bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Influence of Pc6 on Cardiovascular Disorders: A Review of Central Neural Mechanisms
Authors: Li Jia , Li Jing , Chen Zebin , Liang Fengxia , Wu Song , Wang Hua
Published: February 2012

PC6 is a classic acupuncture point in traditional Chinese medicine. It is considered to be effective when treating cardiovascular disorders. In the present review the authors have focused on the neurophysiological bases of the effects of PC6 stimulation on cardiovascular mechanisms. Experimental studies have shown that the hypothalamic rostral ventrolateral medulla, arcuate nucleus and ventrolateral periaqueductal gray are involved in acupuncture attenuation of sympathoexcitatory cardiovascular reflex responses. This long-loop pathway also appears to contribute to the long-lasting, acupuncture-mediated attenuation of sympathetic premotor outflow and excitatory cardiovascular reflex responses. Acupuncture of PC6 modulates the activity in the cardiovascular system, an effect that may be attributed to attenuation of sympathoexcitatory cardiovascular reflex responses.
Do Acupuncture Meridians Exist? Correlation with Referred Itch (Mitempfindung) Stimulus and Referral Points
Authors: Silberstein Morry
Published: February 2012

Objective

To describe the relationship between referred itch (mitempfindung) stimulus and referral points and acupuncture meridians, noting that the neuroanatomical mechanism of mitempfindung has never previously been satisfactorily explained.

Methods

Analysis of clinical findings in the author as well as subjects in four previously described studies, comparing proportions in each of five groups.

Results

Ninety-two per cent (range 85–94%) of mitempfindung point pairs (stimulus and referral) aligned to a recognised acupuncture meridian with no statistical difference (p<0.05) between the five data sources.

Conclusion

While previous authors have speculated on an association between mitempfindung and acupuncture, this is the first description of a relationship between stimulus and referral points and acupuncture meridians. The author suggests that the transmission of mitempfindung along acupuncture meridians may involve a series of C-fibre–Merkel cell relays, with the final referred itch sensation caused by substance P release triggering mast cell degranulation.
Electroacupuncture Prevents Ovariectomy-Induced Osteoporosis in Rats: A Randomised Controlled Trial
Authors: Zhou Jun , Chen Shiju , Guo Hua , Xia Lu , Liu Huifang , Qin Yuxi , He Chengqi
Published: February 2012

Background

Electroacupuncture (EA) treatment has been shown to increase bone mineral density (BMD) in ovariectomised (OVX) rats; however, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear.

Objective

To systematically evaluate the effects of EA on OVX rats and the Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway.

Methods

Three-month-old female Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly divided into three different groups (n=10 each): sham operated control (sham operated), ovariectomy (OVX) and ovariectomy with EA treatment (OVX+EA). Rats in the OVX+EA group received 12-week EA treatments.

Results

Serum bone-specific alkaline phosphatase level (p<0.01), BMD of the proximal femoral metaphysis and the fifth lumbar (L5) vertebral body (both, p<0.05) and maximum load and energy to failure of L5 vertebral body (both p<0.01) were significantly higher in the OVX+EA group than in the OVX group. Trabecular area, trabecular width and trabecular number were significantly higher in the OVX+EA group by 66.9%, 29.2% and 30.3%, respectively, than in the OVX group (all, p<0.01). Trabecular separation was 31.9% lower in the OVX+EA group than in the OVX group (p<0.01). Quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerised chain reaction indicated that the expressions of mRNAs for low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 5 and β-catenin were significantly increased in the OVX+EA group, as compared with the OVX group (p<0.01 and p<0.05, respectively).

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that EA can prevent OVX-induced bone loss and deterioration of bone architecture and strength by stimulating the Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway. These findings suggest that EA may bet a promising adjunct method for inhibiting OVX-induced osteoporosis in clinical settings.
A carving method to determine an optimal working projection using three-dimensional volume rendering digital subtraction angiography in coil embolization of cerebral aneurysms
Authors: Kitazawa Keiko , Sorimachi Takatoshi , Ito Yasushi , Fujii Yukihiko
Published: February 2012

Background

A working projection in coil embolization of a cerebral aneurysm is usually determined using three-dimensional volume rendering digital subtraction angiography (3D VRDSA), in which the boundary between an aneurysm and its parent artery cannot be identified simultaneously on the front and back surfaces of the vessel. A new method was devised to obtain a more optimal working projection.

Methods

83 patients with aneurysms being treated by embolization were retrospectively evaluated. An aneurysm was accurately distinguished from the parent artery by observation of front, back, proximal and distal sides of the vessel on 3D VRDSA (carving method). An optimal working projection with simultaneous identification of the front and back boundary lines was determined using a translucent vessel complex combined with the carved aneurysm.

Results

In 32 aneurysms (38.6%), the optimal working projection was consistent with the working projection that had been used during the procedure. In terminal type aneurysms, the angle difference between the optimal and actual working projections was significantly smaller than in the other types (p<0.05). Aneurysms with a maximal diameter <5 mm showed a significantly larger angle difference between the optimal and actual working projections than aneurysms with a maximal diameter ≥5 mm (p<0.05).

