A Grouping Harmony Search Algorithm for Assigning Resources to Users in WCDMA Mobile Networks

This paper explores the feasibility of a particular implemen- tation of a Grouping Harmony Search (GHS) algorithm to assign re- sources (codes, aggregate capacity, power) to users in Wide-band Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) networks. We use a problem for- mulation that takes into account a detailed modeling of loads factors, including all the interference terms, which strongly depend on the as- signment to be done. The GHS algorithm aims at minimizing a weighted cost function, which is composed of not only the detailed load factors but also resource utilization ratios (for aggregate capacity, codes, power), and the fraction of users without service. The proposed GHS is based on a particular encoding scheme (suitable for the problem formulation) and tailored Harmony Memory Considering Rate and Pitch Adjusting Rate processes. The experimental work shows that the proposed GHS algorithm exhibits a superior performance than that of the conventional approach, which minimizes only the load factors

A dandelion-encoded evolutionary algorithm for the delay-constrained capacitated minimum spanning tree problem

This paper proposes an evolutionary algorithm with Dandelion-encoding to tackle the Delay-Constrained Capacitated Minimum Spanning Tree (DC-CMST) problem. This problem has been recently proposed, and consists of finding several broadcast trees from a source node, jointly considering traffic and delay constraints in trees. A version of the problem in which the source node is also included in the optimization process is considered as well in the paper. The Dandelion code used in the proposed evolutionary algorithm has been recently proposed as an effective way of encoding trees in evolutionary algorithms. Good properties of locality has been reported on this encoding, which makes it very effective to solve problems in which the solutions can be expressed in form of trees. In the paper we describe the main characteristics of the algorithm, the implementation of the Dandelion-encoding to tackled the DC-CMST problem and a modification needed to include the source node in the optimization. In the experimental section of this article we compare the results obtained by our evolutionary with that of a recently proposed heuristic for the DC-CMST. the Least Cost (LC) algorithm. We show that our Dandelion-encoded evolutionary algorithm is able to obtain better results that the LC in all the instances tackled. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved

Guidelines for the use and interpretation of assays for monitoring autophagy (4th edition)1.

In 2008, we published the first set of guidelines for standardizing research in autophagy. Since then, this topic has received increasing attention, and many scientists have entered the field. Our knowledge base and relevant new technologies have also been expanding. Thus, it is important to formulate on a regular basis updated guidelines for monitoring autophagy in different organisms. Despite numerous reviews, there continues to be confusion regarding acceptable methods to evaluate autophagy, especially in multicellular eukaryotes. Here, we present a set of guidelines for investigators to select and interpret methods to examine autophagy and related processes, and for reviewers to provide realistic and reasonable critiques of reports that are focused on these processes. These guidelines are not meant to be a dogmatic set of rules, because the appropriateness of any assay largely depends on the question being asked and the system being used. Moreover, no individual assay is perfect for every situation, calling for the use of multiple techniques to properly monitor autophagy in each experimental setting. Finally, several core components of the autophagy machinery have been implicated in distinct autophagic processes (canonical and noncanonical autophagy), implying that genetic approaches to block autophagy should rely on targeting two or more autophagy-related genes that ideally participate in distinct steps of the pathway. Along similar lines, because multiple proteins involved in autophagy also regulate other cellular pathways including apoptosis, not all of them can be used as a specific marker for bona fide autophagic responses. Here, we critically discuss current methods of assessing autophagy and the information they can, or cannot, provide. Our ultimate goal is to encourage intellectual and technical innovation in the field

Evolutionary design of oriented-tree networks using Cayley-type encodings

This paper introduces the oriented-tree network design problem (OTNDP), a general problem of tree network design with several applications in different fields. We also present several adaptations needed by evolutionary algorithms with Cayley-type encodings to tackle the OTNDP. In particular, we present these adaptations in two Cayley-encodings known as Prufer and Dandelion codes. We include changes in Cayley-encodings to consider rooted trees. We also show how to use a fixed-length encoding for Cayley codes in evolutionary algorithms, and how to guarantee that the optimal solution is included in the search space. Finally, we present several adaptations of the evolutionary algorithm's operators to deal with Cayley-encodings for the OTNDP. In the experimental part of the paper, we compare the performance of an evolutionary algorithm (implementing the two Cayley-encodings considered) in several OTNDP instances: first, we test the proposed techniques in randomly generated instances, and second, we tackle a real application of the OTNDP: the optimal design of an interactive voice response system (IVR) in a call center. (C) 2009 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved