bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Compact Modeling of Interconnect Circuits over Wide Frequency Band by Adaptive Complex-Valued Sampling Method
Authors: Wang Hai , Tan Sheldon X.-D. , Rakib Ryan
Published: January 2012

In this article, we propose a new model order-reduction method for compact modeling of interconnect circuits over wide frequency band using a novel complex-valued adaptive sampling and error estimation scheme. We address the outstanding error control problems in the existing sampling-based reduction framework over a frequency band. Our new method,
WBMOR
, explicitly and efficiently computes the exact residual errors to guide the sampling process. We show by sampling along the imaginary axis and performing a new complex-valued reduction that the reduced model will match exactly with the original model at the sample points. Additionally, we show in theory that the proposed method can achieve the error bound over a given frequency range. In practice, the new algorithm can help designers choose the best order of the reduced model for the given frequency range and error bound via the adaptive sampling scheme. In addition,
WBMOR
can perform wideband accurate reductions of interconnect circuits for analog and RF applications where model accuracy needs to be maintained over a wide frequency range. We compare several sampling schemes such as Monte Carlo, logarithmic, recently proposed resampling, and ARMS methods. Experimental results on a number of RLC circuits show that
WBMOR
is much more efficient than all the other sampling methods, including the recently proposed resampling and ARMS schemes with the same reduction orders. Compared with the traditional real-valued sampling methods, the complex-valued sampling method is more accurate for the same computational cost.
Structural Analysis of Boolean Equation Systems
Authors: Keiren Jeroen J. A. , Reniers Michel A. , Willemse Tim A. C.
Published: January 2012

We analyze the problem of solving Boolean equation systems through the use of
structure graphs
. The latter are obtained through an elegant set of Plotkin-style deduction rules. Our main contribution is that we show that equation systems with bisimilar structure graphs have the same solution. We show that our work conservatively extends earlier work, conducted by Keiren and Willemse, in which
dependency graphs
were used to analyze a subclass of Boolean equation systems,
viz
., equation systems in
standard recursive form
. We illustrate our approach by a small example, demonstrating the effect of simplifying an equation system through minimization of its structure graph.
The sweet smell of success
Authors: Ghinea Gheorghita , Ademoye Oluwakemi
Published: January 2012

Olfaction, or smell, is one of the last challenges which multimedia applications have to conquer. As far as computerized smell is concerned, there are several difficulties to overcome, particularly those associated with the ambient nature of smell. In this article, we present results from an empirical study exploring users' perception of olfaction-enhanced multimedia displays. Findings show that olfaction significantly adds to the user multimedia experience. Moreover, use of olfaction leads to an increased sense of reality and relevance. Our results also show that users are tolerant of the interference and distortion effects caused by olfactory effect in multimedia.
Fusing multiple video sensors for surveillance
Authors: Snidaro Lauro , Visentini Ingrid , Foresti Gian Luca
Published: January 2012

Real-time detection, tracking, recognition, and activity understanding of moving objects from multiple sensors represent fundamental issues to be solved in order to develop surveillance systems that are able to autonomously monitor wide and complex environments. The algorithms that are needed span therefore from image processing to event detection and behaviour understanding, and each of them requires dedicated study and research. In this context, sensor fusion plays a pivotal role in managing the information and improving system performance. Here we present a novel fusion framework for combining the data coming from multiple and possibly heterogeneous sensors observing a surveillance area.
Emulating goliath storage systems with David
Authors: Agrawal Nitin , Arulraj Leo , Arpaci-Dusseau Andrea C. , Arpaci-Dusseau Remzi H.
Published: January 2012

Benchmarking file and storage systems on
large
file-system images is important, but difficult and often infeasible. Typically, running benchmarks on such large disk setups is a frequent source of frustration for file-system evaluators; the scale alone acts as a strong deterrent against using larger, albeit realistic, benchmarks. To address this problem, we develop David: a system that makes it practical to run large benchmarks using modest amount of storage or memory capacities readily available on most computers. David creates a “compressed” version of the original file-system image by omitting all file data and laying out metadata more efficiently; an online storage model determines the runtime of the benchmark workload on the original uncompressed image. David works under any file system, as demonstrated in this article with ext3 and btrfs. We find that David reduces storage requirements by orders of magnitude; David is able to emulate a 1-TB target workload using only an 80 GB available disk, while still modeling the actual runtime accurately. David can also emulate newer or faster devices, for example, we show how David can effectively emulate a multidisk RAID using a limited amount of memory.
Discriminative Topic Modeling Based on Manifold Learning
Authors: Huh Seungil , Fienberg Stephen E.
Published: January 2012

