bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Time to Be SHY? Some Comments on Sleep and Synaptic Homeostasis
Authors: Tononi Giulio , Cirelli Chiara
Published: April 2012

Sleep must serve an essential, universal function, one that offsets the risk of being disconnected from the environment. The synaptic homeostasis hypothesis (SHY) is an attempt to identify this essential function. Its core claim is that sleep is needed to reestablish synaptic homeostasis, which is challenged by the remarkable plasticity of the brain. In other words, sleep is “the price we pay for plasticity.” In this issue, M. G. Frank reviewed several aspects of the hypothesis and raised several issues. The comments below provide a brief summary of the motivations underlying SHY and clarify that SHY is a hypothesis not about specific mechanisms, but about a universal, essential function of sleep. This function is the preservation of synaptic homeostasis in the face of a systematic bias toward a net increase in synaptic strength—a challenge that is posed by learning during adult wake, and by massive synaptogenesis during development.
Perivascular Epithelioid Cell Tumor of the Ileum Presenting as Diverticulitis
Authors: Unluoglu Saime , Bayol Umit , Korkmaz Nilay , Ozenen Bekir , Ipekci Fuat , Pala Emel Ebru
Published: April 2012

Perivascular epithelioid cell tumors (PEComas) are a group of rare mesenchymal neoplasms. Gastrointestinal PEComas are exceptionally rare, there being only a few case reports in the literature involving the colon and small intestine. Nearly all PEComas show immunoreactivity for both melanocytic (HMB45 and/or Melan-A) and smooth muscle (actin and/or desmin) markers. A 36-year-old male was admitted to the hospital with acut- abdomen. At laparatomy, a nodular mass protruding from the ileum which clinically simulated a diverticulitis was noticed. Gross examination of the specimen revealed a2×1,5×1 cm secondarily ulcerated, solid, nodular, gray white tumor mass in the ileal wall. Histologically, tumor cells were composed of nests of round-polygonal epithelioid cells with abundant clear to slightly eosinophilic granular cytoplasm and round vesicular nuclei. The nests were separated by thin fibrovascular septa. Minimal necrosis and low mitotic activity were noticed in the tumor. Immunohistochemically, tumor cells were positive for SMA, HMB45, and Melan-A and negative for CD10, RCC, CD45, CD117, CD34, EMA, and Desmin. Diagnosis was PEComa of the ileum. We report the case of ileal PEComa to remind the unusual presentation (diverticulitis) of these tumors, besides rarity and diagnostic difficulties.
Homotopy Interior‐Point Method for a General Multiobjective Programming Problem
Authors: Zhao X. , Zhang S. G. , Liu Q. H.
Published: April 2012

We present a combined homotopy interior‐point method for a general multiobjective
programming problem. For solving the KKT points of the multiobjective programming problem,
the homotopy equation is constructed. We prove the existence and convergence of a smooth homotopy path
from almost any initial interior point to a solution of the KKT system under some basic assumptions.
High-Definition Video Streams Analysis, Modeling, and Prediction
Authors: Al-Tamimi Abdel-Karim , Jain Raj , So-In Chakchai
Published: April 2012

High-definition video streams' unique statistical characteristics and their high bandwidth requirements are considered to be a challenge in both network scheduling and resource allocation fields. In this paper, we introduce an innovative way to model and predict high-definition (HD) video traces encoded with H.264/AVC encoding standard. Our results are based on our compilation of over 50 HD video traces. We show that our model, simplified seasonal ARIMA (SAM), provides an accurate representation for HD videos, and it provides significant improvements in prediction accuracy. Such accuracy is vital to provide better dynamic resource allocation for video traffic. In addition, we provide a statistical analysis of HD videos, including both factor and cluster analysis to support a better understanding of video stream workload characteristics and their impact on network traffic. We discuss our methodology to collect and encode our collection of HD video traces. Our video collection, results, and tools are available for the research community.
A System Utilizing Metal Hydride Actuators to Achieve Passive Motion of Toe Joints for Prevention of Pressure Ulcers: A Pilot Study
Authors: Hosono Minako , Ino Shuichi , Sato Mitsuru , Yamashita Kazuhiko , Izumi Takashi
Published: April 2012

This paper describes the influence of human toe movement on blood flow and the design of a toe joint passive motion system for preventing pressure ulcers. First, we measured lower extremity blood flow in the foot during active and passive motion of the toe to facilitate the design of new rehabilitation equipment. Also, the flexion and extension angles and the force of the toe joints were measured to determine appropriate specifications for the system. Increases in blood flow were observed at the external malleolus during movement. Flexion and extension angles and the force of the toe joints were found to differ significantly among participants. It is shown that a toe joint passive motion system can be effective in preventing pressure ulcers. On the basis of these results, a device using alloys of metal hydride (MH) as an actuator that is suitable for the system to initiate toe motion, was developed.
Spectroscopic (FT-IR, FT-Raman,1H and13C NMR) and theoretical studies ofp-coumaric acid and alkali metalp-coumarates
Authors: Swislocka Renata , Kowczyk-Sadowy Malgorzata , Kalinowska Monika , Lewandowski Wlodzimierz
Published: April 2012

