bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Switching Signal Design for Global Exponential Stability of Uncertain Switched Neutral Systems
Authors: Yu Ker-Wei
Published: August 2009

The switching signal design for global exponential stability of switched neutral systems is investigated in this paper. LMI‐based delay‐dependent and delay‐independent criteria are proposed to guarantee the global stability via the constructed switching signal. Razumikhin‐like approach is used to find the stability results. Finally, some numerical examples are illustrated to show the main results.
Recent Advances in the Pathogenesis of Syndromic Autisms
Authors: Benvenuto A. , Manzi B. , Alessandrelli R. , Galasso C. , Curatolo P.
Published: August 2009

Background. Current advances in genetic technology continue to expand the list of medical conditions associated with autism. Clinicians have to identify specific autistic-related syndromes, and to provide tailored counseling. The aim of this study is to elucidate recent advances in autism research that offer important clues into pathogenetic mechanisms of syndromic autism and relevant implications for clinical practice.Data Sources. The PubMed database was searched with the keywords “autism” and “chromosomal abnormalities,” “metabolic diseases,” “susceptibility loci.”Results. Defined mutations, genetic syndromes, and metabolic diseases account for up to 20% of autistic patients. Metabolic and mitochondrial defects may have toxic effects on the brain cells, causing neuronal loss and altered modulation of neurotransmission systems. Alterations of the neocortical excitatory/inhibitory balance and perturbations of interneurons' development represent the most probable pathogenetic mechanisms underlying the autistic phenotype in Fragile X-Syndrome and Tuberous Sclerosis Complex. Chromosomal abnormalities and potential candidate genes are strongly implicated in the disruption of neural connections, brain growth, and synaptic/dendritic morphology.Conclusion. Metabolic testing may be appropriate if specific symptoms are present. High-resolution chromosome analysis may be recommended if a specific diagnosis is suspected because of obvious dysmorphisms. Identifying cryptic chromosomal abnormalities by whole genome microarray analysis can increase the understanding of the neurobiological pathways to autism.
Using Multiscale Product for ECG Characterization
Authors: Besrour Rym , Lachiri Zied , Ellouze Noureddine
Published: August 2009

This paper introduces a new method for R wave′s locations using the multiscale wavelet analysis, that is based on Mallat′s and Hwang′s approach for singularity detection via local maxima of the wavelet coefficients signals. Using a first derivative Gaussian function as prototype wavelet, we apply the pointwise product of the wavelet coefficients (PWCs) over some successive scales, in order to enhance the peak amplitude of the modulus maxima line and to reduce noise. The R wave corresponds to two modulus maximum lines with opposite signs (min‐max) of multi‐scale product. The proposed algorithm does not include regularity analysis but only amplitude‐based criteria. We evaluated the algorithm on two manually annotated databases, such as MIT‐BIH Arrhythmia and QT.
Breaching the Blood-Brain Barrier as a Gate to Psychiatric Disorder
Authors: Shalev Hadar , Serlin Yonatan , Friedman Alon
Published: August 2009

The mechanisms underlying the development and progression of psychiatric illnesses are only partially known. Clinical data suggest blood-brain barrier (BBB) breakdown and inflammation are involved in some patients groups. Here we put forward the “BBB hypothesis” and abnormal blood-brain communication as key mechanisms leading to neuronal dysfunction underlying disturbed cognition, mood, and behavior. Based on accumulating clinical data and animal experiments, we propose that events within the “neurovascular unit” are initiated by a focal BBB breakdown, and are associated with dysfunction of brain astrocytes, a local inflammatory response, pathological synaptic plasticity, and increased network connectivity. Our hypothesis should be validated in animal models of psychiatric diseases and BBB breakdown. Recently developed imaging approaches open the opportunity to challenge our hypothesis in patients. We propose that molecular mechanisms controlling BBB permeability, astrocytic functions, and inflammation may become novel targets for the prevention and treatment of psychiatric disorders.
Does Adiponectin Act as an Antiangiogenic Factor in B-Cell Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia?
Authors: Molica Stefano , Digiesi Giovanna , Vacca Angelo , Mirabelli Rosanna , Todoerti Katia , Battaglia Caterina , Morabito Fortunato , Neri Antonino , Ribatti Domenico
Published: August 2009

Angiogenesis is involved in the pathogenesis of B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), and high microvascular density has been found in CLL to be associated with a poor prognosis. In this study, we assessed serum levels of adiponectin in 69 patients with Binet stage A B-CLL, and these values were retrospectively correlated with bone marrow (BM) microvessel area and serum levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2), angiogenin, PECAM-1 (CD31), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), interleukin-8 (IL-8), syndecan-1, and the percentage ofCD38+orZAP-70+CLL cells. The positive correlation between serum levels of adiponectin and VEGF (P=.03) does not translate into an increase of the extent of BM angiogenesis (P=.404), FGF-2 (P=.348), angiogenin (P=.402), and CD31 (P=.248) serum concentrations. Accordingly, IL-8 (P=.175), syndecan-1 (P=.06), and MMP-9 (P=.144) circulating levels were not likely to reflect adiponectin concentration. Furthermore, patients with higher levels of adiponectin had a more favorable biological profile as defined by a lower number of bothCD38−(r=−0.294;P=.02) andZAP-70+(r=−0.285;P=.04). Finally, we evaluated the presence of adiponectin in B-CLL cells at gene expression level. RMA intensity values for adiponectin gene transcript denote a homogeneous low expression in B-CLL cells, whereas VEGF transcript was highly expressed with a degree of interpatient variability. Overall, these data seem to indicate that adiponectin could be involved as an antiangiogenic factor in B-CLL.
Synthesis and Surface Properties of Silica Spheres with Core Shell Structure by One Convenient Method
Authors: Das D. P. , Parida K. M. , Mishra B. K.
Published: August 2009

