frequencies were measured. RESULTS: No significant differences in 5-HTTLPR genotypes and allele frequencies were determined between patients and controls (P 〉 0.05). However, significant differences in 5-HTTVNTR genotypes and allele frequencies were detected (P 〈 0.01 ). The Stin2.10 allele and 10/10 genotype associated with major depressive disorder (OR = 2.61,7.7, P 〈 0.05; analysis of dose-response relationships Х^2 = 12.35, P 〈 0.01). CONCLUSION: Results from the present study revealed no association between 5-HTTLPR and major depressive disorder. However, a significant association between 5-HTTVNTR and major depressive disorder existed in a population of Chinese Han. The presence of Stin2.10 and 10/10 genotypes increased the risk for major depressive disorder in a dose-dependent manner.展开更多
Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) influences the cortical and subcortical excitatory/inhibitory balance and participates in the pathophysiological processes of epilepsy. The serotonin transporter (5-HTT) is th...Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) influences the cortical and subcortical excitatory/inhibitory balance and participates in the pathophysiological processes of epilepsy. The serotonin transporter (5-HTT) is the most important factor in serotonin inactivation. We tested whether 5-HTT polymorphisms are involved in the pathogenesis of epilepsy in Chinese Han population. We did not find a significant difference in the frequencies of genotypes and alleles in the 5-HTT gene-linked poLymorphic region (5-H-I-FLPR) in patients with non-lesional temporal lobe epilepsy and normal controls (P〉 0.05). Frequencies of the 5-H1-1- intron 2 variable number tandem repeat (5-HTTVNTR) 12/12 genotype and allele 12 were higher in the patients with non-lesional temporal lobe epilepsy than normal controls (P 〈 0.01). The odds ratio of affecting non-lesional temporal lobe epilepsy was 1.435 (95% Cl, 1.096 1.880) in patients carrying allele 12 (P 〈 0.05). Although the 5-HTTLPR may not be a genetic locus of non-lesional temporal lobe epilepsy in Chinese Hart population, allele 12 in the 5-HTTVNTR may correlate with non-lesional temporal lobe epilepsy. The Stin2.12 allele and 12/12 genotype could be predisposing to non-lesional temporal lobe epilepsy.展开更多
A polymeric gel is an aggregate of polymers and solvent molecules, which can retain its shape after a large deformation. The deformation behavior of polymeric gels was often described based on the Flory-Rehner free en...A polymeric gel is an aggregate of polymers and solvent molecules, which can retain its shape after a large deformation. The deformation behavior of polymeric gels was often described based on the Flory-Rehner free energy function without considering the influence of chain entanglements on the mechanical behavior of gels. In this paper,a new hybrid free energy function for gels is formulated by combining the EdwardsVilgis slip-link model and the Flory-Huggins mixing model to quantify the time-dependent concurrent process of large deformation and mass transport. The finite element method is developed to analyze examples of swelling-induced deformation. Simulation results are compared with available experimental data and show good agreement. The influence of entanglements on the time-dependent deformation behavior of gels is also demonstrated.The study of large deformation kinetics of polymeric gel is useful for diverse applications.展开更多
基金funded by grants from the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation[JFC-2013(3),JFC-2013(4)]the Medical Research Council(G1000864 018556)+1 种基金the International Spinal Research Trust(Nathalie Rose Barr studentship NRB110)ERANET NEURON grant Axon Repair(013-16-002)
文摘Spinal cord injury has devastating consequences because adult central nervous system (CNS) neurons do not regenerate their axons after injury. Two key reasons for axon regeneration fail- ure are extrinsic inhibitory factors and a low intrinsic capacity for axon regrowth. Research has therefore focused on overcom- ing extrinsic growth inhibition, and enhancing intrinsic regeneration capacity. Both of these issues will need to be addressed to enable optimal repair of the injured sp+inal cord.
文摘The commodity transportation capacity between all origin-destination ( OD ) pairs over the multimodal multi-commodities freight transportation network (MMFTN) is determined. A multi-ob- jectives mathematical model is formulated for determining the OD capacity over the MMFTN accord- ing to a transporting capacity matrix that increased from the reference matrixes. The corresponding incremental factor for estimating the capacity matrix is obtained via the maximal likelihood estima- tion method that samples data of differences between the estimated commodity volumes and carrying capacities of the critical links. The proposed formulations are tested by an experimental highway and railroad freight transportation network in an existing literature. The relevant results of OD capacities are displayed and applicability of the algorithm is certified.
文摘Historical mining activities often lead to continuing wide spread contaminants in both groundwater and surface water in previously operational mine site areas. The contamination may continue for many years after closing down the mining activities. The essential first step for sustainable management of groundwater and development of remediation strategies is the unknown contaminant source characterization. In a mining site, there are multiple species of contaminants involving complex geochemical processes. It is difficult to identify the potential sources and pathways incorporating the chemically reactive multiple species of contaminants making the source characterization process more challenging. To address this issue, a reactive transport simulation model PHT3D is linked to a Simulated Annealing based the optimum decision model. The numerical simulation model PHT3D is utilized for numerically simulating the reactive transport process involving multiple species in the former mine site area. The simulation results from the calibrated PHT3D model are illustrated, with and without incorporating the chemical reactions. These comparisons show the utility of using a reactive, geochemical transport process’ simulation model. Performance evaluation of the linked simulation optimization methodology is evaluated for a contamination scenario in a former mine site in Queensland, Australia. These performance evaluation results illustrate the applicability of linked simulation optimization model to identify the source characteristics while using PHT3D as a numerical reactive chemical species’ transport simulation model for the hydro-geochemically complex aquifer study area.
