bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Arousal, sensation seeking and frequency of gambling in off‐course horse racing bettors
Authors: Coventry Kenny R. , Norman Anna C.
Published: April 2011

Heart rate was recorded in a sample of 32 off‐course horse racing bettors before, during and after the gambling process, together with sensation seeking and information regarding frequency and expenditure on gambling. Importantly, the present study controlled for the confounding effects of movement on heart rate present in previous studies. Significant differences within subjects were found for heart rate at different points in the gambling process, but no differences were found comparing high‐ and low‐frequency gamblers or gamblers that chase with those that don't chase. These findings are discussed in relation to the theoretical role of arousal and sensation seeking in the explanation of gambling behaviour.
On random generation and the central executive of working memory
Authors: Towse John N.
Published: April 2011

Four experiments explore participants' attempts to generate random sequences. Experiment 1 showed that oral random number generation is strongly affected by both response speed and response set size, in contrast to a random key‐pressing task in Expt 2. Expt 3 confirmed differences between output modalities in the set size effect, and Expt 4 indicated that an important source of difficulty in producing random numbers orally lies in the requirement to represent candidate choices. Across experiments, data show a strong tendency on the part of participants to suppress response repetitions, an effect which decays over intervening responses. Whilst consistent with the possibility that random generation taps some executive functions, findings suggest the need to expand current models of attentional control in working memory to account for distinct constraints.
Derivation of a homesickness scale
Authors: Archer John , Ireland Jane , Amos Su‐Ling , Broad Helen , Currid Lisa
Published: April 2011

A 33‐item measure of homesickness (the Homesickness Questionnaire, HQ) was derived from features of grief modified for the circumstance of separation from home. In three samples of year 1 students (N = 264) during their first year at university, total HQ scores were highly correlated with a single‐item measure of homesickness used in previous studies, and 28 items showed significant differences between subgroups divided on the basis of the single‐item scores. Previous findings that homesick students show more health and psychological symptoms, and cognitive failures, were supported by further comparisons between the two groups, and a meta‐analysis of four studies. Factor analysis of the HQ indicated two factors, disliking the university, and attachment to the home, which are consistent with both the separation and strain models of homesickness. Correlations with other variables, and sex differences in the factor scores, further supported the distinction between these two aspects of homesickness. Women showed higher levels of intrusive thinking about the homesickness, but this was mediated by their higher scores on the attachment factor of the HQ. There was no sex difference in avoidant responses to homesickness.
A study of colour grouping in three languages: A test of the linguistic relativity hypothesis
Authors: Davies Ian R. L.
Published: April 2011

We report a cross‐cultural study of the relationship between language and colour cognition that tests the linguistic relativity hypothesis. We compared speakers of English, Russian and Setswana—languages with different numbers of ‘basic’ colour terms—on a colour grouping task in order to see whether choice of colour groups reflected the differences among the colour lexicons of the three languages. Participants sorted a representative set of 65 colours into ‘N’ groups (where N ranged from 2 through to 12) based on their perceptual similarity. We assessed the similarities and differences among the choices of the three language samples, and focused in particular on two more specific questions. First, we tested the conjecture that levels of consensus over which tiles to group together should peak when N equalled the number of basic colour terms in the language. Second, we focused on possible linguistic influences on colour grouping in the GREEN–BLUE region of colour space. Setswana uses a single term for this region (botala), whereas English uses two terms (green and blue) and Russian uses three terms (Zelenyj ‘green’, sinij ‘dark blue’ and goluboj ‘light blue’). The most striking feature of the results was the marked similarity of the groups chosen across the three language samples. In addition there were small but reliable differences in grouping associated with linguistic differences. Specifically, maximum levels of consensus occurred at lower values of N for Setswana speakers than for the other two languages, and they were more likely to group GREEN with BLUE than speakers of the other languages. However, Russian speakers were no more likely than speakers of the other languages to form separate LIGHT BLUE and DARK BLUE groups. The results are consistent with universal perceptual processes modulated at the margin by linguistic or cultural influences.
Development of the ability to inhibit a prepotent response: Influence of working memory and processing speed
Authors: Urben Sébastien , Van der Linden Martial , Barisnikov Koviljka
Published: April 2011

This study aimed to examine developmental trends in response inhibition during childhood and to control for possible developmental influence of other basic cognitive processes (such as working memory and processing speed). In addition, we explored the relationships between response inhibition, working memory, and processing speed, as they are thought to be integral to cognitive control. Therefore, we assessed these three cognitive abilities in 159 children aged from 5 to 12. Results showed an improvement in response inhibition ability from 5 to 10 years of age. This improvement remained significant after controlling for the influence of working memory and processing speed. Furthermore, the developmental relationships showed an early differentiation between response inhibition, working memory, and processing speed. Thus, these processes were independent and need to be treated as such in further studies.
On the Quantification of Eigenvalue Curve Veering: A Veering Index
Authors: du Bois Jonathan L. , Adhikari Sondipon , Lieven Nick A. J.
Published: April 2011

Eigenvalue curve veering is a phenomenon that has found relevance and application in a variety of structural dynamic problems ranging from localization and stability studies to material property determination. Contemporary metrics for quantifying veering can be ambiguous and difficult to interpret. This manuscript derives three normalized indices in an effort to reconcile the deficit; two of these quantify the physical conditions which produce the behavior while the third provides a definitive measure of the overall intensity of the effect. Numerical examples are provided to illustrate the application of the methods, which are expected to form a basis for the development of advanced analytical tools.
On an Elastic Rod Inside a Slender Tube Under End Twisting Moment
Authors: Chen Jen-San , Li Hong-Chi
Published: April 2011

