bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Temperature and Precipitation Development at Svalbard 1900–2100
Authors: Førland Eirik J. , Benestad Rasmus , Hanssen-Bauer Inger , Haugen Jan Erik , Skaugen Torill Engen
Published: February 2012

Substantial variations in temperature and precipitation have been observed since the first permanent weather station was established in the Svalbard region in 1911. Temperature and precipitation development are analysed for the longest observational series, and periods with positive and negative trends are identified. For all temperature series, positive linear trends are found for annual values as well as spring, summer, and autumn series. A very strong winter warming is identified for the latest decades. Evaluation of temperature trends downscaled from global climate models forced with observed greenhouse gas emissions suggests that the downscaled results do span the observation-based trends at Svalbard Airport 1912–2010. Novel projections focussing on the Svalbard region indicate a future warming rate up to year 2100 three times stronger than observed during the latest 100 years. The average winter temperature in the Longyearbyen area at the end of this century is projected to be around 10°C higher than in present climate. Also for precipitation, the long-term observational series indicate an increase and the projections indicate a further increase up to year 2100.
MOfinder: A Novel Algorithm for Detecting Overlapping Modules from Protein-Protein Interaction Network
Authors: Yu Qi , Li Gong-Hua , Huang Jing-Fei
Published: February 2012

Since organism development and many critical cell biology processes are organized in modular patterns, many algorithms have been proposed to detect modules. In this study, a new method, MOfinder, was developed to detect overlapping modules in a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network. We demonstrate that our method is more accurate than other 5 methods. Then, we applied MOfinder to yeast and human PPI network and explored the overlapping information. Using the overlapping modules of human PPI network, we constructed the module-module communication network. Functional annotation showed that the immune-related and cancer-related proteins were always together and present in the same modules, which offer some clues for immune therapy for cancer. Our study around overlapping modules suggests a new perspective on the analysis of PPI network and improves our understanding of disease.
Electrospun Nanostructured Fibers of Collagen-Biomimetic Apatite on Titanium Alloy
Authors: Iafisco Michele , Foltran Ismaela , Sabbatini Simona , Tosi Giorgio , Roveri Norberto
Published: February 2012

Titanium and its alloys are currently the mainly used materials to manufacture orthopaedic implants due to their excellent mechanical properties and corrosion resistance. Although these materials are bioinert, the improvement of biological properties (e.g., bone implant contact) can be obtained by the application of a material that mimics the bone extracellular matrix. To this aim, this work describes a new method to produce nanostructured collagen-apatite composites on titanium alloy substrate, by combining electrospinning and biomimetic mineralization. The characterization results showed that the obtained mineralized scaffolds have morphological, structural, and chemical compositional features similar to natural bone extracellular matrix. Finally, the topographic distribution of the chemical composition in the mineralized matrix evaluated by Fourier Transform Infrared microspectroscopy demonstrated that the apatite nanocrystals cover the collagen fibers assembled by the electrospinning.
Effects of Thermocapillarity and Thermal Radiation on Flow and Heat Transfer in a Thin Liquid Film on an Unsteady Stretching Sheet
Authors: Aziz R. C. , Hashim I. , Abbasbandy S.
Published: February 2012

This paper examines the effects of thermocapillarity and thermal radiation on the boundary layer flow and heat transfer in a thin film on an unsteady stretching sheet with nonuniform heat source/sink. The governing
partial differential equations are converted into ordinary differential equations by a similarity transformation and then are solved by using the homotopy analysis method (HAM). The effects of the radiation parameter, the
thermocapillarity number, and the temperature‐dependent parameter in this
study are discussed and presented graphically via velocity and temperature
profiles.
A Systematic Review of Physical Activity Interventions in Hispanic Adults
Authors: Ickes Melinda J. , Sharma Manoj
Published: February 2012

Healthy People 2020 aims to achieve health equity, eliminate disparities, and improve the health of all groups. Regular physical activity (PA) improves overall health and fitness and has the capability to reduce risk for chronic diseases. Identifying barriers which relate to the Hispanic population is important when designing PA interventions. Therefore, the purpose was to review existing PA interventions targeting Hispanic adults published between 1988 and 2011. This paper was limited to interventions which included more than 35% Hispanic adults (n=20). Most of the interventions were community based (n=16), although clinical, family-based, and faith-based settings were also represented. Interventions incorporated theory (n=16), with social cognitive theory and transtheoretical model being used most frequently. Social support was integral, building on the assumption that it is a strong motivator of PA. Each of the interventions reported success related to PA, social support, and/or BMI. Lessons learned should be incorporated into future interventions.
Multiengine Speech Processing Using SNR Estimator in Variable Noisy Environments
Authors: Abu-El-Quran Ahmad R. , Chan Adrian D. C. , Goubran Rafik A.
Published: February 2012

We introduce a multiengine speech processing system that can detect the location and the type of audio signal in variable noisy environments. This system detects the location of the audio source using a microphone array; the system examines the audio first, determines if it is speech/nonspeech, then estimates the value of the signal to noise (SNR) using a Discrete-Valued SNR Estimator. Using this SNR value, instead of trying to adapt the speech signal to the speech processing system, we adapt the speech processing system to the surrounding environment of the captured speech signal. In this paper, we introduced the Discrete-Valued SNR Estimator and a multiengine classifier, using Multiengine Selection or Multiengine Weighted Fusion. Also we use the SI as example of the speech processing.
The Discrete-Valued SNR Estimator achieves an accuracy of 98.4% in characterizing the environment's SNR. Compared to a conventional single engine SI system, the improvement in accuracy was as high as 9.0% and 10.0% for the Multiengine Selection and Multiengine Weighted Fusion, respectively.
Neurodegeneration in Alzheimer Disease: Role of Amyloid Precursor Protein and Presenilin 1 Intracellular Signaling
Authors: Nizzari Mario , Thellung Stefano , Corsaro Alessandro , Villa Valentina , Pagano Aldo , Porcile Carola , Russo Claudio , Florio Tullio
Published: February 2012

Alzheimer disease (AD) is a heterogeneous neurodegenerative disorder characterized by (1) progressive loss of synapses and neurons, (2) intracellular neurofibrillary tangles, composed of hyperphosphorylated Tau protein, and (3) amyloid plaques. Genetically, AD is linked to mutations in few proteins amyloid precursor protein (APP) and presenilin 1 and 2 (PS1 and PS2). The molecular mechanisms underlying neurodegeneration in AD as well as the physiological function of APP are not yet known. A recent theory has proposed that APP and PS1 modulate intracellular signals to induce cell-cycle abnormalities responsible for neuronal death and possibly amyloid deposition. This hypothesis is supported by the presence of a complex network of proteins, clearly involved in the regulation of signal transduction mechanisms that interact with both APP and PS1. In this review we discuss the significance of novel finding related to cell-signaling events modulated by APP and PS1 in the development of neurodegeneration.
Raman Spectroscopy for Quantitative Analysis of Point Defects and Defect Clusters in Irradiated Graphite
Authors: Niwase Keisuke
Published: February 2012

We report the development of Raman spectroscopy as a powerful tool for quantitative analysis of point defect and defect clusters in irradiated graphite. Highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) was irradiated by 25 keV He+ and 20 keV D+ ions. Raman spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy revealed a transformation of irradiated graphite into amorphous state. Annealing experiment indicated a close relation between Raman intensity ratio and vacancy concentration. The change of Raman spectra under irradiation was empirically analyzed by “disordered-region model,” which assumes the transformation from vacancy-contained region to disordered region. The model well explains the change of Raman spectra and predicts the critical dose of amorphization, but the nature of the disordered region is unclear. Then, we advanced the model into “dislocation accumulation model,” assigning the disordered region to dislocation dipole. Dislocation accumulation model can simulate the irradiation time dependencies of Raman intensity ratio and the c-axis expansion under irradiation, giving a relation between the absolute concentration of vacancy and Raman intensity ratio, suggesting an existence of the barrier on the mutual annihilation of vacancy and interstitial.
Weighted -Integral Representations of -Functions in
Authors: Karapetyan Arman H.
Published: February 2012

For -functions , given in the complex space , integral representations of the form are obtained. Here, is the orthogonal projector of the space onto its subspace of entire functions and the integral operator appears by means of explicitly constructed kernel Φ which is investigated in detail.
Patterning Luminescent Nanocrystalline LaPO4 : Eu and CePO4 : Tb Particles Embedded in Hybrid Organosilica with Soft‐Lithographic Techniques
Authors: Khan Sajid U. , ten Elshof Johan E.
Published: February 2012

Eu3+‐doped LaPO4 and Tb3+‐doped CePO4 luminescent nanoparticles embedded in hybrid organosilica were patterned by two soft lithographic techniques. The role of various parameters such as solution chemistry, thermal protocols, and modification of the mold‐substrate surface energies related to pattern shape formation and adhesion to the substrates have been studied. The shrinkage of the oxide patterns and shape evolution during the process was also examined. The patterns were characterized with optical and photoluminescence (PL) microscopy, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Compositional analyses were carried out with X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), low‐energy ion scattering (LEIS), and secondary ion mass spectroscopy (SIMS). The results indicated that the final patterns obtained with these two techniques for the same material have different shapes and adherence to the substrates.
Potential Stemness of Frozen-Thawed Testicular Biopsies without Sperm in Infertile Men Included into theIn VitroFertilization Programme
Authors: Stimpfel Martin , Skutella Thomas , Kubista Mikael , Malicev Elvira , Conrad Sabine , Virant-Klun Irma
Published: February 2012

We describe the potential stemness of a small amount of frozen-thawed testicular tissue without sperm obtained by biopsy from six patients undergoing assisted reproductive treatment. The patients were diagnosed with Sertoli Cell-Only Syndrome alone or combined with maturation arrest. Trying to provide the natural stem cell niche for cultured stem cells, all isolated cells from enzymatically degraded biopsies where cultured together in different culture media and the presence of putative mesenchymal and putative pluripotent ES-like stem cells was indicated using different methods. High throughput real-time quantitative PCR followed by multivariate analysis revealed the formation of distinct cell clusters reflecting high degree of similarity and some of these cell clusters expressed the genes characteristic for pluripotent stem cells. In the presence of the follicular fluid, prepared as serum, putative testicular stem cells showed a certain degree of plasticity, and spontaneously differentiated into adipose-like and neuronal-like cells. Additionally, using differentiation protocols putative testicular stem cells were differentiated into neuronal- and pancreatic-like cells. This study shows that in assisted reproduction programmes, testicular tissue with no sperm might be an important source of stem cells, although it is discarded in daily medical practice; this requires further research.
Pseudomonassp. as a Source of Medium Chain Length Polyhydroxyalkanoates for Controlled Drug Delivery: Perspective
Authors: Kabilan Sujatha , Ayyasamy Mahalakshmi , Jayavel Sridhar , Paramasamy Gunasekaran
Published: February 2012

