bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Performance of Junctionless Nanowire MOSFET as a Quasi-Linear Resistor
Authors: de Souza Michelly , Doria Rodrigo Trevisoli , Trevisoli Renan Doria , Cerdeira Antonio , Estrada Magali , Pavanello Marcelo Antonio
Published: May 2013

In this work an analysis of junctionless nanowire nMOS transistors for the implementation of quasi-linear resistor is presented. The study is based on experimental results of fabricated devices operating in a large range of temperatures, between 300 K and 573 K. The parasitic series resistance plays an important role in the harmonic distortion characteristics, reducing the nonlinearity of JNTs acting as quasi-linear resistor.
Enhancement of SOI Photodiode Sensitivity by Aluminum Grating
Authors: Inokawa Hiroshi , Satoh Hiroaki , Kawakubo Ken , Ono Atsushi
Published: May 2013

Aluminum grating was applied to silicon-on-insulator (SOI) pn-junction photodiode to increase the light sensitivity. For 100-nm-thick diode, quantum efficiency (QE) of 26% (x15 enhancement) was attained at the wavelength of 700 nm. Wavelengths of the QE peaks for various grating pitches and light incident angles were examined, and it was confirmed that the coupling between the diffracted light from the grating and the propagation modes in the SOI slab waveguide caused the enhancement.
Semiconductor Film Bandgap Influence on Retention Time of UTBOX SOI 1T-FBRAM
Authors: Sasaki Katia Regina Akemi , Nissimoff Albert , Almeida Luciano Mendes , Aoulaiche Marc , Simoen Eddy , Claeys Cor , Martino Joao Antonio
Published: May 2013

This paper analyzes semiconductor film bandgap engineering as a way of prolonging 1T-FBRAM retention times. About 5 orders of magnitude longer is obtained for the highest bandgap considered, due to lower 0-state degradation during holding and reading. This allows achieving values close to the specification of standalone DRAM.
Experimental Comparison between pTFET and pFinFET under Analog Operation
Authors: Agopian Paula Ghedini Der , Martino Joao Antonio , Rooyackers Rita , Vandooren Anne , Simoen Eddy , Claeys Cor
Published: May 2013

In this work, the analog performance of Tunnel FET and FinFET, which have a different principle of operation, is evaluated based on a comparison between them. This comparison is performed through the drain current behavior, the transconductance, the output conductance and the intrinsic voltage gain. Although the TFET devices present a smaller transconductance than the FinFET ones, the output behavior is strongly improved and results in a better performance of TFET devices when the focus is the intrinsic voltage gain.
Temperature Influence on Strained nMuGFETs after Proton Radiation
Authors: Bordallo Caio Cesar Mendes , Agopian Paula Ghedini Der , Martino Joao Antonio , Simoen Eddy , Claeys C.
Published: May 2013

In this work the influence of temperature on strained n-channel multiple gate devices after proton irradiation is analyzed for two different splits: unstressed and highly stressed devices. This study is based on the analysis of the subthreshold slope, drain induced barrier lowering, transconductance, output conductance and intrinsic voltage gain. It is observed that the influence of a temperature increase on the devices performance is higher than the influence of stress and proton radiation.
Rechargeable Li-Ion Battery Anode of Indium Oxide with Visible to Infra-Red Transparency
Authors: Osiak Michal , Khunsin Worawut , Armstrong Eileen , Kennedy Tadhg , Sotomayor Torres Clivia M. , Ryan Kevin M , O'Dwyer Colm
Published: May 2013

Unique bimodal distributions of single crystal epitaxially grown In2O3 nanodots on silicon are shown to have excellent IR transparency greater than 87% at 4 μm without sacrificing transparency in the visible region. These broadband antireflective nanodot dispersions are grown using a two-step metal deposition and oxidation by molecular beam epitaxy, and backscattered diffraction confirms a dominant (111) surface orientation. We detail the growth of a bimodal size distribution that facilitates good surface coverage (80%) while allowing a significant reduction in In2O3 refractive index. The (111) surface orientation of the nanodots, when fully ripened, allows minimum lattice mismatch strain between the In2O3 and the Si surface. This helps to circumvent potential interfacial weakening caused by volume contraction due to electrochemical reduction to lithium, or expansion during lithiation. Cycling under potentiodynamic conditions shows that the transparent anode of nanodots reversibly alloys lithium with good Coulombic efficiency, buffered by co-insertion into the silicon substrate. These properties could potentially lead to further development of similarly controlled dispersions of a range of other active materials to give transparent battery electrodes or materials capable of non-destructive in-situ spectroscopic characterization during charging and discharging.
Half-Cell, Steady-State Flow-Battery Experiments
Authors: Darling Robert M. , Perry Mike L.
Published: May 2013

An experimental approach designed to separately test the positive and negative sides of a redox flow battery is discussed. Circulating a single electrolyte through a cell so that oxidation occurs on one electrode and reduction occurs on the other electrode eliminates the problem of reactant crossover that occurs when different electrolytes are placed on either side of the cell. This approach allows phenomena associated with the positive and negative electrode-electrolyte combinations to be studied in isolation. Polarization curves, steady-state potential holds, and potential-cycling experiments are presented as examples of results that can be obtained with this approach. The impact of side reactions on the results is also discussed.
HER/HOR Catalysts for the H2-Br2 Fuel Cell System
Authors: Nguyen Trung Van , Kreutzer Haley , Yarlagadda Venkata , McFarland Eric , Singh Nirala
Published: May 2013

