bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A DESIGN OF OPTIMUM SCREENING PROCEDURE USING SURROGATE VARIABLE
Authors: TSAI TZONG-RU , CHIANG JYUN-YOU , CHANG SHING I
Published: November 2011

In this article, a new profit function based on a surrogate variable of its performance variable is provided to develop an optimum screening procedure for manufacturing. The optimum screening procedure helps producers set up the mean level of manufacturing and the screening limits of a surrogate variable to reach a maximum expected profit per unit. The proposed method is useful when the products in the manufacturing process are classified into different grades and sold in two alternate markets. A cement-packing example is used to illustrate the proposed method, and a numerical study is conducted to evaluate the effects of cost components and distribution parameters on the expected profit per unit. The proposed screening procedure provides a significant improvement over existing methods in term of higher expected profit per unit.
MEASUREMENTS AND ANALYSIS OF ELECTROMAGNETIC INTERFERENCE IN A RAILWAY SIGNAL BOX — A CASE STUDY
Authors: NISKA STEFAN , SCHUNNESSON HÅKAN , KUMAR UDAY
Published: November 2011

In general railway infrastructure operates in a complex and non homogeneous environment where low power electronics has to function in the similar environment as large voltages and currents from the trains. The environment close to the railway tracks is heavily polluted by electromagnetic (EM) noise from the railway systems itself. The reliability of the railway signalling-, communication-, and control system depends on the degree of isolation from EM noise. It is important to observe the real system and its characteristics in real situation. The complexity of the infrastructure is not easy to simulate or calculate, and therefore measurements were performed on real system in operation. A large number of measurements were made on site at signalling systems and installations of Banverket (the Swedish Rail Administration). By studying and analyzing these measurements, the extent of EMI (Electromagnetic interferences) -related faults can be estimated. In situ measurements must be performed on systems that have obvious problems show increasingly fast and high transients in a DC signalling subsystem. The statistics also show an increased activity of transients during a period before a certain circuit in this system gets out of order. The presented results clearly show how the electromagnets interference effects he signalling system in a signalling box. The measurements in this case study have provided new information on a railway subsystem and have revealed frequencies that are difficult to explain at this moment.
INITIAL DATA FOR NUMERICAL RELATIVITY: THE USE OF SPECTRAL METHODS
Authors: ALCOFORADO M. A. , DE OLIVEIRA H. P. , RODRIGUES E. L.
Published: November 2011

The determination of physical initial data is an important task in numerical relativity. In this direction we have applied the Galerkin and collocation methods to solve the Hamiltonian constraints resulting from the Cauchy formulation in the cases of spacetimes containing black holes as described by Ref. 1. We have shown that a considerable improvement in the accuracy is obtained if the basis functions are chosen such that the boundary conditions are satisfied. We have also introduced a new approach to solve numerically the constraint equations which consists in transforming them into parabolic equations after introducing fictitious diffusion terms. As a consequence, the application of Galerkin or collocation methods produces a dynamical system whose stationary solution corresponds to the initial data.
ANISOTROPIC FLUID INSIDE A RELATIVISTIC STAR
Authors: CULETU HRISTU
Published: November 2011

An anisotropic fluid with variable energy density and negative pressure is proposed, both outside and inside stars. The gravitational field is constant everywhere in free space (if we neglect the local contributions) and its value is of the order of g = 10 -8cm/s2, in accordance with MOND model. With ρ, p ∝ 1/r, the acceleration is also constant inside stars but the value is different from one star to another and depends on their mass M and radius R. In spite of the fact that the spacetime is of Rindler type and curved even far from a local mass, the active gravitational energy on the horizon is -1/4g, as for the flat Rindler space, excepting the negative sign.
THE MODIFIED BARGMANN-WIGNER FORMALISM FOR HIGHER SPIN FIELDS AND RELATIVISTIC QUANTUM MECHANICS
Authors: DVOEGLAZOV VALERIY V.
Published: November 2011

On the basis of our recent modifications of the Dirac formalism we generalize the Bargmann-Wigner formalism for higher spins to be compatible with other formalisms for bosons and fermions. Connections with dual electrodynamics, with the Ogievetskii-Polubarinov notoph and the Weinberg 2(2 S +1) theory are found. Next, we proceed to derive the equations for the symmetric tensor of the second rank on the basis of the Bargmann-Wigner formalism in a straightforward way. The symmetric multispinor of the fourth rank is used. It is constructed out of the Dirac 4-spinors. Due to serious problems with the interpretation of results we generalize the standard procedure and we obtain the spin-2 relativistic equations, which are consistent with the Einstein-Hilbert equation. We introduce the dual analogues of the Riemann tensor and we derive corresponding dynamical equations in the Minkowski space. Connections with the Marques-Spehler chiral gravity theory are discussed. The importance of the 4-vector field (and its gauge part) is pointed out. The spin-3/2 case is briefly discussed too.
EVOLUTION OF NON-GAUSSIANITY IN MULTI-SCALAR FIELD MODELS
Authors: ELLISTON JOSEPH , MULRYNE DAVID , SEERY DAVID , TAVAKOL REZA
Published: November 2011

