bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
STRONG COUPLING AND QUARK MASSES FROM LATTICE QCD
Authors: MCNEILE CRAIG
Published: August 2013

I review lattice QCD calculations of the strong coupling and quark masses.
LIGHT QUARK MASS RATIOS (mu:md:ms) FROM MESON AND BARYON MASS SPLITTINGS
Authors: MINKOWSKI PETER
Published: August 2013

The basis of the material discussed is our work in collaboration with Arnulfo Zepeda from 1979 [Nucl. Phys. B164, 25 (1980)]. The ingredients and consequences of this work will be presented, and compared with results obtained from QCD sum rules and lattice simulations of QCD in accordance with chiral expansions. An up-to-date conclusion will not be possible in this paper, but some comments towards such goal will be given in a concluding section.
STUDYING THE ROLE OF ApoE IN ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE PATHOGENESIS USING A SYSTEMS BIOLOGY MODEL
Authors: KYRTSOS CHRISTINA ROSE , BARAS JOHN S.
Published: August 2013

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia. Even with its well-known symptoms of memory loss and well-characterized pathology of beta amyloid (Aβ) plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, the disease pathogenesis and initiating factors are still not well understood. To tackle this problem, a systems biology model has been developed and used to study the varying effects of variations in the ApoE allele present, as well as the effects of short term and periodic inflammation at low to moderate levels. Simulations showed a late onset peak of Aβ in the ApoE4 case that lead to localized neuron loss which could be ameliorated in part by application of short-term pro-inflammatory mediators. The model that has been developed herein represents one of the first attempts to model AD from a systems approach to study physiologically relevant parameters that may prove useful to physicians in the future.
EXACT SOLUTIONS FOR SPECIES TREE INFERENCE FROM DISCORDANT GENE TREES
Authors: CHANG WEN-CHIEH , GÓRECKI PAWEŁ , EULENSTEIN OLIVER
Published: August 2013

Phylogenetic analysis has to overcome the grant challenge of inferring accurate species trees from evolutionary histories of gene families (gene trees) that are discordant with the species tree along whose branches they have evolved. Two well studied approaches to cope with this challenge are to solve either biologically informed gene tree parsimony (GTP) problems under gene duplication, gene loss, and deep coalescence, or the classic RF supertree problem that does not rely on any biological model. Despite the potential of these problems to infer credible species trees, they are NP-hard. Therefore, these problems are addressed by heuristics that typically lack any provable accuracy and precision. We describe fast dynamic programming algorithms that solve the GTP problems and the RF supertree problem exactly, and demonstrate that our algorithms can solve instances with data sets consisting of as many as 22 taxa. Extensions of our algorithms can also report the number of all optimal species trees, as well as the trees themselves. To better asses the quality of the resulting species trees that best fit the given gene trees, we also compute the worst case species trees, their numbers, and optimization score for each of the computational problems. Finally, we demonstrate the performance of our exact algorithms using empirical and simulated data sets, and analyze the quality of heuristic solutions for the studied problems by contrasting them with our exact solutions.
PREDICTION OF PROTEIN SECONDARY STRUCTURE USING PROBABILITY BASED FEATURES AND A HYBRID SYSTEM
Authors: GHANTY PRADIP , PAL NIKHIL R. , MUDI RAJANI K.
Published: August 2013

In this paper, we propose some co-occurrence probability-based features for prediction of protein secondary structure. The features are extracted using occurrence/nonoccurrence of secondary structures in the protein sequences. We explore two types of features: position-specific (based on position of amino acid on fragments of protein sequences) as well as position-independent (independent of amino acid position on fragments of protein sequences). We use a hybrid system, NEUROSVM, consisting of neural networks and support vector machines for classification of secondary structures. We propose two schemes NSVMps and NSVM for protein secondary structure prediction. The NSVMps uses position-specific probability-based features and NEUROSVM classifier whereas NSVM uses the same classifier with position-independent probability-based features. The proposed method falls in the single-sequence category of methods because it does not use any sequence profile information such as position specific scoring matrices (PSSM) derived from PSI-BLAST. Two widely used datasets RS126 and CB513 are used in the experiments. The results obtained using the proposed features and NEUROSVM classifier are better than most of the existing single-sequence prediction methods. Most importantly, the results using NSVMps that are obtained using lower dimensional features, are comparable to those by other existing methods. The NSVMps and NSVM are finally tested on target proteins of the critical assessment of protein structure prediction experiment-9 (CASP9). A larger dataset is used to compare the performance of the proposed methods with that of two recent single-sequence prediction methods. We also investigate the impact of presence of different amino acid residues (in protein sequences) that are responsible for the formation of different secondary structures.
FACTOR EQUIVALENCE OF GALOIS MODULES AND REGULATOR CONSTANTS
Authors: BARTEL ALEX
Published: August 2013

We compare two approaches to the study of Galois module structures: on the one hand, factor equivalence, a technique that has been used by Fröhlich and others to investigate the Galois module structure of rings of integers of number fields and of their unit groups, and on the other hand, regulator constants, a set of invariants attached to integral group representations by Dokchitser and Dokchitser, and used by the author, among others, to study Galois module structures. We show that the two approaches are in fact closely related, and interpret results arising from these two approaches in terms of each other. We then use this comparison to derive a factorizability result on higher K-groups of rings of integers, which is a direct analogue of a theorem of de Smit on S-units.
THE REDUCIBILITY OF CONSTANT-PERTURBED PRODUCTS OF CYCLOTOMIC POLYNOMIALS
Authors: HARRINGTON JOSHUA , JONES LENNY , WHITE DANIEL
Published: August 2013

