Gene regulatory networks modelling using a dynamic evolutionary hybrid

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Inference of gene regulatory networks is a key goal in the quest for understanding fundamental cellular processes and revealing underlying relations among genes. With the availability of gene expression data, computational methods aiming at regulatory networks reconstruction are facing challenges posed by the data's high dimensionality, temporal dynamics or measurement noise. We propose an approach based on a novel multi-layer evolutionary trained neuro-fuzzy recurrent network (ENFRN) that is able to select potential regulators of target genes and describe their regulation type.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The recurrent, self-organizing structure and evolutionary training of our network yield an optimized pool of regulatory relations, while its fuzzy nature avoids noise-related problems. Furthermore, we are able to assign scores for each regulation, highlighting the confidence in the retrieved relations. The approach was tested by applying it to several benchmark datasets of yeast, managing to acquire biologically validated relations among genes.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>The results demonstrate the effectiveness of the ENFRN in retrieving biologically valid regulatory relations and providing meaningful insights for better understanding the dynamics of gene regulatory networks.</p> <p>The algorithms and methods described in this paper have been implemented in a Matlab toolbox and are available from: <url>http://bioserver-1.bioacademy.gr/DataRepository/Project_ENFRN_GRN/</url>.</p

Neuromuscular and Physiological Assessment During a Vertical Jumping Test in Aerobic Gymnastics

In executing aerobic gymnastics technical elements, a high level of explosive power is needed, especially at lower-body muscle groups. In addition, to maintain the specific effort during routine length (1 min 30 s - 1 min 45 s), an optimal development of specific endurance training and a high capacity of focusing is required, in order to execute the technical elements with accuracy. The purpose of this study was to elaborate a testing protocol to evaluate the physical effort capacity necessary to perform specific technical elements in aerobic gymnastics. The proposed testing protocol, is aimed at assessing neuromuscular behavior of lower-body muscle action and the physiological demands, in a maximal vertical jump test (MVJ). The neuromuscular assessment of the of lower-body was achieved by measuring the specific vertical jump parameters, respectively the power in the take-off phase (P) and the height of the jump (JH). The testing protocol consisted of three sets of maximum vertical jumps, lasting 30 s each, with a 15 s rest time between sets. For the physiological demands, as a result of test implementation, heart rate (HR) and the blood lactate concentration (La) were measured. The study was conducted on a group of 13 junior level gymnasts, 7 females and 6 males (aged 14-16 years, average height 163 SD 8.1 cm, average weight 50.69 SD 8.47 kg). The results of this study confirm the proposed methodology reflects an objective view of the physical training status necessary for specific effort accomplishment in aerobic performance gymnastics.</em

Investigating the complexity of respiratory patterns during the laryngeal chemoreflex

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The laryngeal chemoreflex exists in infants as a primary sensory mechanism for defending the airway from the aspiration of liquids. Previous studies have hypothesized that prolonged apnea associated with this reflex may be life threatening and might be a cause of sudden infant death syndrome.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>In this study we quantified the output of the respiratory neural network, the diaphragm EMG signal, during the laryngeal chemoreflex and eupnea in early postnatal (3–10 days) piglets. We tested the hypothesis that diaphragm EMG activity corresponding to reflex-related events involved in clearance (restorative) mechanisms such as cough and swallow exhibit lower complexity, suggesting that a synchronized homogeneous group of neurons in the central respiratory network are active during these events. Nonlinear dynamic analysis was performed using the approximate entropy to asses the complexity of respiratory patterns.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Diaphragm EMG, genioglossal activity EMG, as well as other physiological signals (tracheal pressure, blood pressure and respiratory volume) were recorded from 5 unanesthetized chronically instrumented intact piglets. Approximate entropy values of the EMG during cough and swallow were found significantly (<it>p </it>< 0.05 and <it>p </it>< 0.01 respectively) lower than those of eupneic EMG.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Reduced complexity values of the respiratory neural network output corresponding to coughs and swallows suggest synchronous neural activity of a homogeneous group of neurons. The higher complexity values exhibited by eupneic respiratory activity are the result of a more random behaviour, which is the outcome of the integrated action of several groups of neurons involved in the respiratory neural network.</p

Risk management : a strategic advisor for a sound management of a leasing business

Organizations face a very wide range of risks that can impact the outcome of their operations. The constantly increasing risk in nowadays global financial markets emphasizes the importance of correctly estimating future losses, therefore, the management of the leasing company needs to find a good trade-off between business risk, performance risk and financial risk and to have a good strategy to maintain and/or improve the profitability. Although leasing may not be the subject to Basel II. Capital Accord regulatory requirements, in many respects it represents best practices, reflecting a combination of the views of sophisticated lenders represented on the Committee as well as those of the major regulators. Consequently, lenders in the leasing industry frequently look to Basel for benchmarking and insights. This paper aims to illustrate the importance of risk management holistic approach in assessing the risks of a leasing company and we intend to expound that the implementation of an effective risk management process is a key requirement for a modern leasing company that has as priority the need to align profitability, risk profile and asset quality. Also, we will draw attention to the regulatory environment and recent regulatory and supervisory developments with respect to risk management practice

VOLLEYBALL EVOLUTION. ASPECTS IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE ROMANIAN VOLLEYBALL

This scientific article presents the inception, evolution and the development of the volleyball game as it happened in time, due to the geopolitical and social influences. Though it appeared in the US it quickly spread worldwide due to a consistent and sustained promotion, but also brought by the US military and the First World War. Romania contributed as well to the development of the game, being a founding member of the International Federation. Nowadays volleyball still is a fashionable game, present in Olympics and all major sports competitions. Evoluția jocului de volei. Aspecte în dezvoltarea voleiului în Romania. Acest articol științific prezintă debutul, evoluția și dezvoltarea jocului de volei, așa cum a avut loc în decursul timpului, datorită influențelor de natura geopolitică și socială. Deși a apărut în US, acesta s-a răspândit în toată lumea atât datorită promovării consistente și susținute cât și prin detașarea trupelor militare americane în decursul primului razboi mondial. Romania a contribuit și ea la dezvoltarea jocului de volei, fiind membru fondator al federației internaționale, participantă la Jocurile Olimpice si la toate competițiile majore. Cuvinte cheie: debut, evoluție, dezvoltare, jocul de volei