bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of climate on acoustic signals: Does atmospheric sound absorption matter for bird song and bat echolocation?
Authors: Snell-Rood Emilie C.
Published: February 2012

The divergence of signals along ecological gradients may lead to speciation. The current research tests the hypothesis that variation in sound absorption selects for divergence in acoustic signals along climatic gradients, which has implications for understanding not only diversification, but also how organisms may respond to climate change. Because sound absorption varies with temperature, humidity, and the frequency of sound, individuals or species may vary signal structure with changes in climate over space or time. In particular, signals of lower frequency, narrower bandwidth, and longer duration should be more detectable in environments with high sound absorption. Using both North American wood warblers (Parulidae) and bats of the American Southwest, this work found evidence of associations between signal structure and sound absorption. Warbler species with higher mean absorption across their range were more likely to have narrow bandwidth songs. Bat species found in higher absorption habitats were more likely to have lower frequency echolocation calls. In addition, bat species changed echolocation call structure across seasons, using longer duration, lower frequency calls in the higher absorption rainy season. These results suggest that signals may diverge along climatic gradients due to variation in sound absorption, although the effects of absorption are modest.
The use of acoustic cues for phonetic identification: Effects of spectral degradation and electric hearing
Authors: Winn Matthew B. , Chatterjee Monita , Idsardi William J.
Published: February 2012

Although some cochlear implant (CI) listeners can show good word recognition accuracy, it is not clear how they perceive and use the various acoustic cues that contribute to phonetic perceptions. In this study, the use of acoustic cues was assessed for normal-hearing (NH) listeners in optimal and spectrally degraded conditions, and also for CI listeners. Two experiments tested the tense/lax vowel contrast (varying in formant structure, vowel-inherent spectral change, and vowel duration) and the word-final fricative voicing contrast (varying in F1 transition, vowel duration, consonant duration, and consonant voicing). Identification results were modeled using mixed-effects logistic regression. These experiments suggested that under spectrally-degraded conditions, NH listeners decrease their use of formant cues and increase their use of durational cues. Compared to NH listeners, CI listeners showed decreased use of spectral cues like formant structure and formant change and consonant voicing, and showed greater use of durational cues (especially for the fricative contrast). The results suggest that although NH and CI listeners may show similar accuracy on basic tests of word, phoneme or feature recognition, they may be using different perceptual strategies in the process.
Physiological and acoustic characteristics of the female music theater voice
Authors: Bourne Tracy , Garnier Maëva
Published: February 2012

Three Music Theater vocal qualities (“chesty belt,” “twangy belt,” and “legit”) were investigated in female singers at their overlap range, between F#4-D5 (∼370-600 Hz). Six experienced Music Theater singers performed each quality on two different vowels ([e], [ɔ]). Audio and electroglottographic (EGG) signals were recorded as well as the vocal tract impedance. In chesty belt and twangy belt, singers systematically tuned the frequency of their first vocal tract resonance (R1) to the second harmonic (2f0) up to C5. R1 remained lower in frequency for the legit quality. No tuning of the second vocal tract resonance (R2) was observed in any of these qualities although R2 frequency was significantly higher in both belt qualities than in legit. Closed quotient, degree of symmetry of the EGG waveform, sound pressure level (SPL) and the energy of the spectrum above 1 kHz were significantly greater in chesty belt than in legit but not significantly different between chesty belt and twangy belt qualities. A fourth quality (“mix”) was explored in three singers. Different production strategies were observed for each singer, with values of spectral, glottal and vocal tract descriptors found in between those measured for legit and chesty belt qualities.
Directional properties of bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) clicks, burst-pulse, and whistle sounds
Authors: Branstetter Brian K. , Moore Patrick W. , Finneran James J. , Tormey Megan N. , Aihara Hitomi
Published: February 2012

The directional properties of bottlenose dolphin clicks, burst-pulse, and whistle signals were measured using a five element array, at horizontal angles of 0°, 45°, 90°, 135°, and 180° relative to a dolphin stationed on an underwater biteplate. Clicks and burst-pulse signals were highly directional with directivity indices of ∼11 dB for both signal types. Higher frequencies and higher amplitudes dominated the forward, on-axis sound field. A similar result was found with whistles, where higher frequency harmonics had greater directivity indices than lower frequency harmonics. The results suggest the directional properties of these signals not only provide enhanced information to the sound producer (as in echolocation) but can provide valuable information to conspecific listeners during group coordination and socialization.
Comodulation masking release in speech identification with real and simulated cochlear-implant hearing
Authors: Ihlefeld Antje , Shinn-Cunningham Barbara G. , Carlyon Robert P.
Published: February 2012

For normal-hearing (NH) listeners, masker energy outside the spectral region of a target signal can improve target detection and identification, a phenomenon referred to as comodulation masking release (CMR). This study examined whether, for cochlear implant (CI) listeners and for NH listeners presented with a “noise vocoded” CI simulation, speech identification in modulated noise is improved by a co-modulated flanking band. In Experiment 1, NH listeners identified noise-vocoded speech in a background of on-target noise with or without a flanking narrow band of noise outside the spectral region of the target. The on-target noise and flanker were either 16-Hz square-wave modulated with the same phase or were unmodulated; the speech was taken from a closed-set corpus. Performance was better in modulated than in unmodulated noise, and this difference was slightly greater when the comodulated flanker was present, consistent with a small CMR of about 1.7 dB for noise-vocoded speech. Experiment 2, which tested CI listeners using the same speech materials, found no advantage for modulated versus unmodulated maskers and no CMR. Thus although NH listeners can benefit from CMR even for speech signals with reduced spectro-temporal detail, no CMR was observed for CI users.
T-Type Calcium Channel Blockers That Attenuate Thalamic Burst Firing and Suppress Absence Seizures
Authors: Tringham Elizabeth , Powell Kim L. , Cain Stuart M. , Kuplast Kristy , Mezeyova Janette , Weerapura Manjula , Eduljee Cyrus , Jiang Xinpo , Smith Paula , Morrison Jerrie-Lynn , Jones Nigel C. , Braine Emma , Rind Gil , Fee-Maki Molly , Parker David , Pajouhesh Hassan , Parmar Manjeet , O’Brien Terence J. , Snutch Terrance P.
Published: February 2012

