bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
GAMMA-RAY SPECTROSCOPY OF Λ HYPERNUCLEI AT J-PARC
Authors:   For the Hyperball-J Collaboration, Koike T.
Published: February 2011

Hypernuclear gamma-ray spectroscopy experiments at J-PARC using the next generation Germanium detector array, Hyperball-J is discussed. An overview of the first experiment (E13) is summarized and the present preparation status of the magnetic spectrometer system and Hyperball-J is given. Possible gamma-ray spectroscopy studies of the sd-shell Λ hypernuclei, especially of magnesium isotopes, are presented.
BINDING OF HYPERNUCLEI, AND PHOTOPRODUCTION OF Λ-HYPERNUCLEI IN THE LATEST QUARK-MESON COUPLING MODEL
Authors: Tsushima K. , Guichon P. A. M. , Shyam R. , Thomas A. W.
Published: February 2011

We study the binding of hypernuclei based on the latest version of quark-meson coupling model, and estimate the photoproduction cross sections for the [Formula: see text] reaction using the bound Λ spinors obtained in the model.
MULTI-$\bar K$ (HYPER)NUCLEI AND KAON CONDENSATION
Authors: Gazda D. , Mareš J. , Friedman E. , Gal A.
Published: February 2011

We report on recent relativistic mean-field calculations of multi-[Formula: see text] nuclei1,2 which were performed fully and self-consistently across the periodic table. The [Formula: see text] separation energy [Formula: see text] as well as the nuclear and [Formula: see text]-meson densities were found to saturate with the number of antikaons in the nuclear medium. Saturation appears robust against a wide range of variations, including the nuclear model used and the type of boson fields mediating the strong interactions. In addition, we have explored properties of kaonic hypernuclei — strange systems made of nucleons, hyperons and K- mesons. We observed saturation also in these objects. Since the [Formula: see text] separation energy [Formula: see text] does not exceed 200 MeV, multi-[Formula: see text] nuclei lie energetically well above multi-hyperonic nuclei and it is unlikely that kaon condensation could occur in strong-interaction self-bound hadronic matter.
SUCCESSIVE LARGE PERTURBATION METHOD FOR THE EXTRACTION OF MORE ACCURATE EQUIVALENT-CIRCUIT-PARAMETERS IN SOLAR CELLS
Authors: CAI J. H. , SATOH N. , YANAGIDA M. , HAN L. Y.
Published: February 2011

The numerical least-square fitting is a general method for the extraction of model parameter from experimental data. However, the method suffers from an initial value dependence problem when the method is used in I - V curve fitting. Recently we have proposed a successive large perturbation method (SLPM) to eliminate the initial value dependence problem. In this paper, we test the SLPM by comparing our results with previous published fitting results for various solar cells, such as traditional silicon solar cells and new type of organic solar cells and dye-sensitized solar cells. The method is available not only to the fitting for I - V curve, but also to the fitting for electrochemical impedance spectrum. Our test demonstrates that Newton-like method plus our SLPM is an accurate and robust method for the numerical extraction of equivalent circuit parameters in solar cells.
MULTI-AXLE MOVING TRAIN LOADS IDENTIFICATION ON SIMPLY SUPPORTED BRIDGE BY USING SIMULATED ANNEALING GENETIC ALGORITHM
Authors: QU WEILIAN , WANG YI , PI YONGLIN
Published: February 2011

Identification of multi-axle moving train loads is very important for the bridge design, construction, and maintenance. This paper presents an optimization method for identification of multi-axle moving train loads on bridges, which minimizes differences between the measured deflections and the deflections reconstructed from the identified moving loads and has the merits of both the global searching properties of genetic algorithms and the local searching properties of simulated annealing algorithms. Effects of algorithm parameters and of bridge-train system parameters on the robustness and accuracy of the proposed method are investigated. The results show that the method is feasible, accurate, and effective for multi-axle moving train loads identification.
DETERMINATION OF FLUTTER DERIVATIVES OF BRIDGE DECKS BY COVARIANCE-DRIVEN STOCHASTIC SUBSPACE IDENTIFICATION
Authors: JANESUPASAEREE THARACH , BOONYAPINYO VIROTE
Published: February 2011

In this paper, the covariance-driven stochastic subspace identification technique (SSI-COV) was presented to extract the flutter derivatives of bridge decks from the buffeting test results. An advantage of this method is that it considers the buffeting forces and responses as inputs rather than as noises. Numerical simulations and wind tunnel tests of a streamlined thin plate model conducted under smooth flows by the free decay and the buffeting tests were used to validate the applicability of the SSI-COV method. Then, the wind tunnel tests of a two-edge girder blunt type of industrial-ring-road (IRR) bridge deck were conducted under smooth and turbulence flows. The flutter derivatives of the thin plate model identified by the SSI-COV technique agree well with those obtained theoretically. The results obtained for the thin plate and the IRR bridge deck are used to validate the reliability and applicability of the SSI-COV technique to various wind tunnel tests and conditions of wind flows. The results also show that for the blunt-type IRR bridge deck, the turbulence wind will delay the onset of flutter, compared with the smooth wind.
EXPERIMENTAL MODAL TEST AND TIME-DOMAIN AERODYNAMIC ANALYSIS OF A CABLE-STAYED BRIDGE
Authors: CHEN C. H. , OU C. I.
Published: February 2011

