bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Succinct ordinal trees based on tree covering
Authors: He Meng , Munro J. Ian , Satti Srinivasa Rao
Published: October 2012

Various methods have been used to represent a tree on
n
nodes in essentially the information-theoretic minimum space while supporting various navigational operations in constant time, but different representations usually support different operations. Our main contribution is a succinct representation of ordinal trees, based on that of Geary et al. [2006], that supports all the navigational operations supported by various succinct tree representations while requiring only 2
n
+
o
(
n
) bits. It also supports efficient level-order traversal, a useful ordering previously supported only with a very limited set of operations.

Our second contribution expands on the notion of a single succinct representation supporting more than one traversal ordering, by showing that our method supports two other encoding schemes as abstract data types. In particular, it supports extracting a word (
O
(lg
n
) bits) of the balanced parenthesis sequence or depth first unary degree sequence in
O
(
f
(
n
)) time, using at most
n
/
f
(
n
)+
o
(
n
) additional bits, for any
f
(
n
) in
O
(lg
n
) and Ω(1).
Integrating Memory Optimization with Mapping Algorithms for Multi-Processors System-on-Chip
Authors: Girodias Bruno , Iugan Luiza Gheorghe , Bouchebaba Youcef , Nicolescu Gabriela , Abouhamid El Mostapha , Langevin Michel , Paulin Pierre
Published: October 2012

Due to their great ability to parallelize at a very high integration level, Multi-Processors Systems-on-Chip (MPSoCs) are good candidates for systems and applications such as multimedia. Memory is becoming a key player for significant improvements in these applications (power, performance and area). The large amount of data manipulated by these applications requires high-capacity computing and memory. Lately, new programming models have been introduced. This leads to the need of new optimization and mapping techniques suitable for embedded systems and their programming models. This article presents novel approaches for combining memory optimization with mapping of data-driven applications while considering anti-dependence conflicts. Two different approaches are studied and integrated with existing mapping algorithms. The first approach (based on heuristic algorithms) keeps the graph transformation for memory optimization stage from the mapping stage and enables their combination in a design flow. The second approach (based on evolutionary algorithms) combines these two stages and integrates them in a unique stage. Some significant improvements are obtained for memory gain, communication load and physical links.
Network-Level Power-Performance Trade-Off in Wearable Activity Recognition
Authors: Zappi Piero , Roggen Daniel , Farella Elisabetta , Tröster Gerhard , Benini Luca
Published: October 2012

Wearable gesture recognition enables context aware applications and unobtrusive HCI. It is realized by applying machine learning techniques to data from on-body sensor nodes. We present an gesture recognition system minimizing power while maintaining a run-time application defined performance target through dynamic sensor selection.

Compared to the non managed approach optimized for recognition accuracy (95% accuracy), our technique can extend network lifetime by 4 times with accuracy >90% and by 9 times with accuracy >70%. We characterize the approach and outline its applicability to other scenarios.
Push- and pull-based epidemic spreading in networks
Authors: Xu Shouhuai , Lu Wenlian , Xu Li
Published: October 2012

Understanding the dynamics of computer virus (malware, worm) in cyberspace is an important problem that has attracted a fair amount of attention. Early investigations for this purpose adapted biological epidemic models, and thus inherited the so-called homogeneity assumption that each node is equally connected to others. Later studies relaxed this often unrealistic homogeneity assumption, but still focused on certain power-law networks. Recently, researchers investigated epidemic models inarbitrarynetworks (i.e., no restrictions on network topology). However, all these models only capturepush-basedinfection, namely that an infectious node always actively attempts to infect its neighboring nodes. Very recently, the concept ofpull-basedinfection was introduced but was not treated rigorously. Along this line of research, the present article investigates push- and pull-based epidemic spreading dynamics in arbitrary networks, using a nonlinear dynamical systems approach. The article advances the state-of-the-art as follows: (1) It presents a more general and powerful sufficient condition (also known as epidemic threshold in the literature) under which the spreading will become stable. (2) It gives both upper and lower bounds on the global mean infection rate, regardless of the stability of the spreading. (3) It offers insights into, among other things, the estimation of the global mean infection rate through localized monitoring of a smallconstantnumber of nodes,withoutknowing the values of the parameters.
Memory optimization of dynamic binary translators for embedded systems
Authors: Guha Apala , Hazelwood Kim , Soffa Mary Lou
Published: October 2012

Dynamic binary translators (DBTs) are becoming increasingly important because of their power and flexibility. DBT-based services are valuable for all types of platforms. However, the high memory demands of DBTs present an obstacle for embedded systems. Most research on DBT design has a performance focus, which often drives up the DBT memory demand. In this article, we present a memory-oriented approach to DBT design. We consider the class of translation-based DBTs and their sources of memory demand; cached translated code, cached auxiliary code and DBT data structures. We explore aspects of DBT design that impact these memory demand sources and present strategies to mitigate memory demand. We also explore performance optimizations for DBTs that handle memory demand by placing a limit on it, and repeatedly flush translations to stay within the limit, thereby replacing the memory demand problem with a performance degradation problem. Our optimizations that mitigate memory demand improve performance.
Planning for Reasoning with Multiple Common Sense Knowledge Bases
Authors: Kuo Yen-Ling , Hsu Jane Yung-Jen
Published: October 2012

