bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Solubility / retention relationships in supercritical‐fluid chromatography
Authors: Gonenc Z. Sermin , Akman Ugur , Sunol Aydin K.
Published: March 2009

The effects of temperature, pressure and supercritical fluid density on solubility‐retention relationship of solutes in supercritical fluid partition chromatography are investigated. New retention data for naphthalene and phenanthrene are obtained as a function of pressure at different temperatures. The mobile‐phase partial molar volumes of the solutes are determined from infinite‐dilution fugacity coefficients and used to model the pressure dependence of solute retention that reveals the nature of interactions between the stationary phase and the solute. Relationships between pressure and temperature dependence of solubility and retention of solutes are also illustrated.
An algorithm for the simulation of electrohydrodynamic rigid particulate flows
Authors: Hsu H. Y. , Sharma N. , Patankar Neelesh A.
Published: March 2009

In this communication, a numerical technique for electrohydrodynamic rigid particulate flows is presented. The proposed algorithm takes advantage of a specialized rigid particle formulation, thus enabling an efficient computational approach. The approach is tested for all the basic dielectrophoretic behaviors expected in DC and AC fields. This tool has potential use in several micro‐ and nano‐scale fabrication processes that rely on electrohydrodynamic self‐assembly of particles. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A delay decomposition approach to delay‐dependent stability for linear systems with time‐varying delays
Authors: Zhang Xian‐Ming , Han Qing‐Long
Published: March 2009

This paper is concerned with delay‐dependent stability for linear systems with time‐varying delays. By decomposing the delay interval into multiple equidistant subintervals, on which different Lyapunov functionals are chosen, and new Lyapunov‐Krasvskii functionals are then constructed. Employing these new Lyapunov‐Krasvskii functionals, some new delay‐dependent stability criteria are established. The numerical examples show that the obtained results are less conservative than some existing ones in the literature. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
State estimation of stochastic systems with switching measurements: A polynomial approach
Authors: Germani A. , Manes C. , Palumbo P.
Published: March 2009

The state estimation problem is here investigated for a class of stochastic linear switching‐output systems, in which the output matrix switches in a finite set of possible values according to a not directly measured discrete Markov sequence. This note presents a real‐time algorithm, based on the optimal polynomial filtering approach, which achieves the simultaneous estimation of both the continuous system state and the switching parameter. The state and observation noises do not need to be Gaussian. It is shown that the optimal filter of degree one (best affine filter) does not solve the parameter estimation problem, due to a structural first‐order unobservability property, and therefore the use of higher‐order filters becomes necessary. As an application of the proposed filter, the problem of the online simultaneous estimation of the transmitted signal and of the impulse response samples of a multipath fast‐fading digital communication channel is considered in this paper. Differently from other approaches, the polynomial filter solves the problem without the use of training sequences (preambles) in the transmitted data, so that the information flow through the channel is not interrupted. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Adenotonsillectomy for obstructive sleep apnea in obese children: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Costa Dary J. , Mitchell Ron
Published: March 2009

Objective

The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of adenotonsillectomy (T&A) for treating obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in obese children.

Data Sources

PubMed and Ovid databases.

Review Methods

A meta‐analysis of studies that reported sleep parameters in obese children with OSA before and after T&A. Data were analyzed using the random effects model. Statistical significance was P ≤ 0.05.

Results

Data from four studies that included 110 children were analyzed. The mean sample size was 27.5 (range, 18–33). The mean body mass index z score was 2.81. The mean pre‐ and postoperative apnea‐hypopnea index (AHI) was 29.4 (range, 22.2–34.3) and 10.3 (range, 6.0–12.2), respectively. The weighted mean difference between pre‐ and postoperative AHI was a significant reduction of 18.3 events per hour (95% confidence interval [CI], 11.2–25.5). The mean pre‐ and postoperative oxygen saturation nadir was 78.4 percent (range, 73.9%‐81.1%) and 85.7 percent (range, 83.6%‐89.9%), respectively. The weighted mean difference was a significant increase of the oxygen saturation nadir of 6.3 percent (95% CI, 3.9–8.7). Forty‐nine percent of children had a postoperative AHI <5, 25 percent of children had a postoperative AHI <2, and 12 percent of children had a postoperative AHI <1.

Conclusions

T&A improves but does not resolve OSA in the majority of obese children. The efficacy and role of additional therapeutic options require more study. The high incidence of obesity in children makes this a public health priority.
Do Mediterranean cricketsGryllus bimaculatusDe Geer (Orthoptera: Gryllidae) come from the Mediterranean? Largescale phylogeography and regional gene flow
Authors: Ferreira M. , Ferguson J.W.H.
Published: March 2009

We investigate the degree of between-population genetic differentiation in the Mediterranean field cricketGryllus bimaculatus, as well as the possible causes of such differentiation. Using cytochromebmtDNA sequences, we estimate genetic variation inG. bimaculatusfrom seven South African and two Mediterranean populations. Within-population genetic variation in Europe (two haplotypes, one unique to a single individual) suggest low effective population size and strong bottlenecks with associated founder effects, probably due to cold winter environments in Europe that limit reproduction to a short part of the summer. The likely cause for this is the daily maxima in winter temperatures that fall below the critical level of 16°C (enabling normal calling and courtship behaviour) in Mediterranean Europe, whereas the equivalent temperatures in southern Africa are above this limit and enable reproduction over a large part of the year. European genetic variants were either shared with Africa or closely related to African haplotypes. For survival, European populations are probably dependent on immigration from other areas, including Africa. South African populations have low but measurable gene flow with Europe and show significant between-population genetic differentiation (30 haplotypes). Isolation-by-distance is not sufficient to explain the degree of between-population genetic differences observed, and a large degree of dispersal is also required in order to account for the observed patterns. Differences in morphology and calling behaviour among these populations are underlied by these genetic differences.
WEALTH, INTELLIGENCE, POLITICS AND GLOBAL FERTILITY DIFFERENTIALS
Authors: MEISENBERG GERHARD
Published: March 2009

