bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long‐Term Follow‐Up of Renal Function in Dogs after Treatment forACTH‐Dependent Hyperadrenocorticism
Authors: Smets P.M.Y. , Lefebvre H.P. , Meij B.P. , Croubels S. , Meyer E. , Van de Maele I. , Daminet S.
Published: April 2012

Background

Systemic hypertension and proteinuria are frequent complications in dogs with Cushing's syndrome and do not always resolve after treatment of hypercortisolism. Therefore, dogs with Cushing's syndrome may be at risk for renal dysfunction before and after treatment.

Hypothesis/Objectives

To assess renal function in dogs withACTH‐dependent hyperadrenocorticism (ADHAC) before and after treatment.

Animals

A total of 19 dogs withADHACand 12 control dogs.

Methods

Renal function was assessed before and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after treatment. Twelve dogs were treated with trilostane and 7 dogs by transsphenoidal hypophysectomy. Routine renal markers were measured and urinary albumin (uALB), immunoglobulin G (uIgG), and retinol‐binding protein (uRBP) were assessed byELISA. Urinary N‐acetyl‐β‐D‐glucosaminidase (uNAG) was determined colorimetrically. All urinary markers were indexed to urinary creatinine concentration (c). Plasma clearance of creatinine (Clcreat), exo‐iohexol (Clexo), and endo‐iohexol (Clendo) was used to measure glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Data were analyzed using a general linear model.

Results

Serum creatinine and urea concentrations increased post‐treatment, but remained within reference ranges. Plasma Clcreatand Clendowere significantly lower post‐treatment, whereas Clexowas not different. Urinary protein‐to‐creatinine ratio (UPC),uALB/c,uIgG/c, anduRBP/c were decreased post‐treatment, but at 12 months 5/13 dogs remained proteinuric. UrinaryNAG/c did not change significantly.

Conclusions and clinical importance

A decrease inGFRand persistent proteinuria post‐treatment may warrant the clinician's attention. Future research including renal histopathology of dogs with persistent proteinuria or lowGFRis needed to further assess renal outcome.
North Korea under Kim Jong‐un: The Beginning of the End of a Peculiar Dynasty
Authors: Joo Seung‐Ho
Published: April 2012

Kim Jong‐il's abrupt death in December 2011 raises many questions. Will Kim Jong‐un pull off the third‐generation dynastic succession? Will there be policy changes? How should South Korea deal with North Korea? This essay seeks to answer these questions. Despite all the trappings of power, Kim Jong‐un is not likely to wield real power. He is most likely to become a symbolic leader without real power or be dethroned by older leaders. Jang Song‐taek, Kim Jong‐il's brother‐in‐law, may emerge North Korea's de facto leader. Kim Jong‐un will not last long because the North Korean system has two fundamental flaws of power succession and dysfunctional economy. The destruction of the Kim dynasty will come from internal sources. South Korea policy toward the North should be based on two principles, that is, peaceful coexistence and tension reduction. As time passes, North Korea will either reform or fall. In the meantime, South Korea should proactively manage conflicts and reduce tensions with the North. Korean unification may come sooner than later. It's time for South Korea to prepare for unification, reconstruction, and reconciliation.
Business Interests and US–China Relations on Climate Change*
Authors: Oh Jennifer S.
Published: April 2012

Cooperation between the USA and China serves as the lynch pin for the creation of an effective international climate regime. Recent US–China relations on climate change exhibit the contrasting pattern of active collaboration at the bilateral level and hostile relations at multilateral climate negotiations. This article argues that domestic politics, in particular business interests, largely explain the variation in US–China relations at the bilateral and multilateral levels. Due to the fragmented and decentralized structure of the climate policy community in the USA and China, business interests wield a disproportionately large influence over climate politics in both countries. Unlike multilateral climate negotiations that focus on universal benefits, bilateral collaborations on climate change projects deliver targeted benefits to business sectors through various government funding, support and favorable policies. As a result, business interests in the USA and China are quite supportive of bilateral climate change projects, while they oppose any endeavor to implement binding regulations in multilateral climate negotiations. Such observation implies that meaningful US–China cooperation on climate change will have to occur through bilateral projects that induce active private sector partnerships and private–public partnerships.
Why UK pharmacy must adapt to the increasing demands of professionalism in practice
Authors: Agomo Chijioke O
Published: April 2012

Objective

To make a case for why UK pharmacy must adapt to the increasing demands of professionalism in practice.

Methods

A review based on evidence from the literature and personal opinion.

Key findings

Pharmacists, just as with other occupational groups, have over the years been developing and fine-tuning ways through which they can attain full professional status and therefore command the same level of recognition and respect as the main traditional professions, notably medicine and law. Many commentators, however, believe that this ambition is far from being realised. Their argument is that the path to professional status is not that easily available to all occupations. Although there is a professionalisation process that the traditional professions go through, it has been argued that services provided by pharmacy, beyond dispensing, can also promote its level of professionalism; for example, extensive counseling, medication therapy management, health screening, compounding or provision of durable medical equipment.

