bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Low C3 levels is associated with neutropenia in a proportion of patients with myelodysplastic syndrome: retrospective analysis
Authors: Kim Ki‐Jo , Kwok Seung‐Ki , Park Yun‐Jung , Kim Wan‐Uk , Cho Chul‐Soo
Published: February 2012

Background

Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) is a clonal disorder characterized by ineffective hematopoiesis. MDS patients are known to manifest overt rheumatic manifestations and have distinct immunological abnormalities but their clinical significance has yet to be elucidated.

Aim

To investigate the prevalence of autoimmune or rheumatic manifestations in the course of MDS and serological immunological abnormalities which have been detected at presentation and to determine their clinical significance.

Methods

One hundred and eleven patients diagnosed as having MSD between 2001 and 2004 were identified. Their clinical and serologic features on medical records were retrospectively reviewed.

Results

Of 111 patients with MDS, 25 showed 27 autoimmune or rheumatic manifestations. On dividing the cohort into two groups, with and without autoimmune or rheumatic manifestations, the two groups were not statistically different in survival. Serological immunological abnormalities were observed by variable rate, but had no association with compatible clinical manifestations. C3 hypocomplementemia was observed as high as 45.9% and the C3 hypocomplementemic subgroup had more severe cytopenia of red cell and white cell lineages and was dominant in the low‐risk International Prognostic Scoring System category.

Conclusions

Our data indicates that a distinct subset of MDS, demonstrating complement activation, has more severe cytopenias, which suggest complement activation contributes to the pathogenesis of autoimmune cytopenia in MDS.
Streptococcus pyogenes infection of tonsil explants is associated with a human β‐defensin 1 response from control but not recurrent acute tonsillitis patients
Authors: Bell S. , Howard A. , Wilson J.A. , Abbot E.L. , Smith W.D. , Townes C.L. , Hirst B.H. , Hall J.
Published: February 2012

Host defence peptides (HDP), including the defensins and hCAP‐18, function as part of the innate immune defences, protecting the host epithelia from microbial attachment and invasion. Recurrent acute tonsillitis (RAT), in which patients suffer repeated symptomatic tonsil infections, is linked to Streptococcus pyogenes, a group A streptococcus, and may reflect the impaired expression of such peptides. To address this, the defensin and hCAP‐18 messenger RNA expression profiles of 54 tonsils excised from control and RAT patients undergoing tonsillectomy were quantified and compared. Marked variation in expression was observed between individuals from the two groups, but statistically no significant differences were identified, suggesting that at the time of surgery the tonsil epithelial HDP barrier was not compromised in RAT subjects. Surgical removal of the tonsils occurs in a quiescent phase of disease, and so to assess the effects of an active bacterial infection, HaCaT cells an in vitro model of the tonsil epithelium, and explants of patient tonsils maintained in vitro were challenged with S. pyogenes. The HaCaT data supported the reduced expression of hCAP‐18/LL‐37, human β‐defensin 1 (HBD1;P < 0.01) and HBD2 (P < 0.05), consistent with decreased protection of the epithelial barrier. The tonsil explant data, although not as definitive, showed similar trends apart from HBD1 expression, which in the control tonsils but not the RAT patient tonsils was characterized by increased expression (P < 0.01). These data suggest that in vivo HBD1 may play a critical role in protecting the tonsil epithelia from S. pyogenes.
Comparison Between Thermal Conductivity Models on Heat Transfer in Power-Law Non-Newtonian Fluids
Authors: Li Botong , Zheng Liancun , Zhang Xinxin
Published: February 2012

This paper endeavors to complete a numerical research on forced convection steady heat transfer in power-law non-Newtonian fluids in a circle duct. Incompressible, laminar fluids are to be studied with a uniform wall temperature. A hydrodynamic entrance length is neglected which allows establishing a fully developed flow. The energy equation is solved by using a LU decomposition coupled with control volume technique based on finite difference method. Four thermal conductivity models are adopted in this paper, that is, constant thermal conductivity model, linear thermal conductivity varying with temperature, thermal conductivity varying as a function of velocity gradient, and thermal conductivity varying as a function of temperature gradient. The results are compared with each other and the physical characteristics for values of parameters are also discussed in details. It is shown that the heat transfer behaviors are strongly depending on the power-law index in all models. Comparisons of temperature and local Nusselt number between models are made. It reveals the increasing values of thermal conductivity parameter result in increasing the local Nusselt number when the thermal conductivity is a linear one. Furthermore, there is obvious difference in the local Nusselt number between the constant model and the power-law velocity-dependent model, but Nusselt number varies little from the constant model to the power-law temperature-dependent model.
Numerical Predictions of Hydrogen-Air Rectangular Channel Flows Augmented by Catalytic Surface Reactions
Authors: Amano Ryoichi S. , Abou-Ellail Mohsen M. , Kaseb S.
Published: February 2012