Large scale deployment of renewable power sources like wind and solar require energy storage because of their intermittent nature. The Hydrogen-Bromine (H2-Br2) fuel cell system is considered to be a suitable electrical energy storage system because of its high energy capacity, high round-trip conversion efficiency and low cost. While no precious metals are needed to catalyze the bromine reactions, the hydrogen (HER/HOR) reactions require a catalyst that is highly active, to keep the performance high and the cost low, and stable and durable in the highly corrosive HBr/Br2 environment of the cell as required by the extended life of this application. Platinum, while having very high catalytic activity for the HER/HOR reactions, is not stable in the HBr/Br2 environment. An alternative catalyst is needed. This paper discusses the performance and stability of various HER/HOR catalysts that we have evaluated for this fuel cell system.
Vanadium Redox-Flow-Battery Electrolyte Preparation with Reducing Agents
Authors: Li WeiNa , Zaffou Rachid , Sholvin Christopher C , Perry Mike L. , She Ying
Published: May 2013

A waste-free method was developed to prepare electrolytes using reducing agents for vanadium redox flow battery. Via this approach, both the electrolyte cost and waste can be reduced by 33% which are favored financially and environmentally. Thermodynamic-model calculations show 100% conversion on reaction between fully-charged vanadium positive solution (VO2
+) and oxalic acid. The kinetics on the redox reaction is discussed as well.
Cicletanine stimulates eNOS phosphorylation and NO production via Akt and MAP kinase/Erk signaling in sinusoidal endothelial cells
Authors: Liu Songling , Rockey Don C.
Published: May 2013

The function of the endothelial isoform of nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and production of nitric oxide (NO) is altered in a number of disease states. Pharmacological approaches to enhancing NO synthesis and thus perhaps endothelial function could have substantial benefits in patients. We analyzed the effect of cicletanine, a synthetic pyridine with potent vasodilatory characteristics, on eNOS function and NO production in normal (liver) and injured rat sinusoidal endothelial cells, and we studied the effect of cicletanine-induced NO on stellate cell contraction and portal pressure in an in vivo model of liver injury. Sinusoidal endothelial cells were isolated from normal and injured rat livers. After exposure to cicletanine, eNOS phosphorylation, NO synthesis, and the signaling pathway regulating eNOS activation were measured. Cicletanine led to an increase in eNOS (Ser1177) phosphorylation, cytochrome c reductase activity, l-arginine conversion to l-citrulline, as well as NO production. The mechanism of the effect of cicletanine appeared to be via the protein kinase B (Akt) and MAP kinase/Erk signaling pathways. Additionally, cicletanine improved NO synthesis in injured sinusoidal endothelial cells. NO production induced by cicletanine in sinusoidal endothelial cells increased protein kinase G (PKG) activity as well as relaxation of stellate cells. Finally, administration of cicletanine to mice with portal hypertension induced by bile duct ligation led to reduction of portal pressure. The data indicate that cicletanine might improve eNOS activity in injured sinusoidal endothelial cells and likely activates hepatic stellate cell NO/PKG signaling. It raises the possibility that cicletanine could improve intrahepatic vascular function in portal hypertensive patients.
Hepatocytes produce TNF-α following hypoxia-reoxygenation and liver ischemia-reperfusion in a NADPH oxidase- and c-Src-dependent manner
Authors: Spencer Netanya Y. , Zhou Weihong , Li Qiang , Zhang Yulong , Luo Meihui , Yan Ziying , Lynch Thomas J. , Abbott Duane , Banfi Botond , Engelhardt John F.
Published: May 2013

Cell line studies have previously demonstrated that hypoxia-reoxygenation (H/R) leads to the production of NADPH oxidase 1 and 2 (NOX1 and NOX2)-dependent reactive oxygen species (ROS) required for the activation of c-Src and NF-κB. We now extend these studies into mouse models to evaluate the contribution of hepatocytes to the NOX- and c-Src-dependent TNF-α production that follows H/R in primary hepatocytes and liver ischemia-reperfusion (I/R). In vitro, c-Src-deficient primary hepatocytes produced less ROS and TNF-α following H/R compared with controls. In vivo, c-Src-KO mice also had impaired TNF-α and NF-κB responses following partial lobar liver I/R. Studies in NOX1 and p47phox knockout primary hepatocytes demonstrated that both NOX1 and p47phox are partially required for H/R-mediated TNF-α production. To further investigate the involvement of NADPH oxidases in the production of TNF-α following liver I/R, we performed additional in vivo experiments in knockout mice deficient for NOX1, NOX2, p47phox, Rac1, and/or Rac2. Cumulatively, these results demonstrate that NOX2 and its activator subunits (p47phox and Rac) control the secretion of TNF-α by the liver following I/R. Interestingly, in the absence of Kupffer cells and NOX2, NOX1 played a dominant role in TNF-α production following hepatic I/R. However, NOX1 deletion alone had little effect on I/R-induced TNF-α. Thus Kupffer cell-derived factors and NOX2 act to suppress hepatic NOX1-dependent TNF-α production. We conclude that c-Src and NADPH oxidase components are necessary for redox-mediated production of TNF-α following liver I/R and that hepatocytes play an important role in this process.
Beetroot juice and exercise: pharmacodynamic and dose-response relationships
Authors: Wylie Lee J. , Kelly James , Bailey Stephen J. , Blackwell Jamie R. , Skiba Philip F. , Winyard Paul G. , Jeukendrup Asker E. , Vanhatalo Anni , Jones Andrew M.
Published: May 2013

Dietary supplementation with beetroot juice (BR), containing approximately 5–8 mmol inorganic nitrate (NO3−), increases plasma nitrite concentration ([NO2−]), reduces blood pressure, and may positively influence the physiological responses to exercise. However, the dose-response relationship between the volume of BR ingested and the physiological effects invoked has not been investigated. In a balanced crossover design, 10 healthy men ingested 70, 140, or 280 ml concentrated BR (containing 4.2, 8.4, and 16.8 mmol NO3−, respectively) or no supplement to establish the effects of BR on resting plasma [NO3−] and [NO2−] over 24 h. Subsequently, on six separate occasions, 10 subjects completed moderate-intensity and severe-intensity cycle exercise tests, 2.5 h postingestion of 70, 140, and 280 ml BR or NO3−-depleted BR as placebo (PL). Following acute BR ingestion, plasma [NO2−] increased in a dose-dependent manner, with the peak changes occurring at approximately 2–3 h. Compared with PL, 70 ml BR did not alter the physiological responses to exercise. However, 140 and 280 ml BR reduced the steady-state oxygen (O2) uptake during moderate-intensity exercise by 1.7% ( P = 0.06) and 3.0% ( P < 0.05), whereas time-to-task failure was extended by 14% and 12% (both P < 0.05), respectively, compared with PL. The results indicate that whereas plasma [NO2−] and the O2 cost of moderate-intensity exercise are altered dose dependently with NO3−-rich BR, there is no additional improvement in exercise tolerance after ingesting BR containing 16.8 compared with 8.4 mmol NO3−. These findings have important implications for the use of BR to enhance cardiovascular health and exercise performance in young adults.
The heterogeneity of regional specific ventilation is unchanged following heavy exercise in athletes
Authors: Tedjasaputra Vince , Sá Rui Carlos , Arai Tatsuya J. , Holverda Sebastiaan , Theilmann Rebecca J. , Chen William T. , Wagner Peter D. , Davis Christopher K. , Kim Prisk G. , Hopkins Susan R.
Published: May 2013

Heavy exercise increases ventilation-perfusion mismatch and decreases pulmonary gas exchange efficiency. Previous work using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) arterial spin labeling in athletes has shown that, after 45 min of heavy exercise, the spatial heterogeneity of pulmonary blood flow was increased in recovery. We hypothesized that the heterogeneity of regional specific ventilation (SV, the local tidal volume over functional residual capacity ratio) would also be increased following sustained exercise, consistent with the previously documented changes in blood flow heterogeneity. Trained subjects ( n = 6, maximal O2consumption = 61 ± 7 ml·kg−1·min−1) cycled 45 min at their individually determined ventilatory threshold. Oxygen-enhanced MRI was used to quantify SV in a sagittal slice of the right lung in supine posture pre- (preexercise) and 15- and 60-min postexercise. Arterial spin labeling was used to measure pulmonary blood flow in the same slice bracketing the SV measures. Heterogeneity of SV and blood flow were quantified by relative dispersion (RD = SD/mean). The alveolar-arterial oxygen difference was increased during exercise, 23.3 ± 5.3 Torr, compared with rest, 6.3 ± 3.7 Torr, indicating a gas exchange impairment during exercise. No significant change in RD of SV was seen after exercise: preexercise 0.78 ± 0.15, 15 min postexercise 0.81 ± 0.13, 60 min postexercise 0.78 ± 0.08 ( P = 0.5). The RD of blood flow increased significantly postexercise: preexercise 1.00 ± 0.12, 15 min postexercise 1.15 ± 0.10, 45 min postexercise 1.10 ± 0.10, 60 min postexercise 1.19 ± 0.11, 90 min postexercise 1.11 ± 0.12 ( P < 0.005). The lack of a significant change in RD of SV postexercise, despite an increase in the RD of blood flow, suggests that airways may be less susceptible to the effects of exercise than blood vessels.
Intracranial Cysts: An Imagery Diagnostic Challenge
Authors: Oprişan Alexandra , Popescu Bogdan O.
Published: May 2013

Intracerebral cysts and cystic appearing intracerebral masses are common findings at routine cerebral imaging examination. We discuss here the most interesting aspects of some intracerebral cysts encountered in medical practice in terms of imaging, clinical and pathological description, and problems of differential diagnosis. On an almost routine basis, the neurologists have to deal with such differentials. Therefore, we aim to mention here some of the frequently encountered diagnosis problems when a patient presents with a cystic cerebral mass.
Involvement of Nrf2-Mediated Upregulation of Heme Oxygenase-1 in Mollugin-Induced Growth Inhibition and Apoptosis in Human Oral Cancer Cells
Authors: Lee Young-Man , Auh Q-Schick , Lee Deok-Won , Kim Jun-Yeol , Jung Ha-Jin , Lee Seung-Ho , Kim Eun-Cheol
Published: May 2013

Although previous studies have shown that mollugin, a bioactive phytochemical isolated fromRubia cordifoliaL. (Rubiaceae), exhibits antitumor effects, its biological activity in oral cancer has not been reported. We thus investigated the effects and putative mechanism of apoptosis induced by mollugin in human oral squamous cell carcinoma cells (OSCCs). Results show that mollugin induces cell death in a dose-dependent manner in primary and metastatic OSCCs. Mollugin-induced cell death involved apoptosis, characterized by the appearance of nuclear shrinkage, flow cytometric analysis of sub-G1phase arrest, and annexin V-FITC and propidium iodide staining. Western blot analysis and RT-PCR revealed that mollugin suppressed activation of NF-κB and NF-κB-dependent gene products involved in antiapoptosis (Bcl-2 and Bcl-xl), invasion (MMP-9 and ICAM-1), and angiogenesis (FGF-2 and VEGF). Furthermore, mollugin induced the activation of p38, ERK, and JNK and the expression of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and nuclear factor E2–related factor 2 (Nrf2). Mollugin-induced growth inhibition and apoptosis of HO-1 were reversed by an HO-1 inhibitor and Nrf2 siRNA. Collectively, this is the first report to demonstrate the effectiveness of mollugin as a candidate for a chemotherapeutic agent in OSCCs via the upregulation of the HO-1 and Nrf2 pathways and the downregulation of NF-κB.
Vibrational Spectral Studies of Pure and Doped TGSP Crystals
Authors: Kartheeswari N. , Viswanathan K.
Published: May 2013

Triglycine sulfate crystals (TGS) are an important class of ferroelectric materials. TGS have attracted many researches because of thier room temperature ferroelectric nature. TGS found wide applications in electronic and optical fields. In present work, pure and ADP-, KDP- (0.2 mol) doped TGSP crystals are grown from solution growth method. Grown crystals are subjected to UV-Vis, IR, and Raman spectral studies. Crystal structure of grown crystals is obtained from powder XRD pattern. Ferroelectric nature of grown crystals is tested using homemade Sawyer-Tower circuit. Electrical conductivity measurements are carried out for pure and doped TGSP crystals.
Comment on “Dental Prosthetic Status and Prosthetic Need of the Institutionalized Elderly Living in Geriatric Homes in Mangalore: A Pilot Study”
Authors: Dixit Ashutosh , Arora Varun , Loomba Kapil , Birmani Gaunkar Ridhima , Dixit Seema K. , Agarwal Bhaskar , Misra Alok , Gupta Narendra Kumar
Published: May 2013

Public Health Dentistry is a speciality which is targeted towards the larger benefit of community and society. Dental health surveys in specific population groups should be planned adequately and the data should be analyzed in such a way so that it may help in making strategies for the intervention to improve the existing status. This could be only done with the help of proper planning, analysis and interpretation of a sample survey. The present study highlights the research design, statistical and inferential errors in a published work of public health dentistry in order to bring about the common mistakes and errors made. The renewed suggested approach helps in interpreting the results in a better way and makes them objective-oriented.
A High-Efficiency Monolithic DC-DC PFM Boost Converter with Parallel Power MOS Technique
Authors: Chen Hou-Ming , Chang Robert C. , Lin Kuang-Hao
Published: May 2013

This paper presents a high-efficiency monolithic dc-dc PFM boost converter designed with a standard TSMC 3.3/5V 0.35 μm CMOS technology. The proposed boost converter combines the parallel power MOS technique with pulse-frequency modulation (PFM) technique to achieve high efficiency over a wide load current range, extending battery life and reducing the cost for the portable systems. The proposed parallel power MOS controller and load current detector exactly determine the size of power MOS to increase power conversion efficiency in different loads. Postlayout simulation results of the designed circuit show that the power conversion is 74.9–90.7% efficiency over a load range from 1 mA to 420 mA with 1.5 V supply. Moreover, the proposed boost converter has a smaller area and lower cost than those of the existing boost converter circuits.
Composite Disturbance Observer-Based Control andH∞Output Tracking Control for Discrete-Time Switched Systems with Time-Varying Delay
Authors: Sun Haibin , Hou Linlin
Published: May 2013

This paper considers the problem ofH∞output tracking control for discrete-time switched systems with time-varying delay and external disturbances. The control scheme combining disturbance observer-based control (DOBC) andH∞control is proposed. The disturbances are assumed to include two parts. One part is generated by an exogenous system, which imposes on system with control inputs in the same channel. The other part is supposed to have the boundedH2norm. A new disturbance observer is developed to estimate and reject the first case disturbances for switched system with time-varying delay, and the second case disturbances are attenuated byH∞control scheme. The stability analysis of the closed-loop system is developed by switched Lyapunov function, and a solvable delay-dependent sufficient condition is presented in terms of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs) and cone complement linearization (CCL) methods. A numerical example is given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed composite control scheme.
Genotoxicity of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons and Nitro-Derived in Respirable Airborne Particulate Matter Collected from Urban Areas of Rio de Janeiro (Brazil)
Authors: Ramos de Rainho Claudia , Machado Corrêa Sérgio , Luiz Mazzei José , Alessandra Fortes Aiub Claudia , Felzenszwalb Israel
Published: May 2013

Air pollution toxic effects are mainly attributed to small inhalable particulates with an aerodynamic diameter of less than 2.5 µm (PM 2.5). Our objective was to investigate mutagenic and clastogenic activity in PM samples collected in Rio de Janeiro. Samples were collected using a high-volume sampler at three sites: with low traffic and (2) and (3) with a heavy traffic. Six polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were quantified by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS).Salmonella typhimuriumTA98 and the derivative strains YG1021 and YG1024 were used in mutagenicity assays in the presence of organic extracts (10–50 µg/ plate) with and without exogenous metabolization.Allium cepatest was performed to evaluate possible cytotoxic and clastogenic activities. The highest PM 2.5 µm (132.73 µm/m3) and PAH values (1.22 ng/m3for benzo(a)pyrene) were detected at site 3. High mutagenic frameshift responses in absence and presence of metabolic activation were detected at site 3. The participation of nitroarenes and dinitroarenes was detected in the total mutagenicity of the extracts studied. The cytotoxic effect and the abnormalities detected byAllium cepatest can be attributed to the PAH nitroderivatives in the organic extracts. Evaluation of the genotoxicity of urban airborne particulate matter is important as a basis for decision making by regulatory authorities.
Generalized Quasilinearization for the System of Fractional Differential Equations
Authors: Wang Peiguang , Hou Ying
Published: May 2013

This paper considers the initial value problems of the system of fractional differential equations and constructs two monotone sequences of upper and lower solutions. By using quasilinearization technique, monotone sequences of approximate solutions that converge quadratically to a solution are obtained.
Comparative Genomics ofCryptosporidium
Authors: Mazurie Aurélien J. , Alves João M. , Ozaki Luiz S. , Zhou Shiguo , Schwartz David C. , Buck Gregory A.
Published: May 2013

Until recently, the apicomplexan parasites,Cryptosporidium hominisandC. parvum, were considered the same species. However, the two parasites, now considered distinct species, exhibit significant differences in host range, infectivity, and pathogenicity, and their sequenced genomes exhibit only 95–97% identity. The availability of the complete genome sequences of these organisms provides the potential to identify the genetic variations that are responsible for the phenotypic differences between the two parasites. We compared the genome organization and structure, gene composition, the metabolic and other pathways, and the local sequence identity between the genes of these twoCryptosporidiumspecies. Our observations show that the phenotypic differences betweenC. hominisandC. parvumare not due to gross genome rearrangements, structural alterations, gene deletions or insertions, metabolic capabilities, or other obvious genomic alterations. Rather, the results indicate that these genomes exhibit a remarkable structural and compositional conservation and suggest that the phenotypic differences observed are due to subtle variations in the sequences of proteins that act at the interface between the parasite and its host.
Inclusion Complexes of Sunscreen Agents withβ-Cyclodextrin: Spectroscopic and Molecular Modeling Studies
Authors: Al-Rawashdeh Nathir A. F. , Al-Sadeh Khaled S. , Al-Bitar Mohammad Bassam
Published: May 2013

The inclusion complexes of selected sunscreen agents, namely, oxybenzone (Oxy), octocrylene (Oct), and ethylhexyl-methoxycinnamate (Cin) withβ-cyclodextrin (β-CD) were studied by UV-Vis spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC),13C NMR techniques, and molecular mechanics (MM) calculations and modeling. Molecular modeling (MM) study of the entire process of the formation of 1 : 1 stoichiometry sunscreen agent/β-cyclodextrin structures has been used to contribute to the understanding and rationalization of the experimental results. Molecular mechanics calculations, together with13C NMR measurements, for the complex withβ-CD have been used to describe details of the structural, energetic, and dynamic features of host-guest complex. Accurate structures of CD inclusion complexes have been derived from molecular mechanics (MM) calculations and modeling. The photodegradation reaction of the sunscreen agents' molecules in lotion was explored using UV-Vis spectroscopy. It has been demonstrated that the photostability of these selected sunscreen agents has been enhanced upon forming inclusion complexes withβ-CD in lotion. The results of this study demonstrate thatβ-CD can be utilized as photostabilizer additive for enhancing the photostability of the selected sunscreen agents' molecules.
Existence Results for Langevin Fractional Differential Inclusions Involving Two Fractional Orders with Four-Point Multiterm Fractional Integral Boundary Conditions
Authors: Alsaedi Ahmed , Ntouyas Sotiris K. , Ahmad Bashir
Published: May 2013

We discuss the existence of solutions for Langevin fractional differential inclusions involving two fractional orders with four-point multiterm fractional integral boundary conditions. Our study relies on standard fixed point theorems for multivalued maps and covers the cases when the right-hand side of the inclusion has convex as well as nonconvex values. Illustrative examples are also presented.
Evaluation of Adverse Effects of Mutein Forms of Recombinant Human Interferon Alpha-2b in Female Swiss Webster Mice
Authors: Rachmawati H. , Merika A. , Ningrum R. A. , Anggadiredja K. , Retnoningrum D. S.
Published: May 2013

Purpose. We successfully developed recombinant human interferon alpha-2b (rhIFN-α2b) and mutein forms through the site-directed mutagenesis technique. The mutein forms were developed by substituting cysteins at positions 2 and 99 with aspartic acids. The potential adverse effects of these rhIFN-α2bs were assessed by acute and subchronic studies.Methods. In the acute study, rhIFN-α2bs were subcutaneously administered to mice at a single dose of 97.5 μg/kg, 975 μg/kg, and 9.75 mg/kg BW and were observed for 14 days. In the subchronic study, single dose of 1.95 μg/kg and 19.5 μg/kg, respectively, was given subcutaneously every 3 days for 45 days.Results. No death as well as abnormality in body weight, behavior, presentation of main organs, and value of plasma SGPT and SGOT was observed. Wild type and mutein rhIFN-α2bs did not show significant adverse effects at dose up to 9.75 mg/kg BW. Administration of these rhIFN-α2bs given repeatedly did not induce any adverse effect.Conclusion. These results suggest that our rhIFN-α2bs are safe. However, further study is still needed to clarify the safety issue before use in clinical trial.
CD34 Hybrid Cells Promote Endothelial Colony-Forming Cell Bioactivity and Therapeutic Potential for Ischemic Diseases
Authors: Lee Jun Hee , Lee Sang Hun , Yoo So Young , Asahara Takayuki , Kwon Sang Mo
Published: May 2013

Objective—

Although endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) have been reported to promote neovessel formation during vascular injury, the function of supporting cells of EPCs and their interaction with EPCs during EPC isolation remain unclear.

