Specific Characteristic Features Research Articles

Neural Probabilistic Graphical Model for Face Sketch Synthesis.

Neural network learning for face sketch synthesis from photos has attracted substantial attention due to its favorable synthesis performance. However, most existing deep-learning-based face sketch synthesis models stacked only by multiple convolutional layers without structured regression often lose the common facial structures, limiting their flexibility in a wide range of practical applications, including intelligent security and digital entertainment. In this article, we introduce a neural network to a probabilistic graphical model and propose a novel face sketch synthesis framework based on the neural probabilistic graphical model (NPGM) composed of a specific structure and a common structure. In the specific structure, we investigate a neural network for mapping the direct relationship between training photos and sketches, yielding the specific information and characteristic features of a test photo. In the common structure, the fidelity between the sketch pixels generated by the specific structure and their candidates selected from the training data are considered, ensuring the preservation of the common facial structure. Experimental results on the Chinese University of Hong Kong face sketch database demonstrate, both qualitatively and quantitatively, that the proposed NPGM-based face sketch synthesis approach can more effectively capture specific features and recover common structures compared with the state-of-the-art methods. Extensive experiments in practical applications further illustrate that the proposed method achieves superior performance.

Negative impedance of organic light emitting diodes in AC electrical response

In previous papers, we introduced a novel analysis technique of the impedance spectroscopy of organic light emitting diodes to elucidate their layer-to-layer carrier dynamics and proposed a novel carrier transport model. In this article, we will discuss the carrier dynamics in the voltage region where the layer-to-layer dynamics cannot be distinguished. There appear several specific characteristic features in frequency- and voltage-dependence of complex impedance, the negative impedance, and the diffusion impedance. In the negative bias voltage region, where neither carrier injection nor accumulation occurs, conductance shows ω1/2 frequency dependence. On the other hand, at the higher voltage region where all the semicircles in Cole-Cole plot coalesce, there appear two types of negative impedance, which have ω1/2 and a Debye-like frequency dependence. We consider that the ω1/2 dependences are attributed to the diffusion impedance (Warburg impedance) coupled with and without the interfacial charge transfer reaction. The Debye-like negative impedance is attributed to the carrier trap at the interface of the Alq3 layer.

Preparation, characterization, and antibacterial effect of doxycycline loaded kefiran nanofibers

Kefiran is a microbial biopolymer which is able to form nanofibers with specific characteristic features. The present study demonstrated the successful fabrication of drug loaded kefiran nanofibrous mats by electrospinnig method. Nanofibrous mats were characterized using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). SEM images revealed bead free nanofibers with the average diameter of 300 nm. In addition, 1200 μg/mL concentration of doxycycline was loaded within kefiran nanofibers. The in vitro release study showed 45% release over 96 h with 30% burst release in 5 h. Antibacterial assay of nanofibers with and without drug was carried out against S. aureus and E. coli by agar disc diffusion method. Inhibition zone of drug loaded nanofibers was 22 and 20 mm for S. aureus and E. coli respectively. Viability of L929 fibroblast cells exposed to nanofibers were examined by MTT assay method. The MTT results showed that doxycycline loaded kefiran nanofiber revealed 50.6% cell viability compare to doxycycline itself which was 33.2% after 72 h. Overall, it can be proposed that since kefiran nanofiber mat revealed good antibacterial effect and lowered cytotoxicity of loaded doxycycline, it can be a promising carrier for antibacterial drug delivery systems in wound dressing applications.

Nonmissile Anterior Skull-Base Penetrating Brain Injury: Experience with 22 Patients.