Controlled drug delivery technology represents one of the most rapidly advancing areas of science. They offer numerous advantages compared to conventional dosage forms including improved efficacy, reduced toxicity, improved patient compliance and convenience. Over the past several decades, many delivery tools or methods were developed such as viral vector, liposome-based delivery system, polymer-based delivery system, and intelligent delivery system. Recently, nonviral vectors, especially those based on biodegradable polymers, have been widely investigated as vectors. Unlike the other polymers tested, polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) have been intensively investigated as a family of biodegradable and biocompatible materials forin vivoapplications as implantable tissue engineering material as well as release vectors for various drugs. On the other hand, the direct use of these polyesters has been hampered by their hydrophobic character and some physical shortcomings, while its random copolymers fulfilled the expectation of biomedical researchers by exhibiting significant mechanical and thermal properties. This paper reviews the strategies adapted to make functional polymer to be utilized as delivery system.
A Proposal of a Practical and Optimal Prophylactic Strategy for Peritoneal Recurrence
Authors: Kuramoto Masafumi , Shimada Shinya , Ikeshima Satoshi , Matsuo Akinobu , Kuhara Hiroshi , Eto Kojiro , Baba Hideo
Published: February 2012

Peritoneal metastasis, which often arises in patients with advanced gastric cancer, is well known as a miserable and ill-fated disease. Once peritoneal metastasis is formed, it is extremely difficult to defeat. We advocated EIPL (extensive intraoperative peritoneal lavage) as a useful and practical adjuvant surgical technique for those gastric cancer patients who are likely to suffer from peritoneal recurrence. In this paper, we review the effect of EIPL therapy on prevention of peritoneal recurrence on patients with peritoneal free cancer cells without overt peritoneal metastasis (CY+/P−) through the prospective randomized study, and we verified its potential as an optimal and standard prophylactic therapeutic strategy for peritoneal recurrence.
Low-Level Detection of Poly(amidoamine) PAMAM Dendrimers Using Immunoimaging Scanning Probe Microscopy
Authors: Cason Chevelle A. , Fabré Thomas A. , Buhrlage Andrew , Haik Kristi L. , Bullen Heather A.
Published: February 2012

Immunoimaging scanning probe microscopy was utilized for the low-level detection and quantification of biotinylated G4 poly(amidoamine) PAMAM dendrimers. Results were compared to those of high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and found to provide a vastly improved analytical method for the low-level detection of dendrimers, improving the limit of detection by a factor of 1000 (LOD=2.5×10−13 moles). The biorecognition method is reproducible and shows high specificity and good accuracy. In addition, the capture assay platform shows a promising approach to patterning dendrimers for nanotechnology applications.
Microarray Analyses of Genes Differentially Expressed by Diet (Black Beans and Soy Flour) during Azoxymethane-Induced Colon Carcinogenesis in Rats
Authors: Rondini Elizabeth A. , Bennink Maurice R.
Published: February 2012

We previously demonstrated that black bean (BB) and soy flour (SF)-based diets inhibit azoxymethane (AOM)-induced colon cancer. The objective of this study was to identify genes altered by carcinogen treatment in normal-appearing colonic mucosa and those attenuated by bean feeding. Ninety-five male F344 rats were fed control (AIN) diets upon arrival. At 4 and 5 weeks, rats were injected with AOM (15 mg/kg) or saline and one week later administered an AIN, BB-, or SF-based diet. Rats were sacrificed after 31 weeks, and microarrays were conducted on RNA isolated from the distal colonic mucosa. AOM treatment induced a number of genes involved in immunity, including several MHC II-associated antigens and innate defense genes (RatNP-3, Lyz2, Pla2g2a). BB- and SF-fed rats exhibited a higher expression of genes involved in energy metabolism and water and sodium absorption and lower expression of innate (RatNP-3, Pla2g2a, Tlr4, Dmbt1) and cell cycle-associated (Cdc2, Ccnb1, Top2a) genes. Genes involved in the extracellular matrix (Col1a1, Fn1) and innate immunity (RatNP-3, Pla2g2a) were induced by AOM in all diets, but to a lower extent in bean-fed animals. This profile suggests beans inhibit colon carcinogenesis by modulating cellular kinetics and reducing inflammation, potentially by preserving mucosal barrier function.
Two‐Dimensional Iterative Processing for DAB Receivers Based on Trellis‐Decomposition
Authors: van Houtum Wim J. , Willems Frans M. J.
Published: February 2012

We investigate iterative trellis decoding techniques for DAB, with the objective of gaining from processing 2D‐blocks in an OFDM scheme, that is, blocks based on the time and frequency dimension, and from trellis decomposition. Trellis‐decomposition methods allow us to estimate the unknown channel phase since this phase relates to the sub‐trellises. We will determine a‐posteriori sub‐trellis probabilities, and use these probabilities for weighting the a‐posteriori symbol probabilities resulting from all the sub‐trellises. Alternatively we can determine a dominant sub‐trellis and use the a‐posteriori symbol probabilities corresponding to this dominant sub‐trellis. This dominant sub‐trellis approach results in a significant complexity reduction. We will investigate both iterative and non‐iterative methods.
The advantage of non‐iterative methods is that their forwardbackward
procedures are extremely simple; however, also their
gain of 0.7 dB, relative to two‐symbol differential detection
(2SDD) at a BER of 10−4, is modest. Iterative procedures lead
to the significantly larger gain of 3.7 dB at a BER of 10−4
for five iterations, where a part of this gain comes from 2D processing.
Simulations of our iterative approach applied to the
TU‐6 (COST207) channel show that we get an improvement of
2.4 dB at a Doppler frequency of 10 Hz.
Combined Beta-Agonists and Corticosteroids Do Not Inhibit Extracellular Matrix Protein Production In Vitro
Authors: Ge Qi , Poniris Maree H. , Moir Lyn M. , Black Judith L. , Burgess Janette K.
Published: February 2012

Background. Persistent asthma is characterized by airway remodeling. Whereas we have previously shown that neither β2-agonists nor corticosteroids inhibit extracellular matrix (ECM) protein release from airway smooth muscle (ASM) cells, the effect of their combination is unknown and this forms the rationale for the present study.
Methods. ASM cells from people with and without asthma were stimulated with TGFβ1 (1 ng/ml) with or without budesonide (10-8 M) and formoterol (10-10 and 10-8 M), and fibronectin expression and IL-6 release were measured by ELISA. Bronchial rings from nonasthmatic individuals were incubated with TGFβ1 (1 ng/ml) with or without the drugs, and fibronectin expression was measured using immunohistochemistry.
Results. Budesonide stimulated fibronectin deposition, in the presence or absence of TGFβ1, and this was partially reversed by formoterol (10-8 M) in both asthmatic and nonasthmatic cells. Budesonide and formoterol in combination failed to inhibit TGFβ-induced fibronectin in either cell type. A similar pattern of expression of fibronectin was seen in bronchial rings. TGFβ1-induced IL-6 release was inhibited by the combination of drugs.
Conclusion. Current combination asthma therapies are unable to prevent or reverse remodeling events regulated by ASM cells.
Improvement of Amperometric Biosensor Performance for H2O2Detection based on Bimetallic PtM (M = Ru, Au, and Ir) Nanoparticles
Authors: Zhang Yuan , Janyasupab Metini , Liu Chen-Wei , Lin Po-Yuan , Wang Kuan-Wen , Xu Jiaqiang , Liu Chung-Chiun
Published: February 2012

Novel bimetallic nanoparticles have been synthesized via rapid microwave irradiation, leading to an improved sensitivity and a highly anti-interference property for amperometric biosensor in H2O2detection. The material characterizations were performed by TEM, XRD, and EDX, which show the bimetallic formation of Pt-based catalysts and well-dispersed nanoparticles of 2–5 nm. The sensitivities for the detection of H2O2of PtRu, PtAu, and PtIr as the biosensor working electrode catalysts are 539.01 (R2=0.99), 415.46 (R2=0.99), and 404.52 (R2=0.97) μA mM−1 cm-2, respectively, nearly twice higher than the pure Pt catalyst (221.77 μA mM−1 cm−2,R2=0.98), at a low applied potential of +0.25 V versus Ag/AgCl. Furthermore, Pt-Ru and Pt-Ir show a highly sensitive response and a promising anti-interference capability to ascorbic acid, a major interferent, by reducing the interferent current as low as 7-8% significantly lower than that of Pt (30% change). The enhancement of both sensitivity and selectivity in the bimetallic catalysts can be found practical applications in biosensing.
Diverse Roles of JNK and MKK Pathways in the Brain
Authors: Yamasaki Tokiwa , Kawasaki Hiroshi , Nishina Hiroshi
Published: February 2012

The c-Jun NH2-terminal protein kinase (JNK) plays important roles in a broad range of physiological processes. JNK is controlled by two upstream regulators, mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MKK) 4 and MKK7, which are activated by various MAPKKKs. Studies employing knockout mice have demonstrated that the JNK signaling pathway is involved in diverse phenomena in the brain, regulating brain development and maintenance as well as animal metabolism and behavior. Furthermore, examination of single or combined knockout mice ofJnk1, Jnk2,andJnk3has revealed both functional differences and redundancy among JNK1, JNK2, and JNK3. Phenotypic differences between knockouts of MKK4 and MKK7 have also been observed, suggesting that the JNK signaling pathway in the brain has a complex nature and is intricately regulated. This paper summarizes the functional properties of the major JNK signaling components in the developing and adult brain.
Various Jobs of Proteolytic Enzymes in Skeletal Muscle during Unloading: Facts and Speculations
Authors: Kachaeva E. V. , Shenkman B. S.
Published: February 2012

Skeletal muscles, namely, postural muscles, as soleus, suffer from atrophy under disuse. Muscle atrophy development caused by unloading differs from that induced by denervation or other stimuli. Disuse atrophy is supposed to be the result of shift of protein synthesis/proteolysis balance towards protein degradation increase. Maintaining of the balance involves many systems of synthesis and proteolysis, whose activation leads to muscle adaptation to disuse rather than muscle degeneration. Here, we review recent data on activity of signaling systems involved in muscle atrophy development under unloading and muscle adaptation to the lack of support.
Aqueous Synthesis of CdTe Quantum Dot Using Dithiol‐Functionalized Ionic Liquid
Authors: Choi Suk Young , Shim Jong Pil , Kim Dong Sun , Kim TaeYoung , Suh Kwang S.
Published: February 2012

We report on an aqueous synthesis of cadmium telluride (CdTe) nanocrystals by using dithiol‐functionalized ionic liquids (dTFILs). The dTFILs were designed to have dithiol and vinylimidazolium functional groups and used as a ligand molecule of CdTe quantum dot (QD) to utilize the bidendate chelate interaction afforded by the dithiol groups of dTFILs. The photoluminescence quantum yield of dTFIL‐capped CdTe QDs reached up to ~40%, and their luminescent property was maintained for 8 weeks, suggesting an improved stability in water phase. This approach will provide a new synthetic route to the water soluble QDs.
Fungal Biofilm Resistance
Authors: Ramage Gordon , Rajendran Ranjith , Sherry Leighann , Williams Craig
Published: February 2012

Fungal biofilm infections have become increasingly recognised as a significant clinical problem. One of the major reasons behind this is the impact that these have upon treatment, as antifungal therapy often fails and surgical intervention is required. This places a large financial burden on health care providers. This paper aims to illustrate the importance of fungal biofilms, particularlyCandida albicans, and discusses some of the key fungal biofilm resistance mechanisms that include, extracellular matrix (ECM), efflux pump activity, persisters, cell density, overexpression of drug targets, stress responses, and the general physiology of the cell. The paper demonstrates the multifaceted nature of fungal biofilm resistance, which encompasses some of the newest data and ideas in the field.
Fluorescence Properties and Synthesis of Green-Emitting Tb3+-Activated Amorphous Calcium Silicate Phosphor by Ultraviolet Irradiation of 378 nm
Authors: Kojima Yoshiyuki , Numazawa Masaaki , Kamei Shinnosuke , Nishimiya Nobuyuki
Published: February 2012

The excitation wavelength of conventional Tb3+-activated phosphor is near 270 nm. This study describes novel green-emitting Tb3+-activated amorphous calcium silicate by ultraviolet excitation at 378 nm. The Tb3+-activated amorphous calcium silicate was prepared by heating a sample of Tb3+-activated calcium silicate hydrate (CSH) at 900°C for 30 minutes. The emission wavelength of the resulting phosphor was 544 nm. The optimum excitation wavelength within the range 300–400 nm was 378 nm. The Tb3+-activated amorphous calcium silicate emitted green by ultraviolet irradiation. The optimum initial Tb/Ca atomic ratio of this phosphor was about 0.5. A mechanism for the action of the phosphor is proposed, in which Tb3+ions existing in the layer of the CSH lead to loss of water molecules and OH groups.
Seasonal Changes in Testes Vascularisation in the Domestic Cat (Felis domesticus): Evaluation of Microvasculature, Angiogenic Activity, and Endothelial Cell Expression
Authors: Alexandre-Pires Graça , Mateus Luísa , Martins Catarina , Ferreira-Dias Graça
Published: February 2012

Some male seasonal breeders undergo testicular growth and regression throughout the year. The objective of this study was to understand the effect of seasonality on: (i) microvasculature of cat testes; (ii) angiogenic activity in testicular tissuein vitro; and (iii) testicular endothelial cells expression throughout the year. Testicular vascular areas increased in March and April, June and July, being the highest in November and December. Testes tissue differently stimulatedin vitroangiogenic activity, according to seasonality, being more evident in February, and November and December. Even though CD143 expression was higher in December, smaller peaks were present in April and July. As changes in angiogenesis may play a role on testes vascular growth and regression during the breeding and non-breeding seasons, data suggest that testicular vascularisation in cats is increased in three photoperiod windows of time, November/December, March/April and June/July. This increase in testicular vascularisation might be related to higher seasonal sexual activity in cats, which is in agreement with the fact that most queens give birth at the beginning of the year, between May and July, and in September.
Solvation-Assisted Young’s Modulus Control of Single-Crystal Fullerene Nanowhiskers
Authors: Kizuka Tokushi , Miyazawa Kun'ichi , Tokumine Takayuki
Published: February 2012

Single-crystal nanowhiskers (NWs) composed of fullerene C70molecules were synthesized by the liquid-liquid interfacial precipitation method that usedm-xylene as a saturated solution of C70molecules. Bending behavior of the individual NWs was observed byin situtransmission electron microscopy equipped with nanonewton force measurements using an optical deflection method. The Young’s modulus of the NWs was estimated to be 0.3–1.9 GPa, which was 2–7% of the moduli of fullerene NWs with similar diameters synthesized using other solvents, that is, toluene and pyridine. The influence of the solvent used in the precipitation method on Young’s modulus is discussed.
Placing Multimode Streaming Applications on Dynamically Partially Reconfigurable Architectures
Authors: Wildermann S. , Angermeier J. , Sibirko E. , Teich J.
Published: February 2012

By means of partial reconfiguration, parts of the hardware can be dynamically exchanged at runtime. This allows that streaming application running in different modes of the systems can share resources. In this paper, we discuss the architectural issues to design such reconfigurable systems. For being able to reduce reconfiguration time, this paper furthermore proposes a novel algorithm to aggregate several streaming applications into a single representation, called merge graph. The paper also proposes an algorithm to place streaming application at runtime which not only considers the placement and communication constraints, but also allows to place merge tasks. In a case study, we implement the proposed algorithm as runtime support on an FPGA-based system on chip. Furthermore, experiments show that reconfiguration time can be considerably reduced by applying our approach.
A Rare Cause of Low Back Pain: Report of a Tailgut Cyst
Authors: Joyce E. A. , Kavanagh D. O. , Winter D. C.
Published: February 2012