Two high-affinity T-type calcium channel blockers attenuate neural activity in the thalamus and suppress seizures in a genetic model of absence epilepsy.
Pre-pregnancy body mass index and the risk of adverse outcome in type 1 diabetic pregnancies: a population-based cohort study
Authors: Persson Martina , Pasupathy Dharmintra , Hanson Ulf , Westgren Magnus , Norman Mikael
Published: February 2012

Objective

To assess the risk of perinatal complications in overweight and obese women with and without type 1 diabetes (T1DM).

Design

Prospective population-based cohort study.

Setting

This study was based on data from the Swedish Medical Birth Registry from 1998 to 2007.

Participants

3457 T1DM and 764 498 non-diabetic pregnancies were included. T1DM was identified based on ICD code O24.0. Mothers were categorised according to pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI: weight in kilograms per height in square metres) as normal weight (BMI 18.5–24.9), overweight (BMI 25–29.9) or obese (BMI ≥30). Only women with singleton pregnancies and with data on BMI were included.

Primary/secondary outcomes

The primary outcome was large for gestational age (LGA: birth weight >90th percentile) infants. Secondary outcomes were major malformations, pre-eclampsia (PE), preterm delivery, perinatal mortality, delivery by Caesarean section and neonatal overweight. Logistic regression analysis was performed with normal weight non-diabetic women as the reference category and also within the diabetic cohort with normal weight type 1 diabetic women as the reference. The ORs were adjusted for ethnicity, maternal age, height, parity, smoking and chronic hypertension.

Results

35% of women with T1DM were overweight and 18% were obese, as compared with 26% and 11%, respectively, in non-diabetic pregnancies. The incidences of adverse outcome increased with greater BMI category. As compared with non-diabetic normal weight women, the adjusted OR for obese T1DM for LGA was 13.26 (95% CI 11.27 to 15.59), major malformations 4.11 (95% CI 2.99 to 5.65) and PE 14.19 (95% CI 11.50 to 17.50). T1DM was a significant effect modifier of the association between BMI and LGA, major malformations and PE (p<0.001).

Conclusion

High pre-pregnancy BMI is an important risk factor for adverse outcome in type 1 diabetic pregnancies. The combined effect of both T1DM and overweight or obesity constitutes the greatest risk. It seems prudent to strive towards normal pre-pregnancy BMI in women with T1DM.
BOUNDS FOR THE EIGENVALUES OF THE FRACTIONAL LAPLACIAN
Authors: YOLCU SELMA YILDIRIM , YOLCU TÜRKAY
Published: February 2012

In this article, we extend Pólya's legendary inequality for the Dirichlet Laplacian to the fractional Laplacian. Pólya's argument is revealed to be a powerful tool for proving such extensions on tiling domains. As in the Dirichlet Laplacian case, Pólya's inequality for the fractional Laplacian on any bounded domain is still an open problem. Moreover, we also investigate the equivalence of several related inequalites for bounded domains by using the convexity, the Lieb–Aizenman procedure (the Riesz iteration), and some transforms such as the Laplace transform, the Legendre transform, and the Weyl fractional transform.
TRANSMISSION PROBABILITY AND PERSISTENT CURRENT IN AN OPEN AHARONOV–BOHM RING
Authors: LU JIAN-DUO , XU BIN , ZHENG WEI
Published: February 2012

We theoretically investigate the transmission probability and the persistent current in an open quantum ring threaded by the magnetic flux. From the numerical results, we find that the two observable quantities both show a periodic characteristic with the increase of the magnetic flux, and they strongly depend on the dimensionless wave vector and the central angle as well as the magnetic flux.
OPTIMIZATION INDUCED COLLECTIVE BEHAVIOR IN A SYSTEM OF FLASHING OSCILLATORS
Authors: SÁRKÖZI ZSUZSA , KÁPTALAN ERNA , NÉDA ZOLTÁN , BODA SZILÁRD , TUNYAGI ARTHUR , ROSKA TAMÁS
Published: February 2012

An array of pulse-emitting oscillators capable of emerging collective behavior is investigated by computer simulations and through a simple experimental setup. The oscillators emit pulse-like signals and detect the signal emitted by the others. They have stochastically fluctuating periods and can operate in two different modes, one with a short output pulse and one with a longer one. The switching between modes is governed by a simple optimization rule: whenever the total output in the system is lower than a desired f* threshold level they emit long pulses and when the output is higher than f* they emit short-length pulses. This simple dynamical rule optimizes the average output level in the system around the f* value and acts as a coupling between the units. As a side-effect of this simple dynamics complex collective behavior appears. In spite of the fact that there is no direct phase-minimizing interaction between the units, for a certain f* interval the pulses of the oscillators synchronize. Synchronization appears and disappears abruptly as a function of the f* threshold parameter, suggesting a dynamic phase-transition. In the synchronized phase the collective output of the system has a better periodicity than the oscillators individually. A simple experimental setup with flashing multimode oscillators is built. For a given range of the threshold parameter the experimental setup reproduces the theoretically predicted synchronization.
CHARACTERIZING NONLINEAR SPATIO-TEMPORAL SYSTEMS IN THE FREQUENCY DOMAIN
Authors: GUO YUZHU , GUO L. Z. , BILLINGS S. A. , COCA DANIEL , LANG Z. Q.
Published: February 2012

