bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
TOWARDS A FAST METHOD FOR IRIS IDENTIFICATION WITH FRACTAL AND CHAOS GAME THEORY
Authors: JAMPOUR MAHDI , EBRAHIMZADEH REZA , YAGHOOBI MAHDI , SOLEIMANI-NEZHAD ADEL
Published: June 2012

Nowadays many techniques are being used to increase the reliability of human identification systems. Iris is a part of human body that is desirable for biometric identification and has favorable factors. We have focused on the reality that iris is a fractal phenomenon in this paper. During the production of new fractals, some features will be extracted by Chaos Game mechanism. These features are useful and effective in iris identification. There are three steps for iris identification with fractal and Chaos Game Theory. The first step is making a new fractal. The second step includes extracting features during the first step. Finally, the iris identification based on extracted features is the third step. We have named this technique Iris Identification based-Fractal and Chaos Game Theory (Iris-IFCGT). This technique has some fractal properties like stability against zoom, removing part of the iris image, no sensitivity on rotation and so on as well as desirable speed which helps preventing time consuming process of pattern recognition.
VOLUMES OF CHAIN LINKS
Authors: KAISER JAMES , PURCELL JESSICA S. , ROLLINS CLINT
Published: June 2012

Agol has conjectured that minimally twisted n-chain links are the smallest volume hyperbolic manifolds with n cusps, for n ≤ 10. In his thesis, Venzke mentions that these cannot be smallest volume for n ≥ 11, but does not provide a proof. In this paper, we give a proof of Venzke's statement for a number of cases. For n ≥ 60 we use a formula from work of Futer, Kalfagianni and Purcell to obtain a lower bound for volume. The proof for n between 12 and 25 inclusive uses a rigorous computer computation that follows methods of Moser and Milley. Finally, we prove that the n-chain link with 2m or 2m + 1 half-twists cannot be the minimal volume hyperbolic manifold with n cusps, provided n ≥ 60 or |m| ≥ 8, and we give computational data indicating this remains true for smaller n and |m|.
Order Imbalance, Liquidity, and Returns of the U.S. Treasury Market
Authors: Wang Junbo , Wu Chunchi , Yu Eden S. H.
Published: June 2012

Previous studies have documented the informational role of order imbalances in price discovery of the Treasury market. In this paper, we explore the liquidity dimension of order imbalances. Through our research, we find evidence which indicates that order imbalances affect Treasury market liquidity. More importantly, order imbalances have significant effects on Treasury market returns and volatility, consistent with the contention that order imbalances can cause an inventory problem of marketwide concern. Results suggest that a significant portion of the effect of order imbalances on price and quoted spread is associated with the inventory premium that compensates market participants for providing liquidity to uninformed traders. The effects of order imbalances on market liquidity, returns and volatility are stronger for two- and five-year notes and Treasury bills. Furthermore, there is commonality in order imbalances. Sensitivity of order imbalances individual bonds to marketwide order imbalances varies across securities.
EXPERIMENTAL EVALUATIONS OF ALGORITHMS FOR IP TABLE MINIMIZATION
Authors: FANELLI ANGELO , FLAMMINI MICHELE , MANGO DOMENICO , MELIDEO GIOVANNA , MOSCARDELLI LUCA
Published: June 2012

Reducing the size of IP routing tables is one of the most compelling scaling problems affecting the Internet because of massive growth of routing table entries, increased traffic, and the migration to 128 bit IPv6 addresses. Various algorithms for IP table minimization have been proposed in the literature both for a single and for multiple tables, also with the possibility of performing address reassignments. In this paper we first introduce two new compression heuristics, the BFM and its evolution called BFM-Cluster, that exploit address reassignments for the minimization of multiple routing tables, and then we experimentally evaluate their performances together with the already existing techniques. Since a main problem posed by the growth of the routing tables sizes is the consequent general increase of the table lookup time during the routing of the IP packets, the aim is twofold: to measure and compare the compression ratios of the different algorithms, and to estimate the effects of the compression on the lookup times by measuring the induced improvement on the time of the main algorithms and data structures for the fast IP address lookup from the original tables to the compressed ones. Our point is that the existing techniques are efficient in different situations, with BFM-Cluster heuristic outperforming all other ones.
SPECTRUM OF STOCHASTIC ADDING MACHINES AND FIBERED JULIA SETS
Authors: MESSAOUDI ALI , SESTER OLIVIER , VALLE GLAUCO
Published: June 2012

Consider the basic algorithm to perform the transformation n ↦ n + 1 changing digits of the d-adic expansion of n one by one. We obtain a family of Markov chains on the non-negative integers through successive and independent applications of the algorithm modified by a parametrized stochastic rule that randomly prevents one of the steps in the algorithm to finish. The objects of study in this paper are the spectra of the transition operators of these Markov chains. The spectra of these Markov chains turn out to be fibered Julia sets of fibered polynomials. This enables us to analyze their topological and analytical properties with respect to the underlying parameters of the Markov chains.
A PILOT STUDY IN DIFFERENT UNSTABLE DESIGNS ON THE BIOMECHANICAL EFFECT OF GAIT CHARACTERISTICS
Authors: GU YAODONG , LI JIANSHE , REN XUEJUN , LAKE MARK , LI ZHIYONG
Published: June 2012