In 1908, Schur raised the question of the irreducibility over ℚ of polynomials of the form f(x) = (x - a1)(x - a2)⋯(x - an) + 1, where the ai are distinct integers. Since then, many authors have addressed variations and generalizations of this question. In this article, we investigate the analogous question when replacing the linear polynomials with cyclotomic polynomials and allowing the constant perturbation of the product to be any integer d ∉ {-1, 0}. One interesting consequence of our investigations is that we are able to construct, for any positive integer N, an infinite set S of cyclotomic polynomials such that 1 plus the product of any k (not necessarily distinct) polynomials from S, where k ≢ 0( mod 2N+1), is reducible over ℚ.
THE TWISTED SECOND MOMENT OF THE DEDEKIND ZETA FUNCTION OF A QUADRATIC FIELD
Authors: HEAP WINSTON
Published: August 2013

We compute the second moment of the Dedekind zeta function of a quadratic field times an arbitrary Dirichlet polynomial of length T1/11-∊. Our result generalizes a formula of Hughes and Young concerning the fourth moment of the Riemann zeta function.
Generalized Yosida Approximations Based on RelativelyA-Maximalm-Relaxed Monotonicity Frameworks
Authors: Lan Heng-you
Published: August 2013

We introduce and study a new notion of relativelyA-maximalm-relaxed monotonicity framework and discuss some properties of a new class of generalized relatively resolvent operator associated with the relativelyA-maximalm-relaxed monotone operator and the new generalized Yosida approximations based on relativelyA-maximalm-relaxed monotonicity framework. Furthermore, we give some remarks to show that the theory of the new generalized relatively resolvent operator and Yosida approximations associated with relativelyA-maximalm-relaxed monotone operators generalizes most of the existing notions on (relatively) maximal monotone mappings in Hilbert as well as Banach space and can be applied to study variational inclusion problems and first-order evolution equations as well as evolution inclusions.
Ocular Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potential Using Different Test Stimuli
Authors: Deepak Dessai Teja , Bhat Jayashree S. , Kumar Kaushlendra
Published: August 2013

Aim. Ocular Evoked Myogenic Potential (oVEMP) are short latency potentials evoked by higher acoustic stimulation. In this study, we aimed at comparing the click, 500 Hz mixed modulated, and 500 Hz short duration tone burst stimuli using oVEMP.Material. Click, 500 Hz mixed modulated and 500 Hz short duration tone burst stimuli were used for the study.Method. Conventional sampling and conveneint study design were used. Sixty healthy subjects underwent contralateral oVEMP testing maintaining 30 degrees upward gaze. Single channel electrode montage was applied to record oVEMP response.Results. On statistical analysis the three stimuli evoked equal response rates (100%), and when latency of n1 and p1 and peak-peak amplitude were compared, the click evoked showed significantly early latency and lower peak-peak amplitude than the 500 Hz stimuli. Five hundred Hz stimuli did not show significant difference in latency and peak-peak amplitude of n1-p1.Discussion. Thus, 500 Hz stimuli can evoke better latency and peak-peak amplitude. oVEMP has good clinical significance in diagnosing subjects with vestibular dysfunction. To add to the sensitivity of the oVEMP test, 500 Hz stimuli may also be used as it can evoke better oVEMP responses in clinical population with good morphology.
The Hippo-Yes Association Protein Pathway in Liver Cancer
Authors: Jie Lu , Fan Wang , Weiqi Dai , Yingqun Zhou , Ling Xu , Miao Shen , Ping Cheng , Chuanyong Guo
Published: August 2013

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignancies worldwide and the third leading cause of cancer mortality. Despite continuing development of new therapies, prognosis for patients with HCC remains extremely poor. In recent years, control of organ size becomes a hot topic in HCC development. The Hippo signaling pathway has been delineated and shown to be critical in controlling organ size in both Drosophila and mammals. The Hippo kinase cascade, a singling pathway that antagonizes the transcriptional coactivator Yes-associated protein (YAP), plays an important role in animal organ size control by regulating cell proliferation and apoptosis rates. During HCC development, this pathway is likely inactivated in tumor initiated cells that escape suppressive constrain exerted by the surrounding normal tissue, thus allowing clonal expansion and tumor development. We have reviewed evolutionary changes in YAP as well as other components of the Hippo pathway and described the relationships between YAP genes and HCC. We also discuss regulation of transcription factors that are up- and downstream of YAP in liver cancer development.
Direct Synthesis of (K0.5Na0.5)NbO3Powders by Mechanochemical Method
Authors: Duc Van Nguyen
Published: August 2013

The synthesis and structural properties of lead-free piezoelectric (K0.5Na0.5)NbO3powders prepared by mechanochemical method using Nb2O5, K2CO3, and Na2CO3as starting materials were reported. X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy were used to characterize the prepared samples. Results showed that, for the first time, by selecting the milling speed of 600 rpm and the ball-to-powder weight ratio of 35 : 1 as milling parameters, pure (K0.5Na0.5)NbO3crystalline phase was obtained directly in the as-milled samples after 5 h of milling time. The existence of a carbonato complex betweenCO32−and Nb5+ions as an intermediate species of the formation of (K0.5Na0.5)NbO3was also found.
An 8-Node Shell Element for Nonlinear Analysis of Shells Using the Refined Combination of Membrane and Shear Interpolation Functions
Authors: Jung Woo-Young , Han Sung-Cheon
Published: August 2013