Catalytic combustion of hydrogen-air boundary layers involves the adsorption of hydrogen and oxygen into a platinum-coated surface, chemical reactions of the adsorbed species, and the desorption of the resulting products. Re-adsorption of some produced gases is also possible. This paper presents numerical computations of laminar momentum transfer, heat transfer, and chemical reactions in rectangular channel flows of hydrogen-air mixtures. Chemical reactions are included in the gas phase as well as on the solid platinum surfaces. In the gas phase, eight species are involved in 26 elementary reactions. On the platinum hot surfaces, additional surface species are included, which are involved in 16 additional surface chemical reactions. The platinum surface temperature distribution is prespecified, while the properties of the reacting flow are computed. The results show very good agreement with the measured data.
Numerical Results for the Effective Flow and Thermal Properties of Idealized Graphite Foam
Authors: DeGroot Christopher T. , Straatman Anthony G.
Published: February 2012

To simulate the heat transfer performance of devices incorporating high-conductivity porous materials, it is necessary to determine the relevant effective properties to close the volume-averaged momentum and energy equations. In this work, we determine these effective properties by conducting direct simulations in an idealized spherical void phase geometry and use the results to establish closure relations to be employed in a volume-averaged framework. To close the volume-averaged momentum equation, we determine the permeability as defined by Darcy’s law as well as a non-Darcy term, which characterizes the departure from Darcy’s law at higher Reynolds numbers. Results indicate that the non-Darcy term is nonlinearly related to Reynolds number, not only confirming previous evidence regarding such behavior in the weak inertia flow regime, but demonstrating that this is generally true at higher Reynolds numbers as well. The volume-averaged energy equation in the fluid phase is closed by the thermal dispersion conductivity tensor, the convecting velocity, and the interfacial Nusselt number. Overall, it has been found that many existing correlations for the effective thermal properties of graphite foams are oversimplified. In particular, it has been found that the dispersion conductivity is not well characterized using the Péclet number alone, rather the Reynolds and Prandtl numbers must be considered as separate influences. Additionally, the convecting velocity modification, which is not typically considered, was found to be significant, while the interfacial Nusselt number was found to exhibit a nonzero asymptote at low Péclet numbers. Finally, simulations using the closed volume-averaged equations reveal significant differences in heat transfer when employing the present dispersion model in comparison to a simpler dispersion model commonly used for metallic foams, particularly at high Péclet numbers and for thicker foam blocks.
Efficient creation of cellular micropatterns with long-term stability and their geometric effects on cell behavior
Authors: Huang Ning-Ping , Yu Hai , Wang Yan-Yan , Shi Jun-Cai , Mao Xi
Published: February 2012

Cellular micropatterning with bio-adhesive and nonadhesive areas has attracted increasing interest for the precise design of cell-to-surface attachment in cell biology studies, tissue engineering, cell-based biosensors, biological assays, and drug development and screening. In this paper we describe a simple and efficient method to create a two-dimensional stable cellular microenvironment, which is based on (1) forming a protein-resistant oligo(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate polymer layer on the substrates via surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization; (2) placing a defined photomask on the substrate and exposing the substrate to ultraviolet light; and (3) immersing the patterned surface in a fibronectin solution to form cell-adhesive protein patterns in a cellresistant background. The resulting surfaces are tailored into cell-adhesive and cell-resistant regions. Three different types of cells (NIH-3T3, PC12, bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells) are seeded on such patterned surfaces to form cellular patterns. The geometric effects on cell behavior are investigated. The long-term stability is tested by NIH-3T3 fibroblasts and mesenchymal stem cells and excellent retention of cellular patterns is observed. The strategy illustrated here offers an efficient way to create a stable, patterned cellular microenvironment, and could be employed in tissue engineering to study the effect of micropatterns on the proliferation and differentiation of cells, and in particular mesenchymal stem cells.
Fibroblast adhesion on unidirectional polymeric nanofilms
Authors: Christophis Christof , Sekeroglu Koray , Demirel Gokhan , Thome Isabel , Grunze Michael , Demirel Melik C. , Rosenhahn Axel
Published: February 2012

Nanotextured polymeric surfaces with inclined rods reveal highly anisotropic properties concerning wetting and adhesion. In this work, we report on the interaction of fibroblast cells with these highly anisotropic materials. The authors quantified removal of adherent cells from such surfaces by a laminar flow. The critical shear force needed for cell removal from the surface depends on the inclination direction. Based on electron microscopy cross sections we deduce that interactions of cellular filopodia extending into the nanotextured surface are causing the direction depending removal.
Interactions of nanobubbles with bovine serum albumin and papain films on gold surfaces
Authors: Kolivoška Viliam , Gál Miroslav , Hromadová Magdaléna , Lachmanová Štěpánka , Pospíšil Lubomír
Published: February 2012

Nanobubbles formed on monocrystalline gold/water interface by means of the ethanol-to-water solvent exchange were exposed to the solutions of either bovine serum albumin or papain proteins. Both proteins do not change the position of nanobubbles in water, as observed by in situ tapping mode atomic force microscopy imaging before and after the introduction of the protein. The aqueous environment was subsequently replaced by ethanol. While all nanobubbles were found to dissolve in ethanol in the presence of bovine serum albumin, most of them survived when papain was employed. The protective ability of papain was ascribed to its resistance towards the protein denaturation in aqueous solutions of ethanol. The authors employed in situ atomic force nanolithography to investigate the nanomorphology of the papain/nanobubble assemblies in ethanol.
Optimizing interfacial features to regulate neural progenitor cells using polyelectrolyte multilayers and brain derived neurotrophic factor
Authors: Zhou Kun , Sun Gui Zhi , Bernard Claude C. , Thouas George A. , Nisbet David R. , Forsythe John S.
Published: February 2012