Background:Nonmissile anterior skull-base penetrating brain injuries (NASBPBIs) have specific characteristic features that are different from missile injuries. Our study presents our experiences on the characteristic features as well as management of NASBPBI.Materials and Methods:We retrospectively reviewed 22 consecutive patients with NASBPBI managed at our institute during a 13-year period. The mechanism of injury, clinical investigations, and complications were analyzed, with more emphasis on diagnostic and treatment regimen.Results:The 22 cases included in our study comprise of 20 males and 2 females. Majority (72.7%) of the patients were adults with a mean age of 27.5 years. The mechanisms of injury often include accidental fall, either onto a small-diameter sharp object (10 cases) or while carrying such an object in the hand (4 cases). The other common mechanisms were stabbing, accident, or during an altercation (8 cases). Clinical manifestations included periorbital hematoma (10 cases, 45.5%) and cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea or orbitorrhea (4 cases, 18.2%) as well as signs of embedded foreign object (8 cases, 36.4%). We performed emergency craniotomy in 21 cases and skin debridement in one case. Postoperative complications were abscess (1 case), epilepsy (1 case), and traumatic carotid-cavernous fistula (1 case).Conclusion:Nonmissile injuries are generally on the rise and therefore deserve more attention. We observed that clinical outcomes were excellent in 14 (Glasgow Outcome Scale [GOS] score of 5) and good in the remaining 8 patients (GOS of 4) during 6-month–10-year (mean 4.6 years) follow-ups.

МЕТОДОЛОГІЯ РОЗРОБКИ ТА ПРИНЦИПИ ФУНКЦІОНУВАННЯ ІНФОРМАЦІЙНОЇ ТЕХНОЛОГІЇ ГАРМОНІЗАЦІЇ ЗМІСТУ ОСВІТИ

The work is devoted to the development of an information system that would consider the specific characteristic features of processes for a particular higher education institution (HEI), rather than those offered by existing systems that developed for HEI with other (personal) needs. The important thing is that the information system of IT "HEC" is constantly evolving, increasing and modifying its ability to ensure and improve the management of the University. The information system must perform functions related to the improvement of decision support processes in the analysis, regulation and forecasting of the HEI. The system must solve the problems associated with the collection, processing and storage of current and accumulated information in the data banks; with the computerization of the document circulation of an educational institution; with ensuring open access to information resources of an educational institution and a number of equally important activities of the University.

Civilian nonmissile penetrating brain injury

Background: Civilian nonmissile penetrating brain injuries (CNPBIs) have specific characteristic features that are different from missile injuries. Our study presents our experiences on the characteristic features as well as management of such patients. Materials and Methods: We have retrospectively reviewed 11 consecutive patients with CNPBI, having only anterior skull base injury, managed in our institute during 4-year period. The mechanism of injury, clinical investigations, and complications were analyzed with more emphasis on diagnostic and treatment regimen. Results: The 11 cases included in our study comprised 10 males and 1 female. Majority (72.7%) of the patients were adults with a mean age of 27.5 years. The mechanisms of injury often include accidental fall, either onto a small-diameter sharp object (5 cases) or while carrying such an object in hand (2 cases). Other mechanisms were stabbing and accidental. Clinical manifestations included periorbital hematoma (10 cases, 45.5%) and cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea or orbitorrhea (4 cases, 18.2%) as well as signs of embedded foreign object (8 cases, 36.4%). We performed emergency craniotomy in 10 cases and skin debridement in 1 case. Postoperative complications were abscess (1 case), seizure (1 case), and traumatic carotid-cavernous fistula (1 case). Conclusion: Nonmissile civilian injuries are generally on the rise and therefore deserve more attention. We observed that clinical outcomes were excellent in 7 (Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) of 5) and good in the remaining 4 (GOS of 4) during 6 months–4 years (mean: 2.3 years) follow-up.

Therapeutic Cationic Antimicrobial Peptide (CAP) Derived from Fish Aspartic Proteinase Cathepsin D and its Antimicrobial Mechanism