An improved 8-node shell finite element applicable for the geometrically linear and nonlinear analyses of plates and shells is presented. Based on previous first-order shear deformation theory, the finite element model is further improved by the combined use of assumed natural strains and different sets of collocation points for the interpolation of the different strain components. The influence of the shell element with various conditions such as locations, number of enhanced membranes, and shear interpolation is also identified. By using assumed natural strain method with proper interpolation functions, the present shell element generates neither membrane nor shear locking behavior even when full integration is used in the formulation. Furthermore, to characterize the efficiency of these modifications of the 8-node shell finite elements, numerical studies are carried out for the geometrically linear and non-linear analysis of plates and shells. In comparison to some other shell elements, numerical examples for the methodology indicate that the modified element described locking-free behavior and better performance. More specifically, the numerical examples of annular plate presented herein show good validity, efficiency, and accuracy to the developed nonlinear shell element.
Improvement of a Circular Microstrip Antenna Excited by Four Feeds and Suspended with Artificial Magnetic Conductors
Authors: Eardprab Sanchai , Phongcharoenpanich Chuwong , Torrungrueng Danai
Published: August 2013

The proposed antenna is a circular microstrip structure excited by four feeds and suspended with artificial magnetic conductors (AMCs). The multifeed circular microstrip antennas can generate a high circularly polarized performance by using a different feed arrangement. AMC structures with a square, circular, or octagonal patch on a unit cell are designed and applied to circular microstrip patch antennas for the enhancement of antenna performance. It is found that simulated results of the proposed antenna are well suited. The properties of wide beamwidth with good axial ratio can be achieved when applying the proposed AMC structures to circular microstrip antennas. The antenna prototype was fabricated to validate simulated results.
FLUed: A Novel Four-Layer Model for Simulating Epidemic Dynamics and Assessing Intervention Policies
Authors: Huang Chung-Yuan , Wen Tzai-Hung , Tsai Yu-Shiuan
Published: August 2013

From the 2003 severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) epidemic, to the 2009 swine-origin influenza A (H1N1) pandemic, to the projected highly pathogenic avian influenza A event, emerging infectious diseases highlight the importance of computational epidemiology to assess potential intervention policies. Hence, an important and timely research goal is a general-purpose and extendable simulation model that integrates two major epidemiological factors—age group and population movement—and substantial amounts of demographic, geographic, and epidemiologic data. In this paper, we describe a model that we have named FLUed for Four-layer Universal Epidemic Dynamics that integrates complex daily commuting network data into multiple age-structured compartmental models. FLUed has four contact structures for simulating the epidemic dynamics of emerging infectious diseases, assessing the potential efficacies of various intervention policies, and identifying the potential impacts of spatial-temporal epidemic trends on specific populations. We used data from the seasonal influenza A and 2009 swine-origin influenza A (H1N1) epidemics to validate model reliability and suitability and to assess the potential impacts of intervention policies and variation in initial outbreak areas for novel/seasonal influenza A in Taiwan. We believe that the FLUed model represents an effective tool for public health agencies responsible for initiating early responses to potential pandemics.
Flexural Vibration Test of a Beam Elastically Restrained at One End: A New Approach for Young’s Modulus Determination
Authors: Digilov Rafael M. , Abramovich Haim
Published: August 2013

A new vibration beam technique for the fast determination of the dynamic Young modulus is developed. The method is based on measuring the resonant frequency of flexural vibrations of a partially restrained rectangular beam. The strip-shaped specimen fixed at one end to a force sensor and free at the other forms the Euler Bernoulli cantilever beam with linear and torsion spring on the fixed end. The beam is subjected to free bending vibrations by simply releasing it from a flexural position and its dynamic response detected by the force sensor is processed by FFT analysis. Identified natural frequencies are initially used in the frequency equation to find the corresponding modal numbers and then to calculate the Young modulus. The validity of the procedure was tested on a number of industrial materials by comparing the measured modulus with known values from the literature and good agreement was found.
Characteristics of Carbon Nanospheres Prepared from Locally Deoiled Asphalt
Authors: Ibrahim Mohammed Mohammed , Ismaeel Ibrahim Raheek , Mahmoud Luma Hussein , Zablouk Mumtaz Abdulahad , Manweel Neeran , Mahmoud Abeer
Published: August 2013

Iraqi deoil asphalt as a source of carbon is used to prepare the carbon nanospheres (CNS) by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method. Asphalt after further chemical treatment to remove aromatic oil and impurities was crushed, weighted and evaporated under inert atmosphere using argon. The vapor/argon mixture was allowed to pass through high temperature zone 900°C in quartz tube over CO/Al2O3catalyst material. The carbon precipitated from the decomposition of asphalt vapor was collected and identified using atomic force microscope (AFM), scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffractometer (XRD), BET surface area technique and atomic force microscope. A sphere shape of carbon (94%) with nanosize and diameter less than 100 nm with surface area of 360 m2/g has been obtained.
A Dirac System with Transmission Condition and Eigenparameter in Boundary Condition
Authors: Kablan Abdullah , Özden Tülay
Published: August 2013

This paper deals with a Dirac system with transmission condition and eigenparameter in boundary condition. We give an operator-theoretic formulation of the problem then investigate the existence of the solution. Some spectral properties of the problem are studied.
Robust Adaptive Sliding Mode Control for Generalized Function Projective Synchronization of Different Chaotic Systems with Unknown Parameters
Authors: Li Xiuchun , Gu Jianhua , Xu Wei
Published: August 2013

When the parameters of both drive and response systems are all unknown, an adaptive sliding mode controller, strongly robust to exotic perturbations, is designed for realizing generalized function projective synchronization. Sliding mode surface is given and the controlled system is asymptotically stable on this surface with the passage of time. Based on the adaptation laws and Lyapunov stability theory, an adaptive sliding controller is designed to ensure the occurrence of the sliding motion. Finally, numerical simulations are presented to verify the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed method even when both drive and response systems are perturbed with external disturbances.
Numerical Fractional-Calculus Model for Two-Phase Flow in Fractured Media
Authors: Zhong Wenwen , Li Changpin , Kou Jisheng
Published: August 2013

Numerical simulation of two-phase flow in fractured porous media is an important topic in the subsurface flow, environmental problems, and petroleum reservoir engineering. The conventional model does not work well in many cases since it lacks the memory property of fracture media. In this paper, we develop a new numerical formulation with fractional time derivative for two-phase flow in fractured porous media. In the proposed formulation, the different fractional time derivatives are applied to fracture and matrix regions since they have different memory properties. We further develop a two-level time discrete method, which uses a large time step for the pressure and a small time step size for the saturation. The pressure equation is solved implicitly in each large time step, while the saturation is updated by an explicit fractional time scheme in each time substep. Finally, the numerical tests are carried out to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed numerical model.
Propagation of Nonlinear Pressure Waves in Blood
Authors: Elgarayhi A. , El-Shewy E. K. , Mahmoud Abeer A. , Elhakem Ali A.
Published: August 2013

The propagation of weakly nonlinear pressure waves in a fluid-filled elastic tube has been investigated. The reductive perturbation method has been employed to derive the Korteweg-de Vries equation
for small but finite amplitude. The effect of the final inner radius of the tube on the basic properties of the soliton wave was discussed. Moreover, the conditions of stability and the soliton existence via the potential and the corresponding phase portrait were computed. The applicability of the present investigation to flow problems in arteries is discussed.
High-Frequency Transcutaneous Peripheral Nerve Stimulation Induces a Higher Increase of Heat Pain Threshold in the Cutaneous Area of the Stimulated Nerve When Confronted to the Neighbouring Areas
Authors: Buonocore M. , Camuzzini N. , Cecini M. , Dalla Toffola E.
Published: August 2013

Background. TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) is probably the most diffused physical therapy used for antalgic purposes. Although it continues to be used by trial and error, correct targeting of paresthesias evoked by the electrical stimulation on the painful area is diffusely considered very important for pain relief.Aim. To investigate if TENS antalgic effect is higher in the cutaneous area of the stimulated nerve when confronted to neighbouring areas.Methods. 10 volunteers (4 males, 6 females) underwent three different sessions: in two, heat pain thresholds (HPTs) were measured on the dorsal hand skin before, during and after electrical stimulation (100 Hz, 0.1 msec) of superficial radial nerve; in the third session HPTs, were measured without any stimulation.Results. Radial nerve stimulation induced an increase of HPT significantly higher in its cutaneous territory when confronted to the neighbouring ulnar nerve territory, and antalgic effect persisted beyond the stimulation time.Conclusions. The location of TENS electrodes is crucial for obtaining the strongest pain relief, and peripheral nerve trunk stimulation is advised whenever possible. Moreover, the present study indicates that continuous stimulation could be unnecessary, suggesting a strategy for avoiding the well-known tolerance-like effect of prolonged TENS application.
On the Finite Volume Element Method for Self-Adjoint Parabolic Integrodifferential Equations
Authors: Bahaj Mohamed , Rachid Anas
Published: August 2013

Finite volume element schemes for non-self-adjoint parabolic integrodifferential equations are derived and stated. For the spatially discrete scheme, optimal-order error estimates in , , and , norms for are obtained. In this paper, we also study the lumped mass modification. Based on the Crank-Nicolson method, a time discretization scheme is discussed and related error estimates are derived.
White-Ceramic Conversion on Ti-29Nb-13Ta-4.6Zr Surface for Dental Applications
Authors: Obata Akiko , Miura-Fujiwara Eri , Shimizu Akimitsu , Maeda Hirotaka , Nakai Masaaki , Watanabe Yoshimi , Niinomi Mitsuo , Kasuga Toshihiro
Published: August 2013

Ti-29Nb-13Ta-4.6Zr (TNTZ) alloy has excellent mechanical properties and bone conductivity. For dental application, TNTZ surfaces were converted to white oxidized layer by a simple heat treatment in air to achieve the formation of aesthetic surfaces. The oxidized layer formed by the heat treatment at 1000°C for 0.5 or 1 hr was whiter and joined to TNTZ substrate more strongly than that formed by the treatment at 900°C. The layer consisted of TiO2(rutile), TiNb2O7, and TiTa2O7and possessed ~30 μm in thickness for the sample heat-treated at 1000°C and ~10 μm for that heat-treated at 900°C. The surface average roughness and the wettability increased after the heat treatment. The spreading and proliferation level of mouse osteoblast-like cell (MC3T3-E1 cell) on the heat-treated sample were almost the same as those on as-prepared one. The cell spreading on TNTZ was better than those on pure titanium (CP Ti) regardless of the heat treatment for the samples. There was no deterioration in thein vitrocell compatibility of TNTZ after the oxidized layer coating by the heat treatment.
Average Conditions for the Permanence of a Bounded Discrete Predator-Prey System
Authors: Fan Yong-Hong , Wang Lin-Lin
Published: August 2013

