bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Controllability of Continuous Bimodal Linear Systems
Authors: Ferrer Josep , Pacha Juan R. , Peña Marta
Published: May 2013

We consider bimodal linear systems consisting of two linear dynamics acting on each side of a given hyperplane, assuming continuity along the separating hyperplane. We prove that the study of controllability can be reduced to the unobservable case, and for these ones we obtain a simple explicit characterization of controllability for dimensions 2 and 3, as well as some partial criteria for higher dimensions.
New Results on Robust Stability and Stabilization of Linear Discrete-Time Stochastic Systems with Convex Polytopic Uncertainties
Authors: Niamsup P. , Rajchakit G.
Published: May 2013

This paper addresses the robust stability for a class of linear discrete-time stochastic systems with convex polytopic uncertainties. The system to be considered is subject to both interval time-varying delays and convex polytopic type uncertainties. Based on the augmented parameter-dependent Lyapunov-Krasovskii functional, new delay-dependent conditions for the robust stability are established in terms of linear matrix inequalities. An application to robust stabilization of linear discrete-time stochastic control systems is given. Numerical examples are included to illustrate the effectiveness of our results.
Optimization Problems of Excess-of-Loss Reinsurance and Investment under the CEV Model
Authors: Li Qicai , Gu Mengdi
Published: May 2013

We consider that the insurer purchases excess-of-loss reinsurance and invests its wealth in the constant elasticity of variance (CEV) stock market. We model risk process by Brownian motion with drift and study the optimization problem of maximizing the exponential utility of terminal wealth under the controls of excess-of-loss reinsurance and investment. Using stochastic control theory and power transformation technique, we obtain explicit expressions for the optimal polices and value function. We also show that the optimal excess-of-loss reinsurance is always better than optimal proportional reinsurance. Some numerical examples are given.
The Effects of Acute Arginine Vasopressin Administration on Social Cognition in Healthy Males
Authors: Kenyon Amanda R. , Alvares Gail A. , Hickie Ian B. , Guastella Adam J.
Published: May 2013

The structurally similar neuropeptides and hormones oxytocin (OT) and arginine vasopressin (AVP) play significant and complex roles in modulating a range of social behaviours, including social recognition and bond formation. Although OT has well-known roles in facilitating prosocial behaviors and enhancing emotion recognition, AVP has received increasing interest for diverging effects on social cognition behaviour most notably in males. The current study aimed to determine whether AVP also modulates the ability to understand emotion. Using a randomised double blind procedure, 45 healthy young males received either an AVP or placebo nasal spray and completed the Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test (RMET). In contrast to previous findings, there were no significant differences observed in performance on the RMET between AVP and placebo groups, even after examining items separated by task difficulty, emotional valence, and gender. This study provides diverging evidence from previous findings and adds to the growing body of research exploring the influence of neuropeptide hormones in social behaviour. It demonstrates that in this sample of participants, AVP does not enhance the ability to understand higher order emotion from others. Implications and suggestions for future AVP administration studies are discussed.
HPTLC-Densitometric Analysis of Eperisone Hydrochloride and Paracetamol in Their Combined Tablet Dosage Form
Authors: Uchadadiya Nirav , Mehta Falgun , Sanchaniya Pinak
Published: May 2013

A simple, precise, accurate, and reliable HPTLC method has been developed and validated for the analysis of EPE-Eperisone hydrochloride and PCM-Paracetamol in their combined dosage form. Identification and analysis were performed on 100 mm × 100 mm layer thickness 0.2 mm, precoated silica gel G60-F254 aluminum sheet, prewashed with methanol, and dried in an oven at 50°C for 5 min. Toluene : methanol : ethyl acetate : glacial acetic acid (4 : 3.5 : 2.5 : 0.05) (v/v/v/v) was used as mobile phase. Calibration plots were established showing the dependence of response (peak area) on the amount chromatographed. The validated calibration ranges were 200–700 ng/spot and 1300–4550 ng/spot for EPE and PCM with correlation coefficient (R2) 0.994 and 0.996, respectively. Average % recovery was between 98.61–100.94% and 99.18–100.57% for EPE and PCM, respectively. The spots were scanned at 248 nm in a reflectance mode. The proposed method was validated as per ICH guidelines and successfully applied to the estimation of EPE and PCM in their combined tablet dosage form.
A Novel Complex: A Quantum Dot Conjugated to an Active T7 RNA Polymerase
Authors: Eriksen Mette , Horvath Peter , Sørensen Michael A. , Semsey Szabolcs , Oddershede Lene B. , Jauffred Liselotte
Published: May 2013

To perform single‐molecule studies of the T7 RNA polymerase, it is crucial to visualize an individual T7 RNA polymerase, for example, through a fluorescent signal. We present a novel complex combining two different molecular functions, an active T7 RNA polymerase and a highly luminescent nanoparticle, a quantum dot. The complex has the advantage of both constituents: the complex can traffic along DNA and simultaneously be visualized, both at the ensemble and at the single‐molecule level. The labeling was mediated through an in vivo biotinylation of a His‐tagged T7 RNA polymerase and subsequent binding of a streptavidin‐coated quantum dot. Our technique allows for easy purification of the quantum dot labeled T7 RNA polymerases from the reactants. Also, the conjugation does not alter the functionality of the polymerase; it retains the ability to bind and transcribe.
Adaptive Integral Observer-Based Synchronization for Chaotic Systems with Unknown Parameters and Disturbances
Authors: Li Xiuchun , Gu Jianhua , Xu Wei
Published: May 2013