To determine its actual dynamic responses under the wind loads, modal identification from the field tests was carried out for the Kao Ping Hsi cable-stayed bridge in southern Taiwan. The dynamic characteristics of the bridge identified by a continuous wavelet transform algorithm are compared with those obtained by the finite element analysis. The finite element model was then modified and refined based on the field test results. The results obtained from the updated finite element model were shown to agree well with the field identified results for the first few modes in the vertical, transverse, and torsional directions. This has the indication that a rational finite element model has been established for the bridge. With the refined finite element model, a nonlinear analysis in time domain is employed to determine the buffeting response of the bridge. Through validation of the results against those obtained by the frequency domain approach, it is confirmed that the time domain approach adopted herein is applicable for the buffeting analysis of cable-stayed bridges.
FREE VIBRATION ANALYSIS OF TRIPLY COUPLED PRE-TWISTED ROTOR BLADES BY THE DIFFERENTIAL QUADRATURE METHOD
Authors: SEPAHI O. , FOROUZAN M. R. , MALEKZADEH P.
Published: February 2011

Key parameters on the dynamic characteristics of triply coupled pretwisted rotor blades are investigated. The issues of concern include the combined flap-wise bending, chord-wise bending, and torsion vibrations of the pretwisted rotor blade, considering the centrifugal force and Coriolis effects. The governing differential equations of motion presented by Houbolt and Brooks for the rotor blade are used as the basis of study, which contain many factors previously ignored. The differential quadrature method is adopted as the method of solution for its ease in implementation, accuracy, and fast convergence. The dynamic responses of the rotor blade are obtained for different cases of coupling and geometries, which agree well with existing results. The dynamic responses of the rotor blades are plotted against parameters such as angular velocity, pretwisting angle, and hub radius in proper curves and discussed in details.
A SIMPLE CO-ROTATIONAL GEOMETRICALLY NON LINEAR MEMBRANE FINITE ELEMENT WRINKLING ANALYSIS
Authors: GAL E. , ZELKHA M. , LEVY R.
Published: February 2011

Thin pre-tensioned membranes are often used in civil architecture as well as in marine and space technologies. Lacking in-plane compression stiffness, membranes will wrinkle at certain states of stress. This paper presents a geometrically nonlinear analysis of membranes in the presence of wrinkling using a unique incremental formulation that accounts for equilibrium in the deformed state and the current wrinkling state by iterations. The membranes with wrinkling are simulated by a geometrically nonlinear upgraded version of the constant strain triangular (CST) membrane finite element. Each load step is comprised of two iteration cycles: the geometrically nonlinear cycle that ensures equilibrium in the deformed sate using the Newton–Raphson iterations and the wrinkling cycle that identifies the location and direction of the wrinkles and redistributes stresses accordingly. Finally, validation and verification of the proposed analysis is made by comparing the present results with those existing for the benchmark examples.
COMPARATIVE STUDY OF TWO DIFFERENT FMM–BEM METHODS IN SOLVING 2-D ACOUSTIC TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS WITH A MULTILAYERED OBSTACLE
Authors: MENG WENHUI , CUI JUNZHI
Published: February 2011

The fast multipole method (FMM) is an effective approach for accelerating the computation efficiency of the boundary element method (BEM) in solving problems that are computationally intensive. This paper presents two different BEMs, i.e., Kress' and Seydou's methods, for solving two-dimensional (2D) acoustic transmission problems with a multilayered obstacle, along with application of the FMM to solution of the related boundary integral equations. Conventional BEM requires O(MN2) operations to compute the equations for this problem. By using the FMM, both the amount of computation and the memory requirement of the BEM are reduced to order O(MN), where M is the number of layers of the obstacle. The efficiency and accuracy of this approach in dealing with the acoustic transmission problems containing a multilayered obstacle are demonstrated in the numerical examples. It is confirmed that this approach can be applied to solving the acoustic transmission problems for an obstacle with multilayers.
APPLYING 1/F NOISE FOR DRIFT ESTIMATION
Authors: KIMELBLAT VLADIMIR
Published: February 2011

The work introduces a new 1/f noise theory that focuses on limited signals. Usually, 1/f noise represents drift, because 1/f noise is the spectral power density of the drift. The subjects of the new theory are signals that have limited value and duration. Therefore the basis of the new theory of 1/f noise corresponds to the real properties of any device and signal comprising 1/f noise. On this basis, the standard deviation of 1/f noise was derived, which is the most important parameter of 1/f noise. This standard deviation has good consistency with (a) the widely used Hurst approximation, (b) the square root of time dependence of Brownian motion displacement, and (c) theoretically derived Brownian displacement. Comparison of an existing 1/f noise theory and the new one shows that both theories are incompatible because subjects of the existing 1/f noise theory are limitless signals, which do not exist.
A DFT STUDY ON CO INSERTION AND C–C REDUCTIVE ELIMINATION INVOLVED IN THE CARBONYLATION OF METALLACYCLIC ZIRCONACENES
Authors: SUN MIN , ZHENG NING , LIU LINGJUN , LI PING , BI SIWEI
Published: February 2011