Average conditions are obtained for the permanence of a discrete bounded system with Holling type II functional responseu(n+1)=u(n)exp{a(n)-b(n)u(n)-c(n)v(n)/(u(n)+m(n)v(n))},v(n+1)=v(n)exp{-d(n)+e(n)u(n)/(u(n)+m(n)v(n))}.The method involves the application of estimates of uniform upper and lower bounds of solutions. When these results are applied to some special delay population models with multiple delays, some new results are obtained and some known results are generalized.
Solar Photocatalytic Degradation of Bisphenol A on Immobilized ZnO or TiO2
Authors: Zacharakis Andreas , Chatzisymeon Efthalia , Binas Vassilios , Frontistis Zacharias , Venieri Danae , Mantzavinos Dionissios
Published: August 2013

The removal of bisphenol A (BPA) under simulated solar irradiation and in the presence of either TiO2or ZnO catalysts immobilized onto glass plates was investigated. The effect of various operating conditions on degradation was assessed including the amount of the immobilized catalyst (36.1–150.7 mg/cm2for TiO2and 0.5–6.8 mg/cm2for ZnO), initial BPA concentration (50–200 μg/L), treatment time (up to 90 min), water matrix (wastewater, drinking water, and pure water), the addition of H2O2(25–100 mg/L), and the presence of other endocrine disruptors in the reaction mixture. Specifically, it was observed that increasing the amount of immobilized catalyst increases BPA conversion and so does the addition of H2O2up to 100 mg/L. Moreover, BPA degradation follows first-order reaction kinetics indicating that the final removal is not practically affected by the initial BPA concentration. Degradation in wastewater is slower than that in pure water up to five times, implying the scavenging behavior of effluent’s constituents against hydroxyl radicals. Finally, the presence of other endocrine disruptors, such as 17α-ethynylestradiol, spiked in the reaction mixture at low concentrations usually found in environmental samples (i.e., 100 μg/L), neither affects BPA degradation nor alters its kinetics to a considerable extent.
Continuous Spikes and Waves during Sleep: Electroclinical Presentation and Suggestions for Management
Authors: Sánchez Fernández Iván , Chapman Kevin E. , Peters Jurriaan M. , Harini Chellamani , Rotenberg Alexander , Loddenkemper Tobias
Published: August 2013

Continuous spikes and waves during sleep (CSWS) is an epileptic encephalopathy characterized in most patients by (1) difficult to control seizures, (2) interictal epileptiform activity that becomes prominent during sleep leading to an electroencephalogram (EEG) pattern of electrical status epilepticus in sleep (ESES), and (3) neurocognitive regression. In this paper, we will summarize current epidemiological, clinical, and EEG knowledge on CSWS and will provide suggestions for treatment. CSWS typically presents with seizures around 2–4 years of age. Neurocognitive regression occurs around 5-6 years of age, and it is accompanied by subacute worsening of EEG abnormalities and seizures. At approximately 6–9 years of age, there is a gradual resolution of seizures and EEG abnormalities, but the neurocognitive deficits persist in most patients. The cause of CSWS is unknown, but early developmental lesions play a major role in approximately half of the patients, and genetic associations have recently been described. High-dose benzodiazepines and corticosteroids have been successfully used to treat clinical and electroencephalographic features. Corticosteroids are often reserved for refractory disease because of adverse events. Valproate, ethosuximide, levetiracetam, sulthiame, and lamotrigine have been also used with some success. Epilepsy surgery may be considered in a few selected patients.
Synthesis and Characterization of Silver Nanoparticles Using Cannonball Leaves and Their Cytotoxic Activity against MCF-7 Cell Line
Authors: Devaraj Preetha , Kumari Prachi , Aarti Chirom , Renganathan Arun
Published: August 2013

Cannonball (Couroupita guianensis) is a tree belonging to the family Lecythidaceae. Various parts of the tree have been reported to contain oils, keto steroids, glycosides, couroupitine, indirubin, isatin, and phenolic substances. We report here the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using cannonball leaves. Green synthesized nanoparticles have been characterized by UV-Vis spectroscopy, SEM, TEM, and FTIR. Cannonball leaf broth as a reducing agent converts silver ions to AgNPs in a rapid and ecofriendly manner. The UV-Vis spectra gave surface plasmon resonance peak at 434 nm. TEM image shows well-dispersed silver nanoparticles with an average particle size of 28.4 nm. FTIR showed the structure and respective bands of the synthesized nanoparticles and the stretch of bonds. Green synthesized silver nanoparticles by cannonball leaf extract show cytotoxicity to human breast cancer cell line (MCF-7). Overall, this environmentally friendly method of biological silver nanoparticles production provides rates of synthesis faster than or comparable to those of chemical methods and can potentially be used in various human contacting areas such as cosmetics, foods, and medical applications.
Bioeffects of Static Magnetic Fields: Oxidative Stress, Genotoxic Effects, and Cancer Studies
Authors: Ghodbane Soumaya , Lahbib Aida , Sakly Mohsen , Abdelmelek Hafedh
Published: August 2013

