bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A nonlinear active noise control algorithm for virtual microphones controlling chaotic noise
Authors: Das Debi Prasad , Moreau Danielle J. , Cazzolato Ben S.
Published: August 2012

In active noise control (ANC) systems, virtual microphones provide a means of projecting the zone of quiet away from the physical microphone to a remote location. To date, linear ANC algorithms, such as the filtered-x least mean square (FXLMS) algorithm, have been used with virtual sensing techniques. In this paper, a nonlinear ANC algorithm is developed for a virtual microphone by integrating the remote microphone technique with the filtered-s least mean square (FSLMS) algorithm. The proposed algorithm is evaluated experimentally in the cancellation of chaotic noise in a one-dimensional duct. The secondary paths evaluated experimentally exhibit non-minimum phase response and hence poor performance is obtained with the conventional FXLMS algorithm compared to the proposed FSLMS based algorithm. This is because the latter is capable of predicting the chaotic signal found in many physical processes responsible for noise. In addition, the proposed algorithm is shown to outperform the FXLMS based remote microphone technique under the causality constraint (when the propagation delay of the secondary path is greater than the primary path). A number of experimental results are presented in this paper to compare the performance of the FSLMS algorithm based virtual ANC algorithm with the FXLMS based virtual ANC algorithm.
Nonlinear synthesis of infrasound propagation through an inhomogeneous, absorbing atmosphere
Authors: de Groot-Hedlin C. D.
Published: August 2012

An accurate and efficient method to predict infrasound amplitudes from large explosions in the atmosphere is required for diverse source types, including bolides, volcanic eruptions, and nuclear and chemical explosions. A finite-difference, time-domain approach is developed to solve a set of nonlinear fluid dynamic equations for total pressure, temperature, and density fields rather than acoustic perturbations. Three key features for the purpose of synthesizing nonlinear infrasound propagation in realistic media are that it includes gravitational terms, it allows for acoustic absorption, including molecular vibration losses at frequencies well below the molecular vibration frequencies, and the environmental models are constrained to have axial symmetry, allowing a three-dimensional simulation to be reduced to two dimensions. Numerical experiments are performed to assess the algorithm’s accuracy and the effect of source amplitudes and atmospheric variability on infrasound waveforms and shock formation. Results show that infrasound waveforms steepen and their associated spectra are shifted to higher frequencies for nonlinear sources, leading to enhanced infrasound attenuation. Results also indicate that nonlinear infrasound amplitudes depend strongly on atmospheric temperature and pressure variations. The solution for total field variables and insertion of gravitational terms also allows for the computation of other disturbances generated by explosions, including gravity waves.
Unequal effects of speech and nonspeech contexts on the perceptual normalization of Cantonese level tones
Authors: Zhang Caicai , Peng Gang , Wang William S-Y.
Published: August 2012

Context is important for recovering language information from talker-induced variability in acoustic signals. In tone perception, previous studies reported similar effects of speech and nonspeech contexts in Mandarin, supporting a general perceptual mechanism underlying tone normalization. However, no supportive evidence was obtained in Cantonese, also a tone language. Moreover, no study has compared speech and nonspeech contexts in the multi-talker condition, which is essential for exploring the normalization mechanism of inter-talker variability in speaking F0. The other question is whether a talker’s full F0 range and mean F0 equally facilitate normalization. To answer these questions, this study examines the effects of four context conditions (speech/nonspeech × F0 contour/mean F0) in the multi-talker condition in Cantonese. Results show that raising and lowering the F0 of speech contexts change the perception of identical stimuli from mid level tone to low and high level tone, whereas nonspeech contexts only mildly increase the identification preference. It supports the speech-specific mechanism of tone normalization. Moreover, speech context with flattened F0 trajectory, which neutralizes cues of a talker’s full F0 range, fails to facilitate normalization in some conditions, implying that a talker’s mean F0 is less efficient for minimizing talker-induced lexical ambiguity in tone perception.
Vibroacoustic properties of thin micro-perforated panel absorbers
Authors: Bravo Teresa , Maury Cédric , Pinhède Cédric
Published: August 2012

This paper presents theoretical and experimental results on the influence of panel vibrations on the sound absorption properties of thin micro-perforated panel absorbers (MPPA). Measurements show that the absorption performance of thin MPPAs generates extra absorption peaks or dips that cannot be understood assuming a rigid MPPA. A theoretical model is established that accounts for structural-acoustic interaction between the micro-perforated panel and the backing cavity, assuming uniform conservative boundary conditions for the panel and separable coordinates for the cavity cross-section. This model is verified experimentally against impedance tube measurements and laser vibrometric scans of the cavity-backed panel response. It is shown analytically and experimentally that the air-frame relative velocity is a key factor that alters the input acoustic impedance of thin MPPAs. Coupled mode analysis reveals that the two first resonances of an elastic MPPA are either panel-cavity, hole-cavity, or panel-controlled resonances, depending on whether the effective air mass of the perforations is greater or lower than the first panel modal mass. A critical value of the perforation ratio is found through which the MPPA resonances experience a frequency “jump” and that determines two absorption mechanisms operating out of the transitional region.
Selective Activation of Adenosine A
2A
Receptors on Immune Cells by a CD73-Dependent Prodrug Suppresses Joint Inflammation in Experimental Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Flögel Ulrich , Burghoff Sandra , van Lent Peter L. E. M. , Temme Sebastian , Galbarz Lisa , Ding Zhaoping , El-Tayeb Ali , Huels Sandra , Bönner Florian , Borg Nadine , Jacoby Christoph , Müller Christa E. , van den Berg Wim B. , Schrader Jürgen
Published: August 2012