Tailgut cysts, also known as retrorectal cystic hamartomas, are rare developmental abnormalities that typically occur in the retrorectal space. They are believed to arise from remnants of the embryonic hindgut (Hjermstad and Helwig, 1988). They can present as incidental findings during routine examination but over half of patients are thought to present with symptoms. MRI has become the modality of choice to image these frequently misdiagnosed cysts. Biopsy is not recommended. Complete intact surgical excision is advised to avoid the potential complications of these cysts which include infection, fistula formation, and the possibility of malignant transformation (Hjermstad and Helwig (1988), Mathis et al. (2010)). We describe the case of a 46-year-old female who presented with a 6-month history of low back pain. CT and MRI imaging demonstrated a complex retrorectal lesion with supralevator and infralevator components. This was removed using a combined transperineal and transabdominal approach. Histology confirmed a tailgut cyst.
Antiproliferative and Anti-Invasive Effect of Piceatannol, a Polyphenol Present in Grapes and Wine, against Hepatoma AH109A Cells
Authors: Kita Yuichiro , Miura Yutaka , Yagasaki Kazumi
Published: February 2012

Piceatannol is a stilbenoid, a metabolite of resveratrol found in red wine. Piceatannol and sera from rats orally given piceatannol were found to dose-dependently suppress both the proliferation and invasion of AH109A hepatoma cells in culture. Its antiproliferative effect was based on cell cycle arrest at lower concentration (25~50 μM) and on apoptosis induction at higher concentration (100 μM). Piceatannol suppressed reactive oxygen species-potentiated invasive capacity by scavenging the intracellular reactive oxygen species. These results suggest that piceatannol, unlike resveratrol, has a potential to suppress the hepatoma proliferation by inducing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis induction. They also suggest that the antioxidative property of piceatannol, like resveratrol, may be involved in its anti-invasive action. Subsequently, piceatannol was found to suppress the growth of solid tumor and metastasis in hepatoma-bearing rats. Thus, piceatannol may be a useful anticancer natural product.
Effect of Particle Morphology on Sinterability of SiC‐ZrO2 in Microwave
Authors: Anggraini Lydia , Ameyama Kei
Published: February 2012

The effect of particle morphology on the sinterability of microwave‐sintered SiC‐ZrO2 was evaluated in this paper. A comparison was also made against the electric furnace and resulted in faster heating rate because of the difference of heat transfer in the sintering processes. High‐energy mechanical milling process has been applied to obtain the homogeneous particle morphology and finer particles size. The microstructure of finer particles of SiC‐ZrO2 after milling was better in the region sintered by microwave. The microstructure in the sintered region was smaller for the coarser particles which were obtained by heterogeneous nonmilled powder mixture. The result of the Vickers hardness test was higher for the powder homogeneously dispersed SiC‐ZrO2 after milling and sintering by microwave. These are influenced by the difference of individual electric properties of the initial SiC and ZrO2 which have an effect on the absorption of the microwave energy.
Effects ofBrugmansia arboreaExtract and Its Secondary Metabolites on Morphine Tolerance and Dependence in Mice
Authors: Mattioli Laura , Bracci Antonio , Titomanlio Federica , Perfumi Marina , De Feo Vincenzo
Published: February 2012

The aim of the present study was to investigate,in vivo, the effect of aBrugmansia arboreaextract (BRU), chromatographic fractions (FA and FNA), and isolated alkaloids on the expression and the acquisition of morphine tolerance and dependence. Substances were acutely (for expression) or repeatedly (for acquisition) administered in mice treated with morphine twice daily for 5 or 6 days, in order to make them tolerant or dependent. Morphine tolerance was assessed using the tail-flick test at 1st and 5th days. Morphine dependence was evaluated through the manifestation of withdrawal symptoms induced by naloxone injection at 6th day. Results showed that BRU significantly reduced the expression of morphine tolerance, while it was ineffective to modulate its acquisition. Chromatographic fractions and pure alkaloids failed to reduce morphine tolerance. Conversely BRU, FA, and pure alkaloids administrations significantly attenuated both development and expression of morphine dependence. These data suggest thatBrugmansia arboreaLagerh might have human therapeutic potential for treatment of opioid addiction.
Pulmonary Bacterial Communities in Surgically Resected Noncystic Fibrosis Bronchiectasis Lungs Are Similar to Those in Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Maughan Heather , Cunningham Kristopher S. , Wang Pauline W. , Zhang Yu , Cypel Marcelo , Chaparro Cecilia , Tullis D. Elizabeth , Waddell Thomas K. , Keshavjee Shaf , Liu Mingyao , Guttman David S. , Hwang David M.
Published: February 2012