The development of biomaterials with controllable interfacial features which have the capability to instruct cellular behavior are required to produce functional scaffolds for the treatment of spinal cord injury (SCI). Here, poly-ε-caprolactone surfaces were biofunctionalized via layer-by-layer (LbL) deposition. The polyelectrolytes employed in this LbL technique were heparin and poly-L-lysine (PLL), the latter being chosen to improve cell adhesion and the subsequent cellular function of in vitrocultured neural progenitor cells. Material characterization results confirmed the deposition of well structured multilayers. Cell culture studies revealed significant differences in the cellular response to these adhesive/nonadhesive (PLL/heparin) polyelectrolyte multilayer (PEM)surfaces, with neurite outgrowth being significantly promoted on the PLL terminating layers. In addition, brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) was adsorbed onto the LbL surfaces. This combined chemical and biological effect was then characterized in terms of neurite length along with the full length/truncated isoform 1 tyrosine kinase receptor (TrkB-FL/TrkB-T1) and growth associated protein-43 mRNA levels. Here, the authors report the differential effect of adsorbed and soluble BDNF of different concentrations. Adsorbed BDNF promoted neurite outgrowth and led to elevated, sustained TrkB mRNA levels. These findings highlight the potential of PEM biofunctionalized surfaces with integrated chemical and neurotrophin supportive cues to overcome SCI inhibitory environments and to promote regeneration.
CuO/ZnO Nanocomposites Investigated by X-ray Photoelectron and X-ray Excited Auger Electron Spectroscopies
Authors: Simon Quentin , Barreca Davide , Gasparotto Alberto
Published: February 2012

Supported CuO/ZnO nanocomposites were prepared by a novel bottom-up approach, consisting of: i) deposition of columnar ZnO arrays on Si(100) by Plasma Enhanced-Chemical Vapor Deposition (PE-CVD) using a Zn(II) bis(ketoiminate) precursor; ii) Radio Frequency (RF)-sputtering of Cu in Ar atmospheres. Finally, ex-situ annealing was performed in air at 400 °C to promote a complete copper oxidation. The CuO/ZnO nanocomposites were characterised by Glancing Incidence X-ray Diffraction (GIXRD), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Field Emission-Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM) and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDXS), providing important information on their chemical, morphological and structural properties. In this contribution, a detailed investigation of a representative sample by X-ray Photoelectron (XPS) and X-ray Excited Auger Electron (XE-AES) Spectroscopies is presented, with particular attention to the analysis of O 1s, Zn 2p3/2 and Cu 2p core levels, as well as zinc and copper Auger signals.
Alp, an Arthropod-Associated Outer Membrane Protein of Borrelia Species That Cause Relapsing Fever
Authors: Marcsisin Renee A. , Campeau Shelley A. , Lopez Job E. , Barbour Alan G.
Published: February 2012

Borrelia hermsii
and other relapsing fever (RF) species are noted for their highly polymorphic surface antigens, the variable major proteins (VMP). Less is known about other surface proteins of these pathogens in either their vertebrate reservoirs or arthropod vectors. To further characterize these proteins, we elicited antibodies against VMP-less cells, noted antibody reactions against whole cells and cell components, and then subjected selected antigens to mass spectroscopy for amino acid sequencing for comparison against a
B. hermsii
genome database. One of the derived monoclonal antibodies, H0120, agglutinated spirochetes, and in Western blot analyses, it bound to a 14-kDa protein of whole cells and their membrane fractions but not after protease treatment. A search of open reading frames of the
B. hermsii
genome with extracted peptides identified the 14-kDa protein with
bha128
, a 453-nucleotide gene of the 175-kb linear plasmid. The
bha128
gene was synthesized and expressed in
Escherichia coli
. The protein product was bound by antibody H0120. Genes homologous to
bha128
occur in the RF species
Borrelia turicatae
,
B. duttonii
, and
B. recurrentis
but not in Lyme disease
Borrelia
species or other organisms. The following findings indicated an association of BHA128, renamed Alp, with the tick environment: (i) Alp was produced at higher levels at 23°C than at 34°C; (ii) almost all spirochetes in tick salivary glands were bound by the H0120 antibody, but only ∼1% of spirochetes in the blood of infected mice were bound; and (iii) infected mice produced antibodies to several
B. hermsii
antigens but not detectably to native or recombinant Alp.
Shortcomings in locum practice procedures
Authors: Green Richard
Published: February 2012

While working as a short‐term locum, a client asks for a repeat prescription for acepromazine tablets for a dog in the run up to bonfire night. You know that it is not the ideal treatment from a behavioural point of view, but other clients' records show that acepromazine is widely prescribed by the practice for firework phobias. It would be difficult to refuse the repeat prescription without upsetting the client and the practice, and it seems unfair to cause problems for this particular client when she could come in a week later and be given the tablets without any hassle. As a short‐term locum, you feel that it is important to fit in with normal practice procedures as much as possible, and the RCVS requires you not to criticise colleagues. However, your client is likely to know other clients who are being prescribed acepromazine tablets by the practice at the same time as you are refusing to prescribe them. With this in mind, if you refuse to prescribe the tablets, how should you explain to the client that they're not an appropriate treatment?
Comments on the dilemma in the January issue: ‘Promoting personal views in practice’
Authors: Mullan Siobhan
Published: February 2012