Topic modeling has become a popular method used for data analysis in various domains including text documents. Previous topic model approaches, such as probabilistic Latent Semantic Analysis (pLSA) and Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA), have shown impressive success in discovering low-rank hidden structures for modeling text documents. These approaches, however do not take into account the manifold structure of the data, which is generally informative for nonlinear dimensionality reduction mapping. More recent topic model approaches, Laplacian PLSI (LapPLSI) and Locally-consistent Topic Model (LTM), have incorporated the local manifold structure into topic models and have shown resulting benefits. But they fall short of achieving full discriminating power of manifold learning as they only enhance the proximity between the low-rank representations of neighboring pairs without any consideration for non-neighboring pairs. In this article, we propose a new approach, Discriminative Topic Model (DTM), which separates non-neighboring pairs from each other in addition to bringing neighboring pairs closer together, thereby preserving the global manifold structure as well as improving local consistency. We also present a novel model-fitting algorithm based on the generalized EM algorithm and the concept of Pareto improvement. We empirically demonstrate the success of DTM in terms of unsupervised clustering and semisupervised classification accuracies on text corpora and robustness to parameters compared to state-of-the-art techniques.
Polydatin, a natural polyphenol, protects arterial smooth muscle cells against mitochondrial dysfunction and lysosomal destabilization following hemorrhagic shock
Authors: Wang Xingmin , Song Rui , Bian Hui Ning , Brunk Ulf T. , Zhao Ming , Zhao Ke-seng
Published: January 2012

The main objective of this study was to investigate the activity of polydatin on mitochondrial dysfunction and lysosomal stability of arteriolar smooth muscle cells (ASMCs) in severe shock. The experimental animals (rats) were divided into five groups: control, hemorrhagic shock, shock + CsA, shock + Res, and shock + PD (exposed to cyclosporin A, resveratrol, or polydatin following induction of hemorrhagic shock, respectively). The calcein-Co2+technique revealed opening of ASMC mitochondrial permeability transition pores (mPTP) after shock with resulting mitochondrial swelling, decreased mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), and reduced intracellular ATP levels. These alterations were all inhibited by exposure to PD, which was significantly more effective than CsA and Res. PD also preserved lysosomal stability, suppressed activation of KATPchannels, ASMC hyperpolarization, and reduced vasoresponsiveness to norepinephrine that normally follows severe shock. The results demonstrate that exposure to PD after initiation of severe shock effectively preserves ASMC mitochondrial integrity and has a significant therapeutic effect in severe shock. The effects may partially result from lysosomal stabilization against shock-induced oxidative stress and depressed relocation of hydrolytic enzymes and redox-active lysosomal iron that, in turn, may induce mPTP opening.
Reciprocal cholinergic and GABAergic modulation of the small ventrolateral pacemaker neurons ofDrosophila's circadian clock neuron network
Authors: Lelito Katherine R. , Shafer Orie T.
Published: January 2012

The relatively simple clock neuron network of Drosophila is a valuable model system for the neuronal basis of circadian timekeeping. Unfortunately, many key neuronal classes of this network are inaccessible to electrophysiological analysis. We have therefore adopted the use of genetically encoded sensors to address the physiology of the fly's circadian clock network. Using genetically encoded Ca2+and cAMP sensors, we have investigated the physiological responses of two specific classes of clock neuron, the large and small ventrolateral neurons (l- and s-LNvs), to two neurotransmitters implicated in their modulation: acetylcholine (ACh) and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Live imaging of l-LNvcAMP and Ca2+dynamics in response to cholinergic agonist and GABA application were well aligned with published electrophysiological data, indicating that our sensors were capable of faithfully reporting acute physiological responses to these transmitters within single adult clock neuron soma. We extended these live imaging methods to s-LNvs, critical neuronal pacemakers whose physiological properties in the adult brain are largely unknown. Our s-LNvexperiments revealed the predicted excitatory responses to bath-applied cholinergic agonists and the predicted inhibitory effects of GABA and established that the antagonism of ACh and GABA extends to their effects on cAMP signaling. These data support recently published but physiologically untested models of s-LNvmodulation and lead to the prediction that cholinergic and GABAergic inputs to s-LNvs will have opposing effects on the phase and/or period of the molecular clock within these critical pacemaker neurons.
An Unusual Presentation of Primary Hyperparathyroidism: Pathological Fracture
Authors: Khaoula Ben Abdelghani , Kaouther Ben Abdelghani , Ines Chelly , Sami Turki , Zakraoui Leith , Khedher Adel
Published: January 2012

Primary hyperparathyroidism revealed by a pathological fracture is very uncommon. We present a case of a 54-year-old female patient who was admitted with fracture of her right femur. She underwent closed intramedullary reconstruction nailing with bipolar locking. The pathological findings confirmed the diagnosis of primary hyperparathyroidism with brown tumor. Further tests showed increased both calcium level and PTH level. A parathyroidectomy was performed. She made an uneventful recovery and was discharged to home.
Tungstosilicic Acid: An Efficient and Ecofriendly Catalyst for the Conversion of Alcohols to Alkyl Iodides
Authors: Mokhtary Masoud , Najafizadeh Faranak
Published: January 2012

Treatment of a range of benzylic, allylic, and secondary aliphatic alcohols with potassium iodides in the presence of H4SiW12O40 affords the corresponding alkyl iodides in good to excellent yield with straightforward purification at room temperature in CH3CN.
Optimum Arrangement of Photovoltaic Systems in Housing at Khartoum: Application of Renewable Energy in Urban Design
Authors: Elhassan Zeinab Abdallah M. , Zain Muhammad Fauzi Mohd , Sopian Kamaruzzaman , Abass A. A.
Published: January 2012