Conclusions

As UK pharmacy and the wider UK National Health Service undergo changes and reconfiguration it is hoped that the creation of the new professional body for pharmacy (the Royal Pharmaceutical Society) will help pharmacy in the UK develop the ideals of professionalism.
The omega‐6 fatty acid derivative 15‐deoxy‐Δ12,14‐prostaglandin J2 is involved in neuroprotection by enteric glial cells against oxidative stress
Authors: Abdo Hind , Mahé Maxime M. , Derkinderen Pascal , Bach‐Ngohou Kalyane , Neunlist Michel , Lardeux Bernard
Published: April 2012

Key points

Enteric glial cells play a major role in the regulation of enteric neuronal functions.

15‐Deoxy‐Δ12,14‐prostaglandin J2 (15d‐PGJ2) is an omega‐6 fatty acid derivative that was recently identified as a novel glial‐derived mediator involved in the control of the proliferation and differentiation of intestinal epithelial cells.

In this study, we show that 15d‐PGJ2 has neuroprotective properties during oxidative stress in the enteric nervous system.

We furthermore show that 15d‐PGJ2 neuroprotective effects are dependent on the activation of the Nrf2 pathway and are associated with an increase of glutathione synthesis in neurons.

This study supports the concept that omega‐6 derivatives might be used in preventive and/or therapeutic strategies for the treatment of enteric neuropathies.
Voltage‐gated sodium channels at 60: structure, function and pathophysiology
Authors: Catterall William A.
Published: April 2012

Abstract  Voltage‐gated sodium channels initiate action potentials in nerve, muscle and other excitable cells. The sodium current that initiates the nerve action potential was discovered by Hodgkin and Huxley using the voltage clamp technique in their landmark series of papers in The Journal of Physiology in 1952. They described sodium selectivity, voltage‐dependent activation and fast inactivation, and they developed a quantitative model for action potential generation that has endured for many decades. This article gives an overview of the legacy that has evolved from their work, including development of conceptual models of sodium channel function, discovery of the sodium channel protein, analysis of its structure and function, determination of its structure at high resolution, definition of the mechanism and structural basis for drug block, and exploration of the role of the sodium channel as a target for disease mutations. Structural models for sodium selectivity and conductance, voltage‐dependent activation, fast inactivation and drug block are discussed. A perspective for the future envisions new advances in understanding the structural basis for sodium channel function, the role of sodium channels in disease and the opportunity for discovery of novel therapeutics.
‘Metabolic syndrome’ in the brain: deficiency in omega‐3 fatty acid exacerbates dysfunctions in insulin receptor signalling and cognition
Authors: Agrawal Rahul , Gomez‐Pinilla Fernando
Published: April 2012

Key points 

We provide novel evidence for the effects of metabolic dysfunctions on brain function using the rat model of metabolic syndrome induced by high fructose intake.

We describe that the deleterious consequences of unhealthy dietary habits can be partially counteracted by dietary supplementation of n‐3 fatty acid.

High sugar consumption impaired cognitive abilities and disrupted insulin signalling by engaging molecules associated with energy metabolism and synaptic plasticity; in turn, the presence of docosahexaenoic acid, an n‐3 fatty acid, restored metabolic homeostasis.

These findings expand the concept of metabolic syndrome affecting the brain and provide the mechanistic evidence of how dietary habits can interact to regulate brain functions, which can further alter lifelong susceptibility to the metabolic disorders.
Influence of ionization degree on film properties when using high power impulse magnetron sputtering
Authors: Samuelsson Mattias , Lundin Daniel , Sarakinos Kostas , Björefors Fredrik , Wälivaara Bengt , Ljungcrantz Henrik , Helmersson U.
Published: April 2012

Chromium thin films are deposited by combining direct current magnetron sputtering and high power impulse magnetron sputtering (HiPIMS) on a single cathode in an industrial deposition system. While maintaining a constant deposition rate and unchanged metal ion energy distribution function, the fraction of the total power supplied by either deposition technique is altered, and thereby also the metal ion to metal neutral ratio of the deposition flux. It is observed that the required total average power needed to be proportionally increased as the HiPIMS fraction is increased to be able to keep a constant deposition rate. The influence on microstructure, electrical, and electrochemical properties of the films is investigated and shows improvements with the use of HiPIMS. However, considerable influence of the studied properties occurs already when only some 40% of the total power is supplied by the HiPIMS technique. Further increase of the HiPIMS power fraction results in comparatively minor influence of the studied properties yet significant deposition rate efficiency reduction. The results show that the degree of ionization can be controlled separately, and that the advantages associated with using HiPIMS can be obtained while much of the deposition rate reduction, often reported for HiPIMS, can be avoided.
Comparative analysis of nonlinear dimensionality reduction techniques for breast MRI segmentation
Authors: Akhbardeh Alireza , Jacobs Michael A.
Published: April 2012

Purpose:

Visualization of anatomical structures using radiological imaging methods is an important tool in medicine to differentiate normal from pathological tissue and can generate large amounts of data for a radiologist to read. Integrating these large data sets is difficult and time‐consuming. A new approach uses both supervised and unsupervised advanced machine learning techniques to visualize and segment radiological data. This study describes the application of a novel hybrid scheme, based on combining wavelet transform and nonlinear dimensionality reduction (NLDR) methods, to breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data using three well‐established NLDR techniques, namely, ISOMAP, local linear embedding (LLE), and diffusion maps (DfM), to perform a comparative performance analysis.

