bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Planar Four-Bar Motion Generation With Static Structural Conditions
Authors: Al-Smadi Yahia M. , Russell Kevin , Sodhi Raj S.
Published: July 2009

A planar four-bar motion generation model that also includes static structural conditions is formulated and demonstrated in this work. Using this model, planar four-bar motion generators are also synthesized with respect to static torque, deflection constraints, and buckling constraints for a given rigid-body load.
An Empirical Approach to Performance Criteria for Manipulation
Authors: Tisius Mark , Pryor Mitch , Kapoor Chetan , Tesar Delbert
Published: July 2009

Empirical performance criteria based on geometric and physical properties are commonly used for real-time decision-making (and design) of redundant anthropomorphic manipulators (serial) or workcells (parallel) performing high level tasks while avoiding obstacles, providing safety, and responding to human commands. This requires configuration management of these complex systems by prioritizing candidate configurations relative to quantifiable secondary objectives with clear physical meanings. Clarity is addressed by using position, inertial, kinetic, and potential energy (gravity and deformation) based metrics that are crisply defined from system and input parameters. Scaling differences among derived performance metrics require normalization to determine their relative import and inclusion in multicriteria decision-making techniques. Large dimensional spaces mean statistically reduced representations are necessary to decipher their relative import and allow an operator without extensive robotic knowledge to use them effectively and independent of a redundancy resolution technique (RRT). We propose two global norms: the unit norm and the average norm for a broad set of performance criteria that quantify these systems’ unique constraint, transmission, and energy characteristics. These norms are then used to select relevant criteria for operational decision-making based on intuitive operator commands instead of abstract mathematical notions. Additionally, a modified RRT is presented that is more robust with respect to changes during operation in the secondary objectives, which allows for greater flexibility when formulating new criteria. Results are illustrated using a variety of new and existing criteria on an anthropomorphic dual-arm system.
Integrated Kinematic Calibration for All the Parameters of a Planar 2DOF Redundantly Actuated Parallel Manipulator
Authors: Feng Chunshi , Cong Shuang , Shang Weiwei
Published: July 2009

In this paper, the kinematic calibration of a planar two-degree-of-freedom redundantly actuated parallel manipulator is studied without any assumption on parameters. A cost function based on closed-loop constraint equations is first formulated. Using plane geometry theory, we analyze the pose transformations that bring infinite solutions and present a kinematic calibration integrated of closed-loop and open-loop methods. In the integrated method, the closed-loop calibration solves all the solutions that fit the constraint equations, and the open-loop calibration guarantees the uniqueness of the solution. In the experiments, differential evolution is applied to compute the solution set, for its advantages in computing multi-optima. Experimental results show that all the parameters involved are calibrated with high accuracy.
Geometric Optimization of the MSSM Gough–Stewart Platform
Authors: Jiang Qimi , Gosselin Clément M.
Published: July 2009

This work focuses on analyzing the effects of the geometric parameters on the singularity-free workspace in order to determine the optimal architecture for the minimal simplified symmetric manipulator Gough–Stewart platform. To this end, the reference orientation is taken as the considered orientation because it is an impartial orientation. In this orientation, the singularity surface becomes a plane coinciding with the base plane. Accordingly, an analytic algorithm is developed to determine the singularity-free workspace. The analysis shows that: (1) for similar isosceles triangle base and platform, the optimal architecture is one for which both the base and the platform are equilateral triangles, and the size ratio between the platform and the base is 12; and (2) if the base and the platform are not similar triangles, the global optimal architecture is difficult to determine. Only an approximate optimal architecture is available.
The Influence of the Initial Ovality Tolerance on the Nonlinear Cycling Analysis of Piping Bends
Authors: Vlaicu Dan
Published: July 2009

This paper presents the nonlinear shakedown analysis using finite element method for piping bends taking into account the maximum ovality tolerance. The resulting strain state of the stabilized cycle for the pipe bend including the maximum ovality tolerance is compared with the strain state for the perfectly round pipe bend. The boundary between shakedown and ratcheting is presented through global and local criteria in terms of displacements, and the Bree diagram (1989, “Plastic Deformation of a Closed Tube Due to Interaction of Pressure Stresses and Cyclic Thermal Stress,” Int. J. Mech. Sci., 31(11/12), pp. 865–892) converted into the interaction diagram is used to correlate the results of the nonlinear cyclic analyses and ASME Code limits for primary and secondary loads. This paper also discusses the choice of the global shakedown linked with the axial strain and the local through-thickness shakedown associated with the hoop strain. Furthermore, a simple fatigue calculation is conducted to illustrate the difference between pipe bends with perfectly round cross section and pipe bends with initial ovality under similar boundary conditions.
Fluid-Elastic Instability of Rotated Square Array U-Tubes in Air-Water Flow
Authors: Chu In-Cheol , Chung Heung June , Lee Chang Hee
Published: July 2009