Approach and Results—

We investigated the functional properties of 2 types of EPCs, also known as endothelial colony-forming cells (ECFCs), CD34
−
/CD34
+
cell–derived ECFCs (hybrid-dECFCs) and CD34
+
cell–derived ECFCs (stem-dECFCs), isolated using different methods, to elucidate the role of CD34
−
cell populations as cell-supporting niches. Using EPC colony-forming and insert coculture assays, we found that CD34
−
accessory cells dynamically modulate hematopoietic stem cell–derived endothelial cell progenitor commitment via angiogenic cytokines secreted by CD34
−
/CD11b
+
macrophages. On the basis of these findings, we isolated 2 types of ECFCs and investigated their bioactivities. We found that stem-dECFCs showed remarkably retarded cell growth, enhanced senescence, and decreased characteristics of ECFCs, whereas hybrid-dECFCs showed greater proliferative properties but delayed senescence. In a murine hind-limb ischemia model, hybrid-dECFCs showed significantly enhanced blood perfusion, capillary density, transplanted cell survival and proliferation, and angiogenic cytokine secretion compared with stem-dECFCs. In particular, the migratory capacity of hybrid-dECFCs was significantly enhanced, in part mediated via an augmented phosphorylation cascade of focal adhesion kinase and Src, resulting in a highly increased incorporation capacity of hybrid-dECFCs compared with stem-dECFCs. CD34
−
accessory cells of hybrid-dECFCs might be niche-supporting cells that facilitate cell survival, increase the secretion of angiogenic cytokines, and increase incorporation.

Conclusions—

This study provided important insight into blood vessel formation and repair in ischemic diseases for ECFC-based cell therapy.
High Precision Platelet Releasate Definition by Quantitative Reversed Protein Profiling—Brief Report
Authors: Wijten Patrick , van Holten Thijs , Woo Liy Liy , Bleijerveld Onno B. , Roest Mark , Heck Albert J.R. , Scholten Arjen
Published: May 2013

Objective—

Platelet activation and subsequent protein release play an important role in healthy hemostasis and inflammatory responses, yet the identity and quantity of proteins in the platelet releasate are still debated. Here, we present a reversed releasate proteomics approach to determine unambiguously and quantitatively proteins released from activated platelets.

Approach and Results—

Isolated platelets were mock and fully stimulated after which the released proteins in the supernatant were removed. Using high-end proteomics technology (2D chromatography, stable isotope labeling, electron transfer dissociation, and high collision dissociation fragmentation) allowed us to quantitatively discriminate the released proteins from uncontrolled lysis products. Monitoring the copy numbers of ≈4500 platelet proteins, we observed that after stimulation via thrombin and collagen, only 124 (<3%) proteins were significantly released (
P
<0.05). The released proteins span a concentration range of ≥5 orders, as confirmed by ELISA. The released proteins were highly enriched in secretion tags and contained all known factors at high concentrations (>100 ng/mL, eg, thrombospondin, von Willebrand factor, and platelet factor 4). Interestingly, in the lower concentration range of the releasate many novel factors were identified.

Conclusions—

Our reversed releasate dataset forms the first unambiguous, in depth repository for molecular factors released by platelets.
Male-Specific Region of the Y Chromosome and Cardiovascular Risk
Authors: Bloomer Lisa D.S. , Nelson Christopher P. , Eales James , Denniff Matthew , Christofidou Paraskevi , Debiec Radoslaw , Moore Jasbir , Consortium Cardiogenics , Zukowska-Szczechowska Ewa , Goodall Alison H. , Thompson John , Samani Nilesh J. , Charchar Fadi J. , Tomaszewski Maciej
Published: May 2013

Objective—

Haplogroup I of male-specific region of the human Y chromosome is associated with 50% increased risk of coronary artery disease. It is not clear to what extent conventional cardiovascular risk factors and genes of the male-specific region may explain this association.

Approach and Results—

A total of 1988 biologically unrelated men from 4 white European populations were genotyped using 11 Y chromosome single nucleotide polymorphisms and classified into 13 most common European haplogroups. Approximately 75% to 93% of the haplotypic variation of the Y chromosome in all cohorts was attributable to I, R1a, and R1b1b2 lineages. None of traditional cardiovascular risk factors, including body mass index, blood pressures, lipids, glucose, C-reactive protein, creatinine, and insulin resistance, was associated with haplogroup I of the Y chromosome in the joint inverse variance meta-analysis. Fourteen of 15 ubiquitous single-copy genes of the male-specific region were expressed in human macrophages. When compared with men with other haplogroups, carriers of haplogroup I had ≈0.61- and 0.64-fold lower expression of ubiquitously transcribed tetratricopeptide repeat, Y-linked gene (
UTY
) and protein kinase, Y-linked, pseudogene (
PRKY
) in macrophages (
P
=0.0001 and
P
=0.002, respectively).