Considering the effects of external perturbations on the state vector and the output of the original system, this paper proposes a new adaptive integral observer method to deal with chaos synchronization between the drive and response systems with unknown parameters. The analysis and proof are given by means of the Lyapunov stability theorem and Barbalat lemma. This approach has fewer constraints because many parameters related to chaotic system can be unknown, as shown in the paper. Numerical simulations are performed in the end and the results show that the proposed method is not only suitable to the representative chaotic systems but also applied to some neural network chaotic systems.
Management of Adenocarcinoma in the Setting of Recently Operated Perianal Paget's Disease
Authors: Clark Margaret E. , Schlussel Andrew T. , Gagliano Ronald A.
Published: May 2013

Perianal Paget’s disease only rarely presents with a synchronous invasive anal or rectal cancer. The purpose of this study is to present a case of an otherwise healthy patient who developed perianal Paget’s disease. He was then found to have an invasive rectal adenocarcinoma, after having undergone an extensive resection and reconstruction with a bilateral V-to-Y reconstruction. This report describes an overview of perianal Paget’s disease, the management of this disease in association with anal or rectal cancer, and our patient’s outcome.
Sciatica due to Schwannoma at the Sciatic Notch
Authors: Haspolat Yavuz , Ozkan Feyza Unlu , Turkmen Ismail , Kemah Bahattin , Turhan Yalcin , Sarar Serhan , Ozkan Korhan
Published: May 2013

Schwannomas are rarely seen on the sciatic nerve and can cause sciatica. In this case report we aimed to present an unusual location of schwannoma along sciatic nerve that causes sciatica. A 60-years-old-man was admitted to us with complaints of pain on his thigh and paresthesia on his foot. Radiography of the patient revealed a solitary lesion on the sciatic nerve. The lesion was excised and the symptoms resolved after surgery.
Decreased C3 Activation by thedevRGene-DisruptedMycobacterium tuberculosisStrain in Comparison to the Wild-Type Strain
Authors: Narayan Rao V. , Manivannan S. , Tyagi J. S. , Ramanathan V. D.
Published: May 2013

Activation of the complement component C3 is an important step in the complement cascade, contributing to inflammatory mechanisms. Considerable research on gene-disrupted mycobacterial strains using animal models of tuberculosis infection has reported the roles of some of the mycobacterial genes during tuberculosis infection. The aim of the present study was to assess the pattern of complement activation by thedevRgene-disruptedMycobacterium tuberculosisH37Rv strain and compare with that by its wild-type strain.In vitrocomplement activation at the level of C3 by the gene-disrupted strain, its complemented strain, and wild-type strain was performed using solid-phase ELISA. It was observed that the ability ofdevRgene-disruptedM. tuberculosisH37Rv to activate C3 was significantly reduced in comparison to its wild-type strain (P<0.05). In addition, C3 activation by the complementeddevRmutant strain was almost similar to that of the wild strain, which indicated that the reduced ability to activate C3 could potentially be due to the deletion ofdevRgene. These findings indicate that the genedevRprobably aids in complement activation and contributes to the inflammatory processes during tuberculosis infection.
Sanguinarine Inhibits Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Release by Generation of Reactive Oxygen Species in MCF-7 Human Mammary Adenocarcinoma Cells
Authors: Dong Xian-zhe , Zhang Miao , Wang Kun , Liu Ping , Guo Dai-hong , Zheng Xiao-li , Ge Xiao-yue
Published: May 2013

The inhibitory action and the possible mechanism of anticancer compound Sanguinarine (SAN) on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in human mammary adenocarcinoma cells MCF-7 were evaluated in this study. We exposed MCF-7 to SAN for 24 h, then cell viability was assessed by using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) reduction assay. Human VEGF was measured using a paired antibody quantitative ELISA kit, relative expression of VEGF mRNA was calculated using the real-time PCR studies, and the effect of SAN on the reactive oxygen species (ROS) level was detected by the flow cytometer. Treatment with SAN remarkably inhibited growth of MCF-7 cells and induced cell apoptosis. We found that VEGF release was stimulated by subtoxic concentrations of SAN and inhibited by high dose of SAN, SAN-evoked VEGF release was mimicked by low concentration of H2O2, and SAN-regulated VEGF inhibition was accompanied by increasing of ROS; these changes were abolished by antioxidant. High concentration of SAN inhibited VEGF mRNA expression in MCF-7 cultures, suggesting an effect at transcriptional level, and was also abolished by antioxidant. The present findings indicated that the regulation of VEGF expression and release from MCF-7 cells were possibly through reactive oxygen species evoked by SAN.
On the Low-Rank Approximation Arising in the Generalized Karhunen-Loeve Transform
Authors: Duan Xue-Feng , Wang Qing-Wen , Li Jiao-Fen
Published: May 2013

We consider the low-rank approximation problem arising in the generalized Karhunen-Loeve transform. A sufficient condition for the existence of a solution is derived, and the analytical expression of the solution is given. A numerical algorithm is proposed to compute the solution. The new algorithm is illustrated by numerical experiments.
Bulbs of Period Two in the Family of Chebyshev-Halley Iterative Methods on Quadratic Polynomials
Authors: Cordero Alicia , Torregrosa Juan R. , Vindel Pura
Published: May 2013