Fluid-elastic instability characteristics of a U-tube bundle were experimentally investigated in air-water two-phase flow. A total of 39 U-tubes were arranged in a rotated square array with a pitch-to-diameter ratio of 1.633. Vibration responses of four U-tubes were measured with three-axis accelerometers. Two sets of experiments were performed to investigate the onset of fluid-elastic instability, and the damping and hydrodynamic mass of the U-tube. The experiments were performed for a void fraction of 70–95%. Fluid-elastic instability was clearly observed in an out-of-plane mode vibration. The effect of a primary side flow on the vibration of U-tube was investigated separately. The damping ratio of the present U-tube was higher than the damping ratio of the cantilever tubes in the literature. The hydrodynamic mass of the U-tube was generally in accordance with the hydrodynamic mass of the cantilever tubes in the literature. The instability constant (K) of the Connors equation was assessed with a simplified effective gap velocity, and the fluid-elastic instability constant was 8.5.
Alignment Rule for Non-Aligned Flaws for Fitness-for-Service Evaluations Based on LEFM
Authors: Hasegawa Kunio , Saito Koichi , Miyazaki Katsumasa
Published: July 2009

If multiple discrete flaws are detected that are in close proximity to one another, alignment rules are used to determine whether the flaws should be treated as nonaligned or as coplanar. Alignment rules are defined in many fitness-for-service codes and standards in the world. However, the criteria of the alignment rules are different in these codes and standards. This paper introduces the current alignment rules and, in addition, interaction of stress intensity factors for nonaligned through-wall flaws was calculated by finite element analysis. Also, brittle fracture experiments were performed on carbon steel plates with two nonaligned flaws. From these calculations and experiments, authors studied the effect of stress intensity factor interaction on fracture behavior and proposed a new alignment rule for linear elastic fracture mechanics evaluation.
n
-type, p-type and semi-insulating ZnO:N thin film growth by metal organic chemical vapor deposition with NH3 doping
Authors: Zaidi Tahir , Melton Andrew , Fenwick William E. , Ferguson Ian
Published: July 2009

p -type, n-type and semi-insulating ZnO:N thin films were successfully grown by metal organic chemical vapor deposition on c-plane sapphire using diethyl zinc and O2 precursors, N2 carrier gas, and NH3 as dopant. NH3 flow rates were varied from 0.2% to 4% in the growth runs. The resulting films were characterized for their structural, optical, and electrical properties by scanning electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, photoluminescence (PL), and Hall effect measurements. XRD show a single ZnO (002) peak; Raman data show the presence of ZnO:N modes at 275, 510, 575, and 645cm−1; and PL results show broad peaks at 480 and 600nm corresponding to deep N incorporation for all the samples. Hall effect show n-type films with carrier concentrations of 6.57×1018cm−3, p-type with carrier concentrations of 4.24×1014cm−3, and semi-insulating with resistivity on the order of 1.5×105Ωcm.
Deconvolution analyses of secondary ion mass spectrometry shallow depth profiles with depth resolution functions from silicon substrate-based delta-doped samples
Authors: Tomita Mitsuhiro , Tanaka Hiroki , Koike Mitsuo , Takeno Shiro , Hori Yutaro , Takahashi Mamoru
Published: July 2009

Delta-doped samples were fabricated by electron beam deposition at less than 50 °C to obtain ideal delta-doped samples. Depth resolution functions for boron in silicon were evaluated by secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) analysis in order to perform deconvolution analysis of the SIMS depth profiles. The decay length of the depth resolution function obtained under 150 eV primary oxygen ion bombardment is thought to be one of the best values reported to date. Deconvolution analysis of the shallow boron depth profiles was performed using depth resolution functions. The deconvolution results for the shallow depth profiles, which were measured with primary oxygen ions of different energies, showed considerable coincidence, indicating that deconvolution analysis was performed successfully and that the depth resolution functions had a high degree of accuracy.
Mechanisms of Resistance in Nontyphoidal
Salmonella enterica
Strains Exhibiting a Nonclassical Quinolone Resistance Phenotype
Authors: Gunell Marianne , Webber Mark A. , Kotilainen Pirkko , Lilly Andrew J. , Caddick Jonathan M. , Jalava Jari , Huovinen Pentti , Siitonen Anja , Hakanen Antti J. , Piddock Laura J. V.
Published: July 2009

Nontyphoidal
Salmonella enterica
strains with a nonclassical quinolone resistance phenotype were isolated from patients returning from Thailand or Malaysia to Finland. A total of 10 isolates of seven serovars were studied in detail, all of which had reduced susceptibility (MIC ≥ 0.125 μg/ml) to ciprofloxacin but were either susceptible or showed only low-level resistance (MIC ≤ 32 μg/ml) to nalidixic acid. Phenotypic characterization included susceptibility testing by the agar dilution method and investigation of efflux activity. Genotypic characterization included the screening of mutations in the quinolone resistance-determining regions (QRDR) of
gyrA
,
gyrB
,
parC
, and
parE
by PCR and denaturing high-pressure liquid chromatography and the amplification of plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR) genes
qnrA
,
qnrB
,
qnrS
,
qnrD
,
aac(6
′
)-Ib-cr
, and
qepA
by PCR. PMQR was confirmed by plasmid analysis, Southern hybridization, and plasmid transfer. No mutations in the QRDRs of
gyrA
,
gyrB
,
parC
, or
parE
were detected with the exception of a Thr57-Ser substitution within ParC seen in all but the
S. enterica
serovar Typhimurium strains. The
qnrA
and
qnrS
genes were the only PMQR determinants detected. Plasmids carrying
qnr
alleles were transferable in vitro, and the resistance phenotype was reproducible in
Escherichia coli
DH5α transformants. These data demonstrate the emergence of a highly mobile
qnr
genotype that, in the absence of mutation within topoisomerase genes, confers the nontypical quinolone resistance phenotype in
S. enterica
isolates. The
qnr
resistance mechanism enables bacteria to survive elevated quinolone concentrations, and therefore, strains carrying
qnr
alleles may be able to expand during fluoroquinolone treatment. This is of concern since nonclassical quinolone resistance is plasmid mediated and therefore mobilizable.
Comparative Efficacy and Safety of Vancomycin versus Teicoplanin: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Svetitsky Shuli , Leibovici Leonard , Paul Mical
Published: July 2009