In this paper, we study the deformation of a thin elastic rod constrained inside a cylindrical tube and under the action of an end twisting moment. The ends of the rod are clamped in the lateral direction. Unlike the previous works of others, in which only the fully developed line-contact spiral was considered, we present a complete analysis on the deformation when the dimensionless twisting moment Mx is increased from zero. It is found that the straight rod buckles into a spiral shape and touches the inner wall of the tube at the midpoint when Mx reaches 8.987. As Mx increases to 11.472, the contact point in the middle splits into two, leaving the midpoint floating in the air. As Mx increases to 13.022, the midpoint returns to touch the tube wall and the two-point-contact deformation evolves to a three-point-contact deformation. Starting from Mx=13.098, the point contact in the middle evolves to a line contact, and the deformation becomes a point-line-point contact configuration and remains so thereafter. In the case when the line-contact pattern is fully developed, it is possible to predict the spiral shape analytically. The numerical results are found to agree very well with those predicted analytically. Finally, an experimental setup is constructed to observe the deformation evolution of the constrained rod under end twist.
Passive and Active Thermographic Assessment as a Tool for Condition-Based Performance Monitoring of Photovoltaic Modules
Authors: Tsanakas J. A. , Botsaris P. N.
Published: April 2011

Today, to ensure efficient operation of a photovoltaic (PV) system renders as an undoubtedly major concern. Toward this direction, scope of this work is the assessment of infrared thermography as a PV module’s condition monitoring and, subsequently, performance evaluation method. The idea is based on the fact that any abnormality to the temperature pattern of an under inspection equipment implies a dysfunction case. In particular, specific thermographic measurements were applied to a PV module with known, abnormally low performance. Following the basic processing of the acquired thermal images, the extracted temperature data were contrasted with the PV module’s expected operating temperature. The results validated the presence of a problematic solar cell that refers to a “hot spot” within the tested PV module. This paper concludes with a discussion regarding the advantages, the limitations, and, ultimately, the potentiality of the intended approaches as reliable condition monitoring method through performance evaluation of PV modules.
Collapse of Heavy Cantilevered Elastica With Frictional Internal Support
Authors: Plaut R. H. , Dillard D. A. , Borum A. D.
Published: April 2011

Equilibrium states are investigated for a heavy flexible strip that is fixed at one end and rests on an internal frictional support. Large vertical deflections are admitted. In the analytical portion of the study, the strip is modeled as an inextensible elastica. Experiments are conducted on strips of transparency film. For a sufficiently large gap between the fixed end and the internal support, the strip slips through the gap and collapses downward. For moderate gaps, two continuous ranges of equilibrium shapes exist, one with relatively small deflections within the gap and one with large deflections within the gap. The results for a given gap size depend on the length, weight per unit length, and bending stiffness of the strip, and the coefficient of friction between the strip and the internal support. The case of a frictionless support is also analyzed. The experimental results agree well with those from the analysis for cases with small deflections within the gap, but exhibit a larger range of stable large-deflection equilibrium states before collapse occurs.
IL-25 Causes Apoptosis of IL-25R–Expressing Breast Cancer Cells Without Toxicity to Nonmalignant Cells
Authors: Furuta Saori , Jeng Yung-Ming , Zhou Longen , Huang Lan , Kuhn Irene , Bissell Mina J. , Lee Wen-Hwa
Published: April 2011

Normal mammary epithelial cells secrete an anticancer cytokine, IL-25, suggesting that IL-25 receptor signaling may be a therapeutic target for breast cancer.
Targeting Nrf2 Signaling Improves Bacterial Clearance by Alveolar Macrophages in Patients with COPD and in a Mouse Model
Authors: Harvey Christopher J. , Thimmulappa Rajesh K. , Sethi Sanjay , Kong Xiaoni , Yarmus Lonny , Brown Robert H. , Feller-Kopman David , Wise Robert , Biswal Shyam
Published: April 2011

Bacterial clearance in macrophages from lungs with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is improved by stimulating the Nrf2 antioxidant signaling pathway.
Antimalarial Effects of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Protease Inhibitors in Rhesus Macaques
Authors: Li Youjia , Qin Li , Peng Nanzheng , Liu Guangjie , Zhao Siting , He Zhengxiang , Chen Xiaoping
Published: April 2011

The antimalarial activity of the human immunodeficiency virus protease inhibitors indinavir and saquinavir was evaluated in rhesus macaques for the first time. Indinavir effectively suppressed the growth of
Plasmodium cynomolgi
and
Plasmodium knowlesi in vivo
after a 7- or 3-day treatment, respectively, with clinically relevant doses, whereas saquinavir showed only weak activity against
P. cynomolgi
.
Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of TBR-652, a Novel CCR5 Antagonist, in HIV-1-Infected, Antiretroviral Treatment-Experienced, CCR5 Antagonist-Naïve Patients
Authors: Marier Jean-Francois , Trinh MyMy , Pheng Leng Hong , Palleja Sandra M. , Martin David E.
Published: April 2011