The evaluation of the electronic charge distribution in metal complexes enables more precise interpretation of mechanism by which particular metal ions affect biochemical properties of ligands [J. Inorg. Biochem. 99 (2005), 1407–1423, J. Mol. Struct. 919 (2009), 284–289]. In this paper we investigated the influence of alkali metal cations (lithium, sodium, potassium, rubidium and cesium) on the electronic structure ofp-coumaric acid (p-CA). It allowed to observe the systematic changes in the spectra of investigated complexes depending on the position of the element in the periodic table.p-Coumaric acid is a derivative of cinnamic acid that occurs in several plant species. Li, Na, K, Rb and Csp-coumarates were synthesized and the experimental and theoretical FT-IR, FT-Raman,1H and13C NMR spectra ofp-coumaric acid and its salts were registered and analyzed. The structures, atomic charges, infrared and NMR spectra ofp-coumaric acid and Li, Na, K salts were calculated by B3LYP/6-311++G**method.
A novel opto-mechanical system constituted by LEDs to employment in photobiostimulation: Clinical application in optical therapy
Authors: Barbosa Celso J. , Teles Crisaldo , Moreira Leonardo M. , Damião Álvaro J. , de Lima Carlos J.
Published: April 2012

Optical techniques of photobiostimulation, which use transducer as lasers and LEDs, have been employed in the treatment of several diseases. The laser systems usually irradiate in a reduced area of the target biological tissue, presenting high cost of acquisition. Devices with a LED of Surface Mount Device (SMD) type have high angle of light emission, implying in intense decrease of the density of optical potency. Furthermore, the use of this device requires the utilization of a cooling system, which provokes an increase in the cost of this product. In the present work, it is suggested the application of a novel opto-mechanical device constituted by usual LEDs with package dimension of 5 mm of diameter, which presents significant efficient and very low cost. The arrangement of the geometric configuration of these LEDs is elaborated in such way that all units emit photons in a unique section of an specific area. An opto-mechanical system was developed, which includes seven LEDs, being that six of these LEDs are disposed in a specific angle around a unique central LED. It is important to notice that all the opto-mechanical system with seven LEDs emit light in a unique area. Besides, a methodology was employed to allow the verification of the distribution of light intensity upon this respective area. This arrangement allows that this novel device propitiate measurements of the degree of homogeneity of the light intensity in specific areas, which are accessed by the seven light emitting units. The potency employing LEDs in the red (visible) and near infrared regions were also measured, being that the result demonstrated the capability of clinical application in optical therapy of photobiostimulation, which was also used in a pilot test of clinical application.
Abnormalities of the Ventilatory Equivalent for Carbon Dioxide in Patients with Chronic Heart Failure
Authors: Ingle Lee , Sloan Rebecca , Carroll Sean , Goode Kevin , Cleland John G. , Clark Andrew L.
Published: April 2012

Introduction. The relation between minute ventilation (VE) and carbon dioxide production (VCO2) can be characterised by the instantaneous ratio of ventilation to carbon dioxide production, the ventilatory equivalent for CO2(VEqCO2). We hypothesised that the time taken to achieve the lowest VEqCO2(time to VEqCO2 nadir) may be a prognostic marker in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF).Methods. Patients and healthy controls underwent a symptom-limited, cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) on a treadmill to volitional exhaustion.Results. 423 patients with CHF (mean age years; 80% males) and 78 healthy controls (62% males; age years) were recruited. Time to VEqCO2 nadir was shorter in patients than controls ( s versus  s; ). Univariable predictors of all-cause mortality included peak oxygen uptake (), VEqCO2nadir (), and time to VEqCO2nadir (). In an adjusted Cox multivariable proportional hazards model, peak oxygen uptake () and VEqCO2nadir () were the most significant independent predictors of all-cause mortality.Conclusion. The time to VEqCO2nadir was shorter in patients with CHF than in normal subjects and was a predictor of subsequent mortality.
Which Depressive Symptoms and Medication Side Effects Are Perceived by Patients as Interfering Most with Occupational Functioning?
Authors: Lam Raymond W. , Michalak Erin E. , Bond David J. , Tam Edwin M. , Axler Auby , Yatham Lakshmi N.
Published: April 2012