The parameter space associated to the parametric family of Chebyshev-Halley on quadratic polynomials shows a dynamical richness worthy of study. This analysis has been initiated by the authors in previous works. Every value of the parameter belonging to the same connected component of the parameter space gives rise to similar dynamical behavior. In this paper, we focus on the search of regions in the parameter space that gives rise to the appearance of attractive orbits of period two.
Determination of Fiber Contents in Blended Textiles by NIR Combined with BP Neural Network
Authors: Liu Li , Yan Li , Xie Yaocheng , Xu Jie
Published: May 2013

Fiber contents in cotton/terylene and cotton/wool blended textiles were tested by near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy combined with back propagation (BP) neural network. Near infrared spectra of samples were obtained in the range of 4000 cm−1~10000 cm−1. Wavelet Transform (WT) was used for noise reduction and compression of spectra data. The correction models of cotton/terylene and cotton/wool contents based on BP neural network and reconstructed spectral signals were established. The number of hidden neurons, learning rate, momentum factor, and learning times was optimized, and decomposition scale of WT was discussed. Experimental results have shown that this approach by Fourier transformation NIR based on the BP neural network to predict the fiber content of textile can satisfy the requirement of quantitative analysis and is also suitable for other fiber content measurements of blended textiles.
Two Novel Quantum-Dot Cellular Automata Full Adders
Authors: Qanbari Mahdie , Sabbaghi-Nadooshan Reza
Published: May 2013

Quantum-dot cellular automata (QCA) is an efficient technology to create computing devices. QCA is a suitable candidate for the next generation of digital systems. Full adders are the main member of computational systems because other operations can be implemented by adders. In this paper, two QCA full adders are introduced. The first one is implemented in one layer, and the second one is implemented in three layers. Five-input majority gate is used in both of them. These full adders are better than pervious designs in terms of area, delay, and complexity.
Basicity of Systems of Sines with Linear Phase in Weighted Sobolev Spaces
Authors: Salmanov V. F. , Safarova A. R.
Published: May 2013

The perturbed systems of sines, which appear when solving some partial differential equations by the Fourier method, are considered in this paper. Basis properties of these systems in weighted Sobolev spaces of functions are studied.
Nanocrystalline N-DopedTiO2Powders: Mild Hydrothermal Synthesis and Photocatalytic Degradation of Phenol under Visible Light Irradiation
Authors: Xu Junna , Wang Feng , Liu Wenxiu , Cao Wenbin
Published: May 2013

Nitrogen-doped TiO2powders have been prepared using technical guanidine hydrochloride, titanyl sulfate, and urea as precursors via a mild hydrothermal method under initial pressure of 3MPa,150∘Cholding for 2h without any postheat treatment for crystallization. The nanocrystalline N-doped TiO2powders were composed of anatase TiO2by XRD. The grain size was estimated as about 10 nm, and the BET specific surface area of the powder was measured as 154.7 m2/g. The UV-visible absorption spectra indicated that the absorption edge of the N-doped TiO2powders had been red shifted into the visible light region. The photocatalytic performance of the synthesized powders was evaluated by degradation of phenol under visible light irradiation. And the effects of the catalyst load and the initial pH value on the photodegradation were also investigated.
Infinitely Many Sign-Changing Solutions for Some Nonlinear Fourth-Order Beam Equations
Authors: Wu Ying , Han Guodong
Published: May 2013

Several new existence theorems on positive, negative, and sign-changing solutions for the following fourth-order beam equation are obtained:u(4)=f(t,u(t)),  t∈[0,1];  u(0)=u(1)=u′′(0)=u′′(1)=0, wheref∈C([0,1]×ℝ1,ℝ1). In particular, an infinitely many sign changing solution theorem is established. The method of the invariant set of decreasing flow is employed to discuss this problem.
Gallstones and Concomitant GastricHelicobacter pyloriInfection
Authors: Attaallah Wafi , Yener Nese , Ugurlu M. Umit , Manukyan Manuk , Asmaz Ebru , Aktan A. Ozdemir
Published: May 2013

Background. The association of gallstones withHelicobacter pylorihas been investigated but not clearly demonstrated. In this study, the presence ofH. pyloriin the gallbladder mucosa of patients with symptomatic gallstones was investigated.Method. Ninety-four consecutive patients with symptomatic gallstone disease were enrolled for the study. Gastroscopy and gastricH. pyloriurease test were done before cholecystectomy to all patients who accepted. After cholecystectomy, the gallbladder tissue was investigated in terms ofH. pyloriby urease test, Giemsa, and immunohistochemical stain.Results. Overall 35 patients (37%) gallbladder mucosa tested positive forH. pyloriwith any of the three tests. Correlation of the three tests Giemsa, IHC, and rapid urease test was significant(rs: 0590,P>0.001). Rapid urease test was positive in the gastric mucosa in 47 (58.7%) patients, and it was positive in the gallbladder mucosa in 21 patients (22%). In 15 patients both gastric and gallbladder tested positive with the urease test. There was significant correlation of rapid urease test in both of gallbladder and gastric mucosa(P=0.0001).Conclusion. Study demonstrates the presence ofH. pyloriin the gallbladders of 37% of patients with symptomatic gallstones.
Will the SAFE Strategy Be Sufficient to Eliminate Trachoma by 2020? Puzzlements and Possible Solutions
Authors: Lavett Diane K. , Lansingh Van C. , Carter Marissa J. , Eckert Kristen A. , Silva Juan C.
Published: May 2013