TBR-652 is a novel CCR5 antagonist with potent
in vitro
anti-HIV activity. The objective of this study was to determine the pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD) of TBR-652 in HIV-1-infected, antiretroviral treatment-experienced, CCR5 antagonist-naïve patients. A double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, dose-escalating study of TBR-652 monotherapy given once daily orally for 10 days was performed, followed by a 40-day follow-up period. Approximately 10 patients/dose level received 25, 50, 75, 100, and 150 mg TBR-652 or placebo (4:1). Blood was collected at different intervals for PK and HIV-1 RNA assessments. PK analysis of TBR-652 was performed using noncompartmental methods. PK/PD was modeled using a maximum inhibitory effect model (
E
max
) and 50% inhibitory concentrations (IC
50
). TBR-652 was well absorbed in the systemic circulation. TBR-652 concentration levels declined slowly, with mean elimination half-lives ranging from 22.5 to 47.62 h across dose levels. TBR-652 treatment resulted in potent, dose-dependent decreases in viral load, with statistically significant decreases in nadir HIV-1 RNA compared to baseline for all dose levels. Suppression of HIV-1 RNA persisted over the 40-day follow-up period. A steep exposure-effect relationship was observed, with an
E
max
of −1.43 log
10
copies/ml and IC
50
of 13.1 ng/ml. TBR-652 was generally safe and well tolerated at all dose levels studied. Short-term monotherapy treatments of TBR-652 in HIV-1-infected patients resulted in promising PK and PD results, with a clear exposure-response relationship at the current dose levels studied. Data from this study support further development of TBR-652 in HIV-infected patients.
Electrochemical behavior of Moclobemide at mercury and glassy carbon electrodes and voltammetric methods for its determination
Authors: Erdogan Deniz Altinöz , Taşdemir Ibrahim Hüdai , Erk Nevin , Kiliç Esma
Published: April 2011

Electrochemical oxidation and reduction properties of Moclobemide (MCB) were investigated at glassy carbon electrode (GCE) and hanging mercury drop electrode (HMDE). Diffusion-adsorption behavior and some extra electrochemical parameters such as diffusion coefficient, number of transferred electrons and proton participated to its electrode mechanisms on both electrode and surface coverage coefficient were calculated from the results of cyclic voltammetry and square-wave voltammetry. Reversible catalytic hydrogen wave mechanism was proposed at HMDE and single two-electron/two-proton irreversible oxidation mechanism controlled by adsorption with some diffusion contribution at GCE was proposed. Experimental parameters were optimized to develop new, accurate, rapid, selective and simple voltammetric methods for direct determination of MCB in pharmaceutical dosage forms and spiked human serum samples without time-consuming steps prior to drug assay. In these methods, the lowest limit of detection (LLOD) was found to be 0.0235 μM. Methods were successfully applied to determine the MCB content of commercial pharmaceutical preparations and spiked human urine. The methods were found to be highly accurate and precise.
Unexpected excessive chronic obstructive pulmonary disease mortality among female silk textile workers in Shanghai, China
Authors: Cui Ling , Gallagher Lisa G , Ray Roberta M , Li Wenjin , Gao Daoli , Zhang Yingzhe , Vedal Sverre , Thomas David B , Checkoway Harvey
Published: April 2011

Objective

To investigate chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) mortality among textile workers.

Methods

A total of 267 400 Chinese female textile employees were monitored for COPD mortality from 1989 to 2000. Textile factories in the cohort were classified into 10 industrial sectors. Age-adjusted mortality, standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) and 95% CIs were calculated by sector. In addition, RRs (HRs) adjusted for smoking and age were calculated for exposure to cotton and silk textile work compared with the other sectors in the cohort.

Results

A majority of textile sectors had lower or similar COPD mortality (age-adjusted SMRs=0.58–1.15) compared with the general female population in the city of Nanjing, China. SMRs for cotton and silk workers were, respectively, 1.02 (95% CI: 0.81 to 1.28) and 2.03 (95% CI: 1.13 to 3.34). Compared with all other textile sectors in the cohort, there was greater COPD mortality among cotton workers (HR=1.40, 95% CI: 1.03 to 1.89) and silk workers (HR=2.54, 95% CI: 1.47 to 4.39).

Conclusion

Elevated COPD mortality among cotton workers is consistent with previous reports of adverse respiratory effects of cotton dust. The higher rate of COPD deaths among silk workers was unexpected.
LOVE KILLS: SIMULATIONS IN PENNA AGEING MODEL
Authors: STAUFFER DIETRICH , CEBRAT STANISŁAW , PENNA T. J. P. , SOUSA A. O.
Published: April 2011

The standard Penna ageing model with sexual reproduction is enlarged by adding additional bit-strings for love: Marriage happens only if the male love strings are sufficiently different from the female ones. We simulate at what level of required difference the population dies out.
NOVEL CMOS TECHNOLOGY-BASED LINEAR GROUNDED VOLTAGE CONTROLLED RESISTOR
Authors: YUCE ERKAN , MINAEI SHAHRAM , ALPASLAN HALIL
Published: April 2011

In this paper, a grounded voltage controlled resistor (GVCR) employing eight CMOS transistors, all of which are operating in saturation region, is proposed. The developed GVCR has two identical control voltages in opposite sign for electronically changing the resistance value. The linearity of the current-voltage (I - V) characteristic of the proposed GVCR is not affected by the body effect of the transistors. Computer simulation results with SPICE program are given to exhibit the performance and effectiveness of the introduced GVCR.
ROUTE PLANNING AND OPTIMIZATION OF ROUTE USING SIMULATED ANT AGENT SYSTEM
Authors: ZAFAR KASHIF , BAIG RAUF , BUKHARI NABEEL , HALIM ZAHID
Published: April 2011