Demographic trends in today's world are dominated by large fertility differentials between nations, with ‘less developed’ nations having higher fertility than the more advanced nations. The present study investigates whether these fertility differences are related primarily to indicators of economic development, the intellectual level of the population, or political modernity in the form of liberal democracy. Results obtained with multiple regression, path models and latent variable models are compared. Both log-transformed GDP and measures of intelligence independently reduce fertility across all methods, whereas the effects of liberal democracy are weak and inconsistent. At present rates of fertility and mortality and in the absence of changes within countries, the average IQ of the young world population would decline by 1.34 points per decade and the averageper capitaincome would decline by 0.79% per year.
In vivo activated monocytes from the site of inflammation in humans specifically promote Th17 responses
Authors: Evans Hayley G. , Gullick Nicola J. , Kelly Stephen , Pitzalis Costantino , Lord Graham M. , Kirkham Bruce W. , Taams Leonie S.
Published: March 2009

Th17 cells are a recently defined subset of proinflammatory T cells that contribute to pathogen clearance and tissue inflammation by means of the production of their signature cytokine IL-17A (henceforth termed IL-17). Although the in vitro requirements for human Th17 development are reasonably well established, it is less clear what their in vivo requirements are. Here, we show that the production of IL-17 by human Th17 cells critically depends on both the activation status and the anatomical location of accessory cells. In vivo activated CD14+ monocytes were derived from the inflamed joints of patients with active rheumatoid arthritis (RA). These cells were found to spontaneously and specifically promote Th17, but not Th1 or Th2 responses, compared with resting CD14+ monocytes from the blood. Surprisingly, unlike Th17 stimulation by monocytes that were in vitro activated with lipopolysaccharide, intracellular IL-17 expression was induced by in vivo activated monocytes in a TNF-α- and IL-1β-independent fashion. No role for IL-6 or IL-23 production by either in vitro or in vivo activated monocytes was found. Instead, in vivo activated monocytes promoted Th17 responses in a cell-contact dependent manner. We propose that, in humans, newly recruited memory CD4
+
T cells can be induced to produce IL-17 in nonlymphoid inflamed tissue after cell–cell interactions with activated monocytes. Our data also suggest that different pathways may be utilized for the generation of Th17 responses in situ depending on the site or route of accessory cell activation.
Invariant NKT cells inhibit development of the Th
17
lineage
Authors: Mars Lennart T. , Araujo Luiza , Kerschen Philippe , Diem Séverine , Bourgeois Elvire , Van Linh Pham , Carrié Nadège , Dy Michel , Liblau Roland S. , Herbelin André
Published: March 2009

T cells differentiate into functionally distinct effector subsets in response to pathogen encounter. Cells of the innate immune system direct this process; CD1d-restricted invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells, for example, can either promote or inhibit Th
1
and Th
2
responses. Recently, a new subset of CD4
+
T helper cells, called Th
17
, was identified that is implicated in mucosal immunity and autoimmune disorders. To investigate the influence of iNKT cells on the differentiation of naïve T cells we used an adoptive transfer model of traceable antigen-specific CD4
+
T cells. Transferred naïve CD25
−
CD62L
+
CD4
+
T cells were primed by antigen immunization of the recipient mice, permitting their expansion and Th
17
differentiation. This study establishes that in vivo activation of iNKT cells during T-cell priming impedes the commitment of naïve T cells to the Th
17
lineage. In vivo cytokine neutralization experiments revealed a role for IL-4, IL-10, and IFN-γ in the iNKT-cell-mediated regulation of T-cell lineage development. Moreover, by comparing IL-17 production by antigen-experienced T cells from unmanipulated wild-type mice and iNKT-cell-deficient mice, we demonstrate an enhanced Th
17
response in mice lacking iNKT cells. This invigorated Th
17
response reverts to physiological levels when iNKT cells are introduced into Jα18
−/−
mice by adoptive transfer, indicating that iNKT cells control the Th
17
compartment at steady state. We conclude that iNKT cells play an important role in limiting development of the Th
17
lineage and suggest that iNKT cells provide a natural barrier against Th
17
responses.
Characterization and genetic analysis of bovine αs1‐casein I variant
Authors: Lühken G. , Caroli A. , Ibeagha‐Awemu E. M. , Erhardt G.
Published: March 2009

The aim of this study was to identify the molecular genetic origin underlying the I variant of αs1‐casein and to develop a DNA‐based test for this polymorphism as a tool for genetic analyses independent of milk sample testing. All coding exons and flanking regions of the αs1‐casein gene were sequenced in DNA samples from cattle of known αs1‐casein genotypes (BI, CI, II, CC), determined by isoelectric focusing of milk samples. A nucleotide substitution (A>T) in exon 11 (g.19836A>T) leads to the exchange of Glu with Asp at amino acid position 84 of the mature protein (p.Glu84Asp) and perfectly co‐segregated with the presence of the αs1‐casein I variant in the milk of the analysed animals. Genotyping of a total of 680 DNA samples from 31 Bos taurus and Bos indicus cattle breeds and from Bos grunniens, Bison bison and Bison bonasus by restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis revealed the occurrence of Asp at position 84 at low frequencies in Bos taurus and Bos indicus breeds and established its origin from the αs1‐casein C variant (p.Glu192Gly). Ten different intragenic haplotypes in the gene region from intron 8 to intron 12 were observed by sequencing, of which two occurred in Bison bison and one in Bison bonasus only. Using available casein gene complex information, an association of Asp at position 84 to β‐casein A2 and κ‐casein B was shown in the Bos indicus breed Banyo Gudali. Taken together, we can postulate that the αs1‐casein variant I is caused by a non‐synonymous nucleotide substitution in exon 11 of the gene and that it originated within Bos indicus and spread to Bos taurus subsequently.
Correlation between early neonatal diet and atopic symptoms up to 5‐7 years of age in very low birth weight infants: follow‐up of randomized, double‐blind study
Authors: Kwinta Przemko , Sawiec Piotr , Klimek Malgorzata , Lis Grzegorz , Cichocka‐Jarosz Ewa , Pietrzyk Jacek Józef
Published: March 2009

The influence of early feeding on the risk of atopic diseases has been studied in full‐term newborns, not in very low birth weight infants (VLBW). The study evaluated effect of early feeding of VLBW infants with either cow’s milk‐based formula (CMF) or extensively hydrolyzed milk formula (HF) on incidence of atopic diseases and markers of atopy at 5‐7 years of age. This was a follow‐up of the randomized, double‐blind study evaluating the influence of different enteral feeding protocols on the early morbidity of VLBW infants. In the original study 80 children were randomly allocated into 2 groups receiving during first month of life HF (experimental group) or CMF (control group). At the age of 5‐7 years, 62 children among 74 available (84%) with mean birthweight 1124g were evaluated according to standardized ISAAC (International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood) protocol. Total IgE level, specific IgE, lymphocyte CD4+CCR4+/CD4+CXCR3+ ratio and skin prick tests (SPT) were done. Prevalence of obvious allergic diseases was not significantly different between the studied groups (HF: 12/33; CMF: 6/29; RR [relative risk] HF vs CMF: 1.76; 95%CI [confidence interval]: 0.76–4.09). Comparison of atopic status across groups revealed similar rate of positive markers of atopy: IgE (RR: 2.57 95%CI: 0.91–8,08), SPT (RR: 5.13; 95%CI: 0.93–31.6), lymphocyte CD4+CCR4+/CD4+CXCR3+ ratio (OR: 2.32; 95%CI: 0.78–7.53) in the both studied groups. Based on the carried out follow‐up study we were unable to confirm the usefulness of hydrolyzed formula in prevention of allergy in an unselected cohort of very low birth weight infants.
Towards an integration of ecological stoichiometry and the metabolic theory of ecology to better understand nutrient cycling
Authors: Allen Andrew P. , Gillooly James F.
Published: March 2009

Ecologists have long recognized that species are sustained by the flux, storage and turnover of two biological currencies: energy, which fuels biological metabolism and materials (i.e. chemical elements), which are used to construct biomass. Ecological theories often describe the dynamics of populations, communities and ecosystems in terms of either energy (e.g. population‐dynamics theory) or materials (e.g. resource‐competition theory). These two classes of theory have been formulated using different assumptions, and yield distinct, but often complementary predictions for the same or similar phenomena. For example, the energy‐based equation of von Bertalanffy and the nutrient‐based equation of Droop both describe growth. Yet, there is relatively little theoretical understanding of how these two distinct classes of theory, and the currencies they use, are interrelated. Here, we begin to address this issue by integrating models and concepts from two rapidly developing theories, the metabolic theory of ecology and ecological stoichiometry theory. We show how combining these theories, using recently published theory and data along with new theoretical formulations, leads to novel predictions on the flux, storage and turnover of energy and materials that apply to animals, plants and unicells. The theory and results presented here highlight the potential for developing a more general ecological theory that explicitly relates the energetics and stoichiometry of individuals, communities and ecosystems to subcellular structures and processes. We conclude by discussing the basic and applied implications of such a theory, and the prospects and challenges for further development.
‘Mixed race’, ‘mixed origins’ or what? Generic terminology for the multiple racial/ethnic group population
Authors: Aspinall Peter J.
Published: March 2009

A broad range of terms have been proposed and debated for the ‘mixed race’ population. Dissatisfaction with ‘mixed race’, the term most widely used but contested on the grounds that it references the now discredited concept of ‘race’, has led to the search for an alternative. In 1994 the Royal Anthropological Institute advocated ‘mixed origins’; despite subsequent further efforts, this alternative has gained little momentum. ‘Mixed race’ now competes with terms such as ‘mixed heritage’, ‘dual heritage’, and ‘mixed parentage’ amongst data users. However, research indicates that the term of choice of most respondents in general population and student samples of this population group is ‘mixed race’, other terms ‐ including ‘mixed origins’ ‐ attracting little support. Given its dominance, it is premature to argue that the term ‘mixed race’ should be replaced by candidates that are not self‐descriptors.
Enhanced osteoconductivity of micro‐structured titanium implants (XiVE S CELLplus™) by addition of surface calcium chemistry: a histomorphometric study in the rabbit femur
Authors: Park Jin‐Woo , Kim Hye‐Kyoung , Kim Youn‐Jeong , An Chang‐Hyeon , Hanawa Takao
Published: March 2009

Objectives: This study evaluated the osseointegration in rabbit cancellous bone of titanium (Ti) implants with a micro‐topographically complex surface structure produced by grit‐blasting/acid‐etching with or without the addition of surface calcium ion (Ca) chemistry.

Material and methods: Micro‐structured Ti implants (XiVE S CELLplus™ screw implant, Dentsply Friadent GmbH) were hydrothermally treated in an alkaline Ca‐containing solution to produce a nano‐structured Ca‐incorporated oxide surface layer. The surface characteristics were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy and stylus profilometry before and after Ca surface treatment. Twenty implants (10 control and 10 experimental) were placed in the femoral condyles of 10 New Zealand White rabbits. Histomorphometric analysis was performed 6 weeks after implantation.

Results: Ca‐incorporated and untreated control implants showed similar surface morphologies and surface roughness values at the micron scale. Untreated micro‐structured Ti implants achieved a high degree of bone‐to‐implant contact (BIC), and Ca incorporation further increased BIC% (P<0.05). Active new bone apposition was found on surfaces of Ca‐incorporated implants in areas of loose trabeculae.

Conclusion: The nano‐structured Ca‐incorporated oxide surface significantly enhanced osteoconductivity of micro‐structured Ti implants in rabbit cancellous bone. Results indicate that this surface produced by simple hydrothermal treatment may be effective in improving the osseointegration of implants with micro‐topographically complex surface structures in areas of loose cancellous bone.
Murine mast cells secrete a unique profile of cytokines and prostaglandins in response to distinct TLR2 ligands
Authors: Mrabet‐Dahbi Salima , Metz Martin , Dudeck Anne , Zuberbier Torsten , Maurer Marcus
Published: March 2009

Abstract:  Mast cells (MCs) are important effector cells in host defense against bacteria. In the course of a bacterial infection, MCs can be activated by various mechanisms, i.e. bacterial toxins, endogenously produced infection‐associated peptides or via complement receptors, fimbrial adhesion molecules and toll‐like receptors (TLRs). While some of these mechanisms are well established, the effects of TLR2 ligand‐driven MC activation are far less understood. Here, we show that murine mature connective tissue‐type MCs, but not immature bone marrow‐derived cultured mast cells, express significant amounts of full length TLR2 on their surface. Activation by various TLR2 ligands only induces the selective release of cytokines in peritoneum‐derived cultured mast cells (PCMCs) with preferential secretion of pro‐inflammatory cytokines (IL‐6 > IL‐17 > IFN‐γ TNF > IL‐1 > GM‐CSF) upon stimulation with lipoteichoic acid (LTA). This response is much lower in PCMCs stimulated with the TLR2/6 agonist macrophage‐activating lipopeptide‐2 (MALP‐2), which most prominently triggers the release of the immunomodulatory cytokine IL‐10. Furthermore, only LTA but not MALP‐2 induces prostaglandin D2 secretion which is again restricted to the mature MC phenotype. These findings suggest that TLR2 ligand‐mediated activation of mature MCs, i.e. tissue‐residing cells, which most likely occurs during infection, can selectively raise a potent inflammatory or anti‐inflammatory response, depending on TLRs which are engaged.
Dynamic Partitioning of a Glycosyl‐Phosphatidylinositol‐Anchored Protein in Glycosphingolipid‐Rich Microdomains Imaged by Single‐Quantum Dot Tracking
Authors: Pinaud Fabien , Michalet Xavier , Iyer Gopal , Margeat Emmanuel , Moore Hsiao‐Ping , Weiss Shimon
Published: March 2009

Recent experimental developments have led to a revision of the classical fluid mosaic model proposed by Singer and Nicholson more than 35 years ago. In particular, it is now well established that lipids and proteins diffuse heterogeneously in cell plasma membranes. Their complex motion patterns reflect the dynamic structure and composition of the membrane itself, as well as the presence of the underlying cytoskeleton scaffold and that of the extracellular matrix. How the structural organization of plasma membranes influences the diffusion of individual proteins remains a challenging, yet central, question for cell signaling and its regulation. Here we have developed a raft‐associated glycosyl‐phosphatidyl‐inositol‐anchored avidin test probe (Av‐GPI), whose diffusion patterns indirectly report on the structure and dynamics of putative raft microdomains in the membrane of HeLa cells. Labeling with quantum dots (qdots) allowed high‐resolution and long‐term tracking of individual Av‐GPI and the classification of their various diffusive behaviors. Using dual‐color total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) microscopy, we studied the correlation between the diffusion of individual Av‐GPI and the location of glycosphingolipid GM1‐rich microdomains and caveolae. We show that Av‐GPI exhibit a fast and a slow diffusion regime in different membrane regions, and that slowing down of their diffusion is correlated with entry in GM1‐rich microdomains located in close proximity to, but distinct, from caveolae. We further show that Av‐GPI dynamically partition in and out of these microdomains in a cholesterol‐dependent manner. Our results provide direct evidence that cholesterol‐/sphingolipid‐rich microdomains can compartmentalize the diffusion of GPI‐anchored proteins in living cells and that the dynamic partitioning raft model appropriately describes the diffusive behavior of some raft‐associated proteins across the plasma membrane.
Bead‐based microarray analysis of microRNA expression in hepatocellular carcinoma: miR‐338 is downregulated
Authors: Huang Xiao‐Hui , Wang Qian , Chen Jing‐Song , Fu Xin‐Hui , Chen Xi‐Lin , Chen Lian‐Zhou , Li Wen , Bi Jiong , Zhang Long‐Juan , Fu Qian , Zeng Wen‐Tao , Cao Liang‐Qi , Tan Hao‐Xiang , Su Qiao
Published: March 2009