In this paper a new concept, spatio-temporal generalized frequency response functions (STGFRF), is introduced for the first time to characterize nonlinear spatio-temporal dynamical systems in the frequency domain. A probing method is developed to calculate the STGFRFs recursively for both continuous and discrete spatio-temporal systems. The algorithm is computationally compact and exposes the explicit relationship between the continuous and discrete models and the elements of the generalized frequency response functions.
STATISTICAL MEASURES AND DIFFUSION DYNAMICS IN A MODIFIED CHUA'S CIRCUIT EQUATION WITH MULTISCROLL ATTRACTORS
Authors: SAKTHIVEL G. , RAJASEKAR S. , THAMILMARAN K. , DANA SYAMAL KUMAR
Published: February 2012

In this paper the focus is set on a modified Chua's circuit model equation with saw-tooth function in place of piecewise linear function of Chua's circuit displaying multiscroll chaotic attractors. We study the characteristic properties of first passage times (t FPT s ) to nth scroll chaotic attractor, residence times (t RT s ) on a scroll attractor and returned times (t RET s ) to the middle-scroll attractor. t FPT s exhibit a series of Gaussian-like distribution followed by a long tail continuous distribution. t RT s and t RET s show completely discrete distribution. Power-law variation of mean values of t FPT s , t RT s and t RET s with a control parameter is found. On the other hand, mean values of t FPT s and t RET s have linear dependence with the number of scroll attractors for fixed values of the control parameter. For the system with infinite scroll chaotic attractors normal diffusive motion occurs. In the normal diffusion process the mean square displacement grows linearly with time.
SYMMETRICAL DYNAMICS OF CURRENT-MODE CONTROLLED SWITCHING DC-DC CONVERTERS
Authors: ZHOU GUOHUA , XU JIANPING , BAO BOCHENG
Published: February 2012

Peak Current-Mode (PCM) and Valley Current-Mode (VCM) controlled switching dc-dc converters have symmetrical dynamical behaviors within a wide circuit parameter variation range. To investigate the symmetrical dynamical behaviors between PCM and VCM controlled switching dc-dc converters, the iterative map models and inductor current borderlines that exist in the bifurcation diagrams of both PCM and VCM controlled buck, boost, and buck-boost converters are established. The research results of bifurcation behaviors indicate that the bifurcation diagrams of PCM and VCM controlled switching dc-dc converters have symmetrical dynamical behaviors corresponding to a symmetrical point (SP). The simulation results show that time-domain waveforms of PCM and VCM controlled switching dc-dc converters working in periodic orbits have symmetrical axis and SP, and the SP also exists in corresponding phase portraits. Experimental results are given to verify the analysis and simulation results in this paper.
AN APPLICATION OF SMALL-WORLD CELLULAR NEURAL NETWORKS ON ODOR CLASSIFICATION
Authors: AYHAN TUBA , YALÇIN MÜŞTAK E.
Published: February 2012

Many biological networks are constructed with both regular and random connections between neurons. Bio-inspired systems should prevent this mixed topology of biological networks while the artificial system is still realizable. In this work, a bio-inspired network which has many analog realizations, Cellular Neural Network (CNN) is investigated under existing random connections in addition to its regular connections: Small-World Cellular Neural Network (SWCNN). Antennal Lobe, an organ in the olfaction system of insects, is modeled with SWCNN by extending the network with the use of two types of processors on the same network. The model combined with a classifier, SVM and overall system is tested with a five-class odor classification problem. While all neurons are connected to each other with direct or indirect connections in CNNs, the idea of short-cuts does not provide an improvement in classification performance but the results show that the fault tolerance ability of SWCNN is better than the classical CNN.
EFFECTS OF REFUGES AND DENSITY DEPENDENT DISPERSAL ON INTERSPECIFIC COMPETITION DYNAMICS
Authors: DOANH NGUYEN-NGOC , TRI NGUYEN-HUU , PIERRE AUGER
Published: February 2012

We present a classical interspecific competition model. Individuals compete for a resource on a common patch and can go to a refuge. It is assumed that if species would remain on the competition patch, species 1 survives and species 2 would go extinct. Therefore, species 1 is Locally Superior Competitor (LSC) and species 2 Locally Inferior Competitor (LIC). We study the effects of density dependent dispersal from the competition patch to the refuge on the global outcome of competition. We study two cases. The first case considers LSC density dependent dispersal of the LIC trying to escape competition and going to its refuge when the LSC density is large. The second case considers aggressiveness of LIC leading to LIC density dependent dispersal of the LSC. We show that under some conditions, tactic 2 can allow the LIC to survive and even provoke global extinction of the LSC.
EXOTIC DYNAMICS IN NETWORKS OF COUPLED RINGS OF CELLS
Authors: PINTO CARLA M. A.
Published: February 2012