Earlier, we have published a paper on the preparation of silica sphere using propanol as cosurfactant. We report here a highly cost‐effective method of preparation of mesoporous silica spheres with core shell structure using sodium silicate as silica precursor, cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) as surfactant, and methanol as cosurfactant. Thus after removal of the template by dissolutions or/and activation at higher temperature, mesoporous silica spheres with core shell structure were obtained. The products prepared with methanol to CTAB molar ratio 8.5 : 1 were confirmed to give best results. All the spherical products have very large surface area (~589–1044 m2/g), pore volume (~0.98–1.41 cm3/g), and ordered pore structure.
Enhanced Physics-Based Numerical Schemes for Two Classes of Turbulence Models
Authors: Rebholz Leo G.
Published: August 2009

We present enhanced physics-based finite element schemes for two families of turbulence models, the models and the Stolz-Adams approximate deconvolution models. These schemes are delicate extensions of a method created for the Navier-Stokes equations in Rebholz (2007), that achieve high physical fidelity by admitting balances of both energy and helicity that match the true physics. The schemes' development requires carefully chosen discrete curl, discrete Laplacian, and discrete filtering operators, in order to permit the necessary differential operator commutations.
Field‐Assisted and Thermionic Contributions to Conductance in SnO2 Thick‐Films
Authors: Malagù C. , Carotta M. C. , Martinelli G. , Ponce M. A. , Castro M. S. , Aldao C. M.
Published: August 2009

A deep analysis of conductance in nanostructured SnO2 thick films has been performed. A model for field‐assisted thermionic barrier crossing is being proposed to explain the film conductivity. The model has been applied to explain the behavior of resistance in vacuum of two sets of nanostructured thick‐films with grains having two well‐distinct characteristic radii (R = 25 nm and R = 125 nm). In the first case the grain radius is shorter than the depletion region width, a limit at which overlapping of barriers takes place, and in the second case it is longer. The behavior of resistance in the presence of dry air has been explained through the mechanism of barrier modulation through gas chemisorption.
Impulsivity in Binary Choices and the Emergence of Periodicity
Authors: Bischi Gian Italo , Gardini Laura , Merlone Ugo
Published: August 2009

Binary choice games with externalities, as those described by Schelling (1973, 1978), have been recently modelled as discrete dynamical systems (Bischi and Merlone, 2009). In this paper we discuss the dynamic behavior in the case in which agents are impulsive; that is; they decide to switch their choices even when the difference between payoffs is extremely small. This particular case can be seen as a limiting case of the original model and can be formalized as a piecewise linear discontinuous map. We analyze the dynamic behavior of this map, characterized by the presence of stable periodic cycles of any period that appear and disappear through
border‐collision bifurcations. After a numerical exploration, we study the conditions for the creation and the destruction of periodic cycles, as well as the analytic expressions
of the bifurcation curves.
Solution and Stability of a Mixed Type Cubic and Quartic Functional Equation in Quasi‐Banach Spaces
Authors: Eshaghi Gordji M. , Zolfaghari S. , Rassias J. M. , Savadkouhi M. B.
Published: August 2009

We obtain the general solution and the generalized Ulam‐Hyers stability of the mixed type cubic and quartic functional equation f(x + 2y) + f(x − 2y) = 4(f(x + y) + f(x − y)) − 24f(y) − 6f(x) + 3f(2y) in quasi‐Banach spaces.
Gastric Perforation and Pancreatitis Manifesting after an Inadvertent Nissen Fundoplication in a Patient with Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome
Authors: Petrosyan Mikael , Estrada Joaquin J. , Giuliani Stefano , Williams Monica , Rosen Heather , Mason Rodney J.
Published: August 2009

Superior mesenteric artery (SMA) syndrome is an uncommon but well-recognized clinical entity. It can lead to proximal small bowel obstruction and severe morbidity and mortality in lieu of late diagnosis and concomitant existing comorbidities. We report a 54-year-old female, with SMA syndrome which manifested itself after Nissen fundoplication along with two major complications. The diagnosis of SMA was established by clinical symptoms and radiological findings.
Solving Heat and Wave‐Like Equations Using He′s Polynomials
Authors: Mohyud-Din Syed Tauseef
Published: August 2009

We use He′s polynomials which are calculated form homotopy perturbation method (HPM) for solving heat and wave‐like equations. The proposed iterative scheme finds the solution without any discretization, linearization, or restrictive assumptions. Several examples are given to verify the reliability and efficiency of the method. The fact that suggested technique solves nonlinear problems without using Adomian′s polynomials is a clear advantage of this algorithm over the decomposition method.
Techniques to Study Autophagy in Plants
Authors: Mitou Géraldine , Budak Hikmet , Gozuacik Devrim
Published: August 2009