Since the inception of (the Global Elimination of Blinding Trachoma) GET 2020 in 1997 and the implementation of the SAFE strategy a year later, much progress has been made toward lowering the prevalence of trachoma worldwide with elimination of the disease in some countries. However, high recurrence of trichiasis after surgery, difficulty in controlling the reemergence of infection after mass distribution of azithromycin in some communities, the incomplete understanding of environment in relation to the disease, and the difficulty in establishing the prevalence of the disease in low endemic areas are some of the issues still facing completion of the GET 2020 goals. In this narrative review, literature was searched from 1998 to January 2013 in PubMed for original studies and reviews. Reasons for these ongoing problems are discussed, and several suggestions are made as avenues for exploration in relation to improving the SAFE strategy with emphasis on improving surgical quality and management of the mass treatment with antibiotics. In addition, more research needs to be done to better understand the approach to improve sanitation, hygiene, and environment. The main conclusion of this review is that scale‐up is needed for all SAFE components, and more research should be generated from communities outside of Africa and Asia.
Diverse Effects of Phytoestrogens on the Reproductive Performance: Cow as a Model
Authors: Wocławek-Potocka Izabela , Mannelli Chiara , Boruszewska Dorota , Kowalczyk-Zieba Ilona , Waśniewski Tomasz , Skarżyński Dariusz J.
Published: May 2013

Phytoestrogens, polyphenolic compounds derived from plants, are more and more common constituents of human and animal diets. In most of the cases, these chemicals are much less potent than endogenous estrogens but exert their biological effects via similar mechanisms of action. The most common source of phytoestrogen exposure to humans as well as ruminants is soybean-derived foods that are rich in the isoflavones genistein and daidzein being metabolized in the digestive tract to even more potent metabolites—para-ethyl-phenol and equol. Phytoestrogens have recently come into considerable interest due to the increasing information on their adverse effects in human and animal reproduction, increasing the number of people substituting animal proteins with plant-derived proteins. Finally, the soybean becomes the main source of protein in animal fodder because of an absolute prohibition of bone meal use for animal feeding in 1995 in Europe. The review describes how exposure of soybean-derived phytoestrogens can have adverse effects on reproductive performance in female adults.
Generalized Abel Inversion Using Extended Hat Functions Operational Matrix
Authors: Tripathi Manoj P. , Pandey Ram K. , Baranwal Vipul K. , Singh Om P.
Published: May 2013

Abel type integral equations play a vital role in the study of compressible flows around axially symmetric bodies. The relationship between emissivity and the measured intensity, as measured from the outside cylindrically symmetric, optically thin extended radiation source, is given by this equation as well. The aim of the present paper is to propose a stable algorithm for the numerical inversion of the following generalized Abel integral equation:I(y)=a(y)∫αy((rμ-1ε(r))/(yμ-rμ)γ)dr+b(y)∫yβ((rμ-1ε(r)) /(rμ-yμ)γ)dr,α≤y≤β,0<γ<1, using our newly constructed extended hat functions operational matrix of integration, and give an error analysis of the algorithm. The earlier numerical inversions available for the above equation assumed eithera(y)=0orb(y)=0.
Nonlinear Stability and Convergence of Two-Step Runge-Kutta Methods for Volterra Delay Integro-Differential Equations
Authors: Yuan Haiyan , Song Cheng
Published: May 2013

This paper introduces the stability and convergence of two-step Runge-Kutta methods with compound quadrature formula for solving nonlinear Volterra delay integro-differential equations. First, the definitions of(k,l)-algebraically stable and asymptotically stable are introduced; then the asymptotical stability of a(k,l)-algebraically stable two-step Runge-Kutta method with0<k<1is proved. For the convergence, the concepts ofD-convergence, diagonally stable, and generalized stage order are firstly introduced; then it is proved by some theorems that if a two-step Runge-Kutta method is algebraically stable and diagonally stable and its generalized stage order isp, then the method with compound quadrature formula isD-convergent of order at leastmin{p,ν}, whereνdepends on the compound quadrature formula.
Disease Spread in Coupled Populations: Minimizing Response Strategies Costs in Discrete Time Models
Authors: Alpízar Geisel , Gordillo Luis F.
Published: May 2013

Social distancing, vaccination, and medical treatments have been extensively studied and widely used to control the spread of infectious diseases. However, it is still a difficult task for health administrators to determine the optimal combination of these strategies when confronting disease outbreaks with limited resources, especially in the case of interconnected populations, where the flow of individuals is usually restricted with the hope of avoiding further contamination. We consider two coupled populations and examine them independently under two variants of well-known discrete time disease models. In both examples we compute approximations for the control levels necessary to minimize costs and quickly contain outbreaks. The main technique used is simulated annealing, a stochastic search optimization tool that, in contrast with traditional analytical methods, allows easy implementation to any number of patches with different kinds of couplings and internal dynamics.
Hepatoprotective Role of Ethanolic Extract ofVitex negundoin Thioacetamide-Induced Liver Fibrosis in Male Rats
Authors: Kadir Farkaad A. , Kassim Normadiah M. , Abdulla Mahmood A. , Yehye Wageeh A.
Published: May 2013