Vancomycin and teicoplanin are the glycopeptides currently in use for the treatment of infections caused by invasive beta-lactam-resistant gram-positive organisms. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials that have compared vancomycin and teicoplanin administered systemically for the treatment of suspected or proven infections. A comprehensive search of trials without year, language, or publication status restrictions was performed. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality. Two reviewers independently extracted the data. Risk ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were pooled by using the fixed-effect model (RRs of >1 favor vancomycin). Twenty-four trials were included. All-cause mortality was similar overall (RR, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.74 to 1.21), and there was no significant heterogeneity. In trials that used adequate allocation concealment, the results favored teicoplanin (RR, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.63 to 1.06), while in trials with unknown methods or inadequate concealment, the results favored vancomycin (RR, 3.61; 95% CI, 1.27 to 10.30). The latter trials might have recruited more severely ill patients. No other variable affected the RRs for mortality, including the assessment of glycopeptides administered empirically or for proven infections, neutropenia, the participant's age, and drug dosing. There were no significant differences between teicoplanin and vancomycin with regard to clinical failure (RR, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.81 to 1.05), microbiological failure (RR, 1.24; 95% CI, 0.93 to 1.65), and other efficacy outcomes. Lower RRs (in favor of teicoplanin) for clinical failure were observed with a lower risk of bias and when treatment was initiated for infections caused by gram-positive organisms rather than empirically. Total adverse events (RR, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.50 to 0.74), nephrotoxicity (RR, 0.44; 95% CI, 0.32 to 0.61), and red man syndrome were significantly less frequent with teicoplanin. Teicoplanin is not inferior to vancomycin with regard to efficacy and is associated with a lower adverse event rate than vancomycin.
DAS181 Inhibits H5N1 Influenza Virus Infection of Human Lung Tissues
Authors: Chan Renee W. Y. , Chan Michael C. W. , Wong Adam C. N. , Karamanska Rositsa , Dell Anne , Haslam Stuart M. , Sihoe Alan D. L. , Chui W. H. , Triana-Baltzer Gallen , Li Qixiang , Peiris J. S. Malik , Fang Fang , Nicholls John M.
Published: July 2009

DAS181 is a novel candidate therapeutic agent against influenza virus which functions via the mechanism of removing the virus receptor, sialic acid (Sia), from the adjacent glycan structures. DAS181 and its analogues have previously been shown to be potently active against multiple strains of seasonal and avian influenza virus strains in several experimental models, including cell lines, mice, and ferrets. Here we demonstrate that DAS181 treatment leads to desialylation of both α2-6-linked and α2-3-linked Sia in ex vivo human lung tissue culture and primary pneumocytes. DAS181 treatment also effectively protects human lung tissue and pneumocytes against the highly pathogenic avian influenza virus H5N1 (A/Vietnam/3046/2004). Two doses of DAS181 treatment given 12 h apart were sufficient to block H5N1 infection in the ex vivo lung tissue culture. These findings support the potential value of DAS181 as a broad-spectrum therapeutic agent against influenza viruses, especially H5N1.
High-Throughput Screening Identifies Three Inhibitor Classes of the Telomere Resolvase from the Lyme Disease Spirochete
Authors: Lefas Georgia , Chaconas George
Published: July 2009

Lyme disease, the most common vector-borne zoonosis in North America, is caused by the spirochetal pathogen
Borrelia burgdorferi
. The telomere resolvase encoded by this organism (ResT) promotes the formation of covalently closed hairpin ends on the linear DNA molecules of
B. burgdorferi
through a two-step transesterification. ResT is essential for survival and is therefore an attractive target for the development of highly specific antiborrelial drugs. To identify ResT inhibitors, a novel fluorescence-based high-throughput assay was developed and used to screen a library of 27,520 small-molecule drug-like compounds. Six confirmed inhibitors of ResT, with 50% inhibitory concentrations between 2 and 10 μM, were identified. The inhibitors were characterized further and were grouped into three distinct classes based on their inhibitory features. The high-throughput screening assay developed in this paper, along with the six inhibitory compounds identified, provides a starting point for the future development of novel antiborrelial drugs as well as small-molecule inhibitors that will be helpful for the further dissection of the reaction mechanism.
AI-2/LuxS Is Involved in Increased Biofilm Formation by
Streptococcus intermedius
in the Presence of Antibiotics
Authors: Ahmed Nibras A. , Petersen Fernanda C. , Scheie Anne A.
Published: July 2009