Phosphorylated adenosine A
2A
receptor agonists suppressed inflammation in a model of arthritis without A
2A
-mediated vasodilatory side effects.
Getting Vaccines and Antibiotics “To Go”
Authors: Shrout Joshua D.
Published: August 2012

Medicines can be bound to silk and stored at room temperature for months, eliminating the need for cold storage.
Relation of sleep quality and sleep duration to type 2 diabetes: a population-based cross-sectional survey
Authors: Lou Peian , Chen Peipei , Zhang Lei , Zhang Pan , Yu Jiaxi , Zhang Ning , Wu Hongmin , Zhao Jing
Published: August 2012

Objectives

To investigate the association between self-reported sleep duration, sleep quality and the prevalence of diabetes in a contemporary sample of Chinese adults.

Design

Cross-sectional survey.

Setting

Community-based investigation in Xuzhou, China.

Participants

16 893 Chinese men and women aged 18–75 who fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria were enrolled.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Self-reported quality and duration of sleep were obtained by questionnaire, and type 2 diabetes was assessed by fasting blood glucose. Sleep quality was categorised as good, common or poor. Sleep duration was measured by average hours of sleep per night, with categories of ≤6 h, 6–8 h and ≥8 h. A logistic regression model was used to evaluate the association between sleep duration or sleep quality and diabetes.

Results

Both poor quality of sleep and short sleep duration (≤6 h) were associated with increased prevalence of diabetes, with higher rates in relatively healthy Chinese people. Compared with the group with good quality of sleep and 6–8 h sleep duration, diabetes was the most prevalent in individuals with poor sleep quality and ≤6 h sleep duration (OR 1.41, 95% CI 1.07 to 1.85) and in those with poor sleep quality who slept ≥8 h (OR 1.39, 95% CI 0.85 to 2.26), even after adjustment for a large number of further possible factors.

Conclusions

The results suggest that sleep of poor quality and short duration is associated with diabetes.
Sanger sequencing in routine KRAS testing: a review of 1720 cases from a pathologist's perspective
Authors: Malapelle Umberto , Bellevicine Claudio , Salatiello Maria , de Luca Caterina , Rispo Elisabetta , Riccio Palmira , Sparano Lucianna , De Stefano Alfonso , Carlomagno Chiara , Maiello Francesco Maria , Vita Giulia , Nappi Oscar , Troncone Giancarlo
Published: August 2012

Background

Sanger sequencing (SS) of PCR products is still the most frequent method to test colorectal cancer for KRAS mutations in routine practice.

Methods

An audit of SS on 1720 routine cases was carried out, taking into account age, gender, specimen type (resection vs biopsies), tumour site (primary vs metastasis), tumour stage, neoplastic cells abundance (>30% vs <30%) and fixation type (buffered formalin vs simple formalin). In a subset of 50 wild-type (WT) patients correlations between SS findings and response rate (RR), progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were also evaluated.

Results

The tests were informative in 1691 cases (98.3%). Mutations were detected in 671 cases (39.6%). No significant differences in mutation rates were observed with respect to age (p=0.2), gender (p=0.2), specimen type (p=0.3) and formalin fixation (p=0.08). Conversely, KRAS mutant rate was higher in metastatic tissue (50% vs 39%, p=0.02), in samples with over 30% of neoplastic cells (43.4% vs 26.6%, p=0.02) and in tumours tested in stage IV (p=0.05). The RR of SSKRASWT patients was 26% (one complete and 12 partial responses). The disease control rate (objective responses plus stable disease) was 56%. Median PFS was 4.4 months and median OS was 10.4 months.

Conclusions

Pathological criteria that make SS a more robust method for KRAS testing and treatment response prediction are neoplastic cell abundance, metastatic tissue sample and stage IV primary tumour.
The handling and sampling of radical prostatectomy specimens for reporting and research: the Oxford approach
Authors: Gill Pelvender Singh , Roberts Ian S D , Browning Lisa , Perera Ranmith , Warren Anne Y , Hamdy Freddie C , Verrill Clare
Published: August 2012

This article reviews previously described methods of fresh tissue sampling from radical prostatectomy specimens for research and describes a method used in Oxford which is simple, logical and cost effective. The method utilises a systematic zonal approach to tissue procurement in order to meet the increasing requirement for research samples with detailed morphological information such as zone of origin, tumour stage and Gleason grade.

The described method involves punch biopsy sampling from a 4mm thick transverse slice cut 8mm superior to the apex. 9 biopsies are taken from each specimen in the following zonal distribution: Mid anterior, right lateral, right peripheral zone lateral, right peripheral zone mid, left peripheral zone mid, left peripheral zone lateral, left lateral, left transition zone and right transition zone.

The method was validated by successfully sampling tumour in 7 out of 8 cases (88%). In 6 of the positive cases, tumour was present in more than 1 punch biopsy. The mean time from receipt of the specimen to completion of the biopsy freezing was 23.5 minutes. Tumour stage, zone and Gleason grade were determined for all positive biopsies. All cases were reported to RCPath guidelines with no compromising of margins.