Methods:

Twenty‐five breast lesion subjects were scanned using a 3T scanner. MRI sequences used were T1‐weighted, T2‐weighted, diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI), and dynamic contrast‐enhanced (DCE) imaging. The hybrid scheme consisted of two steps: preprocessing and postprocessing of the data. The preprocessing step was applied for B1 inhomogeneity correction, image registration, and wavelet‐based image compression to match and denoise the data. In the postprocessing step, MRI parameters were considered data dimensions and the NLDR‐based hybrid approach was applied to integrate the MRI parameters into a single image, termed the embedded image. This was achieved by mapping all pixel intensities from the higher dimension to a lower dimensional (embedded) space. For validation, the authors compared the hybrid NLDR with linear methods of principal component analysis (PCA) and multidimensional scaling (MDS) using synthetic data. For the clinical application, the authors used breast MRI data, comparison was performed using the postcontrast DCE MRI image and evaluating the congruence of the segmented lesions.

Results:

The NLDR‐based hybrid approach was able to define and segment both synthetic and clinical data. In the synthetic data, the authors demonstrated the performance of the NLDR method compared with conventional linear DR methods. The NLDR approach enabled successful segmentation of the structures, whereas, in most cases, PCA and MDS failed. The NLDR approach was able to segment different breast tissue types with a high accuracy and the embedded image of the breast MRI data demonstrated fuzzy boundaries between the different types of breast tissue, i.e., fatty, glandular, and tissue with lesions (>86%).

Conclusions:

The proposed hybrid NLDR methods were able to segment clinical breast data with a high accuracy and construct an embedded image that visualized the contribution of different radiological parameters.
A simplified technique for delivering total body irradiation (TBI) with improved dose homogeneity
Authors: Yao Rui , Bernard Damian , Turian Julius , Abrams Ross A. , Sensakovic William , Fung Henry C. , Chu James C. H.
Published: April 2012

Purpose:

Total body irradiation (TBI) with megavoltage photon beams has been accepted as an important component of management for a number of hematologic malignancies, generally as part of bone marrow conditioning regimens. The purpose of this paper is to present and discuss the authors' TBI technique, which both simplifies the treatment process and improves the treatment quality.

Methods:

An AP/PA TBI treatment technique to produce uniform dose distributions using sequential collimator reductions during each fraction was implemented, and a sample calculation worksheet is presented. Using this methodology, the dosimetric characteristics of both 6 and 18 MV photon beams, including lung dose under cerrobend blocks was investigated. A method of estimating midplane lung doses based on measured entrance and exit doses was proposed, and the estimated results were compared with measurements.

Results:

Whole body midplane dose uniformity of ±10% was achieved with no more than two collimator‐based beam modulations. The proposed model predicted midplane lung doses 5% to 10% higher than the measured doses for 6 and 18 MV beams. The estimated total midplane doses were within ±5% of the prescribed midplane dose on average except for the lungs where the doses were 6% to 10% lower than the prescribed dose on average.

Conclusions:

The proposed TBI technique can achieve dose uniformity within ±10%. This technique is easy to implement and does not require complicated dosimetry and/or compensators.
Receptor-Selective Diffusion Barrier Enhances Sensitivity of Astrocytic Processes to Metabotropic Glutamate Receptor Stimulation
Authors: Arizono Misa , Bannai Hiroko , Nakamura Kyoko , Niwa Fumihiro , Enomoto Masahiro , Matsu-ura Toru , Miyamoto Akitoshi , Sherwood Mark W. , Nakamura Takeshi , Mikoshiba Katsuhiko
Published: April 2012

An mGluR5-selective diffusion barrier enriches mGluR5 in astrocytic processes, enabling compartmentalized calcium signaling.
You’re Going to Need a Bigger (Glass Bottom) Boat
Authors: Peterson Aidan J. , O’Connor Michael B.
Published: April 2012

Alternative processing of ligands in the transforming growth factor–β family may fine-tune signaling outputs.
IKK Targets PI3K
Authors: Foley John F.
Published: April 2012

During the starvation response, the IκB kinase IKK phosphorylates the regulatory subunit of PI3K, thus inhibiting PI3K activity.
Sterilizing Activities of Novel Combinations Lacking First- and Second-Line Drugs in a Murine Model of Tuberculosis
Authors: Williams Kathy , Minkowski Austin , Amoabeng Opokua , Peloquin Charles A. , Taylor Dinesh , Andries Koen , Wallis Robert S. , Mdluli Khisimuzi E. , Nuermberger Eric L.
Published: April 2012

Novel oral regimens composed of new drugs with potent activity against
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
and no cross-resistance with existing agents are needed to shorten and simplify treatment for both drug-susceptible and drug-resistant tuberculosis. As part of a continuing effort to evaluate novel drug combinations for treatment-shortening potential in a murine model, we performed two long-term, relapse-based experiments. In the first experiment, several 3- and 4-drug combinations containing new agents currently in phase 2/3 trials (TMC207 [bedaquiline], PA-824 and PNU-100480 [sutezolid], and/or clofazimine) proved superior to the first-line regimen of rifampin, pyrazinamide, and isoniazid. TMC207 plus PNU-100480 was the most effective drug pair. In the second experiment, in which 3- and 4-drug combinations composed of TMC207 and pyrazinamide plus rifapentine, clofazimine, PNU-100480, or both rifapentine and clofazimine were evaluated, the rank order of drugs improving the sterilizing activity of TMC207 and pyrazinamide was as follows: rifapentine plus clofazimine ≥ clofazimine ≥ rifapentine > PNU-100480. The results revealed potential new building blocks for universally active short-course regimens for drug-resistant tuberculosis. The inclusion of pyrazinamide against susceptible isolates may shorten the duration of treatment further.
Association of a Protective Monoclonal IgA with the O Antigen of Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium Impacts Type 3 Secretion and Outer Membrane Integrity
Authors: Forbes Stephen J. , Martinelli Daniel , Hsieh Chyongere , Ault Jeffrey G. , Marko Michael , Mannella Carmen A. , Mantis Nicholas J.
Published: April 2012

Invasion of intestinal epithelial cells bySalmonella entericaserovar Typhimurium is an energetically demanding process, involving the transfer of effector proteins from invading bacteria into host cells via a specialized organelle known as theSalmonellapathogenicity island 1 (SPI-1) type 3 secretion system (T3SS). By a mechanism that remains poorly understood, entry ofS. Typhimurium into epithelial cells is inhibited by Sal4, a monoclonal, polymeric IgA antibody that binds an immunodominant epitope within the O-antigen (O-Ag) component of lipopolysaccharide. In this study, we investigated how the binding of Sal4 to the surface ofS. Typhimurium influences T3SS activity, bacterial energetics, and outer membrane integrity. We found that Sal4 treatment impaired T3SS-mediated translocon formation and attenuated the delivery of tagged effector proteins into epithelial cells. Sal4 treatment coincided with a partial reduction in membrane energetics and intracellular ATP levels, possibly explaining the impairment in T3SS activity. Sal4's effects on bacterial secretion and energetics occurred concurrently with an increase in O-Ag levels in culture supernatants, alterations in outer membrane permeability, and changes in surface ultrastructure, as revealed by transmission electron microscopy and cryo-electron microscopy. We propose that Sal4, by virtue of its ability to bind and cross-link the O-Ag, induces a form of outer membrane stress that compromises the integrity of theS. Typhimurium cell envelope and temporarily renders the bacterium avirulent.
Ingested Human Insulin Inhibits the Mosquito NF-κB-Dependent Immune Response to Plasmodium falciparum
Authors: Pakpour Nazzy , Corby-Harris Vanessa , Green Gabriel P. , Smithers Hannah M. , Cheung Kong W. , Riehle Michael A. , Luckhart Shirley
Published: April 2012

We showed previously that ingested human insulin activates the insulin/IGF-1 signaling pathway in
Anopheles stephensi
and increases the susceptibility of these mosquitoes to
Plasmodium falciparum
. In other organisms, insulin can alter immune responsiveness through regulation of NF-κB transcription factors, critical elements for innate immunity that are also central to mosquito immunity. We show here that insulin signaling decreased expression of NF-κB-regulated immune genes in mosquito cells stimulated with either bacterial or malarial soluble products. Further, human insulin suppressed mosquito immunity through sustained phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase activation, since inhibition of this pathway led to decreased parasite development in the mosquito. Together, these data demonstrate that activation of the insulin/IGF-1 signaling pathway by ingested human insulin can alter NF-κB-dependent immunity, and ultimately the susceptibility, of mosquitoes to
P. falciparum
.
COMPUTATIONAL METHODS FOR ANALYZING AIRCRAFT NOISE ABOVE GROUND WITH GENERAL TOPOGRAPHY AND IMPEDANCE
Authors: REITBORT ROMAN , GUR IDO , GIVOLI DAN
Published: April 2012

The need to analyze aircraft noise over ground with general properties occurs in various applications, most notably in environmental engineering, where the analysis of the sound pressure level (SPL) distribution near the ground due to aircraft noise is desired. Since the human hearing range is very wide, the determination of the SPL distribution for a given source spectrum is not trivial and may be regarded as a multiscale problem. One has to solve repeatedly, for many different wave numbers, the Helmholtz equation in the upper half space while imposing the given impedance boundary condition on the possibly non-flat ground. An efficient Helmholtz solver must therefore be incorporated in the scheme that finds the SPL distribution. Three totally different computational methods that may be used to solve this problem are considered here: A fictitious sources method, a parabolic approximation method and a wave-enriched finite element method (with two versions: PUM and GFEM). The three methods are compared in terms of their computational properties, and numerical examples are presented to demonstrate their performance.
SPECTRAL FINITE ELEMENTS FOR COMPUTATIONAL AEROACOUSTICS USING ACOUSTIC PERTURBATION EQUATIONS
Authors: HÜPPE ANDREAS , KALTENBACHER MANFRED
Published: April 2012

This paper addresses the application of the spectral finite element (FE) method to problems in the field of computational aeroacoustics (CAA). We apply a mixed finite element approximation to the acoustic perturbation equations, in which the flow induced sound is modeled by assessing the impact of a mean flow field on the acoustic wave propagation. We show the properties of the approximation by numerical benchmarks and an application to the CAA problem of sound generated by an airfoil.
OCCUPATION TIMES OF SUBCRITICAL BRANCHING IMMIGRATION SYSTEMS WITH MARKOV MOTION, CLT AND DEVIATION PRINCIPLES
Authors: MIŁOŚ PIOTR
Published: April 2012

In this paper we consider two related stochastic models. The first one is a branching system consisting of particles moving according to a Markov family in ℝd and undergoing subcritical branching with a constant rate of V > 0. New particles immigrate to the system according to a homogeneous space-time Poisson random field. The second model is the superprocess corresponding to the branching particle system. We study rescaled occupation time process and the process of its fluctuations under mild assumptions on the Markov family. In the general setting a functional central limit theorem as well as large and moderate deviation principles are proved. The subcriticality of the branching law determines the behaviour in large time scales and it "overwhelms" the properties of the particles' motion. For this reason the results are the same for all dimensions and can be obtained for a wide class of Markov processes (both properties are unusual for systems with critical branching).
DYE IMMOBILIZED MESOPOROUS SILICA THIN FILM AS OPTICAL pH SENSOR
Authors: CHAUHAN SHOBHIT SINGH , JASRA R. V. , SHARMA A. L.
Published: April 2012

An optical sensor for measurement of pH was prepared by the deposition of tailored mesoporous silica films on glass slide substrate. The films were prepared by using tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) as a silica precursor in presence of ethanol (EtOH) as co-solvent. The sol was mixed with bromocresol green indicator and judiciously aged which was then spin casted on pre-cleaned glass slides to form thin films. These films were characterized by instrumental techniques like Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The chemical sensing properties of the film was determined spectroscopically for optical pH response. The results demonstrated that the developed optical sensor responds well in the pH range of 3–12. The sensor performance was validated by measurement of pH of water samples from different sources and compared against values obtained by conventional glass electrode pH meter. The comparative results were observed to be under 5% tolerance limit.
GRAIN SIZE DEPENDENT DIELECTRIC AND MAGNETIC PROPERTIES OF (Y) NCCF+(1 – Y) BTO PARTICULATE COMPOSITES
Authors: BELAVI P. B. , CHAVAN G. N. , NAIK L. R. , KOTNALA R. K.
Published: April 2012

The particulate composites with general formula (y) Ni 0.85 Cd 0.1 Cu 0.05 Fe 2 O 4 + (1 - y) BaTiO 3, (0.0 < y < 1.0) were synthesized by conventional double sintering ceramic technique. The formation of cubic spinel structure in ferrite phase and tetragonal perovskite structure in ferroelectric phase was confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements. The surface morphology with average grain size of the composites was studied by SEM measurements. The study of variation of dielectric constant with frequency (20 Hz to 1 MHz) shows dielectric dispersion behavior in the low frequency region and almost constant at high frequency region. The linear variation in a.c conductivity with frequency shows small polaron type of conduction mechanism in the composites. The vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) was used to study the magnetic properties such as saturation magnetization and magnetic moment.
Scene-motion thresholds during head yaw for immersive virtual environments
Authors: Jerald Jason , Whitton Mary , Brooks Frederick P.
Published: April 2012

In order to better understand how scene motion is perceived in immersive virtual environments, we measured scene-motion thresholds under different conditions across three experiments. Thresholds were measured during quasi-sinusoidal head yaw, single left-to-right or right-to-left head yaw, different phases of head yaw, slow to fast head yaw, scene motion relative to head yaw, and two scene-illumination levels. We found that across various conditions (1) thresholds are greater when the scene moves with head yaw (corresponding to gain <1.0) than when the scene moves against head yaw (corresponding to gain >1.0), and (2) thresholds increase as head motion increases.
Poly-DWT
Authors: Pande Amit , Zambreno Joseph
Published: April 2012

Many modern computing applications have been enabled through the use of real-time multimedia processing. While several hardware architectures have been proposed in the research literature to support such primitives, these fail to address applications whose performance and resource requirements have a dynamic aspect. Embedded multimedia systems typically need a power and computation efficient design in addition to good compression performance. In this article, we introduce a Polymorphic Wavelet Architecture (Poly-DWT) as a crucial building block towards the development of embedded systems to address such challenges. We illustrate how our Poly-DWT architecture can potentially make dynamic resource allocation decisions, such as the internal bit representation and the processing kernel, according to the application requirements. We introduce a filter switching architecture that allows for dynamic switching between 5/3 and 9/7 wavelet filters and leads to a more power efficient design. Further, a multiplier-free design with a low adder requirement demonstrates the potential of Poly-DWT for embedded systems. Through an FPGA prototype, we perform a quantitative analysis of our Poly-DWT architecture, and compare our filter to existing approaches to illustrate the area and performance benefits inherent in our approach.
A reliable gateway for in-vehicle networks based on LIN, CAN, and FlexRay
Authors: Seo Suk-Hyun , Kim Jin-Ho , Hwang Sung-Ho , Kwon Key Ho , Jeon Jae Wook
Published: April 2012

This article describes a reliable gateway for in-vehicle networks. Such networks include local interconnect networks, controller area networks, and FlexRay. There is some latency when transferring a message from one node (source) to another node (destination). A high probability of error exists due to different protocol specifications such as baud-rate, and message frame format. Therefore, deploying a reliable gateway is a challenge to the automotive industry. We propose a reliable gateway based on the OSEK/VDX components for in-vehicle networks. We also examine the gateway system developed, and then we evaluate the performance of our proposed system.
Embedding formal performance analysis into the design cycle of MPSoCs for real-time streaming applications
Authors: Huang Kai , Haid Wolfgang , Bacivarov Iuliana , Keller Matthias , Thiele Lothar
Published: April 2012