Bacteria utilize quorum-sensing communication to organize their behavior by monitoring the concentration of bacterial signals, referred to as autoinducers (AIs). The widespread detection of AI-2 signals and its enzymatic synthase (LuxS) in bacteria suggests that AI-2 is an inter- and intraspecies communication signal. We have previously shown that antibiotic susceptibility is affected by AI-2 signaling in
Streptococcus anginosus
. Since chronic infections involve persistent biofilms resilient to antibiotic treatment, we explored the role of AI-2/LuxS in
Streptococcus intermedius
biofilm formation and cell viability when the organism was exposed to sub-MICs of ampicillin, ciprofloxacin, or tetracycline. The
S. intermedius
wild type (WT) and its isogenic
luxS
mutant, strain SI006, were exposed to sub-MICs of ampicillin, ciprofloxacin, or tetracycline. Biofilms were formed on polystyrene discs in microtiter plates. To assess planktonic cell viability, the ATP microbial viability assay was performed and the numbers of CFU were determined. For complementation assays, the AI-2 precursor dihydroxy pentanedione (DPD) was used as a supplement for SI006. Relative
luxS
expression was quantified by real-time PCR. The sub-MICs of all three antibiotics increased biofilm formation in
S. intermedius
WT. However, biofilm formation by SI006 was either unaffected or reduced (
P
≤ 0.05). Bacterial viability tests of biofilm and planktonic cell cultures indicated that SI006 was more susceptible to antibiotics than the WT. DPD complemented the
luxS
mutant phenotype. Real-time PCR revealed modest yet significant changes in
luxS
expression in the presence of antibiotic concentrations that increased biofilm formation. In conclusion, in
S. intermedius
, AI-2/LuxS was involved in antibiotic susceptibility and increased biofilm formation at sub-MICs of antibiotic.
Exploring the Mode of Action of Antimicrobial Peptide MUC7 12-Mer by Fitness Profiling of
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Genomewide Mutant Collection
Authors: Lis Maciej , Fuss Jason R. , Bobek Libuse A.
Published: July 2009

The MUC7 12-mer (RKSYKCLHKRCR) is a cationic antimicrobial peptide derived from the human salivary mucin MUC7. To study its effect/mechanism of action on fungi, we performed a fitness screen of a tagged, diploid, homozygous gene deletion mutant pool of the yeast
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
grown in the presence of the MUC7 peptide. Forty-five strains exhibiting reduced fitness and 13 strains exhibiting increased fitness (sensitivity or resistance, respectively) were identified by hybridization intensities to tag arrays. The strongest fitness defects were observed with deletions in genes encoding elements of the RIM101 signaling pathway (regulating response to alkaline and neutral pH and other environmental conditions) and of the endosomal sorting complex required for transport (ESCRT; functioning mainly in protein sorting for degradation, but also required for activation of the RIM101 pathway). Other deletions identified as conferring fitness defect or gain are in genes associated with a variety of functions, including transcription regulation, protein trafficking, transport, metabolism, and others. The results of the pool fitness screen were validated by a set of mutant strains tested individually in the presence of the MUC7 12-mer. All tested RIM101-related deletion strains showing fitness defects confirmed their sensitivities. Taken together, the results led us to conclude that deletions of genes associated with the RIM101 pathway confer sensitivity to the peptide by preventing activation of this pathway and that this stress response plays a major role in the protection of
S. cerevisiae
against damage inflicted by the MUC7 12-mer peptide.
Genetic Context of Plasmid-CarriedblaCMY-2-Like Genes inEnterobacteriaceae
Authors: Verdet C. , Gautier V. , Chachaty E. , Ronco E. , Hidri N. , Decré D. , Arlet G.
Published: July 2009

Analysis of 15 European clinicalEnterobacteriaceaeisolates showed that differences in the genetic context ofblaCMY-2-like genes reflected the replicon type, usually IncA/C or IncI1. TheseblaCMY-2loci may originate from the same ISEcp1-mediated mobilization from theCitrobacter freundiichromosome as structures described in earlier studies.
Staphylococcus aureusInduces Microglial Inflammation via a Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3β-Regulated Pathway
Authors: Cheng Yi-Lin , Wang Chi-Yun , Huang Wei-Ching , Tsai Cheng-Chieh , Chen Chia-Ling , Shen Ching-Fen , Chi Chia-Yu , Lin Chiou-Feng
Published: July 2009

A proinflammatory role for glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK-3β) has been demonstrated. Here, we addressed its roles on heat-inactivatedStaphylococcus aureus-induced microglial inflammation. Heat-inactivatedS. aureusinduced tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and nitric oxide (NO) production, at least in part, via a Toll-like receptor 2-regulated pathway. Neutralization of TNF-α largely blocked heat-inactivatedS. aureus-induced NO. Heat-inactivatedS. aureusactivated GSK-3β, and inhibiting GSK-3β reduced TNF-α production as well as inducible NO synthase (iNOS)/NO biosynthesis. While activation of NF-κB was essential for heat-inactivatedS. aureus-induced TNF-α and NO, inhibiting GSK-3β blocked heat-inactivatedS. aureus-induced NF-κB p65 nuclear translocation. Additionally, inhibiting GSK-3β enhanced heat-inactivatedS. aureus-induced interleukin-10 (IL-10) production (IL-10 is an anti-inflammatory cytokine which inhibits TNF-α production). Neutralization of IL-10 reduced TNF-α downregulation caused by GSK-3β inhibition. These results suggest that GSK-3β regulates heat-inactivatedS. aureus-induced TNF-α and NO production in microglia mainly by activating NF-κB and probably by inhibiting IL-10.
Genomic Analysis of an AttenuatedChlamydia abortusLive Vaccine Strain Reveals Defects in Central Metabolism and Surface Proteins
Authors: Burall L. S. , Rodolakis A. , Rekiki A. , Myers G. S. A. , Bavoil P. M.
Published: July 2009