Intelligent user interfaces require common sense knowledge to bridge the gap between the functionality of applications and the user’s goals. While current reasoning methods have been used to provide contextual information for interface agents, the quality of their reasoning results is limited by the coverage of their underlying knowledge bases. This article presents
reasoning composition
, a planning-based approach to integrating reasoning methods from multiple common sense knowledge bases to answer queries. The reasoning results of one reasoning method are passed to other reasoning methods to form a reasoning chain to the target context of a query. By leveraging different weak reasoning methods, we are able to find answers to queries that cannot be directly answered by querying a single common sense knowledge base. By conducting experiments on ConceptNet and WordNet, we compare the reasoning results of reasoning composition, directly querying merged knowledge bases, and spreading activation. The results show an 11.03% improvement in coverage over directly querying merged knowledge bases and a 49.7% improvement in accuracy over spreading activation. Two case studies are presented, showing how reasoning composition can improve performance of retrieval in a video editing system and a dialogue assistant.
Enabling content-aware traffic engineering
Authors: Poese Ingmar , Frank Benjamin , Smaragdakis Georgios , Uhlig Steve , Feldmann Anja , Maggs Bruce
Published: October 2012

Today, a large fraction of Internet traffic is originated by Content Delivery Networks (CDNs). To cope with increasing demand for content, CDNs have deployed massively distributed infrastructures. These deployments pose challenges for CDNs as they have to dynamically map end-users to appropriate servers without being full+y aware of the network conditions within an Internet Service Provider (ISP) or the end-user location. On the other hand, ISPs struggle to cope with rapid traffic shifts caused by the dynamic server selection policies of the CDNs.

The challenges that CDNs and ISPs face separately can be turned into an opportunity for collaboration. We argue that it is sufficient for CDNs and ISPs to coordinate only in server selection, not routing, in order to perform traffic engineering. To this end, we propose Content-aware Traffic Engineering (CaTE), which dynamically adapts server selection for content hosted by CDNs using ISP recommendations on small time scales. CaTE relies on the observation that by selecting an appropriate server among those available to deliver the content, the path of the traffic in the network can be influenced in a desired way. We present the design and implementation of a prototype to realize CaTE, and show how CDNs and ISPs can jointly take advantage of the already deployed distributed hosting infrastructures and path diversity, as well as the ISP detailed view of the network status without revealing sensitive operational information. By relying on tier-1 ISP traces, we show that CaTE allows CDNs to enhance the end-user experience while enabling an ISP to achieve several traffic engineering goals.
The case for a rigorous approach to automating software operations and management of large-scale sensor networks
Authors: Tilak Sameer S. , Papadopoulos Philip
Published: October 2012

Software Operations and Management (O&M) i.e., installing, configuring, and updating thousands of software components within a conventional Data Center is a well-understood issue. Existing frameworks such as the Rocks toolkit have revolutionized the way system administrators deploy and manage large-scale compute clusters, storage servers, and visualization facilities. However, existing tools like Rocks are designed for a "friendly" Data Center environment where stable power along with high-performance compute, storage, and networking is the norm. In contrast, sensor networks are embedded deeply within the harsh physical environment where node failures, node mobility and idiosyncrasies of wireless networks are the norm. In addition, device heterogeneity and resource-constrained nature (e.g., power, memory, CPU capability) of the sensor cyberinfrastructure (CI) are realities that must be addressed and reconciled. Although sensor CI must be more adaptable and more-rapidly reconfigurable than the data center equivalents, few if any of the existing software O&M tools and techniques have been adapted to the significantly more challenging environment of sensor networks. A more automated approach to software O&M would provide significant benefits to system builders, operators, and sensor network researchers. We argue that by starting with software O&M techniques developed for data centers, and then adapting and extending them to the world of resource-constrained sensor networks, we will be able to provide robust and scientifically reproducible mechanisms for defining the software footprint of individual sensors and networks of sensors. This paper describes the current golden-image based software O&M practice in Android world. We then propose an approach that adapts the Rocks toolkit to allow one to rapidly and reliably build complete Android environments (firmware flashes) at the individual sensor level and extend to a large networks of diverse sensors.
Numerical Recovery of Gas Flows in Pipeline Systems
Authors: Seleznev Vadim E.
Published: October 2012

Optimal control, prevention and investigation of accidents, and detection of discrepancies in estimated gas supply and distribution volumes are relevant problems of trunkline operation. Efficient dealing with these production tasks is based on the numerical recovery of spacetime distribution of nonisothermal transient flow parameters of transmitted gas mixtures based on full‐scale measurements in a substantially limited number of localities spaced considerable distances apart along the gas pipelines. The paper describes a practical method of such recovery by defining and solving a special identification problem. Simulations of product flow parameters in extended branched pipelines, involving calculations of the target function and constraint function for the identification problem of interest, are done in the 1D statement. In conclusion, results of practical application of the method in the gas industry are briefly discussed.
Protegrin-1 Inhibits Dengue NS2B-NS3 Serine Protease and Viral Replication in MK2 Cells
Authors: Rothan Hussin A. , Abdulrahman Ammar Y. , Sasikumer Pottayil G. , Othman Shatrah , Abd Rahman Noorsaadah , Yusof Rohana
Published: October 2012

