Hybrid solutions to the feature interaction problem

In this paper we assume a competitive marketplace where the features are developed by different enterprises, which cannot or will not exchange information. We present a classification of feature interaction in this setting and introduce an on-line technique which serves as a basis for the two novel <i>hybrid</i> approaches presented. The approaches are hybrid as they are neither strictly off-line nor on-line, but combine aspects of both. The two approaches address different kinds of feature interactions, and thus are complimentary. Together they provide a complete solution by addressing interaction detection and resolution. We illustrate the techniques within the communication networks domain

The interplay of magmatism and tectonics: An example based on the satellite scoria cones at Llaima volcano, Chile.

We present a geochemical and mineralogical study of the satellite scoria cones at Llaima volcano, Chile, providing insights on magmatic processes and how these are affected by the local and regional tectonics. At Llaima, we identify two different and distinctive groups of satellite scoria cones with a common magmatic source but different petrological evolutions. Cones from group 1 (the “glomeroporphyritic group”), predominantly occur in the NE flank of the volcano, are characterized by basaltic to basaltic andesitic compositions (51–55 wt% SiO2) and have glomeroporphyritic textures. We have interpreted these cones as the product of magma replenishment, followed by an unimpeded propagation of their feeder dikes controlled mainly by the regional stress. As a result, dikes are emplaced parallel to the regional σ1, and perpendicular to the axis of local crustal extension. Cones from the group 2 (the “pilotaxitic group”), appear at the NE, NW and SW flanks of the volcano, they have more evolved compositions (55–60 wt% SiO2) and textures lacking glomerocrysts. Their location and morphometric parameters suggest that their feeder dike emplacement is mainly controlled by the stress exerted by the load of the volcanic edifice, where the compressional stress hinders magma ascent, allowing fractionation and volatile overpressure buildup. The characteristic texture of these cones is interpreted as fractionation, followed by a single crystallization event upon eruption. The lack of scoria cones at the SE flank is attributed to the local horizontal compressional stress caused by the local tectonic deformation associated to the Liquiñe-Ofqui Fault Zone.Accepted versio

Genomic RNA profiling and the programme controlling preimplantation mammalian development.

Preimplantation development shifts from a maternal to embryonic programme rapidly after fertilization. Although the majority of oogenetic products are lost during the maternal to embryonic transition (MET), several do survive this interval to contribute directly to supporting preimplantation development. Embryonic genome activation (EGA) is characterized by the transient expression of several genes that are necessary for MET, and while EGA represents the first major wave of gene expression, a second mid-preimplantation wave of transcription that supports development to the blastocyst stage has been discovered. The application of genomic approaches has greatly assisted in the discovery of stage specific gene expression patterns and the challenge now is to largely define gene function and regulation during preimplantation development. The basic mechanisms controlling compaction, lineage specification and blastocyst formation are defined. The requirement for embryo culture has revealed plasticity in the developmental programme that may exceed the adaptive capacity of the embryo and has fostered important research directions aimed at alleviating culture-induced changes in embryonic programming. New levels of regulation are emerging and greater insight into the roles played by RNA-binding proteins and miRNAs is required. All of this research is relevant due to the necessity to produce healthy preimplantation embryos for embryo transfer, to ensure that assisted reproductive technologies are applied in the most efficient and safest way possible

Cyclooxygenase-2 and prostaglandin E(2)(PGE(2)) receptor messenger RNAs are affected by bovine oocyte maturation time and cumulus-oocyte complex quality, and PGE(2) induces moderate expansion of the bovine cumulus in vitro.

Expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) receptor 2 (EP2) are necessary for rodent cumulus expansion in vivo. Prostaglandin E(2) receptor 3 (EP3) has been detected in bovine preovulatory follicles and corpora lutea. The current experiments examined the effect of PGE(2) on bovine cumulus expansion in vitro and expression of COX-2, EP1, EP2, EP3, and EP4 mRNAs in bovine cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) at 0, 6, 12, 18, and 24 h time points during maturation in vitro. Concentrations of PGE(2) above 50 ng/ml resulted in moderate cumulus expansion of bovine COCs, but expansion did not occur in the absence of serum. COX-2 mRNA expression increased in bovine COCs at 6 h and 12 h of maturation, then decreased. EP2 mRNA was detectable by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction at all time points. EP3 mRNA expression increased in COCs from 0 to 6 h and remained at this higher level through the culture period. Very low levels of EP4 mRNA expression were detectable, but EP1 was not detected in bovine COCs. Because EP receptor mRNAs and COX-2 mRNA are expressed in bovine COCs, there exists the potential for a prostaglandin autocrine/paracrine regulatory pathway during oocyte maturation. Differential expression of the EP3 mRNA among varying COC classes indicates that this gene product may be a useful marker of oocyte competence. Although the PGE(2) pathway is involved in cumulus expansion, serum factors are required to mediate PGE(2)-induced expansion