We study curious features appearing in three systems of two coupled rings of cells with Z3 × Z5 exact symmetry, and Z3 and Z5 interior symmetries. This study was motivated by previous work by Antoneli et al. [2008, 2010], on two rings of cells coupled through a "buffer" cell, with Z3 × Z5 and D3 × D5 exact and interior symmetry groups. There, quasi-periodic behavior was found through a sequence of Hopf bifurcations, and relaxation oscillation phenomena appearing further away from the third Hopf point seemed to be necessary for a curious dynamic feature to occur. In this paper, we analyze the dynamical behavior of three distinct networks of two coupled rings of cells, with no "buffer" cell, and find an analogous bifurcation scenario to explain the appearance of quasi-periodic motion in these systems and the curious exotic feature. We compute the relevant states numerically.
RADIAL HEAD DISLOCATION AS A RARE COMPLICATION OF OBSTETRIC BRACHIAL PLEXUS PALSY: LITERATURE REVIEW AND FIVE CASE SERIES
Authors: Huo Cecilia W.
Published: February 2012

Radial head dislocation secondary to obstetric brachial plexus palsy is a rare complication that may occur a few years after birth. Five cases were examined and a comprehensive literature search was performed. Although it is a concern for parents, the dislocation resulted in mild or minimal functional impairment for all five children. Surgical interventions such as biceps tendon transfer, radial head open reduction or excision and annular ligament reconstruction were largely ineffective in significantly improving ranges of motion. Clinicians should be aware of the potentially futile outcomes and risks associated with the surgical treatment of radial head dislocation.
DELAYED REPAIR OF SPONTANEOUS RUPTURE OF BOTH THE EXTENSOR POLLICIS LONGUS AND BREVIS: A CASE REPORT
Authors: Tsailas Panagiotis G. , Alvanos Asterios
Published: February 2012

A 73-year-old female suffered spontaneous rupture of the extensor pollicis longus (EPL) and extensor pollicis brevis (EPB) tendons, for which she presented for treatment three to four weeks later. At that time there was no active metacarpophalangeal (MCP) or interphalangeal (IP) extension, leading to severe functional impairment of her hand. Since both the EPL and the EPB tendons were ruptured, transfer of the extensor indicis proprius (EIP) tendon was carried out for the EPL and transfer of the accessory abductor pollicis longus (AAPL) was carried out for the EPB. After a three-month period of follow-up, the thumb motion was restored and the patient was able to resume all activities of daily living. Although concomitant spontaneous rupture of both the EPL and the EPB is rare, transfer of the EIP and the AAPL tendons, respectively, seems to be the treatment of choice for anatomic reconstruction of such injuries.
A THREE-DIGIT DERMOFASCIECTOMY FOR DUPUYTREN'S DISEASE
Authors: Seah Matthew K. T. , Harry Lorraine , Davidson Dominique
Published: February 2012

In patients presenting to our unit with recurrent or aggressive Dupuytren's disease (DD), we favour the technique of radical excision and resurfacing popularised by Logan, who has described its use for the ulnar two digits of the hand at the same operation.1 In patients in whom dermofasciectomy may be indicated in three or more digits, we have previously advised patients that the quality of the surgical attention and the post-operative physiotherapy might be better delivered by a staged approach. However, we demonstrate here with a case report that the technique can have excellent outcome when used for three digits at the same time. We are unaware of similar previous reports.
MANAGING THUMB VOLAR PLATE ATTENUATION IN CHILDREN: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND CASE SERIES
Authors: Nikkhah Dariush , Rodrigues Jeremy , DeJager Lodewikus
Published: February 2012

Traumatic metacarpophalangeal joint (MCPJ) volar plate attenuations are often managed non-operatively in adults. However, the management of these situations in children is a less commonly encountered challenge. We present a systematic review of the evidence describing the management of these injuries in the paediatric population. We also present our experience of managing painful thumb MCPJ volar plate attenuation in three children who presented to a single UK hand unit.
FINGER SKIN METASTASIS FROM HEPATOCELLULAR CARCINOMA: A CASE REPORT
Authors: Kim Joong Il , Song Choel Ho , Gong Hyun Sik
Published: February 2012

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common cancer with a high rate of metastasis to sites, such as, lung, bone, and regional lymph nodes. However, metastasis of HCC to the hand is rare and the majority of reported cases involve hand bones. Here, the authors report a rare case of finger skin metastasis from HCC without bone involvement. This case highlights that patients presenting with a nodule or granuloma-like tumor of the hand should generate a suspicion of metastasis when there is a history of HCC.
TEXTURE ANALYSIS USING GAUSSIAN GRAPHICAL MODELS
Authors: YANG GUAN , FENG GUO-CAN , LUO ZHI-HONG , LIU ZHI-YONG
Published: February 2012

Texture classification is a challenging and important problem in image analysis. graphical models (GM) are promising tools for texture analysis. In this paper, we address the problem of learning the structure of Gaussian graphical models (GGM) for texture models. GGM can be considered as regression problems due to the connection between the local Markov properties and conditional regression of a Gaussian random variable. We utilize L1-penalty regularization technique for appropriate neighborhood selection and parameter estimation simultaneously. The proposed algorithms are applied in texture synthesis and classification. Experimental results on Brodatz textures demonstrate that the proposed algorithms have good performance and prospects.
Neurogenic adaptation contributes to the afferent response to mechanical stimulation
Authors: Yang J. , Zhao J. , Jiang W. , Nakaguchi T. , Kunwald P. , Grundy D. , Gregersen H.
Published: February 2012