The purpose of this study was to compare kinematics and kinetics during walking for healthy subjects using unstable shoes with different designs. Ten subjects participated in this study, and foot biomechanical data during walking were quantified using motion analysis system and a force plate. Data were collected for unstable shoes condition after accommodation period of one week. With soft material added in the heel region, the peak impact force was effectively reduced when compared among similar shapes. In addition, the soft material added in the rocker bottom showed more to be in dorsiflexed position during the initial stance. The shoe with three rocker curves design reduced the contact area in the heel strike, which may result in increasing human body forward speed. Further studies shall be carried out after adapting to long periods of wearing unstable shoes.
MODELING THE DYNAMIC ROUTE CHOICE OF PEDESTRIANS TO ASSESS THE CRITICALITY OF BUILDING EVACUATION
Authors: KEMLOH WAGOUM ARMEL ULRICH , SEYFRIED ARMIN , HOLL STEFAN
Published: June 2012

In this paper we propose an event-driven way finding algorithm for pedestrians in a graph-based structure. The motivation of each pedestrian is to leave the facility. The events used to redirect pedestrians include the identification of a jam situation and/or identification of a better route than the present. The modeled strategies are the shortest path (local and global); they are combined with a quickest path approach, which is based on an observation principle, i.e. pedestrians take their decisions based on the observed environment and are routed dynamically in the network using an appropriate cost benefit analysis function. The influences of the different strategies on the evacuation time, the individual times spent in jam, the jam size evolution, and the overall jam size itself are investigated. The response of the system to broken escape routes is also analyzed. A good and plausible dynamic response in the route choice behavior of the pedestrians is achieved.
HETEROGENEITY, CORRELATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONTAGION
Authors: CACCIOLI FABIO , CATANACH THOMAS A. , FARMER J. DOYNE
Published: June 2012

We consider a model of contagion in financial networks recently introduced in Gai, P. and Kapadia, S. [Contagion in financial networks, Proc. R. Soc. A466(2120) (2010) 2401–2423], and we characterize the effect of a few features empirically observed in real networks on the stability of the system. Notably, we consider the effect of heterogeneous degree distributions, heterogeneous balance sheet size and degree correlations between banks. We study the probability of contagion conditional on the failure of a random bank, the most connected bank and the biggest bank, and we consider the effect of targeted policies aimed at increasing the capital requirements of a few banks with high connectivity or big balance sheets. Networks with heterogeneous degree distributions are shown to be more resilient to contagion triggered by the failure of a random bank, but more fragile with respect to contagion triggered by the failure of highly connected nodes. A power law distribution of balance sheet size is shown to induce an inefficient diversification that makes the system more prone to contagion events. A targeted policy aimed at reinforcing the stability of the biggest banks is shown to improve the stability of the system in the regime of high average degree. Finally, disassortative mixing, such as that observed in real banking networks, is shown to enhance the stability of the system.
Investigation of photophysical and photochemical properties of octa-substituted double-decker rare-earth metallophthalocyanine complexes
Authors: Gürol İlke , Durmuş Mahmut , Ahsen Vefa
Published: June 2012

For the first time, bis[octakis-(2,2,3,3-tetrafluoropropoxy)phthalocyaninato] rare-earth metal(III) double-decker phthalocyanine complexes (Pc2Sm, Pc2Eu, Pc2Gd, Pc2Dy and Pc2Lu) are synthesized. The new phthalocyanine complexes are characterized using mass, FT-IR and UV-vis spectroscopic techniques as well as elemental analysis. All these compounds exhibit excellent solubility in organic solvents. The photophysical and photochemical properties of the rare-earth metal(III) double-decker complexes are investigated and discussed.
THE RHEOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF VITREOUS HUMOR AFTER Q-SWITCHEDNd:YAGLASER PHOTO DISRUPTION
Authors: ABDELKAWI SALWA A.
Published: June 2012

This work aimed to study the photo disruptive effect of a Q-switched Nd:YAG laser with two different energy protocols on the rheological properties of the vitreous humor after treatment of posterior vitreous detachment (PVD). Twenty-one New Zealand albino rabbits were used in this study and divided into three groups. One group was used as control (n = 6 eyes), the second group (n = 18) was treated with Q-switched Nd:YAG laser energy of 5 mJ × 100 pulse (× means times) delivered to the anterior, middle and posterior vitreous respectively (n = 6 eyes for each). The third group (n = 18 eyes) was treated with 10 mJ × 50 pulse delivered to the anterior, middle and posterior vitreous respectively (n = 6 eyes for each). After two weeks, the protein content, refractive index (RI) and the rheological properties of vitreous humor were determined. The protein content, refractive index, consistency, shear stress and viscosity were increased especially for irradiation of the mid-vitreous, and posterior vitreous. The flow index remained below unity indicating the non-Newtonian behavior of the vitreous humor. Application of Q-switched Nd:YAG laser on mid-vitreous and posterior vitreous induce deleterious effect on the gel state of the vitreous humor.
Neuromuscular electrical stimulation increases muscle protein synthesis in elderly type 2 diabetic men
Authors: Wall Benjamin T. , Dirks Marlou L. , Verdijk Lex B. , Snijders Tim , Hansen Dominique , Vranckx Pascal , Burd Nicholas A. , Dendale Paul , van Loon Luc J. C.
Published: June 2012