Aim:  Recent studies have underlined causative links between microRNA (miRNA) deregulation and cancer development. However, the relevance of abnormally expressed miRNA to tumor biology has not been well understood in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods:  A bead‐based miRNA expression profiling method was performed on 20 pairs of surgically removed HCC and adjacent non‐tumorous tissue (NT). Special miR‐338 downregulations and miR‐338 associated with clinical characteristics was validated in an extended samples set of 36 paired HCC and adjacent non‐tumorous liver tissues by real‐time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) analysis.

Results:  Out of our bead‐based microarray data, 12 upregulated and 19 downregulated miRNA were found to be associated with HCC. Further characterization of miRNA‐338, in which 20 pairs of the samples were clustered clearly into two groups according to expression of miR‐338, revealed that the level of miR‐338 expression can be associated with clinical aggressiveness, such as, tumor size, tumor–node–metastasis stage, vascular invasion and intrahepatic metastasis. These results were validated by real‐time RT‐PCR analysis.

Conclusion:  Our study suggests that miRNA expression could have relevance to the clinical behavior of HCC and that the bead‐based miRNA expression profiling method might be a suitable system to assay miRNA expression in large‐scale diagnostic trails.
Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Free of Vector and Transgene Sequences
Authors: Yu Junying , Hu Kejin , Smuga-Otto Kim , Tian Shulan , Stewart Ron , Slukvin Igor I. , Thomson James A.
Published: March 2009

Designer Stem Cells

Despite their promise for use as disease models and in regenerative medicine, the generation of human-induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells has been hindered by the integration of vector and transgenes in the host cell genome. Recent studies using the Cre/LoxP recombination strategy and the piggyBac transposon approach have approached this objective. However,

Yu
et al.

(p.
797
, published online 26 March) now show the derivation of human iPS cells from postnatal foreskin fibroblasts using the nonintegrating oriP/EBNA1-based episomal vectors. The resultant iPS cells show characteristics of human embryonic stem cells and are free of vector and transgenes.
COMPLETE REDUCIBILITY OF THE PSEUDOVARIETY LS1
Authors: COSTA JOSÉ CARLOS , NOGUEIRA CONCEIÇÃO
Published: March 2009

In this paper we prove that the pseudovariety LSl of local semilattices is completely κ-reducible, where κ is the implicit signature consisting of the multiplication and the ω-power. Informally speaking, given a finite equation system with rational constraints, the existence of a solution by pseudowords of the system over LSl implies the existence of a solution by κ-words of the system over LSl satisfying the same constraints.
INTERVAL METHODS IN KNOWLEDGE REPRESENTATION
Authors: Kreinovich Vladik
Published: March 2009

This section is maintained by Vladik Kreinovich. Please send your abstracts (or copies of papers that you want to see reviewed here) to vladik@utep.edu, or by regular mail to: V. Kreinovich, Department of Computer Science, University of Texas, El Paso, TX 79968, USA.
A ROBUST WATERMARKING SCHEME USING SELECTIVE CURVELET COEFFICIENTS
Authors: LEUNG H. Y. , CHENG L. M. , CHENG L. L.
Published: March 2009

In this paper, a selective curvelet coefficient digital watermarking algorithm is proposed. Traditionally, curvelet watermarks are embedded into all sample frequency bands. However, the study of individual band behavior and the use of single band for watermarking have not been reported. The selective band will provide an addition security feature against any physical tampering. This paper aims to give an intensive study on the robustness of watermarking using selective curvelet coefficients from a single band and to find out the best band for embedding watermark. Wrapping of specially selected Fourier samples is employed to implement Fast Discrete Curvelet Transforms (FDCT) to transform the digital image to the curvelet domain.
WAVELET-BASED PARAMETER IDENTIFICATION OF A NONLINEAR MAGNETORHEOLOGICAL DAMPER
Authors: KARIMI HAMID REZA , ZAPATEIRO MAURICIO , LUO NINGSU
Published: March 2009

In recent years, significant advances in vibration control of structures have been achieved due greatly to the emergent technologies based on smart materials, such as mangnetorheological (MR) fluids. This paper develops a computational algorithm for the modeling and identification of the MR dampers by using wavelet systems to handle the nonlinear terms. By taking into account the Haar wavelets, the properties of integral operational matrix and of product operational matrix are introduced and utilized to find an algebraic representation form instead of the differential equations of the dynamical system. It is shown that MR damper parameters can be estimated easily by considering only the algebraic equations obtained.
INDIA'S INITIATIVE IN MITIGATING TSUNAMI AND STORM SURGE HAZARD
Authors: GUPTA HARSH
Published: March 2009