This paper searches to find out of building integrated photovoltaic system designs in Khartoum. It discussed technical issues and designed an integrated of photovoltaic in domestic using, within an urban approach towards sustainability in energy. Photovoltaic systems can be used to develop the solar energy in almost all kinds of applications. Exploiting of solar energy for domestic use is one avenue where the energy produced from the sun is converted into electricity to power most if not all the appliances available at our homes and residences. Building a photovoltaic system is the process of designing, selecting, and calculating the ratings of the equipments employed in the system. This process depends on a range of factors such as geographical location, solar irradiation, and load requirements. I introduce the procedures utilize, in building and selecting the equipments of a grid‐connected photovoltaic system based on the Watt‐hour demand of 3.8 kw. As a case study, a residence in Khartoum with low‐energy consumption is selected.
The Relationship between Balance, Muscles, and Anthropomorphic Features in Young Adults
Authors: Zagyapan Ragıba , Iyem Cihan , Kurkcuoglu Ayla , Pelin Can , Tekindal Mustafa Agah
Published: January 2012

Posture can be defined as the form of the body when sitting, walking, or standing. There would be no problem if muscles interact in harmony with musculoskeletal system or nervous system. Posture analysis is crucial for clinical assessments in physical medicine and rehabilitation. However, studies into this issue are limited. In this study, the relationship between static standing balance and anthropomorphic features in healthy subjects was investigated. The study was carried out with a total of 240 students at Baskent University (116 females, 124 males) aged between 18 and 25 years. Type of balance of the subjects was determined with lateral posture analysis. Additionally, muscle shortness tests, subcutaneous fat thickness, and waist and thigh circumference were measured. As the results of lateral posture analysis, 107 subjects (71 males, 36 females) were detected to have anterior balance, 89 (41 males, 48 females) posterior balance, and 44 (12 males, 32 girls) neutral balance. Values of waist circumference, thigh circumference, and waist/thigh ratio were compared with all three balance types. A statistically significant difference was detected between these values in the subjects who had anterior balance (P<0.05). In conclusion, a significant relationship was detected between muscle shortness, waist and thigh circumferences, and postural balance type.
Surgical Treatment of Neuroendocrine Liver Metastases
Authors: Lee Ser Yee , Cheow Peng Chung , Teo Jin Yao , Ooi London L. P. J.
Published: January 2012

Management of Neuroendocrine liver metastases (NELM) is challenging. The presence of NELM worsens survival outcome and almost 10% of all liver metastases are neuroendocrine in origin. There is no firm consensus on the optimal treatment strategy for NELM. A systematic search of the PubMed database was performed from 1995–2010, to collate the current evidence and formulate a sound management algorithm. There are 22 case series with a total of 793 patients who had undergone surgery for NELM. The overall survival ranges from 46–86% at 5 years, 35–79% at 10 years, and the median survival ranges from 52–123 months. After successful cytoreductive surgery, the mean duration of symptom reduction is between 16–26 months, and the 5-year recurrence/progression rate ranges from 59–76%. Five studies evaluated the efficacy of a combination cytoreductive strategy reporting survival rate of ranging from 83% at 3 years to 50% at 10 years. To date, there is no level 1 evidence comparing surgery versus other liver-directed treatment options for NELM. An aggressive surgical approach, including combination with additional liver-directed procedures is recommended as it leads to long-term survival, significant long-term palliation, and a good quality of life. A multidisciplinary approach should be established as the platform for decision making.
Investigation with Bluetooth Sensors of Bicycle Travel Time Estimation on a Short Corridor
Authors: Mei Zhenyu , Wang Dianhai , Chen Jun
Published: January 2012

Accurate travel time information acquisition is essential to the effective planning and management of bicycle travel conditions. Traditionally, video camera data have been used as the primary source for measuring the quality of bicycle travel time. This paper deals with an investigation of bicycle travel time estimation on a short corridor, using Bluetooth sensors, based on field survey of travel time at one arterial road in Hangzhou. Usually bicycle travel time estimates with Bluetooth sensors contain three types of errors: spatial error, temporal error, and sampling error. To avoid these, we introduced filters to “purify” the time series. A median filtering algorithm is used to eliminate the outlier observations. The filtering scheme has been applied on Genshan East Road and Moganshan Road. Test data are used to measure the quality of bicycle travel time data collected by the Bluetooth sensors, and the results show that the new technology is a promising method for collecting high-quality travel time data that can be used as ground truth for evaluating other sources of travel time and other intelligent transportation system applications.
Improving TCR Gene Therapy for Treatment of Haematological Malignancies
Authors: Nicholson Emma , Ghorashian Sara , Stauss Hans
Published: January 2012

Adoptive immunotherapy using TCR gene modified T cells may allow separation of beneficial Graft versus tumour responses from harmful GvHD. Improvements to this include methods to generate high avidity or high affinity TCR, improvements in vector design and reduction in mispairing. Following adoptive transfer, TCR transduced T cells must be able to survive and persist in vivo to give most effective antitumour responses. Central memory or naive T cells have both been shown to be more effective than effector cells at expanding and persisting in vivo. Lymphodepletion may enhance persistence of transferred T cell populations. TCR gene transfer can be used to redirect CD4 helper T cells, and these could be used in combination with CD8+ tumour specific T cells to provide help for the antitumour response. Antigen specific T regulatory T cells can also be generated by TCR gene transfer and could be used to suppress unwanted alloresponses.
Survival of Wild Adults ofCeratitis capitata(Wiedemann) under Natural Winter Conditions in North East Spain
Authors: Peñarrubia-María E. , Avilla J. , Escudero-Colomar L. A.
Published: January 2012