The dilemma in the January issue questioned whether it was ethical for a practice owner to provide literature in the practice waiting room sympathetic to their own personal views on farm animal welfare issues (In Practice, January 2012, volume 34, page 54). While promoting animal welfare was admirable, the question of whether it was morally or professionally acceptable to promote personal views to clients on which animal‐derived products to reject was less clear. Paul Roger commented that it was fine for practice owners to promote what they saw as beneficial practices as long as no negative pressure was put on the alternative view. In fact, they had a duty to publicise their stance, while ensuring that the information they provided was accurate and reviewed regularly. This would help to maintain the focus of the public on important animal welfare issues, leading to an improvement in standards. A possible way forward was to consider using an ethical framework to help inform views on different farming methods and to evaluate each method based on how well they applied the Five Freedoms concept.
International disease monitoring, October to December 2011
Authors: Roberts H. , Lopez M.
Published: February 2012

African swine fever continues to spread in west Russia

Second outbreak of foot‐and‐mouth disease in Paraguay means that deboned and matured beef meat exports to the EU are still suspended

Highly pathogenic avian influenza in wild birds and domestic poultry in south‐east Asia

Emergence of a new virus (Schmallenberg virus) in ruminants in northern Europe

These are among matters discussed in the international disease monitoring report for October to December 2011, prepared by Defra's Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency
Distribution of repetitive DNAs and the hybrid origin of the red vizcacha rat (Octodontidae)
Authors: Suárez-Villota E.Y. , Vargas R.A. , Marchant C.L. , Torres J.E. , Köhler N. , Núñez J.J. , de la Fuente R. , Page J. , Gallardo M.H.
Published: February 2012

Great genome size (GS) variations described in desert-specialist octodontid rodents include diploid species ( Octomys mimax and Octodontomys gliroides ) and putative tetraploid species ( Tympanoctomys barrerae and Pipanacoctomys aureus ). Because of its high DNA content, elevated chromosome number, and gigas effect, the genome of T. barrerae is claimed to have resulted from tetraploidy. Alternatively, the origin of its GS has been attributed to the accumulation of repetitive sequences. To better characterize the extent and origin of these repetitive DNA, self-genomic in situ hybridization (self-GISH), whole-comparative genomic hybridization (W-CGH), and conventional GISH were conducted in mitotic and meiotic chromosomes. Self-GISH on T. barrerae mitotic plates together with comparative self-GISH (using its closest relatives) discriminate a pericentromeric and a telomeric DNA fraction. As most of the repetitive sequences are pericentromeric, it seems that the large GS of T. barrerae is not due to highly repeated sequences accumulated along chromosomes arms. W-CGH using red-labeled P. aureus DNA and green-labeled O. mimax DNA simultaneously on chromosomes of T. barrerae revealed a yellow–orange fluorescence over a repetitive fraction of the karyotype. However, distinctive red-only fluorescent signals were also detected at some centromeres and telomeres, indicating closer homology with the DNA sequences of P. aureus. Conventional GISH using an excess of blocking DNA from either P. aureus or O. mimax labeled only a fraction of the T. barrerae genome, indicating its double genome composition. These data point to a hybrid nature of the T. barrerae karyotype, suggesting a hybridization event in the origin of this species.
QTLs for resistance to the false brome rustPuccinia brachypodiiin the model grassBrachypodium distachyonL.
Authors: Barbieri Mirko , Marcel Thierry C. , Niks Rients E. , Francia Enrico , Pasquariello Marianna , Mazzamurro Valentina , Garvin David F. , Pecchioni Nicola
Published: February 2012

The potential of the model grass Brachypodium distachyon L. (Brachypodium) for studying grass–pathogen interactions is still underexploited. We aimed to identify genomic regions in Brachypodium associated with quantitative resistance to the false brome rust fungus Puccinia brachypodii . The inbred lines Bd3-1 and Bd1-1, differing in their level of resistance to P. brachypodii, were crossed to develop an F2population. This was evaluated for reaction to a virulent isolate of P. brachypodii at both the seedling and advanced growth stages. To validate the results obtained on the F2, resistance was quantified in F2-derived F3families in two experiments. Disease evaluations showed quantitative and transgressive segregation for resistance. A new AFLP-based Brachypodium linkage map consisting of 203 loci and spanning 812 cM was developed and anchored to the genome sequence with SSR and SNP markers. Three false brome rust resistance QTLs were identified on chromosomes 2, 3, and 4, and they were detected across experiments. This study is the first quantitative trait analysis in Brachypodium. Resistance to P. brachypodii was governed by a few QTLs: two acting at the seedling stage and one acting at both seedling and advanced growth stages. The results obtained offer perspectives to elucidate the molecular basis of quantitative resistance to rust fungi.
The abundance of processed pseudogenes derived from glycolytic genes is correlated with their expression level
Authors: McDonell Laura , Drouin Guy
Published: February 2012

The abundance of processed pseudogenes in different vertebrate species is known to be proportional to the length of their oogenesis. However, this hypothesis cannot explain why, in a given species, certain genes produce more processed pseudogenes than others. In particular, one would expect that all genes of the glycolytic pathway would generate roughly the same number of processed pseudogenes. However, some glycolitic genes generate more processed pseudogenes than others. Here, we show that there is a positive correlation between the abundance of processed pseudogene generated from glycolytic genes and their level of expression. The variation in expression level of different glycolytic genes likely reflects the fact that some of them, such a GAPDH, have functions other than those they play in glycolysis. Furthermore, the age distribution of GAPDH-processed pseudogenes corresponds to the age distribution of LINE1 elements, which are the source of the reverse transcriptase that generates processed pseudogenes. These results support the hypothesis that gene expression levels affect the level of processed pseudogene production.
K-shell ionization cross sections of K and Lα X-ray production cross sections of I by 10–30 keV electron impact
Authors: Wu Y. , An Z. , Duan Y.M. , Liu M.T. , Ouyang X.P.
Published: February 2012

The absolute K-shell ionization cross sections of K and Lα X-ray production cross sections of I by 10–30 keV electron impact have been measured. The target was prepared by evaporating a thin film of compound KI to a thick pure carbon substrate. The effects of multiple scattering of electrons penetrating the target films, electrons reflected from the thick pure carbon substrates and bremsstrahlung photons produced when incident electrons impacted on the targets were corrected by using the Monte Carlo method. For K K-shell and I L-shell X-ray characteristic peaks, the spectra were fitted using the spectrum-fitting program ALLFIT to extract the Kα and Kβ peak counts more accurately for element K, and Lα peak counts for element I. The experimental results were compared with some theoretical results developed recently and available experimental data from the literature. The experimental data for I L-shell X-ray production cross sections by 10–30 keV electron impact are given here for the first time.
Optimizing adiabaticity in quantum mechanics
Authors: MacKenzie R. , Pineault M. , Renaud-Desjardins L.
Published: February 2012

A condition on the Hamiltonian of an isospectral time-dependent quantum mechanical system is derived, which, if satisfied, implies optimal adiabaticity (defined later). The condition is expressed in terms of the Hamiltonian and the evolution operator related to it. Because the latter depends in a complicated way on the Hamiltonian, it is not yet clear how the condition can be used to extract useful information about the optimal Hamiltonian analytically. The condition is tested on an exactly-soluble time-dependent problem (a spin in a magnetic field), where perfectly adiabatic evolution can be easily identified.
GEODESIC DISKS AND CLUSTERING IN A SIMPLE POLYGON
Authors: BORGELT MAGDALENE G. , VAN KREVELD MARC , LUO JUN
Published: February 2012

Let P be a simple polygon of n vertices and let S be a set of N points lying in the interior of P. A geodesic diskGD(p,r) with center p and radius r is the set of points in P that have a geodesic distance ≤ r from p (where the geodesic distance is the length of the shortest polygonal path connection that lies in P). In this paper we present an output sensitive algorithm for finding all N geodesic disks centered at the points of S, for a given value of r. Our algorithm runs in [Formula: see text] time, for some constant c and output size k. It is the basis of a cluster reporting algorithm where geodesic distances are used.
Analogue and numerical modelling of salt supply to a diapiric structure rising above an active basement fault
Authors: Burliga StanisŁaw , Koyi Hemin A. , Chemia Zurab
Published: February 2012

Salt diapirs preferably rise above basement faults in extensional basins. A series of analogue and numerical models were developed in order to assess the supply of salt from the footwall and hanging wall to a diapir and to study the influence of basin inversion on the diapir development. The modelling scenario was based on the Kłodawa Salt Structure evolution (central Poland). The experiments show that the ductile material derived from the footwall constitutes the dominant portion of the diapir developed due to model extension, and this material occurs both in the footwall and hanging wall parts of the diapir. Shortening of the analogue models resulted in thinning of the diapir and shifting its stem onto the footwall. Ductile material become redistributed inside the diapir, however footwall material still prevails in the diapir structure. Results from the numerical models show that the magnitude of the basement fault governs the amount of salt supply to a diapir across the fault and that there is a differential salt supply from the hanging wall and footwall with time.
Computing with magnets
Authors: Anthes Gary
Published: February 2012

Researchers are finding ways to develop ultra-efficient and nonvolatile computer processors out of nanoscale magnets. A number of obstacles, however, stand in the way of their commercialization.
War 2.0
Authors: Lin Patrick , Allhoff Fritz , Rowe Neil C.
Published: February 2012

Considering the basic ethical questions that must be resolved in the new realm of cyberwarfare.
Revisiting network I/O APIs
Authors: Rizzo Luigi
Published: February 2012

It is possible to achieve huge performance improvements in the way packet processing is done on modern operating systems.
A dialog-based architecture for interactive information systems
Authors: Lustman Francois , Mercier Pierre , Gratton Luc
Published: February 2012

Interactive systems may be defined as having the following behavior: a) the user's request is processed as soon as it is received and b) the result is presented to the user on the same medium, i.e. the screen, as soon as it is available. Interactive Information Systems (IIS), identify those systems often encountered in the business world, which consist of many input-output operations and little, simple processing.

In the past few years, interest for IIS has been growing (see JAC 83, MAS83, DRA84): the man-machine interface has received special attention, due to the profile of the user who is not a computer specialist. Very few attempts however, have been made to design an architecture for this class of systems, although their characteristics have definite general design consequences.

In this article, we will start by investigating the characteristics of IIS. A presentation of ISA (Interactive System Architecture) will follow, showing the main features of the proposed model. The discussion will then concentrate on the use of finite state machines and on the limitations of ISA.
An investigation of database requirements for institutional and ad hoc DSS
Authors: Garnto Carleen , Watson Hugh J.
Published: February 2012

Four decision support systems, two institutional and two ad hoc, were investigated. Of primary interest was whether there were differences in the data base component of the institutional and ad hoc DSS. The study's findings suggest that there are differences with practical implications for DSS designers.
The Dynamics of a Predator‐Prey System with State‐Dependent Feedback Control
Authors: Baek Hunki
Published: February 2012

A Lotka‐Volterra‐type predator‐prey system with state‐dependent feedback control is investigated in both theoretical and numerical ways. Using the Poincaré map and the analogue of the Poincaré criterion, the sufficient conditions for the existence and stability of semitrivial periodic solutions and positive periodic solutions are obtained. In addition, we show that there is no positive periodic solution with period greater than and equal to three under some conditions. The qualitative analysis shows that the positive period‐one solution bifurcates from the semitrivial solution through a fold bifurcation. Numerical simulations to substantiate our theoretical results are provided. Also, the bifurcation diagrams of solutions are illustrated by using the Poincaré map, and it is shown that the chaotic solutions take place via a cascade of period‐doubling bifurcations.
Differential Expression ESTs Associated with Fluorosis in Rats Liver
Authors: He Y. Q. , Pan Y. , Ying L. J. , Zhao R.
Published: February 2012

The fluoride has volcanic activity and abundantly exists in environment combining with other elements as fluoride compounds. Recent researches indicated that the molecular mechanisms of intracellular fluoride toxicity were very complex. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the effects on gene expression of chronic fluoride-induced damage is unknown, especially the detailed regulatory process of mitochondria. In the present study, we screened the differential expression ESTs associated with fluorosis by DDRT-PCR in rat liver. We gained 8 genes, 3 new ESTs, and 1 unknown function sequence and firstly demonstrated that microsomal glutathione S-transferase 1 (MGST1), ATP synthase H+transporting mitochondrial F0complex subunit C1, selenoprotein S, mitochondrial IF1 protein, and mitochondrial succinyl-CoA synthetase alpha subunit were participated in mitochondria metabolism, functional and structural damage process caused by chronic fluorosis. This information will be very helpful for understanding the molecular mechanisms of fluorosis.
Electric Signals on and under the Ground Surface Induced by Seismic Waves
Authors: Takeuchi Akihiro , Okubo Kan , Takeuchi Nobunao
Published: February 2012

We constructed three observation sites in northeastern Japan (Honjo, Kyowa, and Sennan) with condenser-type large plate electrodes (4 × 4 m2) as sensors supported 4 m above the ground and with pairs of reference electrodes buried vertically at 0.5 m and 2.5 m depth (with a ground velocity sensor at Sennan only). Electrical signals of an earthquake (M6.3) in northeastern Japan were detected simultaneously with seismic waves. Their waveforms were damped oscillations, with greatly differing signal amplitudes among sites. Good positive correlation was found between the amplitudes of signals detected by all electrodes. We propose a signal generation model: seismic acceleration vertically shook pore water in the topsoil, generating the vertical streaming potential between the upper unsaturated water zone and the lower saturated water zone. Maximum electric earth potential difference was observed when one electrode was in the saturated water zone, and the other was within the unsaturated water zone, but not when the electrodes were in the saturated water zone. The streaming potential formed a charge on the ground surface, generating a vertical atmospheric electric field. The large plate electrode detected electric signals related to electric potential differences between the electrode and the ground surface.
Indoor Localisation Using a Context-Aware Dynamic Position Tracking Model
Authors: Ros Montserrat , Boom Joshua , de Hosson Gavin , D'Souza Matthew
Published: February 2012

Indoor wireless localisation is a widely sought feature for use in logistics, health, and social networking applications. Low-powered localisation will become important for the next generation of pervasive media applications that operate on mobile platforms. We present an inexpensive and robust context-aware tracking system that can track the position of users in an indoor environment, using a wireless smart meter network. Our context-aware tracking system combines wireless trilateration with a dynamic position tracking model and a probability density map to estimate indoor positions. The localisation network consisted of power meter nodes placed at known positions in a building. The power meter nodes are tracked by mobile nodes which are carried by users to localise their position. We conducted an extensive trial of the context-aware tracking system and performed a comparison analysis with existing localisation techniques. The context-aware tracking system was able to localise a person's indoor position with an average error of 1.21 m.
Human Umbilical Cord Blood-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cell Therapy Promotes Functional Recovery of Contused Rat Spinal Cord through Enhancement of Endogenous Cell Proliferation and Oligogenesis
Authors: Park Sang In , Lim Jung Yeon , Jeong Chang Hyun , Kim Seong Muk , Jun Jin Ae , Jeun Sin-Soo , Il Oh Won
Published: February 2012