We study the evolution of non-Gaussianity in multiple-field inflationary models, focusing on three fundamental questions: (a) How is the sign and peak magnitude of the non-linearity parameter f NL related to generic features in the inflationary potential? (b) How sensitive is f NL to the process by which an adiabatic limit is reached, where the curvature perturbation becomes conserved? (c) For a given model, what is the appropriate tool – analytic or numerical – to calculate f NL at the adiabatic limit? We summarise recent results obtained by the authors and further elucidate them by considering an inflection point model.
CASIMIR EFFECT IN DE SITTER SPACETIME
Authors: SAHARIAN A. A.
Published: November 2011

The vacuum expectation value of the energy-momentum tensor and the Casimir forces are investigated for a massive scalar field with an arbitrary curvature coupling parameter in the geometry of two parallel plates, on the background of de Sitter spacetime. The field is prepared in the Bunch–Davies vacuum state and is constrained to satisfy Robin boundary conditions on the plates. The vacuum energy-momentum tensor is non-diagonal, with the off-diagonal component corresponding to the energy flux along the direction normal to the plates. It is shown that the curvature of the background spacetime decisively influences the behavior of the Casimir forces at separations larger than the curvature radius of de Sitter spacetime. In dependence of the curvature coupling parameter and the mass of the field, two different regimes are realized, which exhibit monotonic or oscillatory behavior of the forces. The decay of the Casimir force at large plate separation is shown to be power-law, with independence of the value of the field mass.
ANALYSIS OF PRIMORDIAL NON-GAUSSIANITIES IN CMB DATA
Authors: GARCIA MARCOS A. , BERNUI ARMANDO , FERREIRA THIAGO , OLIVEIRA ADHIMAR F. , MORAES ALISON DE O.
Published: November 2011

In less than twenty years cosmology has evolved from being a theoretical endeavor to a science where observational data is becoming so precise that can rule out, or confirm, models and theories. This spectacular advance in observational cosmology was mainly due to the COBE and WMAP satellites which mapped the cosmic microwave background (CMB) radiation. In particular, the recent high quality measurements from WMAP-7yr constitute at present the most precise data to understand physics of the very early universe. In the standard model of cosmology, inflation is considered the dominant paradigm for the generation of the primordial density perturbations regarded as the seeds for structure formation. A powerful probe to investigate the nature of these primordial seeds is performed through the analysis of Gaussian deviations in the temperature fluctuations of the CMB. In fact, present and forthcoming CMB data may be sensitive enough to detect tiny Gaussian deviations induced by small non-linear primordial perturbations at the inflation era. Here we investigate the use of wavelets transform in the analyses of small non-Gaussianities of local type in CMB data from WMAP-7yr.
SELF-INTERACTION FOR PARTICLES IN THE WORMHOLE SPACE-TIMES
Authors: KHUSNUTDINOV NAIL
Published: November 2011

The self-energy and self-force for particles with electric and scalar charges at rest in the space-time of massless and massive wormholes are considered. The particle with electric charge is always attracted to wormhole throat for arbitrary profile of the throat. The self-force for scalar particle shows different behavior depending on the non-minimal coupling. The self-force for massive scalar field is localized close to the throat of the wormhole.
QUASIBLACK HOLES AND BLACK HOLE ENTROPY
Authors: ZASLAVSKII O. B.
Published: November 2011

We trace the origin of the black hole entropy S by replacing a black hole by a quasiblack hole. Let the boundary of a static body approach its own gravitational radius, in such a way that a quasihorizon forms. We show that if the body is thermal with the temperature taking the Hawking value at the quasihorizon limit, it follows, in the nonextremal case, from the first law of thermodynamics that the entropy approaches the Bekenstein-Hawking value S = A/4. The entropy comes from the quasihorizon surface. For extremal quasiblack holes, the entropy S is model-dependent and depends also on the way the temperature at infinity approaches zero value.
Chronic Akt blockade aggravates pathological hypertrophy and inhibits physiological hypertrophy
Authors: Buss Sebastian J. , Riffel Johannes H. , Malekar Pratima , Hagenmueller Marco , Asel Christina , Zhang Min , Weiss Celine , Katus Hugo A. , Hardt Stefan E.
Published: November 2011