Physical activity is required to attenuate the loss of skeletal muscle mass with aging. Short periods of muscle disuse, due to sickness or hospitalization, reduce muscle protein synthesis rates, resulting in rapid muscle loss. The present study investigates the capacity of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) to increase in vivo skeletal muscle protein synthesis rates in older type 2 diabetes patients. Six elderly type 2 diabetic men (70 ± 2 yr) were subjected to 60 min of one-legged NMES. Continuous infusions with l-[ ring-13C6]phenylalanine were applied, with blood and muscle samples being collected regularly to assess muscle protein synthesis rates in both the stimulated (STIM) and nonstimulated control (CON) leg during 4 h of recovery after NMES. Furthermore, mRNA expression of key genes implicated in the regulation of muscle mass were measured over time in the STIM and CON leg. Muscle protein synthesis rates were greater in the STIM compared with the CON leg during recovery from NMES (0.057 ± 0.008 vs. 0.045 ± 0.008%/h, respectively, P < 0.01). Skeletal muscle myostatin mRNA expression in the STIM leg tended to increase immediately following NMES compared with the CON leg (1.63- vs. 1.00-fold, respectively, P = 0.07) but strongly declined after 2 and 4 h of recovery in the STIM leg only. In conclusion, this is the first study to show that NMES directly stimulates skeletal muscle protein synthesis rates in vivo in humans. NMES likely represents an effective interventional strategy to attenuate muscle loss in elderly individuals during bed rest and/or in other disuse states.
Formal ESL Synthesis for Control-Intensive Applications
Authors: Dossis Michael F.
Published: June 2012

Due to the massive complexity of contemporary embedded applications and integrated systems, long effort has been invested in high-level synthesis (HLS) and electronic system level (ESL) methodologies to automatically produce correct implementations from high-level, abstract, and executable specifications written in program code. If the HLS transformations that are applied on the source code are formal, then the generated implementation is correct-by-construction. The focus in this work is on application-specific design, which can deliver optimal, and customized implementations, as opposed to platform or IP-based design, which is bound by the limits and constraints of the preexisting architecture. This work surveys and reviews past and current research in the area of ESL and HLS. Then, a prototype HLS compiler tool that has been developed by the author is presented, which utilizes compiler-generators and logic programming to turn the synthesis into a formal process. The scheduler PARCS and the formal compilation of the system are tested with a number of benchmarks and real-world applications. This demonstrates the usability and applicability of the presented method.
Cell Stress Proteins in Atherothrombosis
Authors: Madrigal-Matute Julio , Martinez-Pinna Roxana , Fernandez-Garcia Carlos Ernesto , Ramos-Mozo Priscila , Burillo Elena , Egido Jesus , Blanco-Colio Luis Miguel , Martin-Ventura Jose Luis
Published: June 2012

Cell stress proteins (CSPs) are a large and heterogenous family of proteins, sharing two main characteristics: their levels and/or location are modified under stress and most of them can exert a chaperon function inside the cells. Nonetheless, they are also involved in the modulation of several mechanisms, both at the intracellular and the extracellular compartments. There are more than 100 proteins belonging to the CSPs family, among them the thioredoxin (TRX) system, which is the focus of the present paper. TRX system is composed of several proteins such as TRX and peroxiredoxin (PRDX), two thiol-containing enzymes that are key players in redox homeostasis due to their ability to scavenge potential harmful reactive oxygen species. In addition to their main role as antioxidants, recent data highlights their function in several processes such as cell signalling, immune inflammatory responses, or apoptosis, all of them key mechanisms involved in atherothrombosis. Moreover, since TRX and PRDX are present in the pathological vascular wall and can be secreted under prooxidative conditions to the circulation, several studies have addressed their role as diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic biomarkers of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs).
Chronic Q Fever with No Elevation of Inflammatory Markers: A Case Report
Authors: Boattini Matteo , Almeida André , Moura Rita Barata , Abreu João , Santos Ana Sofia , Toscano Rico Miguel
Published: June 2012

We describe the case of a 55-year-old man with a biological prosthetic aortic valve who suffered from epigastrium and right hypochondrium pain associated with intermittent night sweats. Liver biopsy showed infectious hepatitis pattern without pathognomonic features.Coxiella burnetiiserology was suggestive of chronic Q fever, and modified Duke's criteria for endocarditis were also fulfilled. The authors present a brief literature review concerning chronic Q fever, emphasizing absent previous reports of chronic Q fever with hepatitis and endocarditis and no increase in inflammatory markers.
Cantilever Beam Vibration Suppression Using Modal Energy Redistribution
Authors: Nudehi Shahin S.
Published: June 2012

Modal energy redistribution is utilized to suppress vibrations of a cantilever beam. The energy redistribution between the modes of the beam is achieved by switching on/off an end force which causes varying stiffness
of the beam. The control methodology to suppress all the modes relies on continuously funneling the energy from the higher to the lower modes with the end force and dissipating the energy associated with the fundamental mode. We
present an analytical framework for control design exploiting the modal energy redistribution and verify the results through simulations and experiments.
Parallel Computation of RCS of Electrically Large Platform with Coatings Modeled with NURBS Surfaces
Authors: Yan Ying , Zhao Wei-Xin , Zhao Xun-Wang , Zhang Yu , Liang Chang-Hong
Published: June 2012

