bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
GRAPHENE: KINKS, SUPERLATTICES, LANDAU LEVELS AND MAGNETOTRANSPORT
Authors: KILLI MATTHEW , WU SI , PARAMEKANTI ARUN
Published: July 2012

We review recent work on superlattices in monolayer and bilayer graphene. We highlight the role of the quasiparticle chirality in generating new Dirac fermion modes with tunable anisotropic velocities in one dimensional (1D) superlattices in both monolayer and bilayer graphene. We discuss the structure of the Landau levels and magnetotransport in such superlattices over a wide range of perpendicular (orbital) magnetic fields. In monolayer graphene, we show that an orbital magnetic field can reverse the anisotropy of the transport imposed by the superlattice potential, suggesting possible switching-type device applications. We also consider topological modes localized at a kink in an electric field applied perpendicular to bilayer graphene, and show how interactions convert these modes into a two-band Luttinger liquid with tunable Luttinger parameters. The band structures of electric field superlattices in bilayer graphene (with or without a magnetic field) are shown to arise naturally from a coupled array of such topological modes. We briefly review some bandstructure results for 2D superlattices. We conclude with a discussion of recent tunneling and transport experiments and point out open issues.
EVIDENCE OF ENTROPY SCALING IN RELATIVISTIC NUCLEUS–NUCLEUS COLLISIONS
Authors: KHAN M. MOHISIN , AHMAD N. , AZMI M. D. , BARI W. , KHAN A. R. , HAQUE M. I. , ZAFAR M. , IRFAN M.
Published: July 2012

Significance of entropy, S, for explaining multiparticle production phenomenon in high energy nucleus–nucleus collisions is highlighted. For this, experimental data on 4.5A and 14.5A GeV/c 28 Si -nucleus interactions are analyzed. An attempt is also made to explain the phenomenon using HIJING simulated interactions. Entropy is calculated for different classes of interactions. The plots of [Formula: see text] against [Formula: see text] for different categories of interactions reveal scaling behavior.
GROUND STATES AND EXCITED STATES OF HYPERNUCLEI IN RELATIVISTIC MEAN FIELD APPROACH
Authors: BHOWMICK BIPASHA , BHATTACHARYYA ABHIJIT , GANGOPADHYAY G.
Published: July 2012

Hypernuclei have been studied within the framework of Relativistic Mean Field theory. The force FSU Gold has been extended to include hyperons. The effective hyperon–nucleon and hyperon–hyperon interactions have been obtained by fitting experimental energies in a number of hypernuclei over a wide range of mass. Calculations successfully describe various features including hyperon separation energy and single particle spectra of single-Λ hypernuclei throughout the periodic table. We also extend this formalism to double-Λ hypernuclei.
ENERGY PARTITION IN 235U FISSION REACTION INDUCED BY THERMAL NEUTRON
Authors: CHEN YONG-JING , QIAN JING , LIU TING-JIN , LI ZHU-XIA , WU XI-ZHEN , SHU NENG-CHUAN
Published: July 2012

The partition of the total excitation energy between the fission fragments for the n th +235 U and n(En = 5.55 MeV)+235 U fission reactions are analyzed with the experimental data available. Our results show that the total excitation energy is not shared by the fragments in proportion of their masses but support the so-called energy sorting-mechanism. The temperature of the heavy fragment is generally lower than that of the light one when the shell effect does not play a strong role. As soon as the mass of heavy fragment closes to 132, its temperature becomes higher than the complementary light one because of strong shell effect. Our results also show that the heavy fragments gain more energy than the complementary light ones when the incident neutron energy increases.
3D HUMAN LIFTING MOTION PREDICTION WITH DIFFERENT PERFORMANCE MEASURES
Authors: XIANG YUJIANG , ARORA JASBIR S. , ABDEL-MALEK KARIM
Published: July 2012

This paper presents an optimization-based method for predicting a human dynamic lifting task. The three-dimensional digital human skeletal model has 55 degrees of freedom. Lifting motion is generated by minimizing an objective function (human performance measure) subjected to basic physical and kinematical constraints. Four objective functions are investigated in the formulation: the dynamic effort, the balance criterion, the maximum shear force at spine joint and the maximum pressure force at spine joint. The simulation results show that various human performance measures predict different lifting strategies: the balance and shear force performance measures predict back-lifting motion and the dynamic effort and pressure force performance measures generate squat-lifting motion. In addition, the effects of box locations on the lifting strategies are also studied. All kinematics and kinetic data are successfully predicted for the lifting motion by using the predictive dynamics algorithm and the optimal solution was obtained in about one minute.
QUANTUM FIELDS ON CURVED MOMENTUM SPACE
Authors: ARZANO MICHELE
Published: July 2012

Relativistic particles with momentum space described by a group manifold provide a very interesting link between gravity, quantum group symmetries and non-commutative field theories. We discuss how group valued momenta emerge in the context of three-dimensional Einstein gravity and describe the related non-commutative field theory. As an application we introduce a non-commutative heat-kernel, calculate the associated spectral dimension and comment on its non-trivial behavior. In four spacetime dimensions the only known example of momenta living on a group manifold is encountered in the context of the κ-Poincaré algebra introduced by Lukierski et al. 20 years ago. I will discuss the construction of a one-particle Hilbert space from the classical κ-deformed phase space and show how the group manifold structure of momentum space leads to an ambiguity in the quantization procedure. The tools introduced in the discussion of field quantization lead to a natural definition of deformed two-point function.
ON THE GEOMETRY OF κ-DEFORMATION
Authors: SITARZ ANDRZEJ
Published: July 2012