Comparative genomic analysis of a wild-type strain of the ovine pathogenChlamydia abortusand its nitrosoguanidine-induced, temperature-sensitive, virulence-attenuated live vaccine derivative identified 22 single nucleotide polymorphisms unique to the mutant, including nine nonsynonymous mutations, one leading to a truncation ofpmpG, which encodes a polymorphic membrane protein, and two intergenic mutations potentially affecting promoter sequences. Other nonsynonymous mutations mapped to apmpGpseudogene and to predicted coding sequences encoding a putative lipoprotein, a sigma-54-dependent response regulator, a PhoH-like protein, a putative export protein, two tRNA synthetases, and a putative serine hydroxymethyltransferase. One of the intergenic mutations putatively affects transcription of two divergent genes encoding pyruvate kinase and a putative SOS response nuclease, respectively. These observations suggest that the temperature-sensitive phenotype and associated virulence attenuation of the vaccine strain result from disrupted metabolic activity due to altered pyruvate kinase expression and/or alteration in the function of one or more membrane proteins, most notably PmpG and a putative lipoprotein.
BAR Domain Proteins Rvs161 and Rvs167 Contribute to
Candida albicans
Endocytosis, Morphogenesis, and Virulence
Authors: Douglas Lois M. , Martin Stephen W. , Konopka James B.
Published: July 2009

The
Candida albicans
plasma membrane plays critical roles in growth and virulence and as a target for antifungal drugs. Three
C. albicans
genes that encode Bin-Amphiphysin-Rvs homology domain proteins were mutated to define their roles in plasma membrane function. The deletion of
RVS161
and
RVS167
, but not
RVS162
, caused strong defects. The
rvs161
Δ mutant was more defective in endocytosis and morphogenesis than
rvs167
Δ, but both were strongly defective in polarizing actin patches. Other plasma membrane constituents were still properly localized, including a filipin-stained domain at the hyphal tips. An analysis of growth under different in vitro conditions showed that the
rvs161
Δ and
rvs167
Δ mutants grew less invasively in agar and also suggested that they have defects in cell wall synthesis and Rim101 pathway signaling. These mutants were also more resistant to the antimicrobial peptide histatin 5 but showed essentially normal responses to the drugs caspofungin and amphotericin. Surprisingly, the
rvs161
Δ mutant was more sensitive to fluconazole, whereas the
rvs167
Δ mutant was more resistant, indicating that these mutations cause overlapping but distinct effects on cells. The
rvs161
Δ and
rvs167
Δ mutants both showed greatly reduced virulence in mice. However, the mutants were capable of growing to high levels in kidneys. Histological analyses of infected kidneys revealed that these
rvs
Δ mutants grew in a large fungal mass that was walled off by leukocytes, rather than forming disseminated microabscesses as seen for the wild type. The diminished virulence is likely due to a combination of the morphogenesis defects that reduce invasive growth and altered cell wall construction that exposes proinflammatory components to the host immune system.
A Characteristic Estimation of Bio-Signals for Electro-Acupuncture Stimulations in Human Subjects
Authors: Kim Min Soo , Cho Young Chang , Moon Joo Hyun , Pak Sok Cheon
Published: July 2009

This research evaluates the effect of physiological responses during electrical acupuncture (EA) stimulation on specific acupuncture points (APs: PC5 and PC6). A variety of special responses in the human body were determined by electroencephalogram (EEG), heart rate (HR) in an electrocardiogram (ECG), and skin impedance test for 2 groups, sham group as a control and a group under acupuncture stimulation. The total stimulation time in this study was set for 5 min since the effect of EA on all recorded parameters became stable within this period. According to the experiments, during EA stimulation of PC5 and PC6, the power spectrum of EEG showed that the number of low frequency waves was increased in all lobes. Heart rate variability measures of 10 subjects stimulation trials at PC6 and PC5 were compared to 10 subjects who received no stimulation treatment. In both the AP and the sham groups, the mean R-R interval increased significantly during EA stimulation. A comparison between the AP and non-AP group in terms of skin resistance measurement experiments revealed no difference in skin resistance.

The results of this study verified that EA stimulation of APs (PC5, PC6) causes EEG changes, and ECG heart rate changes. However, from human skin impedance measurements, the beneficial effects were not sustained. These results may be helpful in the understanding of the mechanism underlying the effect of electrical acupuncture on PC6 and PC5.
SKYRMION EXCITATIONS OF SPIN HALL EFFECT IN ATOMS
Authors: WANG JI-BIAO , REN JI-RONG
Published: July 2009

By making use of ϕ-mapping topological current theory and the decomposition of gauge potential theory, we investigate the skyrmion excitations of spin Hall effect induced by optical fields in neutral atomic system. It is shown that the topological structures of these skyrmions are characterized by ϕ-mapping topological numbers: Hopf indices and Brouwer degrees. Based on the bifurcation theory of ϕ-mapping theory, it is found that the skyrmions can be generated or annihilated at the limit point and they encounter, split or merge at the bifurcation point.
THE MANY FACES OF SYNCHRONIZATION OF NETWORKS
Authors: GUAN SHUGUANG , WANG XINGANG , LI KUN , LAI C.-H.
Published: July 2009