Background. Major depressive disorder (MDD) is associated with significant impairment in occupational functioning. This study sought to determine which depressive symptoms and medication side effects were perceived by patients with MDD to have the greatest interference on work functioning.Methods. 164 consecutive patients with MDD by DSM-IV criteria completed a standard assessment that included a self-rated questionnaire about the degree to which symptoms and side effects interfered with work functioning.Results. The symptoms perceived by patients as interfering most with work functioning were fatigue and low energy, insomnia, concentration and memory problems, anxiety, and irritability. The medication side effects rated as interfering most with work functioning were daytime sedation, insomnia, headache, and agitation/anxiety. There were no differences between men and women in symptoms or side effects that were perceived as interfering with work functioning.Limitations. This was a cross-sectional study; only subjective assessments of work functioning were obtained; the fact that patients were using varied medications acts as a potential confound.Conclusions. Specific depressive symptoms and medication side effects were perceived by patients as interfering more with occupational functioning than others. These factors should be considered in treatment selection (e.g., in the choice of antidepressant) in working patients with MDD.
Antibody-Dependent Cellular Cytotoxicity and NK Cell-Driven Immune Escape in HIV Infection: Implications for HIV Vaccine Development
Authors: Isitman Gamze , Stratov Ivan , Kent Stephen J.
Published: April 2012

The HIV-1 genome is malleable and a difficult target tot vaccinate against. It has long been recognised that cytotoxic T lymphocytes and neutralising antibodies readily select for immune escape HIV variants. It is now also clear that NK cells can also select for immune escape. NK cells force immune escape through both direct Killer-immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR)-mediated killing as well as through facilitating antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC). These newer finding suggest NK cells and ADCC responses apply significant pressure to the virus. There is an opportunity to harness these immune responses in the design of more effective HIV vaccines.
Chemical Composition andIn VitroCytotoxic Activity of Essential Oil of Leaves ofMalus domesticaGrowing in Western Himalaya (India)
Authors: Walia Mayanka , Mann Tavleen S. , Kumar Dharmesh , Agnihotri Vijai K. , Singh Bikram
Published: April 2012

Light pale-colored volatile oil was obtained from fresh leaves ofMalus domesticatree, growing in Dhauladhar range of Himalaya (Himachal Pradesh, India), with characteristic eucalyptol dominant fragrance. The oil was found to be a complex mixture of mono-, sesqui-, di-terpenes, phenolics, and aliphatic hydrocarbons. Seventeen compounds accounting for nearly 95.3% of the oil were characterized with the help of capillary GC, GC-MS, and NMR. Major compounds of the oil were characterized as eucalyptol (43.7%), phytol (11.5%), α-farnesene (9.6%), and pentacosane (7.6%). Cytotoxicity of essential oil of leaves ofM. domesticawas evaluated by sulforhodamine B (SRB) assays. The essential oil of leaves ofM. domestica, tested against three cancer cell lines, namely, C-6 (glioma cells), A549 (human lung carcinoma), CHOK1 (Chinese hamster ovary cells), and THP-1 (human acute monocytic leukemia cell). The highest activity showed by essential oil on C-6 cell lines (98.2%) at concentration of 2000 μg/ml compared to control. It is the first paper in literature to exploit the chemical composition and cytotoxic activity of leaves essential oil ofM. domestica.
Programmed Death Ligand 2 in Cancer-Induced Immune Suppression
Authors: Rozali Esdy N. , Hato Stanleyson V. , Robinson Bruce W. , Lake Richard A. , Lesterhuis W. Joost
Published: April 2012

Inhibitory molecules of the B7/CD28 family play a key role in the induction of immune tolerance in the tumor microenvironment. The programmed death-1 receptor (PD-1), with its ligands PD-L1 and PD-L2, constitutes an important member of these inhibitory pathways. The relevance of the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway in cancer has been extensively studied and therapeutic approaches targeting PD-1 and PD-L1 have been developed and are undergoing human clinical testing. However, PD-L2 has not received as much attention and its role in modulating tumor immunity is less clear. Here, we review the literature on the immunobiology of PD-L2, particularly on its possible roles in cancer-induced immune suppression and we discuss the results of recent studies targeting PD-L2 in cancer.
Efficacy of Phosphatidylinositol-3 Kinase Inhibitors in a Primary Mouse Model of Undifferentiated Pleomorphic Sarcoma
Authors: Kim Suzy , Dodd Rebecca D. , Mito Jeffrey K. , Ma Yan , Kim Yongbaek , Riedel Richard F. , Kirsch David G.
Published: April 2012