Background. Recurrent bacterial infections play a key role in the pathogenesis of bronchiectasis, but conventional microbiologic methods may fail to identify pathogens in many cases. We characterized and compared the pulmonary bacterial communities of cystic fibrosis (CF) and non-CF bronchiectasis patients using a culture-independent molecular approach.Methods. Bacterial 16S rRNA gene libraries were constructed from lung tissue of 10 non-CF bronchiectasis and 21 CF patients, followed by DNA sequencing of isolates from each library. Community characteristics were analyzed and compared between the two groups.Results. A wide range of bacterial diversity was detected in both groups, with between 1 and 21 bacterial taxa found in each patient.Pseudomonaswas the most common genus in both groups, comprising 49% of sequences detected and dominating numerically in 13 patients. AlthoughPseudomonasappeared to be dominant more often in CF patients than in non-CF patients, analysis of entire bacterial communities did not identify significant differences between these two groups.Conclusions. Our data indicate significant diversity in the pulmonary bacterial community of both CF and non-CF bronchiectasis patients and suggest that this community is similar in surgically resected lungs of CF and non-CF bronchiectasis patients.
A Dysmorphic Child with a Pericentric Inversion of Chromosome 8
Authors: Ananthapur Venkateshwari , Avvari Srilekha , Madireddi Sujatha , Nallari Pratibha , Akka Jyothy
Published: February 2012

An 8-year-old boy was referred to our institute with dysmorphic features such as mild lupus, micrognathia, low hair line, hypoplasia, hemi atrophy of left side of the face, abnormal size of ears, hypothenar, hypoplasia of chin, and tongue tie. MRI scan was found to be normal and EEG suggestive of generalized seizure disorder. Cytogenetic evaluation of the proband revealed a pericentric inversion of chromosome 8 with 46, XY, and inv 8 (p11.2; q21.2) karyotype.
Analysis of Delayed Bleeding after Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection for Gastric Epithelial Neoplasms
Authors: Mukai Shinichi , Cho Songde , Kotachi Takahiro , Shimizu Akinori , Matuura Genta , Nonaka Michihiro , Hamada Toshihide , Hirata Ken , Nakanishi Toshio
Published: February 2012

Aim. Delayed bleeding after endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for gastric epithelial neoplasms is a major complication. We investigated factors related to post-ESD bleeding to identify preventive measures.Methods. The study included 161 gastric epithelial neoplasms in 142 patients from June 2007 to September 2010. Post-ESD bleeding was defined as an ulcer with active bleeding or apparent exposed vessels diagnosed by an emergency endoscopy or a planned follow-up endoscopy. We analyzed associations between bleeding and the following factors: age, sex, morphology, pathology, tumor depth, ulcer presence/absence, location, size of the resected lesion, duration of the procedure, the number of times bleeding occurred during ESD, and the use of anticoagulants and/or antiplatelet drugs. Subsequently, we examined characteristics of bleeding cases.Results. Post-ESD bleeding occurred in 21 lesions. Univariate analysis of these cases showed that ulcer presence/absence (P<0.001), middle or lower third lesions (P=0.036), circumference (P=0.014), and a post-ESD ulcer with an extended lesser curve (P=0.009) were significant predictors of bleeding. Multivariate analysis showed that ulcer presence/absence (OR 9.73, 95% CI 2.28–41.53) was the only significant predictor.Conclusion. Ulcer presence/absence was considered the most significant predictor of post-ESD bleeding.
Cytoskeletal Proteins ofActinobacteria
Authors: Letek Michal , Fiuza María , Villadangos Almudena F. , Mateos Luís M. , Gil José A.
Published: February 2012

Although bacteria are considered the simplest life forms, we are now slowly unraveling their cellular complexity. Surprisingly, not only do bacterial cells have a cytoskeleton but also the building blocks are not very different from the cytoskeleton that our own cells use to grow and divide. Nonetheless, despite important advances in our understanding of the basic physiology of certain bacterial models, little is known aboutActinobacteria, an ancient group of Eubacteria. Here we review current knowledge on the cytoskeletal elements required for bacterial cell growth and cell division, focusing on actinobacterial genera such asMycobacterium, Corynebacterium, andStreptomyces. These include some of the deadliest pathogens on earth but also some of the most prolific producers of antibiotics and antitumorals.
Perinatal Programming of Childhood Asthma: Early Fetal Size, Growth Trajectory during Infancy, and Childhood Asthma Outcomes
Authors: Turner Steve
Published: February 2012

The “fetal origins hypothesis” or concept of “developmental programming” suggests that faltering fetal growth and subsequent catch-up growth are implicated in the aetiology of cardiovascular disease. Associations between reduced birth weight, rapid postnatal weight gain, and asthma suggest that there are fetal origins to respiratory disease. The present paper first summarises the literature relating birth weight and post natal growth trajectories to asthma outcomes. Second, issues regarding the interpretation of antenatal fetal ultrasound measurements are discussed. Finally, recent reports linking antenatal measurement and growth trajectory to early childhood asthma outcomes are discussed. Understanding the nature and timing of factors which influence antenatal growth may give important insight into the antecedents of early-onset asthma with implications for interventions.
Approximating Polynomials for Functions of Weighted Smirnov-Orlicz Spaces
Authors: Akgün Ramazan
Published: February 2012

Let and be, respectively, bounded and unbounded components of a plane curve satisfying Dini's smoothness condition. In addition to partial sum of Faber series of belonging to weighted Smirnov-Orlicz space (), we prove that interpolating polynomials and Poisson polynomials are near best approximant for . Also considering a weighted fractional moduli of smoothness, we obtain direct and converse theorems of trigonometric polynomial approximation in Orlicz spaces with Muckenhoupt weights. On the bases of these approximation theorems, we prove direct and converse theorems of approximation, respectively, by algebraic polynomials and rational functions in weighted Smirnov-Orlicz spaces and .
Nonparametric Confidence Limits of Quantile-Based Process Capability Indices
Authors: Peng Cheng , Xu Jiaqing
Published: February 2012