The attenuation of adverse myocardial remodeling and pathological left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy is one of the hallmarks for improving the prognosis after myocardial infarction (MI). The protein kinase Akt plays a central role in regulating cardiac hypertrophy, but the in vivo effects of chronic pharmacological inhibition of Akt are unknown. We investigated the effect of chronic Akt blockade with deguelin on the development of pathological [MI and aortic banding (AB)] and physiological (controlled treadmill running) hypertrophy. Primary cardiomyocyte cultures were incubated with 10 μmol deguelin for 48 h, and Wistar rats were treated orally with deguelin (4.0 mg·kg−1·day−1) for 4 wk starting 1 day after the induction of MI or AB. Exercise-trained animals received deguelin for 4 wk during the training period. In vitro, we observed reduced phosphorylation of Akt and glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)-3β after an incubation with deguelin, whereas MAPK signaling was not significantly affected. In vivo, treatment with deguelin led to attenuated phosphorylation of Akt and GSK-3β 4 wk after MI. These animals showed significantly increased heart weights and impaired LV function with increased end-diastolic diameters (12.0 ± 0.3 vs. 11.1 ± 0.3 mm, P < 0.05), end-diastolic volumes (439 ± 8 vs. 388 ± 18 μl, P < 0.05), and cardiomyocyte sizes (+20%, P < 0.05) compared with MI animals receiving vehicle treatment. Furthermore, activation of Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent kinase II in deguelin-treated MI animals was increased compared with the vehicle-treated group. Four wk after AB, we observed an augmentation of pathological hypertrophy in the deguelin-treated group with a significant increase in heart weights and cardiomyocyte sizes (>20%, P < 0.05). In contrast, the development of physiological hypertrophy was inhibited by deguelin treatment in exercise-trained animals. In conclusion, chronic Akt blockade with deguelin aggravates adverse myocardial remodeling and antagonizes physiological hypertrophy.
Morelloflavone, a biflavonoid inhibitor of migration-related kinases, ameliorates atherosclerosis in mice
Authors: Pinkaew Decha , Hutadilok-Towatana Nongporn , Teng Ba-Bie , Mahabusarakam Wilawan , Fujise Ken
Published: November 2011

While macrophages take up modified LDL to form foam cells and multiply to develop fatty streaks, vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) migrate from the media to intima, secrete extracellular matrix, and increase the volume of atherosclerotic lesions. A medicinal plant Garcinia dulcis has been used in traditional Thai medicine for centuries to treat various chronic human diseases. Morelloflavone, a biflavonoid and an active ingredient of the plant, has been shown to inhibit VSMC migration through its inhibition of multiple migration-related kinases such as focal adhesion kinase, c-Src, ERK, and RhoA. However, the exact role of morelloflavone in atherosclerogenesis was unknown. We fed Ldlr−/−Apobec1−/−mice with either normal chow or chow containing 0.003% morelloflavone for 8 mo and assessed the extent of atherosclerosis by the en face and cross-sectional analyses. A cell composition analysis of atherosclerotic tissue was carried out using immunohistochemical staining. Oral morelloflavone therapy significantly reduced the atherosclerotic areas of the mouse aortas (a 26% reduction), without changing plasma lipid profiles or weights. Immunohistochemical analyses showed that morelloflavone reduced the number of VSMC in the atherosclerotic lesion while it did not change the density of macrophages in the lesion or the percentages of proliferating and apoptotic cells. Oral, low-dose, morelloflavone therapy retards atherosclerogenesis by limiting the migration of VSMC into the intima in the mouse model of human atherosclerosis. Upon further investigation, morelloflavone may be found to be a novel oral antiatherosclerotic agent and a viable addition to the conventional therapies such as statins in humans.
Adipocyte-specific deficiency of angiotensinogen decreases plasma angiotensinogen concentration and systolic blood pressure in mice
Authors: Yiannikouris Frederique , Karounos Michael , Charnigo Richard , English Victoria L. , Rateri Debra L. , Daugherty Alan , Cassis Lisa A.
Published: November 2011

Previous studies demonstrated that overexpression of angiotensinogen (AGT) in adipose tissue increased blood pressure. However, the contribution of endogenous AGT in adipocytes to the systemic renin-angiotensin system (RAS) and blood pressure control is undefined. To define a role of adipocyte-derived AGT, mice with loxP sites flanking exon 2 of the AGT gene ( Agtfl/fl) were bred to transgenic mice expressing Cre recombinase under the control of an adipocyte fatty acid-binding protein 4 promoter (aP2) promoter to generate mice with adipocyte AGT deficiency ( AgtaP2). AGT mRNA abundance in adipose tissue and AGT secretion from adipocytes were reduced markedly in adipose tissues of AgtaP2mice. To determine the contribution of adipocyte-derived AGT to the systemic RAS and blood pressure control, mice were fed normal laboratory diet for 2 or 12 mo. In males and females of each genotype, body weight and fat mass increased with age. However, there was no effect of adipocyte AGT deficiency on body weight, fat mass, or adipocyte size. At 2 and 12 mo of age, mice with deficiency of AGT in adipocytes had reduced plasma concentrations of AGT (by 24–28%) compared with controls. Moreover, mice lacking AGT in adipocytes exhibited reduced systolic blood pressures compared with controls ( Agtfl/fl, 117 ± 2; AgtaP2, 110 ± 2 mmHg; P < 0.05). These results demonstrate that adipocyte-derived AGT contributes to the systemic RAS and blood pressure control.
Mitochondria-derived superoxide and voltage-gated sodium channels in baroreceptor neurons from chronic heart-failure rats
Authors: Tu Huiyin , Liu Jinxu , Zhu Zhen , Zhang Libin , Pipinos Iraklis I. , Li Yu-Long
Published: November 2011