We present a brief outline of recent and new results on the mathematical structure underlying the κ-deformed space. We suggest to turn attention to the observable C*-algebra of κ-deformed coordinates and its Galilean symmetries.
PHOTON-NEUTRINO INTERACTION IN θ-EXACT COVARIANT MODEL: PHENOMENOLOGY AND QUANTUM PROPERTIES
Authors: TRAMPETIĆ JOSIP
Published: July 2012

We construct the theta-exact covariant noncommutative model and obtain various closed constraints on the noncommutative scale from inelastic neutrino-nucleon scatterings, from plasmon decay into neutrino pair, from the Big Bang Nucleosynthesis and from the reheating phase after inflation, respectively. We find neutrino two-point function in a closed form and decoupling of the UV divergent term from softened UV/IR mixing term. Deformed dispersion relations at low energies are capable to account for the recent results from the OPERA collaboration on the superluminal speed of the muon neutrinos.
ON NONLINEARITY OF p-BRANE DYNAMICS
Authors: ZHELTUKHIN A. A.
Published: July 2012

Nonlinear equations of p-branes in D = (2p + 1)-dimensional Minkowski space are discussed. Presented are new exact solutions for a set of spinning p-branes with the Abelian symmetries U(1) × U(1) × ⋯ ×U(1) of their shapes.
Detection and Quantification ofLegionella pneumophilafrom Water Systems in Kuwait Residential Facilities
Authors: Al-Matawah Qadreyah A. , Al-Zenki Sameer F. , Qasem Jafer A. , Al-Waalan Tahani E. , Ben Heji Ahmed H.
Published: July 2012

The prevalence ofLegionella pneumophiliain water systems of residential facilities in Kuwait was performed during the period from November 2007 to November 2011. A total of 204 water samples collected from faucets and showerheads in bathrooms (n= 82), taps in kitchens (n= 51), and water tanks (n= 71), from different locations of residential facilities in Kuwait were screened forLegionella pneumophilaby the standard culture method and by real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Out of the 204 samples, 89 (43.6%) samples were positive forLegionellaspp., 48 (23.5%) samples were detected by the standard culture method, and 85 (41.7%) were detected by RT-PCR. Of the culture positiveLegionellasamples, counts ranged between 10 to 2250 CFU/L. Serological typing of 48Legionellaisolates revealed that 6 (12.5%) of these isolates belonged toLegionella pneumophilaserogroup 1, 37 (77.1%) isolates toLegionella pneumophilaserogroup 3, and 1 isolate each (2.1%) belonged to serogroups 4, 7, and 10. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MICs) of the 46 environmentalL. pneumophilaisolates against the 10 antimicrobials commonly used forLegionellainfection treatments were determined. Rifampicin was found to be the most active againstL. pneumophilaserogroups isolatesin vitro.
Bisphenol A Induces Hepatotoxicity through Oxidative Stress in Rat Model
Authors: Hassan Zeinab K. , Elobeid Mai A. , Virk Promy , Omer Sawsan A. , ElAmin Maha , Daghestani Maha H. , AlOlayan Ebtisam M.
Published: July 2012

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are cytotoxic agents that lead to significant oxidative damage. Bisphenol A (BPA) is a contaminant with increasing exposure to it and exerts both toxic and estrogenic effects on mammalian cells. Due to limited information concerning the effect of BPA on liver, this study investigates whether BPA causes hepatotoxicity by induction of oxidative stress in liver. Rats were divided into five groups: The first four groups, BPA (0.1, 1, 10, 50 mg/kg/day) were administrated orally to rats for four weeks. The fifth group was taken water with vehicle. The final body weights in the 0.1 mg group showed a significant decrease compared to control group. Significant decreased levels of reduced glutathione, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione-S-transferase, glutathione reductase and catalase activity were found in the 50 mg BPA group compared to control groups. High dose of BPA (50 mg/kg) significantly increased the biochemical levels of ALT, ALP and total bilirubin. BPA effect on the activity of antioxidant genes was confirmed by real time PCR in which the expression levels of these genes in liver tissue were significantly decrease compared to control. Data from this study demonstrate that BPA generate ROS and reduce the antioxidant gene expression that causes hepatotoxicity.
The Danish Model for Improvement of Diabetes Care in General Practice: Impact of Automated Collection and Feedback of Patient Data
Authors: Schroll Henrik , Christensen René dePont , Thomsen Janus Laust , Andersen Morten , Friborg Søren , Søndergaard Jens
Published: July 2012

Background. Sentinel Data Capture is an IT program designed to collect data automatically from GPs’ electronic health record system. Data include ICPC diagnoses, National Health Service disbursement codes, laboratory analysis, and prescribed drugs. Quality feedback reports are generated individually for each practice on the basis of the accumulated data and are available online only for the specific practice.
Objective. To describe the development of the quality of care concerning drug prescriptions for diabetes patients listed with GPs using the Data Capture module.
Methods. In a cohort study, among 8320 registered patients with diabetes, we analyzed the change in the proportion of medication for uncontrolled cases of diabetes.
Results. From 2009 to 2010, there was an absolute risk reduction of 1.35% (0.89–1.81: ) in proportion of persons not in antidiabetic medication despite an HbA1c above 7.0. Similarly, there was a 4.51% (3.42–5.61: ) absolute risk reduction in patients not in antihypertensive treatment despite systolic blood pressure above 130 mm Hg and 4.73% (3.56–5.90: ) absolute risk reduction in patients with total cholesterol level above 4.5 mmol/L and not receiving lipid-lowering treatment.
Conclusions. Structured collection of electronic data from general practice and feedback with reports on quality of care for diabetes patient seems to give a significant reduction in proportion of patients with no medical treatment over one year for participating GPs. Due to lack of a control group, we are, however, not able to say if the drop in the proportion of uncontrolled cases is a result of participation in collection of electronic data and feedback alone.
Life Histories of Two Endangered Sea SkatersHalobates matsumuraiEsaki andAsclepios shiranui(Esaki) (Hemiptera: Gerridae: Halobatinae)
Authors: Ikawa Terumi , Nozoe Yuichi , Yamashita Natsuko , Nishimura Namiko , Ohnoki Satoshi , Yusa Kyoko , Hoshizaki Sugihiko , Komaba Masayuki , Kawakubo Akihiro
Published: July 2012