This study aimed to characterize the effect of mechanical stimuli on mesenteric afferent nerve signaling in the isolated rat jejunum in vitro. This was done to determine the effect of mechanical stresses and strains relative to nonmechanical parameters (neurogenic adaptation). Mechanical stimulations were applied to a segment of jejunum from 15 rats using ramp distension with water at three rates of distension, a relaxation test (volume maintained constant from initial pressure of 20 or 40 mmHg), and a creep test (pressure maintained constant). Circumferential stress and strain and the spike rate increase ratio were calculated for evaluation of afferent nerve activity during the mechanical stimulations. Ramp distension evoked two distinct phases of afferent nerve signaling as a function of circumferential stress or strain. Changing the volume distension rate did not change the stress-strain relationship, but faster distension rate increased the afferent firing rate ( P < 0.05). In the stress relaxation test, the spike rate declined faster and to a greater extent than the stress. In the creep test, the spike rate declined, despite a small increase in the strain. Three classes of mechanosensitive single-afferent units (low, wide dynamic range, and high threshold units) showed different response profiles against stress and strain. Low-threshold units exhibited a near linear relationship against the strain ( R2= 0.8095), whereas high-threshold units exhibited a linear profile against the stress ( R2= 0.9642). The afferent response is sensitive to the distension speed and to the stress and strain level during distension. However, the afferent nerve response is not a simple function of either stress or strain. Nonmechanical time-dependent adaptive responses other than those related to viscoelasticity also play a role.
Effects of lactate on the voltage-gated sodium channels of rat skeletal muscle: modulating current opinion
Authors: Rannou F. , Leschiera R. , Giroux-Metges M. A. , Pennec J. P.
Published: February 2012

During muscle contraction, lactate production and translocation across the membrane increase. While it has recently been shown that lactate anion acts on chloride channel, less is known regarding a potential effect on the voltage-gated sodium channel (Nav) of skeletal muscle. The electrophysiological properties of muscle Nav were studied in the absence and presence of lactate (10 mM) by using the macropatch-clamp method in dissociated fibers from rat peroneus longus (PL). Lactate in the external medium (petri dish + pipette) increases the maximal sodium current, while the voltage dependence of activation and fast inactivation are shifted toward the hyperpolarized potentials. Lactate induces a leftward shift in the relationship between the kinetic parameters and the imposed potentials, resulting in an earlier recruitment of muscle Nav. In addition, lactate significantly decreases the time constant of activation at voltages more negative than −10 mV, corresponding to an acceleration of Nav activation. The slow inactivation process is decreased by lactate, corresponding to an enhancement in the number of excitable Nav. In an additional series of experiments, lactate (10 mM) was only added to the petri dish, while the pipette remained sealed on the membrane area. With this approach, the electrophysiological properties of Nav were unaffected by lactate compared with the control condition. Altogether, these data indicate that lactate modulates muscle Nav properties by an extracellular pathway. These effects are consistent with an enhancement in excitability, providing new insights into the role of lactate in muscle physiology.
Wave Observations from Central California: SeaSonde Systems andIn SituWave Buoys
Authors: Long Regan M. , Barrick Don , Largier John L. , Garfield Newell
Published: February 2012

Wave data from five 12-13 MHz SeaSondes radars along the central California coast were analyzed to evaluate the utility of operational wave parameters, including significant wave height, period, and direction. Data from fourin situwave buoys served to verify SeaSonde data and independently corroborate wave variability. Hourly averaged measurements spanned distance is 150 km alongshore × 45 km offshore. Individual SeaSondes showed statistically insignificant variation over 27 km in range. Wave height inter-comparisons between regional buoys exhibit strong correlations, approximately 0.93, and RMS differences less than 50 cm over the region. SeaSonde-derived wave data were compared to nearby buoys over timescales from 15 to 26 months, and revealed wave height correlations and mean RMS difference of 53 cm. Results showed that height RMS differences are a percentage of significant wave height, rather than being constant independent of sea state. Period and directions compared favorably among radars, buoys, and the CDIP model. Results presented here suggest that SeaSondes are a reliable source of wave information. Supported by buoy data, they also reveal minimal spatial variation in significant wave height, period, and direction in coastal waters from ~45 km × ~150 km in this region of the central California coast. Small differences are explained by sheltering from coastal promontories, and cutoff boundaries in the case of the radars.
Graph ofBCI-Algebras
Authors: Zahiri Omid , Borzooei Rajab Ali
Published: February 2012

We associate a graph to any subsetYof aBCI-algebraXand denote it byG(Y). Then we find the set of all connected components ofG(X)and verify the relation betweenXandG(X), whenXis commutativeBCI-algebra orG(X)is complete graph orn-star graph. Finally, we attempt to investigate the relation between some operations on graph and some operations onBCI-algebras.
Applications of Ionic Liquids in Electrochemical Sensors and Biosensors
Authors: Singh Virendra V. , Nigam Anil K. , Batra Anirudh , Boopathi Mannan , Singh Beer , Vijayaraghavan Rajagopalan
Published: February 2012