Our previous study has shown that chronic heart failure (CHF) reduces expression and activation of voltage-gated sodium (Nav) channels in baroreceptor neurons, which are involved in the blunted baroreceptor neuron excitability and contribute to the impairment of baroreflex in the CHF state. The present study examined the role of mitochondria-derived superoxide in the reduced Nav channel function in coronary artery ligation-induced CHF rats. CHF decreased the protein expression and activity of mitochondrial complex enzymes and manganese SOD (MnSOD) and elevated the mitochondria-derived superoxide level in the nodose neurons compared with those in sham nodose neurons. Adenoviral MnSOD (Ad.MnSOD) gene transfection (50 multiplicity of infection) into the nodose neurons normalized the MnSOD expression and reduced the elevation of mitochondrial superoxide in the nodose neurons from CHF rats. Ad.MnSOD also partially reversed the reduced protein expression and current density of the Nav channels and the suppressed cell excitability (the number of action potential and the current threshold for inducing action potential) in aortic baroreceptor neurons from CHF rats. Data from the present study indicate that mitochondrial dysfunction, including decreased protein expression and activity of mitochondrial complex enzymes and MnSOD and elevated mitochondria-derived superoxide, contributes to the reduced Nav channel activation and cell excitability in the aortic baroreceptor neurons in CHF rats.
Factors Affecting EWS-FLI1 Activity in Ewing's Sarcoma
Authors: Herrero-Martin David , Fourtouna Argyro , Niedan Stephan , Riedmann Lucia T. , Schwentner Raphaela , Aryee Dave N. T.
Published: November 2011

Ewing's sarcoma family tumors (ESFT) are characterized by specific chromosomal translocations, which give rise to EWS-ETS chimeric proteins. These aberrant transcription factors are the main pathogenic drivers of ESFT. Elucidation of the factors influencing EWS-ETS expression and/or activity will guide the development of novel therapeutic agents against this fatal disease.
Epitope Analysis of Cerebrospinal Fluid IgG in Japanese Multiple Sclerosis Patients Using Phage Display Method
Authors: Fujimori Juichi , Nakashima Ichiro , Fujihara Kazuo , Misu Tatsuro , Sato Shigeru , Itoyama Yasuto
Published: November 2011

To investigate the antigen recognized by cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) high affinity IgG in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), the phage display method was applied to the CSF from 15 MS and 10 control patients. Peptide sequences recognized by MS and control CSF IgG were individual specific, and no common motif was found. Peptide sequences frequently showed homology to various kinds of amino acid sequences of ubiquitous viruses such as epstein barr virus (EBV) and herpes simplex virus (HSV), although the frequency was not specific to MS patients. MS CSF IgG may recognize various types of ubiquitous viral antigen and may be increased by a bystander response.
Separation Strategies for Processing of Dilute Liquid Streams
Authors: Mandal Sujata , Kulkarni Bhaskar D.
Published: November 2011

Processing of dilute liquid streams in the industries like food, agro‐, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, environment, and so forth needs special strategy for the separation and purification of the desired product and for environment friendly disposal of the waste stream. The separation strategy adopted to achieve the goal is extremely important from economic as well as from environmental point of view. In the present paper we have reviewed the various aspects of some selected universal separation strategies such as adsorption, membrane separation, electrophoresis, chromatographic separation, and electroosmosis that are exercised for processing of dilute liquid streams.
Role of Positive Selection in Functional Divergence of Mammalian Neuronal Apoptosis Inhibitor Proteins during Evolution
Authors: Kong Fanzhi , Su Zhaoliang , Zhou Chenglin , Sun Caixia , Liu Yanfang , Zheng Dong , Yuan Hongyan , Yin Jingping , Fang Jie , Wang Shengjun , Xu Huaxi
Published: November 2011

Neuronal apoptosis inhibitor proteins (NAIPs) are members of Nod‐like receptor (NLR) protein family. Recent research demostrated that some NAIP genes were strongly associated with both innate immunity and many inflammatory diseases in humans. However, no similar phenomena have been reported in other mammals. Furthermore, some NAIP genes have undergone pseudogenization or have been lost during the evolution of some higher mammals. We therefore aimed to determine if functional divergence had occurred, and if natural selection had played an important role in the evolution of these genes. The results showed that NAIP genes have undergone pseudogenization and functional divergence, driven by positive selection. Positive selection has also influenced NAIP protein structure, resulting in further functional divergence.
Filgrastim as a Rescue Therapy for Persistent Neutropenia in a Case of Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome and Myocarditis
Authors: Deepak Desh , Garg Rakesh , Pawar Mridula , Banerjee Neerja , Solanki Rakesh , Maurya Indubala
Published: November 2011

Pathogenesis of dengue involves suppression of immune system leading to development of characteristic presentation of haematological picture of thrombocytopenia and leucopenia. Sometimes, this suppression in immune response is responsible for deterioration in clinical status of the patient in spite of all specific and supportive therapy. Certain drugs like steroids are used for rescue therapy in conditions like sepsis. We present a novel use of filgrastim as a rescue therapy in a patient with dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), myocarditis, and febrile neutropenia and not responding to standard management.
Angiogenesis in Head and Neck Cancer: A Review of the Literature
Authors: Carla Codecà , Daris Ferrari , Cecilia Bertuzzi , Francesca Broggio , Francesca Crepaldi , Paolo Foa
Published: November 2011

Angiogenesis is a necessary process for tumor growth, progression and diffusion. In the last years many efforts have been made to understand the mechanisms necessary to the formation of new vessels in tumor tissue and how to integrate these findings in the treatment of different type of cancer. Thanks to these studies there are today many anti-angiogenic drugs with established activity in cancer and approved in clinical practice. Head and neck cancer is a common tumor worldwide that often has advanced stage at diagnosis and poor prognosis. Angiogenesis has a well recognized role in head and neck cancer progression and resistance to drugs and radiotherapy and many clinical trials has been conducted with antiangiogenic agents in this disease, even if they often showed limited efficacy. In this review we summarize the main trials published about angiogenesis in head and neck cancer with particular attention to factors involved in this process and the available data on the efficacy of treatment with anti-angiogenic agents in this disease.
Tissue Engineering for Rotator Cuff Repair: An Evidence-Based Systematic Review
Authors: Maffulli Nicola , Longo Umile Giuseppe , Loppini Mattia , Berton Alessandra , Spiezia Filippo , Denaro Vincenzo
Published: November 2011

The purpose of this systematic review was to address the treatment of rotator cuff tears by applying tissue engineering approaches to improve tendon healing, specifically platelet rich plasma (PRP) augmentation, stem cells, and scaffolds. Our systematic search was performed using the combination of the following terms: “rotator cuff”, “shoulder”, “PRP”, “platelet rich plasma”, “stemcells”, “scaffold”, “growth factors”, and “tissue engineering”. No level I or II studies were found on the use of scaffolds and stem cells for rotator cuff repair. Three studies compared rotator cuff repair with or without PRP augmentation. All authors performed arthroscopic rotator cuff repair with different techniques of suture anchor fixation and different PRP augmentation. The three studies found no difference in clinical rating scales and functional outcomes between PRP and control groups. Only one study showed clinical statistically significant difference between the two groups at the 3-month followup. Any statistically significant difference in the rates of tendon rerupture between the control group and the PRP group was found using the magnetic resonance imaging. The current literature on tissue engineering application for rotator cuff repair is scanty. Comparative studies included in this review suggest that PRP augmented repair of a rotator cuff does not yield improved functional and clinical outcome compared with non-augmented repair at a medium and long-term followup.
Structure and Dynamics of Dinucleosomes Assessed by Atomic Force Microscopy
Authors: Filenko Nina A. , Palets Dmytro B. , Lyubchenko Yuri L.
Published: November 2011

Dynamics of nucleosomes and their interactions are important for understanding the mechanism of chromatin assembly. Internucleosomal interaction is required for the formation of higher-order chromatin structures. Although H1 histone is critically involved in the process of chromatin assembly, direct internucleosomal interactions contribute to this process as well. To characterize the interactions of nucleosomes within the nucleosome array, we designed a dinucleosome and performed direct AFM imaging. The analysis of the AFM data showed dinucleosomes are very dynamic systems, enabling the nucleosomes to move in a broad range along the DNA template. Di-nucleosomes in close proximity were observed, but their population was low. The use of the zwitterionic detergent, CHAPS, increased the dynamic range of the di-nucleosome, facilitating the formation of tight di-nucleosomes. The role of CHAPS and similar natural products in chromatin structure and dynamics is also discussed.
The Effect ofTinospora crispaon Serum Glucose and Insulin Levels in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Klangjareonchai Theerawut , Roongpisuthipong Chulaporn
Published: November 2011

Objective. To determine the effects ofTinospora crispaon serum glucose and insulin levels in healthy subjects and patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.Method. Serum from 10 healthy subjects and 10 diabetic participants, who had fasted overnight, were obtained every 30–60 minutes during the 3 hours of continued fasting and during the 3 hours after ingestion of 75 g of glucose with or without ingestion of 125 or 250 g ofTinospora crispadry powder capsule. Glucose and Insulin levels were analyzed and the areas under the curve for mean serum glucose and insulin levels were calculated.Result. The areas under the curve of mean serum glucose and insulin levels in both healthy and diabetic participants were not significantly different between with or withoutTinospora crispadry powder capsule. In diabetic participants the area under the curve of glucose was slightly lesser when 250 mg ofTinospora crispawas ingested, but not reaching statistical significance (478 and 444 mg min/ml, resp.,P=0.57).Conclusion. The results suggest thatTinospora crispaingestion cannot affect serum glucose and insulin levels in healthy subjects or patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Quality Control Methodology and Their Application in Analysis on HPLC Fingerprint Spectra of Herbal Medicines
Authors: Hua-Bin Zou , Ai-Qin Du , Xin-Ling Zhang , Pei-Hai Wei , Wei-Jie Lu , Guo-Sheng Yang , Aboul-Enein Hassan Y.
Published: November 2011

As traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is gradually accepted by many countries, people pay much attention to the quality of herbal medicines. Because of the significant variation in active components in them, the quality control of herbal medicines is a very important issue. Nowadays, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) fingerprint spectra (FPS) are widely used in identification and quality control of herbal medicines. This paper will analyze the methodology and their application in identifying and evaluating herbal medicines by means of HPLC FPS, which includes simple comparing, clustering, principal component analysis (PCA), and similarity analysis methods.
Stent Fracture, Valve Dysfunction, and Right Ventricular Outflow Tract Reintervention After Transcatheter Pulmonary Valve Implantation
Authors: McElhinney Doff B. , Cheatham John P. , Jones Thomas K. , Lock James E. , Vincent Julie A. , Zahn Evan M. , Hellenbrand William E.
Published: November 2011

Background—

Among patients undergoing transcatheter pulmonary valve (TPV) replacement with the Melody valve, risk factors for Melody stent fracture (MSF) and right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) reintervention have not been well defined.