Autophagy (or self eating), a cellular recycling mechanism, became the center of interest and subject of intensive research in recent years. Development of new molecular techniques allowed the study of this biological phenomenon in various model organisms ranging from yeast to plants and mammals. Accumulating data provide evidence that autophagy is involved in a spectrum of biological mechanisms including plant growth, development, response to stress, and defense against pathogens. In this review, we briefly summarize general and plant‐related autophagy studies, and explain techniques commonly used to study autophagy. We also try to extrapolate how autophagy techniques used in other organisms may be adapted to plant studies.
Optimal Premium Pricing for a Heterogeneous Portfolio of Insurance Risks
Authors: Pantelous Athanasios A. , Frangos Nicholas E. , Zimbidis Alexandros A.
Published: August 2009

The paper revisits the classical problem of premium rating within a heterogeneous portfolio of insurance risks using a continuous stochastic control framework. The portfolio is divided into several classes where each class interacts with the others. The risks are modelled dynamically by the means of a Brownian motion. This dynamic approach is also transferred to the design of the premium process. The premium is not constant but equals the drift of the Brownian motion plus a controlled percentage of the respective volatility. The optimal controller for the premium is obtained using advanced optimization techniques, and it is finally shown that the respective pricing strategy follows a more balanced development compared with the traditional premium approaches.
Effect of Oxysterol‐Induced Apoptosis of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells on Experimental Hypercholesterolemia
Authors: Perales Sonia , Alejandre M. José , Palomino-Morales Rogelio , Torres Carolina , Iglesias Jose , Linares Ana
Published: August 2009

Smooth muscle cells (SMCs) undergo changes related to proliferation and apoptosis in the physiological remodeling of vessels and in diseases such as atherosclerosis and restenosis. Recent studies also have demonstrated the vascular cell proliferation and programmed cell death contribute to changes in vascular architecture in normal development and in disease. The present study was designed to investigate the apoptotic pathways induced by 25‐hydroxycholesterol in SMCs cultures, using an in vivo/in vitro cell model in which SMCs were isolated and culture from chicken exposed to an atherogenic cholesterol‐rich diet (SMC‐Ch) and/or an antiatherogenic fish oil‐rich diet (SMC‐Ch‐FO). Cells were exposed in vitro to 25‐hydroxycholesterol to study levels of apoptosis and apoptotic proteins Bcl‐2, Bcl‐XL and Bax and the expression of bcl‐2 and bcl‐xL, genes. The quantitative real‐time reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction and the Immunoblotting western blot analysis showed that 25‐hydroxycholesterol produces apoptosis in SMCs, mediated by a high increase in Bax protein and Bax gene expression. These changes were more marked in SMC‐Ch than in SMC‐Ch‐FO, indicating that dietary cholesterol produces changes in SMCs that make them more susceptible to 25‐hydroxycholesterol‐mediated apoptosis. Our results suggest that the replacement of a cholesterol‐rich diet with a fish oil‐rich diet produces some reversal of cholesterol‐induced changes in the apoptotic pathways induced by 25‐hydroxycholesterol in SMCs cultures, making SMCs more resistant to apoptosis.
Stochastic Stability of Neural Networks with Both Markovian Jump Parameters and Continuously Distributed Delays
Authors: Zhu Quanxin , Cao Jinde
Published: August 2009

The problem of stochastic stability is investigated for a class of neural networks with both Markovian jump parameters and continuously distributed delays. The jumping parameters are modeled as a continuous‐time, finite‐state Markov chain. By constructing appropriate Lyapunov‐Krasovskii functionals, some novel stability conditions are obtained in terms of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). The proposed LMI‐based criteria are
computationally efficient as they can be easily checked by using recently developed algorithms in solving LMIs.
A numerical example is provided to show the effectiveness of the theoretical results and demonstrate the LMI
criteria existed in the earlier literature fail. The results obtained in this paper improve and generalize those given
in the previous literature.
A General Iterative Method for Variational Inequality Problems, Mixed Equilibrium Problems, and Fixed Point Problems of Strictly Pseudocontractive Mappings in Hilbert Spaces
Authors: Wangkeeree Rattanaporn , Wangkeeree Rabian
Published: August 2009

We introduce an iterative scheme for finding a common element of the set of fixed points of a "Equation missing"-strictly pseudocontractive mapping, the set of solutions of the variational inequality for an inverse-strongly monotone mapping, and the set of solutions of the mixed equilibrium problem in a real Hilbert space. Under suitable conditions, some strong convergence theorems for approximating a common element of the above three sets are obtained. As applications, at the end of the paper we first apply our results to study the optimization problem and we next utilize our results to study the problem of finding a common element of the set of fixed points of two families of finitely "Equation missing"-strictly pseudocontractive mapping, the set of solutions of the variational inequality, and the set of solutions of the mixed equilibrium problem. The results presented in the paper improve some recent results of Kim and Xu (2005), Yao et al. (2008), Marino et al. (2009), Liu (2009), Plubtieng and Punpaeng (2007), and many others.
On “GSI Oscillations” as Interference of Two Closely Spaced Ground Mass Eigenstates of H-Like Mother Ions
Authors: Faber M. , Ivanov A. N. , Kienle P. , Kryshen E. L. , Pitschmann M. , Troitskaya N. I.
Published: August 2009