CO insertion and C–C reductive elimination involved in the carbonylation of the metallacyclic zirconocene complex, 1,1-bis(η5-cyclopentadienyl)-1-zirconaindan (R), have been theoretically studied with the aid of DFT calculations at the B3LYP level. It is found that the C(sp3)-C(sp2) reductive elimination is preferred over C(sp2)-C(sp2) , and importantly, this preference for C–C reductive elimination directs the CO insertion into the Zr-C(sp2) bond rather than the Zr-C(sp3) bond, even though the CO insertion into the former bond is kinectically less favorable than into the latter bond, a result related to that the CO insertion is found to be reversible.
QUASI-CLASSICAL STUDY OF STEREO-DYNAMICS FOR THE REACTION C + CH → C2 + H ON THE 12A′ POTENTIAL ENERGY SURFACE
Authors: YANG HERUN , LIU ZUOYE , SUN SHAOHUA , LI LU , DU HONGCHUAN , HU BITAO
Published: February 2011

The quasi-classical trajectory (QCT) method and the 12A′ potential energy surface (PES) [Boggio-Pasqua et al., Phys Chem Chem Phys2:1693, 2000] have been employed to study the stereo-dynamics of the reaction C + CH (v = 0, j) → C2 + H at different collision energies over the range of 0.01–0.6 eV and for different rotational quantum number j = 0 - 3. The reactive total cross section with initial revibrational state of v = 0 and j = 0 as a function of collision energy is presented and compared with the quantum mechanics results. The forward-backward asymmetry phenomenon has been found in the angular distribution of the products. The calculated distribution of P(θr) indicates a strong product alignment perpendicular to k, but this kind of product alignment is found to be rather insensitive to the collision energy. The calculated distribution of P(ϕr) revealed that at low collision energy the products tend to be oriented along the negative direction of the y-axis, while at high collision energy, this product orientation tends to be pointed to the positive direction of the y-axis. Such product orientation tends generally to become stronger with the increase of collision energy. Further, product polarization (i.e. orientation and alignment) becomes weak with high rotational excitation of the reagent CH molecule.
AMORPHIZATION OF ZnO NANOWIRES BY PROTON BEAM IRRADIATION
Authors: DEE CHANG FU , AHMAD ISHAQ , YAN LONG , ZHOU XINGTAI , MAJLIS BURHANUDDIN YEOP
Published: February 2011

We report the effects of 70 keV proton ( H+ ) irradiation on the structure of zinc oxide nanowires (ZnO NWs) for a wide range of irradiation doses at room temperature. It was found that at low dose 5 × 1015 ions/cm2 of protons, few defects were created in ZnO NWs and the defects' density was increased with an increasing proton irradiation dose. After the irradiation dose was increased to 2 × 1017 ions/cm2, the crystal structure of the ZnO NWs was almost completely damaged and the crystalline wurtzite structure of the ZnO NWs could be transformed into a disordered amorphous structure. Structural changes in the ZnO NWs upon bombardment with 70 keV protons were characterized by high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM).
Results of the struggle at ancient Ephesus: natural processes 1, human intervention 0
Authors: Kraft John C. , Rapp George , Brükner Helmut , Kayan İlhan
Published: February 2011

Coastal areas have been prime locations for habitation and commerce. Early authors such as Pausanias (second century CE), and Strabo (64 or 63 BCE–24 CE) noted the impacts of shoreline changes. Geomorphological and subsurface geological data, combined with archaeological excavation and ancient texts, indicate a long interplay between natural processes of estuarine infilling by sediments from the Küçük Menderes River (ancient Cayster River) and multiple attempts of human intervention to preserve the harbours of Ephesus. Strabo noted that harbour engineering efforts there, such as the construction of a mole to prevent siltation, instead created a sediment trap that made things worse. The pre-Holocene river valley was inundated by Holocene sea-level rise that formed the ancient Gulf of Ephesus. Extensive palaeogeographical studies, based on sediment coring, geomorphology, archaeology and history, have provided details of the problems the inhabitants faced in keeping vital harbours in operation. Dating and analysis of sedimentary deposits has allowed the description of shifting river courses, floodplain changes, human intervention, and anthropogenic deposits at Ephesus. During and following Classical times sediment deposition rapidly began to fill in the embayment, requiring the inhabitants to regularly shift the harbours westward. Ultimately, it was to no avail.
Geoarchaeology and the value of multidisciplinary palaeoenvironmental approaches: a case study from the Tehran Plain, Iran
Authors: Gillmore G. K. , Stevens T. , Buylaert J. P. , Coningham R. A. E. , Batt C. , Fazeli H. , Young R. , Maghsoudi M.
Published: February 2011

Tepe Pardis, a significant Neolithic–Chalcolithic site on the Tehran Plain in Iran, is, like many sites in the area, under threat from development. The site contains detailed evidence of (1) the Neolithic–Chalcolithic transition, (2) an Iron Age cemetery and (3) how the inhabitants adapted to an unstable fan environment through resource exploitation (of clay deposits for relatively large-scale ceramic production by
c
. 5000 BC, and importantly, possible cutting of artificial water channels). Given this significance, models have been produced to better understand settlement distribution and change in the region. However, these models must be tied into a greater understanding of the impact of the geosphere on human development over this period. Forming part of a larger project focusing on the transformation of simple, egalitarian Neolithic communities into more hierarchical Chalcolithic ones, the site has become the focus of a multidisciplinary project to address this issue. Through the combined use of sedimentary and limited pollen analysis, radiocarbon and optically stimulated luminescence dating (the application of the last still rare in Iran), a greater understanding of the impact of alluvial fan development on human settlement through alluviation and the development of river channel sequences is possible. Notably, the findings presented here suggest that artificial irrigation was occurring at the site as early as 6.7±0.4 ka (4300–5100 BC).
Early Neolithic sands at West Voe, Shetland Islands: implications for human settlement
Authors: Gillmore G. K. , Melton N.
Published: February 2011