Modern real-time streaming applications are increasingly implemented on multiprocessor systems-on-chip (MPSoC). The implementation, as well as the verification of real-time applications executing on MPSoCs, are difficult tasks, however. A major challenge is the performance analysis of MPSoCs, which is required for early design space exploration and final system verification. Simulation-based methods are not well-suited for this purpose, due to long runtimes and non-exhaustive corner-case coverage. To overcome these limitations, formal performance analysis methods that provide guarantees for meeting real-time constraints have been developed. Embedding formal performance analysis into the MPSoC design cycle requires the generation of a faithful analysis model and its calibration with the system-specific parameters. In this article, a design flow that automates these steps is presented. In particular, we integrate modular performance analysis (MPA) into the distributed operation layer (DOL) MPSoC programming environment. The result is an MPSoC software design flow that allows for automatically generating the system implementation, together with an analysis model for system verification.
A virtualization architecture for mobile WiMAX networks
Authors: Bhanage Gautam , Seskar Ivan , Raychaudhuri Dipankar
Published: April 2012

Systems virtualization offers convenient means for sharing networking infrastructure while improving its utilization. This study addresses the challenges of virtualizing a commercial off-the-shelf 4G mobileWiMAX basestation. We highlight additions and modifications needed in theWiMAX network architecture for supporting multiple simultaneous virtual basestations on a single physical basestation. The most prominent features provided by the proposed virtual basestation framework include the capability to perform all frame switching at layer-2, and control mechanisms to provide isolation across slices needed to ensure experiment repeatability. By prototyping on a commercial WiMAX radio, this paper shows the usage of the virtual basestation system for housing mobile virtual network operators and testbeds alike. A use case is shown where the virtual basestation design is used to evaluate mobile handoff schemes. Another usage case is shown for optimizing a video delivery on the edge. The video delivery use case is used to show performance improvements of up to 5dB in the PSNR. Evaluation of prototype shows a significant improvement in the slice isolation, with aggregate throughput improvements of up to 192% achievable through fair resource allocation.
Nonlinear Numerical Investigation on Higher Harmonics at Lee Side of a Submerged Bar
Authors: Ning D. , Zhuo X. , Chen L. , Teng B.
Published: April 2012

The decomposition of a monochromatic wave over a submerged object is investigated numerically in a flume, based on a fully nonlinear HOBEM (higher‐order boundary element method) model. Bound and free higher‐harmonic waves propagating downstream the structure are discriminated by means of a two‐point method. The developed numerical model is verified very well by comparison with the available data. Further numerical experiments are carried out to study the relations between free higher harmonics and wave nonlinearity. It is found that the nth‐harmonic wave amplitude is growing proportional to the nth power of the incoming wave amplitude for weakly nonlinear wave condition, but higher‐harmonic free wave amplitudes tend to a constant value for strong nonlinear wave condition.
The Interactions between Insulin and Androgens in Progression to Castrate-Resistant Prostate Cancer
Authors: Gunter Jennifer H. , Lubik Amy A. , McKenzie Ian , Pollak Michael , Nelson Colleen C.
Published: April 2012

An association between the metabolic syndrome and reduced testosterone levels has been identified, and a specific inverse relationship between insulin and testosterone levels suggests that an important metabolic crosstalk exists between these two hormonal axes; however, the mechanisms by which insulin and androgens may be reciprocally regulated are not well described. Androgen-dependant gene pathways regulate the growth and maintenance of both normal and malignant prostate tissue, and androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT) in patients exploits this dependence when used to treat recurrent and metastatic prostate cancer resulting in tumour regression. A major systemic side effect of ADT includes induction of key features of the metabolic syndrome and the consistent feature of hyperinsulinaemia. Recent studies have specifically identified a correlation between elevated insulin and high-grade PCa and more rapid progression to castrate resistant disease. This paper examines the relationship between insulin and androgens in the context of prostate cancer progression. Prostate cancer patients present a promising cohort for the exploration of insulin stabilising agents as adjunct treatments for hormone deprivation or enhancers of chemosensitivity for treatment of advanced prostate cancer.
Immune System in the Brain: A Modulatory Role on Dendritic Spine Morphophysiology?
Authors: Bitzer-Quintero Oscar Kurt , González-Burgos Ignacio
Published: April 2012

The central nervous system is closely linked to the immune system at several levels. The brain parenchyma is separated from the periphery by the blood brain barrier, which under normal conditions prevents the entry of mediators such as activated leukocytes, antibodies, complement factors, and cytokines. The myeloid cell lineage plays a crucial role in the development of immune responses at the central level, and it comprises two main subtypes: (1) resident microglia, distributed throughout the brain parenchyma; (2) perivascular macrophages located in the brain capillaries of the basal lamina and the choroid plexus. In addition, astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, endothelial cells, and, to a lesser extent, neurons are implicated in the immune response in the central nervous system. By modulating synaptogenesis, microglia are most specifically involved in restoring neuronal connectivity following injury. These cells release immune mediators, such as cytokines, that modulate synaptic transmission and that alter the morphology of dendritic spines during the inflammatory process following injury. Thus, the expression and release of immune mediators in the brain parenchyma are closely linked to plastic morphophysiological changes in neuronal dendritic spines. Based on these observations, it has been proposed that these immune mediators are also implicated in learning and memory processes.
Treatment Adherence with Early Prescription of Long-Acting Injectable Antipsychotics in Recent-Onset Schizophrenia
Authors: Viala Annie , Cornic Françoise , Vacheron Marie-Noëlle
Published: April 2012