The overwintering of the Mediterranean fruit fly (medfly),Ceratitis capitata(Wiedemann) at the northern limits of its geographic distribution is not yet well known. With the aim of estimating the survival rate of medfly adults in northeast Spain under natural winter conditions, a two-winter-season trial was carried out. A control was carried out in a climatic chamber at 25°C. The results showed that medfly adults were unable to survive the entire winter season in the Girona area. Climatic conditions, including the daily minimum temperature, daily maximum temperature and the high rainfall, appeared to be involved in adult mortality in winter.
Plant Stem Bark Extractivism in the Northeast Semiarid Region of Brazil: A New Aport to Utilitarian Redundancy Model
Authors: Ferreira Júnior Washington Soares , Siqueira Clarissa Fernanda Queiroz , de Albuquerque Ulysses Paulino
Published: January 2012

We use the model of utilitarian redundancy as a basis for research. This model provides predictions that have not been tested by other research. In this sense, we sought to investigate the stem bark extraction between preferred and less-preferred species by a rural community in Caatinga environment. In addition, we sought to explain local preferences to observe if preferred plants have a higher content of tannins than less-preferred species. For this, we selected seven preferred species and seven less-preferred species from information obtained from semistructured interviews applied to 49 informants. Three areas of vegetation around the community were also selected, in which individuals were tagged, and were measured the diameter at ground level (DGL) diameter at breast height (DBH), and measurements of available and extracted bark areas. Samples of bark of the species were also collected for the evaluation of tannin content, obtained by the method of radial diffusion. From the results, the preferred species showed a greater area of bark removed. However, the tannin content showed no significant differences between preferred and less-preferred plants. These results show there is a relationship between preference and use, but this preference is not related to the total tannins content.
Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Imaging Neural Activity in the Human Brain: The Annual Progress
Authors: Chen Shengyong , Li Xiaoli
Published: January 2012

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is recently developed and applied to measure the hemodynamic response related to neural activity. The fMRI can not only noninvasively record brain signals without risks of ionising radiation inherent in other scanning methods, such as CT or PET scans, but also record signal from all regions of the brain, unlike EEG/MEG which are biased towards the cortical surface. This paper introduces the fundamental principles and summarizes the research progress of the last year for imaging neural activity in the human brain. Aims of functional analysis of neural activity from fMRI include biological findings, functional connectivity, vision and hearing research, emotional research, neurosurgical planning, pain management, and many others. Besides formulations and basic processing methods, models and strategies of processing technology are introduced, including general linear model, nonlinear model, generative model, spatial pattern analysis, statistical analysis, correlation analysis, and multimodal combination. This paper provides readers the most recent representative contributions in the area.
Role of Nitrative and Oxidative DNA Damage in Inflammation-Related Carcinogenesis
Authors: Murata Mariko , Thanan Raynoo , Ma Ning , Kawanishi Shosuke
Published: January 2012

Chronic inflammation induced by biological, chemical, and physical factors has been found to be associated with the increased risk of cancer in various organs. We revealed that infectious agents including liver fluke,Helicobacter pylori, and human papilloma virus and noninfectious agents such as asbestos fiber induced iNOS-dependent formation of 8-nitroguanine and 8-oxo-7, 8-dihydro-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-oxodG) in cancer tissues and precancerous regions. Our results with the colocalization of phosphorylated ATM andγ-H2AX with 8-oxodG and 8-nitroguanine in inflammation-related cancer tissues suggest that DNA base damage leads to double-stranded breaks. It is interesting from the aspect of genetic instability. We also demonstrated IL-6-modulated iNOS expression via STAT3 and EGFR in Epstein-Barr-virus-associated nasopharyngeal carcinoma and found promoter hypermethylation in several tumor suppressor genes. Such epigenetic alteration may occur by controlling the DNA methylation through IL-6-mediated JAK/STAT3 pathways. Collectively, 8-nitroguanine would be a useful biomarker for predicting the risk of inflammation-related cancers.
Contingency Management for Patients with Cooccurring Disorders: Evaluation of a Case Study and Recommendations for Practitioners
Authors: Adams Claire E. , Rash Carla J. , Burke Randy S. , Parker Jefferson D.
Published: January 2012