Dengue diseases have an economic as well as social burden worldwide. In this study, the antiviral activity of protegrin-1 (PG-1, RGGRLCYCRRRFCVCVGR) peptide towards dengue NS2B-NS3pro and viral replication in Rhesus monkey kidney (MK2) cells was investigated. The peptide PG-1 was synthesized by solid-phase peptide synthesis, and disulphide bonds formation followed by peptide purification was confirmed by LC-MS and RPHPLC. Dengue NS2B-NS3pro was produced as a single-chain recombinant protein inE. coli. The NS2B-NS3pro assay was carried out by measuring the florescence emission of catalyzed substrate. Real-time PCR was used to evaluate the inhibition potential of PG-1 towards dengue serotype-2 (DENV-2) replication in MK2 cells. The results showed that PG-1 inhibited dengue NS2B-NS3pro at IC50of 11.7 μM. The graded concentrations of PG-1 at nontoxic range were able to reduce viral replication significantly (P<0.001) at 24, 48, and 72 hrs after viral infection. However, the percentage of inhibition was significantly (P<0.01) higher at 24 hrs compared to 48 and 72 hrs. These data show promising therapeutic potential of PG-1 against dengue infection, hence it warrants further analysis and improvement of the peptide features as a prospective starting point for consideration in designing attractive dengue virus inhibitors.
Treatment of Mycoplasma Contamination in Cell Cultures with Plasmocin
Authors: Uphoff Cord C. , Denkmann Sabine-A. , Drexler Hans G.
Published: October 2012

A high percentage of cell lines are chronically infected with various mycoplasma species. The addition of antibiotics that are particularly effective against these contaminants to the culture medium during a limited period of time is a simple, inexpensive, and very practical approach for decontaminating cell cultures. Here, we examined the effectiveness of the new antimycoplasma compound Plasmocin that has been employed routinely to cleanse chronically infected cell lines. In a first round of treatment 45 out of 58 (78%) mycoplasma-positive cell lines could be cured. In a second attempt using back-up cryopreserved original cells, four additional cell lines were cured; thus, the overall cure rate was 84%. Even if the mycoplasma contamination was not eradicated by Plasmocin, the parallel treatment with several other antibiotics (Baytril, BM-Cyclin, Ciprobay, MRA, or MycoZap) led to the cure of all 58 cell lines. The successful decontamination was permanent as mycoplasmas were no longer detected at day +14 posttreatment and at later time points as examined by PCR which is the most sensitive and specific mycoplasma detection method. Collectively, our results highlight certain antibiotics as effective antimycoplasma reagents and support the therapeutic rationale for their use in the eradication of this notorious cell culture contaminant.
A New Candidate Substrate for Cell-Matrix Adhesion Study: The Acellular Human Amniotic Matrix
Authors: Guo Qianchen , Lu Xuya , Xue Yuan , Zheng Hong , Zhao Xiaotao , Zhao Huajian
Published: October 2012

In vivoadhesions between cells and the extracellular matrix play a crucial role in cell differentiation, proliferation, and migration as well as tissue remodeling. Natural three-dimensional (3D) matrices, such as self-assembling matrices and Matrigel, have limitations in terms of their biomechanical properties. Here, we present a simple method to produce an acellular human amniotic matrix (AHAM) with preserved biomechanical properties and a favorable adhesion potential. On the stromal side of the AHAM, human foreskin fibroblasts (HFFs) attached and extended with bipolar spindle-shaped morphology proliferated to multilayer networks, invaded into the AHAM, and migrated in a straight line. Moreover,αV integrin, paxillin, and fibronectin were observed to colocalize after 24 h of HFF culture on the stromal side of the AHAM. Our results indicate that the AHAM may be an ideal candidate as a cell-matrix adhesion substrate to study cell adhesion and invasion as well as other functionsin vitrounder a tensile force that mimics thein vivoenvironment.
Planar ESPAR Array Design with Nonsymmetrical Pattern by Means of Finite-Element Method, Domain Decomposition, and Spherical Wave Expansion
Authors: García Jesús , Izquierdo Juan F. , Rubio Jesús , González Miguel A. , Zapata Juan
Published: October 2012

The application of a 3D domain decomposition finite-element and spherical mode expansion for the design of planar ESPAR (electronically steerable passive array radiator) made with probe-fed circular microstrip patches is presented in this work. A global generalized scattering matrix (GSM) in terms of spherical modes is obtained analytically from the GSM of the isolated patches by using rotation and translation properties of spherical waves. The whole behaviour of the array is characterized including all the mutual coupling effects between its elements. This procedure has been firstly validated by analyzing an array of monopoles on a ground plane, and then it has been applied to synthesize a prescribed radiation pattern optimizing the reactive loads connected to the feeding ports of the array of circular patches by means of a genetic algorithm.
Indication of CPAP in Patients with Suspected Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Based on Clinical Parameters and a Novel Two-Channel Recording Device (ApneaLink): A Pilot Study
Authors: Nigro Carlos Alberto , Dibur Eduardo , Grandval Sofía , Nogueira Facundo
Published: October 2012