文摘This research applies network structuring theories to the aviation domain and predicts aviation network growth, considering a flight connection between airports as a link between nodes. Our link prediction approach is based on network structure information, and to improve prediction accuracy, it is necessary to estimate the mechanism of aviation network growth. This research critically evaluates the prediction accuracy of two methods: the receiver operating characteristic curve method (ROC) and the logistic regression method. We propose a four-step method to evaluate the relative predictive accuracy among different link prediction methods. A case study of US aviation networks indicated that the ROC method provided better prediction accuracy compared with the logistic regression method. This result suggests that tuning of the prediction distribution and the regression model coefficients can further improve the accuracy of the logistic regression method.
基金a grant from the Foundation of Guangdong Province of Science and Technology,No. 2003C3380
文摘BACKGROUND: Serotonin transporter (5-HTT) polymorphisms comprise 5-HTT gene-linked polymorphism region (5-HTTLPR) and variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR). Studies have revealed an association between 5-HTT polymorphism and major depressive disorder, which suggests that the "S" allele of 5-HTTLPR and Stin2.9 of 5-HTTVNTR are associated with major depressive disorder. However, there are a number of studies that do not support the 5-HTT polymorphism effect in major depressive disorder. OBJECTIVE: To study the relationship between 5-HTT gene polymorphism and major depressive disorder in Chinese Han population. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING: Case-controlled study of 5-HTT gene polymorphism. The experiment was performed at the Central Laboratory, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, China from March 2005 to January 2006. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 99 depressive patients of Chinese Han nationality were recruited for this study. All patients met DSM-IV diagnostic criteria for major depressive disorder and had a total score of Hamilton Depression Scale (24 items) ≥21 points. In addition, 101 healthy subjects, matched for age and gender, served as the control group. METHODS: Venous blood was collected from all subjects. 5-HTT genotypes and alleles were determined by polymerase chain reaction. Consistent with the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, the association between 5-HTT gene polymorphism and major depressive disorder were analyzed by Chi-square test. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: 5-HTTLPR and 5-HTTVNTR genotypes and allele frequencies were measured. RESULTS: No significant differences in 5-HTTLPR genotypes and allele frequencies were determined between patients and controls (P 〉 0.05). However, significant differences in 5-HTTVNTR genotypes and allele frequencies were detected (P 〈 0.01 ). The Stin2.10 allele and 10/10 genotype associated with major depressive disorder (OR = 2.61,7.7, P 〈 0.05; analysis of dose-response relationships Х^2 = 12.35, P 〈 0.01). CONCLUSION: Results from the present study revealed no association between 5-HTTLPR and major depressive disorder. However, a significant association between 5-HTTVNTR and major depressive disorder existed in a population of Chinese Han. The presence of Stin2.10 and 10/10 genotypes increased the risk for major depressive disorder in a dose-dependent manner.
文摘Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) influences the cortical and subcortical excitatory/inhibitory balance and participates in the pathophysiological processes of epilepsy. The serotonin transporter (5-HTT) is the most important factor in serotonin inactivation. We tested whether 5-HTT polymorphisms are involved in the pathogenesis of epilepsy in Chinese Han population. We did not find a significant difference in the frequencies of genotypes and alleles in the 5-HTT gene-linked poLymorphic region (5-H-I-FLPR) in patients with non-lesional temporal lobe epilepsy and normal controls (P〉 0.05). Frequencies of the 5-H1-1- intron 2 variable number tandem repeat (5-HTTVNTR) 12/12 genotype and allele 12 were higher in the patients with non-lesional temporal lobe epilepsy than normal controls (P 〈 0.01). The odds ratio of affecting non-lesional temporal lobe epilepsy was 1.435 (95% Cl, 1.096 1.880) in patients carrying allele 12 (P 〈 0.05). Although the 5-HTTLPR may not be a genetic locus of non-lesional temporal lobe epilepsy in Chinese Hart population, allele 12 in the 5-HTTVNTR may correlate with non-lesional temporal lobe epilepsy. The Stin2.12 allele and 12/12 genotype could be predisposing to non-lesional temporal lobe epilepsy.
基金Project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.11272237 and11502131)the Natural Science Foundation of Fujian Province(No.2016J05019)the Foundation of the Higher Education Institutions of Fujian Education Department for Distinguished Young Scholar(No.[2016]23)
文摘A polymeric gel is an aggregate of polymers and solvent molecules, which can retain its shape after a large deformation. The deformation behavior of polymeric gels was often described based on the Flory-Rehner free energy function without considering the influence of chain entanglements on the mechanical behavior of gels. In this paper,a new hybrid free energy function for gels is formulated by combining the EdwardsVilgis slip-link model and the Flory-Huggins mixing model to quantify the time-dependent concurrent process of large deformation and mass transport. The finite element method is developed to analyze examples of swelling-induced deformation. Simulation results are compared with available experimental data and show good agreement. The influence of entanglements on the time-dependent deformation behavior of gels is also demonstrated.The study of large deformation kinetics of polymeric gel is useful for diverse applications.