The significance of Radar Cross Section (RCS) in the military applications makes its prediction an important problem. This paper uses large-scale parallel Physical Optics (PO) to realize the fast computation of RCS to electrically large targets, which are modeled by Non-Uniform Rational B-Spline (NURBS) surfaces and coated with dielectric materials. Some numerical examples are presented to validate this paper’s method. In addition, 1024 CPUs are used in Shanghai Supercomputer Center (SSC) to perform the simulation of a model with the maximum electrical size 1966.7 λfor the first time in China. From which, it can be found that this paper’s method can greatly speed the calculation and is capable of solving the real-life problem of RCS prediction.
Ganoderma tsugaeInduces S Phase Arrest and Apoptosis in Doxorubicin-Resistant Lung Adenocarcinoma H23/0.3 Cells via Modulation of the PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway
Authors: Yu Yang-Hao , Kuo Han-Peng , Hsieh Hui-Hsia , Li Jhy-Wei , Hsu Wu-Huei , Chen Shih-Jung , Su Muh-Hwan , Liu Shwu-Huey , Cheng Yung-Chi , Chen Chih-Yi , Kao Ming-Ching
Published: June 2012

Ganoderma tsugae(GT) is a traditional Chinese medicine that exhibits significant antitumor activities against many types of cancer. This study investigated the molecular mechanism by which GT suppresses the growth of doxorubicin-resistant lung adenocarcinoma H23/0.3 cells. Our results reveal that GT inhibits the viability of H23/0.3 cellsin vitroandin vivoand sensitizes the growth suppression effect of doxorubicin on H23/0.3 cells. The data also show that GT induces S phase arrest by interfering with the protein expression of cyclin A, cyclin E, CDK2, and CDC25A. Furthermore, GT induces cellular apoptosis via induction of a mitochondria/caspase pathway. In addition, we also demonstrate that the suppression of cell proliferation by GT is through down-regulation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. In conclusion, this study suggests that GT may be a useful adjuvant therapeutic agent in the treatment of lung cancer.
Predicting Sasang Constitution Using Body-Shape Information
Authors: Jang Eunsu , Do Jun-Hyeong , Jin HeeJeong , Park KiHyun , Ku Boncho , Lee Siwoo , Kim Jong Yeol
Published: June 2012

Objectives. Body measurement plays a pivotal role not only in the diagnosis of disease but also in the classification of typology. Sasang constitutional medicine, which is one of the forms of Traditional Korean Medicine, is considered to be strongly associated with body shape. We attempted to determine whether a Sasang constitutional analytic tool based on body shape information (SCAT-B) could predict Sasang constitution (SC).Methods. After surveying 23 Oriental medical clinics, 2,677 subjects were recruited and body shape information was collected. The SCAT-Bs for males and females were developed using multinomial logistic regression. Stepwise forward-variable selection was applied using the score statistic and Wald’s test.Results. The predictive rates of the SCAT-B for Tae-eumin (TE), Soeumin (SE), and Soyangin (SY) types in males and females were 80.2%, 56.9%, and 37.7% (males) and 69.3%, 38.9%, and 50.0% (females) in the training set and were 74%, 70.1%, and 35% (males), and 67.4%, 66.3%, and 53.7% (females) in the test set, respectively. Higher constitutional probability scores showed a trend for association with higher predictability.Conclusions. This study shows that the Sasang constitutional analytic tool, which is based on body shape information, may be relatively highly predictive of TE type but may be less predictive when used for SY type.
Melatonin and Oral Cavity
Authors: Cengiz Murat İnanç , Cengiz Seda , Wang Hom-Lay
Published: June 2012

While initially the oral cavity was considered to be mainly a source of various bacteria, their toxins and antigens, recent studies showed that it may also be a location of oxidative stress and periodontal inflammation. Accordingly, this paper focuses on the involvement of melatonin in oxidative stress diseases of oral cavity as well as on potential therapeutic implications of melatonin in dental disorders. Melatonin has immunomodulatory and antioxidant activities, stimulates the proliferation of collagen and osseous tissue, and acts as a protector against cellular degeneration associated with aging and toxin exposure. Arising out of its antioxidant actions, melatonin protects against inflammatory processes and cellular damage caused by the toxic derivates of oxygen. As a result of these actions, melatonin may be useful as a coadjuvant in the treatment of certain conditions of the oral cavity. However, the most important effect of melatonin seems to result from its potent antioxidant, immunomodulatory, protective, and anticancer properties. Thus, melatonin could be used therapeutically for instance, locally, in the oral cavity damage of mechanical, bacterial, fungal, or viral origin, in postsurgical wounds caused by tooth extractions and other oral surgeries. Additionally, it can help bone formation in various autoimmunological disorders such as Sjorgen syndrome, in periodontal diseases, in toxic effects of dental materials, in dental implants, and in oral cancers.
Short-Term Prediction of Air Pollution in Macau Using Support Vector Machines
Authors: Vong Chi-Man , Ip Weng-Fai , Wong Pak-kin , Yang Jing-yi
Published: June 2012

Forecasting of air pollution is a popular and important topic in recent years due to the health impact caused by air pollution. It is necessary to build an early warning system, which provides forecast and also alerts health alarm to local inhabitants by medical practitioners and the local government. Meteorological and pollutions data collected daily at monitoring stations of Macau can be used in this study to build a forecasting system. Support vector machines (SVMs), a novel type of machine learning technique based on statistical learning theory, can be used for regression and time series prediction. SVM is capable of good generalization while the performance of the SVM model is often hinged on the appropriate choice of the kernel.
Neighborhoods of Certain Multivalently Analytic Functions
Authors: Bulut Serap
Published: June 2012