Methods and Results—

From January 2007 to January 2010, 150 patients (median age, 19 years) underwent TPV implantation in the Melody valve Investigational Device Exemption trial. Existing conduit stents from a prior catheterization were present in 37 patients (25%, fractured in 12); 1 or more new prestents were placed at the TPV implant catheterization in 51 patients. During follow-up (median, 30 months), MSF was diagnosed in 39 patients. Freedom from a diagnosis of MSF was 77±4% at 14 months (after the 1-year evaluation window) and 60±9% at 39 months (3-year window). On multivariable analysis, implant within an existing stent, new prestent, or bioprosthetic valve (combined variable) was associated with longer freedom from MSF (
P
<0.001), whereas TPV compression (
P
=0.01) and apposition to the anterior chest wall (
P
=0.02) were associated with shorter freedom from MSF. Freedom from RVOT reintervention was 86±4% at 27 months. Among patients with a MSF, freedom from RVOT reintervention after MSF diagnosis was 49±10% at 2 years. Factors associated with reintervention were similar to those for MSF.

Conclusions—

MSF was common after TPV implant in this multicenter experience and was more likely in patients with severely obstructed RVOT conduits and when the TPV was directly behind the anterior chest wall and/or clearly compressed. A TPV implant site protected by a prestent or bioprosthetic valve was associated with lower risk of MSF and reintervention.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00740870.
Carbodiimide Cross-linking Inactivates Soluble and Matrix-bound MMPs, in vitro
Authors: Tezvergil-Mutluay A. , Mutluay M.M. , Agee K.A. , Seseogullari-Dirihan R. , Hoshika T. , Cadenaro M. , Breschi L. , Vallittu P. , Tay F.R. , Pashley D.H.
Published: November 2011

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) cause collagen degradation in hybrid layers created by dentin adhesives. This in vitro study evaluated the feasibility of using a cross-linking agent, 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide (EDC), to inactivate soluble rhMMP-9, as an example of dentin MMPs, and matrix-bound dentin proteases. The inhibitory effects of 5 EDC concentrations (0.01-0.3 M) and 5 incubation times (1-30 min) on soluble rhMMP-9 were screened with an MMP assay kit. The same EDC concentrations were used to evaluate their inhibitory effects on endogenous proteinases from completely demineralized dentin beams that were incubated in simulated body fluid for 30 days. Decreases in modulus of elasticity (E) and dry mass of the beams, and increases in hydroxyproline content of hydrolysates derived from the incubation medium were used as indirect measures of matrix collagen hydrolysis. All EDC concentrations and pre-treatment times inactivated MMP-9 by 98% to 100% (p < 0.05) compared with non-cross-linked controls. Dentin beams incubated in 0.3 M EDC showed only a 9% decrease in E (45% decrease in control), a 3.6% to 5% loss of dry mass (18% loss in control), and significantly less solubilized hydroxyproline when compared with the control without EDC cross-linking (p < 0.05). It is concluded that EDC application for 1 min may be a clinically relevant and effective means for inactivating soluble rhMMP-9 and matrix-bound dentin proteinases if further studies demonstrate that EDC is not toxic to pulpal tissues.
The Identification and Performance of Gifted Students With Learning Disability Diagnoses
Authors: Lovett Benjamin J. , Sparks Richard L.
Published: November 2011

Much has been written about gifted students with learning disabilities, but there have been few large-scale empirical investigations, and the concept has proven controversial. The authors reviewed the available empirical literature on these students, focusing on (a) the criteria by which the students were identified and (b) the students’ performance on standardized tests of ability and achievement. In addition, the test scores of these students were aggregated to determine typical performance levels. A total of 46 empirical articles were reviewed, and major findings included wide variability in identification criteria across studies, frequent reliance on dubious methods of learning disability identification, and a lack of academic impairment among the identified students. Implications for the “gifted/LD” category are discussed.
Student Teaching for a Specialized View of Professional Practice? Opportunities to Learn in and for Urban, High-Needs Schools
Authors: Anderson Lauren , Stillman Jamy
Published: November 2011

This article presents findings from a qualitative study of first-year elementary teachers who assessed the strengths and weaknesses of their preservice student teaching experiences vis-à-vis their inservice realities. Specifically, the study explores opportunities to learn across student teaching placements and analyzes the degree to which placements present participants with equitable opportunities to build a specialized view of professional practice—one that can support them to enact in urban, high-needs schools the kind of practices that research suggests are crucial to the academic success of historically underserved students. Findings highlight the importance of providing preservice teachers with examples of “what’s possible” in the face of tightly regulated, accountability-driven policies. The authors conclude with suggestions for teacher educators concerning the reorganization of student teaching and the strategic mediation of preservice teachers’ learning to ensure that all preservice teachers receive equitable opportunities to learn in and through their placements in the field.
Voluntary Steps toward Air Travel Security
Authors: Morosan Cristian
Published: November 2011