The hepatoprotective activity of ethanolic extract from the leaves ofVitex negundo(VN) was conducted against thioacetamide- (TAA-) induced hepatic injury inSprague Dawleyrats. The therapeutic effect of the extract was investigated on adult male rats. Rats were divided into seven groups: control, TAA, Silymarin (SY), and VN high dose and low dose groups. Rats were administered with VN extract at two different doses, 100 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg body weight. After 12 weeks, the rats administered with VN showed a significantly lower liver to body weight ratio. Their abnormal levels of biochemical parameters and liver malondialdehyde were restored closer to the normal levels and were comparable to the levels in animals treated with the standard drug, SY. Gross necropsy and histopathological examination further confirmed the results. Progression of liver fibrosis induced by TAA in rats was intervened by VN extract administration, and these effects were similar to those administered with SY. This is the first report on hepatoprotective effect of VN against TAA-induced liver fibrosis.
The Clinical Relevance of Force Platform Measures in Multiple Sclerosis: A Review
Authors: Prosperini Luca , Pozzilli Carlo
Published: May 2013

Balance impairment and falls are frequent in patients with multiple sclerosis (PwMS), and they may occur even at the earliest stage of the disease and in minimally impaired patients. The introduction of computer-based force platform measures (i.e., static and dynamic posturography) has provided an objective and sensitive tool to document both deficits and improvements in balance. By using more challenging test conditions, force platform measures can also reveal subtle balance disorders undetectable by common clinical scales. Furthermore, posturographic techniques may also allow to reliably identify PwMS who are at risk of accidental falls. Although force platform measures offer several theoretical advantages, only few studies extensively investigated their role in better managing PwMS. Standardised procedures, as well as clinical relevance of changes detected by static or dynamic posturography, are still lacking. In this review, we summarized studies which investigated balance deficit by means of force platform measures, focusing on their ability in detecting patients at high risk of falls and in estimating rehabilitation-induced changes, highlighting the pros and the cons with respect to clinical scales.
Embedding Effect on the Mechanical Stability of Pressurised Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Sato Motohiro , Taira Hisao , Ikeda Tetsuro , Shima Hiroyuki
Published: May 2013

We elaborate on the cross‐sectional deformation of carbon nanotubes embedded into a self‐contracting host medium. The continuum elastic approach is used to formulate the mechanical energy of both the embedded nanotubes and the self‐contracting outer medium with finite thickness. Our formula allows us to evaluate the critical radial pressure applied on the interface between the embedded nanotube and the outer contracting medium as well as the deformation mode that arises immediately above the critical pressure.
An interesting mechanical implication of the embedding effect, that is, the power‐law dependence of the critical pressure on the elastic
modulus of the medium, is deduced by the theoretical approach established.
Analysis off(R)Theory Corresponding to NADE and NHDE
Authors: Sharif M. , Zubair M.
Published: May 2013

We develop the connection off(R)theory with new agegraphic and holographic dark energy models. The functionf(R)is reconstructed regarding thef(R)theory as an effective description for these dark energy models. We show the future evolution offand conclude that these functions represent distinct pictures of cosmological eras. The cosmological parameters such as equation of state parameter, deceleration parameter, statefinder diagnostic, andw−w′analysis are investigated which assure the evolutionary paradigm off.
Influence of Physical and Chemical Modification on the Optical Rotatory Dispersion and Biological Activity of Chitosan Films
Authors: Shipovskaya A. B. , Fomina V. I. , Rudenko D. A. , Shchyogolev S. Yu.
Published: May 2013

The optical and bactericidal properties of acetic and basic chitosan films were studied. By the ORD technique, we found that these films differed in the values of their specific optical rotation[α]and of their rotary and dispersive constants. A sign inversion of[α]was observed when the acetic chitosan films were heat-treated. The bactericidal activity of the initial and dehydrated acetic films was analyzed, and their moisture content and optical and biological activities were compared.
h-Stability for Differential Systems Relative to Initial Time Difference
Authors: Wang Peiguang , Liu Xiaowei
Published: May 2013

This paper investigates the relationship between an unperturbed differential system and a perturbed differential system that have initial time difference. Notions ofh-stability for differential systems with initial time difference are introduced, and stability criteria are formulated by using variation of parameter techniques.
On Characterizations of Fourier Frames and Tilings
Authors: Ding Dao-Xin , Li Hai-Xiong
Published: May 2013

We give some characterizations of Fourier frames and tilings and obtain a more general form of characterizations of spectra and tilings.
Role of Candidate Genes Regulating Uterine Prostaglandins Biosynthesis for Maternal Recognition of Pregnancy in Domestic Animals
Authors: Kumar Rohit , Ramteke P. W. , Nath Amar , Pramod R. Kumar , Singh Satyendra P. , Sharma Sanjeev Kumar , Kumar Sandeep
Published: May 2013

The survivability and opportunity of successful development of an embryo are influenced directly or indirectly by factors controlling uterine microenvironment. Out of all factors, hormones such as prostaglandins (PGs) released during the preimplantation period influence molecular interactions involved in maintenance of pregnancy through reciprocal interactions between the conceptus and endometrium. PGs are important regulators of female reproductive functions, namely, ovulation, uterine receptivity, implantation, and parturition. Among different classes of PGs, prostaglandin F2α(PGF2α) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) are main prostanoids produced by human and bovine endometrium for successful growth and development of the posthatching blastocyst. In ruminants, PGF2αproduced by endometrium is the major luteolytic agent, whereas PGE2 has luteoprotective and antiluteolytic properties. Therefore, the development and maintenance of the corpus luteum (CL), as well as establishment of pregnancy, depend on the balance of luteolytic PGF2αand luteotropic PGE2. In this review, we discussed the expression and function of genes which predominantly regulate the synthesis and their secretion of PGF2αand PGES, namely, PGFS (AKR1B5/AKR1C3), PGES, PGFR, and COX-2.
Geometrically Nonlinear Static Analysis of Edge Cracked Timoshenko Beams Composed of Functionally Graded Material
Authors: Akbaş Şeref Doğuşcan
Published: May 2013