Currently, synchronizability of networks is mainly studied in terms of the eigen ratio of the coupling matrix, which is a pure property of network topology. In this work, we clarify that although the eigen ratio is relevant to the possible range of coupling strength for achieving synchronization, it cannot fully determine the latter. The magnitude of the eigenvalues also plays a decisive role. We emphasize that synchronizability of networks is inherently related to the local dynamics on networks. It is not appropriate to discuss synchronizability of networks without considering the specific dynamics on them. For three typical types of local dynamics, we discuss the implication of synchronizability of networks.
GANZSTELLENSÄTZE IN THEORIES OF VALUED FIELDS
Authors: HASKELL DEIRDRE , YAFFE YOAV
Published: July 2009

The purpose of this paper is to study an analogue of Hilbert's seventeenth problem for functions over a valued field which are integral definite on some definable set; that is, that map the given set into the valuation ring. We use model theory to exhibit a uniform method, on various theories of valued fields, for deriving an algebraic characterization of such functions. As part of this method we refine the concept of a function being integral at a point, and make it dependent on the relevant class of valued fields. We apply our framework to algebraically closed valued fields, model complete theories of difference and differential valued fields, and real closed valued fields.
INTERNAL APPROACHABILITY AND REFLECTION
Authors: KRUEGER JOHN
Published: July 2009

We prove that the Weak Reflection Principle does not imply that every stationary set reflects to an internally approachable set. We show that several variants of internal approachability, namely, internally unbounded, internally stationary, and internally club, are not provably equivalent.
CONJUGACY OF CARTER SUBGROUPS IN GROUPS OF FINITE MORLEY RANK
Authors: FRÉCON OLIVIER
Published: July 2009

The Cherlin–Zil'ber Conjecture states that all simple groups of finite Morley rank are algebraic. We prove that any minimal counterexample to this conjecture has a unique conjugacy class of Carter subgroups, which are analogous to Cartan subgroups in algebraic groups.
A HINDSIGHT ON FORMAL METHODS AND PROSPECTS OF SEMANTIC COMPUTING IN SOFTWARE ENGINEERING
Authors: KRÄMER BERND J. , MARGARIA TIZIANA
Published: July 2009

New research activities sailing under the brands of semantic web, semantic web service, and semantic computing have extended, and partly also confused the classical meaning of the term semantics as the software engineering community established it in the last century. In this article we try to shed some light on the different connotations of meaning with this word. We reflect on the role of semantic definitions and formally defined specifications, modeling and programming languages in software engineering activities. We sketch formally defined construction and validation methods, and discuss contributions of tools that exploit semantic information to enhance the quality of software products and development processes. We explore recent work on the use of semantic computing technology in software engineering and discuss opportunities for successful future applications. We conclude with an outlook on the potential of service-oriented computing to change the way software applications are designed, laid out, delivered, and used.
FUZZY EVALUATION OF AGENT-BASED SEMANTIC MATCH-MAKING ALGORITHM FOR CYBERSPACE
Authors: JUNEJA DIMPLE , IYENGAR S. S. , PHOHA VIR V.
Published: July 2009

Intelligent agents help to automate time and resource consuming tasks such as anomaly detection, pattern recognition, monitoring and decision-making. One of the major issues in automation of cyberspace is the discordance between the concept people use and the elucidation of the corresponding data by existing algorithms. Moreover, the measurement and computation of relevance referred to as degree of match-making is a crucial task and presents one of the most important challenges in unknown and uncertain environments of multi-agent systems. Optimal algorithms that generate the best matches for a user input are desired. This paper overcomes the challenges listed by proposing an agent-based semantic match-making algorithm that addresses the problem of heterogeneous ontology at user end and semantically enhances the user-input. A degree of match-making evaluation scheme based on fuzzy logic is proposed and evaluated using synthetic data from the web. The results are found to be consistent on the scale provided by the existing algorithms.
Many Paths to Synaptic Specificity
Authors: Sanes Joshua R. , Yamagata Masahito
Published: July 2009

The most impressive structural feature of the nervous system is the specificity of its synaptic connections. Even after axons have navigated long distances to reach target areas, they must still choose appropriate synaptic partners from the many potential partners within easy reach. In many cases, axons also select a particular domain of the postsynaptic cell on which to form a synapse. Thus, synapse formation is selective at both cellular and subcellular levels. Unsurprisingly, the nervous system uses multiple mechanisms to ensure proper connectivity; these include complementary labels, coordinated growth of synaptic partners, sorting of afferents, prohibition or elimination of inappropriate synapses, respecification of targets, and use of short-range guidance mechanisms or intermediate targets. Specification of any circuit is likely to involve integration of multiple mechanisms. Recent studies of vertebrate and invertebrate systems have led to the identification of molecules that mediate a few of these interactions.
Unanswered Questions in the Electroweak Theory
Authors: Quigg Chris
Published: July 2009

This article is devoted to the status of the electroweak theory on the eve of experimentation at CERN's Large Hadron Collider (LHC). A compact summary of the logic and structure of the electroweak theory precedes an examination of what experimental tests have established so far. The outstanding unconfirmed prediction is the existence of the Higgs boson, a weakly interacting spin-zero agent of electroweak symmetry breaking and the giver of mass to the weak gauge bosons, the quarks, and the leptons. General arguments imply that the Higgs boson or other new physics is required on the 1-TeV energy scale.