This research presents an optimization technique for route planning using simulated ant agents for dynamic online route planning and optimization of the route. It addresses the issues involved during route planning in dynamic and unknown environments cluttered with obstacles and objects. A simulated ant agent system (SAAS) is proposed using modified ant colony optimization algorithm for dealing with online route planning. It is compared with evolutionary technique on randomly generated environments, obstacle ratio, grid sizes, and complex environments. The evolutionary technique performs well in simple and less cluttered environments while its performance degrades with large and complex environments. The SAAS generates and optimizes routes in complex and large environments with constraints. The traditional route optimization techniques focus on good solutions only and do not exploit the solution space completely. The SAAS is shown to be an efficient technique for providing safe, short, and feasible routes under dynamic constraints and its efficiency has been tested in a mine field simulation with different environment configurations and is capable of tracking the moving goal and performs equally well as compared to moving target search algorithm.
DESIGN OF STATE ESTIMATOR FOR SWITCHED HOPFIELD NEURAL NETWORKS WITH TIME-DELAY
Authors: AHN CHOON KI
Published: April 2011

In this paper, the delay-dependent state estimation problem for switched Hopfield neural networks with time-delay is investigated. Based on the Lyapunov–Krasovskii stability theory, a new delay-dependent state estimator for switched Hopfield neural networks is established to estimate the neuron states through available output measurements such that the estimation error system is asymptotically stable. The gain matrix of the proposed estimator is characterized in terms of the solution to a linear matrix inequality (LMI), which can be checked readily by using some standard numerical packages. An illustrative example is given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed state estimator.
AN ADAPTIVE DIGITAL IMAGE WATERMARKING USING FUZZY GRADIENT ON DCT DOMAIN
Authors: LATIF ALIMOHAMMAD , NAGHSH-NILCHI AHMAD REZA
Published: April 2011

In this paper, an adaptive digital image watermarking technique using fuzzy gradient on DCT domain is presented. In our approach, the image is divided into separate blocks and the DCT is applied on each block individually. Then, the watermark is inserted in the transform domain and the inverse transform is carried out. We increase the robustness of the watermark by increasing the watermark strength. However, this reduces the fidelity of the watermarking scheme. This is because the fidelity and robustness of watermarking are generally in conflict with each other. To improve the fidelity, a new fuzzy-based method is introduced. In this method, a fuzzy gradient-based mask is generated from the host image. Then, as a post-processing stage, the generated mask is combined with the watermarked image. Experimental results show that the proposed technique has high fidelity as well as high robustness against a variety of attacks.
STATISTICAL TIMING ANALYSIS OF THE CLOCK PERIOD IMPROVEMENT THROUGH CLOCK SKEW SCHEDULING
Authors: KURTAS SHANNON M. , TASKIN BARIS
Published: April 2011

Statistical static timing analysis (SSTA) methods, which model process variations statistically as probability distribution function rather than deterministically, have been thoroughly performed on traditional zero clock skew circuits. In the traditional zero clock skew circuits, the synchronizing clock signal is designed to arrive in phase with respect to each register. However, designers will often schedule the clock skew to different registers in order to decrease the minimum clock period of the entire circuit. Clock skew scheduling imparts very different timing constraints that are based, in part, on the topology of the circuit. In this paper, SSTA is applied to nonzero clock skew circuits in order to determine the accuracy improvement relative to their zero skew counterparts, and also to assess how the results of skew scheduling might be impacted with more accurate statistical modeling. For 99.7% timing yield (3σ variation), SSTA is observed to improve the accuracy, and therefore increase the timing margin, of nonzero clock skew circuits by up to 2.5×, and on average by 1.3×, the amount seen by zero skew circuits.
EFFICIENT MUSIC RETRIEVAL SYSTEMS DESIGN BASED ON RECONFIGURABLE HARDWARE
Authors: OU CHIEN-MIN
Published: April 2011

A novel field programmable gate array implementation of content-based music retrieval system is presented in this paper. The system adopts a novel hardware architecture for approximate string matching. The architecture is based on a simple shift-and-or algorithm. It has the advantages of low area cost and high throughput. Numerical results show that the proposed architecture has significantly lower CPU time over its software counterpart running on Pentium IV for large database and/or edit distances.
ARTIFICIAL MICRO-WORLDS PART II: CELLULAR AUTOMATA GROWTH DYNAMICS
Authors: BILOTTA ELEONORA , PANTANO PIETRO
Published: April 2011

In this paper, we analyze an Artificial Micro-World (AMW), obtained by evolving 2D k-totalistic Cellular Automata by Genetic Algorithms. Using the metaphor of an Artificial Laboratory, in which we examine artificial species as zoologists do, we evolve the Micro-World from initial random conditions and find artificial self-replicating species, with different behaviors. By isolating these species from their environment, we simulate their behavior in a different settings, to see if their behavior is the same or different in various simulation conditions. Then, as well as in examples of genetic engineering, we put together the structures of two artificial organisms, belonging to two different species and analyze the result of their behaviors. Finally, we analyze the global dynamics of the colony formation within this Micro-World. As a result, we found that there are different occurring dynamics. Some dynamics are typical of self-reproducers, gliders and glider-guns. But other growing systems give rise to nested dynamics, that allows processes of increasing complexity.
CHAOS, BIFURCATION AND ROBUSTNESS OF A CLASS OF HOPFIELD NEURAL NETWORKS
Authors: HUANG WEN-ZHI , HUANG YAN
Published: April 2011