Conclusion

In more than half of the patients, the actual working projection was inaccurate. The carving method might be useful to determine working projections, especially for aneurysms other than the terminal type and/or those with a maximal diameter <5 mm.
Inguinal syndrome secondary toPrevotella biviaafter accidental bite in orogenital sex
Authors: Sagristà Marc , Martin-Ezquerra Gemma , Gallardo Fernando , Membrilla Estela , Salazar Alexander Jose , Salvadó Margarita , Gómez Julià , Pujol Ramon M
Published: February 2012

The authors report a case of an inguinal bubo in a young man caused by an anaerobe,Prevotella bivia, which was acquired during oral sexual intercourse. As far as the authors know, this is the first reported case of a sexually transmitted infection byPrevotella.Prevotellaspp. inhabit the oral cavity and are highly prevalent in bacterial vaginosis, a polymicrobial syndrome resulting from replacement of the normal vaginal Lactobacillus spp. flora by high concentrations of anaerobic microorganisms such asPrevotellaspp.,Mobiluncusspp.,Gardnerella vaginalisand other uncultivated anaerobes.
ON A GENERALIZATION OF THE KAWAUCHI CONJECTURE ABOUT THE CONWAY POLYNOMIAL OF ACHIRAL KNOTS
Authors: ERMOTTI NICOLA , QUACH HONGLER CAM VAN , WEBER CLAUDE
Published: February 2012

We give a counterexample to the generalized Kawauchi conjecture on the Conway polynomial of achiral knots which asserts that the Conway polynomial C(z) of an achiral knot satisfies the splitting property C(z) = F(z)F(-z) for a polynomial F(z) with integer coefficients. We show that the Bonahon–Siebenmann decomposition of an achiral and alternating knot is reflected in the Conway polynomial. More explicitly, the generalized Kawauchi conjecture is true for quasi-arborescent knots and counterexamples in the class of alternating knots must be quasi-polyhedral.
FUSION CROSS-SECTIONS FOR 35Cl+92Zr REACTION CALCULATED IN PROXIMITY AND DOUBLE-FOLDING MODELS
Authors: GHODSI O. N. , LARI F.
Published: February 2012

In this paper, the proximity formalism which has been recently generalized to calculate the nuclear potential in the fusion reaction of deformed nuclei, employed to study the 35 Cl +92 Zr system. We also employ different versions of surface energy coefficients and discuss the effect of surface energy coefficients in the proximity potential. Comparison between results of double-folding (DF) and proximity model (PM) are made.
A CHEMICAL GROUP GRAPH REPRESENTATION FOR EFFICIENT HIGH-THROUGHPUT ANALYSIS OF ATOMISTIC PROTEIN SIMULATIONS
Authors: BENSON NOAH C. , DAGGETT VALERIE
Published: February 2012

Graphs are rapidly becoming a powerful and ubiquitous tool for the analysis of protein structure and for event detection in dynamical protein systems. Despite their rise in popularity, however, the graph representations employed to date have shared certain features and parameters that have not been thoroughly investigated. Here, we examine and compare variations on the construction of graph nodes and graph edges. We propose a graph representation based on chemical groups of similar atoms within a protein rather than residues or secondary structure and find that even very simple analyses using this representation form a powerful event detection system with significant advantages over residue-based graph representations. We additionally compare graph edges based on probability of contact to graph edges based on contact strength and analyses of the entire graph structure to an alternative and more computationally tractable node-based analysis. We develop the simplest useful technique for analyzing protein simulations based on these comparisons and use it to shed light on the speed with which static protein structures adjust to a solvated environment at room temperature in simulation.
Palynology of the Huqf Supergroup, Oman
Authors: Butterfield Nicholas J. , Grotzinger John P.
Published: February 2012

Extensive subsurface sampling of the Huqf Supergroup in the Sultanate of Oman has yielded microfossil assemblages of Cryogenian, Ediacaran and Early Cambrian age. Microfossils have been recovered from most stratigraphic units in the Huqf, including Marinoan-equivalent horizons of the Ghadir Manqil Formation (Cryogenian Abu Mahara Group), the Masirah Bay, Shuram and Buah formations of the Ediacaran Nafun Group, and the A3 (latest Ediacaran) and A6 (Early Cambrian) cycles of the Ara Group. Despite the extensive recovery of leiosphaerid acritarchs from the Shuram Formation, there is no indication of the large acanthomorphs typical of other early–middle Ediacaran assemblages. This absence suggests a relatively young (post-extinction) depositional age for the Shuram; however, the signal is complicated by local deep-water conditions and the facies-specific distribution of Proterozoic microfossils. A shallower-water sequence of undivided Nafun Group sediments preserves sphaeromorphic acritarchs in association with filamentous microfossils, fragmentary vendotaenids and possible vaucheriacean algae.
TrkB receptor signaling in the nucleus tractus solitarius mediates the food intake-suppressive effects of hindbrain BDNF and leptin
Authors: Spaeth Andrea M. , Kanoski Scott E. , Hayes Matthew R. , Grill Harvey J.
Published: February 2012