We introduce and investigate two new general subclasses of multivalently analytic functions of complex order by making use of the familiar convolution structure of analytic functions. Among the various results obtained here for each of these function classes, we derive the coefficient bounds, distortion inequalities, and other interesting properties and characteristics for functions belonging to the classes introduced here.
Protective Mechanisms of Green Tea Polyphenols in Skin
Authors: OyetakinWhite Patricia , Tribout Heather , Baron Elma
Published: June 2012

Skin is frequently exposed to a variety of environmental, chemical, and genotoxic agents that contribute to disease and carcinogenesis. Ultraviolet light (UVR) is the main external stress that leads to immunosuppresion, oxidative stress, premature aging, and tumor formation. Scientists and health professionals emphasize the importance of prevention strategies to circumvent such unfavorable outcomes. Plant polyphenols are a promising approach to disease prevention and treatment. Green tea is an abundant source of plant polyphenols that exhibit significant antioxidant, chemopreventive, and immunomodulatory effects in protecting the skin.
The Association between Self-Reported Energy Intake and Intra-Abdominal Adipose Tissue in Perimenopausal Women
Authors: Kazlauskaite Rasa , Karavolos Kelly , Janssen Imke , Carlson Kimberly , Shipp Karla J. , Dugan Sheila A. , Powell Lynda H.
Published: June 2012

We have previously shown that physical activity predicts intra-abdominal adipose tissue (IAT), but it is unknown whether energy intake predicts IAT independently of physical activity in a community-based, naturalistic environment. The association of energy intake with IAT was explored cross-sectionally in women, recruited between 2002 and 2005 for a study of fat patterning in midlife. IAT at L4-L5vertebral interspace was assessed by computed tomography, energy intake by the Block Food Frequency Questionnaire, and physical activity by the Kaiser Physical Activity Survey. Linear regression models were used for the principal analyses. Among the 257 women, 48% were African American and 52% were Caucasian. Women were52±3years old, and 49% were postmenopausal. Every 500 kcal increase in energy intake was associated with a 6% higher IAT (P=0.02), independent of physical activity (P=0.02), after adjustment for ethnicity, menopausal status, age, smoking, income, and DXA-assessed percent body fat. Energy intake had a significant interaction with ethnicity (P=0.02), but not with physical activity. Models using the IAT to subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissue ratio as an outcome had similar associations. In conclusion, self-reported EI was associated with preferential IAT accumulation in midlife women, independent of physical activity. This association was significantly stronger in Caucasian than African American women. Future longitudinal studies are needed to explore lifestyle predictors of IAT accumulation during the menopausal transition.
C-Jun N-Terminal Kinase 2 Promotes Liver Injury via the Mitochondrial Permeability Transition after Hemorrhage and Resuscitation
Authors: Czerny Christoph , Theruvath Tom P. , Maldonado Eduardo N. , Lehnert Mark , Marzi Ingo , Zhong Zhi , Lemasters John J.
Published: June 2012

Hemorrhagic shock leads to hepatic hypoperfusion and activation of mitogen-activated stress kinases (MAPK) like c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) 1 and 2. Our aim was to determine whether mitochondrial dysfunction leading to hepatic necrosis and apoptosis after hemorrhage/resuscitation (H/R) was dependent on JNK2. Under pentobarbital anesthesia, wildtype (WT) and JNK2 deficient (KO) mice were hemorrhaged to 30 mm Hg for 3 h and then resuscitated with shed blood plus half the volume of lactated Ringer’s solution. Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), necrosis, apoptosis and oxidative stress were assessed 6 h after resuscitation. Mitochondrial polarization was assessed by intravital microscopy. After H/R, ALT in WT-mice increased from 130 U/L to 4800 U/L. In KO-mice, ALT after H/R was blunted to 1800 U/l (P<0.05). Necrosis, caspase-3 activity and ROS were all substantially decreased in KO compared to WT mice after H/R. After sham operation, intravital microscopy revealed punctate mitochondrial staining by rhodamine 123 (Rh123), indicating normal mitochondrial polarization. At 4 h after H/R, Rh123 staining became dim and diffuse in 58% of hepatocytes, indicating depolarization and onset of the mitochondrial permeability transition (MPT). By contrast, KO mice displayed less depolarization after H/R (23%, P<0.05). In conclusion, JNK2 contributes to MPT-mediated liver injury after H/R.
Biocompatibility of Nanoporous TiO2 Coating on NiTi Alloy Prepared via Dealloying Method
Authors: Huang Jin , Wang Junqiang , Su Xiangdong , Hao Weichang , Wang Tianmin , Xia Yayi , Da Guozu , Fan Yubo
Published: June 2012

This paper investigated the biocompatibility of nanoporous TiO2 coating on NiTi shape‐memory alloy (SMA) prepared via dealloying method. Our previous study shows that the dealloying treatment at low temperature leads to 130 nm Ni‐free surface titania surface layer, which possesses good bioactivity because of the combination of hydroxyl (OH−) group in the process of dealloying treatment simultaneously. In this paper, the biological compatibility of NiTi alloy before and after dealloying treatment was evaluated and compared by direct contact method with dermal mesenchymal stem cells (DMSCs) by the isolated culture way. The interrelation between the biological compatibility and surface change of material after modification was systematically analyzed. As a consequence, the dealloying treatment method at low temperature could be of interest for biomedical application, as it can avoid sensitization and allergies and improve biocompatibility of NiTi shape‐memory alloys. Thus it laid the foundation of the clinical trials for surface modification of NiTi memory alloy.
Host-Parasite Interaction: Parasite-Derived and -Induced Proteases That Degrade Human Extracellular Matrix
Authors: Piña-Vázquez Carolina , Reyes-López Magda , Ortíz-Estrada Guillermo , de la Garza Mireya , Serrano-Luna Jesús
Published: June 2012