Soon after the occurrence of the most devastating tsunami caused by the 26th December, 2004 Sumatra earthquake, India took the initiative to set up an end-to-end system to mitigate tsunami and storm surge hazard. The system includes all the necessary elements: networking of seismic stations; deployment of ocean bottom pressure recorders; real time sea level monitoring stations; establishment of radar based monitoring stations for real time measurement of surface currents and waves; modeling for tsunamis and storm surges; generation of coastal inundation and vulnerability maps; operation of a tsunami and storm surges warning centre on 24 × 7 basis; capacity building and training of all the stakeholders and communication with the global community. This initiative was estimated to have a direct cost of US $30 million and was to be operative by August 2007. This has been achieved. The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information and Services (INCOIS), belonging to the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), located at Hyderabad, is the nodal agency for this program. The system fared well during the occurrence of September 12/13, 2007 tsunamigenic earthquakes. One of the problems is delay in estimating the size of large earthquakes. Empirical approaches are being developed to quickly estimate the size of the earthquakes occurring in Sumatra–Andaman zone of tsunamigenic earthquakes.
Psychopathological Approaches in Pierre Janet’s Conception of the Subconscious
Authors: Bühler Karl-Ernst , Heim Gerhard
Published: March 2009

Janet’s conceptions of the subconscious are restrictively conceived but show important differentiations which are discussed in detail. First, an outline of Janet’s conception of consciousness is presented as well as of the terms of psychic synthesis and the notion of the field of consciousness. This is defined as a system of elementary or relatively elementary psychic phenomena which are connected with the personal ego in a given moment. Herbart’s conception of the relation of conscious and unconscious psychic phenomena is analysed. Concerning Janet’s psychology of tendencies, several kinds of subconsciousness are distinguished: dissociative subconsciousness, habit formation, adaptation, psychological automatism, dispositional subconsciousness and threshold-related subconsciousness or subliminal consciousness. The problem of dissociative subconsciousness caused by fixed ideas is discussed, and adaptation, habitualization and psychic automatism are described, all notions which are important for the conception of dissociative subconsciousness. Janet’s understanding of double personality is outlined. Finally, the problem of the threshold of consciousness is explained.
Syncytin-1 and Glial Cells Missing a: Hypoxia-Induced Deregulated Gene Expression along with Disordered Cell Fusion in Primary Term Human Trophoblasts
Authors: Wich C. , Kausler S. , Dotsch J. , Rascher W. , Knerr I.
Published: March 2009

Background/Aims: Pre-eclampsia, a major cause of perinatal morbidity, is characterized by alterations in placental oxygen availability and trophoblast differentiation. We investigated how different levels of hypoxia alter the expression of syncytin-1, glial cells missing a (GCMa) and syncytin-1 receptor ASCT2 and affect syncytialization in primary term human trophoblasts. Methods: Cells were incubated at 1, 3, 6 and 21% O2 for 24, 48 and 72 h with or without cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP). Gene expression was analyzed by real-time PCR. Syncytialization was assessed using β-human chorionic gonadotropin measurement and desmoplakin immunostaining. Results: Following incubation with cAMP at 21% O2, peak gene expression of syncytin-1 and GCMa was found after 24 h along with syncytium formation at 72 h. Conversely, incubation at 1% O2 led to a time-dependent reduction of GCMa and syncytin-1 at the transcriptional level. Cell fusion occurred at 21 and 6% O2 and was suppressed at 1% O2. ASCT2 mRNA levels were preserved at normoxia and downregulated at 1% O2 after 48 h. Conclusion: Our data support the premise that the expression of GCMa and syncytin-1 precedes syncytialization of trophoblasts, e.g. at 6% O2, which is assumed to resemble physiological conditions. Severe hypoxia is associated with reduced GCMa and syncytin-1 transcripts and altered fusion of primary trophoblasts.
UGT1A1 Haplotype Mutation among Asians in Singapore
Authors: Zhou Y.Y. , Lee L.Y. , Ng S.Y. , Hia C.P.P. , Low K.T. , Chong Y.S. , Goh D.L.M.
Published: March 2009

Background: The uridine diphosphate glucuronosyltransferase 1A1 (UGT1A1) enzyme is responsible for conjugation of the bilirubin in the liver as well as for drug metabolism. Some of the polymorphisms have been associated with an increased risk of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia which may explain the increased incidence of jaundice in an Asian population as well as exaggerated irinotecan-induced leukopenia. Objective: The local Asian incidence of hypomorphic haplotypes, defined as gene mutations known to have a reduced function, has not been described. Clinical correlation between the mutations and the need for phototherapy for hyperbilirubinemia was carried out. Methods: A cohort of 241 consecutive term infants delivered in the National University Hospital, Singapore, was recruited with parental consent. Cord blood was collected, and the promoter and coding regions of the UGT1A1 gene were sequenced. Results: Six known haplotypes and 2 novel haplotypes were identified: 1 wild type, 5 with reduced function, while the 2 novel ones were predicted to have decreased function. The frequency of these hypomorphic haplotypes was high. Among the 241 infants screened, 35% had 1 hypomorphic haplotype and 12% had 2 hypomorphic haplotypes. The frequency was also different among ethnic groups, with 48% Chinese, 64% Indian and 31% Malay infants having at least 1 hypomorphic haplotype (χ2 test, p < 0.05). There was a trend seen between the number of G71R mutations and the need for phototherapy (χ2 test for trend, p < 0.05). Conclusions: The local Asian incidence of hypomorphic haplotypes was high and there was a trend between the number of G71R mutations and the need for phototherapy. The G71R mutation may account for the increased incidence of neonatal jaundice seen in Asian populations.
ADAR1 and ADAR2 Expression and Editing Activity during Forebrain Development
Authors: Jacobs Michelle M. , Fogg Rachel L. , Emeson Ronald B. , Stanwood Gregg D.
Published: March 2009