We analyse the hypothesis that the “GSI oscillations” of the K-shell electron capture decay (EC)
rates of the H-like heavy ions are caused by quantum beats from a coherent state of two closely spaced ground mass-eigenstates and of decaying H-like heavy ions. We apply this mechanism to the calculation of the -decay rates of the H-like heavy ions and discuss the dynamics of the production of the H-like heavy ions with two closely spaced ground mass-eigenstates at GSI experiments. We show that such a mechanism cannot describe simultaneously the experimental
data on both the EC-decay and -decay rates of the H-like heavy ions, measured at GSI.
3D Analytic Cone‐Beam Reconstruction for Multiaxial CT Acquisitions
Authors: Yin Zhye , De Man Bruno , Pack Jed
Published: August 2009

A conventional 3rd generation Computed Tomography (CT) system with a single circular source trajectory is limited in terms of longitudinal scan coverage since extending the scan coverage beyond 40 mm results in significant cone‐beam artifacts. A multiaxial CT acquisition is achieved by combining multiple sequential 3rd generation axial scans or by performing a single axial multisource CT scan with multiple longitudinally offset sources. Data from multiple axial scans or multiple sources provide complementary information. For full‐scan acquisitions, we present a window‐based 3D analytic cone‐beam reconstruction algorithm by tessellating data from neighboring axial datasets. We also show that multi‐axial CT acquisition can extend the axial scan coverage while minimizing cone‐beam artifacts. For half‐scan acquisitions, one cannot take advantage of conjugate rays. We propose a cone‐angle dependent weighting approach to combine multi‐axial half‐scan data. We compute the relative contribution from each axial dataset to each voxel based on the X‐ray beam collimation, the respective cone‐angles, and the spacing between the axial scans. We present numerical experiments to demonstrate that the proposed techniques successfully reduce cone‐beam artifacts at very large volumetric coverage.
Interactive Digital Terrestrial Television: The Interoperability Challenge in Brazil
Authors: Amatller Clarasó Jordi , Baldo David , Benelli Giuliano , Daino Giovanni Luca , Zambon Riccardo
Published: August 2009

This paper introduces different standards implemented in existing Digital Terrestrial Television Broadcasting systems to allow the fruition of interactive services and applications through digital Set Top Boxes. It focuses on the interoperability issue between the Brazilian and the European architectures. In fact, despite in Brazil the GEM specification has been designed to foster wide content compatibility across a range of interactive platforms, it has never come to a final implementation and deployment. As a result the interoperability issue has been deeply explored in the BEACON project and an innovative system architecture has been developed to deploy t-learning services across Europe and Brazil, providing integration of those systems that were not able to interoperate until nowadays. This work is an important step in the direction of standards' interoperability. As a result, MHP and Ginga NCL-Lua implementation appeared to be the very best choice to deliver interactive services in an interoperable mode between European and Brazilian digital television.
A Binary Intuitionistic Fuzzy Relation: Some New Results, a General Factorization, and Two Properties of Strict Components
Authors: Fono Louis Aimé , Njanpong Nana Gilbert , Salles Maurice , Gwet Henri
Published: August 2009

We establish, by means of a large class of
continuous t‐representable intuitionistic fuzzy t‐conorms, a factorization of an intuitionistic fuzzy relation (IFR) into a
unique indifference component and a family of regular strict components. This result generalizes a previous factorization
obtained by Dimitrov (2002) with the (max , min )
intuitionistic fuzzy t‐conorm. We provide, for a continuous
t‐representable intuitionistic fuzzy t‐norm 𝒯, a characterization of the 𝒯‐transitivity of an IFR. This enables us to determine necessary and sufficient conditions on a
𝒯‐transitive IFR R under which a strict component of
R satisfies pos‐transitivity and negative transitivity.
Effects of Chronic Mild Stress on the Development of Atherosclerosis and Expression of Toll‐Like Receptor 4 Signaling Pathway in Adolescent Apolipoprotein E Knockout Mice
Authors: Gu Hongfeng , Tang Chaoke , Peng Kuang , Sun Hui , Yang Yongzong
Published: August 2009

Here, we investigated the effect of chronic mild stress (CMS) on the development of atherosclerosis as well as the expression of Toll‐like receptors (TLRs) signaling pathway in adolescent apolipoprotein E knockout (apoE‐/‐) mice. Mice were subjected to daily CMS for 0, 4, and 12 weeks, respectively. To identify the expression of Toll‐like receptor 4 signaling pathway in adolescent apolipoprotein E knockout mice subjected to CMS, we compared gene expression in aortas of stressed and unstressed mice using TLRs signaling pathway real‐time PCR microarrays consisting of 87 genes. We found that atherosclerosis lesions both in aortic tress and sinuses of CMS mice were significantly increased linearly in response to duration of CMS exposure. Among 87 genes analyzed, 15 genes were upregulated in stressed mice, especially TLR4, myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88), and IL‐1β, and 28 genes were downregulated compared with nonstressed mice. CMS mice demonstrated markedly increased aortic atherosclerosis that were associated with significant increases in levels of expression of TLR4, MyD88, nuclear factor κB (NF‐κB), MCP‐1, IL‐1β, TNF‐α, and sICAM‐1. Taken together, our results suggest an important role for TLR4 signaling pathway in atherosclerosis in a CMS mouse model.
Protein Fibrillar Hydrogels for three-Dimensional Tissue Engineering
Authors: Yan Hui , Nykanen Antti , Ruokolainen Janne , Farrar David , Miller Aline F.
Published: August 2009