Aquatic organisms are rich in antimicrobial peptides which play key role against pathogens during infections. Cathepsin is one of immune proteases which have been proven with multiple functions including antimicrobial activity, but their role as antimicrobial peptides has not been elucidated so far in aquatic organisms. This study reports the identification and characterization of antimicrobial peptides from fish cathepsin D. Channa striatus (Cs) cathepsin D (Cath D) was identified from its established cDNA library. Multiple sequence alignment was performed to analyze the homology of CsCathD with other cathepsin. Based on the amino acid propensity scale, two putative antimicrobial regions were identified, synthesized and analyzed for their antimicrobial potency. Gene expression of CsCath D and its mRNA pattern upon pathogenic infection was also observed using real time PCR. All the bioinformatics analysis indicated the gene specific characteristic features of CsCath D. CsCathD mRNA expression was highly expressed at 24 h for bacteria (Aeromonas hydrophila) and 48 h for fungus (Aphanomyces invadans). The CsCath D derived CAPs namely, PL12 and NM12 showed their commendable inhibition towards Bacillus mycoides of the tested bacteria. The cell membrane disruption was observed with PL12 against B. mycoides in flow cytometer. With all proceedings, it is possible to conclude that CsCathD might be a potent immuno modulator and the reported CAPs could be developed as therapeutic agents to treat bacterial pathogenic infections.

Simple procedure for phase-space measurement and entanglement validation

It has recently been shown that it is possible to represent the complete quantum state of any system as a phase-space quasi-probability distribution (Wigner function) [Phys Rev Lett 117, 180401]. Such functions take the form of expectation values of an observable that has a direct analogy to displaced parity operators. In this work we give a procedure for the measurement of the Wigner function that should be applicable to any quantum system. We have applied our procedure to IBM's Quantum Experience five-qubit quantum processor to demonstrate that we can measure and generate the Wigner functions of two different Bell states as well as the five-qubit Greenberger-Horne-Zeilinger (GHZ) state. As Wigner functions for spin systems are not unique, we define, compare, and contrast two distinct examples. We show how using these Wigner functions leads to an optimal method for quantum state analysis especially in the situation where specific characteristic features are of particular interest (such as for spin Schr\"odinger cat states). Furthermore we show that this analysis leads to straightforward, and potentially very efficient, entanglement test and state characterisation methods.

Primary hepatic neuroendocrine tumors: multi-modal imaging features with pathological correlations

BackgroundPrimary hepatic neuroendocrine carcinomas (PHNECs) are rare and asymptomatic, and are therefore difficult to distinguish radiologically from other liver carcinomas. In this study, we aimed to determine the computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and digital subtraction angiography (DSA) features of PHNECs.MethodsA retrospective analysis of 11 patients with pathologically proven PHNECs was performed from January 2009 to September 2014. The CT, MRI, and DSA image features were analysed.ResultsTen of the eleven patients exhibited two or more lesions, and one patient exhibited a single lesion. Abdominal CT of 8 cases revealed multiple round or oval-shaped masses with well-defined borders, which were heterogeneous and hypodense on precontrast CT images. Significant diffuse heterogeneous enhancement was observed during the arterial phase in 8 cases, and the enhancement was slightly higher than the attenuation of the surrounding normal liver parenchyma and indistinct edges of small lesions during the portal phase. Well circumscribed (11 cases), lobulated (5 cases) or multiple nodular masses (4 cases), nodule (1 case) and irregular masses (1 case) of high signal intensity were observed on T2WI and DWI of MR images. The masses were well circumscribed, heterogeneous, and hypointense on T1WI, with significant enhancement of the solid carcinoma portion in the early arterial phase and continued enhancement in the portal venous phase. Characteristic lobulated or multiple nodular masses were observed in MRI. DSA showed multiple hypervascular carcinoma-staining lesions with sharp edges in the arterial phase.ConclusionThe CT, MRI, and DSA images of PHNECs exhibit specific characteristic features. Appropriate combinations of the available imaging modalities could therefore optimize the evaluation of patients with PHNECs.