Research indicates that contingency management (CM) has potential to improve a number of outcomes (e.g. substance use, treatment attendance, quality of life) among individuals with substance use and cooccurring disorders. However, multiple factors must be considered on a case-by-case basis in order to promote optimal treatment effects. The present study describes an individualized CM protocol for a US Veteran with substance dependence and cooccurring severe mental illness. CM targeted attendance at outpatient appointments and appropriate use of hospital resources. Effects of CM were assessed by comparing the 3-month baseline and CM periods. The CM intervention marginally reduced unnecessary hospital admissions, resulting in cost savings to the medical center of over $5,000 in three months for this individual. However, CM did not affect outpatient attendance. Several complications arose, highlighting challenges in using CM in populations with substance use and cooccurring disorders. Practical suggestions are offered for maximizing the effects of CM.
Reversible Myocarditis after Black Widow Spider Envenomation
Authors: Dendane Tarek , Abidi Khalid , Madani Naoufel , Benthami Asmae , Gueddari Fatima-Zohra , Abouqal Redoune , Zeggwagh Amine-Ali
Published: January 2012

Black widow spiders can cause variable clinical scenarios from local damage to very serious conditions including death. Acute myocardial damage is rarely observed and its prognostic significance is not known. We report a rare case of a 35-year-old man who developed an acute myocarditis with cardiogenic pulmonary edema requiring mechanical ventilation caused by black widow spider's envenomation. The patient was previously healthy. The clinical course was associated with systemic and cardiovascular complaints. His electrocardiogram revealed ST-segment elevation with T-wave amplitude. The plasma concentrations of cardiac enzymes were elevated. His first echocardiography showed hypokinesis of the left ventricle (left ventricle ejection fraction 48%). Magnetic resonance imaging showed also focal myocardial injury of the LV. There was progressive improvement in cardiac traces, biochemical and echocardiographical values (second left ventricle ejection fraction increased to 50%). Myocardial involvement after a spider bite is rare and can cause death. The exact mechanism of this myocarditis is unknown. We report a rare case of acute myocarditis with cardiogenic pulmonary edema requiring mechanical ventilation caused by black widow spider's envenomation. We objectively documented progressive clinical and electrical improvement.
Systemic Delivery of Oncolytic Viruses: Hopes and Hurdles
Authors: Ferguson Mark S. , Lemoine Nicholas R. , Wang Yaohe
Published: January 2012

Despite recent advances in both surgery and chemoradiotherapy, mortality rates for advanced cancer remain high. There is a pressing need for novel therapeutic strategies; one option is systemic oncolytic viral therapy. Intravenous administration affords the opportunity to treat both the primary tumour and any metastatic deposits simultaneously. Data from clinical trials have shown that oncolytic viruses can be systemically delivered safely with limited toxicity but the results are equivocal in terms of efficacy, particularly when delivered with adjuvant chemotherapy. A key reason for this is the rapid clearance of the viruses from the circulation before they reach their targets. This phenomenon is mainly mediated through neutralising antibodies, complement activation, antiviral cytokines, and tissue-resident macrophages, as well as nonspecific uptake by other tissues such as the lung, liver and spleen, and suboptimal viral escape from the vascular compartment. A range of methods have been reported in the literature, which are designed to overcome these hurdles in preclinical models. In this paper, the potential advantages of, and obstacles to, successful systemic delivery of oncolytic viruses are discussed. The next stage of development will be the commencement of clinical trials combining these novel approaches for overcoming the barriers with systemically delivered oncolytic viruses.
Pancreaticopleural Fistula: Revisited
Authors: Machado Norman Oneil
Published: January 2012

Pancreaticopleural fistula is a rare complication of acute and chronic pancreatitis. This usually presents with chest symptoms due to pleural effusion, pleural pseudocyst, or mediastinal pseudocyst. Diagnosis requires a high index of clinical suspicion in patients who develop alcohol-induced pancreatitis and present with pleural effusion which is recurrent or persistent. Analysis of pleural fluid for raised amylase will confirm the diagnosis and investigations like CT. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreaticography (ECRP) or magnetic resonance cholangiopancreaticography (MRCP) may establish the fistulous communication between the pancreas and pleural cavity. The optimal treatment strategy has traditionally been medical management with exocrine suppression with octreotide and ERCP stenting of the fistulous pancreatic duct. Operative therapy considered in the event patient fails to respond to conservative management. There is, however, a lack of clarity regarding the management, and the literature is reviewed here to assess the present view on its pathogenesis, investigations, and management.
Antitermite Activities ofC. deciduaExtracts and Pure Compounds against Indian White TermiteOdontotermes obesus(Isoptera: Odontotermitidae)
Authors: Upadhyay Ravi Kant , Jaiswal Gayatri , Ahmad Shoeb , Khanna Leena , Jain Subhash Chand
Published: January 2012

In the present investigation, we have tested antitermite responses ofCapparis deciduastem, root, flower, and fruit extracts and pure compounds toOdontotermes obesusin various bioassays. Crude stem extract has shown very high susceptibility and very low LD50values, that is, 14.171 μg/mg in worker termites. From stem extract, three pure compounds were isolated in pure form namely, heneicosylhexadecanoate (CDS2), triacontanol (CDS3), and 2-carboxy-1, 1-dimethylpyrrolidine (CDS8) which have shown very low LD50value in a range of 5.537–10.083 μg/mg. Similarly, one novel compound 6-(1-hydroxy-non-3-enyl)-tetrahydropyran-2-one (CDF1) was isolated from flower extract that has shown an LD508.08 μg/gm. Repellent action of compounds was tested in a Y-shaped glass olfactometer in which CDF1 compounds have significantly repelled termites to the opposite arm. Besides this,C. deciduaextracts have shown significant reduction (P<0.05and 0.01) in termite infestation in garden saplings when it was coated on cotton tags and employed over tree trunks. Further,C. deciduasstem extract was used for wood seasoning, which gave very good results as test wood sticks have shown significantly (P<0.05and 0.01) very low termite infestation.
The Role of Gravitational Instabilities in the Feeding of Supermassive Black Holes
Authors: Lodato Giuseppe
Published: January 2012