Objective.To evaluate the accuracy and reliability of the medical decision based on the results of the hand scoring from a two-channel recording device (ApneaLink) plus clinical data for the prescription of a CPAP assay in patients with suspected OSA.Methods.39 subjects were assessed in the sleep laboratory with polysomnography and ApneaLink. The patients completed the Epworth sleepiness scale and a clinical history. Two blinded independent observers decided to prescribe CPAP according to the results of the PSG (gold standard, observer A), ApneaLink (alternative method, observer B), and the clinical parameters. Sensitivity and specificity of observer B on the indication of CPAP were calculated. The interobserver agreement for the indication of CPAP was assessed using kappa statistics.Results.38 subjects were included (26 men, mean age 47.5, mean RDI 28.7, mean BMI 31.4 kg/m2). The prevalence of OSA was 84%. The sensitivity and specificity of observer B to initiate a CPAP trial were 90.6% and 100%, respectively. The interrater agreement for the prescription of CPAP was good (kappa: 0.75).Conclusion.This study has shown that the use of ApneaLink plus clinical data has made it possible to indicate CPAP reliably in most patients with high-clinical pretest for OSA.
64Cu-NODAGA-c(RGDyK) Is a Promising New Angiogenesis PET Tracer: Correlation between Tumor Uptake and Integrin Expression in Human Neuroendocrine Tumor Xenografts
Authors: Oxboel Jytte , Schjoeth-Eskesen Christina , El-Ali Henrik H. , Madsen Jacob , Kjaer Andreas
Published: October 2012

Purpose. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate a new PET tracer 64Cu-NODAGA-c(RGDyK) for imaging of tumor angiogenesis using gene expression of angiogenesis markers as reference and to estimate radiation dosimetry for humans.
Procedures. Nude mice with human neuroendocrine tumor xenografts (H727) were administered 64Cu-NODAGA-c(RGDyK) i.v. for study of biodistribution as well as for dynamic PET. Gene expression of angiogenesis markers integrin , integrin , and VEGF-A were analyzed using QPCR and correlated to the tracer uptake in the tumors (%ID/g). From biodistribution data human radiation-absorbed doses were estimated using OLINDA/EXM. Results. Tumor uptake was 1.2%ID/g with strong correlations between gene expression and tracer uptake, for integrin  , integrin   and VEGF-A (all ). The whole body effective dose for humans was estimated to be 0.038 and 0.029 mSv/MBq for females and males, respectively, with highest absorbed dose in bladder wall. Conclusion. 64Cu-NODAGA-c(RGDyK) is a promising new angiogenesis PET tracer with potential for human use.
Toeplitz Operators with Quasihomogeneous Symbols on the Bergman Space of the Unit Ball
Authors: Zhang Bo , Lu Yufeng
Published: October 2012

We consider when the product of two Toeplitz operators with some quasihomogeneous symbols on the Bergman space of the unit ball equals a Toeplitz operator with quasihomogeneous symbols. We also characterize finite-rank semicommutators or commutators of two Toeplitz operators with quasihomogeneous symbols.
Positive Solution of a Nonlinear Fractional Differential Equation Involving Caputo Derivative
Authors: Wang Changyou , Zhang Haiqiang , Wang Shu
Published: October 2012

This paper is concerned with a nonlinear fractional differential equation involving Caputo derivative. By constructing the upper and lower control functions of the nonlinear term without any monotone requirement and applying the method of upper and lower solutions and the Schauder fixed point theorem, the existence and uniqueness of positive solution for the initial value problem are investigated. Moreover, the existence of maximal and minimal solutions is also obtained.
Combined Convex Technique on Delay‐Distribution‐Dependent Stability for Delayed Neural Networks
Authors: Wang Ting , Li Tao , Xue Mingxiang , Fei Shumin
Published: October 2012

Together with the Lyapunov‐Krasovskii functional approach and an improved delay‐partitioning idea, one novel sufficient condition is derived to guarantee a class of delayed neural networks to be asymptotically stable in the mean‐square sense, in which the probabilistic variable delay and both of delay variation limits can be measured. Through combining the reciprocal convex technique and convex technique one, the criterion is presented via LMIs and its solvability heavily depends on the sizes of both time‐delay range and its variations, which can become much less conservative than those present ones by thinning the delay intervals. Finally, it can be demonstrated by four numerical examples that our idea reduces the conservatism more effectively than some earlier reported ones.
Modeling Erlang′s Ideal Grading with Multirate BPP Traffic
Authors: Glabowski Mariusz , Hanczewski Slawomir , Stasiak Maciej , Weissenberg Joanna
Published: October 2012

This paper presents a complete methodology for modeling gradings (also called non‐full‐availability groups) servicing single‐service and multi‐service traffic streams. The methodology worked out by the authors makes it possible to determine traffic characteristics of various types of gradings with state‐dependent call arrival processes, including a new proposed structure of the Erlang’s Ideal Grading with the multirate links. The elaborated models of the gradings can be used for modeling different systems of modern networks, for example, the radio interfaces of the UMTS system, switching networks carrying a mixture of different multirate traffic streams, and video‐on‐demand systems. The results of the analytical calculations are compared with the results of the simulation data for selected gradings, which confirm high accuracy of the proposed methodology.
Method of Infinite System of Equations for Problems in Unbounded Domains
Authors: Quang A Dang , Dinh Hung Tran
Published: October 2012

Many problems of mechanics and physics are posed in unbounded
(or infinite) domains. For solving these problems one typically limits
them to bounded domains and find ways to set appropriate conditions
on artificial boundaries or use quasi‐uniform grid that maps unbounded
domains to bounded ones. Differently from the above methods we approach to problems in unbounded domains by infinite system of equations. In this paper we present starting results in this approach for
some one‐dimensional problems. The problems are reduced to infinite
system of linear equations. A method for obtaining approximate solution with a given accuracy is proposed. Numerical experiments for
several examples show the effectiveness of the offered method.
Delay‐Dependent Robust Exponential Stability for Uncertain Neutral Stochastic Systems with Interval Time‐Varying Delay
Authors: Mao Weihua , Deng Feiqi , Wan Anhua
Published: October 2012