In 2002 and 2004–2005 archaeological investigations were undertaken on middens exposed by coastal erosion at West Voe in the south of Mainland Shetland, UK. This work established that the site dated from
c
. 4000 cal BC to
c
. 3250 cal BC and was of major importance for two reasons: (1) as the first of Mesolithic date to be found on Shetland; (2) as the first site to be found in the Northern Isles that spanned the Mesolithic–Neolithic transition. This paper describes investigations into the origin of sands deposited around 3500 cal BC and their potential effect on human settlement. The sands in question lie between two midden deposits, the lower of which accumulated over the period 4000–3500 cal BC and the upper 3500–3250 cal BC. The sands, therefore, dated to the period shortly after the adoption of agriculture on the archipelago, represented in the lower midden by the appearance of domesticated species and ceramics at around 3700–3600 cal BC, and represented a disruption in human occupation at a critical point in the development of a changing use of the landscape.
Chromium Deposition and Poisoning at Ba0.5Sr0.5Co0.8Fe0.2O3-δ Cathode of Solid Oxide Fuel Cells
Authors: Kim Yu-Mi , Chen Xinbing , Jiang San Ping , Bae Joongmyeon
Published: February 2011

Chromium deposition and poisoning at Ba0.5Sr0.5Co0.8Fe0.2O3-δ (BSCF) cathodes of solid oxide fuel cells are investigated. BSCF cathode shows an excellent and stable performance in the absence of metallic interconnects. However, in the presence of a chromia-forming metallic interconnect performance of the BSCF cathodes degrades quickly. Chromium deposition was observed on the BSCF cathode surface after 1200 min polarization at 900 and 800°C. The Cr2O3/SrO and Cr2O3/BaCO3 oxide couple study indicates that SrCrO4, BaCrO4, and BaCr2O4 start to form at temperatures above 500°C. The results indicate that BSCF cathode is not chromium-tolerant despite its superior activity for the O2 reduction reaction.
Influence of acute alcohol ingestion on sympathetic neural responses to orthostatic stress in humans
Authors: Carter Jason R. , Stream Sarah F. , Durocher John J. , Larson Robert A.
Published: February 2011

Acute alcohol consumption is reported to decrease mean arterial pressure (MAP) during orthostatic challenge, a response that may contribute to alcohol-mediated syncope. Muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) increases during orthostatic stress to help maintain MAP, yet the effects of alcohol on MSNA responses during orthostatic stress have not been determined. We hypothesized that alcohol ingestion would blunt arterial blood pressure and MSNA responses to lower body negative pressure (LBNP). MAP, MSNA, and heart rate (HR) were recorded during progressive LBNP (−5, −10, −15, −20, −30, and −40 mmHg; 3 min/stage) in 30 subjects (age 24 ± 1 yr). After an initial progressive LBNP (pretreatment), subjects consumed either alcohol (0.8 g ethanol/kg body mass; n = 15) or placebo ( n = 15), and progressive LBNP was repeated (posttreatment). Alcohol increased resting HR (59 ± 2 to 65 ± 2 beats/min, P < 0.05), MSNA (13 ± 3 to 19 ± 4 bursts/min, P < 0.05), and MSNA burst latency (1,313 ± 16 to 1,350 ± 17 ms, P < 0.05) compared with placebo (group × treatment interactions, P < 0.05). During progressive LBNP, a pronounced decrease in MAP was observed after alcohol but not placebo (group × time × treatment, P < 0.05). In contrast, MSNA and HR increased during all LBNP protocols, but there were no differences between trials or groups. However, alcohol altered MSNA burst latency response to progressive LBNP. In conclusion, the lack of MSNA adjustment to a larger drop in arterial blood pressure during progressive LBNP, coupled with altered sympathetic burst latency responses, suggests that alcohol blunts MSNA responses to orthostatic stress.
Restoring HSP70 deficiencies improves glucose tolerance in diabetic monkeys
Authors: Kavanagh Kylie , Flynn David M. , Jenkins Kurt A. , Zhang Li , Wagner Janice D.
Published: February 2011

We evaluated heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) changes in diabetes mellitus (DM) in a nonhuman primate model. To this end, two studies were conducted in DM vervet monkeys. 1) Normal control and streptozotocin-induced DM monkeys (Stz-DM) that were differentiated into moderately or poorly controlled DM by judicious insulin administration were evaluated. Liver was collected at 4, 8, 12, 16, and 20 wk after streptozotocin, exposed to ex vivo heat shock at 42°C, and immunoblotted for heat shock factor 1 (HSF1), HSP70, and phosphorylated HSF1. 2) Spontaneous DM monkeys that were not pharmacologically induced were included in a crossover study of the HSP70-inducing drug geranylgeranylacetone (GGA). GGA at 20 mg/kg was given for 14 days with a 6-wk washout period. Glucose tolerance testing and plasma and muscle HSP70 were the primary outcome measurements. In Stz-DM, hyperglycemia reduced hepatic HSP70 in a dose-dependent fashion. HSF1 was increased in livers of monkeys with Stz-DM, but responses to ex vivo heat shock were impaired vs. normal monkeys. Activation of HSF1 appears to be important, because the phosphorylation change with heat stress was nearly perfectly correlated with HSP70 increases. Impaired HSF1 activation was also seen in Stz-DM after chronic hyperglycemia (>12 wk). In naturally occurring DM, increased circulating HSP70 resulted in significantly improved glucose tolerance and significant, positive trends in other measurements of insulin resistance. No change in muscle HSP70 content was observed. We conclude that increasing HSP70, potentially through targeting hyperglycemia-related deficits in HSF1 induction and activation in the liver, is a potent and viable strategy to improve glucose tolerance.
Impaired prehension is associated with lesions of the superior and inferior hand representation within the human cerebellum
Authors: Küper Michael , Brandauer Barbara , Thürling Markus , Schoch Beate , Gizewski Elke R. , Timmann Dagmar , Hermsdörfer Joachim
Published: February 2011