I review the recent progresses that have been obtained, especially through the use of high-resolution numerical simulations, on the dynamics of self-gravitating accretion discs. A coherent picture is emerging, where the disc dynamics is controlled by a small number of parameters that determine whether the disc is stable or unstable, whether the instability saturates in a self-regulated state or runs away into fragmentation, and whether the dynamics is local or global. I then apply these concepts to the case of AGN discs, discussing the implications of such evolution on the feeding of supermassive black holes. Nonfragmenting, self-gravitating discs appear to play a fundamental role in the process of formation of massive black hole seeds at high redshift ( 10–15) through direct gas collapse. On the other hand, the different cooling properties of the interstellar gas at low redshifts determine a radically different behaviour for the outskirts of the accretion discs feeding typical AGNs. Here the situation is much less clear from a theoretical point of view, and while several observational clues point to the important role of massive discs at a distance of roughly a parsec from their central black hole, their dynamics is still under debate.
The Cortical and Striatal Gene Expression Profile of 100 Hz Electroacupuncture Treatment in 6-Hydroxydopamine-Induced Parkinson's Disease Model
Authors: Huo Li-Rong , Liang Xi-Bin , Li Bo , Liang Jian-Tao , He Yi , Jia Yan-Jun , Jia Jun , Gong Xiao-Li , Yu Fen , Wang Xiao-Min
Published: January 2012

Electroacupuncture (EA), especially high-frequency EA, has frequently been used as an alternative therapy for Parkinson disease (PD) and is reportedly effective for alleviating motor symptoms in patients and PD models. However, the molecular mechanism underlying its effectiveness is not completely understood. To implement a full-scale search for the targets of 100 Hz EA, we selected rat models treated with 6-hydroxydopamine into the unilateral MFB, which mimic end-stage PD. High-throughput microarray analysis was then used to uncover the regulated targets in the cortex and striatum after 4-week EA treatment. In the differentially regulated transcripts, the proportion of recovered expression profiles in the genes, the functional categories of targets in different profiles, and the affected pathways were analyzed. Our results suggested that the recovery of homeostasis in the transcript network and many regulated functional clusters in the cortex and striatum after EA treatment may contribute to the behavioral improvement of PD rats.
Minimally Invasive Approach to Eliminate Pyogenic Granuloma: A Case Report
Authors: Chandrashekar B.
Published: January 2012

Pyogenic granuloma is one of the inflammatory hyperplasia seen in the oral cavity. The term is a misnomer because it is not related to infection and arises in response to various stimuli such as low-grade local irritation, traumatic injury, or hormonal factors. It is most commonly seen in females in their second decade of life due to vascular effects of hormones. Although excisional surgery is the treatment of choice for it, this paper presents the safest and most minimally invasive procedure for the regression of pyogenic granuloma.
Local Delivery of lnterleukin-12 Using T Cells Targeting VEGF Receptor-2 Eradicates Multiple Vascularized Tumors in Mice
Authors: Chinnasamy Dhanalakshmi , Yu Zhiya , Kerkar Sid P. , Zhang Ling , Morgan Richard A. , Restifo Nicholas P. , Rosenberg Steven A.
Published: January 2012

Purpose: We investigated the feasibility of delivering the proinflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)-12 into tumor using T cells genetically engineered to express a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) against the VEGF receptor-2 (VEGFR-2).

Experimental Design: Two different strains of mice bearing five different established subcutaneous tumors were treated with syngeneic T cells cotransduced with an anti–VEGFR-2 CAR and a constitutively expressed single-chain murine IL-12 or an inducible IL-12 gene after host lymphodepletion. Tumor regression, survival of mice, and persistence of the transferred cells were evaluated.

Results: Adoptive transfer of syngeneic T cells cotransduced with an anti–VEGFR-2 CAR and a constitutively expressing single-chain IL-12 resulted in the regression of five different established tumors of different histologies without the need for IL-2 administration. T cells transduced with either anti–VEGFR-2 CAR or single-chain IL-12 alone did not alter the tumor growth indicating that both of them had to be expressed in the same cell to mediate tumor regression. Anti–VEGFR-2 CAR and IL-12–cotransduced T cells infiltrated the tumors, expanded, and persisted for prolonged periods. The antitumor effect did not require the presence of host T and B cells but was dependent on host IL-12R–expressing cells. The anti–VEGFR-2 CAR changed the immunosuppressive tumor environment by altering/reducing both the systemic and the intratumoral CD11b+Gr1+ myeloid suppressor cell subsets that expressed VEGFR-2.