Synthesis and characterization of homogeneously mesoporous magnesium silicates with prospects of application in catalysis and adsorption

Isotherms of low-temperature nitrogen adsorption–desorption by a mesostructured magnesium silicate material produced using a supramolecular cetylpyridinium template, liquid glass, and solutions of magnesium salts with different Mg/Si ratios have been measured. Homogeneously mesoporous adsorbents with a developed specific surface area (1045–1195 m2/g, from BET data) and high cumulative mesopore volume (1.210–1.646 cm3/g) have been synthesized. The samples' most specific characteristic features include a narrow mesopore size distribution with predominant sizes in the range ≈3.1–3.6 and a hysteresis of a hybrid shape indicating to the presence of a combination of tubular and slitlike mesopores in the form of TWT-structures. “Mesoporous molecular sieves” of the MCM-41 type and, alternatively, with the increase of the Mg/Si ratio, of the MCM-48 type with hexagonal and cubic pore structures, respectively, have been identified in the samples.

Модель формирования нефтегазоносности в отложениях терригенного девона южных районов Пермского края

Нефтегазообразование – длительный сложный и многофакторный процесс, в котором выделяют такие основные стадии, как формирование глубинных нефтематеринских свит, генерация нефти глубинными нефтематеринскими свитами, формирование флюидоупоров, миграция и первичная аккумуляция нефти, деструкция нефти. С целью поисков и разведки нефтегазоносных месторождений необходимы проведение детального изучения каждой из перечисленных стадий и установление особенностей конкретной территории. Такой комплексный подход позволяет более эффективно проводить геолого-разведочные работы.

Stability of Network Communities as a Function of Task Complexity.

The analysis of the community architecture in functional brain networks has revealed important relations between specific behavioral patterns and characteristic features of the associated functional organization. Numerous studies have assessed changes in functional communities during different states of awareness, learning, information processing, and various behavioral patterns. The robustness of detected communities within a network has been an often-discussed topic in complex systems research. However, our knowledge regarding the intersubject stability of functional communities in the human brain while performing different tasks is still lacking. In this study, we examined the variability of functional communities in weighted undirected graphs based on fMRI recordings of healthy participants across three conditions: the resting state, syllable production as a simple vocal motor task, and meaningful speech production representing a complex behavioral pattern with cognitive involvement. On the basis of the constructed empirical networks, we simulated a large cohort of artificial graphs and performed a leave-one-out stability analysis to assess the sensitivity of communities in the group-averaged networks with respect to perturbations in the averaging cohort. We found that the stability of partitions derived from group-averaged networks depended on task complexity. The determined community architecture in mean networks reflected within-behavior network stability and between-behavior flexibility of the human functional connectome. The sensitivity of functional communities increased from rest to syllable production to speaking, which suggests that the approximation quality of the community structure in the average network to reflect individual per-participant partitions depends on task complexity.

Phenotypic characterization and production potentials of Nageswari duck in Bangladesh

The present study was conducted to know the morphology, morphometry, production and reproduction potentialities of Nageswari duck, an indigenous duck genetic resource of Bangladesh. Data on 58 representative adult Nageswari ducks were included for morphological study from 24 duck owners and two government organizations having Nageswari duck flocks while 468 individuals were considered for the traits of productive and reproductive performances. Information was collected by using a structured questionnaire through personal interaction, on spot recording and direct phenotypic measurements in five different regions of Bangladesh. Black plumage color with white stripe extended from neck to breast make unique features of Nageswari duck compared to other indigenous ducks. Morphometric measurements on adult live weight, body length, head diameter, bill length, neck length, shank length, wing length, massiveness and condition index in male and female were found to be 1.66±0.07 and 1.51±0.05 kg, 26.27±0.57 and 23.79±0.39 cm, 3.49±0.02 and 3.36±0.04 cm, 5.87±0.09 and 5.54±0.07 cm, 23.49±0.58 and 21.59±0.49 cm, 5.76±0.12 and 5.16±0.11 cm, 24.58±0.49 and 21.99±0.53 cm, 6.33±0.28 and 6.39±0.22, and 6.72±0.23 and 6.93±0.23 respectively. Age at first egg of Nageswari duck was found to be 168.48±3.53 days. Total number of eggs laid per year averaged 173.63±3.39 and peak production was found in 29.46±0.19 weeks. The average egg weight was estimated to be 67.32±0.82 g and characteristic bluish tinge of egg color was observed. Breed specific characteristic features and production profiles were observed in this study. The present study provided some baseline information on Nageswari duck of Bangladesh which could be useful for genetic characterization, conservation and future improvement programs in Bangladesh.Bang. J. Anim. Sci. 2015. 44(2): 92-99