Parasitic protozoa are among the most important pathogens worldwide. Diseases such as malaria, leishmaniasis, amoebiasis, giardiasis, trichomoniasis, and trypanosomiasis affect millions of people. Humans are constantly threatened by infections caused by these pathogens. Parasites engage a plethora of surface and secreted molecules to attach to and enter mammalian cells. The secretion of lytic enzymes by parasites into host organs mediates critical interactions because of the invasion and destruction of interstitial tissues, enabling parasite migration to other sites within the hosts. Extracellular matrix is a complex, cross-linked structure that holds cells together in an organized assembly and that forms the basement membrane lining (basal lamina). The extracellular matrix represents a major barrier to parasites. Therefore, the evolution of mechanisms for connective-tissue degradation may be of great importance for parasite survival. Recent advances have been achieved in our understanding of the biochemistry and molecular biology of proteases from parasitic protozoa. The focus of this paper is to discuss the role of protozoan parasitic proteases in the degradation of host ECM proteins and the participation of these molecules as virulence factors. We divide the paper into two sections, extracellular and intracellular protozoa.
A Modified Halpern‐TypeIterative Method of a System of Equilibrium Problems and a Fixed Point for a Totally Quasi‐ϕ‐Asymptotically Nonexpansive Mapping in a Banach Space
Authors: Kanjanasamranwong Preedaporn , Kumam Poom , Saewan Siwaporn
Published: June 2012

The purpose of this paper is to introduce the modified Halpern‐type iterative method by the generalized f‐projection operator for finding a common solution of fixed‐point problem of a totally quasi‐ϕ‐asymptotically nonexpansive mapping and a system of equilibrium problems in a uniform smooth and
strictly convex Banach space with the Kadec‐Klee property. Consequently, we prove the strong convergence for a common solution of above two sets. Our result presented in this paper generalize and improve
the result of Chang et al., (2012), and some others.
On Spectrum Sensing for TV White Space in China
Authors: Kocks Christian , Viessmann Alexander , Jung Peter , Chen Lei , Jing Qiu , Hu Rose Qingyang
Published: June 2012

In the field of wireless communications the idea of cognitive radio is of utmost interest. Due to its advantageous propagation properties, the TV white space can be considered to become the first commercial application of cognitive radio. It allows the usage of secondary communication systems at non-occupied frequency bands. Within this paper, spectrum sensing algorithms are introduced for the three predominant Chinese TV standards DTMB, CMMB, and PAL-D/K. A prototype platform is presented and its underlying architecture based on a combination of DSP and FPGA is illustrated including the setup of the cognitive radio application. Furthermore, the performance of the sensing algorithms implemented on the prototype platform is shown in comparison to simulation results.
Is Autism a Member of a Family of Diseases Resulting from Genetic/Cultural Mismatches? Implications for Treatment and Prevention
Authors: Bilbo Staci D. , Jones John P. , Parker William
Published: June 2012

Several lines of evidence support the view that autism is a typical member of a large family of immune-related, noninfectious, chronic diseases associated with postindustrial society. This family of diseases includes a wide range of inflammatory, allergic, and autoimmune diseases and results from consequences of genetic/culture mismatches which profoundly destabilize the immune system. Principle among these consequences is depletion of important components, particularly helminths, from the ecosystem of the human body, the human biome. Autism shares a wide range of features in common with this family of diseases, including the contribution of genetics/epigenetics, the identification of disease-inducing triggers, the apparent role of immunity in pathogenesis, high prevalence, complex etiologies and manifestations, and potentially some aspects of epidemiology. Fortunately, using available resources and technology, modern medicine has the potential to effectively reconstitute the human biome, thus treating or even avoiding altogether the consequences of genetic/cultural mismatches which underpin this entire family of disease. Thus, if indeed autism is an epidemic of postindustrial society associated with immune hypersensitivity, we can expect that the disease is readily preventable.
P1-11-01: Strong Socioeconomic Disparities in Breast Cancer Quality of Care in Switzerland.
Authors: Rapiti E , Blanc A , Benhamou S , Schubert H , Vlastos G , Schaffar R , Bouchardy C
Published: June 2012

Background Despite substantial research on socioeconomic disparities in breast cancer prognosis, important gaps remain concerning the causes of over mortality among socially deprived patients. In this population-based study, we identify disparities by socioeconomic status (SES) in diagnosis assessment and management of breast cancer in Geneva, Switzerland, where the average income and the health care system cost are among the highest in the world.

Methods We included in the study all 1110 women reported with invasive breast cancer at the Geneva Cancer Registry between 2003 and 2005. SES was regrouped in three levels: low (manual employees, skilled and unskilled workers), middle (nonmanual employees and administrative staff) and high (professionals, executive administrators, entrepreneurs) based on the patient's last occupation or, if unemployed, that of the spouse. We compared patients, tumour, treatment characteristics, surgeon caseload and delay of diagnosis as well as some of the management quality indicators established by the European School of Mastology among SES classes by heterogeneity tests. To assess the independent effect of each factor we used multivariate logistic regression, comparing women of high vs. low SES.