Conclusions—

Coronary artery disease predisposing haplogroup I of the Y chromosome is associated with downregulation of
UTY
and
PRKY
genes in macrophages but not with conventional cardiovascular risk factors.
Hemodynamic Changes by Flow Diverters in Rabbit Aneurysm Models
Authors: Huang Qinghai , Xu Jinyu , Cheng Jiyong , Wang Shengzhang , Wang Kuizhong , Liu Jian-Min
Published: May 2013

Background and Purpose—

The effect of flow diverter (FD) on hemodynamic changes observed in aneurysms is inevitably affected by the actual structural configuration of deployed FD. We studied the resultant hemodynamic changes after implantation of FDs using computational fluid dynamic simulations based on micro–computed tomography reconstructions in rabbit aneurysm model.

Methods—

The FDs by micro–computed tomography images and vascular model based on rabbit-specific angiograms in 14 rabbits were reconstructed for computational fluid dynamic studies, and rabbit-specific inlet flow waveforms were used as boundary conditions. The occluded group (n=10) and unoccluded group (n=4) were divided according to the follow-up angiography. Hemodynamic parameters were separately evaluated for significance with respect to FD implantation and healing.

Results—

The normalized mean wall shear stress of the aneurysm sac and inflow volume were significantly reduced after FD deployment, and the relative residence time was significantly increased after treatment, without significant differences in mean pressure of aneurysm sac. When compared with the unoccluded group, the average relative residence time increment and percentage of inflow volume reduction in occluded group were higher. Additionally, the inlet of stream after FD deployment in the occluded group was more prevalent near the central region of the neck, whereas in the unoccluded group, it was more likely to occur near the proximal part of the neck.

Conclusions—

This study provided the real structural configurations of fully deployed FDs in vivo. We demonstrated the decrease of wall shear stress, inflow volume, increase of relative residence time, and change of inflow stream induced by FD implantation. The higher relative residence time increment, percentage of inflow volume reduction, and location of stream inlet near the central part of the neck may be closely related to healing.
Dynamic Convolution Modeling, a Hybrid Synthesis Strategy
Authors: Bessell David
Published: May 2013

This article outlines a hybrid approach to the synthesis of percussion sounds. The synthesis method described here combines techniques and concepts from physical modeling and convolution to produce audio synthesis of percussive instruments. This synthesis method not only achieves a high degree of realism in comparison with audio samples but also retains some of the flexibility associated with waveguide physical models. When the results are analyzed, the method exhibits some interesting detailed spectral features that have some aspects in common with the behavior of acoustic percussion instruments. In addition to outlining the synthesis process, the article discusses some of the more creative possibilities inherent in this approach, e.g., the use and free combination of excitation and resonance sources from beyond the realms of the purely percussive examples given.
The Failure of Hooker’s Argument for Rule Consequentialism
Authors: Levy Sanford
Published: May 2013

Brad Hooker argues for rule consequentialism using narrow reflective equilibrium resources along with a handful of wider resources. One of his important claims in defense of rule consequentialism is that it begins from a familiar and attractive idea about morality. I argue that his defense of rule consequentialism fails and more particularly, that rather than beginning from a familiar and attractive idea, it begins from an idea that is quite unattractive. I show this by applying the method rule consequentialists use to derive moral advice for the real world to non-moral cases where its unattractiveness is clear. I then argue that the basic idea behind rule consequentialism is attractive if considered as an account of moral reform, in so far as the account of moral reform can be divorced from one’s account of right and wrong, something that occurs in theories like that of Stephen Toulmin.
The Equivocal Use of Power in Nietzsche’s Failed Anti-Egalitarianism
Authors: Miyasaki Donovan
Published: May 2013

This paper argues that Nietzsche’s anti-egalitarianism depends on equivocation between conceptions of power as quantitative superiority and qualitative feeling (das Machtgefühl) and between associated conceptions of equality as similarity (die Ähnlichkeit) and opposition or resistance (der Widerstand). Nietzsche’s key arguments against equality fail when applied to the qualitative form of power, since the feeling of power does not directly correlate with quantitative ability and requires relatively equal or proportional resistance. Consequently, Nietzsche’s commitment to the promotion of humanity’s highest individuals does not entail the rejection of moral egalitarianism in every form and even supports a pluralistic egalitarianism that promotes equality understood not as similarity but as multiple, proportional resistances (die Veilheit, die Widerstände).
Calgary’s Chinese Kinship Associations: Their Role in Chinese Canadian Integration
Authors: Sciban Lloyd , Wong Lloyd
Published: May 2013

Abstract

The kinship associations in Calgary’s Chinese community were formed to assist Chinese immigrants in meeting their needs, such as housing and moral support, in the face of the discrimination they encountered during their early days of settlement in the city. In providing for these needs the kinship associations helped Chinese immigrants establish themselves, and thus, integrate into Canadian society. However, over time the opportunities to integrate into the Canadian society have increased and the question arises whether the kinship associations have been willing or able to take advantage of these opportunities. The purpose of this paper is to determine whether kinship associations in Calgary’s Chinese community are effectively promoting Chinese Canadian integration into mainstream society. Personal face-to-face interviews revealed the records of the kinship associations in integrating their members into Canadian society; these records were then compared with those of newer, non-kinship Chinese Canadian associations. The authors conclude that the integration efforts by the kinship associations are inadequate as compared to newer Calgary Chinese organisations, and that the integrative role of these kinship associations has diminished over time.
The Stereotyping of Religion in Contemporary Japan
Authors: Kenji Ishii
Published: May 2013