The interaction of static magnetic fields (SMFs) with living organisms is a rapidly growing field of investigation. The magnetic fields (MFs) effect observed with radical pair recombination is one of the well-known mechanisms by which MFs interact with biological systems. Exposure to SMF can increase the activity, concentration, and life time of paramagnetic free radicals, which might cause oxidative stress, genetic mutation, and/or apoptosis. Current evidence suggests that cell proliferation can be influenced by a treatment with both SMFs and anticancer drugs. It has been recently found that SMFs can enhance the anticancer effect of chemotherapeutic drugs; this may provide a new strategy for cancer therapy. This review focuses on our own data and other data from the literature of SMFs bioeffects. Three main areas of investigation have been covered: free radical generation and oxidative stress, apoptosis and genotoxicity, and cancer. After an introduction on SMF classification and medical applications, the basic phenomena to understand the bioeffects are described. The scientific literature is summarized, integrated, and critically analyzed with the help of authoritative reviews by recognized experts; international safety guidelines are also cited.
Analysis of Equation of State for Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Chandra Jeewan , Bhatt Pooja Kapri , Kholiya Kuldeep
Published: August 2013

Compression behavior of carbon nanotube bundles and individual carbon nanotubes within the bundle has been studied by using the Suzuki, Shanker, and usual Tait formulations. It is found that the Suzuki formulation is not capable of explaining the compression behavior of nanomaterials. Shanker formulation slightly improves the results obtained by the Suzuki formulation, but only usual Tait’s equation (UTE) of state gives results in agreement to the experimental data. The present study reveals that the product of bulk modules and the coefficient of volume thermal expansion remain constant for carbon nanotubes. It has also been found that the individual carbon nanotubes are less compressible than bundles of carbon nanotubes.
Mitigating Climate Change by the Development and Deployment of Solar Water Heating Systems
Authors: Wara S. T. , Abe S. E.
Published: August 2013

Solar energy is becoming an alternative for the limited fossil fuel resources. One of the simplest and most direct applications of this energy is the conversion of solar radiation into heat, which can be used in Water Heating Systems. Ogun State in Nigeria was used as a case study. The solar radiation for the state was explored with an annual average of 4.775 kWh/m2recorded. The designed system comprised storage tanks and the collector unit which comprises wooden casing, copper tube, and aluminium foil. Test results for the unlagged and lagged storage tanks for water temperature at various angles of inclination (2.500°–20.000°) were on the average 27.800°C and 28.300°C, respectively, for the inlet temperature and 60.100°C and 63.000°C for the outlet temperature, respectively. The efficiency of the Solar Water Heating System was 72.500% and the power saved 2.798 kW. The cost of the unit is put at 1121,400 ($145) as at August 2012. The unit developed can be applied for the purpose of reducing the cost of energy, dealing with environmental challenges, and improving the use of energy, hence serving as a climate mitigation process as this can be extended for water heating for domestic and other industrial purposes.
Long-Term Effects of Expiration of Derivatives on Indian Spot Volatility
Authors: Narang Sunita , Vij Madhu
Published: August 2013

This paper examines the impact of expiration of derivatives on spot volatility of Indian capital market. The review of the literature shows that the previous Indian studies have covered a period of only 4–6 years after the introduction of derivative trading in India in 2000. They are unanimous about volume effect but not about return and volatility effect. This paper uses regression techniques and one symmetric and three asymmetric GARCH models, namely, TGARCH, EGARCH, and PGARCH, to evaluate the impact. It uses daily data on popular index S&P CNX Nifty of National Stock Exchange of India, during a period of more than a decade from June 12, 2000 to January 10, 2012. Findings of the study show that spot returns, volume, and volatility are high on expiration day and they build up further on the day after expiry which shows that the Indian market is weakly efficient. The expiration effect is mainly due to concentration of volumes in near-month contracts and absence of physical settlement.
Comparison of the Diagnostic Accuracy of theMSLNGene Products, Mesothelin and Megakaryocyte Potentiating Factor, as Biomarkers for Mesothelioma in Pleural Effusions and Serum
Authors: Creaney Jenette , Sneddon Sophie , Dick Ian M. , Dare Hanne , Boudville Neil , Musk Arthur William , Skates Steven J. , Robinson Bruce W. S.
Published: August 2013

TheMSLNgene products, soluble mesothelin and megakaryocyte potentiating factor (MPF), are being investigated as biomarkers for the asbestos-related cancer malignant mesothelioma (MM). Pleural fluid biomarkers of MM can be elevated when serum levels remain normal. The aim of this study was to determine if this was true for MPF and to compare levels of mesothelin. Biomarker concentrations were compared in 66 MM patients, 39 patients with other malignancies, 37 with benign disease, 18 asbestos-exposed healthy individuals, and 53 patients with chronic kidney disease. In pleural effusions, MPF and soluble mesothelin concentrations were both significantly elevated in MM patients relative to controls. No significant difference between the area under the receiver operator curve (AUC) for MPF (0.945±0.02) and mesothelin (0.928±0.03) when distinguishing MM from all other causes of effusion was observed. MPF and mesothelin serum concentrations were highly correlated and of equivalent diagnostic accuracy with AUCs of0.813±0.04and0.829±0.03, respectively. Serum levels of both markers increased with decreasing kidney function. In conclusion, MPF is elevated in the pleural effusions of MM patients similar to that of mesothelin. Mesothelin and MPF convey equivalent diagnostic information for distinguishing MM from other diseases in pleural effusions as well as serum.
Sensitivity of RegCM3 Simulated Precipitation over Southern Brazil with Different Boundary Conditions: ENSO Case
Authors: Teleginski Ferraz Simone Erotildes , Pedroso Diego
Published: August 2013