Although response to treatment for the first episode of schizophrenia is generally favourable, nonadherence with the treatment is the first cause of relapse and rehospitalisation within the next few years. Long-acting injectable antipsychotics (LAIAs) combine the advantages of the newer antipsychotics and the long-acting formulation. The evaluation concerns 25 schizophrenic patients hospitalised for the first time, treated with risperidone long-acting injectable (RLAI) associated with reintegration methods, and followed up for at least 18 months. Clinical observation was completed using Clinical Global Impression (CGI) scale and Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF). Clinical improvement was coupled with a good reintegration rate, very few relapse, or rehospitalisation. Bimonthly injection combined with psychosocial methods improved interactive followup, and therefore patients’ compliance with the treatment. Treating with LAIA as early as possible, from the first episode if possible, can reduce relapse, number and duration of rehospitalisation, and cognitive symptoms and improve the quality of life and prognosis.
Direct Regioselective Esterification at O‐2 of β‐Cyclodextrin and Hydrolysis by Neighboring‐group Participation
Authors: Wang Zhi-Zhong , Ma Xuan-Ping , Wei Xiao-Gang
Published: April 2012

A simple and efficient strategy for direct regioselective esterification at O‐2 of β‐cyclodextrin was developed by using the combination of N,N′‐carbonyldiimidazole and carbonate buffer in 1,4‐dioxane, which does not require large amounts of polar organic solvents such as DMF, toxic solvents such as CH3CN, or flammable bases such as NaH. Moreover, their hydrolyses by neighboring‐group participation were observed. Mono‐2‐tosyl‐β‐cyclodextrin was liable to epoxidation, while mono‐2‐(p‐methylbenzoyl)‐β‐cyclodextrin liable to isomerization. They had different mechanisms of hydrolysis.
Application of Polyaniline Nano Composite for the Adsorption of Acid Dye from Aqueous Solutions
Authors: Baseri J.Raffiea , Palanisamy P.N. , Sivakumar P.
Published: April 2012

In this research, Polyaniline coated sawdust (Polyaniline nano composite) was synthesized via direct chemical polymerization and used as an adsorbent for the removal of acid dye (Acid Violet 49) from aqueous solutions. The effect of some important parameters such as pH, initial concentration of dye, contact time and temperature on the removal efficiency was investigated in batch adsorption system. The adsorption capacity of PAC was high (96.84 %) at a pH of 3‐4. The experimental data fitted well for pseudo second order model. Langmuir model is more appropriate to explain the nature of adsorption with high correlation coefficient. The Energy of activation from arrehenius plot suggested that the adsorption of AV49 onto PAC involves physisorption mechanism.
PTH Assays: Understanding What We Have and Forecasting What We Will Have
Authors: Vieira Jose Gilberto H.
Published: April 2012

Parathyroid hormone (PTH) assays have evolved continuously for the last 50 years. Since the first radioimmunoassay was described in 1963, several assays based on immunological identification have been published (first generation assays). The routine assays used nowadays are immunometric “sandwich-type”. They are based on two different monoclonal antibodies, one amino-terminal and the other carboxyl terminal specific. These second generation assays are widely available and adapted to most of the automation platforms. The specificity of the amino terminal antibody defines if the immunometric assay measures only the bioactive PTH circulating form (including the first amino terminal amino acids) or the “intact” PTH, which includes, besides bioactive PTH, other “long” carboxyl-terminal forms, for example, 7–84-PTH. Assays for “intact” PTH are the most commonly available and the potential advantage of the bioactive PTH assays is still debatable. Next generation of assays will be based on different principles, mainly mass spectrometry in samples submitted to a prior purification and fragmentation steps. These assays will provide information about the whole spectra of PTH peptides in circulation, with a significant increase of the information regarding this biologically important peptide hormone.
Synthesis and Spectroscopic Characterization of Some New Biological Active Azo–Pyrazoline Derivatives
Authors: E. Hawaiz Farouq , K. Samad Mohammad
Published: April 2012

A number of 3‐[4‐(benzyloxy)‐3‐(2‐Chlorophenylazo)‐phenyl]‐5‐(substituted‐phenyl)‐1‐substituted‐2‐pyrazolines( 4a‐j) and (5a‐j) have been synthesized by diazotization of 2‐chloroaniline and its coupling reaction with 4‐hydroxy acetophenone, followed by benzyloxation of the hydroxyl group to give the substrate [4‐benzyloxy‐3‐(2‐chlorophenylazo)‐acetophenone (1)].The prepared starting material (1) has been reacted with different substituted benzaldehydes to give a new series of chalcone derivatives 1‐[(4‐benzyloxy)‐3‐(2‐chloro‐phenylazo)‐phenyl]‐3‐(substituted phenyl)‐2‐propen‐1‐one (3a‐j), in high yields and in a few minutes, and the later compounds were treated with hydrazine hydrate according to Michael addition reaction to afford a new biolological active target compounds (4a‐j) and (5a‐j). Furthermore, The structures of the newly synthesized compounds were confirmed by FT‐IR, 13C‐NMR,13C‐DEPT & 1H‐NMR spectral data. The chalcone and pyrazoline derivatives were evaluated for their anti bacterial activity against Escherichia coli as gram negative and Staphylococcus aureus as gram positive, the results showed significant activity against both types of bacteria.
Comparative Studies of the Adsorption of Direct Dye on Activated Carbon and Conducting Polymer Composite
Authors: Baseri J. Raffiea , Palanisamy P. N. , Sivakumar P.
Published: April 2012