Even if a “standard” Higgs boson is found, new physics will be implicated by many questions about the physical world that the Standard Model cannot answer. Some puzzles and possible resolutions are recalled. The LHC moves experiments squarely into the 1-TeV scale, where answers to important outstanding questions will be found.
Integrated Ecological-Economic Models
Authors: Tschirhart John
Published: July 2009

Scientific evidence suggests that economic activity is threatening global biodiversity in ways that could severely degrade nature's flow of ecosystem services. Yet, there is relatively little work in economics that addresses biodiversity loss. Some economists have called for better integration of economic and ecological models to address biodiversity and the attendant ecosystem services. Current integrated approaches in economics are discussed, and they take in ecosystem services, ecosystem externalities, and substantial ecological modeling. Much of the modeling uses Lotka-Volterra equations, which are standard in ecology, although there is concern that the equations lack the microfoundations of plant and animal behavior. An alternative approach is to admit microbehavior using economic optimization techniques that build adaptive ecological systems. However, much more effort is needed to assess whether admitting more ecological detail into economic models will be fruitful.
AZD5438, a potent oral inhibitor of cyclin-dependent kinases 1, 2, and 9, leads to pharmacodynamic changes and potent antitumor effects in human tumor xenografts
Authors: Byth Kate F. , Thomas Andrew , Hughes Gareth , Forder Cheryl , McGregor Alexandra , Geh Catherine , Oakes Sandra , Green Clive , Walker Mike , Newcombe Nicholas , Green Stephen , Growcott Jim , Barker Andy , Wilkinson Robert W.
Published: July 2009

Deregulation of the cell cycle has long been recognized as an essential driver of tumorigenesis, and agents that selectively target key cell cycle components continue to hold promise as potential therapeutics. We have developed AZD5438, a 4-(1-isopropyl-2-methylimidazol-5-yl)-2-(4-methylsulphonylanilino) pyrimidine, as a potent inhibitor of cyclin-dependent kinase (cdk) 1, 2, and 9 (IC50, 16, 6, and 20 nmol/L, respectively). In vitro, AZD5438 showed significant antiproliferative activity in human tumor cell lines (IC50 range, 0.2–1.7 μmol/L), causing inhibition of the phosphorylation of cdk substrates pRb, nucleolin, protein phosphatase 1a, and RNA polymerase II COOH-terminal domain and blocking cell cycling at G2-M, S, and G1 phases. In vivo, when orally administered at either 50 mg/kg twice daily or 75 mg/kg once daily, AZD5438 inhibited human tumor xenograft growth (maximum percentage tumor growth inhibition, range, 38–153; P < 0.05). In vivo, AZD5438 reduced the proportion of actively cycling cells. Further pharmacodynamic analysis of AZD5438-treated SW620 xenografts showed that efficacious doses of AZD5438 (>40% tumor growth inhibition) maintained suppression of biomarkers, such as phospho-pRbSer249/Thr252, for up to 16 hours following a single oral dose. A comparison of different schedules indicated that chronic daily oral dosing provided optimal cover to ensure antitumor efficacy. These data indicate that broad cdk inhibition may provide an effective method to impair the dysregulated cell cycle that drives tumorigenesis and AZD5438 has the pharmacologic profile that provides an ideal probe to test this premise. [Mol Cancer Ther 2009;8(7):1856–66]
Enzastaurin shows preclinical antitumor activity against human transitional cell carcinoma and enhances the activity of gemcitabine
Authors: Jian Weiguo , Yamashita Hideyuki , Levitt Jonathan M. , Lerner Seth P. , Sonpavde Guru
Published: July 2009

Enzastaurin, an oral serine/threonine kinase inhibitor, suppresses signaling through protein kinase C (PKC)-β and the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/AKT pathways. We preclinically evaluated enzastaurin alone and in combination with gemcitabine for transitional cell cancer (TCC). Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was done on 105 human samples from a microarray to show the expression of PKC-β. The preclinical antitumor activity of enzastaurin and gemcitabine as single agents and in combination against aggressive human -lines (-SUP and 5637) and murine subcutaneous xenografts bearing 5637 cells was determined. Western Blot was done on tumor cells in vitro to detect signaling through PKC-β, GSK-3β, and AKT. The effect on cell migration was determined in vitro. Modulation of proliferation (Ki-67), apoptosis (cleaved caspase-3), and angiogenesis (CD31) in vivo was determined by IHC. IHC done on human TCC samples from a microarray showed the expression of PKC-β in 33% of tumors. Enzastaurin induced significant apoptosis and inhibited proliferation in vitro at low micromolar concentrations. The in vitro inhibitory activity of combination enzastaurin and gemcitabine by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay seemed synergistic. Western Blotting revealed down-regulation of Akt, PKC-β, and GSK-3 β phosphorylation. Enzastaurin inhibited migration at an earlier time point independent of antiproliferative activity. Combination therapy had significantly superior antitumor activity in murine xenografts compared with untreated controls, whereas single agents did not. IHC showed reduced Ki-67 and CD31 and increased cleaved caspase-3 with combination therapy compared with controls. Enzastaurin showed preclinical antitumor activity against human TCC and enhanced the activity of gemcitabine. [Mol Cancer Ther 2009;8(7):1772–8]
Cutaneous Microcirculation Is Impaired in Early Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease
Authors: Ramunni Alfonso , Brescia Paola , Quaranta Domenico , Bianco Maria Stella , Ranieri Prudenza , Dolce Ernesta , Coratelli Pasquale
Published: July 2009