Ionic liquids (ILs) are salt that exist in the liquid phase at and around 298 K and are comprised of a bulky, asymmetric organic cation and the anion usually inorganic ion but some ILs also with organic anion. ILs have attracted much attention as a replacement for traditional organic solvents as they possess many attractive properties. Among these properties, intrinsic ion conductivity, low volatility, high chemical and thermal stability, low combustibility, and wide electrochemical windows are few. Due to negligible or nonzero volatility of these solvents, they are considered “greener” for the environment as they do not evaporate like volatile organic compounds (VOCs). ILs have been widely used in electrodeposition, electrosynthesis, electrocatalysis, electrochemical capacitor, lubricants, plasticizers, solvent, lithium batteries, solvents to manufacture nanomaterials, extraction, gas absorption agents, and so forth. Besides a brief discussion of the introduction, history, and properties of ILs the major purpose of this review paper is to provide an overview on the advantages of ILs for the synthesis of conducting polymer and nanoparticle when compared to conventional media and also to focus on the electrochemical sensors and biosensors based on IL/composite modified macrodisk electrodes. Subsequently, recent developments and major strategies for enhancing sensing performance are discussed.
A Case of Small Bowel Obstruction Caused by Bezoars Diagnosed with Double Balloon Enteroscopy
Authors: Saita Masayuki , Maekawa Hiroshi , Sato Koichi , Orita Hajime , Sakurada Mutsumi , Ito Tomoaki , Sinjoh Kunihiro , Komatsu Yoshihiro , Nohara Shigeo
Published: February 2012

Primary small bowel bezoars are rare and cause acute abdomen due to small bowel obstruction (SBO). A 69-year-old Japanese man presented with epigastric pain associated with fullness. Physical examination of the abdomen showed no marked signs of peritoneal irritation. An erect X-ray film of the abdomen showed small bowel obstruction. Computed tomography (CT) showed a dilated small bowel loop proximal to the site of the obstruction. Retrograde double balloon enteroscopy (DBE) was performed and showed yellow, hard bezoars blocking the distal ileum. At surgery, a bezoar was found impacted in the distal ileum, and enterotomy with extraction was performed. After 9 days, the patient was discharged from our hospital in satisfactory condition. DBE also appears to be a safe and useful diagnostic tool in patients with SBO, and the findings of DBE influence the strategy of therapy in patients in whom the cause of SBO could not be determined by conventional radiography.
Exploration of Uninitialized Configuration Memory Space for Intrinsic Identification of Xilinx Virtex-5 FPGA Devices
Authors: Sander Oliver , Glas Benjamin , Braun Lars , Müller-Glaser Klaus D. , Becker Jürgen
Published: February 2012

SRAM-based fingerprinting uses deviations in power-up behaviour caused by the CMOS fabrication process to identify distinct devices. This method is a promising technique for unique identification of physical devices. In the case of SRAM-based hardware reconfigurable devices such as FPGAs, the integrated SRAM cells are often initialized automatically at power-up, sweeping potential identification data. We demonstrate an approach to utilize unused parts of configuration memory space for device identification. Based on a total of over 200,000 measurements on nine Xilinx Virtex-5 FPGAs, we show that the retrieved values have promising properties with respect to consistency on one device, variety between different devices, and stability considering temperature variation and aging.
Optimal Incentive Pricing on Relaying Services for Maximizing Connection Availability in Multihop Cellular Networks
Authors: Lin Ming-Hua , Hsu Hao-Jan
Published: February 2012

This paper investigates an incentive pricing problem for relaying services in multihop cellular networks. Providing incentives to encourage mobile nodes to relay data is a critical factor in building successful multihop cellular networks. Most existing approaches adopt fixed‐rate or location‐based pricing on rewarding packets forwarding. This study applies a mathematical programming model to determine an optimal incentive price for each intermediate node that provides relaying services. Under the obtained incentive price, the connection availability of the networks is maximized by using the same relaying costs as other pricing schemes. A signomial geometric programming problem is constructed, and a deterministic optimization approach is employed to solve the problem. Besides, quality‐of‐service constraints are added in the proposed model to mitigate the unfairness between connection availabilities of individual nodes. Computational results demonstrate that the proposed model obtains the optimal incentive price on relaying services to maximize connection availability of the networks.
Enhanced Soil Solarization againstFusarium oxysporumf. sp.lycopersiciin the Uplands
Authors: Barakat Radwan M. , AL-Masri Mohammad I.
Published: February 2012

Soil solarization tests againstFusarium oxysporumf. sp.lycopersici, the causal agent of tomato Fusarium wilt, were conducted for seven weeks through July and August 2008 and 2009 in the climatic conditions of Al-Aroub Agricultural Experimental Station, located in the southern mountains of the West Bank, Palestine. Double polyethylene (DPE) sheets, regular polyethylene (PE) sheets, and virtually impermeable films (VIF) were compared to examine their effects on soil temperature, disease severity, and plant growth. Results showed that in comparison to the control, PE, DPE, and VIF treatments increased the mean maximum soil temperatures by 10.2, 14.1, and 8.8°C, respectively, in 2008 and by 10.2, 12.6, and 8.3°C respectively, in 2009. The longest length of time recorded for temperature above 45°C under DPE sheets were 220 hours in 2008 and 218 hours in 2009. The treatments reduced the pathogen population by 86% and the disease by 43% under the DPE treatment in 2009 and to a lesser extent by the other treatments. Increases of up to 94% in fresh plant weight and up to 60% in plant dry weight were evident under the same treatment. The treatments also increased soil organic matter, both nitrogen forms, and major cations.
A Fixed Point Approach to the Stability of an n‐Dimensional Mixed‐Type Additive and Quadratic Functional Equation
Authors: Lee Yang-Hi , Jung Soon-Mo
Published: February 2012

We investigate the stability problems for a functional equation by using the fixed point method.
Advances in Red VCSEL Technology
Authors: Johnson Klein , Hibbs-Brenner Mary , Hogan William , Dummer Matthew
Published: February 2012