This paper investigates the capability of a regional climate model (RegCM3) to simulate the Southern Brazil rainfall during three periods: the El Niño (1982), the neutral intermediary phase (1985), and the La Niña (1988). Each integration has used three of different boundary conditions available: NCEP-NCAR Reanalysis (I and II) and ECMWF Reanalysis—ERA-40. The simulations were performed covering a South America domain and some descriptive statistics analyses have been applied, like arithmetic mean, median, standard deviation and Pearson’s correlation; and frequencies histogram over Southern Brazil. The main results show that the model satisfactorily reproduces the rainfall in this region during the El Niño, neutral, and La Niña events, indicating that the boundary conditions which were tested adequately describe this simulations type.
Regulation of Immune Cell Infiltration into the CNS by Regional Neural Inputs Explained by the Gate Theory
Authors: Arima Yasunobu , Kamimura Daisuke , Sabharwal Lavannya , Yamada Moe , Bando Hidenori , Ogura Hideki , Atsumi Toru , Murakami Masaaki
Published: August 2013

The central nervous system (CNS) is an immune-privileged environment protected by the blood-brain barrier (BBB), which consists of specific endothelial cells that are brought together by tight junctions and tight liner sheets formed by pericytes and astrocytic end-feet. Despite the BBB, various immune and tumor cells can infiltrate the CNS parenchyma, as seen in several autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis (MS), cancer metastasis, and virus infections. Aside from a mechanical disruption of the BBB like trauma, how and where these cells enter and accumulate in the CNS from the blood is a matter of debate. Recently, using experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), an animal model of MS, we found a “gateway” at the fifth lumber cord where pathogenic autoreactive CD4+ T cells can cross the BBB. Interestingly, this gateway is regulated by regional neural stimulations that can be mechanistically explained by the gate theory. In this review, we also discuss this theory and its potential for treating human diseases.
Simple Spectrophotometric Methods for Determination of Tenofovir Fumarate and Emtricitabine in Bulk Powder and in Tablets
Authors: AbdelHay Mohammad H. , Gazy Azza A. , Shaalan Rasha A. , Ashour Heba K.
Published: August 2013

Two simple and selective methods were developed for the simultaneous determination of tenofovir fumarate (TEN) and emtricitabine (EMT) in combined tablets. The first method involves the application of first derivative spectrophotometry where the first derivative amplitudes were measured at 298.5 nm for determination of EMT in presence of TEN. The second method involves first derivative of ratio spectra spectrophotometry where the amplitudes at 251.5 nm have been used for quantitation of TEN in the presence of EMT. Different variables affecting each method were carefully investigated and optimized. Reliability and analytical performance of the proposed methods, including linearity, range, precision, accuracy, detection, and quantitation limits, were statistically validated. The methods were successfully applied for the determination of EMT and TEN in laboratory-prepared mixtures and in their combined tablets.
X-Ray Spectral Investigation of Carbon Nanocapsule and Graphite Nanosheet Electronic Structures
Authors: Ilkiv Bogdan , Petrovska Svitlana , Sergiienko Ruslan , Shibata Etsuro , Nakamura Takashi , Zaulychnyy Yaroslav
Published: August 2013

Ultrasoft X-ray emission spectroscopy (USXES) was used to investigate the electronic structures of FePt alloy included carbon nanocapsules (FePt@CNCs) and graphite nanosheets (GNSs). These materials were synthesized by electric plasma discharge in an ultrasonic cavitation field of liquid ethanol. Scanning and transmission electron microscopies were used to study the spatial structures and morphologies. The electronic structure of GNSs was compared with that of reference synthetic graphite powder and high surface area reduced graphene oxide (RGO) sheets with an average thickness of one graphene layer. Investigations of the electronic structures of the FePt@CNC and GNS mixture and GNSs obtained after magnetic separation of the mixture revealed that GNS graphene layers exhibited a smaller curvature than those of carbon nanocapsules, which widened the π-subband of GNSs due to overlapping of the pπ orbitals. Thicker GNSs had a narrower CKα emission band than RGO sheets, which was related to the greater overlapping of pπ and σ orbitals in the more crumpled and corrugated RGO sheets.
Complementary Populations of Human Adipose CD34+ Progenitor Cells Promote Growth, Angiogenesis, and Metastasis of Breast Cancer
Authors: Orecchioni Stefania , Gregato Giuliana , Martin-Padura Ines , Reggiani Francesca , Braidotti Paola , Mancuso Patrizia , Calleri Angelica , Quarna Jessica , Marighetti Paola , Aldeni Chiara , Pruneri Giancarlo , Martella Stefano , Manconi Andrea , Petit Jean-Yves , Rietjens Mario , Bertolini Francesco
Published: August 2013