Detection of known and unknown DDoS attacks using Artificial Neural Networks

The key objective of a Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack is to compile multiple systems across the Internet with infected zombies/agents and form botnets of networks. Such zombies are designed to attack a particular target or network with different types of packets. The infected systems are remotely controlled either by an attacker or by self-installed Trojans (e.g. roj/Flood-IM) that are programmed to launch packet floods. Within this context, the purpose of this paper is to detect and mitigate known and unknown DDoS attacks in real time environments. We have chosen an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) algorithm to detect DDoS attacks based on specific characteristic features (patterns) that separate DDoS attack traffic from genuine traffic.

TCEB1-mutated renal cell carcinoma: a distinct genomic and morphological subtype

Integrated sequencing analysis identified a group of tumors among clear cell renal cell carcinomas characterized by hotspot mutations in TCEB1 (a gene that contributes to the VHL complex to ubiquitinate hypoxia-inducible factor). We analyzed 11 tumors from two distinct cohorts with TCEB1 mutations along with an expanded cohort to assess whether these should be considered an entity distinct from clear cell renal cell carcinoma and clear cell papillary renal cell carcinoma. All tumors were characterized by hotspot mutations in TCEB1 Y79C/S/F/N or A100P. Morphological and immunohistochemical characteristics of the tumors were assessed by two experienced genitourinary pathologists. Clinical and pathological variables, copy number alterations, mutations, and expression signatures were compared with a cohort of TCEB1 wild-type tumors. All TCEB1-mutated tumors were VHL and PBRM1 wild type and contained distinct copy number profiles including loss of heterozygosity of chromosome 8, the location of TCEB1 (8q21.11). All tumors lacked the clear cell renal cell carcinoma signature 3p loss and contained distinct gene expression signatures. None of the clear cell papillary tumors harbored TCEB1 mutations. Pathologically, all TCEB1-mutated tumors shared characteristic features including thick fibromuscular bands transecting the tumor, pure clear cell cytology frequently with cells showing voluminous cytoplasm, and clear cell renal cell carcinoma-like acinar areas associated with infolding tubular and focally papillary architecture. The presence of voluminous cytoplasm, absence of luminal polarization of tumor nuclei, and lack of extensive cup-like distribution of carbonic anhydrase-IX expression distinguish it from clear cell papillary carcinoma. None of the patients developed metastases at last follow-up (median 48 months). In sum, TCEB1-mutated renal cell carcinoma is a distinct entity with recurrent hotspot mutations, specific copy number alterations, pathway activation, and characteristic morphological features. Further clinical follow-up is needed to determine whether these tumors are more indolent compared with the conventional clear cell renal cell carcinoma.

Clinical characteristics and surgical outcomes of primary spinal paragangliomas.

Spinal paragangliomas are extremely rare tumors, most frequently involving the cauda equina and the filum terminale. We aimed to investigate the clinical manifestations, radiological features, management, and follow-up data of primary spinal paraganglioma. We present the clinical data and long-term outcomes from a consecutive surgical series of 19 patients with pathologically diagnosed spinal paragangliomas. All of the patients had undergone surgical resection. Pre- and postoperative magnetic resonance imaging was performed and follow-up data and neurological functional assessment are presented and discussed. The mean age at diagnosis was 47.7 years, with a significant male predominance. The primary clinical symptoms were low back pain and sciatica. Magnetic resonance images (MRI) showed characteristic signs that help differentiate paragangliomas from other spinal tumors, including a "salt & pepper" sign, serpiginous flow void, and a peripheral hypointense rim. Also, a well-encapsulated appearance can be found intraoperatively. During a mean follow-up period of 62.1 months, remnant tumor progression was noted on MRI in three patients with incomplete resection. Pain symptoms were relieved immediately after surgical intervention, while motor and sphincter dysfunction were much slower to improve. Differential diagnosis of paraganglioma based on MR images alone is challenging, but the presence of specific characteristic features provides suggestive clues; however, accurate diagnosis depends on pathological criteria. Despite the benign course, gross total resection is ideal, given an increased risk of recurrence in situ. Timely recognition and surgical treatment should be emphasized to avoid progressive neurological deficits.