Using a modified version of the Technology Acceptance Model, this study examines travelers’ voluntary adoption of registered traveler biometric systems. Such systems have important consequences for general air travel security, while improving the experiences of registered travelers. This study shows that air travelers’ intentions to use registered traveler biometric systems are influenced by their attitudes toward these systems, which in turn are strongly affected by their perceptions of usefulness, privacy, and to a lesser extent, by ease of use. This study also establishes the critical roles of perceived security and innovativeness toward information technology as indirect antecedents of travelers’ intentions to use registered traveler biometric systems.
Public Knowledge, Private Gain
Authors: Operti Elisa , Carnabuci Gianluca
Published: November 2011

Complementing received research on the role of collaboration networks in fostering interorganizational learning and innovation, the authors focus on the importance of learning from other firms’ public knowledge. To this end they introduce the concept of spillover network—the network of “source” firms whose public knowledge a “recipient” firm is able to readily absorb and use as innovation input. Using patent-based data on a panel of semiconductor firms between 1976 and 2002, the authors demonstrate that firms’ innovative performance tends to be higher when their spillover network is either munificent or rich in structural holes. However, being exposed to a spillover network that is both munificent and rich in structural holes is generally counterproductive. Consistent with the insight that the value of external knowledge inputs depends on the firm-level resources with which it can be bundled, furthermore, the authors argue that the extent to which firms benefit from their spillover network hinges on specific intraorganizational factors—their scientific intensity and degree of downstream integration.
A bibliometric study of Video Retrieval Evaluation Benchmarking (TRECVid): A methodological analysis
Authors: Thornley Clare V. , McLoughlin Shane J. , Johnson Andrea C. , Smeaton Alan F.
Published: November 2011

This paper provides a discussion and analysis of methodological issues encountered during a scholarly impact and bibliometric study within the field of Computer Science (TRECVid Text Retrieval and Evaluation Conference, Video Retrieval Evaluation). The purpose of this paper is to provide a reflection and analysis of the methods used to provide useful information and guidance for those who may wish to undertake similar studies, and is of particular relevance for the academic disciplines which have publication and citation norms that may not perform well using traditional tools. Scopus and Google Scholar are discussed and a detailed comparison of the effects of different search methods and cleaning methods within and between these tools for subject and author analysis is provided. The additional database capabilities and usefulness of ‘Scopus More’ in addition to ‘Scopus General’ are discussed and evaluated. Scopus paper coverage is found to favourably compare with Google Scholar but Scholar consistently has superior performance at finding citations to those papers. These additional citations significantly increase the citation totals and also change the relative ranking of papers. Publish or Perish, a software wrapper for Google Scholar, is also examined and its limitations and some possible solutions are described. Data cleaning methods, including duplicate checks, expert domain checking of bibliographic data, and content checking of retrieved papers, are compared and their relative effects on paper and citation count discussed. Google Scholar and Scopus are also compared as tools for collecting bibliographic data for visualizations of developing trends and, owing to the comparative ease of collecting abstracts, Scopus is found far more effective.
The Effect of a Hill-Sachs Defect on Glenohumeral Translations, In Situ Capsular Forces, and Bony Contact Forces
Authors: Sekiya Jon K. , Jolly John , Debski Richard E.
Published: November 2011

Background: Hill-Sachs defects have been associated with failed repairs for anterior shoulder instability. However, the biomechanical consequences of these defects are not well understood because of the complicated interaction between the passive soft tissue and bony stabilizers.

Hypothesis: The creation of a 25% Hill-Sachs defect would not significantly alter the glenohumeral translations but would increase the in situ forces in the glenohumeral capsule as well as the glenohumeral bony contact forces.

Study Design: Controlled laboratory study.

Methods: A robotic/universal force-moment sensor (UFS) testing system was used to apply joint compression (22 N) and an anterior or posterior load (44 N) to cadaveric shoulders (n = 9) with the skin and deltoid removed (intact) at 3 glenohumeral joint positions (abduction/external rotation): 0°/0°, 30°/30°, and 60°/60° (corresponds to 90°/90° of shoulder abduction/external rotation). A 25% bony defect on the posterolateral humeral head (defect) was then created in the most common position of anterior shoulder dislocation (90°/90°), and the loading protocol was repeated. A nonparametric repeated-measures Friedman test with a Wilcoxon signed-rank post hoc test was performed to compare translations, in situ forces in the capsule, and bony contact forces between each state ( P < .05).

Results:At 0°/0°, anterior translation significantly increased from 15.3 ± 8.2 mm to 16.6 ± 9.0 mm ( P < .05) in response to an anterior load. At 30°/30°, anterior and posterior translations, respectively, significantly increased in response to both anterior (intact: 13.6 ± 7.1 mm vs defect: 14.2 ± 7 mm; P < .05) and posterior loads (intact: 15.7 ± 5.8 mm vs defect: 17.7 ± 5.1 mm; P < .05). In situ force in the capsule during anterior loading was increased in the defect state at both 60°/60° (intact: 38.9 ± 14.4 N vs defect: 43.2 ± 15.9 N; P < .05) and 30°/30° (intact: 39.6 ± 13.8 N vs defect: 45.6 ± 9.3 N; P < .05). The medial bony contact forces were also increased in the defect state at 30°/30° (intact: 25.0 ± 13.8 N vs defect: 28.9 ± 13.2 N; P < .05) during anterior loading.