Impairment of patients with cerebellar disease in prehension is well recognized. So far specific localizations within the human cerebellum associated with the impairment have rarely been assessed. To address this question we performed voxel-based lesion symptom mapping (VLSM) in patients with chronic focal cerebellar lesions in relation to specific deficits in prehensile movements. Patients with stroke within the posterior inferior cerebellar artery territory ( n = 13) or the superior cerebellar artery (SCA) territory ( n = 7) and corresponding control subjects were included in the study. Participants reached out, grasped, and lifted an object with either the left or right hand and with fast or normal movement speed. Both kinematic and grip-force parameters were recorded. Magnetic resonance imaging anatomical scans of the cerebellum were acquired, and lesions were marked as regions of interest. For VLSM analysis, a nonparametric test (Brunner-Munzel) was applied. Cerebellar patients showed clear abnormalities in hand transport (impaired movement speed and straightness) and, to a lesser degree, in hand shaping (increased finger touch latencies) while grip function was preserved. Deficits were most prominent in patients with SCA lesions and for ipsilesional, fast movements. Disorders in hand transport may be more difficult to compensate than deficits in hand shaping and grip-force control in chronic focal lesions of the cerebellum because of higher demands on predictive control of interaction torques. Lesions of the superior cerebellar cortex (lobules IV, V, VI) were associated with slower hand transport, whereas lesions of both superior (lobules VI, V, VI) and inferior cerebellar cortex (lobules VII, VIII) were associated with impaired movement straightness. These findings show that both the superior and inferior hand representations within the cerebellum contribute to hand transport during prehensile movements; however, they may have a different functional role.
Comprehensive mapping of whisker-evoked responses reveals broad, sharply tuned thalamocortical input to layer 4 of barrel cortex
Authors: Roy Noah C. , Bessaih Thomas , Contreras Diego
Published: February 2011

Cortical neurons are organized in columns, distinguishable by their physiological properties and input-output organization. Columns are thought to be the fundamental information-processing modules of the cortex. The barrel cortex of rats and mice is an attractive model system for the study of cortical columns, because each column is defined by a layer 4 (L4) structure called a barrel, which can be clearly visualized. A great deal of information has been collected regarding the connectivity of neurons in barrel cortex, but the nature of the input to a given L4 barrel remains unclear. We measured this input by making comprehensive maps of whisker-evoked activity in L4 of rat barrel cortex using recordings of multiunit activity and current source density analysis of local field potential recordings of animals under light isoflurane anesthesia. We found that a large number of whiskers evoked a detectable response in each barrel (mean of 13 suprathreshold, 18 subthreshold) even after cortical activity was abolished by application of muscimol, a GABAA agonist. We confirmed these findings with intracellular recordings and single-unit extracellular recordings in vivo. This constitutes the first direct confirmation of the hypothesis that subcortical mechanisms mediate a substantial multiwhisker input to a given cortical barrel.
Chronic exposure to anabolic steroids induces the muscle expression of oxytocin and a more than fiftyfold increase in circulating oxytocin in cattle
Authors: De Jager Nadia , Hudson Nicholas J. , Reverter Antonio , Wang Yong-Hong , Nagaraj Shivashankar H. , Cafe Linda M. , Greenwood Paul L. , Barnard Ross T. , Kongsuwan Kritaya P. , Dalrymple Brian P.
Published: February 2011

Molecular mechanisms in skeletal muscle associated with anabolic steroid treatment of cattle are unclear and we aimed to characterize transcriptional changes. Cattle were chronically exposed (68 ± 20 days) to a steroid hormone implant containing 200 mg trenbolone acetate and 20 mg estradiol (Revalor-H). Biopsy samples from 48 cattle (half treated) from longissimus dorsi (LD) muscle under local anesthesia were collected. Gene expression levels were profiled by microarray, covering 16,944 unique bovine genes: 121 genes were differentially expressed (DE) due to the implant (99.99% posterior probability of not being false positives). Among DE genes, a decrease in expression of a number of fat metabolism-associated genes, likely reflecting the lipid storage activity of intramuscular adipocytes, was observed. The expression of IGF1 and genes related to the extracellular matrix, slow twitch fibers, and cell cycle (including SOX8, a satellite cell marker) was increased in the treated muscle. Unexpectedly, a very large 21- (microarray) to 97 (real time quantitative PCR)-fold higher expression of the mRNA encoding the neuropeptide hormone oxytocin was observed in treated muscle. We also observed an ∼50-fold higher level of circulating oxytocin in the plasma of treated animals at the time of biopsy. Using a coexpression network strategy OXTR was identified as more likely than IGF1R to be a major mediator of the muscle response to Revalor-H. A re-investigation of in vivo cattle LD muscle samples during early to mid-fetal development identified a >128-fold increased expression of OXT, coincident with myofiber differentiation and fusion. We propose that oxytocin may be involved in mediating the anabolic effects of Revalor-H treatment.
Feeding Choice and the Fate of Organic Materials Consumed by Sesarma CrabsPerisesarma bidens(De Haan) When Offered Different Diets
Authors: Mchenga Islam S. S. , Tsuchiya Makoto
Published: February 2011