Chaos, bifurcation and robustness of a new class of Hopfield neural networks are investigated. Numerical simulations show that the simple Hopfield neural networks can display chaotic attractors and limit cycles for different parameters. The Lyapunov exponents are calculated, the bifurcation plot and several important phase portraits are presented as well. By virtue of horseshoes theory in dynamical systems, rigorous computer-assisted verifications for chaotic behavior of the system with certain parameters are given, and here also presents a discussion on the robustness of the original system. Besides this, quantitative descriptions of the complexity of these systems are also given, and a robustness analysis of the system is presented too.
CIRCUITS IN GRAPHS THROUGH A PRESCRIBED SET OF ORDERED VERTICES
Authors: COUDERT DAVID , GIROIRE FREDERIC , SAU IGNASI
Published: April 2011

A circuit in a simple undirected graph G = (V, E) is a sequence of vertices {v1, v2, …, vk+1} such that v1 = vk+1 and {vi, vi+1} ∈ E for i = 1, …, k. A circuit C is said to be edge-simple if no edge of G is used twice in C. In this article we study the following problem: which is the largest integer k such that, given any subset of k ordered vertices of a graph G, there exists an edge-simple circuit visiting the k vertices in the prescribed order? We first study the case when G has maximum degree at most 3, establishing the value of k for several subcases, such as when G is planar or 3-vertex-connected. Our main result is that k = 10 in infinite square grids. To prove this, we introduce a methodology based on the notion of core graph, in order to reduce the number of possible vertex configurations, and then we test each one of the resulting configurations with an Integer Linear Program (ILP) solver.
Global identification of the genes and pathways differentially expressed in hypothalamus in early and established neurogenic hypertension
Authors: Marques Francine Z. , Campain Anna E. , Davern Pamela J. , Yang Yee Hwa J. , Head Geoffrey A. , Morris Brian J.
Published: April 2011

The hypothalamus has an important etiological role in the onset and maintenance of hypertension and stress responses in the Schlager high blood pressure (BP) (BPH/2J) mouse, a genetic model of neurogenic hypertension. Using Affymetrix GeneChip Mouse Gene 1.0 ST Arrays we identified 1,019 hypothalamic genes whose expression differed between 6 wk old BPH/2J and normal BP (BPN/3J) strains, and 466 for 26 wk old mice. Of these, 459 were in 21 mouse BP quantitative trait loci. We validated 46 genes by qPCR. Gene changes that would increase sympathetic outflow at both ages were: Dynll1 encoding dynein light chain LC8-type 1, which physically destabilizes neuronal nitric oxide synthase, decreasing neuronal nitric oxide, and Hcrt encoding hypocretin and Npsr1 encoding neuropeptide S receptor 1, each involved in sympathetic response to stress. At both ages we identified genes for inflammation, such as CC-chemokine ligand 19 ( Ccl19), and oxidative stress. Via reactive oxygen species generation, these could contribute to oxidative damage. Other genes identified could be responding to such perturbations. Atp2b1, the major gene from genome-wide association studies of BP variation, was underexpressed in the early phase. Comparison of profiles of young and adult BPH/2J mice, after adjusting for maturation genes, pointed to the proopiomelanocortin-α gene ( Pomc) and neuropeptide Y gene ( Npy), among others, as potentially causative. The present study has identified a diversity of genes and possible mechanisms involved in hypertension etiology and maintenance in the hypothalamus of BPH/2J mice, highlighting both common and divergent processes in each phase of the condition.
Topological Properties of Hierarchical Interconnection Networks: A Review and Comparison
Authors: Abd-El-Barr Mostafa , Al-Somani Turki F.
Published: April 2011

Hierarchical interconnection networks (HINs) provide a framework for designing networks with reduced link cost by taking advantage of the locality of communication that exists in parallel applications. HINs employ multiple levels. Lower-level networks provide local communication while higher-level networks facilitate remote communication. HINs provide fault tolerance in the presence of some faulty nodes and/or links. Existing HINs can be broadly classified into two classes. those that use nodes and/or links replication and those that use standby interface nodes. The first class includes Hierarchical Cubic Networks, Hierarchical Completely Connected Networks, and Triple-based Hierarchical Interconnection Networks. The second HINs class includes Modular Fault-Tolerant Hypercube Networks and Hierarchical Fault-Tolerant Interconnection Network. This paper presents a review and comparison of the topological properties of both classes of HINs. The topological properties considered are network degree, diameter, cost and packing density. The outcome of this study show among all HINs two networks that is, the Root-Folded Heawood (RFH) and the Flooded Heawood (FloH), belonging to the first HIN class provide the best network cost, defined as the product of network diameter and degree. The study also shows that HFCube(n,n)provide the best packing density, that is, the smallest chip area required for VLSI implementation.
Erythema and Burning Pain in the Vulva: A Possible Phenotype of Erythromelalgia
Authors: Johnson Elisabeth , Iyer Priya , Eanes Alisa , Zolnoun Denniz
Published: April 2011

We report a case of burning vulvar pain accompanied by erythema responding to an oral combination of a benzodiazepine and a beta blocker. The positive response to two medication classes used in the treatment of erythromelalgia supports the possibility of a localized manifestation of this disorder in the genital region.
On the Dynamics of the Furuta Pendulum
Authors: Cazzolato Benjamin Seth , Prime Zebb
Published: April 2011