Conclusions: These results suggest that targeted delivery of IL-12 into the tumor environment with T cells redirected against VEGFR-2 is a promising approach for treating patients with a variety of solid tumor types. Clin Cancer Res; 18(6); 1672–83. ©2012 AACR.
Primary Pediatric Skull Tumors
Authors: Hayden Gephart Melanie G. , Colglazier Elizabeth , Paulk Kayla L. , Vogel Hannes , Guzman Raphael , Edwards Michael S.B.
Published: January 2012

Background/Aims: To review the pathological distribution of pediatric primary skull tumors, and to determine the diagnostic value of lesion location, patient age and lesion size. Methods: A retrospective chart review identified 51 consecutive pediatric patients with 54 primary skull tumors, treated between 2005 and 2010. Results: The most common diagnoses were dermoid cysts (n = 34) and fibrous dysplasia (n = 5). While dermoid tumors could reside anywhere (sensitivity = 0.41), a midline lesion had a specificity of 0.9 and a positive predictive value of 0.88. All of the fibrous dysplasia lesions were laterally placed, with a negative predictive value (NPV) of 1. Patient age < or >5 years had a high sensitivity and NPV for dermoid cysts and fibrous dysplasia, respectively. Size appeared to be sensitive (0.91, 0.8), but not specific (0.6, 0.78), with good NPV (0.8, 0.97) when considering dermoid cysts (≤2 cm) or fibrous dysplasia (>2 cm), respectively.Conclusion:Dermoid cysts followed by fibrous dysplasia are the most common primary skull tumors. Lesion location, patient age and lesion size give important clues as to the diagnosis. For the majority of cases, a clinical diagnosis based on CT is sufficient for presurgical evaluation.
The Impact of Cigarette Smoking on Asthma: A Population-Based International Cohort Study
Authors: Cerveri Isa , Cazzoletti Lucia , Corsico Angelo G. , Marcon Alessandro , Niniano Rosanna , Grosso Amelia , Ronzoni Vanessa , Accordini Simone , Janson Christer , Pin Isabelle , Siroux Valerie , de Marco Roberto
Published: January 2012

Background: The prevalence rates of smoking in subjects with asthma have frequently been reported as similar to those in the general population; however, available data are not up-to-date. There is only limited and somewhat conflicting information on the long-term effects of smoking on health outcomes among population-based cohorts of subjects with asthma. We aimed to investigate changes in smoking habits and their effects on forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) in subjects with asthma in comparison with the rest of the population, focusing on the healthy smoker effect. Methods: We studied 9,092 subjects without asthma and 1,045 with asthma at baseline who participated in both the European Community Respiratory Health Survey I (20–44 years old in 1991–1993) and II (1999–2002). Results: At follow-up, smoking was significantly less frequent among subjects with asthma than in the rest of the population (26 vs. 31%; p < 0.001). Subjects with asthma who were already ex-smokers at the beginning of the follow-up in the 1990s had the highest mean asthma score (number of reported asthma-like symptoms, range 0–5), probably as a result of the healthy smoker effect (2.80 vs. 2.44 in never smokers, 2.19 in quitters and 2.24 in smokers; p < 0.001). The influence of smoking on FEV1 decline did not depend on asthma status. Smokers had the highest proportion of subjects with chronic cough/phlegm (p < 0.01). Conclusion: One out of 4 subjects with asthma continues smoking and reports significantly more chronic cough and phlegm than never smokers and ex-smokers. This stresses the importance of smoking cessation in all patients with asthma, even in those with less severe asthma.
The Correlation of Maternal Uric Acid Concentration with Small-for-Gestational-Age Fetuses in Normotensive Pregnant Women
Authors: Akahori Yoichiro , Masuyama Hisashi , Hiramatsu Yuji
Published: January 2012

Aim: Elevated maternal serum uric acid is associated with small-for-gestational-age (SGA) fetuses. We investigated whether uric acid concentrations in normotensive pregnant women are correlated with fetal growth and related to kidney function. Methods: We carried out a case-control study using 40 patients who delivered SGA fetuses identified from the perinatal database and 80 patients who delivered appropriate-for-gestational-age (AGA) fetuses as the controls at Okayama University Hospital. Blood pressure, serum uric acid and creatinine level were measured in the patients’ third trimester. Results:Maternal serum uric acid (p = 0.0003) and creatinine (p < 0.0001) concentrations, as well as systolic and diastolic blood pressures (p =0.014 and 0.037, respectively), were significantly increased in the SGA group. There was a strong negative correlation between serum uric acid levels and birth weights (r = –0.59; p = 0.006) and a significant positive correlation between maternal serum uric acid and creatinine levels (r = 0.43; p < 0.05) in cases of severe SGA (<5th percentile). Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that uric acid is an independent risk factor for SGA.Conclusions: Increasing maternal uric acid concentrations were associated with slightly impaired kidney function and SGA in normotensive pregnant women.
Unusual Resolution of a Depressed Skull Fracture following Repeat Head Trauma: The Two-Hit Hypothesis
Authors: Cohen Alan R. , Bahuleyan Biji , Robinson Shenandoah
Published: January 2012