Results Compared with patients of high SES, low SES patients were older, more often born outside Switzerland and treated in the public system. Low SES women had less often screen detected cancers (29% vs. 41%; OR multi-adjusted for breast self-examination vs. mammography: 1.7, 95%CI: 1.1−2.6, p=0.020), and less frequently magnetic resonance imaging to assess tumour size/focality (4% vs. 15%; OR multi-adjusted for breast MRI vs. ultrasound: 0.2, 95%CI: 0.1−0.5, p=0.001). They had more often a delay longer than 4 weeks between diagnosis and treatment (53.8% vs. 32.7%; OR multi-adjusted for 4 weeks and more vs. less: 2.6, 95%CI: 1.7−4.1, p<0.000). Also, women of low SES were more frequently operated by surgeons with a lower caseload (<5 new breast cancer operations per year) (55% vs. 30%; OR multi-adjusted for surgeon's caseload of 5–15 vs. <5: 0.4, 95%CI: 0.1−0.9, p=0.020), had more often positive surgical margins (11.4% vs. 5.4%; OR multi-adjusted for negative vs. positive margins: 0.4, 95% CI 0.2−1.0, p=0.057) and lower access to anti-aromatase treatments (29.6% vs. 43.6%). In particular, the probability to receive anastrozole vs. tamoxifen was 70% lower (OR multi-adjusted for anastrozole vs. tamoxifen: 0.3, 95%CI: 0.2−0.6, p<0.000).

Conclusions: This study shows strong SES differences all along the continuum of breast cancer management, even in the highly medicalized county of Geneva. Only by improving the quality of care provided to women of low SES we will be able to prevent the excess breast cancer mortality observed among these women.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2011;71(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P1-11-01.
P2-09-01: First-in-Human Whole-Body HER2−Receptor Mapping Using Affibody Molecular Imaging.
Authors: Sandberg D , Wennborg A , Feldwisch J , Sörensen J , Garske U , Carlsson J , Lindman H
Published: June 2012

Background: ABY-025 is a member of a promising class of scaffold-based antibody alternatives known as Affibody molecules with superior properties for molecular imaging compared to monoclonal antibodies. It is a minimal-size, high-affinity HER2 binder, noncompetitive with trastuzumab allowing imaging even during trastuzumab therapy. This pilot clinical study set out to establish a safe clinical procedure for further tests and to verify whether breast cancer lesions could be identified and characterized for HER2 expression using single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging.

Patients and methods: Seven patients with metastatic breast cancer, five with HER2 positive primary tumors and two HER2 negative controls were included. A standard 3-hour 18F-FDG-PET was performed to locate the lesions and 5 days later an injection with 111Inlabeled ABY-025 was given followed by whole body scanning at 30 minutes with additional SPECT at 4, 24 and 48 hours. Biopsies were taken from amenable lesions and analyzed by immunohistochemistry to verify the HER2 status.

Results: Large metastases were visualized already at 30 minutes and at later registrations a majority of all known lesions could be identified. A brain metastasis showed exceptionally high HER2 signal-to-background-ratio. Two fundamental behaviors were observed: High tumor to background ratio, increasing over time, was predominant in the HER2−positive group while the HER2−negative group generally presented a lower ratio. One patient in the positive group unexpectedly showed low tumor to background ratio similar to the negative group. Biopsy verified that the initially positive patient had converted to low HER2 expression. All other biopsies confirmed that the metastases were still positive or negative in line with the subject's primary lesions. None of the subjects had any adverse reactions due to the investigations.

Conclusion: ABY-025 can be used safely in humans with similar excellent whole body HER2−receptor molecular imaging capabilities as have already been observed in animal models. Promising indications of in vivo HER2−receptor status discriminatory capabilities were observed.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2011;71(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P2-09-01.
P3-13-07: The TARGIT-A Trial Update Confirms No Increase in Local Recurrence.
Authors: Vaidya JS , Baum M , Wenz F , Bulsara M , Tobias J , Alvarodo M , Saunders C , Williams N , Joseph D ,   On Behalf of the TARGIT Trialists Group
Published: June 2012

Introduction: In June 2010, we published the results of the TARGIT-A trial (1) that compared “one-size fits” all radiotherapy (whole breast radiotherapy-EBRT group) with risk -adjusted radiotherapy (TARGIT- group: single dose TARGeted Intraoperative radioTherapy with additional whole breast radiotherapy if adverse prognostic factors were found). These results showed that the risk of local recurrence in the TARGIT group was non-inferior to that of the EBRT group (the difference between the two arms was 0.25% at 4 years). We now report the results analyzed after further follow up of the total trial cohort without unblinding.

Method: As often repeated, unplanned analysis comparing two groups in a randomized trial can result in an increased alpha-spent as well as carry the risk of a false positive result, we have remained blinded to the further recurrences in the trial according to allocated treatment, since the original publication in the Lancet. Instead we proposed and performed a blinded analysis of the local recurrence rate for the whole cohort. We plotted the Kaplan Meier plots and compared the estimated 4-year recurrences.

Results: Amongst the 2232 patients randomized, there were 13 recurrences at the time of Lancet publication and since then, we have had 8 additional recurrences. The number of patients who have completed at least 4 years of follow up has increased from 420 to 717. We found that the 4-year Kaplan Meier estimate of local recurrence was 1.08% (95% CI 0.59 −1.96) at the time of the Lancet publication and it is 1.09% (95% CI 0.65 - 1.85) now.