Geometrically nonlinear static analysis of edge cracked cantilever Timoshenko beams composed of functionally graded material (FGM) subjected to a nonfollower transversal point load at the free end of the beam is studied with large displacements and large rotations. Material properties of the beam change in the height direction according to exponential distributions. The cracked beam is modeled as an assembly of two subbeams connected through a massless elastic rotational spring. In the study, the finite element of the beam is constructed by using the total Lagrangian Timoshenko beam element approximation. The nonlinear problem is solved by using incremental displacement-based finite element method in conjunction with Newton-Raphson iteration method. The convergence study is performed for various numbers of finite elements. In the study, the effects of the location of crack, the depth of the crack, and various material distributions on the nonlinear static response of the FGM beam are investigated in detail. Also, the difference between the geometrically linear and nonlinear analysis of edge cracked FGM beam is investigated in detail.
The Use of Phase Lag and Amplification Error Derivatives for the Construction of a Modified Runge-Kutta-Nyström Method
Authors: Papadopoulos D. F. , Simos T. E.
Published: May 2013

A new modified Runge-Kutta-Nyström method of fourth algebraic order is developed. The new modified RKN method is based on the fitting of the coefficients, due to the nullification not only of the phase lag and of the amplification error, but also of their derivatives. Numerical results indicate that the new modified method is much more efficient than other methods derived for solving numerically the Schrödinger equation.
Anisotropic Diffusion for Details Enhancement in Multiexposure Image Fusion
Authors: Singh Harbinder , Kumar Vinay , Bhooshan Sunil
Published: May 2013

We develop a multiexposure image fusion method based on texture features, which exploits the edge preserving and intraregion smoothing property of nonlinear diffusion filters based on partial differential equations (PDE). With the captured multiexposure image series, we first decompose images into base layers and detail layers to extract sharp details and fine details, respectively. The magnitude of the gradient of the image intensity is utilized to encourage smoothness at homogeneous regions in preference to inhomogeneous regions. Then, we have considered texture features of the base layer to generate a mask (i.e., decision mask) that guides the fusion of base layers in multiresolution fashion. Finally, well-exposed fused image is obtained that combines fused base layer and the detail layers at each scale across all the input exposures. Proposed algorithm skipping complex High Dynamic Range Image (HDRI) generation and tone mapping steps to produce detail preserving image for display on standard dynamic range display devices. Moreover, our technique is effective for blending flash/no-flash image pair and multifocus images, that is, images focused on different targets.
Attenuating Cardiac Pulsations within the Cochlea: Structure and Function of Tortuous Vessels Feeding Stria Vascularis
Authors: Carraro Mattia , Negandhi Jaina , Kuthubutheen Jafri , Propst Evan J. , Kus Lukas , Lin Vincent Y. W. , Harrison Robert V.
Published: May 2013

The mammalian ear has an extraordinary capacity to detect very low-level acoustic signals from the environment. Sound pressures as low as a few μPa (−10 dB SPL) can activate cochlear hair cells. To achieve this sensitivity, biological noise has to be minimized including that generated by cardiovascular pulsation. Generally, cardiac pressure changes are transmitted to most peripheral capillary beds; however, such signals within the stria vascularis of the cochlea would be highly disruptive. Not least, it would result in a constant auditory sensation of heartbeat. We investigate special adaptations in cochlear vasculature that serve to attenuate cardiac pulse signals. We describe the structure of tortuous arterioles that feed stria vascularis as seen in corrosion casts of the cochlea. We provide a mathematical model to explain the role of this unique vascular anatomy in dampening pulsatile blood flow to the stria vascularis.
Comparative Transcriptional Profiling of Two Contrasting Barley Genotypes under Salinity Stress during the Seedling Stage
Authors: Gao Runhong , Duan Ke , Guo Guimei , Du Zhizhao , Chen Zhiwei , Li Liang , He Ting , Lu Ruiju , Huang Jianhua
Published: May 2013

Salinity is one of the major abiotic stresses that affect crop productivity. Identification of the potential novel genes responsible for salt tolerance in barley will contribute to understanding the molecular mechanism of barley responses to salt stress. We compared changes in transcriptome between Hua 11 (a salt-tolerant genotype) and Hua 30 (a salt sensitive genotype) in response to salt stress at the seedling stage using barley cDNA microarrays. In total, 557 and 247 salt-responsive genes were expressed exclusively in the shoot and root tissue of the salt-tolerant genotype, respectively. Among these genes, a number of signal-related genes, transcription factors and compatible solutes were identified and some of these genes were carefully discussed. Notably, a LysM RLK was firstly found involved in salt stress response. Moreover, key enzymes in the pathways of jasmonic acid biosynthesis, lipid metabolism and indole-3-acetic acid homeostasis were specifically affected by salt stress in salt tolerance genotype. These salt-responsive genes and biochemical pathways identified in this study could provide further information for understanding the mechanisms of salt tolerance in barley.
Identification and Analysis of In Vivo VEGF Downstream Markers Link VEGF Pathway Activity with Efficacy of Anti-VEGF Therapies
Authors: Brauer Matthew J. , Zhuang Guanglei , Schmidt Maike , Yao Jenny , Wu Xiumin , Kaminker Joshua S. , Jurinka Stefanie S. , Kolumam Ganesh , Chung Alicia S. , Jubb Adrian , Modrusan Zora , Ozawa Tomoko , James C. David , Phillips Heidi , Haley Benjamin , Tam Rachel N.W. , Clermont Anne C. , Cheng Jason H. , Yang Sherry X. , Swain Sandra M. , Chen Daniel , Scherer Stefan J. , Koeppen Hartmut , Yeh Ru-Fang , Yue Peng , Stephan Jean-Philippe , Hegde Priti , Ferrara Napoleone , Singh Mallika , Bais Carlos
Published: May 2013