Numerous studies have shown the benefits of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) on the repair of spinal cord injury (SCI) model and on behavioral improvement, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, to investigate possible mechanisms by which MSCs contribute to the alleviation of neurologic deficits, we examined the potential effect of human umbilical cord blood-derived MSCs (hUCB-MSCs) on the endogenous cell proliferation and oligogenesis after SCI. SCI was injured by contusion using a weight-drop impactor and hUCB-MSCs were transplanted into the boundary zone of the injured site. Animals received a daily injection of bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) for 7 days after treatment to identity newly synthesized cells of ependymal and periependymal cells that immunohistochemically resembled stem/progenitor cells was evident. Behavior analysis revealed that locomotor functions of hUCB-MSCs group were restored significantly and the cavity volume was smaller in the MSCs-transplanted rats compared to the control group. In MSCs-transplanted group, TUNEL-positive cells were decreased and BrdU-positive cells were significantly increased rats compared with control group. In addition, more of BrdU-positive cells expressed neural stem/progenitor cell nestin and oligo-lineage cell such as NG2, CNPase, MBP and glial fibrillary acidic protein typical of astrocytes in the MSC-transplanted rats. Thus, endogenous cell proliferation and oligogenesis contribute to MSC-promoted functional recovery following SCI.
Occurrence of Toxic Cyanobacterial Blooms in Rio de la Plata Estuary, Argentina: Field Study and Data Analysis
Authors: Giannuzzi L. , Carvajal G. , Corradini M. G. , Araujo Andrade C. , Echenique R. , Andrinolo D.
Published: February 2012

Water samples were collected during 3 years (2004–2007) at three sampling sites in the Rio de la Plata estuary. Thirteen biological, physical, and chemical parameters were determined on the water samples. The presence of microcystin-LR in the reservoir samples, and also in domestic water samples, was confirmed and quantified. Microcystin-LR concentration ranged between 0.02 and 8.6 μg.L−1. Principal components analysis was used to identify the factors promoting cyanobacteria growth. The proliferation of cyanobacteria was accompanied by the presence of high total and fecal coliforms bacteria (>1500 MNP/100 mL), temperature ≥25∘C, and total phosphorus content ≥1.24 mg·L−1. The observed fluctuating patterns ofMicrocystis aeruginosa, total coliforms, and Microcystin-LR were also described by probabilistic models based on the log-normal and extreme value distributions. The sampling sites were compared in terms of the distribution parameters and the probability of observing high concentrations forMicrocystis aeruginosa, total coliforms, and microcystin-LR concentration.
Bilateral Circumscribed Posterior Keratoconus: Visualization by Ultrasound Biomicroscopy and Slit-Scanning Topography Analysis
Authors: Rejdak Robert , Nowomiejska Katarzyna , Haszcz Dariusz , Jünemann Anselm G. M.
Published: February 2012

This paper documents a rare nonprogressive developmental disorder—bilateral circumscribed posterior keratoconus—in a 60-year-old man referred for a cataract surgery. For the first time ultrasound biomicroscopy was used to visualise the local anterior bulging of the posterior corneal surface with concomitant thinning of the stroma. The amount of localized posterior depression, corneal thickness and the refractive power of both the posterior and anterior corneal curvature were measured using slit-scanning topography analysis (Orbscan).
Gamma Knife Radiosurgery for Acromegaly
Authors: Rolston John D. , Blevins Lewis S.
Published: February 2012

Acromegaly is debilitating disease occasionally refractory to surgical and medical treatment. Stereotactic radiosurgery, and in particular Gamma Knife surgery (GKS), has proven to be an effective noninvasive adjunct to traditional treatments, leading to disease remission in a substantial proportion of patients. Such remission holds the promise of eliminating the need for expensive medications, along with side effects, as well as sparing patients the damaging sequelae of uncontrolled acromegaly. Numerous studies of radiosurgical treatments for acromegaly have been carried out. These illustrate an overall remission rate over 40%. Morbidity from radiosurgery is infrequent but can include cranial nerve palsies and hypopituitarism. Overall, stereotactic radiosurgery is a promising therapy for patients with acromegaly and deserves further study to refine its role in the treatment of affected patients.
Application of a Beamforming Technique to the Measurement of Airfoil Leading Edge Noise
Authors: Geyer Thomas , Sarradj Ennes , Giesler Jens
Published: February 2012

