bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
P-Side up Thin Film AlGaInP-Based Light Emitting Diodes with Mesh Patterned Ohmic Contact
Authors: Horng Ray-Hua , Weng Chi-Feng , Wu Bing-Rui , Ravadgar Parvaneh , Wuu Dong-Sing
Published: May 2013

High-brightness p-side up AlGaInP-based red light emitting diodes (LEDs) with mesh patterned GaAs contact layers were fabricated. P-GaP was served as a current spreading and a window layer. P-GaP/AlGaInP/GaAs structures were epitaxially grown using metal organic chemical vapor deposition technique. Two-time-transferring technique lets p-GaP layer remain at the top side of each structure for better current spreading. Moreover, the GaAs contact layer had been further processed to mesh pattern structure and transferred to the rear-side of each device. Comparing two types of AlGaInP LEDs with and without mesh pattern shows a significant improvement in output power and luminous for mesh patterned GaAs devices.
Influence of Hydroxylamine Concentration on Structural and Electrical Properties of Titanium Oxide Films
Authors: Ishizaki Hiroki , Ito Seishiro
Published: May 2013

Polycrystalline TiO2 films were electrodeposited on conductive substrates (NESA glass, Approximately 10Ω/□, Asahi glass Co. Ltd.) from the titanium potassium oxalate dehydrate aqueous solution containing hydroxylamine adjusted pH 9 with KOH aq. at 333K. For this electrochemical growth of TiO2 film, the reduction reaction of NH2OH plays an important role. In this paper, the influence of NH2OH concentration on the the structural property and photocatalysis of TiO2 film is discussed in detail.
(Keynote) III-V Compound Semiconductor Field Effect Transistors for Low Power Digital Logic
Authors: Datta Suman , Thathachary A. V. , Liu L , Hwang E. , Agrawal A. , Agrawal N.
Published: May 2013

As traditional Silicon transistor scaling fast approaches its limits alternate channel materials are being actively researched to enable a new era of power constrained Very Large Scale Integrated (VLSI) circuit design. The outstanding transport properties of compound semiconductor III-V materials make them very attractive candidates to continue scaling into deep sub-micron technology nodes beyond 14nm. However several key challenges need to be addressed in order for these new materials to replace state of the art Strained Silicon, High-k metal gate or Silicon on Insulator (SOI) technologies. This paper discusses the key issues involved and recent research highlights in III-V MOSFETs motivating their viability for future low power CMOS technology.
(Invited) The Past, Present and Future of High-k/Metal Gates
Authors: Choi Kisik , Ando Takashi , Cartier Eduard A. , Kerber Andreas , Paruchuri Vamsi , Iacoponi John , Narayanan Vijay
Published: May 2013

Like other technology components of the semiconductor industry, the high-k/metal gate has also continued innovation since its introduction to the 45 nm node. In order to fulfill the ever-increasing power/performance requirements for the future devices, new device architectures are being introduced and the high-k/metal gate should evolve in accordance. In this paper, the development history of the high-k/metal gate stack will be reviewed and the qualities required for the high-k/metal gate stack to match with the future devices will be discussed.
Investigation of Embedded SiGe Source/Drain for 28nm HKMG PFET Performance Enhancement
Authors: Bazizi El Mehdi , Zaka Alban , Dilliway Gabriela , Bai Bo , Wiatr Maciej , Benistant Francis , Horstmann Manfred
Published: May 2013

Embedded SiGe (eSiGe) is one of the mobility boosters for PFET devices in high performance technologies. In this paper, improved performance through higher drive current is demonstrated by the optimization of the eSiGe in a state-of-the-art 28nm logic flow. In particular, the shape of the deposited eSiGe plays an important role for modulating the compressive stress in the PFET channel. Electrical measurements supported by TCAD process and device simulations, confirm that the optimized eSiGe enables a distinctive strain enhancement at the channel region.
Defect Characterization of ALD Grown SiO2 Films: A Systematic Approach
Authors: Pasquale Frank L , Swaminathan Shankar , Kang Hu , Lavoie Adrien
Published: May 2013

Systematic studies of plasma activated-ALD SiO2 films have been done to investigate the formation and origin of charge defects in the oxide films, and the effects of post anneal treatments. Capacitance-voltage (C-V) measurements were done to extract information on interface trapped/fixed charge and bulk oxide trap charge formation as a function of process temperature, pressure and post annealing treatments. The results from these studies show that interface trap charge formation is controlled by both temperature and plasma conditions, while bulk oxide trap charge formation is controlled dominantly by plasma conditions. The post annealing treatment however, removes or reduces the concentration of these defects.
Adjustable Switching Voltage Via Sol-Gel Derived and Ag In Situ Doped SiO2 Thin Films for ReRAM
Authors: Hsiao Yu-Ping , Yang Wen-Luh , Lin Yu-Hsien , Yang Yun-Chung , Hsu Che-Chi , Peng Cheng-Lin , Liao Chin-Hsuan , Chin Fun-Tat , Liu Sheng-Hsien , Chang Yuan-Ming , Lin Li-Min
Published: May 2013