Protein self-assembly into highly ordered fibrillar aggregates has attracted increasing attention over recent years, due primarily to its association with disease states such as Alzheimer's. More recently, however, research has focused on understanding the generic behavior of protein self-assembly where fibrillation is typically induced under harsh conditions of low pH and/or high temperature. Moreover the inherent properties of these fibrils, including their nanoscale dimension, environmental responsiveness, and biological compatibility, are attracting substantial interest for exploiting these fibrils for the creation of new materials. Here we will show how protein fibrils can be formed under physiological conditions and their subsequent gelation driven using the ionic strength of cell culture media while simultaneously incorporating cells homogeneously throughout the gel network. The fibrillar and elastic nature of the gel have been confirmed using cryo-transmission electron microscopy and oscillatory rheology, respectively; while cell culture work shows that our hydrogels promote cell spreading, attachment, and proliferation in three dimensions.
Productivity Formulas for a Partially Penetrating Vertical Well in a Circular Cylinder Drainage Volume
Authors: Lu Jing , Zhu Tao , Tiab Djebbar , Owayed Jalal
Published: August 2009

Taking a partially penetrating vertical well as a uniform line sink in three‐dimensional space, by developing necessary mathematical analysis, this paper presents steady state productivity formulas for an off‐center partially penetrating vertical well in a circular cylinder drainage volume with constant pressure at outer boundary. This paper also gives formulas for calculating the pseudo‐skin factor due to partial penetration. If top and bottom reservoir boundaries are impermeable, the radius of the cylindrical system and off‐center distance appears in the productivity formulas. If the reservoir has a gas cap or bottom water, the effects of the radius and off‐center distance on productivity can be ignored. It is concluded that, for a partially penetrating vertical well, different productivity equations should be used under different reservoir boundary conditions.
CREB: A Key Regulator of Normal and Neoplastic Hematopoiesis
Authors: Sandoval Salemiz , Pigazzi Martina , Sakamoto Kathleen M.
Published: August 2009

The cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) is a nuclear transcription factor downstream of cell surface receptors and mitogens that is critical for normal and neoplastic hematopoiesis. Previous work from our laboratory demonstrated that a majority of patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and acute lymphoid leukemia (ALL) overexpress CREB in the bone marrow. To understand the role of CREB in leukemogenesis, we examined the biological effect of CREB overexpression on primary leukemia cells, leukemia cell lines, and CREB overexpressing transgenic mice. Our results demonstrated that CREB overexpression leads to an increase in cellular proliferation and survival. Furthermore, CREB transgenic mice develop a myeloproliferative disorder with aberrant myelopoiesis in both the bone marrow and spleen. Additional research from other groups has shown that the expression of the cAMP early inducible repressor (ICER), a CREB repressor, is also deregulated in leukemias. And, miR-34b, a microRNA that negative regulates CREB expression, is expressed at lower levels in myeloid leukemia cell lines compared to that of healthy bone marrow. Taken together, these data suggest that CREB plays a role in cellular transformation. The data also suggest that CREB-specific signaling pathways could possibly serve as potential targets for therapeutic intervention.
Circulating Vitamin D and Risk of Epithelial Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Arslan Alan A. , Clendenen Tess V. , Koenig Karen L. , Hultdin Johan , Enquist Kerstin , Ågren Åsa , Lukanova Annekatrin , Sjodin Hubert , Zeleniuch-Jacquotte Anne , Shore Roy E. , Hallmans Göran , Toniolo Paolo , Lundin Eva
Published: August 2009

We conducted a nested case-control study within two prospective cohorts, the New York University Women's Health Study and the Northern Sweden Health and Disease Study, to examine the association between prediagnostic circulating levels of 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25(OH)D) and the risk of subsequent invasive epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). The 25(OH)D levels were measured in serum or plasma from 170 incident cases of EOC and 373 matched controls. Overall, circulating 25(OH)D levels were not associated with the risk of EOC in combined cohort analysis: adjusted OR for the top tertile versus the reference tertile, 1.09 (95% CI, 0.59–2.01). In addition, there was no evidence of an interaction effect betweenVDRSNP genotype or haplotype and circulating 25(OH)D levels in relation to ovarian cancer risk, although more complex gene-environment interactions may exist.
Economic Burden of Drug Use in Patients with Acute Burns: Experience in a Developing Country
Authors: Ogundipe Kolawole Olubunmi , Adigun Ismaila Abiona , Solagberu Babatunde Akeeb
Published: August 2009

Background/Objective. Burn injury is a devastating injury. The economic drain on the patient's purse is equally devastating. Few studies have examined the cost of managing burn patients particularly the drug component.Methods. The financial implication of drug use in the management of 69 consecutive patients admitted by the burn unit over a period of two years was retrospectively analysed.Results. Thirty-six (52.2%) patients were males and 33 (47.8%) females with a mean age of 17.9 years (). The patients spent an average sum of $91.21 to procure drugs; 84.3% of the costs were for antibiotics, 11.1% for analgesics, and 4.6% for others.Conclusion. Significant amount of money is spent on the procurement of drugs. Most of the money is spent on prescribed antibiotics. Measures that reduce antibiotics use in burn management might relief patients of the huge economic burden associated with its use.
Response of Soybean to Halosulfuron Herbicide
Authors: Nandula V. K. , Poston D. H. , Reddy K. N. , Whiting K.
Published: August 2009