A logical systematic method of fresh tissue sampling from radical prostatectomy specimens is presented, which balances the need for accurate routine histopathological reporting with the requirement for increasingly complex research samples to be taken with attention to morphological details such as zone and stage.
Selective measurement of anti-tTG antibodies in coeliac disease and IgA deficiency: an alternative pathway
Authors: Harrison Elizabeth , Li Ka-Kit , Petchey Michael , Nwokolo Chuka , Loft Duncan , Arasaradnam Ramesh P
Published: August 2012

Objective

To determine the ability of selective antibody testing to screen for coeliac disease in the presence of IgA deficiency and to define the sensitivity of a pathway using this method.

Method

All IgA and IgG anti-tTG tests performed at our centre between January 2008 and December 2009, using the Immunocap 250 analyser, were retrospectively reviewed. Positive results were correlated with histology. Results were used to validate our diagnostic pathway.

Results

12 289 consecutive serological tests were reviewed. IgA deficient patients gave either an ‘error’ reading or very low response on the Immunocap 250 analyser. Subsequent testing of this sub-group demonstrated raised IgG anti-tTG antibodies in those with histologically proven coeliac disease.

Conclusions

Using our antibody screening pathway, which involves the selective use of IgG anti-tTG, sensitivity increased from 87% to 92% in those with IgA deficiency. Adoption of this pathway for coeliac screening would negate the routine screening of immunoglobulin levels, with resultant cost saving.
VISIBILITY GRAPHS FROM EXPERIMENTAL THREE-PHASE FLOW FOR CHARACTERIZING DYNAMIC FLOW BEHAVIOR
Authors: GAO ZHONG-KE , DU MENG , HU LI-DAN , ZHOU TING-TING , JIN NING-DE
Published: August 2012

We systematically carried out oil–gas–water three-phase flow experiments for measuring the time series of flow signals. We first investigate flow pattern behaviors from the energy and frequency point of view and find that different flow patterns exhibit different flow behaviors. In order to quantitatively characterize dynamic behaviors underlying different oil–gas–water three-phase flow patterns, we infer and analyze visibility graphs (complex networks) from signals measured under different flow conditions. The results indicate that the combination parameters of network degree are sensitive to the transition among different flow patterns, which can be used to distinguish different flow patterns and quantitatively characterize nonlinear dynamics of the three-phase flow. In this regard, visibility graph can be a useful tool for characterizing the nonlinear dynamic behaviors underlying different oil–gas–water three-phase flow patterns.
A CRITICAL VIEW ON THE PERTURBATIVE RG METHOD
Authors: KAUPUŽS J.
Published: August 2012

The perturbative renormalization group (RG) treatment of the Ginzburg–Landau model is reconsidered based on the Feynman diagram technique. We derive RG flow equations, exactly calculating all vertices appearing in the perturbative RG transformation of the φ4 model up to the ε3 order of the ε-expansion. The Fourier-transformed two-point correlation function G(k) has been considered. Although the ε-expansion of X(k) = 1/G(k) is well defined on the critical surface, we have revealed an inconsistency with the exact rescaling of X(k), represented as an expansion in powers of k at k →0. This new result can serve as a basis to challenge the correctness of the ε-expansion-based perturbative RG method.
GRAPH SMALL CANCELLATION THEORY APPLIED TO ALTERNATING LINK GROUPS
Authors: CUNÉO RÉMI , SHORT HAMISH
Published: August 2012

We show that the Wirtinger presentation of a prime alternating link group satisfies a generalized small cancellation condition. This new version of Weinbaum's solution to the word and conjugacy problems for these groups easily extends to finite sums of alternating links.
THE GORDIAN COMPLEX OF VIRTUAL KNOTS
Authors: HORIUCHI SUMIKO , KOMURA KASUMI , OHYAMA YOSHIYUKI , SHIMOZAWA MASAFUMI
Published: August 2012

Hirasawa and Uchida defined the Gordian complex of knots which is a simplicial complex whose vertices consist of all knot types in S3. In this paper, we define the Gordian complex of virtual knots which is a simplicial complex whose vertices consist of all virtual knots by using the local move which makes a real crossing a virtual crossing. We show that for any virtual knot K0 and for any given natural number n, there exists a family of virtual knots {K0, K1,…,Kn} such that for any pair (Ki, Kj) of distinct elements of the family, the Gordian distance of virtual knots dv(Ki, Kj) = 1. And we also give a formula of the f-polynomial for the sum of tangles of virtual knots.
The Fountain of Love Credit Union: A Vibrant Microfinance Institution in a Hostile Inter-Ethnic Society
Authors: Achwan Rochman
Published: August 2012

The Fountain of Love Credit Union (FLCU) is a rare example of a vibrant microfinance institution in Indonesia. Located at the heart of a hostile inter-ethnic society in the province of West Kalimantan, the FLCU invents unique types of social capital and financial organization that bolster its unparallel financial performance. In recognition of this achievement, the Indonesian government presented the FLCU with the 2005 Award for Small-Medium Corporate Excellence.

Decades of inter-ethnic hostility inspired school teachers to establish the FLCU in 1987. They dreamt of creating a big microfinance institution and promoting the economic well-being of the Dayak ethnic group. The Dayak, one of Kalimantan's two largest ethnic groups, defines itself as disadvantaged. A sense of grievance evolving around these issues culminated in a series of ethnic conflicts. Today, after more than two decades of operations, the FLCU has not only won the trust of most Dayak people but also inspires other ethnic groups to establish microfinance institutions.