The Furuta pendulum, or rotational inverted pendulum, is a system found in many control labs. It provides a compact yet impressive platform for control demonstrations and draws the attention of the control community as a platform for the development of nonlinear control laws. Despite the popularity of the platform, there are very few papers which employ the correct dynamics and only one that derives the full system dynamics. In this paper, the full dynamics of the Furuta pendulum are derived using two methods: a Lagrangian formulation and an iterative Newton‐Euler formulation. Approximations are made to the full dynamics which converge to the more commonly presented expressions. The system dynamics are then linearised using a Jacobian. To illustrate the influence the commonly neglected inertia terms have on the system dynamics, a brief example is offered.
SPECT Imaging Agents for Detecting Cerebral β-Amyloid Plaques
Authors: Ono Masahiro , Saji Hideo
Published: April 2011

The development of radiotracers for use in vivo to image β-amyloid (Aβ) plaques in cases of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an important, active area of research. The presence of Aβ aggregates in the brain is generally accepted as a hallmark of AD. Since the only definitive diagnosis of AD is by postmortem staining of affected brain tissue, the development of techniques which enable one to image Aβ plaques in vivo has been strongly desired. Furthermore, the quantitative evaluation of Aβ plaques in the brain could facilitate evaluation of the efficacy of antiamyloid therapies currently under development. This paper reviews the current situation in the development of agents for SPECT-based imaging of Aβ plaques in Alzheimer's brains.
Generalized Jacobi Elliptic Function Solution to a Class of Nonlinear Schrödinger‐Type Equations
Authors: Al-Muhiameed Zeid I. A. , Abdel-Salam Emad A.-B.
Published: April 2011

With the help of the generalized Jacobi elliptic function, an improved Jacobi elliptic function method is used to construct exact traveling wave solutions of the nonlinear partial differential equations in a unified way. A class of nonlinear Schrödinger‐type equations including the generalized Zakharov system, the Rangwala‐Rao equation, and the Chen‐Lee‐Lin equation are investigated, and the exact solutions are derived with the aid of the homogenous balance principle.
Energetic Cost ofIchthyophonusInfection in Juvenile Pacific Herring (Clupea pallasii)
Authors: Vollenweider Johanna J. , Gregg Jake L. , Heintz Ron A. , Hershberger Paul K.
Published: April 2011

The energetic costs of fasting andIchthyophonusinfection were measured in juvenile Pacific herring (Clupea pallasii) in a lab setting at three temperatures. Infected herring incurred significant energetic costs, the magnitude of which depended on fish condition at the time of infection (fat versus lean). Herring that were fed continually and were in relatively good condition at the time of infection (fat) never stored lipid despitead libitumfeeding. In feeding herring, the energetic cost of infection was a 30% reduction in total energy content relative to controls 52 days post infection. Following food deprivation (lean condition), infection caused an initial delay in the compensatory response of herring. Thirty-one days after re-feeding, the energetic cost of infection in previously-fasted fish was a 32% reduction in total energy content relative to controls. Body composition of infected herring subsequently recovered to some degree, though infected herring never attained the same energy content as their continuously fed counterparts. Fifty-two days after re-feeding, the energetic cost of infection in previously-fasted fish was a 6% reduction in total energy content relative to controls. The greatest impacts of infection occurred in colder temperatures, suggestingIchthyophonus-induced reductions in body condition may have greater consequences in the northern extent of herring's range, where juveniles use most of their energy reserves to survive their first winter.
Independently Rotating Wheels with Induction Motors for High‐Speed Trains
Authors: Liang B. , Iwnicki S. D.
Published: April 2011

Railway vehicles with conventional wheelsets often experience problems of lateral instabilities or severe wear when running at high speed. The use of an independently rotating wheelset (IRW) can potentially eliminate the cause of wheelset hunting and reduce wheel wear as the mechanical feedback mechanism causing the problem is decoupled. This paper presents an investigation into the design of a novel induction motor configuration and controller for IRW in order to provide the stability required to satisfy the performance requirements for railway vehicles. A computer model of the mechanical and electrical parts of the system was developed. Simulation and experiments of the wheelsets with active driving motor control have demonstrated that a wheelset with independently driven wheels has a good stability performance over a traditional wheelset. Controllers with indirect field orientation control for dynamic control of an induction motor have shown to be suitable for this application in both its response and its controllability.
FLT3-Mediated p38–MAPK Activation Participates in the Control of Megakaryopoiesis in Primary Myelofibrosis
Authors: Desterke Christophe , Bilhou-Nabéra Chrystele , Guerton Bernadette , Martinaud Christophe , Tonetti Carole , Clay Denis , Guglielmelli Paola , Vannucchi Alessandro , Bordessoule Dominique , Hasselbalch Hans , Dupriez Brigitte , Benzoubir Nassima , Bourgeade Marie-Françoise , Pierre-Louis Olivier , Lazar Vladimir , Vainchenker William , Bennaceur-Griscelli Annelise , Gisslinger Heinz , Giraudier Stéphane , Le Bousse-Kerdilès Marie-Caroline
Published: April 2011