Abstract

This paper offers an analysis of the nature of information related to religion presented on television news programs in contemporary Japan. The author maintains that information coming from television programs plays an influential role in formulating people’s perception of religion. This includes not only incidents that have occurred in the case of new religions (e.g., Aum Shinrikyō and Hō no Hana Sanpōgyō), but also events related to well-established religious traditions, such as Buddhist and Shintō denominations, and religions outside of Japan, in particular Islam. Through the use of data on TV broadcasting compiled by a database-producing company, the author examines information about religion aired on the news programs of NHK (Nihon Hōsō Kyōkai) and Nihon TV. In this context, the author categorizes four types of religion-related programs that are aired on TV: (1) religious programs provided by religious organizations themselves; (2) general educational programs that feature religious elements; (3) news reporting on religion; and (4) religious programs as entertainment programs. The author concludes that news reporting on religion in Japan today follows predictable patterns, contributing to what he calls “the stereotyping of religion.”
The New French Operational Polarimetric Radar Rainfall Rate Product
Authors: Figueras i Ventura Jordi , Tabary Pierre
Published: May 2013

In 2012 the Météo France metropolitan operational radar network consists of 24 radars operating at C and S bands. In addition, a network of four X-band gap-filler radars is being deployed in the French Alps. The network combines polarimetric and nonpolarimetric radars. Consequently, the operational radar rainfall algorithm has been adapted to process both polarimetric and nonpolarimetric data. The polarimetric processing chain is available in two versions. In the first version, now operational, polarimetry is only used to correct for attenuation and filter out clear-air echoes. In the second version there is a more extensive use of polarimetry. In particular, the specific differential phase Kdp is used to estimate rainfall rate in intense rain. The performance of the three versions of radar rainfall algorithms (conventional, polarimetric V1, and polarimetric V2) at different frequency bands (S, C, and X) is evaluated by processing radar data of significant events offline and comparing hourly radar rainfall accumulations with hourly rain gauge data. The results clearly show a superior performance of the polarimetric products with respect to the nonpolarimetric ones at all frequency bands, but particularly at higher frequency. The second version of the polarimetric product, which makes a broader use of polarimetry, provides the best overall results.
Height Correction of Atmospheric Motion Vectors Using Airborne Lidar Observations
Authors: Weissmann Martin , Folger Kathrin , Lange Heiner
Published: May 2013

Uncertainties in the height assignment of atmospheric motion vectors (AMVs) are the main contributor to the total AMV wind error, and these uncertainties introduce errors that can be horizontally correlated over several hundred kilometers. As a consequence, only a small fraction of the available AMVs are currently used in numerical weather prediction systems. For this reason, alternative approaches for the height assignment of AMVs are investigated in this study: 1) using collocated airborne lidar observations and 2) treating AMVs as layer winds instead of winds at a discrete level. Airborne lidar observations from a field campaign in the western North Pacific Ocean region are used to demonstrate the potential of improving AMV heights in an experimental framework. On average, AMV wind errors are reduced by 10%–15% when AMV winds are assigned to a 100–150-hPa-deep layer beneath the cloud top derived from nearby lidar observations. In addition, the lidar–AMV height correction is expected to reduce the correlation of AMV errors as lidars provide independent cloud height information. This suggests that satellite lidars may be a valuable source of information for the AMV height assignment in the future. Furthermore, AMVs are compared with dropsonde and radiosonde winds averaged over vertical layers of different depth to investigate the optimal height assignment for AMVs in data assimilation. Consistent with previous studies, it is shown that AMV winds better match sounding winds vertically averaged over ~100 hPa than sounding winds at a discrete level. The comparison with deeper layers further reduces the RMS difference but introduces systematic differences of wind speeds.
Dynamical and Physical Processes Leading to Tropical Cyclone Intensification under Upper-Level Trough Forcing
Authors: Leroux Marie-Dominique , Plu Matthieu , Barbary David , Roux Frank , Arbogast Philippe
Published: May 2013

The rapid intensification of Tropical Cyclone (TC) Dora (2007, southwest Indian Ocean) under upper-level trough forcing is investigated. TC–trough interaction is simulated using a limited-area operational numerical weather prediction model. The interaction between the storm and the trough involves a coupled evolution of vertical wind shear and binary vortex interaction in the horizontal and vertical dimensions. The three-dimensional potential vorticity structure associated with the trough undergoes strong deformation as it approaches the storm. Potential vorticity (PV) is advected toward the tropical cyclone core over a thick layer from 200 to 500 hPa while the TC upper-level flow turns cyclonic from the continuous import of angular momentum.

It is found that vortex intensification first occurs inside the eyewall and results from PV superposition in the thick aforementioned layer. The main pathway to further storm intensification is associated with secondary eyewall formation triggered by external forcing. Eddy angular momentum convergence and eddy PV fluxes are responsible for spinning up an outer eyewall over the entire troposphere, while spindown is observed within the primary eyewall. The 8-km-resolution model is able to reproduce the main features of the eyewall replacement cycle observed for TC Dora. The outer eyewall intensifies further through mean vertical advection under dynamically forced upward motion. The processes are illustrated and quantified using various diagnostics.