Purpose: The aim of this study was to identify conserved pharmacodynamic and potential predictive biomarkers of response to anti-VEGF therapy using gene expression profiling in preclinical tumor models and in patients.

Experimental Design: Surrogate markers of VEGF inhibition [VEGF-dependent genes or VEGF-dependent vasculature (VDV)] were identified by profiling gene expression changes induced in response to VEGF blockade in preclinical tumor models and in human biopsies from patients treated with anti-VEGF monoclonal antibodies. The potential value of VDV genes as candidate predictive biomarkers was tested by correlating high or low VDV gene expression levels in pretreatment clinical samples with the subsequent clinical efficacy of bevacizumab (anti-VEGF)-containing therapy.

Results: We show that VDV genes, including direct and more distal VEGF downstream endothelial targets, enable detection of VEGF signaling inhibition in mouse tumor models and human tumor biopsies. Retrospective analyses of clinical trial data indicate that patients with higher VDV expression in pretreatment tumor samples exhibited improved clinical outcome when treated with bevacizumab-containing therapies.

Conclusions: In this work, we identified surrogate markers (VDV genes) for in vivo VEGF signaling in tumors and showed clinical data supporting a correlation between pretreatment VEGF bioactivity and the subsequent efficacy of anti-VEGF therapy. We propose that VDV genes are candidate biomarkers with the potential to aid the selection of novel indications as well as patients likely to respond to anti-VEGF therapy. The data presented here define a diagnostic biomarker hypothesis based on translational research that warrants further evaluation in additional retrospective and prospective trials. Clin Cancer Res; 19(13); 3681–92. ©2013 AACR.
Vaccination with Dendritic Cell/Tumor Fusions following Autologous Stem Cell Transplant Induces Immunologic and Clinical Responses in Multiple Myeloma Patients
Authors: Rosenblatt Jacalyn , Avivi Irit , Vasir Baldev , Uhl Lynne , Munshi Nikhil C. , Katz Tami , Dey Bimalangshu R. , Somaiya Poorvi , Mills Heidi , Campigotto Federico , Weller Edie , Joyce Robin , Levine James D. , Tzachanis Dimitrios , Richardson Paul , Laubach Jacob , Raje Noopur , Boussiotis Vassiliki , Yuan Yan Emily , Bisharat Lina , Held Viki , Rowe Jacob , Anderson Kenneth , Kufe Donald , Avigan David
Published: May 2013

Purpose: A multiple myeloma vaccine has been developed whereby patient-derived tumor cells are fused with autologous dendritic cells, creating a hybridoma that stimulates a broad antitumor response. We report on the results of a phase II trial in which patients underwent vaccination following autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) to target minimal residual disease.

Experimental Design: Twenty-four patients received serial vaccinations with dendritic cell/myeloma fusion cells following posttransplant hematopoietic recovery. A second cohort of 12 patients received a pretransplant vaccine followed by posttransplant vaccinations. Dendritic cells generated from adherent mononuclear cells cultured with granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor, interleukin-4, and TNF-α were fused with autologous bone marrow–derived myeloma fusion cells using polyethylene glycol. Fusion cells were quantified by determining the percentage of cells that coexpress dendritic cell and myeloma fusion antigens.

Results: The posttransplant period was associated with reduction in general measures of cellular immunity; however, an increase in CD4 and CD8+ myeloma-specific T cells was observed after ASCT that was significantly expanded following posttransplant vaccination. Seventy-eight percent of patients achieved a best response of complete response (CR)+very good partial response (VGPR) and 47% achieved a CR/near CR (nCR). Remarkably, 24% of patients who achieved a partial response following transplant were converted to CR/nCR after vaccination and at more than 3 months posttransplant, consistent with a vaccine-mediated effect on residual disease.

Conclusions: The posttransplant period for patients with multiple myeloma provides a unique platform for cellular immunotherapy in which vaccination with dendritic cell/myeloma fusion fusions resulted in the marked expansion of myeloma-specific T cells and cytoreduction of minimal residual disease. Clin Cancer Res; 19(13); 3640–8. ©2013 AACR.
Src Mediates Cigarette Smoke–Induced Resistance to Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors in NSCLC Cells
Authors: Filosto Simone , Baston David S. , Chung Samuel , Becker Cathleen R. , Goldkorn Tzipora
Published: May 2013