An infant sustained a significant depressed skull fracture from a fall. Before the planned surgical repair of the fracture could be carried out, the child sustained a second fall that led to the complete resolution of the depressed fracture. Mechanisms to explain this unusual phenomenon are discussed.
The Frequency and Risk of Preclinical Coronary Artery Disease Detected Using Multichannel Cardiac Computed Tomography in Patients with Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Yoo Joonsang , Yang Jae Hoon , Choi Byoung Wook , Kim Young Dae , Nam Hyo Suk , Choi Hye-Yeon , Cho Hyun-Ji , Lee Hye Sun , Cha Myoung-Jin , Choi Donghoon , Nam Chung Mo , Jang Yangsoo , Lee Dong Hyun , Kim Jinkwon , Heo Ji Hoe
Published: January 2012

Background: Atherosclerosis is a systemic disease. Many ischemic stroke patients may have concomitant coronary artery disease (CAD). Detection and treatment of preclinical CAD in stroke patients may improve long-term outcome and survival because CAD is a major cause of death during follow-up in stroke patients. However, association between coronary and cerebral artery atherosclerosis in stroke patients has not fully been investigated. This study aimed at examining the frequency and high-risk groups of CAD in ischemic stroke patients. Methods: Consecutive patients who were admitted due to acute ischemic stroke between July 2006 and June 2010 were prospectively enrolled in this study. A total of 1,304 patients who underwent MSCT coronary angiography and cerebral angiography were included in this study. By using 64-multislice computed tomography coronary angiography, we investigated the frequency of CAD and association between coronary and cerebral artery atherosclerosis in terms of location and burden (severity and extent) in stroke patients. We also sought to identify high-risk groups for CAD among stroke patients. Results: The frequency of significant (≧50%) CAD was 32.3% and the frequency of any degree of CAD was 70.1%. Diabetes mellitus, serum levels of total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglyceride, and significant stenosis of the extracranial carotid, intracranial vertebral and basilar arteries were independently associated with CAD. However, no association was found between CAD and significant stenosis of the anterior, middle and posterior cerebral arteries. The association between CAD and cerebral atherosclerosis was stronger with increased severity and extent of cerebral atherosclerosis. When compared to patients with <2 risk factors and without significant cerebral atherosclerosis, those with multiple (≧2) risk factors and atherosclerosis in both the carotid and the vertebrobasilar arteries had very high risks of CAD [odds ratio (OR) 8.36; 95% confidence interval (CI) 4.15–16.87]. The risk was also high in patients with multiple risk factors and atherosclerosis in either the carotid or the vertebrobasilar artery (OR 4.13; 95% CI 2.62–6.51), and in those with <2 risk factors but atherosclerosis in both the carotid and the vertebrobasilar arteries (OR 3.40; 95% CI 1.22–9.47). Conclusions: A substantial portion of stroke patients had preclinical CAD, and there was a clear relationship between coronary and cerebral artery atherosclerosis in terms of location and burden. The risk of CAD was particularly high in stroke patients with multiple risk factors and atherosclerosis of the carotid and/or vertebrobasilar arteries.
Alopecia Areata during Treatment of Psoriasis with Adalimumab and Leflunomide: A Case and Review of the Literature
Authors: Navarro R. , Daudén E. , Gallo E. , Santiago Sánchez-Mateos D. , García-Diez A.
Published: January 2012

The pathogenesis of alopecia areata (AA) is not clear, even though it is believed to be an autoimmune mechanism which involves T lymphocytes and cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor α. We report the case of a 43-year-old man with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis who developed AA during his treatment with adalimumab and leflunomide. We perform a review of the literature associating AA with biological therapy and leflunomide. We cannot exclude that the use of these therapies and the development of AA could be coincidental. However, we consider that case reports like ours are essential for clinicians as early alerts if similar observations occur.
Sleep in the Rock Hyrax, Procavia capensis
Authors: Gravett Nadine , Bhagwandin Adhil , Lyamin Oleg I. , Siegel Jerome M. , Manger Paul R.
Published: January 2012

We investigated sleep in therock hyrax, Procavia capensis, a social mammal that typically lives in colonies on rocky outcrops throughout most parts of Southern Africa. The sleep of 5 wild-captured, adult rock hyraxes was recorded continuously for 72 h using telemetric relay of signals and allowing unimpeded movement. In addition to waking, slow wave sleep (SWS) and an unambiguous rapid eye movement (REM) state, a sleep state termed somnus innominatus (SI), characterized by low-voltage, high-frequency electroencephalogram, an electromyogram that stayed at the same amplitude as the preceding SWS episode and a mostly regular heart rate, were identified. If SI can be considered a form of low-voltage non-REM, the implication would be that the rock hyrax exhibits the lowest amount of REM recorded for any terrestrial mammal studied to date. Conversely, if SI is a form of REM sleep, it would lead to the classification of a novel subdivision of this state; however, further investigation would be required. The hyraxes spent on average 15.89 h (66.2%) of the time awake, 6.02 h (25.1%) in SWS, 43 min (3%) in SI and 6 min (0.4%) in REM. The unambiguous REM sleep amounts were on average less than 6 min/day. The most common state transition pathway in these animals was found to be wake → SWS → wake. No significant differences were noted with regard to total sleep time, number of episodes and episode duration for all states between the light and dark periods.Thus, prior classification of the rock hyrax as strongly diurnal does not appear to hold under controlled laboratory conditions.