The feeding preference of the sesarmid crabPerisesarma bidenswas investigated when offered different diets:Enteromorpha intestinalis(algae),Kandelia obovataleaves, and propagules. Nutritional value of food, its assimilation, and fates were evaluated using a combination approach of the fatty acids (FAs) and C/N ratios. When offered a mixed diet, male crabs preferred algae than leaves and/or propagules, while a female preference was equally for leaves and algae but less than propagules. The nutritional value of algae was higher as indicated by low C : N ratios and highω3/ω6ratios than leaves and propagules. FAs comparison of tissues and faeces indicated that crabs efficiently assimilate essential fatty acids (EFAs) from a given diet in the order of algae greater than leaves and propagules. Despite of sesarmid crabs being a mangrove leaf-eater,E. intestinaliscan potentially be important source of nitrogen supplement forP. bidensunder mangrove forests.
A Case of Successfully Treated Rhinocerebral Mucormycosis: Dental Implications
Authors: Papadogeorgakis Nikolaos , Parara Eleni , Petsinis Vassilios , Vourlakou Christina
Published: February 2011

This paper presents a case of rhinocerebral mucormycosis in a 22-year-old female patient with type I diabetes mellitus, who was successfully treated with surgery and long-term antifungal medication. The patient had initially been submitted to extraction of an upper third molar by a general dental practitioner but was referred to our department three days postoperatively because of double vision. Immediately following histopathological confirmation of the infection, the patient was administered Amphotericin B and Posaconazole intravenously. Surgical excision of the affected site was relatively conservative. The patient was free of the disease 15 months after initial admission to the hospital and has recently returned for reconstruction. The aim of this paper is to increase the awareness of general dental practitioners regarding uncommon serious conditions in diabetic patients, which may be confused with periodontal or dental diseases.
Laparoendoscopic Single-Site Surgery (LESS) for a Large Ovarian Tumour: First Clinical Case Report
Authors: Chua Yao Dong , Ng Ying Woo , Fong Yoke Fai
Published: February 2011

Objective. To report the feasibility of removing a 10 cm ovarian fibroma via a laparoendoscopic single-site trocar through trans-umbilical access.Design. Case report.Setting. Teaching and research hospital.Patient. A 64-year-old patient affected by a large 10 cm ovarian tumour.Intervention(s). Bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy a large 10 cm ovarian tumour, using a laparoendoscopic single-site approach with a Covidien SILS multitrocar access device and standard laparoscopic instruments.Main Outcome Measure(s). Conversion to standard laparoscopic technique or laparotomy, estimated blood loss, operative time , extent of scarring, occurrence of intra- and perioperative surgical complications, technical adequacy, and clinical outcome.Result(s). No conversion to standard laparoscopic technique or laparotomy, and no intraoperative or postoperative complications were observed. Total operative time was 99 minutes. The patient was discharged home on postoperative day one.Conclusion(s). Laparoendoscopic single-site bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy of a large ovarian tumour is feasible with standard laparoscopic instruments. It is safe and effective, with good results in terms of excellent cosmesis and minimal postoperative pain.
Optimal Campaign in the Smoking Dynamics
Authors: Zaman Gul
Published: February 2011

We present the optimal campaigns in the smoking dynamics. Assuming
that the giving up smoking model is described by the simplified PLSQ (potential‐light‐smoker‐quit smoker) model, we consider two possible control variables in the form of
education and treatment campaigns oriented to decrease the attitude towards smoking.
In order to do this we minimize the number of light (occasional) and persistent smokers
and maximize the number of quit smokers in a community. We first show the existence
of an optimal control for the control problem and then derive the optimality system by
using the Pontryagin maximum principle. Finally numerical results of real epidemic are
presented to show the applicability and efficiency of this approach.
Starting Point, Keys and Milestones of a Computer Code for the Simulation of the Behaviour of a Nuclear Fuel Rod
Authors: Marino Armando C.
Published: February 2011

The BaCo code (“Barra Combustible”) was developed at the Atomic Energy National Commission of Argentina (CNEA) for the simulation of nuclear fuel rod behaviour under irradiation conditions. We present in this paper a brief description of the code and the strategy used for the development, improvement, enhancement, and validation of a BaCo during the last 30 years. “Extreme case analysis”, parametric (or sensitivity), probabilistic (or statistic) analysis plus the analysis of the fuel performance (full core analysis) are the tools developed in the structure of BaCo in order to improve the understanding of the burnup extension in the Atucha I NPP, and the design of advanced fuel elements as CARA and CAREM. The 3D additional tools of BaCo can enhance the understanding of the fuel rod behaviour, the fuel design, and the safety margins. The modular structure of the BaCo code and its detailed coupling of thermo‐mechanical and irradiation‐induced phenomena make it a powerful tool for the prediction of the influence of material properties on the fuel rod performance and integrity.
Animal Models of Cardiovascular Diseases
Authors: Zaragoza Carlos , Gomez-Guerrero Carmen , Martin-Ventura Jose Luis , Blanco-Colio Luis , Lavin Begoña , Mallavia Beñat , Tarin Carlos , Mas Sebastian , Ortiz Alberto , Egido Jesus
Published: February 2011