We propose an asymptotic nonparametric confidence interval for quantile-based process capability indices (PCIs) based on the superstructureCNp(u,v)modified fromCp(u,v)which contains the four basic PCIs,Cp,Cpk,Cpm,andCpmk, as special cases. Since the asymptotic variance of the estimator for quantile-based PCIs involves the density function of the underlying process, the existing asymptotic results cannot be used directly to construct confidence limits for PCIs. To obtain a consistent estimator for the asymptotic variance of the estimated quantile-based PCIs, in this paper, we propose to use the kernel density estimator for the underlying process. Consequently, the confidence limits for PCIs are established based on the consistent estimates. A real-life example from manufacturing engineering is used to illustrate the implementation of the proposed methods. Simulation studies are also presented in this paper to compare the two quantile estimators that are used in the definition of PCIs.
Integrative Genomics Identified RFC3 As an Amplified Candidate Oncogene in Esophageal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Lockwood William W. , Thu Kelsie L. , Lin Lin , Pikor Larissa A. , Chari Raj , Lam Wan L. , Beer David G.
Published: February 2012

Purpose: Esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) is a lethal malignancy that can develop from the premalignant condition, Barrett's esophagus (BE). Currently, there are no validated simple methods to predict which patients will progress to EAC. A better understanding of the genetic mechanisms driving EAC tumorigenesis is needed to identify new therapeutic targets and develop biomarkers capable of identifying high-risk patients that would benefit from aggressive neoadjuvant therapy. We employed an integrative genomics approach to identify novel genes involved in EAC biology that may serve as useful clinical markers.

Experimental Design: Whole genome tiling-path array comparative genomic hybridization was used to identify significant regions of copy number alteration in 20 EACs and 10 matching BE tissues. Copy number and gene expression data were integrated to identify candidate oncogenes within regions of amplification and multiple additional sample cohorts were assessed to validate candidate genes.

Results: We identified RFC3 as a novel, candidate oncogene activated by amplification in approximately 25% of EAC samples. RFC3 was also amplified in BE from a patient whose EAC harbored amplification and was differentially expressed between nonmalignant and EAC tissues. Copy number gains were detected in other cancer types and RFC3 knockdown inhibited proliferation and anchorage-independent growth of cancer cells with increased copy number but had little effect on those without. Moreover, high RFC3 expression was associated with poor patient outcome in multiple cancer types.

Conclusions: RFC3 is a candidate oncogene amplified in EAC. RFC3 DNA amplification is also prevalent in other epithelial cancer types and RFC3 expression could serve as a prognostic marker. Clin Cancer Res; 18(7); 1936–46. ©2012 AACR.
Phase I/II Trial of Carboplatin and Paclitaxel Chemotherapy in Combination with Intravenous Oncolytic Reovirus in Patients with Advanced Malignancies
Authors: Karapanagiotou Eleni M. , Roulstone Victoria , Twigger Katie , Ball Mercel , Tanay MaryAnne , Nutting Chris , Newbold Kate , Gore Martin E. , Larkin James , Syrigos Konstantinos N. , Coffey Matt , Thompson Brad , Mettinger Karl , Vile Richard G. , Pandha Hardev S. , Hall Geoff D. , Melcher Alan A. , Chester John , Harrington Kevin J.
Published: February 2012

Purpose: Reovirus type 3 Dearing (RT3D) replicates preferentially in Ras-activated cancers. RT3D shows synergistic in vitro cytotoxicity in combination with platins and taxanes. The purpose of this phase I/II study was to assess RT3D combined with carboplatin/paclitaxel in patients with advanced cancers.

Experimental Design: Patients were initially treated in a dose-escalating, phase I trial with intravenous RT3D days 1 to 5, carboplatin [area under curve (AUC) 5, day 1] and paclitaxel (175 mg/m2, day 1) 3-weekly. RT3D was escalated through three dose levels: 3 × 109, 1 × 1010, and 3 × 1010 TCID50 in cohorts of three. Primary endpoints were to define the maximum tolerated dose and dose-limiting toxicity and to recommend a dose for phase II studies. Secondary endpoints included pharmacokinetics, immune response, and antitumor activity. A subsequent phase II study using the 3 × 1010 TCID50 dose characterized the response rate in patients with head and neck cancer.

Results: Thirty-one heavily pretreated patients received study therapy. There were no dose-limiting toxicities during dose-escalation and most toxicities were grade I/II. Overall effectiveness rates were as follows: one patient had a complete response (3.8%), six patients (23.1%) had partial response, two patients (7.6%) had major clinical responses clinically evaluated in radiation pretreated lesions which are not evaluable by Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST), nine patients (34.6%) had stable disease, and eight patients (30.8%) had disease progression. Viral shedding was minimal and antiviral immune responses were attenuated compared with previous single-agent data for RT3D.

Conclusions: The combination of RT3D plus carboplatin/paclitaxel is well tolerated with evidence of activity in cancer of the head and neck. A randomized phase III study is currently open for recruitment. Clin Cancer Res; 18(7); 2080–9. ©2012 AACR.