Obesity is associated with an increased frequency, morbidity, and mortality of several types of neoplastic diseases, including postmenopausal breast cancer. We found that human adipose tissue contains two populations of progenitors with cooperative roles in breast cancer. CD45−CD34+CD31+CD13−CCRL2+ endothelial cells can generate mature endothelial cells and capillaries. Their cancer-promoting effect in the breast was limited in the absence of CD45−CD34+CD31−CD13+CD140b+ mesenchymal progenitors/adipose stromal cells (ASC), which generated pericytes and were more efficient than endothelial cells in promoting local tumor growth. Both endothelial cells and ASCs induced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) gene expression in luminal breast cancer cells. Endothelial cells (but not ASCs) migrated to lymph nodes and to contralateral nascent breast cancer lesions where they generated new vessels. In vitro and in vivo, endothelial cells were more efficient than ASCs in promoting tumor migration and in inducing metastases. Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) effectively mobilized endothelial cells (but not ASCs), and the addition of chemotherapy and/or of CXCR4 inhibitors did not increase endothelial cell or ASC blood mobilization. Our findings suggest that adipose tissue progenitor cells cooperate in driving progression and metastatic spread of breast cancer. Cancer Res; 73(19); 5880–91. ©2013 AACR.
Combination of Antibody That Inhibits Ligand-Independent HER3 Dimerization and a p110α Inhibitor Potently Blocks PI3K Signaling and Growth of HER2+ Breast Cancers
Authors: Garrett Joan T. , Sutton Cammie R. , Kurupi Richard , Bialucha Carl Uli , Ettenberg Seth A. , Collins Scott D. , Sheng Qing , Wallweber Jerry , DeFazio-Eli Lisa , Arteaga Carlos L.
Published: August 2013

We examined the effects of LJM716, an HER3 (ERBB3) neutralizing antibody that inhibits ligand-induced and ligand-independent HER3 dimerization, as a single agent and in combination with BYL719, an ATP competitive p110α-specific inhibitor, against HER2-overexpressing breast and gastric cancers. Treatment with LJM716 reduced HER2-HER3 and HER3-p85 dimers, P-HER3 and P-AKT, both in vitro and in vivo. Treatment with LJM716 alone markedly reduced growth of BT474 xenografts. The combination of LJM716/lapatinib/trastuzumab significantly improved survival of mice with BT474 xenografts compared with lapatinib/trastuzumab (P = 0.0012). LJM716 and BYL719 synergistically inhibited growth in a panel of HER2+ and PIK3CA mutant cell lines. The combination also inhibited P-AKT in HER2-overexpressing breast cancer cells and growth of HER2+ NCI-N87 gastric cancer xenografts more potently than LJM716 or BYL719 alone. Trastuzumab-resistant HER2+/PIK3CA mutant MDA453 xenografts regressed completely after 3 weeks of therapy with LJM716 and BYL719, whereas either single agent inhibited growth only partially. Finally, mice with BT474 xenografts treated with trastuzumab/LJM716, trastuzumab/BYL719, LJM716/BYL719, or trastuzumab/LJM716/BYL719 exhibited similar rates of tumor regression after 3 weeks of treatment. Thirty weeks after treatment discontinuation, 14% of mice were treated with trastuzumab/LJM716/BYL719, whereas >80% in all other treatment groups were sacrificed due to a recurrent large tumor burden (P = 0.0066). These data suggest that dual blockade of the HER2 signaling network with an HER3 antibody that inhibits HER2-HER3 dimers in combination with a p110α-specific inhibitor in the absence of a direct HER2 antagonist is an effective treatment approach against HER2-overexpressing cancers. Cancer Res; 73(19); 6013–23. ©2013 AACR.
Age at Diagnosis May Trump Family History in DrivingBRCATesting in a Population of Breast Cancer Patients
Authors: Vig Hetal S. , McCarthy Anne Marie , Liao Kaijun , Demeter Mirar Bristol , Fredericks Tracey , Armstrong Katrina
Published: August 2013

Background: Standard BRCA genetic testing criteria include young age of diagnosis, family history, and Jewish ancestry. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of these criteria on BRCA test utilization in breast cancer patients.

Methods: Breast cancer patients aged 18 to 64 years living in Pennsylvania in 2007 completed a survey on family history of breast and ovarian cancer and BRCA testing (N = 2,213). Multivariate logistic regression was used to estimate odds of BRCA testing by patient characteristics, and predicted probabilities of testing were calculated for several clinical scenarios.

Results: Young age at diagnosis (<50 years) was strongly associated with BRCA testing, with women diagnosed before age 50 years having nearly five times the odds of receiving BRCA testing compared to women diagnosed at age 50 or older (OR = 4.81; 95% CI, 3.85–6.00; P < 0.001). Despite a similar BRCA mutation prevalence estimate (8–10%), a young Jewish patient <50 years with no family history had markedly higher predicted probability of testing (63%) compared with an older, non-Jewish breast cancer patient with more than one first-degree relative (43%).

Conclusion: Age at diagnosis, Jewish ancestry, and both maternal and paternal family history are strongly predictive of BRCA testing. However, among women diagnosed at age 50 or older, family history may be an underused criterion that may benefit from targeted intervention.

Impact: Robust methods specific to ascertaining detailed family history, such as through electronic medical records, are needed to accurately identify patients for BRCA testing. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 22(10); 1778–85. ©2013 AACR.