Recently, halosulfuron injury in soybean through off-target movement of halosulfuron when applied to rice fields has been reported. Sulfonylurea-tolerant (ST) soybean varieties have enhanced tolerance for sulfonylurea herbicides and might provide an option for mitigating injury to soybean from halosulfuron drift. Experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of halosulfuron on growth and yield of selected soybean varieties with ST trait alone and stacked with glyphosate resistance trait. Soybean plants were treated with halosulfuron at 0, 0.0043, 0.0087, 0.017, 0.034, and 0.069 kg ai/ha rate at the V3 growth stage in the greenhouse and at 0.034 kg/ha rate (labeled use rate in rice) in the field studies. All soybean varieties containing the ST trait exhibited some halosulfuron injury, but survived the halosulfuron application in the greenhouse. In field studies, a single POST application of halosulfuron at 0.034 kg/ha to soybean at three-trifoliolate leaf stage or at full bloom stage resulted in halosulfuron injury to a certain extent regardless of ST trait. Halosulfuron did not have a significant effect on yield of ST varieties compared to their respective nontreated controls. Severe halosulfuron injury in two non-ST varieties resulted in yield loss.
Analysis and Design of a Context Adaptable SAD/MSE Architecture
Authors: Sudarsanam Arvind , Dasu Aravind , Vaithianathan Karthik
Published: August 2009

Design of flexible multimedia accelerators that can cater to multiple algorithms is being aggressively pursued in the media processors community. Such an approach is justified in the era of sub‐45 nm technology where an increasingly dominating leakage power component is forcing designers to make the best possible use of on‐chip resources. In this paper we present an analysis of two commonly used window‐based operations (sum of absolute differences and mean squared error) across a variety of search patterns and block sizes (2 × 3, 5 × 5, etc.). We propose a context adaptable architecture that has (i) configurable 2D systolic array and (ii) 2D Configurable Register Array (CRA). CRA can cater to variable pixel access patterns while reusing fetched pixels across search windows. Benefits of proposed architecture when compared to 15 other published architectures are adaptability, high throughput, and low latency at a cost of increased footprint, when ported on a Xilinx FPGA.
On Strong Convergence by the Hybrid Method for Equilibrium and Fixed Point Problems for an Inifnite Family of Asymptotically Nonexpansive Mappings
Authors: Cai Gang , Hu Changsong
Published: August 2009

We introduce two modifications of the Mann iteration, by using the hybrid methods, for equilibrium and fixed point problems for an infinite family of asymptotically nonexpansive mappings in a Hilbert space. Then, we prove that such two sequences converge strongly to a common element of the set of solutions of an equilibrium problem and the set of common fixed points of an infinite family of asymptotically nonexpansive mappings. Our results improve and extend the results announced by many others.
A Numerical Algorithm for a Kirchhoff‐Type Nonlinear Static Beam
Authors: Peradze Jemal
Published: August 2009

A boundary value problem is posed for an integro‐differential beam equation. An approximate solution is found using the Galerkin method and the Jacobi nonlinear iteration process. A theorem on the algorithm error is proved.
Comparative Simulation Study on Synchronous Generators Sudden Short Circuits
Authors: Lupşa-Tătaru Lucian
Published: August 2009

Although of a great extent in time, the research works directed at studying transients in synchronous generators have not yet provided fully sufficient comparative studies in respect to sudden short circuits of the machine. The present paper puts forward novel and comprehensive process models for dynamic simulation of short circuit faults of initially unloaded synchronous generators, using the generalizedd-q-0 mathematical model as starting point in derivation. Distinct from the time-domain analysis, the technique proposed here allows an effective comparative overview by employing a specialized procedure to perform repeated time-domain simulations accompanied by peak values recording for the various circumstances. The time consuming matrix numerical inversion at each step of integration, usually performed when selecting currents as state variables, is eliminated by advancing the process models in a convenient split matrix form that allows the symbolic processing. Also, the computational efficiency is being increased by introducing a set of auxiliary variables common to different state equations. The models derivation is carried out without altering the structural equations of the generalizedd-q-0 mathematical model of synchronous generators whilst the simulation results are both compared and discussed in detail.
Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 (MMP9)—A Mediating Enzyme in Cardiovascular Disease, Cancer, and Neuropsychiatric Disorders
Authors: Rybakowski Janusz K.
Published: August 2009

Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP9) has been implicated in numerous somatic illnesses, including cardiovascular disorders and cancer. Recently, MMP9 has been shown to be increasingly important in several aspects of central nervous system activity. Furthermore, a pathogenic role for this enzyme has been suggested in such neuropsychiatric disorders as schizophrenia, bipolar illness, and multiple sclerosis. In this paper, the results of biochemical and molecular-genetic studies on MMP9 that have been performed in these pathological conditions will be summarized. Furthermore, I hypothesize that the MMP9 gene, as shown by functional −1562 C/T polymorphism studies, may be mediating the relationship of neuropsychiatric illnesses (schizophrenia, bipolar mood disorder, multiple sclerosis) that are comorbid with cardiovascular disease and cancer.
Optimal Pricing and Production Master Planning in a Multiperiod Horizon Considering Capacity and Inventory Constraints
Authors: Smith Neale R. , Limón Robles Jorge , Cárdenas-Barrón Leopoldo Eduardo
Published: August 2009