This environment has allowed unique types of social capital and financial organization to flourish. The Fountain of Love Foundation (FLF), the parent organization of the FLCU, has set up a variety of social and economic organizations. They work in partnership with the FLCU in all aspects of its business, from recruiting, disciplining, and empowering clients to weaving organizational networks with other microfinance institutions. The latter plays a vital role in curbing the penetration of modern micro banking in the province. The FLF, therefore, has become an ethnic-based conglomerate in which the FLCU functions as one of its driving forces.

However, the FLCU faces a number of hurdles. Almost all FLCU clients, in rural and urban areas, are of the Dayak ethnic group. From organizational and policy points of view, the legal status of the FLCU is vulnerable as its assets grow beyond the mandatory requirement of the current banking law.
Leadership and Change Management: A Case Study of Pemancar
Authors: Abdullah Zarifah , Siti-Nabiha A. K.
Published: August 2012

This case examines the implementation of a new organizational culture in a newly taken-over Malaysian subsidiary by a European-based multinational company. The new organizational culture is geared towards high performance, increased accountability, value creation, and high quality and better communication. However, organizational members who were very much accustomed to their prevailing organizational culture found it difficult to understand the need for them to change as they had done well in the past. The features of the new culture, the structural changes that have taken place and how the organizational members felt about the change process and their reactions towards the change are explicated in the case. The case also highlights the various issues and challenges that took place and which needed to be tackled in the management's effort to ensure the successful integration and internalization process of the change in organizational culture.
MASS DETECTION USING SINGLE WALLED BORON NITRIDE NANOTUBE AS A NANOMECHANICAL RESONATOR
Authors: PANCHAL MITESH B. , UPADHYAY S. H. , HARSHA S. P.
Published: August 2012

The feasibility of the Boron Nitride Nanotubes (BNNTs) as nanomechanical resonators, using continuum mechanics based approach and finite element method (FEM) is illustrated in this paper. Two types of end constraints of single walled boron nitride nanotubes (SWBNNTs), namely cantilevered and bridged are assumed. Analytical formulas based on continuum mechanics are used to examine the mass sensitivity of SWBNNTs considering as a thin wall tubes for both types of end constraints for different lengths and different diameters. The FEM analysis, considering SWBNNT as a transversely anisotropic material is performed and results are compared with the continuum mechanics based approach. The results indicated that the mass sensitivity of SWBNNT-based nanomechanical resonators can reach 10-8fg and a logarithmically linear relationship exists between the resonant frequency and the attached mass, when mass is larger than 10-7fg. The sensitivity of resonant frequency shift to both tube length and diameter has also been demonstrated. It is clear that the change in resonant frequency shift to tube length is more significant than that with the tube diameter and mass sensitivity increases when smaller size nanotube resonators are used in mass sensors. The simulation results based on present FEM found in good agreement with the analytical approach.
HALF-METALLIC SILICENE AND GERMANENE NANORIBBONS: TOWARDS HIGH-PERFORMANCE SPINTRONICS DEVICE
Authors: WANG YANGYANG , ZHENG JIAXIN , NI ZEYUAN , FEI RUIXIANG , LIU QIHANG , QUHE RUGE , XU CHENGYONG , ZHOU JING , GAO ZHENGXIANG , LU JING
Published: August 2012

By using first-principles calculations, we predict that an in-plane homogenous electrical field can induce half-metallicity in hydrogen-terminated zigzag silicene and germanene nanoribbons ( ZSiNRs and ZGeNRs ). A dual-gated finite ZSiNR device reveals a nearly perfect spin-filter efficiency (SFE) of up to 99% while a quadruple-gated finite ZSiNR device serves as an effective spin field effect transistor (FET) with an on/off current ratio of over 100 from ab initio quantum transport simulation. This discovery opens up novel prospect of silicene and germanene in spintronics.
HUMIDITY SENSING PROPERTIES OF COBALT OXIDE/SILICA NANOCOMPOSITES PREPARED VIA SOL–GEL AND RELATED ROUTES
Authors: FOUAD OSAMA A. , ALI GOMAA A. M. , EL-ERIAN M. A. I. , MAKHLOUF SALAH A.
Published: August 2012

Ultrafine Co3O4/SiO2 nanocomposites were obtained via sol–gel (SG) method and related routes. The samples were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and N2 adsorption–desorption techniques. The obtained phase, size of crystallites and specific surface area of the composites vary with the Co:SiO2 weight ratio and preparation route. Humidity sensing properties measured by monitoring the DC conductivity for the obtained nanocomposites are reported. Conductivity changes amount to four orders of magnitudes were observed in response to 10–90% relative humidity change in the measuring chamber. Results indicate that humidity sensing properties depend on Co content and specific surface area of the composite.
GENERAL MOMENTS OF MATRIX ELEMENTS FROM CIRCULAR ORTHOGONAL ENSEMBLES
Authors: MATSUMOTO SHO
Published: August 2012

The aim of this paper is to present a systematic method for computing moments of matrix elements taken from circular orthogonal ensembles (COE). The formula is given as a sum of Weingarten functions for orthogonal groups but the technique for its proof involves Weingarten calculus for unitary groups. As an application, explicit expressions for the moments of a single matrix element of a COE matrix are given.
Role of fatty acid transport protein 4 in oleic acid-induced glucagon-like peptide-1 secretion from murine intestinal L cells
Authors: Poreba M. A. , Dong C. X. , Li S. K. , Stahl A. , Miner J. H. , Brubaker P. L.
Published: August 2012