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and TrkB receptor signaling contribute to the central nervous system (CNS) control of energy balance. The role of hindbrain BDNF/TrkB receptor signaling in energy balance regulation is examined here. Hindbrain ventricular BDNF suppressed body weight through reductions in overall food intake and meal size and by increasing core temperature. To localize the neurons mediating the energy balance effects of hindbrain ventricle-delivered BDNF, ventricle subthreshold doses were delivered directly to medial nucleus tractus solitarius (mNTS). mNTS BDNF administration reduced food intake significantly, and this effect was blocked by preadministration of a highly selective TrkB receptor antagonist {[N2–2-2-Oxoazepan-3-yl amino]carbonyl phenyl benzo (b)thiophene-2-carboxamide (ANA-12)}, suggesting that TrkB receptor activation mediates hindbrain BDNF's effect on food intake. Because both BDNF and leptin interact with melanocortin signaling to reduce food intake, we also examined whether the intake inhibitory effects of hindbrain leptin involve hindbrain-specific BDNF/TrkB activation. BDNF protein content within the dorsal vagal complex of the hindbrain was increased significantly by hindbrain leptin delivery. To assess if BDNF/TrkB receptor signaling acts downstream of leptin signaling in the control of energy balance, leptin and ANA-12 were coadministered into the mNTS. Administration of the TrkB receptor antagonist attenuated the intake-suppressive effects of leptin, suggesting that mNTS TrkB receptor activation contributes to the mediation of the anorexigenic effects of hindbrain leptin. Collectively, these results indicate that TrkB-mediated signaling in the mNTS negatively regulates food intake and, in part, the intake inhibitory effects of leptin administered into the NTS.
Repeated immobilization stress disturbed steroidogenic machinery and stimulated the expression of cAMP signaling elements and adrenergic receptors in Leydig cells
Authors: Stojkov Natasa J. , Janjic Marija M. , Bjelic Maja M. , Mihajlovic Aleksandar I. , Kostic Tatjana S. , Andric Silvana A.
Published: February 2012

This study was designed to evaluate the effect of acute (2 h daily) and repeated (2 h daily for 2 or 10 consecutive days) immobilization stress (IMO) on: 1) the steroidogenic machinery homeostasis; 2) cAMP signaling; and the expression of receptors for main markers of 3) adrenergic and 4) glucocorticoid signaling in Leydig cells of adult rats. The results showed that acute IMO inhibited steroidogenic machinery in Leydig cells by downregulation of Scarb1 (scavenger receptor class B), Cyp11a1 (cholesterol side-chain cleavage enzyme), Cyp17a1 (17α-hydroxylase/17,20 lyase), and Hsd17b3 (17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase) expression. In addition to acute IMO effects, repeated IMO increased transcription of Star (steroidogenic acute regulatory protein) and Arr19 (androgen receptor corepressor 19 kDa) in Leydig cells. In the same cells, the transcription of adenylyl cyclases (Adcy7, Adcy9, Adcy10) and cAMP-specific phosphodiesterases ( Pde4a, Pde4b, Pde4d, Pde7a, Pde8a) was stimulated, whereas the expression of the genes encoding protein kinase A subunits were unaffected. Ten times repeated IMO increased the levels of all adrenergic receptors and β-adrenergic receptor kinase ( Adrbk1) in Leydig cells. The transcription analysis was supported by cAMP/testosterone production. In this signaling scenario, partial recovery of testosterone production in medium/content was detected. The physiological significance of the present results was proven by ex vivo application of epinephrine, which increased cAMP/testosterone production by Leydig cells from control rats in greater fashion than from stressed. IMO did not affect the expression of transcripts for Crhr1/Crhr2 (corticotropin releasing hormone receptors), Acthr (adrenocorticotropin releasing hormone receptor), Gr (glucocorticoid receptor), and Hsd11b1 [hydroxysteroid (11-β) dehydrogenase 1], while all types of IMO stimulated the expression of Hsd11b2, the unidirectional oxidase with high affinity to inactivate glucocorticoids. Thus, presented data provide new molecular/transcriptional base for “fight/adaptation” of Leydig cells and new insights into the role of cAMP, epinephrine, and glucocorticoid signaling in recovery of stress-impaired Leydig cell steroidogenesis.
Influence of maternal metabolism and parental genetics on fetal maldevelopment in diabetic rat pregnancy
Authors: Ejdesjö A. , Wentzel P. , Eriksson U. J.
Published: February 2012

The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of parental transgenerational genetics and maternal metabolic state on fetal maldevelopment in diabetic rat pregnancy. Rats from an inbred malformation-resistant (W) strain, and an inbred malformation-prone (L) strain, were cross-mated to produce two different F1hybrids, WL and LW. Normal (N) and manifestly diabetic (MD) WL and LW females were mated with normal males of the same F1generation to obtain WLWL and LWLW F2hybrids. Maternal diabetes increased malformation and resorption rates in both F2generations. MD-WLWL offspring had higher resorption rate but similar malformation rate compared with the MD-LWLW offspring. Malformed MD-WLWL offspring presented with 100% agnathia/micrognathia, whereas malformed MD-LWL offspring had 60% agnathia/micrognathia and 40% cleft lip and palate. The MD-WL dams showed increased β-hydroxybutyrate levels and alterations in concentrations of several amino acids (taurine, asparagine, citrulline, cystine, glutamic acid, leucine, tyrosine, and tryptophan) compared with MD-LW dams. Fetal glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (Gapdh) activity and gene expression were more altered in MD-WLWL than MD-LWLW. Fetal gene expression of reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenger enzymes was diminished in MD-WLWL compared with MD-LWLW. Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor and Ret proto-oncogene gene expression was decreased in both MD-WLWL and MD-LWLW fetuses, whereas increased bone morphogenetic protein 4 and decreased Sonic hedgehog homolog expression was found only in MD-LWLW fetuses. Despite identical autosomal genotypes, the WL and LW dams gave birth to offspring with markedly different malformation patterns. Together with fetal differences in enzymatic activity and expression of Gapdh, ROS scavengers, and developmental genes, these results may suggest a teratological mechanism in diabetic pregnancy influenced by maternal metabolism and parental strain epigenetics.
GABAA receptors increase excitability and conduction velocity of cerebellar parallel fiber axons
Authors: Dellal Shlomo S. , Luo Ray , Otis Thomas S.
Published: February 2012

In the adult mammalian brain, GABAA receptors (GABAARs) are responsible for the predominant forms of synaptic inhibition, but these receptors can excite neurons when the chloride equilibrium potential ( ECl) is depolarized. In many mature neurons, GABAARs are found on presynaptic terminals where they exert depolarizing effects. To understand whether excitatory GABA action affects axonal function, we used transverse cerebellar slices to measure the effects of photolysis of caged GABA on the initiation and propagation of compound parallel fiber (PF) action potentials (APs). Photolysis of caged GABA increased the amplitude and conduction velocity of PF APs; GABA reuptake blockers and a positive modulator of GABAARs enhanced these effects. In contrast, a modulator selective for δ-subunit-containing GABAARs did not enhance these effects and responsiveness remained in δ−/− mice, arguing that δ-subunit-containing GABAARs are not required. Synaptically released GABA also increased PF excitability, indicating that the mechanism is engaged by physiological signals. A Hodgkin-Huxley-style compartmental model of the PF axon and granule cell body was constructed, and this model recapitulated the GABA-dependent decrease in AP threshold and the increase in conduction velocity, features that were sensitive to ECl and to the voltage dependence of sodium channel inactivation. The model also predicts that axonal GABAARs could affect orthodromic spike initiation. We conclude that GABA acting on cerebellar PFs facilitates both spike generation and propagation, allowing axons of granule cells to passively integrate signals from inhibitory interneurons and influence information flow in the input layer to the cerebellar cortex.
Multiresolution Hilbert Approach to Multidimensional Gauss-Markov Processes
Authors: Taillefumier Thibaud , Touboul Jonathan
Published: February 2012

The study of the multidimensional stochastic processes involves complex computations in intricate functional spaces. In particular, the diffusion processes, which include the practically important Gauss-Markov processes, are ordinarily defined through the theory of stochastic integration. Here, inspired by the Lévy-Ciesielski construction of the Wiener process, we propose an alternative representation of multidimensional Gauss-Markov processes as expansions on well-chosen Schauder bases, with independent random coefficients of normal law with zero mean and unit variance. We thereby offer a natural multiresolution description of the Gauss-Markov processes as limits of finite-dimensional partial sums of the expansion, that are strongly almost-surely convergent. Moreover, such finite-dimensional random processes constitute an optimal approximation of the process, in the sense of minimizing the associated Dirichlet energy under interpolating constraints. This approach allows for a simpler treatment of problems in many applied and theoretical fields, and we provide a short overview of applications we are currently developing.
Design of an Error-Based Adaptive Controller for a Flexible Robot Arm Using Dynamic Pole Motion Approach
Authors: Song Ki-Young , Gupta Madan M. , Homma Noriyasu
Published: February 2012

Design of an adaptive controller for complex dynamic systems is a big challenge faced by the researchers. In this paper, we introduce a novel concept ofdynamic pole motion(DPM) for the design of an error-based adaptive controller (E-BAC). The purpose of this novel design approach is to make the system response reasonably fast with no overshoot, where the system may be time varying and nonlinear with only partially known dynamics. The E-BAC is implanted in a system as a nonlinear controller with two dominant dynamic parameters: the dynamic position feedback and the dynamic velocity feedback. For illustrating the strength of this new approach, in this paper we give an example of a flexible robot with nonlinear dynamics. In the design of this feedback adaptive controller, parameters of the controller are designed as a function of the system error. The position feedbackKp(e,t)and the velocity feedbackKv(e,t)are continuously varying and formulated as a function of the system errore(t). This approach for formulating the adaptive controller yields a very fast response with no overshoot.
Relative and Absolute Perturbation Bounds for Weighted Polar Decomposition
Authors: Zhang Pingping , Yang Hu , Li Hanyu
Published: February 2012

Some new perturbation bounds for both weighted unitary polar factors and generalized nonnegative polar factors of the weighted polar decompositions are presented without the restriction that A and its perturbed matrix have the same rank. These bounds improve the corresponding recent results.
The Corrosion Behavior of Carburized Aluminum Using DC Plasma
Authors: Pirizadhejrandoost Somayeh , Bakhshzad Mahmoudi Mehdi , Ahmadi Elnaz , Moradshahi Masoud
Published: February 2012

Because of the outstanding properties of aluminum, it is widely used in today's advanced technological world. However, its insufficient wear resistance limits its use for commercial and industrial applications. In this study, we performed DC diode plasma carburizing of aluminum in the gas composition of CH4–H2 (20–80%) and at a temperature of about 350°C for 4 and 8 hours. The corrosion properties of the untreated and plasma-carburized samples were evaluated using anodic polarization tests in 3 N HCl solution according to ASTM: G5-94. The metallurgical characteristics were then investigated using XRD and SEM. The results showed that the carburizing process improves the corrosion resistance of treated specimens at low temperature.
Taper Preparation Variability Compared to Current Taper Standards Using Computed Tomography
Authors: Gergi Richard , Abou Rjeily Joe , Osta Nada , Sader Joseph , Naaman Alfred
Published: February 2012