We formulate and solve a single‐item joint pricing and master planning optimization problem with capacity and inventory constrains. The objective is to maximize profits over a discrete‐time multiperiod horizon. The solution process consists of two steps. First, we solve the single‐period problem exactly. Second, using the exact solution of the single‐period problem, we solve the multiperiod problem using a dynamic programming approach. The solution process and the importance of considering both capacity and inventory constraints are illustrated with numerical examples.
Multiple Sequence Alignment Using a Genetic Algorithm and GLOCSA
Authors: Arenas-Díaz Edgar D. , Ochoterena Helga , Rodríguez-Vázquez Katya
Published: August 2009

Algorithms that minimize putative synapomorphy in an alignment
cannot be directly implemented since trivial cases with concatenated
sequences would be selected because they would imply a minimum number
of events to be explained (e.g., a single insertion/deletion would be
required to explain divergence among two sequences). Therefore, indirect
measures to approach parsimony need to be implemented. In this
paper, we thoroughly present a Global Criterion for Sequence Alignment
(GLOCSA) that uses a scoring function to globally rate multiple
alignments aiming to produce matrices that minimize the number of putative
synapomorphies. We also present a Genetic Algorithm that uses
GLOCSA as the objective function to produce sequence alignments refining
alignments previously generated by additional existing alignment
tools (we recommend MUSCLE). We show that in the example cases our
GLOCSA-guided Genetic Algorithm (GGGA) does improve the GLOCSA
values, resulting in alignments that imply less putative synapomorphies.
Update on Babesiosis
Authors: Vannier Edouard , Krause Peter J.
Published: August 2009

Human babesiosis is an emerging tick-borne infectious disease caused by intraerythrocytic protozoan species of the genusBabesiawith many clinical features similar to those of malaria. Over the last 50 years, the epidemiology of human babesiosis has changed from a few isolated cases to the establishment of endemic areas in the northeastern and midwestern United States. Episodic cases are reported in Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America. The severity of infection ranges from asymptomatic infection to fulminant disease resulting in death, although the majority of healthy adults experience a mild-to-moderate illness. People over the age of 50 years and immunocompromised individuals are at the highest risk of severe disease, including those with malignancy, HIV, lacking a spleen, or receiving immunosuppressive drugs. Asymptomatic carriers present a blood safety risk when they donate blood. Definitive diagnosis of babesial infection generally is made by microscopic identification of the organism on thin blood smear, amplification ofBabesiaDNA using PCR, and detection ofBabesiaantibody in acute and convalescent sera. Specific antimicrobial therapy consists of atovaquone and azithromycin or clindamycin and quinine. Exchange transfusion is used in severe cases. The use of multiple prevention strategies is recommended and consists of personal, residential, and community approaches.
The 9p24.3 Breakpoint of a Constitutional t(6;9)(p12;p24) in a Patient with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Maps Close to the Putative Promoter Region of the DMRT2 Gene
Authors: Rüssel J. , Dutta U. , Wand D. , Schlote D. , Hansmann I.
Published: August 2009

B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL) is a very common hematological malignancy. Although several alterations in different loci have been identified and established as prognostic factors the pathogenetic cascade remains obscure. Here we give an account on a 71-year-old man with B-CLL and a translocation t(6;9) in his diagnostic bone marrow. Subsequent chromosome analysis of his blood lymphocytes revealed a constitutional karyotype 46,XY,t(6;9) (p12;p24) that has not been previously reported. Seeking for gene disruption correlated with the B-CLL we precisely mapped both breakpoints by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis with chromosome-specific bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) clones and their long-range polymerase chain reaction (LRPCR) subfragments. An 11-kb LRPCR subfragment derived from RP11-399A15 was found to span the breakpoint at 6p12.1. FISH analysis with a 12-kb LRPCR fragment derived from RP11-147I11 which overlaps with RP11-110M16 as well as with a cDNA for DMRT2 (doublesex and mab-3 related transcription factor 2) maps the 9p24.3 breakpoint maximum 10 kb upstream from DMRT2. In silico analysis of the transcripts within the vicinity of the breakpoints revealed that the translocation does not disrupt any known genes but could affect the putative DMRT2promoter. Long range effects on gene expression cannot be excluded so far.
Whole Genome Amplification from Microdissected Chromosomes
Authors: Höckner M. , Erdel M. , Spreiz A. , Utermann G. , Kotzot D.
Published: August 2009

Over the last years various whole genome amplification (WGA) methods have been established for genetic investigations from a limited number of cells or small quantities of DNA but not for molecular analysis of isolated chromosomes, which is important for the direct investigation of haplotypes or molecular rearrangements of derivative chromosomes in clinical cytogenetics and oncology. Here, the results of a pilot study in which the GenomePlex Single Cell Kit® linker adapter PCR approach (Sigma-Aldrich, Vienna, Austria) was modified for WGA of glass needle based microdissected chromosomes are presented. Compared with two other WGA strategies (Improved-Primer Extension Preamplification PCR and Multiple Displacement Amplification) the GenomePlex Single Cell Kit® shows a higher rate of successfully amplified markers, a lower WGA drop out rate and faster feasibility.
A Neocentric Isochromosome Yp Present as Additional Small Supernumerary Marker Chromosome – Evidence against U-Type Exchange Mechanism?
Authors: Sheth F. , Ewers E. , Kosyakova N. , Weise A. , Sheth J. , Patil S. , Ziegler M. , Liehr T.
Published: August 2009