Background/Aims: An endothelial dysfunction has been described in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) before the development of hypertension and renal impairment. The aim of this work was to verify the existence of a microvascular reactivity in the early stages of ADPKD. Methods: Fifteen ADPKD normotensive patients with normal renal function underwent laser Doppler examination of the cutaneous microcirculation in basal conditions and after the warm test, as well as evaluation of plasma concentrations of some endothelial activation parameters [total cholesterol and fractions, fibrinogen, von Willebrand factor, Lp(a)]. The results were compared with those in 15 healthy subjects, 15 essential hypertensive patients and 15 hypertensive ADPKD patients with normal renal function. Results: Both basal and post-warm-test values were significantly lower in normotensive ADPKD subjects than controls (3.2 ± 1 vs. 5.8 ± 1.3 AU, p = 0.0001; 35.2 ± 10.9 vs. 50.5 ± 10.8 AU, p = 0.005, respectively). All evaluated parameters were within normal limits and comparable between normotensive ADPKD subjects and controls, except for LDL cholesterol (125 ± 18 vs. 101 ± 22 mg/dl, p = 0.01) and Lp(a), which was significantly higher in the ADPKD subjects (52.2 ± 36 vs. 6.0 ±4 mg/dl, p = 0.0006). Conclusion: Our study confirms the existence of a systemic microcirculation defect in ADPKD. The presence of high levels of Lp(a) could contribute to causing the high incidence of cardiovascular events in ADPKD.
Strict Volume Control and Longitudinal Changes in Cardiac Biomarker Levels in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Ortega Olimpia , Rodriguez Isabel , Gracia Carolina , Sanchez María , Lentisco Carolina , Mon Carmen , Gallar Paloma , Ortiz Milagros , Herrero Juan Carlos , Oliet Aniana , Vigil Ana
Published: July 2009

Background: Our aim was to analyze the longitudinal changes in cardiac biomarker levels in hemodialysis patients with high comorbidity treated in our special hospital unit. We hypothesize that strict volume control strategy (salt-restricted diet, extended dialysis sessions and dry weight clinical assessment and reassessment in every session) could prevent progression of left-ventricular damage and, therefore, progressive increment in cardiac biomarker levels over time. Methods: This is a longitudinal cohort study including 46 dialysis patients in which a strategy of strict volume control has been adopted. N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), troponin T and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were measured at baseline and prospectively at 4, 8 and 12 months. The possible association between volume control and cardiac biomarker levels was analyzed. Results: Dry weight could be reduced (p < 0.01) over time. A reduction in systolic BP (p < 0.05) and in CRP levels (p < 0.05) was observed, whereas NT-proBNP and troponin T values remained stable. However, patients in the high quartile of NT-proBNP at baseline showed a reduction (p = 0.02) in troponin T over time with no significant trend (p = 0.08) to progressive reduction in NT-proBNP values. Conclusions: Strict volume control in dialysis patients may prevent progressive increment in cardiac biomarker levels over time. The impact seems to be higher among patients with higher levels at baseline in whom strict volume control can even reduce cardiac biomarker levels on follow-up.
Predictive Value of Complete and Partial Early Virological Response on Sustained Virological Response Rates of Genotype-4 Chronic Hepatitis C Patients Treated with PEG-Interferon plus Ribavirin
Authors: Elefsiniotis I.S. , Vezali E. , Mihas C. , Saroglou G.
Published: July 2009

Objectives: To investigate early viral kinetics, sustained virological response (SVR) rates and their predictors, in treatment-naïve, genotype-4-infected, chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients treated with PEG-IFNα2b plus ribavirin. Patients and Methods: In total, 58 patients were retrospectively analyzed. Early virological response (EVR) was defined as undetectable HCV-RNA (<50 IU/ml) at week 12 (complete, cEVR) or at least a 2 log decrease in HCV-RNA levels (partial, pEVR). Results: Thirty-one patients exhibited SVR (53.4%), 17 (29.3%) were non-responders and 10 (17.2%) relapsed. Thirty-seven patients (63.8%) exhibited EVR. The positive predictive values of EVR, cEVR and pEVR for the SVR achievement were 83.87, 54.83, and 29.03%, whereas their negative predictive values were 59.25, 77.77, and 81.48%, respectively. Both cEVR (OR 0.040, p = 0.042) and EVR (OR 0.016, p = 0.006) independently predicted SVR. Baseline viral load (p < 0.001), age (p = 0.035) and stage of liver disease (p = 0.04) were significantly related to the EVR achievement, whereas only baseline viral load (p = 0.003) and ethnicity (p = 0.025) predicted cEVR. Conclusions: Partial or complete EVR represent independent predictors of SVR in genotype-4-infected CHC patients, regardless of their baseline parameters. The absence of pEVR, rather than the absence of cEVR, should be used as an early indication for discontinuation of treatment in these patients.