The sol-gel derived technique has been proposed not only to tailor the microstructure of resistive layer but to control the amount of metal during device fabrication for resistive random access memory (ReRAM). Using the sol-gel derived technique can modulate the solution ratio to adjust the resistance and operation voltage. In addition, various metal concentrations can be doped in sol-gel derived resistive layer to significantly improve switching properties including switching speed and power consumption. Above all, forming energy and morphology of metal filament can be ordered by the sol-gel derived technique, which is desirable for practical ReRAM applications.
InP-Si BiCMOS Heterointegration Using a Substrate Transfer Process
Authors: Lisker Marco , Trusch Andreas , Krüger Andreas , Fraschke Mirko , Kulse Philipp , Borokhovych Yevgen , Tillack Bernd , Ostermay Ina , Krämer Tomas , Thies Andreas , Krüger Olaf , Schmückle Franz-Josef , Krozer Viktor , Heinrich Wolfgang
Published: May 2013

Broadband transmitters for radio links in the mm-wave range are key building blocks for future wireless communication systems. In this work such components are to be realized by means of an InP-on-BiCMOS technology. This allows the combination of the favorable power performance of III-V transistors with the advantages of BiCMOS circuits such as complexity and integration density.This helps to avoid critical performance trade-offs compared to the pure III-V or BiCMOS versions. The heterointegration technology allows the integration of sub-mm-wave front-ends together with control logics and other lower-frequency components on a single chip. This drastically reduces packaging efforts. The strategy is to rely on BiCMOS as far as possible and to apply III-V elements only for functions for which they show clear superiority. In a first run the passive elements and the dc- and rf-interconnects between InP and BiCMOS were tested. This test showed the feasibility of the wafer bond process for the heterointegration of InP and BiCMOS. For that purpose a five metal layer Al back-end with silicon dioxide as interlayer dielectric was built on the silicon wafer. A three layer metallization (Au) in benzocyclobutene (BCB) as insulating dielectric represented the environment for the InP-HBTs. Thin film micro strip lines and special designed interconnects between the two metallization systems were characterized in dependence of frequencies up to 100 GHz to estimate the insertion losses.
Antenatal glucocorticoid exposure enhances the inhibition of adrenal steroidogenesis by leptin in a sex-specific fashion
Authors: Su Yixin , Carey Luke C. , Rose James C. , Pulgar Victor M.
Published: May 2013

Antenatal treatment with glucocorticoids (GC) poses long-lasting effects on endocrine and cardiovascular function. Given that leptin attenuates adrenal function and the reported sex differences in plasma leptin concentration, we hypothesized that antenatal GC will affect leptin levels and leptin modulation of adrenal function in a sex-specific manner. Pregnant sheep were randomly given betamethasone or vehicle at 80 days of gestational age, and offspring were allowed to deliver at term. Adrenocortical cells (ADC) were studied from male and female animals at 1.5 yr of age. Plasma leptin was increased 66% in male and 41% in female GC-treated animals ( P < 0.05), but adrenal leptin mRNA was increased only in GC-treated males ( P < 0.05). Whereas mRNA expression of adrenal leptin receptor isoforms showed sex (Ob-Ra and Ob-Rb) and treatment-dependent (Ob-Rb) differences, protein expression remained unchanged. GC-treated females showed greater plasma cortisol and greater ACTH-stimulated cortisol production ( P < 0.05) in ADC. Leptin exerted a greater inhibitory effect on basal and stimulated cortisol by ADC from GC-treated males ( P < 0.05), with no differences in females. Similarly, greater inhibitory effects on basal and ACTH-stimulated StAR and ACTH-R mRNA expression by leptin were observed in cells from GC males ( P < 0.05), with no changes in females. Persistent effects of antenatal GC on leptin levels and leptin modulation of adrenal function are expressed in a sex-specific manner; males are more sensitive than females to the inhibitory influences of leptin on adrenal function, and this effect appears to be mediated by a greater inhibition of StAR and ACTH-R expression in adrenals of adult GC-treated males.
Hydrogen sulfide deficiency and diabetic renal remodeling: role of matrix metalloproteinase-9
Authors: Kundu Sourav , Pushpakumar Sathnur B. , Tyagi Aaron , Coley Denise , Sen Utpal
Published: May 2013

Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) causes adverse remodeling, whereas hydrogen sulfide (H2S) rescues organs in vascular diseases. The involvement of MMP-9 and H2S in diabetic renovascular remodeling is, however, not well characterized. We determined whether MMP-9 regulates H2S generation and whether H2S modulates connexin through N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDA-R)-mediated pathway in the diabetic kidney. Wild-type (WT, C57BL/6J), diabetic (Akita, C57BL/6J- Ins2Akita), MMP-9−/−(M9KO), double knockout (DKO) of Akita/MMP-9−/−mice and in vitro cell culture were used in our study. Hyperglycemic Akita mice exhibited increased level of MMP-9 and decreased production of H2S. H2S-synthesizing enzymes cystathionine-β-synthase and cystathionine-γ-lyase were also diminished. In addition, increased expressions of NMDA-R1 and connexin-40 and -43 were observed in diabetic kidney. As expected, MMP-9 mRNA was not detected in M9KO kidneys. However, very thin protein expression and activity were detected. No other changes were noticed in M9KO kidney. In DKO mice, all the above molecules showed a trend toward baseline despite hyperglycemia. In vitro, glomerular endothelial cells treated with high glucose showed induction of MMP-9, attenuated H2S production, NMDA-R1 induction, and dysregulated conexin-40 and -43 expressions. Silencing MMP-9 by siRNA or inhibition of NMDA-R1 by MK801 or H2S treatment preserved connexin-40 and -43. We conclude that in diabetic renovascular remodeling MMP-9 plays a major role and that H2S has therapeutic potential to prevent adverse diabetic renal remodeling.
Spinal cord GABA receptors modulate the exercise pressor reflex in decerebrate rats
Authors: Wang Han-Jun , Wang Wei , Patel Kaushik P. , Rozanski George J. , Zucker Irving H.
Published: May 2013

Neurotransmitters and neuromodulators released by contraction-activated skeletal muscle afferents into the dorsal horn of the spinal cord initiate the central component of the exercise pressor reflex (EPR). Whether γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a major inhibitory neurotransmitter within the mammalian central nervous system, is involved in the modulation of the EPR at the level of dorsal horn remains to be determined. We performed local microinjection of either the GABA(A) antagonist bicuculline or the GABA(B) antagonist CGP 52432 into the ipisilateral L4/L5 dorsal horns to investigate the effect of GABA receptor blockade on the pressor response to either static contraction induced by stimulation of the peripheral end of L4/L5 ventral roots, passive stretch, or hindlimb arterial injection of capsaicin (0.1 μg/0.2 ml) in decerebrate rats. Microinjection of either bicuculline (1 mM, 100 nl) or CGP 52432 (10 mM, 100 nl) into the L4/5 dorsal horns significantly increased the pressor and cardioaccelerator responses to all stimuli. Microinjection of either bicuculline or CGP 52432 into the L5 dorsal horn significantly increased the pressor and cardioaccelerator responses to direct microinjection of l-glutatmate (10 mM, 100 nl) into this spinal segment. The disinhibitory effect of both GABA receptor antagonists on the EPR was abolished by microinjection of the broad-spectrum glutamate receptor antagonist kynurenate (10 mM/100 nl). These data suggest that 1) GABA exerts a tonic inhibition of the EPR at the level of dorsal horn; and 2) that an interaction between glutamatergic and GABAergic inputs exist at the level of dorsal horn, contributing to spinal control of the EPR.
Role of the endogenous opioid system in modulation of urinary bladder activity by spinal nerve stimulation
Authors: Su Xin , Nickles Angela , Nelson Dwight E.
Published: May 2013

The role of the endogenous opioid system in modulation of urinary bladder activity by spinal nerve (SN) stimulation was studied in anesthetized female rats, using the rat model of isovolumetric bladder contraction. SN stimulation at a fixed frequency of 10 Hz attenuated bladder contraction frequency; the magnitude of the inhibition was directly proportional to the current intensity. Neither the κ-opioid antagonist nor-binaltorphimine (2 mg/kg iv) nor the δ-opioid antagonist naltrindole (5 mg/kg iv) attenuated the bladder inhibitory response to SN stimulation. In contrast, the μ-opioid receptor antagonist naloxone (NLX; 0.03 mg/kg iv) blocked the inhibitory responses evoked by SN stimulation at therapeutic current intensities at ≤1 × motor threshold current (Tmot). An action at spinal and supraspinal centers was further confirmed by the ability of intrathecal or intracerebroventricular administration of NLX methiodide to attenuate the bladder inhibitory effects of 1 × Tmot SN stimulation. The magnitude of SN-mediated neuromodulation using therapeutically relevant stimulation intensity (Tmot) is equivalent to 0.16 mg/kg of systemically administered morphine, which produces 50% inhibition of bladder contraction frequency. These results suggest that the inhibitory effects of lower intensity SN stimulation may be mediated through the release of endogenous μ-opioid peptides. Additionally, these data suggest that neuromodulation may offer a mode of treating the symptoms of overactive bladder with efficacy equal to the opioid drugs but without their liability for abuse and dependence.
Synaptic inhibition and excitation estimated via the time constant of membrane potential fluctuations
Authors: Berg Rune W. , Ditlevsen Susanne
Published: May 2013

When recording the membrane potential, V, of a neuron it is desirable to be able to extract the synaptic input. Critically, the synaptic input is stochastic and nonreproducible so one is therefore often restricted to single-trial data. Here, we introduce means of estimating the inhibition and excitation and their confidence limits from single sweep trials. The estimates are based on the mean membrane potential, V̄, and the membrane time constant, τ. The time constant provides the total conductance ( G = capacitance/τ) and is extracted from the autocorrelation of V. The synaptic conductances can then be inferred from V̄ when approximating the neuron as a single compartment. We further employ a stochastic model to establish limits of confidence. The method is verified on models and experimental data, where the synaptic input is manipulated pharmacologically or estimated by an alternative method. The method gives best results if the synaptic input is large compared with other conductances, the intrinsic conductances have little or no time dependence or are comparably small, the ligand-gated kinetics is faster than the membrane time constant, and the majority of synaptic contacts are electrotonically close to soma (recording site). Although our data are in current clamp, the method also works in V-clamp recordings, with some minor adaptations. All custom made procedures are provided in Matlab.
Effects of caudate microstimulation on spontaneous and purposive saccades
Authors: Watanabe Masayuki , Munoz Douglas P.
Published: May 2013

Electrical stimulation has been delivered to the basal ganglia (BG) to treat intractable symptoms of a variety of clinical disorders. However, it is still unknown how such treatments improve behavioral symptoms. A difficulty of this problem is that artificial signals created by electrical stimulation interact with intrinsic signals before influencing behavior, thereby making it important to understand how such interactions between artificial and intrinsic signals occur. We addressed this issue by analyzing the effects of electrical stimulation under the following two behavioral conditions that induce different states of intrinsic signals: 1) subjects behave spontaneously without task demands; and 2) subjects perform a behavioral paradigm purposefully. We analyzed saccadic eye movements in monkeys while delivering microstimulation to the head and body of the caudate nucleus, a major input stage of the oculomotor BG. When monkeys generated spontaneous saccades, caudate microstimulation biased saccade vector endpoints toward the contralateral direction of stimulation sites. However, when caudate microstimulation was delivered during a purposive prosaccade (look toward a visual stimulus) or an antisaccade (look away from a stimulus) paradigm, it created overall ipsilateral biases by suppressing contralateral saccades more strongly than ipsilateral saccades. These results suggest that the impact of BG electrical stimulation changes dynamically depending on the state of intrinsic signals that vary under a variety of behavioral demands in everyday life.
Simultaneous characterizations of reflex and nonreflex dynamic and static changes in spastic hemiparesis
Authors: Zhang Li-Qun , Chung Sun G. , Ren Yupeng , Liu Lin , Roth Elliot J. , Rymer W. Zev
Published: May 2013

This study characterizes tonic and phasic stretch reflex and stiffness and viscosity changes associated with spastic hemiparesis. Perturbations were applied to the ankle of 27 hemiparetic and 36 healthy subjects under relaxed or active contracting conditions. A nonlinear delay differential equation model characterized phasic and tonic stretch reflex gains, elastic stiffness, and viscous damping. Tendon reflex was characterized with reflex gain and threshold. Reflexively, tonic reflex gain was increased in spastic ankles at rest ( P < 0.038) and was not regulated with muscle contraction, indicating impaired tonic stretch reflex. Phasic-reflex gain in spastic plantar flexors was higher and increased faster with plantar flexor contraction ( P < 0.012) than controls ( P < 0.023) and higher in dorsi-flexors at lower torques ( P < 0.038), primarily because of its increase at rest ( P = 0.045), indicating exaggerated phasic stretch reflex especially in more spastic plantar flexors, which showed higher phasic stretch reflex gain than dorsi-flexors ( P < 0.032). Spasticity was associated with increased tendon reflex gain ( P = 0.002) and decreased threshold ( P < 0.001). Mechanically, stiffness in spastic ankles was higher than that in controls across plantar flexion/dorsi-flexion torque levels ( P < 0.032), and the more spastic plantar flexors were stiffer than dorsi-flexors at comparable torques ( P < 0.031). Increased stiffness in spastic ankles was mainly due to passive stiffness increase ( P < 0.001), indicating increased connective tissues/shortened fascicles. Viscous damping in spastic ankles was increased across the plantar flexion torque levels and at lower dorsi-flexion torques, reflecting increased passive viscous damping ( P = 0.033). The more spastic plantar flexors showed higher viscous damping than dorsi-flexors at comparable torque levels ( P < 0.047). Simultaneous characterizations of reflex and nonreflex changes in spastic hemiparesis may help to evaluate and treat them more effectively.
Chronic carvedilol treatment partially reverses the right ventricular failure transcriptional profile in experimental pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Drake Jennifer I. , Gomez-Arroyo Jose , Dumur Catherine I. , Kraskauskas Donatas , Natarajan Ramesh , Bogaard Harm J. , Fawcett Paul , Voelkel Norbert F.
Published: May 2013

Right ventricular failure (RVF) is the most frequent cause of death in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH); however, specific therapies targeted to treat RVF have not been developed. Chronic treatment with carvedilol has been shown to reduce established maladaptive right ventricle (RV) hypertrophy and to improve RV function in experimental PAH. However, the mechanisms by which carvedilol improves RVF are unknown. We have previously demonstrated by microarray analysis that RVF is characterized by a distinct gene expression profile when compared with functional, compensatory hypertrophy. We next sought to identify the effects of carvedilol on gene expression on a genome-wide basis. PAH and RVF were induced in male Sprague-Dawley rats by the combination of VEGF-receptor blockade and chronic hypoxia. After RVF was established, rats were treated with carvedilol or vehicle for 4 wk. RNA was isolated from RV tissue and hybridized for microarray analysis. An initial prediction analysis of carvedilol-treated RVs showed that the gene expression profile resembled the RVF prediction set. However, a more extensive analysis revealed a small group of genes differentially expressed after carvedilol treatment. Further analysis categorized these genes in pathways involved in cardiac hypertrophy, mitochondrial dysfunction, and protein ubiquitination. Genes encoding proteins in the cardiac hypertrophy and protein ubiquitination pathways were downregulated in the RV by carvedilol, while genes encoding proteins in the mitochondrial dysfunction pathway were upregulated by carvedilol. These gene expression changes may explain some of the mechanisms that underlie the functional improvement of the RV after carvedilol treatment.
Evaluation of Cystoid Macular Edema Using Optical Coherence Tomography and Fundus Autofluorescence after Uncomplicated Phacoemulsification Surgery
Authors: Şahin Muhammed , Cingü Abdullah Kürşat , Gözüm Nilüfer
Published: May 2013

Aim. To investigate the utility of fundus autofluorescence (FAF) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) in the evaluation of cystoid macular edema (CME) following cataract surgery.Materials and Methods. Forty eyes of 29 patients undergone phacoemulsification, with posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation surgery. Central macular thickness (CMT) of the patients was evaluated using OCT and FAF preoperatively and postoperative 1st, 30th, 60th, 90th, and 180th days.Results. CME was detected in three eyes (7.5%) of two patients using OCT. Hyperautofluorescence (HAF) was detected in two of these three eyes and resolved with treatment. In the remaining 37 eyes without CME, there was a significant increase in visual acuity when compared to preoperative values () Mean macular thicknesses (MMT) of the eyes without CME were 174 ± 20 μm preoperatively and 179 ± 22 μm at day 1, 178 ± 19 μm at 1st month, and 168 ± 10 μm at 6th month postoperatively. In the eyes with CME, the MMTs, measured with OCT were 189 ± 23 μm preoperatively and 432 ± 361 on day 1, 343 ± 123 μm at 1st month, 345 ± 196 at 2nd month, and 200 ± 36 μm at 6th month postoperatively.Conclusion. We found a moderate increase in CMT in the first 3 months postoperatively, in the eyes without CME which did not cause visual disturbances. FAF is a noninvasive, rapid method for the evaluation and follow-up of CME following cataract surgery.
The Well-Being of Siblings of Individuals with Autism
Authors: Green Laura
Published: May 2013

Objective. The purpose of this review of the literature was to summarise studies regarding the psychosocial impact of growing up with a sibling with autism and to identify gaps in the related literature. Methods. Electronic databases were reviewed in order to critically appraise the 14 articles relevant to the topic. The search included a combination of the following key words: autism*, quality of life, well-being, sibling*, ASD, ASD sibling*, family, adjust*, psychological functioning. Results. The majority of studies involved mixed children and adolescent samples, leading to confounding results and an inability to draw accurate conclusions about these distinct life stages. Autism appears to contribute to unique environmental stressors for the typically developing sibling. When experienced in the context of additional demographic risk factors, these stressors can result in difficulties adjusting to the demands of a special-needs child. Despite some vulnerability to behavioural and emotional dysfunction in at-risk children, siblings have the potential to not only adjust but to thrive in the face of disability adversity. Conclusion. Growing up with a sibling with autism appears to manifest in both positive and negative outcomes for siblings, depending upon important demographical, family, and individual variables.
On Switched Control Design of Linear Time-Invariant Systems with Polytopic Uncertainties
Authors: de Souza Wallysonn A. , Teixeira Marcelo C. M. , Santim Máira P. A. , Cardim Rodrigo , Assunção Edvaldo
Published: May 2013

This paper proposes a new switched control design method for some classes of linear time-invariant systems with polytopic uncertainties. This method uses a quadratic Lyapunov function to design the feedback controller gains based on linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). The controller gain is chosen by a switching law that returns the smallest value of the time derivative of the Lyapunov function. The proposed methodology offers less conservative alternative than the well-known controller for uncertain systems with only one state feedback gain. The control design of a magnetic levitator illustrates the procedure.
A Distributed Pseudonym Management Scheme in VANETs
Authors: Zhu Xiaoling , Lu Yang , Zhang Benhong , Hou Zhengfeng
Published: May 2013

Security and privacy have been important issues in VANETs. Anonymity is an effective way to achieve privacy protection, and it sometimes requires to be disclosed for determining traffic liability. In most pseudonym schemes, an authority is aware of a vehicle's secret, and its compromise will result in the leakage of a large amount of privacy information. So, we propose a distributed traceable pseudonym management scheme in VANETs. In the scheme, a blind signature method is adopted to achieve strict separation of issuance and tracking. The distributed tracking protocol is proposed to enhance the robustness for tracking, which is based on the improved scheme for shared generation of RSA keys. An efficient pseudonymous authentication mechanism is proposed to reduce the communication overhead. Compared with other related proposals, our scheme is unforgeability, especially against authority forge attacks, and has better robustness. Moreover, the performance analysis shows that it is efficient in VANETs.
Nonlinear Power Inductors for Large Current Crest Factors
Authors: Stadler Alexander , Stolzke Tobias , Gulden Christof
Published: May 2013

A practical method is presented: how to adjust the inductance curve of a nonlinear (saturable) inductor with respect to a desired shape. For this purpose, a nonlinear model was developed based on finite element method (FEM). It is shown how a highly efficient construction with low stray fields and maximum package density can be achieved. Different prototype inductors were realized to illustrate the practical capability of photovoltaic (PV) inverters as well as active power factor correction (PFC) applications. All simulations are verified by means of experimental data drawn from electrical measurements.
A Rare Case of Paediatric Neck Swelling: Cervical Sympathetic Chain Schwannoma
Authors: Keane E. , Francis E. C. , Thambipillai Sri Paran
Published: May 2013

Schwannomas are indolent benign lesions arising from schwann cells in the nerve. They are especially rare in the paediatric population. We report an interesting case of a swelling in the upper neck, which highlights an atypical presentation of this tumour, as well as the complex details of its clinical, radiological, and surgical management.
Improving Precision and Reducing Runtime of Microscopic Traffic Simulators through Stratified Sampling
Authors: Kesur Khewal Bhupendra
Published: May 2013

This paper examines the application of Latin Hypercube Sampling (LHS) and Antithetic Variables (AVs) to reduce the variance of estimated performance measures from microscopic traffic simulators. LHS and AV allow for a more representative coverage of input probability distributions through stratification, reducing the standard error of simulation outputs. Two methods of implementation are examined, one where stratification is applied to headways and routing decisions of individual vehicles and another where vehicle counts and entry times are more evenly sampled. The proposed methods have wider applicability in general queuing systems. LHS is found to outperform AV, and reductions of up to 71% in the standard error of estimates of traffic network performance relative to independent sampling are obtained. LHS allows for a reduction in the execution time of computationally expensive microscopic traffic simulators as fewer simulations are required to achieve a fixed level of precision with reductions of up to 84% in computing time noted on the test cases considered. The benefits of LHS are amplified for more congested networks and as the required level of precision increases.
Sacral Fracture Nonunion Treated by Bone Grafting through a Posterior Approach
Authors: Lee Sang Yang , Niikura Takahiro , Sakai Yoshitada , Miwa Masahiko , Nishida Kotaro , Kuroda Ryosuke , Kurosaka Masahiro
Published: May 2013