Primary myelofibrosis (PMF) is characterized by increased number of hematopoietic progenitors and a dysmegakaryopoiesis which supports the stromal reaction defining this disease. We showed that increased ligand (FL) levels in plasma, hematopoietic progenitors, and stromal cells from PMF patients were associated with upregulation of the cognate Flt3 receptor on megakaryocytic (MK) cells. This connection prompted us to study a functional role for the FL/Flt3 couple in PMF dysmegakaryopoiesis, as a route to reveal insights into pathobiology and therapy in this disease. Analysis of PMF CD34+ and MK cell transcriptomes revealed deregulation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway along with Flt3 expression. In PMF patients, a higher proportion of circulating Flt3+CD34+CD41+ cells exhibited an increased MAPK effector phosphorylation independently of Jak2V617F mutation. Activation of FL/Flt3 axis in PMF MK cell cultures, in response to FL, induced activation of the p38–MAPK cascade, which is known to be involved in inflammation, also increasing expression of its target genes (NFATC4, p53, AP-1, IL-8). Inhibiting Flt3 or MAPK or especially p38 by chemical, antibody, or silencing strategies restored megakaryopoiesis and reduced phosphorylation of Flt3 and p38 pathway effectors, confirming the involvement of Flt3 in PMF dysmegakaryopoiesis via p38 activation. In addition, in contrast to healthy donors, MK cells derived from PMF CD34+ cells exhibited an FL-induced migration that could be reversed by p38 inhibition. Taken together, our results implicate the FL/Flt3 ligand–receptor complex in PMF dysmegakaryopoiesis through persistent p38–MAPK activation, with implications for therapeutic prospects to correct altered megakaryopoiesis in an inflammatory context. Cancer Res; 71(8); 2901–15. ©2011 AACR.
Ror1 Is a Pseudokinase That Is Crucial for Met-Driven Tumorigenesis
Authors: Gentile Alessandra , Lazzari Luca , Benvenuti Silvia , Trusolino Livio , Comoglio Paolo M.
Published: April 2011

The human kinome includes Ror1, a poorly characterized orphan receptor. Here we report the findings of an investigation of Ror1 contributions to cancer, undertaken through an integrated screening of 43 cancer cell lines where we measured protein expression, tyrosine phosphorylation, and growth response following RNAi-mediated Ror1 suppression. Ror1 was expressed in approximately 75% of the cancer cell lines without apparent histotype distribution. Gastric carcinoma cells (HS746T) and non–small cell lung carcinoma cells (NCI-H1993) exhibited high levels of Ror1 tyrosine phosphorylation, and Ror1 suppression caused growth inhibition. Biochemical assays revealed unexpectedly that Ror1 is a pseudokinase that is devoid of catalytic activity. Intriguingly, the two cell lines featuring tyrosine-phosphorylated Ror1 both exhibited amplification and activation of the Met oncogene. Ror1 phosphorylation was abrogated by Met inhibition, indicating Met-dependent transphosphorylation of Ror1. Conversely, Ror1 was not transphosphorylated by other constitutively active tyrosine kinases, including EGFR and ErbB2. Constitutive silencing of Ror1 in HS746T and NCI-H1993 carcinoma cells impaired proliferation in vitro and induced a dramatic inhibition of tumorigenesis in vivo. Together, our findings suggest a critical role for Ror1 in malignant phenotypes sustained by the Met oncogene. Cancer Res; 71(8); 3132–41. ©2011 AACR.
Cancer-Associated Loss-of-Function Mutations Implicate DAPK3 as a Tumor-Suppressing Kinase
Authors: Brognard John , Zhang You-Wei , Puto Lorena A. , Hunter Tony
Published: April 2011

Cancer kinome sequencing studies have identified several protein kinases predicted to possess driver (i.e., causal) mutations. Using bioinformatic applications, we have pinpointed DAPK3 (ZIPK) as a novel cancer-associated kinase with functional mutations. Evaluation of nonsynonymous point mutations, discovered in DAPK3 in various tumors (T112M, D161N, and P216S), reveals that all three mutations decrease or abolish kinase activity. Furthermore, phenotypic assays indicate that the three mutations observed in cancer abrogate the function of the kinase to regulate both the cell cycle and cell survival. Coexpression of wild-type (WT) and cancer mutant kinases shows that the cancer mutants dominantly inhibit the function of the WT kinase. Reconstitution of a non–small cell lung cancer cell line that harbors an endogenous mutation in DAPK3 (P216S) with WT DAPK3 resulted in decreased cellular aggregation and increased sensitivity to chemotherapy. Our results suggest that DAPK3 is a tumor suppressor in which loss-of-function mutations promote increased cell survival, proliferation, cellular aggregation, and increased resistance to chemotherapy. Cancer Res; 71(8); 3152–61. ©2011 AACR.
Accumulation of Fetal IgG in Immunoglobulin Injection into the Fetal Abdominal Cavity Is Proven
Authors: Yoshida Masashi , Matsuda Hideo , Hasegawa Yuri , Yoshinaga Yosuke , Asai Kazuhiko , Kawashima Akihiro , Furuya Kenichi
Published: April 2011