Sea skatersHalobates matsumuraiEsaki andAsclepios shiranui(Esaki) are among the few marine insects found in Japan. For the past several decades, they have become rare in most localities and have now been designated as endangered by the government. In order to understand their adaptive strategies to the marine environment and to develop conservation measures, it is essential to know their life histories. We studied their lifecycles in Kujukushima Bay off the north coast of Kyushu (Japan) where they co-occurred in small coves along the jagged coast. They appeared to have more than one generation a year and to overwinter in the egg stage. Eggs ofH. matsumuraiwere laid on natural sandstones and man-made sandstone walls along the shore, mostly above the average sea level. The eggs had very hard shells, presumably adaptive to protect them from desiccation, solar radiation, and wave action, especially during the overwintering period.
Peculiarities of Bounds on States through the Concept of Linear Superposition
Authors: Bhar Amit
Published: July 2012

We investigate the effect of superposition of states on local conversion of pure bipartite
states under deterministic LOCC. We also investigate the entanglement behaviour of such classes
of states, specifically their monotone nature. Finally we are able to construct some counterintuitive situations, on the bounds of different measures of entanglement, emphasis on the idea of comparability
and incomparability under deterministic LOCC.
Dynamic Analysis of a Hybrid Squeeze Film Damper Mounted Rub‐Impact Rotor‐Stator System
Authors: Chang-Jian Cai-Wan
Published: July 2012

An investigation is carried out on the systematic analysis of the dynamic behavior of the hybrid squeeze‐film damper (HSFD) mounted a rotor‐bearing system with strongly nonlinear oil‐film force and nonlinear rub‐impact force in the present study. The dynamic orbits of the system are observed using bifurcation diagrams plotted using the dimensionless rotating speed ratio as control parameters. The onset of chaotic motion is identified from the phase diagrams, power spectra, Poincaré maps, bifurcation diagrams, maximum Lyapunov exponents, and fractal dimension of the rotor‐bearing system. The dynamic behaviors are unlike the usual ways into chaos (1T⇒2T⇒4T⇒8T⇒16T⇒32T ⋯ ⇒ chaos or periodic ⇒ quasi‐periodic ⇒ chaotic), it suddenly gets in chaos from the periodic motion without any transition. The results presented in this study provide some useful insights into the design and development of a rotor‐bearing system for rotating machinery that operates in highly rotating speed and highly nonlinear regimes.
L-DOPA Uptake in Astrocytic Endfeet Enwrapping Blood Vessels in Rat Brain
Authors: Inyushin M. Y. , Huertas A. , Kucheryavykh Y. V. , Kucheryavykh L. Y. , Tsydzik V. , Sanabria P. , Eaton M. J. , Skatchkov S. N. , Rojas L. V. , Wessinger W. D.
Published: July 2012

Astrocyte endfeet surround brain blood vessels and can play a role in the delivery of therapeutic drugs for Parkinson’s disease. However, there is no previous evidence of the presence of LAT transporter forL-DOPA in brain astrocytes except in culture. Using systemicL-DOPA administration and a combination of patch clamp, histochemistry and confocal microscopy we found thatL-DOPA is accumulated mainly in astrocyte cell bodies, astrocytic endfeet surrounding blood vessels, and pericytes. In brain slices: (1) astrocytes were exposed to ASP+, a fluorescent monoamine analog of MPP+; (2) ASP+taken up by astrocytes was colocalized withL-DOPA fluorescence in (3) glial somata and in the endfeet attached to blood vessels; (4) these astrocytes have an electrogenic transporter current elicited by ASP+, but intriguingly not byL-DOPA, suggesting a different pathway for monoamines andL-DOPA via astrocytic membrane. (5) The pattern of monoamine oxidase (MAO type B) allocation in pericytes and astrocytic endfeet was similar to that ofL-DOPA accumulation. We conclude that astrocytes controlL-DOPA uptake and metabolism and, therefore, may play a key role in regulating brain dopamine level during dopamine-associated diseases. These data also suggest that different transporter mechanisms may exist for monoamines andL-DOPA.
Does Cisapride, as a 5HT4Receptor Agonist, Aggravate the Severity of TNBS-Induced Colitis in Rat?
Authors: Motavallian Azadeh , Minaiyan Mohsen , Rabbani Mohammad , Mahzouni Parvin , Andalib Sasan , Abed Alireza , Babavalian Mohammad Reza
Published: July 2012

There is a pressing need for research that will lead to the reveal of targets designed to analyse the possible pathways for the treatment of IBD. Because of the probable involvement of serotonin in inflammatory conditions of intestine and the important role of 5HT4receptors in GI function, the investigation of the role of 5HT4receptors in the pathogenesis of IBD will be interesting. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of cisapride, a 5HT4receptor agonist, in trinitrobenzenesulfonic-acid-(TNBS) induced rat colitis. Two hours subsequent to induction of colitis using TNBS in rats, cisapride (2 mg/kg, intraperitoneally (i.p); 4 mg/kg, orally (p.o)) and dexamethasone (1 mg/kg, i.p; 2 mg/kg, p.o) were administrated for 6 days. Animals were thereafter euthanized; macroscopic, histological, and biochemical assessments and ELISA test were carried out on distal colon samples. Our data showed that dexamethasone treatment (i.p, p.o) significantly decreased macroscopic and microscopic damage and also biochemical markers, but there were no significant differences in aforementioned parameters between cisapride (i.p or p.o) and TNBS-treated rats. It can be deduced that because the severity of colitis produced by TNBS is massive (through various pathways), cisapride could not bring about more colitis damages through 5HT4receptors. Based on the present study further researches are required for investigating the exact roles of 5HT4receptors in the pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis.
Modifiable Risk Factors for Early Mortality on Hemodialysis
Authors: McQuillan Rory , Trpeski Lilyanna , Fenton Stanley , Lok Charmaine E.
Published: July 2012

Data of incident hemodialysis patients from 2001 to 2007 were abstracted from The Renal Disease Registry (TRDR) from central Ontario, Canada and followed until December 2008 to determine 90-day mortality rates for incident hemodialysis patients. Modifiable risk factors of early mortality were determined by a Cox model. In total, 876 of 4807 incident patients died during their first year on dialysis; 304 (34.7%) deaths occurred within the first 90 days of dialysis initiation. The majority of deaths were attributed to a cardiovascular event or infection and more likely occurred in older patients and those with cardiovascular co-morbidities. Of potentially modifiable risk factors, low body mass index (<18.5), a surrogate for malnutrition, was a strong predictor of early mortality [adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 4.22 (CI: 3.12–5.17)]. Also, central venous catheter use was associated with a 2.40 fold increase risk of death (CI: 1.4–3.90). Patients who attended a multidisciplinary pre-dialysis clinic were less likely to die (HR: 0.60, CI: 0.47–0.78). The first 90 days after initiation of dialysis is a period of especially high risk of death. We have identified potentially modifiable risk factors in vascular access type, pre-dialysis care and nutritional status.
Effect of Lithium Ions on Copper Nanoparticle Size, Shape, and Distribution
Authors: Jang Kyung-Deok , Ortega Ada , Ucol Justin , Du Hao , Kim Nam-Soo
Published: July 2012

Copper nanoparticles were synthesized using lithium ions to increase the aqueous electrical conductivity of the solution and precisely control the size, shape, and size distribution of the particles. In this study, the conventional approach of increasing particle size by the concentration of copper ions and PGPPE in a copper chloride solution was compared to increasing the concentration of lithium chloride when the copper chloride concentration was held constant. Particle size and shape were characterized by TEM, and the size distribution of the particles at different concentrations was obtained by particle size analysis. Increasing the concentration of copper ion in the solution greatly increased the aqueous electric conductivity and the size of the particles but led to a wide size distribution ranging from 150 nm to 400 nm and rough particle morphology. The addition of lithium ions increased the size of the particles, but maintains them in a range of 250 nm. In addition the particles exhibited spherical shape as determined by TEM. The addition of lithium ions to the solution has the potential to synthesize nanoparticles with optimal characteristics for printing applications by maintaining a narrow size range and spherical shape.
Modified Halfspace-Relaxation Projection Methods for Solving the Split Feasibility Problem
Authors: Li Min
Published: July 2012

This paper presents modified halfspace-relaxation projection (HRP) methods for solving the split feasibility problem (SFP). Incorporating with the techniques of identifying the optimal step length with positive lower bounds, the new methods improve the efficiencies of the HRP method (Qu and Xiu (2008)). Some numerical results are reported to verify the computational preference.
Nanomechanics of Nonideal Single‐ and Double‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Wong C. H. , Vijayaraghavan V.
Published: July 2012

The buckling characteristics of nonideal single‐ and double‐walled carbon nanotubes were studied in this work via molecular dynamics simulation method. An imperfectly straight nonideal single‐walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) with a bent along the tube axis was used to form an array which is subjected to compression. The change in orientation of bends will result in a variation of nonbonded interactions in an SWCNT array system. We find that these variations in the nonbonded interactions strongly affect the buckling resistance of the SWCNT array. Similarly, a nonideal double‐walled carbon nanotube (DWCNT) is constructed by varying the interlayer distance by introducing a center offset on the inner core SWCNT. The inclusion of offset along the tube axis in such nonideal DWCNT can enhance or deteriorate the mechanical qualities of the DWCNT under compression. Our numerical studies on nonideal CNT systems suggest a possibility of designing high‐performing CNTs for applications involving fiber reinforcements.
Genetic and Epigenetic Events Generate Multiple Pathways in Colorectal Cancer Progression
Authors: Pancione Massimo , Remo Andrea , Colantuoni Vittorio
Published: July 2012

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common causes of death, despite decades of research. Initially considered as a disease due to genetic mutations, it is now viewed as a complex malignancy because of the involvement of epigenetic abnormalities. A functional equivalence between genetic and epigenetic mechanisms has been suggested in CRC initiation and progression. A hallmark of CRC is its pathogenetic heterogeneity attained through at least three distinct pathways: a traditional (adenoma-carcinoma sequence), an alternative, and more recently the so-called serrated pathway. While the alternative pathway is more heterogeneous and less characterized, the traditional and serrated pathways appear to be more homogeneous and clearly distinct. One unsolved question in colon cancer biology concerns the cells of origin and from which crypt compartment the different pathways originate. Based on molecular and pathological evidences, we propose that the traditional and serrated pathways originate from different crypt compartments explaining their genetic/epigenetic and clinicopathological differences. In this paper, we will discuss the current knowledge of CRC pathogenesis and, specifically, summarize the role of genetic/epigenetic changes in the origin and progression of the multiple CRC pathways. Elucidation of the link between the molecular and clinico-pathological aspects of CRC would improve our understanding of its etiology and impact both prevention and treatment.
Observation of Oceanic Eddy in the Northeastern Arabian Sea Using Multisensor Remote Sensing Data
Authors: Sarangi R. K.
Published: July 2012