Cardiovascular diseases are the first leading cause of death and morbidity in developed countries. The use of animal models have contributed to increase our knowledge, providing new approaches focused to improve the diagnostic and the treatment of these pathologies. Several models have been developed to address cardiovascular complications, including atherothrombotic and cardiac diseases, and the same pathology have been successfully recreated in different species, including small and big animal models of disease. However, genetic and environmental factors play a significant role in cardiovascular pathophysiology, making difficult to match a particular disease, with a single experimental model. Therefore, no exclusive method perfectly recreates the human complication, and depending on the model, additional considerations of cost, infrastructure, and the requirement for specialized personnel, should also have in mind. Considering all these facts, and depending on the budgets available, models should be selected that best reproduce the disease being investigated. Here we will describe models of atherothrombotic diseases, including expanding and occlusive animal models, as well as models of heart failure. Given the wide range of models available, today it is possible to devise the best strategy, which may help us to find more efficient and reliable solutions against human cardiovascular diseases.
Oral-Parenteral Conversion Factor for Morphine in Palliative Cancer Care: A Prospective Randomized Crossover Pilot Study
Authors: Starlander Jan , Melin-Johansson Christina , Jonsson Håkan , Axelsson Bertil
Published: February 2011

Objective. This pilot study clinically tests whether a conversion factor of 2 to 1 is appropriate when changing from oral to parenteral morphine administration in the treatment of cancer-related nociceptive pain and calculates the size of an adequately powered future study.Methods. Eleven outpatients with incurable cancer and well-controlled nociceptive pain were randomly assigned to either intravenous or subcutaneous morphine using half the previous oral 24-hour dose. Each group crossed over after the first three-day period. Serum concentrations of morphine and its metabolites were monitored as well as intensity of pain.Results. Oral to subcutaneous and oral to intravenous quotas of morphine concentrations were approximately 0.9. Subcutaneous to intravenous morphine quotas were 1.Conclusions. The conversion factor of 2 to 1 seems to be a reasonable average but with an obvious need for individual adjustments. Concurrent medications and substantially higher doses of morphine could potentially affect the appropriate conversion factor. An adequately powered study to validate these findings would need at least 121 patients.
Project Scheduling Heuristics‐Based Standard PSO for Task‐Resource Assignment in Heterogeneous Grid
Authors: Chen Ruey-Maw , Wang Chuin-Mu
Published: February 2011

The task scheduling problem has been widely studied for assigning resources to tasks in heterogeneous grid environment. Effective task scheduling is an important issue for the performance of grid computing. Meanwhile, the task scheduling problem is an NP‐complete problem. Hence, this investigation introduces a named “standard“ particle swarm optimization (PSO) metaheuristic approach to efficiently solve the task scheduling problems in grid. Meanwhile, two promising heuristics based on multimode project scheduling are proposed to help in solving interesting scheduling problems. They are the best performance resource heuristic and the latest finish time heuristic. These two heuristics applied to the PSO scheme are for speeding up the search of the particle and improving the capability of finding a sound schedule. Moreover, both global communication topology and local ring communication topology are also investigated for efficient study of proposed scheme. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed approach in this investigation can successfully solve the task‐resource assignment problems in grid computing and similar scheduling problems.
Development of a Particle Interaction Kernel Function in MPS Method for Simulating Incompressible Free Surface Flow
Authors: Sheu Tony W. H. , Chiao Chenpeng , Huang Chinlong
Published: February 2011

We aimed to derive a kernel function that accounts for the interaction among moving particles within the framework of particle method. To predict a computationally more accurate moving particle solution for the Navier‐Stokes equations, kernel function is a key to success in the development of interaction model. Since the smoothed quantity of a scalar or a vector at a spatial location is mathematically identical to its collocated value provided that the kernel function is chosen to be the Dirac delta function, our guideline is to derive the kernel function that is closer to the delta function as much as possible. The proposed particle interaction model using the newly developed kernel function will be validated through the two investigated Navier‐Stokes problems which have either the semianalytical or the benchmark solutions.
Technical Notes on Endoscopic Transnasal Transsphenoidal Approach for Clival Chondrosarcoma
Authors: Kuge Atsushi , Sato Shinya , Sakurada Kaori , Takemura Sunao , Kikuchi Zensho , Saito Yuki , Kayama Takamasa
Published: February 2011

Although there are various operative approaches for clival tumors, a transsphenoidal approach is one of choices when the main tumor extention is in an anterior-posterior direction with a slight lateral extension. However, this approach sometimes provides only narrow and deep operative field. Recently, endoscopic transnasal transsphenoidal approach is quite an effective approach for clival tumors because of the improvement of surgical instruments, image guidance systems, and techniques and materials of wound closure. In this paper, we describe the effectiveness, technical problems, and solution of this approach based on our experiences with two clival chondrosarcomas that was removed by endoscopic transnasal transsphenoidal approach.
Trastuzumab Has Preferential Activity against Breast Cancers Driven by HER2 Homodimers
Authors: Ghosh Ritwik , Narasanna Archana , Wang Shizhen Emily , Liu Shuying , Chakrabarty Anindita , Balko Justin M. , González-Angulo Ana María , Mills Gordon B. , Penuel Elicia , Winslow John , Sperinde Jeff , Dua Rajiv , Pidaparthi Sailaja , Mukherjee Ali , Leitzel Kim , Kostler Wolfgang J. , Lipton Allan , Bates Michael , Arteaga Carlos L.
Published: February 2011