Проектирование систем речевого диалога

The basic problem we address during this study is to investigate by the Kellerman-Plutchick Life Style Index the characteristics of psychological defense in the youth, concentrating on determining the average activation level and searching for the ways of changing the intensity of different defense mechanisms. We analyze specific characteristic features of psychological defense mechanisms among the youth and their correlations with different psychological features (personal traits, temperament, accentuations, risk inclination, new sensation seeking) and create the psychological portraits of young persons, specific for each of the basic mechanisms of psychological defense. We place high emphasis on risk behavior analysis. Mathematical statistics techniques (primary statistics, Student’s ttest, Pearson’s r, factor analysis, linear regressions, multivariate regressions) which have been used for data processing are also described in the article.

Identification and expression of different dehydrin subclasses involved in the drought response of Trifolium repens

Reverse transcribed RNAs coding for YnKn, YnSKn, SKn, and KS dehydrin types in drought-stressed white clover (Trifolium repens) were identified and characterized. The nucleotide analyses revealed the complex nature of dehydrin-coding sequences, often featured with alternative start and stop codons within the open reading frames, which could be a prerequisite for high variability among the transcripts originating from a single gene. For some dehydrin sequences, the existence of natural antisense transcripts was predicted. The differential distribution of dehydrin homologues in roots and leaves from a single white clover stolon under normal and drought conditions was evaluated by semi-quantitative RT-PCR and immunoblots with antibodies against the conserved K-, Y- and S-segments. The data suggest that different dehydrin classes have distinct roles in the drought stress response and vegetative development, demonstrating some specific characteristic features. Substantial levels of YSK-type proteins with different molecular weights were immunodetected in the non-stressed developing leaves. The acidic SK2 and KS dehydrin transcripts exhibited some developmental gradient in leaves. A strong increase of YK transcripts was documented in the fully expanded leaves and roots of drought-stressed individuals. The immunodetected drought-induced signals imply that Y- and K-segment containing dehydrins could be the major inducible Late Embryogenesis Abundant class 2 proteins (LEA 2) that accumulate predominantly under drought.

PLA/Halloysite Nanocomposite Films: Water Vapor Barrier Properties and Specific Key Characteristics

PLA nanocomposites at various Halloysite (HNT) loadings are produced by melt-mixing and then shaped as films. HNT is additionally surface-treated by silanization reaction with 3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl methacrylate (TMSPM). The morphology, thermal and transport properties to water vapor (sorption, diffusion, permeability) of nanocomposite films are examined and compared to those of neat PLA. Due to the good nanofiller dispersion within PLA matrix, favorable interactions between components and other specific characteristic features (thermal, mechanical, optical), these nanocomposites are potentially interesting for use as environmental friendly packaging materials.

PECULIARITIES OF THE PHONOLOGICAL SYSTEM OF GRABAR (CLASSICAL ARMENIAN) IN THE 13TH CENTURY (BASED ON “HISTORY OF SYUNIK” BY STEPANOS ORBELYAN

In the 13th century the phonological system of the Classical Armenian Language underwent all the possible changes marked in terms of alternation of phonemes: the vowels occur in alternation atypical of Classical Armenian (?>?, ?(?)>?, ?>??). The vowel alternation was motivated by the position and word stress. As for the consonants, they often appear with quantitative formal changes (?>?, ?>?, ?>?), which are mainly caused by the influence of the dialects and spoken language. In the work mentioned above we come across also the monophthong ? which emerged in the 13th and entered the Armenian alphabet only after that period. The Armenian language of the 13th is characterized by the conversion of diphthongs to monophthongs (??>?, ??>?). In the 13th century the phonological system in use acquired specific characteristic features which eventually left a stable impact on the phonological system of grabar