The conversion of adenosine to inosine within RNA transcripts is regulated by a family of double-stranded RNA-specific adenosine deaminases referred to as adenosine deaminases that act on RNA (ADARs). Little is known regarding the developmental expression of ADAR family members or the mechanisms responsible for the specific patterns of editing observed for ADAR substrates. We have examined the spatiotemporal expression patterns for ADAR1 and ADAR2 in mouse forebrain. ADAR1 and ADAR2 are broadly distributed in most regions of the mouse forebrain by P0, including the cerebral cortex, hippocampus, and diencephalon. High expression levels were maintained into adulthood. Colocalization studies demonstrated ADAR1 and ADAR2 expression in neurons but not astrocytes. Editing for specific ADAR mRNA targets precedes high expression of ADAR proteins, suggesting that region-specific differences in editing patterns may not be mediated solely by ADAR expression levels.
Multiple Signaling Pathways Converge to Regulate Bone-Morphogenetic-Protein-Dependent Glial Gene Expression
Authors: Dore Justin J. , DeWitt John C. , Setty Nithya , Donald Mareshia D. , Joo Esther , Chesarone Melissa A. , Birren Susan J.
Published: March 2009

A fundamental problem in developmental neuroscience is understanding how extracellular cues link to complex intracellular signaling pathways to drive stage-specific developmental decisions. During the formation of the mammalian peripheral nervous system, bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) promote neuronal differentiation. BMPs also maintain the expression of early glial genes such as GFAP, while blocking the acquisition of a mature, myelinating Schwann cell phenotype. We investigated the BMP-activated signaling pathways that contribute to early glial gene expression to address the question of how specific signaling interactions contribute to cell fate decisions in neural crest lineages. Using a neural-crest-derived cell line that exhibits the characteristics of immature Schwann cells, we found that BMP2 promotes GFAP expression using Smad signaling as well as the phosphoinositide-3 kinase (PI3K) and mitogen-activated protein kinase1/2extracellular signal-regulated kinase- (MEK1/2/ERK) pathways. The GFAP promoter does not contain known Smad consensus sites, suggesting that Smads may act indirectly to promote GFAP expression. We provide evidence that this indirect effect may be mediated via induction of immediate early genes and the transcription factor Sp1 by demonstrating that these transcriptional regulators are induced by BMP2 and contribute to GFAP promoter activity. These findings demonstrate new roles for intracellular kinase pathways in mediating the effects of BMPs during the early stages of glial differentiation and suggest that differential contributions by signaling and transcriptional networks may contribute to the range of effects of BMPs on neuronal and glial development during the formation of the peripheral nervous system.
TGF-β1 Limits Plaque Growth, Stabilizes Plaque Structure, and Prevents Aortic Dilation in Apolipoprotein E-Null Mice
Authors: Frutkin Andrew D. , Otsuka Goro , Stempien-Otero April , Sesti Casilde , Du Liang , Jaffe Mia , Dichek Helén L. , Pennington Caroline J. , Edwards Dylan R. , Nieves-Cintrón Madeline , Minter Daniel , Preusch Michael , Hu Jie Hong , Marie Julien C. , Dichek David A.
Published: March 2009

Objective—

Impairment of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 signaling accelerates atherosclerosis in experimental mice. However, it is uncertain whether increased TGF-β1 expression would retard atherosclerosis. The role of TGF-β1 in aneurysm formation is also controversial. We tested whether overexpression of active TGF-β1 in hyperlipidemic mice affects atherogenesis and aortic dilation.

Methods and Results—

We generated apolipoprotein E-null mice with transgenes that allow regulated overexpression of active TGF-β1 in their hearts. Compared to littermate controls, these mice had elevated cardiac and plasma TGF-β1, less aortic root atherosclerosis (
P
≤0.002), fewer lesions in the thoracic and abdominal aortae (
P
≤0.01), less aortic root dilation (
P
<0.001), and fewer pseudoaneurysms (
P
=0.02). Mechanistic studies revealed no effect of TGF-β1 overexpression on plasma lipids or cytokines, or on peripheral lymphoid organ cells. However, aortae of TGF-β1-overexpressing mice had fewer T-lymphocytes, more collagen, less lipid, lower expression of inflammatory cytokines and matrix metalloproteinase-13, and higher expression of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2.

Conclusions—

When overexpressed in the heart and plasma, TGF-β1 is an antiatherogenic, vasculoprotective cytokine that limits atherosclerosis and prevents aortic dilation. These actions are associated with significant changes in cellularity, collagen and lipid accumulation, and gene expression in the artery wall.
Quantitative T2 Values Predict Time From Symptom Onset in Acute Stroke Patients
Authors: Siemonsen Susanne , Mouridsen Kim , Holst Brigitte , Ries Thorsten , Finsterbusch Jürgen , Thomalla Götz , Ostergaard Leif , Fiehler Jens
Published: March 2009

Background and Purpose—

We hypothesize that in comparison to diffusion-weighted imaging, quantitative T2 values (qT2) are more directly related to water uptake in ischemic tissue, depending on time from symptom onset. We measured the increase of qT2 in the infarct core to quantify the correlation between time from symptom onset and change in qT2.