The antidiabetic intestinal L cell hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) enhances glucose-dependent insulin secretion and inhibits gastric emptying. GLP-1 secretion is stimulated by luminal oleic acid (OA), which crosses the cell membrane by an unknown mechanism. We hypothesized that L cell fatty acid transport proteins (FATPs) are essential for OA-induced GLP-1 release. Therefore, the murine GLUTag L cell model was used for immunoblotting, [3H]OA uptake assay, and GLP-1 secretion assay as determined by radioimmunoassay following treatment with OA ± phloretin, sulfo- N-succinimidyl oleate, or siRNA against FATP4. FATP4−/−and cluster-of-differentiation 36 (CD36)−/−mice received intraileal OA, and plasma GLP-1 was measured by sandwich immunoassay. GLUTag cells were found to express CD36, FATP1, FATP3, and FATP4. The cells demonstrated specific3H[OA] uptake that was dose-dependently inhibited by 500 and 1,000 μM unlabeled OA ( P < 0.001). Cell viability was not altered by treatment with OA. Phloretin and sulfo- N-succinimidyl oleate, inhibitors of protein-mediated transport and CD36, respectively, also decreased [3H]OA uptake, as did knockdown of FATP4 by siRNA transfection ( P < 0.05–0.001). OA dose-dependently increased GLP-1 secretion at 500 and 1,000 μM ( P < 0.001), whereas phloretin, sulfo- N-succinimidyl oleate, and FATP4 knockdown decreased this response ( P < 0.05–0.01). FATP4−/−mice displayed lower plasma GLP-1 at 60 min in response to intraileal OA ( P < 0.05), whereas, unexpectedly, CD36−/−mice displayed higher basal GLP-1 levels ( P < 0.01) but a normal response to intraileal OA. Together, these findings demonstrate a key role for FATP4 in OA-induced GLP-1 secretion from the murine L cell in vitro and in vivo, whereas the precise role of CD36 remains unclear.
Expressions of vitamin D metabolic components VDBP, CYP2R1, CYP27B1, CYP24A1, and VDR in placentas from normal and preeclamptic pregnancies
Authors: Ma Rong , Gu Yang , Zhao Shuang , Sun Jingxia , Groome Lynn J. , Wang Yuping
Published: August 2012

Vitamin D insufficiency/deficiency during pregnancy has been linked to increased risk of preeclampsia. Placenta dysfunction plays an important role in the pathogenesis of this pregnancy disorder. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that disturbed vitamin D metabolism takes place in preeclamptic placentas. Protein expressions of vitamin D binding protein (VDBP), 25-hydroxylase (CYP2R1), 1α-hydroxylase (CYP27B1), 24-hydroxylase (CYP24A1), and vitamin D receptor (VDR) were examined in placentas from normotensive and preeclamptic pregnancies. By immunostaining we found that in normal placenta VDBP, CYP24A1, and VDR expressions are localized mainly in trophoblasts, whereas CYP2R1 and CYP27B1 expressions are localized mainly in villous core fetal vessel endothelium. Protein expressions of CYP2R1 and VDR are reduced, but CYP27B1 and CYP24A1 expressions are elevated, in preeclamptic compared with normotensive placentas. Because increased oxidative stress is an underlying pathophysiology in placental trophoblasts in preeclampsia, we further determined whether oxidative stress contributes to altered vitamin D metabolic system in placental trophoblasts. Trophoblasts isolated from normal-term placentas were treated with hypoxic-inducing agent CoCl2, and protein expressions of VDBP, CYP2R1, CYP27B1, CYP24A1, and VDR were determined. We found that hypoxia-induced downregulation of VDBP, CYP2R1, and VDR and upregulation of CYP27B1 and CYP24A1 expressions were consistent with that seen in preeclamptic placentas. CuZnSOD expression was also downregulated in trophoblasts treated with CoCl2. These results provide direct evidence of disrupted vitamin D metabolic homeostasis in the preeclamptic placenta and suggest that increased oxidative stress could be a causative factor of altered vitamin D metabolism in preeclamptic placentas.
Phosphodiesterases and Cyclic GMP Regulation in Heart Muscle
Authors: Lee Dong I. , Kass David A.
Published: August 2012

The cyclic nucleotide cGMP and its corresponding activated kinase cGK-1 serve as a counterbalance to acute and chronic myocardial stress. cGMP hydrolysis by several members of the phosphodiesterase (PDE) superfamily, PDE1, PDE2, and PDE5, regulate this signaling in the heart. This review details new insights regarding how these PDEs modulate cGMP and cGK-1 to influence heart function and chronic stress responses, and how their inhibition may provide potential therapeutic benefits.
The Barrier Within: Endothelial Transport of Hormones
Authors: Kolka Cathryn M. , Bergman Richard N.
Published: August 2012