An oceanic eddy of size about 150 kilometer diameter observed in the northeastern Arabian Sea using remote sensing satellite sensors; IRS-P4 OCM, NOAA-AVHRR and NASA Quickscat Scatterometer data. The eddy was detected in the 2nd week of February in Indian Remote Sensing satellite (IRS-P4) Ocean Color Monitor (OCM) sensor retrieved chlorophyll image on 10th February 2002, between latitude 16°90′–18°50′N and longitude 66°05′–67°60′E. The chlorophyll concentration was higher in the central part of eddy (~1.5 mg/m3) than the peripheral water (~0.8 mg/m3). The eddy lasted till 10th March 2002. NOAA-AVHRR sea surface temperature (SST) images generated during 15th February-15th March 2002. The SST in the eddy’s center (~23°C) was lesser than the surrounding water (~24.5°C). The eddy was of cold core type with the warmer water in periphery. Quickscat Scatterometer retrieved wind speed was 8–10 m/sec. The eddy movement observed southeast to southwest direction and might helped in churning. The eddy seemed evident due to convective processes in water column. The processes like detrainment and entrainment play role in bringing up the cooler water and the bottom nutrient to surface and hence the algal blooming. This type of cold core/anti-cyclonic eddy is likely to occur during late winter/spring as a result of the prevailing climatic conditions.
Design of Novel S-Shaped Quad-Band Antenna for MedRadio/WMTS/ISM Implantable Biotelemetry Applications
Authors: Wu Chih-Kuang , Chien Tsung-Fu , Yang Chin-Lung , Luo Ching-Hsing
Published: July 2012

A novel S-shaped quad-band planar inverted-F antenna (PIFA) is proposed for implantable biotelemetry in the Medical Device Radiocommunications Service (MedRadio) band (401–406 MHz), Wireless Medical Telemetry Service (WMTS) band (1427–1432 MHz), and industrial, scientific, and medical (ISM) bands (433-434 MHz and 2.4–2.4835 GHz). The proposed antenna reveals compact dimension of 254 mm3(10×10×2.45 mm3) and is composed of three substrates and a superstrate, which are constructed from an S-shaped radiator (layer 1) and two twin radiators of spiral structures (layer 2 and layer 3). The optimal antenna characteristics were measured in the ground pork skin, and the measured bandwidths are 150 MHz for the MedRadio and ISM bands (433 MHz), 52 MHz for the WMTS band, and 102 MHz for the ISM band (2.4 GHz), respectively. The characteristics of proposed antenna are enough to support the applications of implantable body area networks (BAN) for biotelemetry and can completely cover main available frequency bands of BAN for biotelemetry below 3 GHz.
Analysis of Kink Reduction in SOI MOSFET Using Selective Back Oxide Structure
Authors: Narayanan M. , Al-Nashash H. , Mazhari Baquer , Pal Dipankar , Chandra Mahesh
Published: July 2012

This paper presents a complete analysis of the kink effect in SOI MOSFET and proposes a method for eliminating kink effect observed in the current-voltage output characteristics of a partially depleted SOI MOSFET device. In this method, back oxide for the device is introduced at selected regions below the source and drain and not continuously as in an SOI device giving rise to what is termed a “SELBOX” structure. Selective back oxide structure with different gap lengths and thicknesses was studied. Results obtained through numerical simulations indicate that the proposed structure can significantly reduce the kink while still preserving major advantages offered by conventional SOI structure. Although the new structure is capable of eliminating kink, for narrow gaps the device may still exhibit some kink effect. A device model that explains the kink behavior of the structure for varying gap lengths is also developed.
Lie Group Analysis of Natural Convective Flow from a Convectively Heated Upward Facing Radiating Permeable Horizontal Plate in Porous Media Filled with Nanofluid
Authors: Uddin Md. Jashim , Khan W. A. , Ismail A. I. Md.
Published: July 2012

Two‐dimensional, steady, laminar and incompressible natural convective flow of a nanofluid over a connectively heated permeable upward facing radiating horizontal plate in porous medium is studied numerically. The present model incorporates Brownian motion and thermophoresis effects. The similarity transformations for the governing equations are developed by Lie group analysis. The transformed equations are solved numerically by Runge‐Kutta‐Fehlberg fourth‐fifth order method with shooting technique. Effects of the governing parameters on the dimensionless velocity, temperature and nanoparticle volume fraction as well as on the dimensionless rate of heat and mass transfer are presented graphically and the results are compared with the published data for special cases. Good agreement is found between numerical results of the present paper and published results. It is found that Lewis number, Brownian motion and convective heat transfer parameters increase the heat and mass transfer rates whilst thermophoresis decreases both heat and mass transfer rates.
Heterotopic Ossification in Vertebral Interlaminar/Interspinous Instrumentation: Report of a Case
Authors: Maida Giuseppe , Marcati Eleonora , Sarubbo Silvio
Published: July 2012

We present here a rare case of heterotopic ossification in interspinous/interlaminar Coflex device. The classical surgical indications for these implants are degenerative canal stenosis, discogenic low back pain, disk herniations, facet syndrome, and instability. However, fractures of spinous processes are a potential risk after interspinous/interlaminar devices’ implantation. Recently, heterotopic ossification, a well-known complication of hip and knee arthroplasty, has been reported after cervical and lumbar prosthesis. We performed undercutting and implantation of the dynamic interspinous/interlaminar device to treat an adult male patient with L4-L5 stenosis. The patient underwent 45-day imaging and clinical followup, and we observed both a neurological and imaging improvement. A CT bone scan, performed 3 years after surgery for recurrence of neurogenic claudication, showed a new stenosis due to an abnormal ossification all over the device. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of heterotopic ossification in an interspinous/interlaminar dynamic device. Accordingly, we aim to suggest it as a new complication of interspinous/interlaminar devices.
New Strategies in Pleural Mesothelioma: BAP1 and NF2 as Novel Targets for Therapeutic Development and Risk Assessment
Authors: Ladanyi Marc , Zauderer Marjorie G. , Krug Lee M. , Ito Tatsuo , McMillan Robert , Bott Matthew , Giancotti Filippo
Published: July 2012

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a highly lethal cancer with limited therapeutic options. Recent work has focused on the frequent somatic inactivation of two tumor suppressor genes in MPM—NF2 (Neurofibromatosis type 2) and the recently identified BAP1 (BRCA associated protein 1). In addition, germline mutations in BAP1 have been identified that define a new familial cancer syndrome, which includes MPM, ocular melanoma, and other cancers. These recent advances may allow screening of high-risk individuals and the development of new therapies that target key pathways in MPM. Clin Cancer Res; 18(17); 4485–90. ©2012 AACR.
Targeting Stat3 Abrogates EGFR Inhibitor Resistance in Cancer
Authors: Sen Malabika , Joyce Sonali , Panahandeh Mary , Li Changyou , Thomas Sufi M. , Maxwell Jessica , Wang Lin , Gooding William E. , Johnson Daniel E. , Grandis Jennifer R.
Published: July 2012

Purpose: EGF receptor (EGFR) is upregulated in most epithelial cancers where signaling through EGFR contributes to cancer cell proliferation and survival. The limited clinical efficacy of EGFR inhibitors suggests that identification of resistance mechanisms may identify new pathways for therapeutic targeting. STAT3 is upregulated in many cancers and activated via both EGFR-dependent and -independent pathways. In the present study, we tested the consequences of STAT3 inhibition in EGFR inhibitor–resistant head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and bladder cancer models to determine whether STAT3 blockade can enhance responses to EGFR targeting.

Experimental Design: pSTAT3 expression was assessed in human HNSCC tumors that recurred following cetuximab treatment. Cetuximab-sensitive and -resistant cell lines were treated with a STAT3 decoy to determine EC50 concentrations and the effects on STAT3 target gene expression by Western blotting. In vivo assays included evaluation of antitumor efficacy of STAT3 decoy in cetuximab-sensitive and -resistant models followed by immunoblotting for STAT3 target protein expression.

Results: Targeting STAT3 with a STAT3 decoy reduced cellular viability and the expression of STAT3 target genes in EGFR inhibitor resistance models. The addition of a STAT3 inhibitor to EGFR blocking strategies significantly enhanced antitumor effects in vivo. Biopsies from HNSCC tumors that recurred following cetuximab treatment showed increased STAT3 activation compared with pretreatment biopsies.

Conclusions: These results suggest that STAT3 activation contributes to EGFR inhibitor resistance both in HNSCC and bladder cancer where concomitant targeting of STAT3 may represent an effective treatment strategy. Clin Cancer Res; 18(18); 4986–96. ©2012 AACR.
Reexpression of Tumor Suppressor, sFRP1, Leads to Antitumor Synergy of Combined HDAC and Methyltransferase Inhibitors in Chemoresistant Cancers
Authors: Cooper Simon J. , von Roemeling Christina A. , Kang Kylie H. , Marlow Laura A. , Grebe Stefan K. , Menefee Michael E. , Tun Han W. , Colon-Otero Gerardo , Perez Edith A. , Copland John A.
Published: July 2012

Metastatic solid tumors are aggressive and mostly drug resistant, leading to few treatment options and poor prognosis as seen with clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) and triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Therefore, the identification of new therapeutic regimes for the treatment of metastatic disease is desirable. ccRCC and TNBC cell lines were treated with the HDAC inhibitor romidepsin and the methyltransferase inhibitor decitabine, two epigenetic modifying drugs approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of various hematologic malignancies. Cell proliferation analysis, flow cytometry, quantitative PCR, and immunoblotting techniques were used to evaluate the antitumor synergy of this drug combination and identify the reexpression of epigenetically silenced tumor suppressor genes. Combinatorial treatment of metastatic TNBC and stage IV ccRCC cell lines with romidepsin/decitabine leads to synergistic inhibition of cell growth and induction of apoptosis above levels of individual drug treatments alone. Synergistic reexpression of the tumor suppressor gene secreted frizzled-related protein one (sFRP1) was observed in combinatorial drug-treated groups. Silencing sFRP1 (short hairpin RNA) before combinatorial drug treatment showed that sFRP1 mediates the growth inhibitory and apoptotic activity of combined romidepsin/decitabine. Furthermore, addition of recombinant sFRP1 to ccRCC or TNBC cells inhibits cell growth in a dose-dependent manner through the induction of apoptosis, identifying that epigenetic silencing of sFRP1 contributes to renal and breast cancer cell survival. Combinatorial treatment with romidepsin and decitabine in drug resistant tumors is a promising treatment strategy. Moreover, recombinant sFRP1 may be a novel therapeutic strategy for cancers with suppressed sFRP1 expression. Mol Cancer Ther; 11(10); 2105–15. ©2012 AACR.
Serial Monitoring of Soluble Interleukin Family Member ST2 in Patients with Acutely Decompensated Heart Failure
Authors: Manzano-Fernández S. , Januzzi J.L. , Pastor-Pérez F.J. , Bonaque-González J.C. , Boronat-Garcia M. , Pascual-Figal D.A. , Montalban-Larrea S. , Navarro-Peñalver M. , Andreu-Cayuelas J.M. , Valdés M.
Published: July 2012

Objectives: To determine whether serial measures of the interleukin receptor family member soluble ST2 (sST2) provide additional prognostic information to baseline measures for long-term risk stratification of acutely decompensated heart failure (ADHF) patients. Methods: We prospectively enrolled 72 ADHF patients. Blood samples were collected to measure sST2 concentrations at presentation and on day 4 of hospitalization. All patients were clinically followed, and vital status was registered. Results: Between presentation and day 4, sST2 concentrations decreased from 62 ng/ml (interquartile range 38–105) to 44 ng/ml (interquartile range 26–72; p < 0.001). Both sST2 concentrations at presentation [hazard ratio (HR) 1.011, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.005–1.016; p < 0.001] and on day 4 (HR 1.015, 95% CI 1.005–1.024; p = 0.003) were independent predictors of mortality. Patients with sST2 ≤76 ng/ml at presentation and ≤46 ng/ml on day 4 had the lowest mortality rates (3%), whereas those with both sST2 values above these cutoff points had the highest mortality (50%). C index and reclassification analyses demonstrated that the use of serial sST2 measures resulted in an improvement in the accuracy of mortality prediction. Conclusions: Among ADHF patients, sST2 concentrations tend to decrease following initiation of treatment and are prognostic both at presentation and during hospitalization. Serial sampling of sST2 adds prognostic information and may provide a basis for enhanced clinical decision making.
Management of a Dichorionic Twin Pregnancy with a Normal Fetus and an Androgenetic Diploid Complete Hydatidiform Mole
Authors: Sánchez-Ferrer María Luisa , Machado-Linde Francisco , Martínez-Espejo Cerezo Alicia , Peñalver Parres Carolina , Ferri Belén , López-Expósito Isabel , Abad Lorenzo , Parrilla Juan José
Published: July 2012

We describe a rare case of complete hydatidiform mole with twin live fetus (CHMTF) confirmed by histopathology, flow cytometry, and polymerase chain reaction techniques. No malformations were observed, fetal karyotype was normal and β-human chorionic gonadotropin levels were increased (>100,000 IU/ml). Once the patient had been informed of the risks, it was decided to continue the pregnancy, but termination of pregnancy was necessary at week 13 + 5 due to maternal complications consisting of hyperthyroidism, hypertension and vaginal bleeding, followed by persistent trophoblastic disease (PTD). Patients diagnosed with CHMTF should be informed of all known risks, including the considerable risk of PTD, which is similar to - or according to some reports - even higher than that associated with a singleton complete mole and is not increased by continuing pregnancy. Due to the low number of series published, evidence-based clinical management guidelines are lacking.
Nutritional Screening Model in Tertiary Medical Unit in Croatia
Authors: Pavic Tajana , LJubicic Neven , Stojsavljevic Sanja , Krznaric Zeljko
Published: July 2012

Background/Aims: Malnutrition of hospitalized patients is often undetected and untreated due to poor awareness and insufficient knowledge of the attending hospital staff. Nutritional screening has not been part of the daily routine in Croatian hospitals. Our aim was to implement nutritional screening as part of the routine medical examination and to assess the nutritional risk at admission for all hospitalized patients. Methods: All patients hospitalized in departments of internal medicine in tertiary hospitals in Croatia were screened at entry using the Nutrition Risk Screening 2002 (NRS 2002). Results: Between October and December 2010, 1,696 patients were screened and analyzed (948 males and 748 females). 329 (19.4%) had an NRS 2002 score ≥3 and were considered to be at nutritional risk. An NRS 2002 score ≥3 was identified as a significant predictor of the length of hospital stay (beta coefficient = 0.06, p = 0.027) and fatal outcome (OR = 6.18, p < 0.001). Only 32.8% of malnourished patients received some nutritional support. Conclusions: Every fifth patient hospitalized in a general medical department in Croatia is at nutritional risk and the majority of them does not receive nutritional support. More effort is needed to implement nutritional standards in daily clinical practice.
Molecular Properties and Extracellular Processing of the Lipase of Staphylococcus warneri M
Authors: Yokoi Ken-ji , Fujii Aiko , Kondo Mitsuru , Kuzuwa Shinya , Kagaya Shigehiro , Yamakawa Ayanori , Taketo Akira , Kodaira Ken-Ichi
Published: July 2012

Staphylococcus warneri M exhibited extracellular lipase activity. By zymogram analysis of extracellular proteins, multiple bands were detected and the profiles changed depending on the bacterial growth phase. N-terminal amino acid sequences of three bands (N1–N3) were determined. From the genome library of S. warneri M whole DNA, the gene-directing lipase activity (named gehCWM) was cloned and characterized. The gehCWM gene encoded a protein (GehCWM), whose calculated molecular mass was 83.4 kDa, and the sequence was similar to the other staphylococcal lipases. Though two lipases have been known from S. warneri 863, GehCWM differs from both of them, indicating that this enzyme is the third extracellular lipase of the S. warneri strain. The N-terminal sequences of the N1–N3 polypeptides completely coincided with the deduced amino acid sequences in GehCWM. GehCWM was predicted to be a prepro-protein. In vitro processing and protein sequencing suggested that pro-GehCWM is possibly processed by extracellular glutamyl endopeptidase, PROM. Inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometer analysis showed that purified his-tagged mature GehCWM possessed zinc ion. A gehCWM knockout mutant was constructed by insertion of an erythromycin resistance gene into the gehCWM. Zymogram and immunoblot analyses of the gehCWM mutant indicated that GehCWM was a major extracellular lipase of S. warneri M.
Metabolism-Related Proteins Are Differentially Expressed according to the Molecular Subtype of Invasive Breast Cancer Defined by Surrogate Immunohistochemistry
Authors: Choi Junjeong , Jung Woo-Hee , Koo Ja Seung
Published: July 2012