Introduction. The purpose of this study was to compare the taper variation in root canal preparations among Twisted Files and PathFiles-ProTaper .08 tapered rotary files to current standards.Methods. 60 root canals with severe angle of curvature (between 25∘and 35∘) and short radius (r<10 mm) were selected. The canals were divided randomly into two groups of 30 each. After preparation with Twisted Files and PathFiles-ProTaper to size 25 taper .08, the diameter was measured using computed tomography (CT) at 1, 3, and 16 mm. Canal taper preparation was calculated at the apical third and at the middle-cervical third.Results. Of the 2 file systems, both fell within the ±.05 taper variability. All preparations demonstrated variability when compared to the nominal taper .08. In the apical third, mean taper was significantly different between TF and PathFiles-ProTaper (Pvalue < 0.0001; independentt-test). Mean Taper was significantly higher with PathFile-ProTaper. In the middle-cervical third, mean Taper was significantly higher with TF (Pvalue = 0.015; independentt-test).Conclusion. Taper preparations of the investigated size 25 taper .08 were favorable but different from the nominal taper.
Preparation and Characterization of Soluble Eggshell Membrane Protein/PLGA Electrospun Nanofibers for Guided Tissue Regeneration Membrane
Authors: Jia Jun , Liu Geng , Guo Zhao-Xia , Yu Jian , Duan Yuanyuan
Published: February 2012

Guided tissue regeneration (GTR) is a widely used method in periodontal therapy, which involves the placement of a barrier membrane to exclude migration of epithelium and ensure repopulation of periodontal ligament cells. The objective of this study is to prepare and evaluate a new type of soluble eggshell membrane protein (SEP)/poly (lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanofibers using electrospinning method for GTR membrane application. SEP/PLGA nanofibers were successfully prepared with various blending ratios. The morphology, chemical composition, surface wettability, and mechanical properties of the nanofibers were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), contact angle measurement, Fourier transform‐infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and a universal testing machine. L‐929 fibroblast cells were used to evaluate the biocompatibility of SEP/PLGA nanofibers and investigate the interaction between cells and nanofibers. Results showed that the SEP/PLGA electrospun membrane was composed of uniform, bead‐free nanofibers, which formed an interconnected porous network structure. Mechanical property of SEP has been greatly improved by the addition of PLGA. The biological study results showed that SEP/PLGA nanofibers could enhance cell attachment, spreading, and proliferation. The study indicated the potential of SEP/PLGA nanofibers for GTR application and provided a basis for future optimization.
A High-Performance Lossless Compression Scheme for EEG Signals Using Wavelet Transform and Neural Network Predictors
Authors: Sriraam N.
Published: February 2012

Developments of new classes of efficient compression algorithms, software systems, and hardware for data intensive applications in today's digital health care systems provide timely and meaningful solutions in response to exponentially growing patient information data complexity and associated analysis requirements. Of the different 1D medical signals, electroencephalography (EEG) data is of great importance to the neurologist for detecting brain-related disorders. The volume of digitized EEG data generated and preserved for future reference exceeds the capacity of recent developments in digital storage and communication media and hence there is a need for an efficient compression system. This paper presents a new and efficient high performance lossless EEG compression using wavelet transform and neural network predictors. The coefficients generated from the EEG signal by integer wavelet transform are used to train the neural network predictors. The error residues are further encoded using a combinational entropy encoder, Lempel-Ziv-arithmetic encoder. Also a new context-based error modeling is also investigated to improve the compression efficiency. A compression ratio of 2.99 (with compression efficiency of 67%) is achieved with the proposed scheme with less encoding time thereby providing diagnostic reliability for lossless transmission as well as recovery of EEG signals for telemedicine applications.
Economic Design of Acceptance Sampling Plans in a Two-Stage Supply Chain
Authors: Hsu Lie-Fern , Hsu Jia-Tzer
Published: February 2012

Supply Chain Management, which is concerned with material and information flows between facilities and the final customers, has been considered the most popular operations strategy for improving organizational competitiveness nowadays. With the advanced development of computer technology, it is getting easier to derive an acceptance sampling plan satisfying both the producer's and consumer's quality and risk requirements. However, all the available QC tables and computer software determine the sampling plan on a noneconomic basis. In this paper, we design an economic model to determine the optimal sampling plan in a two-stage supply chain that minimizes the producer's and the consumer's total quality cost while satisfying both the producer's and consumer's quality and risk requirements. Numerical examples show that the optimal sampling plan is quite sensitive to the producer's product quality. The product's inspection, internal failure, and postsale failure costs also have an effect on the optimal sampling plan.
Design and Implementation of a Simulator for Photovoltaic Modules
Authors: Tang Kuang-Hui , Chao Kuei-Hsiang , Chao Yuan-Wei , Chen Jyun-Ping
Published: February 2012

Proposed in this paper is the development of a photovoltaic module simulator, one capable of running an output characteristic simulation under normal operation according to various electrical parameters specified and exhibiting multiple advantages of being low cost, small sized, and easy to implement. In comparison with commercial simulation tools, Pspice and Solar Pro, the simulator developed demonstrates a comparableI-Vas well as aP-Voutput characteristic curve. In addition, a series-parallel configuration of individual modules constitutes a photovoltaic module array, which turns into a photovoltaic power generation system with an integrated power conditioner.
Case Study: Trap Crop with Pheromone Traps for SuppressingEuschistus servus(Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) in Cotton
Authors: Tillman P. G. , Cottrell T. E.
Published: February 2012