This paper discusses the mean‐square exponential stability of uncertain neutral linear stochastic systems with interval time‐varying delays. A new augmented Lyapunov‐Krasovskii functional (LKF) has been constructed to derive improved delay‐dependent robust mean‐square exponential stability criteria, which are forms of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). By free‐weight matrices method, the usual restriction that the stability conditions only bear slow‐varying derivative of the delay is removed. Finally, numerical examples are provided to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Stabilized Multiscale Nonconforming Finite Element Method for the Stationary Navier‐Stokes Equations
Authors: Zhang Tong , Xu Shunwei , Deng Jien
Published: October 2012

We consider a stabilized multiscale nonconforming finite element
method for the two‐dimensional stationary incompressible Navier‐Stokes problem.
This method is based on the enrichment of the standard polynomial space for the velocity
component with multiscale function and the nonconforming lowest equal‐order
finite element pair. Stability and existence uniqueness of the numerical solution are
established, optimal‐order error estimates are also presented. Finally, some numerical
results are presented to validate the performance of the proposed method.
Observer‐Type Consensus Protocol for a Class of Fractional‐Order Uncertain Multiagent Systems
Authors: Li Hongjie
Published: October 2012

This paper investigates the consensus problem for a class of fractional‐order uncertain multiagent systems with general linear node dynamics. Firstly, an observer‐type consensus protocol is proposed based on the relative observer states of neighboring agents. Secondly, based on property of the Kronecker product and stability theory of fractional‐order system, some sufficient conditions are presented for robust asymptotical stability of the observer‐based fractional‐order control systems. Thirdly, robust stabilizing controllers are derived by using linear matrix inequality approach and matrix’s singular value decomposition. Our results are in the form of linear matrix inequalities which can easily be solved by LMI toolbox in MATLAB. Finally, a numerical simulation is performed to show the effectiveness of the theoretical results.
Shifts in Nitrification Kinetics and Microbial Community during Bioaugmentation of Activated Sludge with Nitrifiers Enriched on Sludge Reject Water
Authors: Yu Lifang , Peng Dangcong , Pan Ruiling
Published: October 2012

This study used two laboratory-scale sequencing batch reactors (SBRs) to evaluate the shifts in nitrification kinetics and microbial communities of an activated sludge sewage treatment system (main stream) during bioaugmentation with nitrifiers cultivated on real sludge reject water (side stream). Although bioaugmentation exerted a strong influence on the microbial community and the nitrification kinetics in the main stream, there was 58% of maximum ammonia uptake rate (AUR) and 80% of maximum nitrite uptake rate (NUR) loss of the seed source after bioaugmentation. In addition, nitrite accumulation occurred during bioaugmentation due to the unequal and asynchronous increase of the AUR (from 2.88 to 13.36 mg N/L·h) and NUR (from 0.76 to 4.34 mg N/L·h). FISH results showed that ammonia oxidizing bacteria (AOB) was inclined to be washed out with effluent in contrast to nitrite oxidizing bacteria (NOB), andNitrosococcus mobilislineage was the dominant AOB, while the dominant NOB in the main stream gradually transferred fromNitrospiratoNitrobacter.NitrospinaandNitrococcuswhich existed in the seed source could not be detected in the main stream. It can be inferred that nitrite accumulation occurred due to the mismatch of NOB structure but washed out with effluent.
HOX Gene Aberrant Expression in Skin Melanoma: A Review
Authors: Piérard Gérald E. , Piérard-Franchimont Claudine
Published: October 2012

The homeobox family and its subset of HOX gene products represent a family of transcription factors directing DNA-protein and protein-protein interactions. In the embryo, they are central regulators in cell differentiation during morphogenesis. A series of genes of the four HOX gene clusters A, B, C, and D were reported to show aberrant expressions in oncogenesis, particularly in cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM). They are involved in cell proliferation and progression in the CMM metastatic path. We present relevant peer-reviewed literature findings about the aberrant expression of HOX genes in CMM. The number of CMM cell nuclei exhibiting aberrant HOX protein expression appears correlated with tumour progression.
Characterization of Flavonol Inhibition of DnaB Helicase: Real-Time Monitoring, Structural Modeling, and Proposed Mechanism
Authors: Lin Hsin-Hsien , Huang Cheng-Yang
Published: October 2012

DnaB helicases are motor proteins essential for DNA replication, repair, and recombination and may be a promising target for developing new drugs for antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Previously, we established that flavonols significantly decreased the binding ability ofKlebsiella pneumoniaeDnaB helicase (KpDnaB) to dNTP. Here, we further investigated the effect of flavonols on the inhibition of the ssDNA binding, ATPase activity, and dsDNA-unwinding activity ofKpDnaB. The ssDNA-stimulated ATPase activity ofKpDnaB was decreased to 59%, 75%, 65%, and 57%, in the presence of myricetin, quercetin, kaempferol, and galangin, respectively. The ssDNA-binding activity ofKpDnaB was only slightly decreased by flavonols. We used a continuous fluorescence assay, based on fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET), for real-time monitoring ofKpDnaB helicase activity in the absence and presence of flavonols. Using this assay, the flavonol-mediated inhibition of the dsDNA-unwinding activity ofKpDnaB was observed. Modeled structures of bound and unbound DNA showed flavonols binding toKpDnaB with distinct poses. In addition, these structural models indicated that L214 is a key residue in binding any flavonol. On the basis of these results, we proposed mechanisms for flavonol inhibition of DNA helicase. The resulting information may be useful in designing compounds that targetK. pneumoniaeand other bacterial DnaB helicases.
Controlling Self-Renewal and Differentiation of Stem Cells via Mechanical Cues
Authors: Nava Michele M. , Raimondi Manuela T. , Pietrabissa Riccardo
Published: October 2012