This study analyses the feasibility of removing Direct Blue 71 from aqueous solution by different adsorbents such as activated carbon (TPAC) and Poly pyrrole polymer composite (PPC) prepared from Thevetia Peruviana. Batch mode adsorption was performed to investigate the adsorption capacities of these adsorbents by varying initial dye concentration, temperature, agitation time and pH. The performance of TPAC was compared with PPC. Among the adsorbents, PPC had more adsorption capacity (88.24%) than TPAC (58.82%) at an initial concentration of 50 mg/L and at 30°C. The experimental data best fitted with pseudo second order kinetic model. The adsorption data fitted well for Langmuir adsorption isotherm. Thermodynamic parameters for the adsorbents were also evaluated. The carbon embedded in conducting polymers matrix show better adsorptive properties than activated carbon.
The Spectrophotometric Multicomponent Analysis of a Ternary Mixture of Ibuprofen, Caffeine and Paracetamol by the Combination of Double Divisor‐Ratio Spectra Derivative and H‐Point Standard Addition Method
Authors: Hajian R. , Afshari N.
Published: April 2012

A new spectrophotometric method was developed for the simultaneous analysis of a ternary mixture containing paracetamol (PAR), ibuprofen (IBU) and caffeine (CAF) without prior separation. H‐point standard addition method (HPSAM) was used for the first time in the analysis of a component (IBU) in a ternary mixture (paracetamol, ibuprofen and caffeine). In contrast, PAR and CAF determined using double divisor ratio spectra derivative method. This method is based on the use of derivative of the ratio spectrum obtained by dividing the absorption spectrum of the ternary mixture by a standard spectrum of a mixture of two of the three compounds in the title mixture. The concentrations of PAR and CAF compounds in their mixture are determined by using their respective standard addition graphs which are obtained by measuring the amplitude at either the maximum or minimum wavelengths selected. The mathematical explanation of the procedure is illustrated. It was shown that at wavelengths 226 and 260 nm, the coordinate of H‐point is only dependent on the concentration of IBU without any interference by PAR and CAF. This method was successfully applied for the analysis of Novafen capsule, with no interference from excipients as indicated by the recovery study results. The proposed method is simple and rapid and can be easily used in the quality control of drugs as an alternative analysis tools.
Expeditious, Mild and Solvent Free Synthesis of Bis(indolyl)methanes, Using a Mixture of Phosphorus Pentoxide in Methanesulphonic Acid
Authors: Borse Amulrao U. , Patil Mahesh N. , Patil Nilesh L.
Published: April 2012

Highly rapid and efficient synthesis of Bis(indolyl)methanes has been developed by using a mixture of phosphorus pentoxide in methanesulphonic acid (Eaton’s reagent) at ambient temperature under solvent free condition.
Synthesis and Characterization of Aminophosphonates Zirconium as New Mesoporous Materials
Authors: Zhou Liang
Published: April 2012

A serial of aminophosphonates zirconium with the different arm lengths of –(CH2)n– organic chains (n=2–6) was synthesized for the first time. These compounds are characterized by FT‐IR, SEM, TEM, TG and nitrogen adsorption‐desorption. And based on the experimental data, these materials not only have layer structure mesoporous and good thermal stability such as zirconium phosphate, but also can be adjusted the layer distance, pore size and pore volume. So aminophosphonates zirconium posses special excellent properties and will have potential prospect applications.
Development of a Rapid and Sensitive HPLC Assay Method for Lenalidomide Capsules and Its Related Substances
Authors: Reddy L. Maheshwara , Reddy K. Janardhan , Reddy L. Bhaskar , Reddy P. Raveendra
Published: April 2012

A chromatographic method was established for the determination of lenalidomide and related substances in 10 mg and 5 mg capsules using Sunfire C‐18(250×4.6 mm ID, 5 μm) HPCL column with 85:15 v/v ratio of mobile phases A (mixture of phosphoric acid buffer and 1‐octane sulphonic acid sodium salt) and B(55: 45 v/v ratio of methanol and acetonitrile) at 40°C and 210 nm wave length. The degradation studies were performed using 0.1N HCl, 0.1 N NaOH, 1% v/v hydrogen peroxide, humidity, UV at 254 nm, Sun light, and heat to 60°C. No significant degradation of lenalidomide was observed. However, the slight degradation was observed in presence of NaOH. The developed HPLC method gave the peaks purity angle was less their threshold angle, indicating it to be suitable for stability studies. It was validated with respect to linearity, accuracy, precision, ruggedness, and robustness.
Existence and Duality of Generalized ε‐Vector Equilibrium Problems
Authors: Fu Hong-Yong , Dan Bin , Liu Xiang-Yu
Published: April 2012

We consider a generalized ε‐vector equilibrium problem which contain vector equilibrium problems and vector variational inequalities as special cases. By using the KKM theorem, we obtain some existence theorems for the generalized ε‐vector equilibrium problem. We also investigate the duality of this generalized ε‐vector equilibrium problem and discuss the equivalence relation between solutions of primal and dual problems.