Hormones are involved in a plethora of processes including development and growth, metabolism, mood, and immune responses. These essential functions are dependent on the ability of the hormone to access its target tissue. In the case of endocrine hormones that are transported through the blood, this often means that the endothelium must be crossed. Many studies have shown that the concentrations of hormones and nutrients in blood can be very different from those surrounding the cells on the tissue side of the blood vessel endothelium, suggesting that transport across this barrier can be rate limiting for hormone action. This transport can be regulated by altering the surface area of the blood vessel available for diffusion through to the underlying tissue or by the permeability of the endothelium. Many hormones are known to directly or indirectly affect the endothelial barrier, thus affecting their own distribution to their target tissues. Dysfunction of the endothelial barrier is found in many diseases, particularly those associated with the metabolic syndrome. The interrelatedness of hormones may help to explain why the cluster of diseases in the metabolic syndrome occur together so frequently and suggests that treating the endothelium may ameliorate defects in more than one disease. Here, we review the structure and function of the endothelium, its contribution to the function of hormones, and its involvement in disease.
The Combinatorial Nature of Osmosensing in Fishes
Authors: Kültz Dietmar
Published: August 2012

Organisms exposed to altered salinity must be able to perceive osmolality change because metabolism has evolved to function optimally at specific intracellular ionic strength and composition. Such osmosensing comprises a complex physiological process involving many elements at organismal and cellular levels of organization. Input from numerous osmosensors is integrated to encode magnitude, direction, and ionic basis of osmolality change. This combinatorial nature of osmosensing is discussed with emphasis on fishes.
Odorant Receptors in the Formation of the Olfactory Bulb Circuitry
Authors: Lodovichi Claudia , Belluscio Leonardo
Published: August 2012

In mammals, smell is mediated by odorant receptors expressed by sensory neurons in the nose. These specialized receptors are found both on olfactory sensory neurons' cilia and axon terminals. Although the primary function of ciliary odorant receptors is to detect odorants, their axonal role remains unclear but is thought to involve axon guidance. This review discusses findings that show axonal odorant receptors are indeed functional and capable of modulating neural connectivity.
An Inside View: VEGF Receptor Trafficking and Signaling
Authors: Simons Michael
Published: August 2012

Vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGF) and their receptors play a central role in the development of cardiovascular system and in vasculature-related processes in the adult organism. Given the critical role of this signaling cascade, intricate control systems have evolved to regulate its function. A new layer of added complexity has been the demonstration of the importance of endocytosis and intracellular trafficking of VEGF receptors in the regulation of VEGF signaling. In this review, we consider an evolving link between VEGF receptor endocytosis, trafficking, and signaling and their biological function.
Using gene-network landscape to dissect genotype effects ofTCF7L2genetic variant on diabetes and cardiovascular risk
Authors: Vaquero Andre R. , Ferreira Noely E. , Omae Samantha V. , Rodrigues Mariliza V. , Teixeira Samantha K. , Krieger Jose E. , Pereira Alexandre C.
Published: August 2012

The single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) within the TCF7L2 gene, rs7903146, is, to date, the most significant genetic marker associated with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) risk. Nonetheless, its functional role in disease pathology is poorly understood. The aim of the present study was to investigate, in vascular smooth muscle cells from 92 patients undergoing aortocoronary bypass surgery, the contribution of this SNP in T2DM using expression levels and expression correlation comparison approaches, which were visually represented as gene interaction networks. Initially, the expression levels of 41 genes (seven TCF7L2 splice forms and 40 other T2DM relevant genes) were compared between rs7903146 wild-type ( CC) and T2DM-risk ( CT + TT) genotype groups. Next, we compared the expression correlation patterns of these 41 genes between groups to observe if the relationships between genes were different. Five TCF7L2 splice forms and nine genes showed significant expression differences between groups. RXRα gene was pinpointed as showing the most different expression correlation pattern with other genes. Therefore, T2DM risk alleles appear to be influencing TCF7L2 splice form's expression in vascular smooth muscle cells, and RXRα gene is pointed out as a treatment target candidate for risk reduction in individuals with high risk of developing T2DM, especially individuals harboring TCF7L2 risk genotypes.
Anesthesia for Pars Plana Vitrectomy with Insulin Needle, Is It Possible?
Authors: Riad Waleed , Ahmed Nauman , Abboud Emad , Al-Harthi Essam , Kahtani Eman
Published: August 2012

Peribulbar block is commonly used for ocular posterior segment surgery. This work aimed to compare the efficacy of using 12.5 mm to 25 mm standard needle length in performing single injection peribulbar block for retinal surgery. Peribulbar block was performed in 120 patients using either standard 25 mm or 12.5 mm 30 G needle (insulin needle). While applying digital pressure around the needle hub, 8–10 mL of local anesthetic are injected. Ocular movement was assessed at 5 and 10 min using simple akinesia score (0–8). If after 10 min score was >1, supplementary injection was given. Visual analogue scale (0–10) was used at the end of the procedure to assess surgeons’ satisfaction and patients’ intraoperative pain. No differences in akinesia score at 5 & 10 min (P=0.34and 0.36, resp.). Initial volume injected was comparable between groups (P=0.31), however total volume of local anesthesia and supplementary injections were significantly higher in 12.5 mm group (P=0.03and 0.01, resp.). No difference as regard surgeons’ satisfaction and patients’ intraoperative pain (P=1.0and 0.18, resp.). Peribulbar block with 12.5 mm needle together with digital compression is a suitable alternative to the standard block with 25 mm needle length for retinal surgery.
Characteristics of GaN/InGaN Double-Heterostructure Photovoltaic Cells
Authors: Wu Ming-Hsien , Chang Sheng-Po , Chang Shoou-Jinn , Horng Ray-Hua , Liao Wen-Yih , Lin Ray-Ming
Published: August 2012