The control of stem cell responsein vitro, including self-renewal and lineage commitment, has been proved to be directed by mechanical cues, even in the absence of biochemical stimuli. Through integrin-mediated focal adhesions, cells are able to anchor onto the underlying substrate, sense the surrounding microenvironment, and react to its properties. Substrate-cell and cell-cell interactions activate specific mechanotransduction pathways that regulate stem cell fate. Mechanical factors, including substrate stiffness, surface nanotopography, microgeometry, and extracellular forces can all have significant influence on regulating stem cell activities. In this paper, we review all the most recent literature on the effect of purely mechanical cues on stem cell response, and we introduce the concept of “force isotropy” relevant to cytoskeletal forces and relevant to extracellular loads acting on cells, to provide an interpretation of how the effects of insoluble biophysical signals can be used to direct stem cells fatein vitro.
The Spectral Method for the Cahn‐Hilliard Equation with Concentration‐Dependent Mobility
Authors: Chai Shimin , Zou Yongkui
Published: October 2012

This paper is concerned with the numerical approximations of the Cahn‐Hilliard‐type equation with concentration‐dependent mobility. Convergence analysis and error estimates are presented for the numerical solutions based on the spectral method for the space and the implicit Euler method for the time. Numerical experiments are carried out to illustrate the theoretical analysis.
Singularities of Focal Surfaces of Null Cartan Curves in Minkowski 3‐Space
Authors: Wang Zhigang , Pei Donghe , Chen Liang , Kong Lingling , Han Qixing
Published: October 2012

Singularities of the focal surfaces and the binormal indicatrix associated with a null Cartan curve will be investigated in Minkowski 3‐space. The relationships will be revealed between singularities of the above two subjects and differential geometric invariants of null Cartan curves; these invariants are deeply related to the order of contact of null Cartan curves with tangential planar bundle of lightcone. Finally, we give an example to illustrate our findings.
Existence of Solutions for Nonlinear Mixed Type Integrodifferential Functional Evolution Equations with Nonlocal Conditions
Authors: Xie Shengli
Published: October 2012

Using Mönch fixed point theorem, this paper proves the existence and controllability of mild solutions for nonlinear mixed type integrodifferential functional evolution equations with nonlocal conditions in Banach spaces, some restricted conditions on a priori estimation and measure of noncompactness estimation have been deleted, our results extend and improve many known results. As an application, we have given a controllability result of the system.
Meal Replacements for Weight Loss in Type 2 Diabetes in a Community Setting
Authors: Keogh Jennifer B. , Clifton Peter M.
Published: October 2012

Background. There is limited information on the effectiveness of meal replacements (MRs) as a weight-loss strategy in an unsupervised community setting.Aim. To evaluate the use of MR compared with a diet book for 6 months.Subjects and Methods. Obese subjects (n=120) with type 2 diabetes mellitus were recruited from the community in Adelaide, South Australia, and randomised to intervention or control. Subjects in the intervention were advised to consume 2 MR/day for 3 months and 1 MR/day for 3 months and follow the manufacturers’ instructions from printed material and the website. Subjects in the control arm were given a commercially available diet book.Results. Consumption of 2 MR for 3 months and 1 MR for the subsequent 3 months led to weight loss of 5.5 kg (5%) and a 0.26% decrease in HbA1c while the diet book group had a weight loss of 3 kg (3%) (P=0.027for difference between groups) and a decrease in HbA1c of 0.15% (between group ns) in those who completed the 6-month study. On intention-to-treat (last observation carried forward) weight loss at 6 months was 3.4 kg in MR and 1.8 kg in control (P=0.07). Decreases in HbA1c were 0.22% and 0.12%, respectively (P=ns). HDL cholesterol increased by 4% in MR and decreased by 1% in control (P=0.004). Blood pressure decreased equally in both groups. There were reductions in fasting glucose in both groups at 6 months with no changes in LDL-cholesterol or triglyceride concentrations.Conclusion. MR confers benefits in HbA1C reduction and weight loss at 6 months in those who completed the study.
Application of Mawhin′s Coincidence Degree and Matrix Spectral Theory to a Delayed System
Authors: Xia Yong-Hui , Gu Xiang , Wong Patricia J. Y. , Abbas Syed
Published: October 2012

This paper gives an application of Mawhin’s coincidence degree and matrix spectral theory to a predator‐prey model with M‐predators and N‐preys. The method is different from that used in the previous work. Some new sufficient conditions are obtained for the existence and global asymptotic stability of the periodic solution. The existence and stability conditions are given in terms of spectral radius of explicit matrices which are much different from the conditions given by the algebraic inequalities. Finally, an example is given to show the feasibility of our results.
Spectroscopic Characterization and Biological Activity of Mixed Ligand Complexes of Ni(II) with 1,10-Phenanthroline and Heterocyclic Schiff Bases
Authors: Prashanthi Y. , Kiranmai K. , Ira  , kumar K Sathish , Chityala Vijay kumar , Shivaraj
Published: October 2012