Red VCSELs offer the benefits of improved performance and lower power consumption for medical and industrial sensing, faster printing and scanning, and lower cost, higher speed interconnects based upon plastic optical fiber (POF). However, materials challenges make it more difficult to achieve the desired performance than at the well-developed wavelength of 850 nm. This paper will describe the state of the art of red VCSEL performance and the results of development efforts to achieve improved output power and a broader temperature range of operation. It will also provide examples of the applications of red VCSELs and the benefits they offer. In addition, the packaging flexibility offered by VCSELs, and some examples of non-Hermetic package demonstrations will be discussed. Some of the red VCSEL performance demonstrations include output power of 14 mW CW at room temperature, a record maximum temperature of 115∘C for CW operation at an emission wavelength of 689 nm, time to 1% failure at room temperature of approximately 200,000 hours, lifetime in a 50∘C, 85% humidity environment in excess of 3500 hours, digital data rate of 3 Gbps, and peak pulsed array power of greater than 100 mW.
Common Fixed Point Theorems in a New Fuzzy Metric Space
Authors: Zhang Weiquan , Qiu Dong , Li Zhifeng , Xiong Gangqiang
Published: February 2012

We generalize the Hausdorff fuzzy metric in the sense of Rodríguez‐López and Romaguera, and we introduce a new M∞‐fuzzy metric, where M∞‐fuzzy
metric can be thought of as the degree of nearness between two fuzzy sets with respect to any positive real number. Moreover, under ϕ‐contraction condition, in the fuzzy metric space, we give some common fixed point theorems for fuzzy mappings.
Diesters Biolubricant Base Oil: Synthesis, Optimization, Characterization, and Physicochemical Characteristics
Authors: Salimon Jumat , Salih Nadia , Abdullah Bashar Mudhaffar
Published: February 2012

Diesters biolubricant base oil, oleyl 9(12)-hydroxy-10(13)-oleioxy-12(9)-octadecanoate (OLHYOOD) was synthesized based on the esterification reaction of 9,12-hydroxy-10,13-oleioxy-12-octadecanoic acid (HYOOA) with oleyl alcohol (OL) and catalyzed by sulfuric acid (SA). Optimum conditions of the experiment to obtain high yield % of OLHYOOD were predicted at ratio of OL/HYOOA of 2 : 1 mol/mol, ratio of SA/HYOOA of 0.7 : 1 mol/mol, reaction temperature 110°C, and 7 h of reaction time. At this condition, the yield of OLHYOOD was 88.7%. Disappearance of carboxylic acid (C=O) peak has been observed by FTIR with appearance of ester (C=O) peak at 1738 cm-1.13C, and1H NMR spectra analyses confirmed the result of OLHYOOD with the appearance of carbon-ester (C=O) chemical shift at 173.93 ppm and at 4.05 ppm for13C and1H NMR, respectively. The physicochemical characteristics of the OLHYOOD were also determined, which showed improved low temperature properties (PP) −62°C, viscosity index (VI) at 192 and also increased oxidative stability (OT) up to 215.24°C.
Alzheimer's Disease and Vascular Deficiency: Lessons from Imaging Studies and Down Syndrome
Authors: Reed-Cossairt Arlene , Zhu Xiongwei , Lee Hyoung-Gon , Reed Charles , Perry George , Petersen Robert B.
Published: February 2012

Down syndrome (DS) individuals are at high risk for developing Alzheimer's disease (AD) and consequently provide a unique opportunity to examine the factors leading to the onset of AD. This paper focuses on the neglected vascular parallels between AD and DS that can readily be examined in DS. Several recent AD studies provide evidence that internal jugular vein (IJV) reflux may result in white matter lesions and a 30% decrease in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) clearance of amyloid-β. At the same time, studies analyzing the synthesis of amyloid-βin DS showed greater than expected amounts of Aβthan would be predicted by the increase in gene dosage, perhaps due to slower clearance. These studies are discussed along with the possibility that the venous and CSF dysfunction found in AD patients may be present early in life in persons with DS, leaving them particularly vulnerable to early onset AD. Studying IJV function in DS provides an opportunity to understand the role of vascular function in the initiation of AD.
Role ofIn VitroStimulation with Lipopolysaccharide on T-Cell Activation in HIV-Infected Antiretroviral-Treated Patients
Authors: Tincati Camilla , Bellistrì Giusi M. , Ancona Giuseppe , Merlini Esther , d’Arminio Monforte Antonella , Marchetti Giulia
Published: February 2012

We investigated the effect of LPSin vitrostimulation on T-cell activation in HIV-infected patients with different CD4+ recovery on HAART. PBMCs from 30 HIV-positive, HAART-treated, aviremic individuals with different CD4+ reconstitution (Low Responders: CD4+ < 350/μL; Intermediate Responders: CD4+ 350–599/μL; High Responders: CD4+ ≥ 600/μL) were cultured with LPS and the proportion of HLA-DR/CD38- and Ki67-expressing CD4+/CD8+ T-cells was measured (flow cytometry). Upon LPS stimulation, significantly higher CD4+ and CD8+HLA-DR+ cells were shown in LR and IR versus HIV-negative controls. While no differences in the proportion of LPS-stimulated CD4+CD38+ cells were recorded amongst HIV-positive subgroups, CD8+CD38+ cells were more elevated in patients with lower CD4+ recovery on HAART (i.e., LR and IR). Uponin vitroLPS stimulation, HLA-DR and CD38 expression on T-cells are differentially regulated. While HLA-DR induction reflects impaired CD4+ reconstitution on HAART, cell-surface CD38 expression is increased only on CD8+ T-cells, allowing to speculate that the sole induction of CD38 on CD4+ cells may not be sufficient to depict LPS-driven immune activation in HIV.
The Language of Reactive Oxygen Species Signaling in Plants
Authors: Bhattacharjee Soumen
Published: February 2012