The brown stink bug,Euschistus servus(Say), can disperse from source habitats, including corn,Zea maysL., and peanut,Arachis hypogaeaL., into cotton,Gossypium hirsutumL. Therefore, a 2-year on-farm experiment was conducted to determine the effectiveness of a sorghum (Sorghum bicolor(L.) Moench spp.bicolor) trap crop, with or withoutEuschistusspp. pheromone traps, to suppress dispersal of this pest to cotton. In 2004, density ofE. servuswas lower in cotton fields with sorghum trap crops (with or without pheromone traps) compared to control cotton fields. Similarly, in 2006, density ofE. servuswas lower in cotton fields with sorghum trap crops and pheromone traps compared to control cotton fields. Thus, the combination of the sorghum trap crop and pheromone traps effectively suppressed dispersal ofE. servusinto cotton. Inclusion of pheromone traps with trap crops potentially offers additional benefits, including: (1) reducing the density ofE. servusadults in a trap crop, especially females, to possibly decrease the local population over time and reduce the overwintering population, (2) reducing dispersal ofE. servusadults from the trap crop into cotton, and (3) potentially attracting more dispersingE. servusadults into a trap crop during a period of time when preferred food is not prevalent in the landscape.
The Effect of Antihypertensive Drugs on Endothelial Function as Assessed by Flow-Mediated Vasodilation in Hypertensive Patients
Authors: Miyamoto Michiaki , Kotani Kazuhiko , Ishibashi Shun , Taniguchi Nobuyuki
Published: February 2012

Endothelial dysfunction is found in hypertensive patients and may serve as a prognostic marker of future cardiovascular events. Endothelial function can be assessed noninvasively by flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD). The goal of this paper is to summarize comprehensively the clinical trials that investigated the effects of antihypertensive drugs on endothelial function assessed by FMD in hypertensive patients. A PubMed-based search found 38 clinical trial papers published from January 1999 to June 2011. Significant improvement of FMD after antihypertensive treatment was shown in 43 of 71 interventions (among 38 clinical trial papers). Angiotensin II receptor blockers and angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors appeared to improve FMD more than other drug types. Antihypertensive treatment can improve endothelial dysfunction when assessed by FMD, although there are conflicting data that require further research.
Well‐Posedness of Generalized Vector Quasivariational Inequality Problems
Authors: Peng Jian-Wen , Liu Fang
Published: February 2012

We introduce several types of the Levitin‐Polyak well‐posedness for a generalized vector quasivariational inequality problem with both abstract set constraints and functional constraints. Criteria and characterizations of these types of the Levitin‐Polyak well‐posednesses with or without gap functions of generalized vector quasivariational inequality problem are given. The results in this paper unify, generalize, and extend some known results in the literature.
Molecular Cloning and Sequence Analysis of the cDNAs Encoding Toxin-Like Peptides from the Venom Glands of Tarantula Grammostola rosea
Authors: Kimura Tadashi , Ono Seigo , Kubo Tai
Published: February 2012

Tarantula venom glands produce a large variety of bioactive peptides. Here we present the identification of venom components obtained by sequencing clones isolated from a cDNA library prepared from the venom glands of the Chilean common tarantula, Grammostola rosea. The cDNA sequences of about 1500 clones out of 4000 clones were analyzed after selection using several criteria. Forty-eight novel toxin-like peptides (GTx1 to GTx7, and GTx-TCTP and GTx-CRISP) were predicted from the nucleotide sequences. Among these peptides, twenty-four toxins are ICK motif peptides, eleven peptides are MIT1-like peptides, and seven are ESTX-like peptides. Peptides similar to JZTX-64, aptotoxin, CRISP, or TCTP are also obtained. GTx3 series possess a cysteine framework that is conserved among vertebrate MIT1, Bv8, prokineticins, and invertebrate astakines. GTx-CRISP is the first CRISP-like protein identified from the arthropod venom. Real-time PCR revealed that the transcripts for TCTP-like peptide are expressed in both the pereopodal muscle and the venom gland. Furthermore, a unique peptide GTx7-1, whose signal and prepro sequences are essentially identical to those of HaTx1, was obtained.
Synthesis and Spectral Characterization of Praseodymium(III) Complex with New Amino Acid-Based Azo Dye
Authors: Singh Man , Anant Sushma
Published: February 2012

A new Praseodymium (Pr) (III) complex has been synthesized and characterized by using a new amino acid-based (leucine) azo dye such as N,N-dimethylazoleucine (L1) and 1,10 phenanthroline (L2). Reaction of Pr(III) ion with L1 and L2 in 1 : 2 : 1 ratio in alcoholic medium has been carried out with general formula [Pr(L1)2(L2)(H2O)2]. Elemental analysis, comparative FT-IR, and 1HNMR spectral studies of Pr(III) complex with ligands have been shown in this paper.
Non‐Archimedean Hyers‐Ulam Stability of an Additive‐Quadratic Mapping
Authors: Azadi Kenary Hassan , Rassias Themistocles M. , Rezaei H. , Talebzadeh S. , Park Won-Gil
Published: February 2012