The present paper describes the use of microphone array technology and beamforming algorithms for the measurement and analysis of noise generated by the interaction of a turbulent flow with the leading edge of an airfoil. Experiments were performed using a setup in an aeroacoustic wind tunnel, where the turbulent inflow is provided by different grids. In order to exactly localize the aeroacoustic noise sources and, moreover, to separate airfoil leading edge noise from grid-generated noise, the selected deconvolution beamforming algorithm is extended to be used on a fully three-dimensional source region. The result of this extended beamforming are three-dimensional mappings of noise source locations. Besides acoustic measurements, the investigation of airfoil leading edge noise requires the measurement of parameters describing the incident turbulence, such as the intensity and a characteristic length scale or time scale. The method used for the determination of these parameters in the present study is explained in detail. To demonstrate the applicability of the extended beamforming algorithm and the experimental setup as a whole, the noise generated at the leading edge of airfoils made of porous materials was measured and compared to that generated at the leading edge of a common nonporous airfoil.
A Genetic Algorithm with Fuzzy Crossover Operator and Probability
Authors: Jalali Varnamkhasti Mohammad , Lee Lai Soon , Abu Bakar Mohd Rizam , Leong Wah June
Published: February 2012

The performance of a genetic algorithm is dependent on the genetic operators, in general, and on the type of crossover operator, in particular. The population diversity is usually used as the performance measure for the premature convergence. In this paper, a fuzzy genetic algorithm is proposed for solving binary encoded combinatorial optimization problems. A new crossover operator and probability selection technique is proposed based on the population diversity using a fuzzy logic controller. The measurement of the population diversity is based on the genotype and phenotype properties. In this fuzzy inference system, the selection of the crossover operator and its probability are controlled by a set of fuzzy rules derived from the fuzzy logic controller. Extensive computational experiments are conducted on the proposed algorithm, and the results are compared with some crossover operators commonly used for solving multidimensional 0/1 knapsack problems published in the literature. The results indicate that the proposed algorithm is effective in finding better quality solutions.
Regulating the TRAIL of Destruction: How A20 Protects Glioblastomas from TRAIL-Mediated Death
Authors: Verbrugge Inge , Johnstone Ricky W.
Published: February 2012

In this issue of Cancer Discovery, Bellail and colleagues unravel how overexpression of the ubiquitin-modifying enzyme A20 results in TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) resistance in glioblastoma. After TRAIL receptor stimulation, A20 mediates the polyubiquitination of RIP1 at the TRAIL receptor tail, resulting in the interaction of the polyubiquin chain to procaspase-8 that is recruited to the TRAIL-bound receptors. The inability of ubiquitin-bound procaspase-8 to be dimerized and activated prevents the execution of the apoptotic program. Cancer Discovery; 2(2); 112–4. ©2012 AACR.

Commentary on Bellail et al., p. 140.
Intracellular Protein Degradation: From a Vague Idea through the Lysosome and the Ubiquitin-Proteasome System and onto Human Diseases and Drug Targeting
Authors: Ciechanover Aaron
Published: February 2012

Between the 1950s and 1980s, scientists were focusing mostly on how the genetic code was transcribed to RNA and translated to proteins, but how proteins were degraded had remained a neglected research area. With the discovery of the lysosome by Christian de Duve it was assumed that cellular proteins are degraded within this organelle. Yet, several independent lines of experimental evidence strongly suggested that intracellular proteolysis was largely nonlysosomal, but the mechanisms involved have remained obscure. The discovery of the ubiquitin-proteasome system resolved the enigma. We now recognize that degradation of intracellular proteins is involved in the regulation of a broad array of cellular processes, such as cell cycle and division, regulation of transcription factors, and assurance of the cellular quality control. Not surprisingly, aberrations in the system have been implicated in the pathogenesis of human disease, such as malignancies and neurodegenerative disorders, which subsequently led to an increasing effort to develop mechanism-based drugs.
Validity, Significance, Strengths, Limitations, and Evidentiary Value of Real-World Clinical Data for Combination Therapy in Alzheimer’s Disease: Comparison of Efficacy and Effectiveness Studies
Authors: Atri Alireza , Rountree Susan D. , Lopez Oscar L. , Doody Rachelle S.
Published: February 2012

Background: Randomized controlled efficacy trials (RCTs), the scientific gold standard, are required for regulatory approval of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) interventions, yet provide limited information regarding real-world therapeutic effectiveness. Objective: To compare the nature of evidence regarding the combination of approved AD treatments from RCTs versus long-term observational controlled studies (LTOCs). Methods: Comparisons of strengths, limitations, and evidence level for monotherapy [cholinesterase inhibitor (ChEI) or memantine] and combination therapy (ChEI + memantine) in RCTs versus LTOCs. Results: RCTs examined highly selected populations over months. LTOCs collected data across multiple AD stages in large populations over many years. RCTs and LTOCs show similar patterns favoring combination over monotherapy over placebo/no treatment. Long-term combination therapy compared to monotherapy reduced cognitive and functional decline and delayed time to nursing home admission. Persistent treatment was associated with slower decline. While LTOCs used control groups, adjusted for multiple covariates, had higher external validity, and favorable ethical, practical and cost considerations, their limitations included potential selection bias due to lack of placebo comparisons and randomization. Conclusions: Naturalistic LTOCs provide complementary long-term level II evidence to complement level I evidence from short-term RCTs regarding therapeutic effectiveness in AD that may otherwise be unobtainable. A coordinated strategy/consortium to pool LTOC data from multiple centers to estimate long-term comparative effectiveness, risks/benefits, and costs of AD treatments is needed.