Here we report the first case of an inverted duplicated neocentric small supernumerary marker chromosome present in a karyotype 47,XX,+mar(Y). As expected a partial disomy of Ypter to Yp11.2 did not lead to any major malformations. However, the formation of an inverted duplicated chromosome from a Y chromosome is not possible by a U-type exchange, as has been suggested for such kind of neocentric marker chromosomes. Thus, some evidence is here provided that this concept might not always be true.
Male Meiotic Segregation Analyses of Peri- and Paracentric Inversions in the Pig Species
Authors: Massip K. , Bonnet N. , Calgaro A. , Billoux S. , Baquié V. , Mary N. , Bonnet-Garnier A. , Ducos A. , Yerle M. , Pinton A.
Published: August 2009

Inversions are well-known structural chromosomal rearrangements in humans and pigs. Such rearrangements generally have no effect on the carriers’ phenotype. However, the presence of an inversion can lead to spermatogenesis impairments and to the production of unbalanced (recombinant) gametes, responsible for early miscarriages, stillbirth, or congenital abnormalities. Sperm samples from boars heterozygote for pericentric inv(2)(p1.1;q1.1), inv(2) (p1.1;q2.1), inv(1)(p2.1;q2.10), or inv(1)(p2.4;q2.9), as well as for paracentric inv(2)(q1.3;q2.5) or inv(1)(q1.2;q2.4) were analyzed using sperm FISH (fluorescent in situ hybridization on decondensed sperm heads) to determine the male meiotic segregation profiles of the rearrangements. Furthermore, the availability of sperm samples for 2 unrelated carriers of inv(2)(p1.1;q1.1) allowed us to check for the occurrence of inter-individual variability of the rates of unbalanced meiotic products for this rearrangement. The estimated proportions of recombinant gametes were very low for all the inversions studied (0.62%, 1.30%, 3.05%, 1.27%, 4.12% and 0.84%, respectively), albeit significantly higher than the control. The rearrangements should therefore have very little impact on the reproductive performance of the carriers. No difference was found between the 2 carriers of inv(2)(p1.1;q1.1), suggesting a lack of inter-individual variability for this rearrangement. Overall, no significant correlation was found between the sizes of the inverted fragments and the proportions of recombinant (unbalanced) gametes for the 6 inversions studied. This is in contradiction with most human results. Further studies (pairing and recombination analysis using immunostaining techniques) should be carried out to elucidate the origin of such an inter-species difference.
The ZW Micro-Sex Chromosomes of the Chinese Soft-Shelled Turtle (Pelodiscus sinensis, Trionychidae, Testudines) Have the Same Origin as Chicken Chromosome 15
Authors: Kawagoshi T. , Uno Y. , Matsubara K. , Matsuda Y. , Nishida C.
Published: August 2009

The Chinese soft-shelled turtle (Pelodiscus sinensis, Trionychidae, Testudines) has ZZ/ZW-type micro-sex chromosomes where the 18S-28S ribosomal RNA genes (18S-28S rDNA) are located. The W chromosome is morphologically differentiated from the Z chromosome by partial deletion and amplification of 18S-28S rDNA and W-specific repetitive sequences. We recently found a functional gene (TOP3B) mapped on the P. sinensis Z chromosome, which is located on chicken (Gallus gallus, GGA) chromosome 15. Then we cloned turtle homologues of 4 other GGA15-linked genes (GIT2, NF2, SBNO1, SF3A1) and localized them to P. sinensis chromosomes. The 4 genes all mapped on the Z chromosome, and 2 of them (SBNO1, SF3A1) were also localized to the W chromosome. Our mapping data suggest that at least one large inversion occurred between GGA15 and the P. sinensis Z chromosome, and that there are homologous regions in the distal portions of both the short and long arms between the Z and W chromosomes. W chromosomal differentiation in P. sinensis probably proceeded by the deletion of the proximal chromosomal region followed by 18S-28S rDNA amplification, after a paracentric inversion occurred at the breakpoints between the distal region of 18S-28S rDNA and the proximal region of SBNO1 on the Z chromosome.
Comparative Analysis of the Chromosomal Positions of rDNA Genes in Species of the tripunctata Radiation of Drosophila
Authors: Brianti M.T. , Ananina G. , Recco-Pimentel S.M. , Klaczko L.B.
Published: August 2009

The location of rDNA on chromosomes has been found to be highly variable in different groups of insect families of various orders. Yet, in other insect families the rDNA position is relatively constant. This contrast so far has received limited attention. We investigated the rDNA position on mitotic chromosomes in 18 species of Drosophila, 16 of which are from the tripunctata radiation, subgenus Drosophila, through fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH). All species showed fluorescent signals only on the sex chromosomes. On the X chromosome a single fluorescent mark, but with variable locations, was found. On the Y, we observed variation both in location and in number of fluorescent marks (from 1 to 5). This constancy of chromosome location, in contrast to the great variability found in other groups, is consistent with the work carried out in other species of Drosophila. This suggests that the presence of a nucleolus organizer region (NOR) on each sex chromosome is probably an ancestral condition in the genus. Moreover, this difference in the variation of rDNA position among groups points out an interesting evolution question, which deserves further study.