Using fixed point method and direct method, we prove the Hyers‐Ulam stability of the following additive‐quadratic functional equation r2f((x + y + z)/r) + r2f((x − y + z)/r) + r2f((x + y − z)/r) + r2f((‐x + y + z)/r) = 4f(x) + 4f(y) + 4f(z), where r is a positive real number, in non‐Archimedean normed spaces.
The Relationship between Multiple Health Behaviours and Brachial Artery Reactivity
Authors: Gordon Jennifer L. , Lavoie Kim L. , Arsenault André , Meloche Bernard , Ditto Blaine , Campbell Tavis S. , Bacon Simon L.
Published: February 2012

Background. The effects of smoking, alcohol consumption, obesity, and a sedentary lifestyle on endothelial function (EF) have only been examined separately. The relative contributions of these behaviours on EF have therefore not been compared.Purpose. To compare the relative associations between these four risk factors and brachial artery reactivity in the same sample.Methods. 328 patients referred for single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) exercise stress tests completed a nuclear-medicine-based forearm hyperaemic reactivity test. Self-reported exercise behaviour, smoking habits, and alcohol consumption were collected and waist circumference was measured.Results. Adjusting for relevant covariates, logistic regression analyses revealed that waist circumference, abstinence from alcohol, and past smoking significantly predicted poor brachial artery reactivity while physical activity did not. Only waist circumference predicted continuous variations in EF.Conclusions. Central adiposity, alcohol consumption, and smoking habits but not physical activity are each independent predictors of poor brachial artery reactivity in patients with or at high risk for cardiovascular disease.
A New Experimental Polytrauma Model in Rats: Molecular Characterization of the Early Inflammatory Response
Authors: Weckbach Sebastian , Perl Mario , Heiland Tim , Braumüller Sonja , Stahel Philip F. , Flierl Michael A. , Ignatius Anita , Gebhard Florian , Huber-Lang Markus
Published: February 2012

Background. The molecular mechanisms of the immune response after polytrauma are highly complex and far from fully understood. In this paper, we characterize a new standardized polytrauma model in rats based on the early molecular inflammatory and apoptotic response.Methods. Male Wistar rats (250 g, 6–10/group) were anesthetized and exposed to chest trauma (ChT), closed head injury (CHI), or Tib/Fib fracture including a soft tissue trauma (Fx + STT) or to the following combination of injuries: (1) ChT; (2) ChT + Fx + STT; (3) ChT + CHI; (4) CHI; (5) polytrauma (PT = ChT + CHI + Fx + STT). Sham-operated rats served as negative controls. The inflammatory response was quantified at 2 hours and 4 hours after trauma by analysis of “key” inflammatory mediators, including selected cytokines and complement components, in serum and bronchoalveolar (BAL) fluid samples.Results. Polytraumatized (PT) rats showed a significant systemic and intrapulmonary release of cytokines, chemokines, and complement anaphylatoxins, compared to rats with isolated injuries or selected combinations of injuries.Conclusion. This new rat model appears to closely mimic the early immunological response of polytrauma observed in humans and may provide a valid basis for evaluation of the complex pathophysiology and future therapeutic immune modulatory approaches in experimental polytrauma.
Testing for Change in Mean of Independent Multivariate Observations with Time Varying Covariance
Authors: Boutahar Mohamed
Published: February 2012

We consider a nonparametric CUSUM test for change in the mean of multivariate time series with time varying covariance. We prove that under the null, the test statistic has a Kolmogorov limiting distribution. The asymptotic consistency of the test against a large class of alternatives which contains abrupt, smooth and continuous changes is established. We also perform a simulation study to analyze the size distortion and the power of the proposed test.
Uniform Convergence and Transitive Subsets
Authors: Liu Lei , Zhao Shuli , Liang Hongliang
Published: February 2012

Let (X, d) be a metric space and a sequence of continuous maps fn : X → X that converges uniformly to a map f. We investigate the transitive subsets of fn whether they can be inherited by f or not. We give sufficient conditions such that the limit map f has a transitive subset. In particular, we show the transitive subsets of fn that can be inherited by f if fn converges uniformly strongly to f.
Agrobacterium tumefaciensT-DNA Integration and Gene Targeting inArabidopsis thalianaNon-Homologous End-Joining Mutants
Authors: Jia Qi , Bundock Paul , Hooykaas Paul J. J. , de Pater Sylvia
Published: February 2012

In order to study the role of AtKu70 and AtKu80 inAgrobacterium-mediated transformation and gene targeting, plant lines with a T-DNA insertion inAtKu80orAtKu70genes were functionally characterized. Such plant lines lacked both subunits, indicating that heterodimer formation between AtKu70 and AtKu80 is needed for the stability of the proteins. Homozygous mutants were phenotypically indistinguishable from wild-type plants and were fertile. However, they were hypersensitive to the genotoxic agent bleomycin, resulting in more DSBs as quantified in comet assays. They had lower end-joining efficiency, suggesting that NHEJ is a critical pathway for DSB repair in plants. BothAtkumutants and a previously isolatedAtmre11mutant were impaired inAgrobacteriumT-DNA integration via floral dip transformation, indicating that AtKu70, AtKu80, and AtMre11 play an important role in T-DNA integration inArabidopsis. The frequency of gene targeting was not significantly increased in theAtku80andAtku70mutants, but it was increased at least 10-fold in theAtmre11mutant compared with the wild type.
Tumor Vascular Microenvironment Determines Responsiveness to Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Maas Amanda L. , Carter Shirron L. , Wileyto E. Paul , Miller Joann , Yuan Min , Yu Guoqiang , Durham Amy C. , Busch Theresa M.
Published: February 2012