The p-GaN/i-InxGa1−xN/n-GaN double-heterostructure photovoltaic (PV) cells have been fabricated and the theoretical photovoltaic properties were also calculated in this work. From theoretical simulation, higher efficiency can be obtained in GaN/InGaN double-heterostructure photovoltaic cells with higher In composition in i-InGaN intrinsic layer. GaN/InGaN double-heterostructure photovoltaic cells with In compositions of 10%, 12%, and 14% were fabricated and characterized for demonstrating with the simulated results. The corresponding photoelectrical conversion efficiency of fabricated GaN/InGaN photovoltaic cells with In compositions of 10%, 12%, and 14% is 0.51%, 0.53%, and 0.32% under standard AM 1.5G measurement condition, respectively. GaN/InGaN photovoltaic cells with In composition of 10% showed high open-circuit voltage (Voc) of 2.07 V and fill factor (F.F.) of 80.67%. The decrease ofVocand FF was observed as In composition increasing from 10% to 14%. For comparing with the fabricated GaN/InGaN photovoltaic cells, theoretical conversion efficiency of GaN/InGaN photovoltaic cells with In compositions of 10%, 12%, and 14%, is 1.80%, 2.04%, and 2.27%, respectively. The difference of GaN/InGaN photovoltaic properties between theoretical simulation and experimental measurement could be attributed to the inferior quality of InGaN epilayer and GaN/InGaN interface generated as the increase of In composition.
Effectiveness of Onion Extract Gel on Surgical Scars in Asians
Authors: Chanprapaph Kumutnart , Tanrattanakorn Somsak , Wattanakrai Penpun , Wongkitisophon Pranee , Vachiramon Vasanop
Published: August 2012

Background. Onion extracts have been shown in vitro to accelerate wound healing. Results from clinical studies on surgical scars in Caucasians were disappointing. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of onion extract gel in improving the cosmetic and symptoms of surgical scars in Asians.Patients/Methods. Twenty Asians who had new Pfannenstiel’s cesarean section scars were recruited in this prospective double-blinded, split-scar study. Each side was randomly assigned treatment with onion extract gel or placebo at 7 days after surgery. The product was applied three times daily for 12 weeks. Subjects were evaluated at baseline and 4th and 12th weeks. Scar redness was assessed by calorimeter, scar height and pliability were assessed by blinded investigators, and scar symptoms and overall cosmetic improvement were assessed by subjects.Results. Sixteen subjects completed the study. A statistically significant difference between two sides of scar in terms of scar height and scar symptoms was found. There was no statistically significant difference in scar redness, scar pliability, and overall cosmetic appearance between two sides.Conclusions. The early use of topical 12% onion extract gel on Pfannenstiel’s cesarean section scar in Asians resulted in the improvement of scar height and scar symptoms.
Biotechnological Potential of Agro Residues for Economical Production of Thermoalkali-Stable Pectinase by Bacillus pumilus dcsr1 by Solid-State Fermentation and Its Efficacy in the Treatment of Ramie Fibres
Authors: Sharma Deepak Chand , Satyanarayana T.
Published: August 2012

The production of a thermostable and highly alkaline pectinase by Bacillus pumilus dcsr1 was optimized in solid-state fermentation (SSF) and the impact of various treatments (chemical, enzymatic, and in combination) on the quality of ramie fibres was investigated. Maximum enzyme titer ( Ug−1 DBB) in SSF was attained, when a mixture of agro-residues (sesame oilseed cake, wheat bran, and citrus pectin, 1 : 1 : 0.01) was moistened with mineral salt solution ( 0.92, pH 9.0) at a substrate-to-moistening agent ratio of 1 : 2.5 and inoculated with 25% of 24 h old inoculum, in 144 h at 40°C. Parametric optimization in SSF resulted in 1.7-fold enhancement in the enzyme production as compared to that recorded in unoptimized conditions. A 14.2-fold higher enzyme production was attained in SSF as compared to that in submerged fermentation (SmF). The treatment with the enzyme significantly improved tensile strength and Young’s modulus, reduction in brittleness, redness and yellowness, and increase in the strength and brightness of ramie fibres.
Positive Solutions for p‐Laplacian Fourth‐Order Differential System with Integral Boundary Conditions
Authors: Jiang Jiqiang , Liu Lishan , Wu Yonghong
Published: August 2012

This paper investigates the existence of positive solutions for a class of singular p‐Laplacian fourth‐order
differential equations with integral boundary conditions. By using the fixed point theory in cones, explicit range for λ and
μ is derived such that for any λ and μ lie in their respective interval, the existence of at least one positive
solution to the boundary value system is guaranteed.
Coupled Coincidence Points in Partially Ordered Cone Metric Spaces with a c‐Distance
Authors: Shatanawi Wasfi , Karapınar Erdal , Aydi Hassen
Published: August 2012

Cho et al. (2012) proved some coupled fixed point theorems in partially ordered cone metric spaces by using the concept of a c‐distance in cone metric spaces. In this paper, we prove some coincidence point theorems in partially ordered cone metric spaces by using the notion of a c‐distance. Our results generalize several well‐known comparable results in the literature. Also, we introduce an example to support the usability of our results.
Primary Epithelial Myoepithelial Carcinoma of Lung, Reporting of a Rare Entity, Its Molecular Histogenesis and Review of the Literature
Authors: Arif Farzana , Wu Susan , Andaz Shahriyour , Fox Stewart
Published: August 2012