Mixed ligand complexes of Ni(II) with 1,10-phenanthroline (1,10-Phen) and Schiff bases L1(MIIMP); L2(CMIIMP); L3(EMIIMP); L4(MIIMNP); L5(MEMIIMP); L6(BMIIMP); L7(MMIIMP); L8(MIIBD) have been synthesized. These metal chelates have been characterized by elemental analysis, IR,1H-NMR,13C-NMR, Mass, UV-Vis, magnetic moments, and thermogravimetric (TG&DTA) analysis. Spectral data showed that the 1,10-phenanthroline act as neutral bidentate ligand coordinating to the metal ion through two nitrogen donor atoms and Schiff bases acts as monobasic bidentate coordinating through NO donor atoms. All Ni(II) complexes appear to have an octahedral geometry. The antimicrobial activity of mixed ligand complexes has been studied by screening against various microorganisms, it is observed that the activity enhances upon coordination. The DNA binding studies have been investigated by UV-Vis spectroscopy, and the experimental results indicate that these complexes bind to CT DNA with the intrinsic binding constantKb=2.5±0.2×105 M−1. MTT is used to test the anticancer effect of the complexes with HL60 tumor cell. The inhibition ratio was accelerated by increasing the dosage, and it had significant positive correlation with the medication dosage.
Enantioselective Synthesis of Antiepileptic Agent, (−)‐Levetiracetam, through Evans Asymmetric Strategy
Authors: Chandra Babu K. , Buchi Reddy R. , Mukkanti K. , Suresh K. , Madhusudhan G. , Nigam Satish
Published: October 2012

A practical and efficient enantioselective synthesis of antiepileptic drug, (−)‐Levetiracetam, has been described in five steps (33.0% overall yield) and high optical purity (99.0% ee), using Evans asymmetric strategy for α‐alkylation of carbonyl functionality as the key step. The simplicity of the experimental procedures and high stereochemical outcome make this method synthetically attractive for preparing the target compound on multigram scales.
Study on Individual PAHs Content in Ultrafine Particles from Solid Fractions of Diesel and Biodiesel Exhaust Fumes
Authors: Szewczyńska Małgorzata , Pośniak Małgorzata , Dobrzyńska Elżbieta
Published: October 2012

In order to characterize PAHs emissions of diesel engine fuelled with diesel and its blend (B20, B40). In the particle phase, PAHs in engine exhausts were collected by fiberglass filters using Electrical Low Pressure Impactor (ELPI) and then determined by a high performance liquid chromatography with a fluorimetric detector (HPLC‐FL). The main content in exhaust gases from diesel engine, regardless the type of applied fuel, is constituted by the particles fraction of diameter <0.25 μm. Particles sized <0.25 μm constituted on average approximately 68% of particles in diesel exhaust gases and approx. 50% of particles emitted by biodiesel B20 and B40. When the B100 bioester additive was applied, the total emission of particles was reduced thus the volume of toxic substances adsorbed on them was lower. The analysis of chemical composition of <0.25 μm exhaust gas fraction showed that there were mainly 3‐ and 4‐ring aromatic hydrocarbons in the exhaust gas of diesel fuel while in B40 single PAHs with the number of rings of 4 and 5 were detected. An application of ELPI permitted a further separation of <0.25 μm particle’s fraction and a real‐time determination of interalia number, mass, and surface concentrations.
Synthesis and Antimicrobial Activity of 3‐Cyano‐4‐imino‐9‐methoxy‐4H‐pyrimido [2, 1-b] pyrimido [4, 5-b] quinoline and 2‐Substituted Derivatives
Authors: Vartale S. P. , Halikar N. K. , Pawar Y. D.
Published: October 2012

The 2‐amino‐7‐methoxypyrimido[4,5‐b]quinoline (1) on treatment with bis(methylthio)methylene malononitrile (2) in ethyl alcohol and catalytic amount of TEA gives 3‐cyano‐4‐imino‐9‐methoxy‐2‐methythio‐4H‐pyrimido[2,1‐b]pyrimido[4,5‐b]quinoline (3). The latter were further reacted with selected N‐, O‐, and C‐nucleophiles such as aryl amines, hetryl amines, substituted phenols, and compounds containing an active methylene group.
E3 Ubiquitin Ligase RNF126 Promotes Cancer Cell Proliferation by Targeting the Tumor Suppressor p21 for Ubiquitin-Mediated Degradation
Authors: Zhi Xu , Zhao Dong , Wang Zehua , Zhou Zhongmei , Wang Chunyan , Chen Wenlin , Liu Rong , Chen Ceshi
Published: October 2012