In breast cancer cells with HER2 gene amplification, HER2 receptors exist on the cell surface as monomers, homodimers, and heterodimers with EGFR/HER3. The therapeutic antibody trastuzumab, an approved therapy for HER2+ breast cancer, cannot block ligand-induced HER2 heterodimers, suggesting it cannot effectively inhibit HER2 signaling. Hence, HER2 oligomeric states may predict the odds of a clinical response to trastuzumab in HER2-driven tumors. To test this hypothesis, we generated nontransformed human MCF10A mammary epithelial cells stably expressing a chimeric HER2–FKBP molecule that could be conditionally induced to homodimerize by adding the FKBP ligand AP1510, or instead induced to heterodimerize with EGFR or HER3 by adding the heterodimer ligands EGF/TGFα or heregulin. AP1510, EGF, and heregulin each induced growth of MCF10A cells expressing HER2–FKBP. Trastuzumab inhibited homodimer-mediated but not heterodimer-mediated cell growth. In contrast, the HER2 antibody pertuzumab, which blocks HER2 heterodimerization, inhibited growth induced by heregulin but not AP1510. Lastly, the HER2/EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor lapatinib blocked both homodimer- and heterodimer-induced growth. AP1510 triggered phosphorylation of Erk1/2 but not AKT, whereas trastuzumab inhibited AP1510-induced Erk1/2 phosphorylation and Shc-HER2 homodimer binding, but not TGFα-induced AKT phosphorylation. Consistent with these observations, high levels of HER2 homodimers correlated with longer time to progression following trastuzumab therapy in a cohort of patients with HER2-overexpressing breast cancer. Together, our findings confirm the notion that HER2 oligomeric states regulate HER2 signaling, also arguing that trastuzumab sensitivity of homodimers may reflect their inability to activate the PI3K (phosphoinositide 3-kinase)/AKT pathway. A clinical implication of our results is that high levels of HER2 homodimers may predict a positive response to trastuzumab. Cancer Res; 71(5); 1871–82. ©2011 AACR.
Integration of Genotypic and Phenotypic Screening Reveals Molecular Mediators of Melanoma–Stromal Interaction
Authors: Stine Megan J. , Wang C. Joanne , Moriarty Whei F. , Ryu Byungwoo , Cheong Raymond , Westra William H. , Levchenko Andre , Alani Rhoda M.
Published: February 2011

Tumor–endothelium interactions are critical for tumor survival and metastasis. Melanomas can rapidly metastasize early in tumor progression, but the dependence of this aggressive behavior on tumor–stromal interaction is poorly understood. To probe the mechanisms involved, we developed a heterotypic coculture methodology, allowing simultaneous tracking of genomic and phenotypic changes in interacting tumor and endothelial cells in vitro. We found a dramatic rearrangement of endothelial cell networks into patterns reminiscent of vascular beds, even on plastic and glass. Multiple genes were upregulated in the process, many coding for cell surface and secreted proteins, including Neuropilin-2 (NRP2). A critical role of NRP2 in coordinated cell patterning and growth was confirmed using the coculture system. We conclude that NRP2 represents an important mediator of melanoma–endothelial interactions. Furthermore, the described methodology represents a powerful yet simple system to elucidate heterotypic intercellular interactions mediating diverse physiological and pathological processes. Cancer Res; 71(7); 2433–44. ©2011 AACR.
COX-2 Blockade Suppresses Gliomagenesis by Inhibiting Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells
Authors: Fujita Mitsugu , Kohanbash Gary , Fellows-Mayle Wendy , Hamilton Ronald L. , Komohara Yoshihiro , Decker Stacy A. , Ohlfest John R. , Okada Hideho
Published: February 2011

Epidemiologic studies have highlighted associations between the regular use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) and reduced glioma risks in humans. Most NSAIDs function as COX-2 inhibitors that prevent production of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). Because PGE2 induces expansion of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC), we hypothesized that COX-2 blockade would suppress gliomagenesis by inhibiting MDSC development and accumulation in the tumor microenvironment (TME). In mouse models of glioma, treatment with the COX-2 inhibitors acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) or celecoxib inhibited systemic PGE2 production and delayed glioma development. ASA treatment also reduced the MDSC-attracting chemokine CCL2 (C-C motif ligand 2) in the TME along with numbers of CD11b+Ly6GhiLy6Clo granulocytic MDSCs in both the bone marrow and the TME. In support of this evidence that COX-2 blockade blocked systemic development of MDSCs and their CCL2-mediated accumulation in the TME, there were defects in these processes in glioma-bearing Cox2-deficient and Ccl2-deficient mice. Conversely, these mice or ASA-treated wild-type mice displayed enhanced expression of CXCL10 (C-X-C motif chemokine 10) and infiltration of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) in the TME, consistent with a relief of MDSC-mediated immunosuppression. Antibody-mediated depletion of MDSCs delayed glioma growth in association with an increase in CXCL10 and CTLs in the TME, underscoring a critical role for MDSCs in glioma development. Finally, Cxcl10-deficient mice exhibited reduced CTL infiltration of tumors, establishing that CXCL10 limited this pathway of immunosuppression. Taken together, our findings show that the COX-2 pathway promotes gliomagenesis by directly supporting systemic development of MDSCs and their accumulation in the TME, where they limit CTL infiltration. Cancer Res; 71(7); 2664–74. ©2011 AACR.