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the expression of metabolism-related proteins such as Glut-1 and carbonic anhydrase IX (CAIX) according to breast cancer molecular subtype. Methods: We generated a tissue microarray of 276 breast cancer patients and performed immunohistochemical staining for known metabolism-related proteins, which were evaluated according to the molecular subtype. Results: The expression of IGF-1, MIF, and HIF-1α was correlated with the HER-2 type (p < 0.05). Glut-1 overexpression and CAIX expression were associated with TNBC type, especially with basal-like type, high histologic grade, estrogen receptor negativity, and progesterone receptor negativity (p < 0.05). The expression of Glut-1 and CAIX was correlated with statistical significance (p < 0.001). Conclusion: We identified different patterns of expression of metabolism-related proteins according to the molecular subtypes of breast cancer defined by surrogate immunohistochemistry. Increased expression of HIF-1α, IGF-1, and MIF was noted in HER-2 type breast cancer and increased expression of Glut-1 and CAIX was noted in TNBC type breast cancer, especially in the basal-like subtype, which exhibited a glycolytic and acid-resistant tumor phenotype.
Effective Improvement of D-Phenylglycine Aminotransferase Solubility by Protein Crystal Contact Engineering
Authors: Chantarasiri Aiya , Meevootisom Vithaya , Isarangkul Duangnate , Wiyakrutta Suthep
Published: July 2012

Structure-guided genetic engineering of D-phenylglycine aminotransferase (D-PhgAT) aimed at increasing protein solubility was attempted. In silico analyses predicted the Asn439 and Gln444 as highly solvent-exposed β-turn residues involved with protein crystal contact (CC) potential candidates for solubility-improving mutations. They were replaced with Asp and Glu creating the N439D and Q444E single mutants, and N439D/Q444E double mutant with 2.5-, 3.3- and 5.9-fold increases in solubility, respectively. The protein CC prevention effect rather than the net charge effect accounted for the dramatically improved solubility since the N439D, Q444E and N439D/Q444E mutations altered the isoelectric point of D-PhgAT by only 0.1, 0.1 and 0.3 units, respectively. Examination of the D-PhgAT structural model revealed that the N439D mutation weakened the CC attraction force and the Q444E mutation created electrostatic repulsion at the CC point. Analysis of circular dichroism spectra, melting temperature, and D-PhgAT-specific activity showed that the mutations posed no unfavorable effect on the conformational stability and catalytic performance of the enzyme. The protein solubility-improving strategy employed on D-PhgAT in this study was successful with minimal protein structure modification required. It should be applicable with a high chance of success for other proteins, especially those with 3-D structural models available.
Effect of Pregnancy on Autoregulation of Cerebral Blood Flow in Anterior Versus Posterior Cerebrum
Authors: Cipolla Marilyn J. , Bishop Nicole , Chan Siu-Lung
Published: July 2012

Severe preeclampsia and eclampsia are associated with brain edema that forms preferentially in the posterior cerebral cortex possibly because of decreased sympathetic innervation of posterior cerebral arteries and less effective autoregulation during acute hypertension. In the present study, we examined the effect of pregnancy on the effectiveness of cerebral blood flow autoregulation using laser Doppler flowmetry and edema formation by wet:dry weight in acute hypertension induced by phenylephrine infusion in the anterior and posterior cerebrum from nonpregnant (n=8) and late-pregnant (n=6) Sprague-Dawley rats. In addition, we compared the effect of pregnancy on sympathetic innervation by tyrosine hydroxylase staining of posterior and middle cerebral arteries (n=5–6 per group) and endothelial and neuronal NO synthase expression using quantitative PCR (n=3 per group). In nonpregnant animals, there was no difference in autoregulation between the anterior and posterior cerebrum. However, in late-pregnant animals, the threshold of cerebral blood flow autoregulation was shifted to lower pressures in the posterior cerebrum, which was associated with increased neuronal NO synthase expression in the posterior cerebral cortex versus anterior. Compared with the nonpregnant state, pregnancy increased the threshold of autoregulation in both brain regions that was related to decreased expression of endothelial NO synthase. Lastly, acute hypertension during pregnancy caused greater edema formation in both brain cortices that was not attributed to changes in sympathetic innervation. These findings suggest that, although pregnancy shifted the cerebral blood flow autoregulatory curve to higher pressures in both the anterior and posterior cortices, it did not protect from edema during acute hypertension.
A New Minimum Temperature Record for Oklahoma
Authors: McManus Gary , Schmidlin Thomas W. , Fiebrich Christopher A.
Published: July 2012

A minimum temperature of −31°F (−35°C) was recorded at Nowata, Oklahoma, on 10 February 2011. This exceeded the previous record minimum temperature for Oklahoma of −27°F (−32.8°C). The Nowata station is in the Oklahoma Mesonet network. High pressure was centered over Oklahoma on the morning of the record with clear skies, calm winds, and a fresh snow cover of 38 cm at Nowata. A State Climate Extremes Committee (SCEC) examined the record, including the siting of the station, calibration of the thermometer, and depth of snow. The SCEC voted unanimously to approve the reading as the new lowest minimum temperature record for Oklahoma.