To identify novel oncogenic E3 ubiquitin ligases as anticancer targets, we screened an E3 ubiquitin ligase siRNA library containing siRNA pools against 555 individual E3s using the sulphorhodamine B assay in the MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell line and the PC3 prostate cancer cell line. RNF126 was identified and validated as a candidate from this screening. Knockdown of RNF126 dramatically decreased cell viability in these cancer cell lines. Consistently, RNF126 knockdown delayed cell-cycle G1–S progression and decreased cell proliferation. Using protein array analysis we found that RNF126 silencing increased cell-cycle dependent kinase inhibitor p21cip protein levels in both MDA-MB-231 and PC3. Knockdown of RNF126 stabilized the p21 protein rather than increased p21 mRNA levels. We showed that RNF126 interacts with p21 and RNF126 overexpression increased p21 protein ubiquitination in an E3 ligase activity-dependent manner. RNF126 knockdown induced loss of cell viability in MDA-MB-231 and PC-3 can be partially rescued by depletion of p21. RNF126 stable knockdown in PC3 inhibited tumor growth in SCID mice. Finally, we found that RNF126 is highly expressed in a subset of breast cancer cell lines and negatively correlated with p21 expression levels. These findings suggest that RNF126 promotes cancer cell proliferation by targeting p21 for ubiquitin-mediated degradation. RNF126 could be a novel therapeutic target in breast and prostate cancers. Cancer Res; 73(1); 385–94. ©2012 AACR.
Association between Dietary Patterns and Insulin Resistance in Mexican Children and Adolescents
Authors: Romero-Polvo Angeles , Denova-Gutiérrez Edgar , Rivera-Paredez Berenice , Castañón Susana , Gallegos-Carrillo Katia , Halley-Castillo Elizabeth , Borges Guilherme , Flores Mario , Salmerón Jorge
Published: October 2012

Background/Objective: Insulin resistance (IR) is a metabolic disorder that is increasing worldwide and has been associated with several negative health outcomes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between different dietary patterns and IR among Mexican children and adolescents. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional analysis on baseline data from Mexican children and adolescents aged 7–18 years participating in the Health Workers Cohort Study. We included 916 children and adolescents of both sexes. Fasting serum glucose and insulin levels were determined by standardized methods. We defined IR using the homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) as ≥3.5. Factor analysis was used to identify dietary patterns. The associations of interest, those between IR and dietary patterns, were analyzed with multiple logistic regression models. Results: IR prevalence was 20.3% among girls and boys aged 7–18 years, for whom the prevalence of overweight and obesity was 29.7%. We identified 3 major dietary patterns in this group: ‘Western’, ‘prudent’ and ‘high protein/fat’. For the purposes of this analysis we compared the upper versus the lower quintile of each dietary pattern. Independently of other covariates, participants in the highest quintile of the Western pattern had 92% greater odds of IR (OR 1.92, 95% CI: 1.08–3.43) compared with those in the lowest quintile. Conclusions: These findings support the hypothesis that high carbohydrate diets like our Western dietary pattern may increase IR in young people. This result emphasizes the importance of preventive nutrition interventions geared toward Mexican children and adolescents.
Trunk and Lower Limb Fat Mass Evaluated by Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry in a 20- to 80-Year-Old Healthy Italian Population
Authors: Coin Alessandra , Ruggiero Elena , Giannini Sandro , Pedrazzoni Mario , Minisola Salvatore , Rossini Maurizio , Del Puente Antonio , Inelmen Emine Meral , Manzato Enzo , Sergi Giuseppe
Published: October 2012

Background and Aims: Global fat mass distribution seems to correlate with different levels of cardio-metabolic risk; centrally distributed fat carries a high risk of cardiovascular disease, while lower limb adiposity may have a protective effect against insulin resistance. Reference data regarding body composition have already been published for the Italian population; the aim of this study was to add reference values for trunk and lower limb fat mass, and their ratio (TLR), developing percentile distributions for age brackets between 20 and 80 years. Methods: A retrospective analysis of a multicenter, cross-sectional study was conducted and 1,570 healthy Italian adults (1,241 females and 329 males) were selected. The regional fat mass, measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry total body scan, was analyzed and the TLR was calculated. Results: In both genders we observed higher trunk fat mass values in older subjects against a smaller difference in BMI values. The leg fat mass was higher in old men, while it was similar in women at different ages. The TLR values in older subjects doubled those of younger subjects in both genders (62% in males and 71% in females). Conclusions: The identified ranges for trunk, leg fat mass, and TLR may be used as reference values to describe the global fat mass distribution in healthy individuals and to identify states of altered body fat distribution.
Ventricular Fibrillation Resulting from Diaphragmatic Stimulation during Gastric Bypass Surgery
Authors: Perzanowski Christian
Published: October 2012

Objective: Gastric bypass operations are common and severely obese patients are prone to arrhythmias, particularly atrial fibrillation. Intraoperative ventricular arrhythmias during bariatric surgery have not been reported previously. Case Report: A 35-year-old, severely obese, diabetic woman with no other prior medical history underwent thorough preoperative cardiovascular evaluation before having laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. Intraoperatively she developed sudden onset ventricular fibrillation during the use of unipolar electrocautery near the Angle of His. The procedure was aborted, and the patient underwent repeat cardiovascular assessment including coronary angiography and serial electrophysiology studies before being unremarkably re-operated 6 months later, at which time a harmonic scalpel was used for dissection. 12 months post operation, the patient remains asymptomatic. Conclusion: Owing to the proximity of the right ventricle overlying the diaphragm, far-field stimulation was likely responsible for inducing VF.
Long Live the Exit Poll
Authors: Greiner D. James , Quinn Kevin M.
Published: October 2012

We discuss the history of the exit poll as well as its future in an era characterized by increasingly effective and inexpensive alternatives for obtaining information. With respect to the exit poll's future, we identify and assess four purposes it might serve. We conclude that the exit poll's most important function in the future should, and probably will, be to provide information about the administration of the franchise and about the voter's experience in casting a ballot. The nature of this purpose suggests that it may make sense for academic institutions to replace media outlets as the primary implementers of exit polls.