The efficacy of photodynamic therapy (PDT) depends upon the delivery of both photosensitizing drug and oxygen. In this study, we hypothesized that local vascular microenvironment is a determinant of tumor response to PDT. Tumor vascularization and its basement membrane (collagen) were studied as a function of supplementation with basement membrane matrix (Matrigel) at the time of tumor cell inoculation. Effects on vascular composition with consequences to tumor hypoxia, photosensitizer uptake, and PDT response were measured. Matrigel-supplemented tumors developed more normalized vasculature, composed of smaller and more uniformly spaced blood vessels than their unsupplemented counterparts, but these changes did not affect tumor oxygenation or PDT-mediated direct cytotoxicity. However, PDT-induced vascular damage increased in Matrigel-supplemented tumors, following an affinity of the photosensitizer Photofrin for collagen-containing vascular basement membrane coupled with increased collagen content in these tumors. The more highly collagenated tumors showed more vascular congestion and ischemia after PDT, along with a higher probability of curative outcome that was collagen dependent. In the presence of photosensitizer-collagen localization, PDT effects on collagen were evidenced by a decrease in its association with vessels. Together, our findings show that photosensitizer localization to collagen increases vascular damage and improves treatment efficacy in tumors with greater collagen content. The vascular basement membrane is thus identified to be a determinant of therapeutic outcome in PDT of tumors. Cancer Res; 72(8); 2079–88. ©2012 AACR.
Carnosol, a Constituent of Zyflamend, Inhibits Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor–Mediated Activation of CYP1A1 and CYP1B1 Transcription and Mutagenesis
Authors: Mohebati Arash , Guttenplan Joseph B. , Kochhar Amit , Zhao Zhong-Lin , Kosinska Wieslawa , Subbaramaiah Kotha , Dannenberg Andrew J.
Published: February 2012

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), a ligand-activated member of the basic helix-loop-helix family of transcription factors, plays a significant role in polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH)-induced carcinogenesis. In the upper aerodigestive tract of humans, tobacco smoke, a source of PAHs, activates the AhR leading to increased expression of CYP1A1 and CYP1B1, which encode proteins that convert PAHs to genotoxic metabolites. Inhibitors of Hsp90 ATPase cause a rapid decrease in levels of AhR, an Hsp90 client protein, and thereby block PAH-mediated induction of CYP1A1 and CYP1B1. The main objective of this study was to determine whether Zyflamend, a polyherbal preparation, suppressed PAH-mediated induction of CYP1A1 and CYP1B1 and inhibited DNA adduct formation and mutagenesis. We also investigated whether carnosol, one of multiple phenolic antioxidants in Zyflamend, had similar inhibitory effects. Treatment of cell lines derived from oral leukoplakia (MSK-Leuk1) and skin (HaCaT) with benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P), a prototypic PAH, induced CYP1A1 and CYP1B1 transcription, resulting in enhanced levels of message and protein. Both Zyflamend and carnosol suppressed these effects of B[a]P. Notably, both Zyflamend and carnosol inhibited Hsp90 ATPase activity and caused a rapid reduction in AhR levels. The formation of B[a]P-induced DNA adducts and mutagenesis was also inhibited by Zyflamend and carnosol. Collectively, these results show that Zyflamend and carnosol inhibit Hsp90 ATPase leading to reduced levels of AhR, suppression of B[a]P-mediated induction of CYP1A1 and CYP1B1, and inhibition of mutagenesis. Carnosol-mediated inhibition of Hsp90 ATPase activity can help explain the chemopreventive activity of herbs such as Rosemary, which contain this phenolic antioxidant. Cancer Prev Res; 5(4); 593–602. ©2012 AACR.
Circumventing Cancer Drug Resistance in the Era of Personalized Medicine
Authors: Garraway Levi A. , Jänne Pasi A.
Published: February 2012

All successful cancer therapies are limited by the development of drug resistance. The increase in the understanding of the molecular and biochemical bases of drug efficacy has also facilitated studies elucidating the mechanism(s) of drug resistance. Experimental approaches that can help predict the eventual clinical drug resistance, coupled with the evolution of systematic genomic and proteomic technologies, are rapidly identifying novel resistance mechanisms. In this review, we provide a historical background on drug resistance and a framework for understanding the common ways by which cancers develop resistance to targeted therapies. We further discuss advantages and disadvantages of experimental strategies that can be used to identify drug resistance mechanism(s).

Significance: Increased knowledge of drug resistance mechanisms will aid in the development of effective therapies for patients with cancer. We provide a summary of current knowledge on drug resistance mechanisms and experimental strategies to identify and study additional drug resistance pathways. Cancer Discovery; 2(3); 214–26. ©2012 AACR.
Extending Social Domain Theory with a Process-Based Account of Moral Judgments
Authors: Richardson Cameron B. , Mulvey Kelly Lynn , Killen Melanie
Published: February 2012

Social domain theory (SDT) provides a model for how individuals identify, evaluate, and coordinate domains of social knowledge when judging socially relevant actions. To date, little research has focused on the cognitive processes that underlie these capacities. Utilizing principles from the literature on SDT and the hierarchical competing systems model, we examine the extant research with a new focus on the process by which domain coordination takes place. We argue for an integrated approach to social cognition that recognizes the cognitive processes involved in domain coordination.