The EGF receptor (EGFR) is a proto-oncogene commonly dysregulated in several cancers including non–small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) and, thus, is targeted for treatment using tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) such as erlotinib. However, despite the efficacy observed in patients with NSCLC harboring oncogenic variants of the EGFR, general ineffectiveness of TKIs in patients with NSCLC who are current and former smokers necessitates identification of novel mechanisms to overcome this phenomenon. Previously, we showed that NSCLC cells harboring either wild-type (WT) EGFR or oncogenic mutant (MT) L858R EGFR become resistant to the effects of TKIs when exposed to cigarette smoke, evidenced by their autophosphorylation and prolonged downstream signaling. Here, we present Src as a target mediating cigarette smoke–induced resistance to TKIs in both WT EGFR- and L858R MT EGFR–expressing NSCLC cells. First, we show that cigarette smoke exposure of A549 cells leads to time-dependent activation of Src, which then abnormally binds to the WT EGFR causing TKI resistance, contrasting previous observations of constitutive binding between inactive Src and TKI-sensitive L858R MT EGFR. Next, we show that Src inhibition restores TKI sensitivity in cigarette smoke–exposed NSCLC cells, preventing EGFR autophosphorylation in the presence of erlotinib. Furthermore, we show that overexpression of a dominant-negative Src (Y527F/K295R) restores TKI sensitivity to A549 exposed to cigarette smoke. Importantly, the TKI resistance that emerges even in cigarette smoke–exposed L858R EGFR–expressing NSCLC cells could be eliminated with Src inhibition. Together, these findings offer new rationale for using Src inhibitors for treating TKI-resistant NSCLC commonly observed in smokers. Mol Cancer Ther; 12(8); 1579–90. ©2013 AACR.
CXCR4-Targeted Therapy Inhibits VEGF Expression and Chondrosarcoma Angiogenesis and Metastasis
Authors: Sun Xiaojuan , Charbonneau Cherie , Wei Lei , Yang Wentian , Chen Qian , Terek Richard M.
Published: May 2013

Chondrosarcoma is notable for its lack of response to conventional cytotoxic chemotherapy, propensity for developing lung metastases, and poor survival. Therefore, a better understanding of angiogenic and metastatic pathways is needed. Multiple pathways regulate angiogenesis and metastasis, including chemokines and their receptors. In this study, we investigated chemokine (C-X-C motif) receptor 4 (CXCR4) signaling in chondrosarcoma and tested the hypotheses that CXCR4 inhibition suppresses tumor angiogenesis and metastasis. CXCR4 expression, analyzed by real-time PCR and Western blot, was increased in human chondrosarcoma cell line JJ compared with normal chondrocytes and was further increased in JJ by hypoxia (2% O2), vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA; 10 ng/mL), and in xenograft tumors in nude mice. The CXCR4 ligand CXCL12 (10 ng/mL) doubled secreted VEGFA, measured with ELISA, under hypoxic conditions and this conditioned media increased human umbilical vein endothelial cell tube formation. These effects were inhibited by CXCR4 siRNA or AMD3100 (5 μg/mL). In a xenograft mouse model, four weeks of AMD3100 treatment (1.25 mg/kg, intraperitoneally twice daily) inhibited tumor angiogenesis, tumor growth, and metastasis. VEGFA content in tumor extracts was decreased (7.19 ± 0.52 ng/mL control vs. 3.96 ± 0.66 treatment) and bioimaging of angiogenesis was decreased by 56%. Tumor volumes averaged 4.44 ± 0.68 cm3 in control compared with 2.48 ± 0.61 cm3 in the treatment group. The number of lung metastatic nodules was 23 ± 9 in control compared with 10 ± 6 in the treatment group (N = 8/group). Therefore, CXCR4-targeted therapy may be a treatment strategy for chondrosarcoma. Mol Cancer Ther; 12(7); 1163–70. ©2013 AACR.
Polo-like Kinase Inhibitor Ro5203280 Has Potent Antitumor Activity in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma
Authors: Cheung Arthur Kwok Leung , Yan Ip Joseph Chok , Lung Hong Lok , Wu Jim Zhen , Tsao Sai Wah , Lung Maria Li
Published: May 2013

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma is a cancer with its highest prevalence among the southern Chinese and is rare elsewhere in the world. The main treatment modalities include chemotherapy and radiotherapy. However, tumor chemoresistance often limits the efficacy of nasopharyngeal carcinoma treatment and reduces survival rates. Thus, identifying new selective chemotherapeutic drugs for nasopharyngeal carcinoma treatment is needed. In this current study, the antitumor efficacy of a polo-like kinase inhibitor, Ro5203280, was investigated. Ro5203280 induces tumor suppression both in vitro and in vivo. An inhibitory effect was observed with the highly proliferating cancer cell lines tested, but not with the nontumorigenic cell line. Real-time cell proliferation and fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) analysis, together with immunohistochemical (IHC), immunofluorescence, and Annexin V staining assays, were used to evaluate the impact of drug treatment on cell cycle and apoptosis. Ro5203280 induces G2–M cell-cycle arrest and apoptosis. Western blotting shows it inhibits PLK1 phosphorylation and downregulates the downstream signaling molecule, Cdc25c, and upregulates two important mitosis regulators, Wee1 and Securin, as well as the DNA damage-related factor Chk2 in vitro and in vivo. In vivo tumorigenicity assays with Ro5203280 intravenous injection showed its potent ability to inhibit tumor growth in mice, with no observable signs of toxicity. These findings suggest the potential usefulness of Ro5203280 as a chemotherapeutic targeting drug for nasopharyngeal carcinoma treatment. Mol Cancer Ther; 12(8); 1393–401. ©2013 AACR.