Methods—

Thirty-six patients with acute ischemic stroke in the territory of the proximal middle cerebral artery underwent MRI including diffusion-weighted imaging, fluid-attenuated inversion recovery, and a triple-echo T2 sequence (calculation of T2 maps) within 6 hours after symptom onset. Regions of decreased apparent diffusion coefficient <550×10
−9
mm
2
/sec were defined and superimposed onto the corresponding T2 map and the unaffected side in the horizontally flipped maps. Differences of T2/apparent diffusion coefficient values between affected and unaffected side were calculated (differences of T2/differences of apparent diffusion coefficient). Fluid-attenuated inversion recovery images were rated for lesion visibility.

Results—

Differences of T2 showed a significant correlation with time from symptom onset (
R
=0.580;
P
<0.001). T2 values measured in patients with visible fluid-attenuated inversion recovery lesions were significantly higher than in those without visible hyperintensity (
P
<0.001). The accuracy of qT2 to predict a time from symptom onset <3 hours was 0.794, whereas the corresponding accuracy for visual assessment of fluid-attenuated inversion recovery images was 0.676.

Conclusions—

T2 values demonstrated a strong correlation with time from onset, suggesting different pathophysiologic mechanisms than diffusion restriction. Whereas fluid-attenuated inversion recovery only provides binary information on lesion visibility, T2 values correlate well with time from symptom onset, and are free from operator bias, increasing reproducibility to determine time from symptom onset.
Outdoor air pollution is associated with disease severity in α1-antitrypsin deficiency
Authors: Wood A. M. , Harrison R. M. , Semple S. , Ayres J. G. , Stockley R. A.
Published: March 2009

The aim of this study was to determine whether long-term air pollution exposure is associated with clinical phenotype in α1-antitrypsin deficiency.

In total, 304 PiZZ subjects underwent full lung function testing and quantitative high-resolution computed tomography to identify the presence and severity of the disease. Mean annual air pollutant data for 2006 was matched to the location of patients' houses and used in regression models to identify phenotypic associations with pollution, controlling for covariates. Relative trends in pollution levels were assessed to validate use of a single year's data to indicate long-term exposure.

Pollutant levels correlated significantly with one another, with higher levels of primary particles, SO2and NO2being associated with lower ozone levels. Regression models showed that estimated higher exposure to ozone was associated with worse gas transfer and more severe emphysema. Regression parameters suggested that significance from other pollutants was due to collinearity with ozone. The 2006 pollutant levels showed linear relationships with cumulative years, thus validating the model.

Higher exposures to ozone may be associated with worse respiratory status in α1-antitrypsin deficiency, identifying a group susceptible to ambient air pollution.
Quantitative computed tomography: emphysema and airway wall thickness by sex, age and smoking
Authors: Grydeland T. B. , Dirksen A. , Coxson H. O. , Pillai S. G. , Sharma S. , Eide G. E. , Gulsvik A. , Bakke P. S.
Published: March 2009

We investigated how quantitative high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) measures of emphysema and airway wall thickness (AWT) vary with sex, age and smoking history.

We included 463 chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) cases and 431 controls. All included subjects were current or ex-smokers aged ≥40 yrs, and all underwent spirometry and HRCT examination. The HRCT images were quantitatively assessed, providing indices on lung density and airway dimensions.

The median (25–75th percentile) %LAA950 (% low-attenuation area < -950 HU) was 8.9 (3–19) and 4.7 (1–16) in male and female COPD cases, respectively, and 0.71 (0.3–1.6) and 0.32 (0.1–0.8) in male and female controls, respectively. %LAA950 was higher in ex-smokers and increased with increasing age and with increasing number of pack-years. The mean±sdstandardised AWT was 0.504±0.030 and 0.474±0.031 in male and female COPD cases, respectively, and 0.488±0.028 and 0.463±0.025 in male and female controls, respectively. AWT decreased with increasing age in cases, and increased with the degree of current smoking in all subjects.

We found significant differences in quantitative HRCT measures of emphysema and AWT between varying sex, age and smoking groups of both control and COPD subjects.
Tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase is a key modulator of physiological neurogenesis and anxiety-related behavior in mice
Authors: Kanai Masaaki , Funakoshi Hiroshi , Takahashi Hisaaki , Hayakawa Tomoko , Mizuno Shinya , Matsumoto Kunio , Nakamura Toshikazu
Published: March 2009

Although nutrients, including amino acids and their metabolites such as serotonin (5-HT), are strong modulators of anxiety-related behavior, the metabolic pathway(s) responsible for this physiological modulation is not fully understood. Regarding tryptophan (Trp), the initial rate-limiting enzymes for the kynurenine pathway of tryptophan metabolism are tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase (TDO) and indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO). Here, we generated mice deficient fortdo(Tdo-/-). Compared with wild-type littermates,Tdo-/-mice showed increased plasma levels of Trp and its metabolites 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) and kynurenine, as well as increased levels of Trp, 5-HT and 5-HIAA in the hippocampus and midbrain. These mice also showed anxiolytic modulation in the elevated plus maze and open field tests, and increased adult neurogenesis, as evidenced by double staining of BrdU and neural progenitor/neuronal markers. These findings demonstrate a direct molecular link between Trp metabolism and neurogenesis and anxiety-related behavior under physiological conditions.