Conclusion: We found that the overall 4-year recurrence rates of the TARGIT-A trial have remained stable with a longer follow up and therefore; it is statistically implausible, that one particular arm has a significantly higher local recurrence.

References

1. Vaidya JS, Joseph DJ, Tobias JS, Bulsara M, Wenz F, Saunders C, Alvarado M, Flyger HL, Massarut S, Eiermann W, Keshtgar M, Dewar J, Kraus-Tiefenbacher U, Sutterlin M, Esserman L, Holtveg HM, Roncadin M, Pigorsch S, Metaxas M, Falzon M, Matthews A, Corica T, Williams NR, Baum M. Targeted intraoperative radiotherapy versus whole breast radiotherapy for breast cancer (TARGIT-A trial): an international, prospective, randomised, non-inferiority phase 3 trial. Lancet 2010;376(9735):91–102.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2011;71(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P3-13-07.
P4-08-03: Serum Autoantibodies to Breast Cancer Associated Antigens Reflect Tumor Biology: An Opportunity for Early Detection & Prevention?
Authors: Eiermann W , Jackson L , Murray A , Chapman CJ , Peek LJ , Widschwendter P , Allen J , Graham H , Robertson JF
Published: June 2012

Autoantibodies (AABs) are produced as an immune response to abnormal ('non-self') cancer antigens. Previous studies have reported that AABs can be measured in the blood long before cancers are presently diagnosed, e.g., up to 4 years before screening mammography identified breast cancers and up to 5 years before screening CT detected lung cancers. EarlyCDT™-Lung is currently available as an aid to early detection of lung cancer in high risk patients and measures a panel of seven AABs to general cancer antigens and also lung cancer (LC) specific antigens. These AABs have previously been reported to be associated with the two main types of LC i.e., non-small cell and small cell LC. This study looked at AABs to 4 general cancer antigens to evaluate whether their levels reflected different biology in primary breast tumors.

Methods

770 patients presented with primary breast cancer to three centers (Nottingham, UK n=323; Munich, Germany n=320; Oklahoma, USA n=127); the median ages and ranges were 61 (26-82), 61 (20-88) & 65 (54-84) years, respectively. All had serum samples taken post-diagnosis and pre-treatment. The tumors were well characterized for histological grade, estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PgR) and HER2 status. Serum samples were tested for AABs to four generic cancer antigens(Ags) (p53, SOX2, NY-ESO-1 and Annexin1) originally included as part of Oncimmune's EarlyCDT™-Lung assay. The AABs were measured by ELISA on the Oncimmune platform, and the EarlyCDT™-Lung cutoffs were used to determine positivity.

Results

131/770 (17%) of primary breast cancers showed elevated AAB levels to one or more of the limited panel of four generic antigens. Positivity for each AAB was correlated with histological grade, ER, PgR and HER2 status. The results, which were similar for each of the three centres, were combined, and the results are shown in Table 1 below.

p53 AAB positive cancers tended to be hormone receptor negative and HER2 positive. NY-ESO-1 positive tumors were almost all higher grade with the majority hormone receptor and HER2 negative. SOX2 positive cancers tended to have a hormone sensitive phenotype (i.e., hormone receptor positive and HER2 negative). Annexin 1 positive cancers also tended to have a hormone sensitive phenotype as well as HER2 negative. The pattern was statistically different for the four AABs (p<0.001). The autoantibody profile for ER positive tumours was not statistically different from PgR positive tumors.

Conclusions

These data show that specific AABs measured in the serum reflected the biology of the breast cancers. Confirmation of this finding could, in the future, lead to using immuno-biomarkers such as these to guide early therapeutic intervention (e.g. prevention) in a targeted group of women.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2011;71(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P4-08-03.
P4-12-01: The Breast-Activity and Healthy Eating after Diagnosis (B-AHEAD) Study – A Randomised Comparison of Weight Control Programmes during Adjuvant Treatment.
Authors: Harvie M , Pegington M , Bundred N , Campbell A , Wolstenholme J , Adams J , Speed S , Morris J , Howell A
Published: June 2012

Background: Excess weight at diagnosis and weight gain during treatment are linked to increased mortality from breast cancer. Since 60% of breast cancer patients are overweight at diagnosis and 75% gain weight during treatment, weight control should improve outcome but the optimal intervention is unknown.

Aim: To compare 3 programmes for weight control after surgery for primary breast cancer.

Methods: We have recruited a randomised trial of 2 diet and exercise weight control interventions (1. a community based supervised group programme, 2. a mail and phone programme) compared to standard written advice (control). We are comparing the relative effects of the 3 programmes on body weight and composition (by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry), cardiovascular risk parameters (lipids, blood pressure), a marker of breast cancer prognosis (insulin resistance), fitness and quality of life over the first year after diagnosis.

In total 409 women have been randomised (45% of eligible women) and 21 women have left the trial (5.1%), 357 have completed the 6 month assessments, all are due to complete the trial in December 2011.

Results:

Weight and body fat results at 6 months indicate that the low cost mail and phone programme is equal to the supervised programme and both are significantly superior to written advice, but not in patients receiving chemotherapy.

The high uptake and adherence to the trial shows interest and motivation of a significant number of cancer patients to make positive changes to lifestyle at the time of diagnosis. The final trial results will be presented at the December meeting. This abstract presents independent research commissioned by the National Institute for Health Research under the Research for Patient Benefit programme. The views expressed here are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the funding organisations.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2011;71(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P4-12-01.