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are astonishingly versatile molecular species and radicals that are poised at the core of a sophisticated network of signaling pathways of plants and act as core regulator of cell physiology and cellular responses to environment. ROS are continuously generated in plants as an inevitable consequence of redox cascades of aerobic metabolism. In one hand, plants are surfeited with the mechanism to combat reactive oxygen species, in other circumstances, plants appear to purposefully generate (oxidative burst) and exploit ROS or ROS-induced secondary breakdown products for the regulation of almost every aspect of plant biology, from perception of environmental cues to gene expression. The molecular language associated with ROS-mediated signal transduction, leading to modulation in gene expression to be one of the specific early stress response in the acclamatory performance of the plant. They may even act as “second messenger” modulating the activities of specific proteins or expression of genes by changing redox balance of the cell. The network of redox signals orchestrates metabolism for regulating energy production to utilization, interfering with primary signaling agents (hormones) to respond to changing environmental cues at every stage of plant development. The oxidative lipid peroxidation products and the resulting generated products thereof (associated with stress and senescence) also represent “biological signals,” which do not require preceding activation of genes. Unlike ROS-induced expression of genes, these lipid peroxidation products produce nonspecific response to a large variety of environmental stresses. The present review explores the specific and nonspecific signaling language of reactive oxygen species in plant acclamatory defense processes, controlled cell death, and development. Special emphasis is given to ROS and redox-regulated gene expression and the role of redox-sensitive proteins in signal transduction event. It also describes the emerging complexity of apparently contradictory roles that ROS play in cellular physiology to ascertain their position in the life of the plant.
A Novel Monoclonal Antibody to Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 Effectively Inhibits Growth of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Xenografts
Authors: Wang Lihong , Park Hangil , Chhim Sophea , Ding Yi , Jiang Wei , Queen Cary , Kim K. Jin
Published: February 2012

Expression of fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) is believed to be a contributing factor to the growth of a number of tumor types, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the potential of monoclonal antibodies that neutralize FGF2 for treatment of patients with cancer has not yet been explored in clinical trials. We therefore generated a novel monoclonal antibody (mAb), GAL-F2, specific for FGF2 and characterized its properties in vitro and in vivo. GAL-F2 binds to a different epitope than several previous anti-FGF2 mAbs tested. This novel epitope was defined using chimeric FGF1/FGF2 proteins and alanine scanning mutagenesis and was shown to comprise amino acids in both the amino and carboxy regions of FGF2. GAL-F2 blocked binding of FGF2 to each of its four cellular receptors, strongly inhibited FGF2-induced proliferation and downstream signaling in human umbilical vein endothelial cells, and inhibited proliferation and downstream signaling in two HCC cell lines. Moreover, GAL-F2, administered at 5 mg/kg i.p. twice weekly, potently inhibited growth of xenografts of the SMMC-7721, HEP-G2, and SK-HEP-1 human HCC cell lines in nude mice, and in some models, had a strong additive effect with an anti-VEGF mAb or sorafenib. Treatment with GAL-F2 also blocked angiogenesis and inhibited downstream cellular signaling in xenografts, indicating its antitumor mechanism of action. Our report supports clinical testing of a humanized form of the GAL-F2 mAb for treatment of HCC and potentially other cancers. Mol Cancer Ther; 11(4); 864–72. ©2012 AACR.
Autophagy Inhibition Synergistically Enhances Anticancer Efficacy of RAMBA, VN/12-1 in SKBR-3 Cells, and Tumor Xenografts
Authors: Godbole Abhijit M. , Purushottamachar Puranik , Martin Marlena S. , Daskalakis Constantine , Njar Vincent C.O.
Published: February 2012

VN/12-1 is a novel retinoic acid metabolism blocking agent discovered in our laboratory. The purpose of the study was to elucidate the molecular mechanism of anticancer activity of VN/12-1 in breast cancer cell lines and in tumor xenografts. We investigated the effects of VN/12-1 on induction of autophagy and apoptosis in SKBR-3 cells. Furthermore, we also examined the impact of pharmacologic and genomic inhibition of autophagy on anticancer activity of VN/12-1. Finally, the antitumor activity of VN/12-1 was evaluated as a single agent and in combination with autophagy inhibitor chloroquine in an SKBR-3 mouse xenograft model. Short exposure of low dose (<10 μmol/L) of VN/12-1 induced endoplasmic reticulum stress, autophagy, and inhibited G1–S phase transition and caused a protective response. However, a higher dose of VN/12-1 initiated apoptosis in vitro. Inhibition of autophagy using either pharmacologic inhibitors or RNA interference of Beclin-1 enhanced anticancer activity induced by VN/12-1 in SKBR-3 cells by triggering apoptosis. Importantly, VN/12-1 (5 mg/kg twice weekly) and the combination of VN/12-1 (5 mg/kg twice weekly) + chloroquine (50 mg/kg twice weekly) significantly suppressed established SKBR-3 tumor growth by 81.4% (P < 0.001 vs. control) and 96.2% (P < 0.001 vs. control), respectively. Our novel findings suggest that VN/12-1 may be useful as a single agent or in combination with autophagy inhibitors for treating human breast cancers. Our data provides a strong rationale for clinical evaluation of VN/12-1 as single agent or in combination with autophagy inhibitors. Mol Cancer Ther; 11(4); 898–908. ©2012 AACR.