Objective: There have been a number of studies on immunoglobulin injection into fetuses or mothers during pregnancy for the treatment of congenital cytomegalovirus infection. However, no study has examined the effect of injected immunoglobulin on fetal hemodynamics. In this study, we examined the effect of immunoglobulin injection on fetal hemodynamics by retrospectively measuring the concentrations of several IgG subclasses in stored umbilical cord blood sera collected during fetal therapy. Methods: Five patients who underwent immunoglobulin injection into the fetal abdominal cavity (IFAC) as a fetal therapy during pregnancy were included in this study. Frozen-stored umbilical venous blood samples collected from these patients during IFAC were measured for serum concentrations of each IgG subclass. Results: The largest change was observed in the IgG2 concentration, with a mean increase of 221% following IFAC. The IgG4 concentration also showed a mean increase of 63%. In contrast, the concentration of IgG1, which has the strongest physiological activity of all IgG subclasses examined, only exhibited an overall mean increase of 1.4%. Conclusion: Our results confirmed that immunoglobulins are incorporated into the fetal circulation following IFAC.
Prenatal Diagnosis of Skeletal Dysplasias: Contribution of Three-Dimensional Computed Tomography
Authors: Ulla Marina , Aiello Horacio , Cobos María Paz , Orioli Iêda , García-Mónaco Ricardo , Etchegaray Adolfo , Igarzábal María Laura , Otaño Lucas
Published: April 2011

Objective: To describe the contribution of 3-dimensional computed tomography (3D-CT) in the prenatal diagnosis of skeletal dysplasias (SD) in a cohort of patients with inconclusive diagnosis by ultrasound (US). Methods: Between May 2007 and February 2010, six pregnant women with suspected fetal SD on US examination but with no specific diagnosis were studied with 3D-CT. The images were evaluated by a multidisciplinary team who proposed a likely diagnosis. Further postnatal workup included clinical and radiological evaluation in all cases. Prenatal and postnatal diagnoses were compared. Results: The use of 3D-CT provided a precise diagnosis confirmed postnatally in 5/6 patients. These included osteogenesis imperfecta type II (n = 2), osteogenesis imperfecta type III (n = 1), chondrodysplasia punctata (n = 1) and thanatophoric dysplasia type I (n = 1). A precise diagnosis could not be made in 1 case – either pre- or postnatally. Conclusion: Prenatal 3D-CT contributed to the diagnosis of the specific fetal SD in the majority of these cases. 3D-CT may have a complementary role to US where fetal SD is suspected, but no specific diagnosis can be made using US alone. Further studies on clinical performance and risk-benefit analysis are needed.
Serum Nitrate/Nitrite Concentration Correlates with Gastric Juice Nitrate/Nitrite: A Possible Marker for Mutagenesis of the Proximal Stomach
Authors: Kishikawa Hiroshi , Nishida Jiro , Ichikawa Hitoshi , Kaida Shogo , Matsukubo Takashi , Miura Soichiro , Morishita Tetsuo , Hibi Toshifumi
Published: April 2011

Background/Aims: In the normal acid-secreting stomach, luminally generated nitric oxide, which contributes to carcinogenesis in the proximal stomach, is associated with the concentration of nitrate plus nitrite (nitrate/nitrite) in gastric juice. We investigated whether the serum nitrate/nitrite concentration is associated with that of gastric juice and whether it can be used as a serum marker. Methods: Serum and gastric juice nitrate/nitrite concentration, Helicobacter pylori antibody, and gastric pH were measured in 176 patients undergoing upper endoscopy. Results: Multiple regression analysis revealed that serum nitrate/nitrite concentration was the best independent predictor of gastric juice nitrate/nitrite concentration. On single regression analysis, serum and gastric juice nitrate/nitrite concentration were significantly correlated, according to the following equation: gastric juice nitrate/nitrite concentration (µmol/l) = 3.93 – 0.54 × serum nitrate/nitrite concentration (µmol/l; correlation coefficient = 0.429, p < 0.001). In analyses confined to subjects with gastric pH less than 2.0, and in those with serum markers suggesting normal acid secretion (pepsinogen-I >30 ng/ml and negative H. pylori antibody), the serum nitrate/nitrite concentration was an independent predictor of the gastric juice nitrate/nitrite concentration (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Measuring the serum nitrate/nitrite concentration has potential in estimating the gastric juice nitrate/nitrite concentration. The serum nitrate/nitrite concentration could be useful as a marker for mutagenesis in the proximal stomach.
Psychological Treatment for Anorexia Nervosa: A Meta-Analysis of Standardized Mean Change
Authors: Hartmann Armin , Weber Stefanie , Herpertz Stephan , Zeeck Almut ,   and the German Treatment Guideline Group for Anorexia Nervosa
Published: April 2011

Background: For the German treatment guidelines for eating disorders, the literature on psychological treatment of anorexia nervosa (AN) was reviewed systematically. As a common meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials proved to be impossible, a review of all available clinical trials was conducted, statistically integrating standardized mean change scores. Research questions comprised differential effects of therapeutic techniques and settings as well as determining which weight gains could be expected. Methods: After an extensive literature search, studies were selected, rated by 3 independent raters. Weight gain as the main outcome criterion was transformed into standardized mean change scores. Effect sizes were checked for homogeneity. Results: 57 studies containing 84 treatment arms and 2,273 patients could be integrated. Studies differed considerably in quality. The strongest bias identified was reporting selectively on completers or failures, versus intention-to-treat samples. No significant differences between effect sizes could be identified concerning treatment setting, technique or patient characteristics. If treatment time is taken into account, inpatient treatment produced a faster weight gain than outpatient treatment. Conclusion: The study describes weight gains which can be reached in outpatient and inpatient settings. It yielded no salient results speaking for a certain therapy technique, setting or procedure. Treatment guidelines for psychological treatment of AN still have to rely on lower level evidence.