Nonunion of a sacral fracture is a rare but serious clinical condition which can cause severe chronic pain, discomfort while sitting, and significant restriction of the level of activities. Fracture nonunions reportedly occur most often after nonoperative initial treatment or inappropriate operative treatment. We report a case of fracture nonunion of the sacrum and pubic rami that resulted from non-operative initial treatment, which was treated successfully using bone grafting through a posterior approach and CT-guided percutaneous iliosacral screw fixation combined with anterior external fixation. Although autologous bone grafting has been the gold standard for the treatment of pelvic fracture nonunions, little has been written describing the approach. We utilized a posterior approach for bone grafting, which could allow direct visualization of the nonunion site and preclude nerve root injury. By this procedure, we were able to obtain the healing of fracture nonunion, leading to pain relief and functional recovery.
Differences and Similarities among Parotoid Macrogland Secretions in South American Toads: A Preliminary Biochemical Delineation
Authors: Sciani Juliana Mozer , Angeli Cláudia Blanes , Antoniazzi Marta M. , Jared Carlos , Pimenta Daniel Carvalho
Published: May 2013

Amphibians are known by cutaneous glands, spread over the skin, containing toxins (proteins, peptides, biogenic amines, steroidal bufadienolides, and alkaloids) used as chemical defense against predators and microbial infection. Toads are characterized by the presence of parotoid macroglands. The common toads have lately been divided into two genera: Bufo (Europe, Asia, and Africa) and Rhinella (South America). Basal Rhaebo genus is exclusively of Central America and Amazon region. Although Rhinella and Rhaebo are related, species may share differences due to the diversity of environments that they live in. In this work, we have performed a biochemical characterization of the components of the poison of eight Rhinella species and one Rhaebo by means of RP‐HPLC with either UV or MS detection and by SDS‐PAGE, in order to verify whether phylogenetic and biological differences, such as habitat, diet, and defensive strategies, between them may also be reflected in poison composition. Although some components were common among the secretions, we were able to identify exclusive molecules to some species. The fact that closely related animals living in different habitats secrete different molecules into the skin is an indication that biological features, and not only evolution, seem to directly influence the skin secretion composition.
Alcohol Exposures, Alcohol Marketing, and Their Associations with Problem Drinking and Drunkenness among Youth Living in the Slums of Kampala, Uganda
Authors: Swahn Monica H. , Palmier Jane B. , Kasirye Rogers
Published: May 2013

This study determined the associations between alcohol use exposures, marketing, education, and problem drinking and drunkenness among youth living in the slums of Kampala. This cross-sectional study of youth was conducted in 2011 to quantify and describe high-risk behavior and exposures in a convenience sample (N=457) of urban youth living in the slums, 14–24 years of age, who were participating in a drop-in center for disadvantaged street youth. Logistic regression analyses were computed to determine associations between alcohol use exposures, marketing exposures, alcohol education, and problem drinking and drunkenness while controlling for possible confounders. Among participants, 30.2% reported problem drinking and 32.8% reported drunkenness. In multivariate analyses, obtaining free drinks was associated with problem drinking (AOR: 2.47; 95% CI =  1.23–4.96) and drunkenness (AOR: 2.40; 95% CI = 1.22–4.70) after controlling for potential confounders. Alcohol education measures were not significantly associated with either problem drinking or drunkenness in multivariate analyses. There are important associations between alcohol marketing and drinking among these youth. Moreover, the findings underscore the need for additional research related to the impact of alcohol marketing among vulnerable youth and also the need for policy regulations that restrict alcohol marketing that involve providing free alcohol directly to youth.
New Paradigms in Microtubule-Mediated Endocrine Signaling in Prostate Cancer
Authors: Mistry Sucharita J. , Oh William K.
Published: May 2013

Metastatic prostate cancer has limited therapeutic options and has remained a major clinical challenge. Historically, prostate cancer has been widely recognized as a chemotherapy-resistant disease. However, clinical studies with anti-microtubule agents over the past decade have shown important efficacy in improving survival in patients with advanced disease. The favorable outcomes with microtubule-targeted agents have thus rekindled interest in such therapies for the clinical management of prostate cancer. Microtubules are dynamic polymers of tubulin molecules that play diverse roles within the cell. The dynamic property of microtubules is responsible for forming the bipolar mitotic apparatus, the mitotic spindle, that functions to precisely segregate the chromosomes during cell division. Thus, owing to the pivotal role that they play in the orchestration of mitotic events, microtubules provide excellent targets for anti-cancer therapy. Recent evidence also suggests that microtubules play a crucial role in the regulation of endocrine signaling pathways. Interestingly, microtubule-targeted agents such as taxanes not only inhibit cell division but also impair endocrine receptor signaling in prostate cancer. Herein, we provide an overview of the current status of microtubule-targeted therapies that are used in the treatment of prostate cancer and discuss novel mechanisms by which such therapies modulate endocrine signaling in prostate cancer. We also address the emerging roles of microtubule regulatory proteins in prostate carcinogenesis that could serve as attractive targets for prostate cancer therapy and might also serve as predictive biomarkers to identify patients who may benefit from endocrine and/or chemotherapy. This may have important implications in designing mechanism-based and targeted-therapeutic strategies for prostate cancer. Mol Cancer Ther; 12(5); 555–66. ©2013 AACR.
Transcription Factor Interactions Mediate EGF-Dependent COX-2 Expression
Authors: Xu Kaiming , Shu Hui-Kuo G.
Published: May 2013

Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is linked to poor prognosis in patients with malignant gliomas. Amplification/overexpression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is commonly seen in these tumors. EGFR signaling, through activation of the p38-MAPK/PKC-δ/Sp1 cascade, plays an essential role in the regulation of COX-2 expression in glioma cells. Here, we report that Src kinase contributes upstream to this signaling cascade. In addition, more detailed analysis revealed the involvement of FOXM1, a member of the forkhead box family of transcriptional activators, in EGF-dependent COX-2 induction. FOXM1 protein increased after stimulation with EGF, although its role in modulating COX-2 expression does not depend on this increase. While a conventional FOXM1 responsive element resides in a distal region (−2872/−2539 relative to the transcriptional start site) of the COX-2 promoter, this is not required for EGF-dependent induction of COX-2. Instead, FOXM1 forms a cooperative interaction with Sp1 at the Sp1-binding site (-245/-240 relative to the start site) of the COX-2 promoter to mediate EGF-induced COX-2 expression. Definition of this novel interaction provides a clearer understanding of the mechanistic basis for EGF induction of COX-2.

Implications: These data provide a guide for the evaluation of potential newer therapeutic targets that have relevance in this disease. Mol Cancer Res; 11(8); 875–86. ©2013 AACR.
Optimizing Biomarkers and Endpoints in Oral Cancer Chemoprevention Trials
Authors: William William N. , Papadimitrakopoulou Vassiliki A.
Published: May 2013

Chemoprevention, defined as the use of natural, synthetic, or biologic compounds to halt, reverse, or prevent the initial phases of carcinogenesis or the progression of neoplastic cells to cancer, has produced successes, but progress has been slow. Notably, in the field of oral cancer prevention and despite extensive clinical investigations, a standard systemic therapy for patients with oral premalignant lesions is yet to be developed. In view of safety concerns surrounding the use of pharmaceuticals, the use of phytochemicals derived from the diet has been considered but has not yet translated into clinical success. The Bowman Birk Inhibitor (BBI) is a serine protease inhibitor isolated from soybeans possessing domains with trypsin and chymotrypsin inhibitory activity. Encouraging results were previously reported in a phase IIa trial of BBI complex in patients with oral leukoplakia with measurable clinical responses and favorable biomarker changes. In this issue of the journal, the less promising results of the randomized, placebo-controlled phase IIb trial are presented.

In this commentary, the complexities involved in defining optimal biomarkers and endpoints for oral cancer prevention trials and the development of dietary chemoprevention agents are discussed. Cancer Prev Res; 6(5); 375–8. ©2013 AACR.
Platelets and neurovascular inflammation
Authors: Chavakis Triantafyllos , Langer Harald F.
Published: May 2013

Platelets participate in haemostasis and in thrombus formation in health and disease. Moreover, they contribute to inflammation and cooperate with immune cells in a magnitude of inflammatory/immune responses. Although the inflammatory response has been recognised to be critical in neuronal diseases such as Alzheimer´s disease or multiple sclerosis and its mouse counterpart, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, the participation of platelets in these diseases is poorly investigated so far. Emerging studies, however, point to an interesting crosstalk between platelets and neuroinflammation. For instance, when the integrity of the blood brain barrier is compromised, platelets may be relevant for endothelial inflammation, as well as recruitment and activation of inflammatory cells, thereby potentially contributing to central nervous tissue pathogenesis. This review summarises recent insights in the role of platelets for neurovascular inflammation and addresses potential underlying mechanisms, by which platelets may affect the pathophysiology of neurovascular diseases.
Endothelial CSN5 impairs NF-κB activation and monocyte adhesion to endothelial cells and is highly expressed in human atherosclerotic lesions
Authors: Asare Yaw , Shagdarsuren Erdenechimeg , Schmid Johannes , Tilstam Pathricia , Grommes Jochen , El Bounkari Omar , Schütz Anke , Weber Christian , de Winther Menno , Noels Heidi , Bernhagen Jürgen
Published: May 2013

The COP9 signalosome (CSN), a multifunctional protein complex involved in the regulation of cullin-RING-E3 ubiquitin ligases (CRLs), has emerged as a regulator of NF-κB signalling. As NF-κB drives the expression of pro-inflammatory and pro-atherosclerotic genes, we probed the yet unknown role of the CSN, in particular CSN5, on NF-KB-mediated atherogenic responses in endothelial cells. Co-immunoprecipitation in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) revealed the presence of a super-complex between IKK and CSN, which dissociates upon TNF-α stimulation. Furthermore, CSN5 silencing enhanced TNF-α-induced IKB-α degradation and NF-κB activity in luci-ferase reporter assays. This was paralleled by an increased NF-KB-driven upregulation of atherogenic chemokines and adhesion molecules, as measured by qPCR and flow cytometry, and translated into an enhanced arrest of THP-1 monocytes on TNF-α-stimulated, CSN5-depleted HUVECs. Reverse effects on NF-κB activity and THP-1 arrest were seen upon CSN5 overexpression. Finally, double-immunostaining confirmed the expression of CSN subunits in the endothelium of human atherosclerotic lesions, and revealed an increased expression of CSN5 which correlated with atheroprogression. In conclusion, endothelial CSN5 attenuates NF-KB-dependent pro-inflammatory gene expression and monocyte arrest on stimulated endothelial cells in vitro, suggesting that CSN5 might serve as a negative regulator of atherogenesis.