Primary epithelial myoepithelial carcinoma of lung is a rare entity and is thought to arise from the submucosal bronchial glands distributed throughout the lower respiratory tract. Because of the rarity of this tumor, we describe one case of epithelial myoepithelial carcinoma arising in the bronchus intermedius and presenting as an endobronchial mass. A 57-year-old male patient presented with an incidental finding of an endobronchial mass located in the lumen of the right lower lobe bronchus and caused near total luminal occlusion of the bronchus. An endobronchial carcinoid tumor was entertained clinically. Subsequently the patient underwent an uneventful videothoracoscopic lobectomy of lower and middle lobes of the right lung. Morphologically and immunohistochemically the tumor was characterized by two cell populations with epithelial and myoepithelial cells forming duct-like structure. The final diagnosis of epithelial myoepithelial carcinoma of lung was rendered.
Gas-Solid Reaction Properties of Fluorine Compounds and Solid Adsorbents for Off-Gas Treatment from Semiconductor Facility
Authors: Yasui Shinji , Shojo Tadashi , Inoue Goichi , Koike Kunihiko , Takeuchi Akihiro , Iwasa Yoshio
Published: August 2012

We have been developing a new dry-type off-gas treatment system for recycling fluorine from perfluoro compounds present in off-gases from the semiconductor industry. The feature of this system is to adsorb the fluorine compounds in the exhaust gases from the decomposition furnace by using two types of solid adsorbents: the calcium carbonate in the upper layer adsorbs HF and converts it to CaF2, and the sodium bicarbonate in the lower layer adsorbs HF and SiF4and converts them to Na2SiF6. This paper describes the fluorine compound adsorption properties of both the solid adsorbents—calcium carbonate and the sodium compound—for the optimal design of the fixation furnace. An analysis of the gas-solid reaction rate was performed from the experimental results of the breakthrough curve by using a fixed-bed reaction model, and the reaction rate constants and adsorption capacity were obtained for achieving an optimal process design.
The Critical Height of a Liquid Being Drained from the Tank with Bell-Mouth Drain Port
Authors: Mohammadi J. , Karimi H. , Islami M. , Hamedi M. H.
Published: August 2012

Vortexing occurs during draining of liquid from tanks. We studied the critical height of a liquid being drained from tank, that is, the liquid height at the moment when the air-core vortex reaches to the drain port. We firstly performed some experiments for determining the critical height, and then based upon the information obtained from the experiments; a simple analytical expression was derived to predict the critical height. The experimental results show that the vortex suppressor, which is suggested in the present paper, could effectively reduce the strength of vortex and consequently reduce the critical height. The results also show that the new analytical expression can predict the critical height with less than 20% error when vortex suppressor is used. To the best of our knowledge, draining from tanks with bell-mouth drain ports has not been paid attention to by other authors.
Structural and Functional Characterization of RecG Helicase under Dilute and Molecular Crowding Conditions
Authors: Saxena Sarika , Nagatoishi Satoru , Miyoshi Daisuke , Sugimoto Naoki
Published: August 2012

In an ATP-dependent reaction, theEscherichia coliRecG helicase unwinds DNA junctionsin vitro. We present evidence of a unique protein conformational change in the RecG helicase from anα-helix to aβ-strand upon an ATP binding under dilute conditions using circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy. In contrast, under molecular crowding conditions, theα-helical conformation was stable even upon an ATP binding. These distinct conformational behaviors were observed to be independent of Na+and Mg2+. Interestingly, CD measurements demonstrated that the spectra of a frayed duplex decreased with increasing of the RecG concentration both under dilute and molecular crowding conditions in the presence of ATP, suggesting that RecG unwound the frayed duplex. Our findings raise the possibility that theα-helix andβ-strand forms of RecG are a preactive and an active structure with the helicase activity, respectively.
Furanodiene Induces Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Presents Antiproliferative Activities in Lung Cancer Cells
Authors: Xu Wen-Shan , Dang Yuan-Ye , Guo Jia-Jie , Wu Guo-Sheng , Lu Jin-Jian , Chen Xiu-Ping , Wang Yi-Tao
Published: August 2012

Furanodiene (FUR) is a natural terpenoid isolated fromCurcumae Rhizoma, a well-known Chinese medicinal herb that presents antiproliferation activities in several cancer cell lines. In this study, we demonstrated that FUR concentration dependently inhibits the cell proliferation of A549, NIH-H1299, and 95-D lung cancer cells.β-elemene, another terpenoid isolated fromCurcumae Rhizoma, exhibited weaker antiproliferative effects in A549 and NIH-H1299 cells and activities similar to FUR in 95-D cells. FUR significantly inhibited colony formation in A549 and 95-D cells and upregulated both the mRNA and protein expression levels of binding immunoglobulin protein (BIP) and C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP), indicating that endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is induced. FUR treatment led to the accumulation of CHOP in the nucleus, which further confirms induction of ER stress. Furthermore, combined treatment of FUR with paclitaxel showed significant synergetic activities in NIH-H1299 and 95-D cells, suggesting its potential roles in combination therapy. These findings provide a basis for the further study of the anticancer effectsin vivoand the internal mechanisms of FUR.
An Extension of Generalized -Weak Contractions
Authors: An Tran Van , Chi Kieu Phuong , Karapınar Erdal , Thanh Tran Duc
Published: August 2012

We prove a fixed-point theorem for a class of maps that satisfy generalized -weak contractions depending on a given function. An example is given to illustrate our extensions.