Conclusion: We believe that the stabilizing function of the intact capsule was the primary contributor to the finding of only small increases of anterior translation, capsule forces, and bony contact forces observed with a 25% Hill-Sachs defect in response to an anterior load.

Clinical Relevance: These findings imply that a 25% Hill-Sachs defect in isolation may not be responsible for recurrent instability if the function of the capsule is restored to the intact state and that the presence of the Hill-Sachs defect may be a marker for significant concomitant injury to the anterior glenoid rim. However, the small changes in these parameters may have long-term implications for the development of osteoarthritis.
Effects of biodegradable Mg–6Zn alloy extracts on cell cycle of intestinal epithelial cells
Authors: Wang Zhanhui , Yan Jun , Zheng Qi , Wang Zhigang , Li Jianan , Zhang Xiaonong , Zhang Shaoxiang
Published: November 2011

In this study, intestinal epithelial cells (IEC)-6 were cultured in different concentration extracts of Mg–6Zn alloys for different time periods. We studied the indirect effects of Mg–6Zn alloys on cell cycle of IEC-6 cells. The cell cycle of IEC-6 cells was measured using flow cytometry. And, the cell cycle of IEC-6 cells was evaluated by investigating the expression of cyclin D1, CDK4, and P21 using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Western blotting tests. It was found that the IEC-6 cells displayed better cell functions in 20% extract of the Mg–6Zn alloy extracts, compared to the 100% or 60% extract. The in vitro results indicated that the conspicuous alkaline environment that is a result of rapid corrosion of Mg–6Zn alloys is disadvantageous to cell cycle of IEC-6 cells.
Eldad and Modad
Authors: Allison Dale C.
Published: November 2011

The Shepherd of Hermas quotes from a work it calls ‘Eldad and Modad’, and several later ecclesiastical book lists also name this writing. While this work is otherwise unknown, there are good reasons for inferring not only that the authors of James, 1 Clement, and 2 Clement also knew ‘Eldad and Modad’, but further that they have preserved a few lines from it. If so, those lines can help us to gain some idea of the nature and shape of this lost apocalypse or pseudepigraphon.
Evaluating the Mind’s Eye
Authors: Pearson Joel , Rademaker Rosanne L. , Tong Frank
Published: November 2011

Can people evaluate phenomenal qualities of internally generated experiences, such as whether a mental image is vivid or detailed? This question exemplifies a problem of metacognition: How well do people know their own thoughts? In the study reported here, participants were instructed to imagine a specific visual pattern and rate its vividness, after which they were presented with an ambiguous rivalry display that consisted of the previously imagined pattern plus an orthogonal pattern. On individual trials, higher ratings of vividness predicted a greater likelihood that the imagined pattern would appear dominant when the participant was subsequently presented with the binocular rivalry display. Off-line self-report questionnaires measuring imagery vividness also predicted individual differences in the strength of imagery bias over the entire study. Perceptual bias due to mental imagery could not be attributed to demand characteristics, as no bias was observed on catch-trial presentations of mock rivalry displays. Our findings provide novel evidence that people have a good metacognitive understanding of their own mental imagery and can reliably evaluate the vividness of single episodes of imagination.
Status, Race, and Money
Authors: Ivanic Aarti S. , Overbeck Jennifer R. , Nunes Joseph C.
Published: November 2011

A deeply entrenched status hierarchy in the United States classifies African Americans as lower status than Caucasians. Concurrently, African Americans face marketplace discrimination; they are treated as inferior and poor. Because having money and spending money signify status, we explored whether African Americans might elevate their willingness to pay for products in order to fulfill status needs. In Studies 1 and 2, explicit activation of the race concept led some African Americans to pay more than they would otherwise pay and also more than Caucasians. Individual differences in perceived status disadvantage and racial identification moderated this result. In Study 3, when race was salient, an overt status threat (inferior treatment in a purchasing context) similarly led African Americans, but not Caucasians, to pay more than they would otherwise pay. This research illustrates how African Americans whose status is threatened use spending as a way to assert status.
Energy analysis of routing protocols in wireless sensor networks for industrial applications
Authors: Abrishambaf Reza , Bayindir Suha N , Hashemipour Majid
Published: November 2011

Wireless sensor network technology is rapidly becoming a feasible solution for monitoring and control applications at the lowest level of manufacturing automation systems. Sensor nodes are energy constrained and therefore designing the communication network should be in such a way that the electronic circuitry consumes minimum energy from the node resource and hence increase the network life time. However, the design of routing protocol of wireless sensor networks is highly application specific and hence the communication protocol should be developed according to the environmental factors of the system. In this paper, an energy analysis of routing protocols is presented and it is shown that for industrial applications such as in a die casting factory, developing routing techniques is highly dependent on the system factors such as the transmission frequency, the number of nodes, the distances between the machines and the message length. The final routing protocol can be determined based on the developed analysis and simulation techniques.