Note: The review process for this manuscript was fully handled by G. Y. H. Lip, Editor in Chief.
Percutaneous Mitral Valve Repair in the Initial EVEREST Cohort
Authors: Foster Elyse , Kwan Damon , Feldman Ted , Weissman Neil J. , Grayburn Paul A. , Schwartz Allan , Rogers Jason H. , Kar Saibal , Rinaldi Michael J. , Fail Peter S. , Hermiller James , Whitlow Patrick L. , Herrmann Howard C. , Lim D. Scott , Glower Donald D.
Published: May 2013

Background—

Percutaneous repair of mitral regurgitation (MR) permits examination of the effect of MR reduction without surgery and cardiopulmonary bypass on left ventricular (LV) dimensions and function. The goal of this analysis was to determine the extent of reverse remodeling at 12 months after successful percutaneous reduction of MR with the MitraClip device.

Methods and Results—

Of 64 patients with 3 and 4+ MR who achieved acute procedural success after treatment with the MitraClip device, 49 patients had moderate or less MR at 12-month follow-up. Their baseline and 12-month echocardiograms were compared between the group with and without LV dysfunction. In patients with persistent MR reduction and pre-existing LV dysfunction, there was a reduction in LV wall stress, reduced LV end-diastolic volume, LV end-systolic volume and increase in LV ejection fraction in contrast to those with normal baseline LV function, who showed reduction in LV end-diastolic volume, LV wall stress, no change in LV end-systolic volume, and a fall in LV ejection fraction.

Conclusions—

Patients with pre-existing LV dysfunction demonstrate reverse remodeling and improved LV ejection fraction after percutaneous mitral valve repair.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifiers: NCT00209339, NCT00209274.
Review of Xenochironomus Kieffer, 1921 (Diptera: Chironomidae) with description of six new species
Authors: FUSARI LÍVIA MARIA , ROQUE FABIO DE OLIVEIRA , HAMADA NEUSA
Published: May 2013

The genus Xenochironomus Kieffer is reviewed. Five new species are described from Brazil, X. alaidae, X. amazonensis and X. martini as male; X. grini and X. mendesi as male, pupa and larva, and X. ethiopensis from Ethiopia is described as adult male. X. canterburyensis (Freeman) is redescribed as male, pupa and larva; X. trochanteratus (Thompson), X. trise-tosus (Kieffer), X. ugandae (Goetghebuer) and X. tuberosus Wang as males; notes on X. xenolabis (Kieffer), X. flaviventris (Kieffer), X. longicrus (Kieffer), X. lacertus Dutta et Chaudhuri and X. ceciliae Roque et Trivinho-Strixino are also given. The species X. nigricaudus Hashimoto is recognized as nomen dubium. Keys to males, pupae and larvae are presented.
A new species of the hippolytid genus Paralebbeus Bruce & Chace, 1986 (Crustacea: Decapoda: Caridea) from the Coral Seamount, southwestern Indian Ocean
Authors: KOMAI TOMOYUKI
Published: May 2013

The hippolytid genus Paralebbeus Bruce & Chace, 1986, is only known from two species, P. zotheculatus Bruce & Chace, 1986 (type species) and P. zygius Chace, 1997. Both are known from the western Pacific, though P. zotheculatus was orig-inally described from the Australian Northwest Shelf in the Indian Ocean. In this paper, a new species, P. mollis, is de-scribed and illustrated on the basis of a single ovigerous female from the Coral Seamount, southwestern Indian Ocean, at a depth of 952 m as the third representative of the genus. The new species is readily distinguished from its congeners by the rostrum being armed with one tooth on both the dorsal and ventral margin and the conspicuous pterygostomial tooth on the carapace. Because of these characteristics of the new species, the diagnosis of Paralebbeus is slightly emended. The holotype of P. mollis n. sp. was associated with an unidentified hexactinellid sponge, like the other two known spe-cies.
On the available names for the northern and eastern South American subspecies of Puma concolor (Linnaeus, 1771) (Mammalia: Felidae) and their type localities
Authors: NASCIMENTO F. O. , GARBINO G. S.T.
Published: May 2013

The puma, Puma concolor (Linnaeus, 1771), is one of the widest distributed mammals of the world, occurring historically from southwestern Canada to southern Argentina (Young and Goldman 1946, Macdonald et al., 2010). For this reason, more than 40 nominal forms were described for the species (Wozencraft, 2005). Recently, Culver et al. (2000), based on three mtDNA sequences and 10 microsatellite loci, defined six phylogeographic groupings of P. concolor, assigning six subspecific names to these groups. This taxonomic arrangement was followed in the mammalian taxonomic compendium edited by Wilson and Reeder (2005), although the subspecific name used for the eastern Brazilian subspecies was not the same (Wozencraft 2005).
Haludaria, a replacement generic name for Dravidia (Teleostei: Cyprinidae)
Authors: PETHIYAGODA ROHAN
Published: May 2013

Pethiyagoda et al. (2012) made available the genus-group name Dravidia (type species Cirrhinus fasciatus Jerdon, 1849: 305) for the ‘Puntius fasciatus’ group of fishes endemic to the peninsula of India. We were unaware at the time this paper was written (2010) that this name had shortly before been preoccupied by Dravidia Lehrer, 2010, in Diptera: Sarcophagidae. As such, a replacement name for this genus of fishes becomes necessary.