Recent advances in sarcoma genomics have identified novel mutations in the PI3K pathway in human sarcomas. Here, we use a mouse model of primary soft-tissue sarcoma for preclinical testing of doxorubicin and inhibitors of the PI3K pathway: BKM120 (PI3K inhibitor) and BEZ235 (a dual PI3K/mTOR inhibitor). Doxorubicin-treated tumors (n=15) showed a partial response rate of 6.6%, just as the majority of human sarcomas do not respond to doxorubicin. Treatment with BKM120 elicited a partial response in 50% of tumors (n=10), which was also seen in combination with doxorubicin (n=10). Additionally, BKM120 treatment produced a robust delay in tumor growth kinetics. BEZ235-treated tumors (n=9) showed a complete response rate of 11.1%. Combining BEZ235 with doxorubicin (n=10) increased the complete response rate to 50% (P=0.035). These studies demonstrate that PI3K pathway inhibition is a viable and attractive target for soft-tissue sarcomas.
Fabrication and Characterization of New Ti-TiO2-Al and Ti-TiO2--Pt Tunnel Diodes
Authors: Rawal Yaksh , Ganguly Swaroop , Baghini Maryam Shojaei
Published: April 2012

Remotely empowered wireless sensor networks use different energy resources including photovoltaic solar cells, wireless power transmission, and batteries. As another option the electromagnetic energy available in the ambient can be harvested to power these remote sensors. This is particularly valuable if it is desirable to harvest the ambient energy available in the wide range of electromagnetic spectrum. This has motivated the research for developing energy harvesting devices which can absorb this energy and produce a DC voltage. Rectenna, an antenna coupled with a rectifier, is the main component used for absorbing electromagnetic radiation at GHz and THz frequencies. Rectifying MIM tunnel diodes are able to operate at tens and hundreds of GHz frequency. As the preliminary steps towards development of high-frequency rectifiers, this paper presents fabrication and DC characterization of two new MIM diodes, Ti-TiO2-Al and Ti-TiO2-Pt.G-Vanalysis of the fabricated diodes verifies tunneling. Brinkman-Dynes-Rowell model is used to extract oxide thickness of which the derived value is around 9 nm. Ti-TiO2-Pt diode exhibits rectification ratio of 15 at 0.495 V, which is more than rectification ratio reported in earlier works.
Technical Parameters for Laser Acupuncture to Elicit Peripheral and Central Effects: State-of-the-Art and Short Guidelines Based on Results from the Medical University of Graz, the German Academy of Acupuncture, and the Scientific Literature
Authors: Litscher Gerhard , Opitz Gerhard
Published: April 2012

The scientific literature in the area of laser acupuncture is rather large; however, the actual mechanisms and effects have not yet been proven in detail. Since the early days of laser acupuncture, there are still many open questions concerning technical parameters of this innovative technique. In this paper, we report about the most important technical parameters (wavelength, output power, power density, energy density, dose range, and continuous or pulsed laser) for laser acupuncture and present quantitative results for optimal laser stimulation, which allow eliciting reproducible effects in the periphery and in the brain. There are several position statements on laser acupuncture and also several review articles in scientific literature concerning clinical effectiveness of laser acupuncture. For example, the Australian Medical Acupuncture College stated recently that “the optimal energy density for laser acupuncture and biostimulation, based on current clinical experience, is 4 J/cm2”. However, our results of previous research studies and of this paper clearly show that dose must be adjusted according to the individual responses.
Influence of Running and Walking on Hormonal Regulators of Appetite in Women
Authors: Larson-Meyer D. Enette , Palm Sonnie , Bansal Aasthaa , Austin Kathleen J. , Hart Ann Marie , Alexander Brenda M.
Published: April 2012

Nine female runners and ten walkers completed a 60 min moderate-intensity (70% VO2max) run or walk, or 60 min rest in counterbalanced order. Plasma concentrations of the orexogenic peptide ghrelin, anorexogenic peptides peptide YY (PYY), glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), and appetite ratings were measured at 30 min interval for 120 min, followed by a free-choice meal. Both orexogenic and anorexogenic peptides were elevated after running, but no changes were observed after walking. Relative energy intake (adjusted for cost of exercise/rest) was negative in the meal following running (−194±206 kcal) versus walking (41±196 kcal) (P=0.015), although both were suppressed (P<0.05) compared to rest (299±308and284±121 kcal, resp.). The average rate of change in PYY and GLP-1 over time predicted appetite in runners, but only the change in GLP-1 predicted hunger (P=0.05) in walkers. Results provide evidence that exercise-induced alterations in appetite are likely driven by complex changes in appetite-regulating hormones rather than change in a single gut peptide.
Periocular Myxoma in a Child
Authors: Ríos y Valles-Valles Dolores , Vera-Torres Ana María , Rodríguez-Martínez Héctor A. , Rodríguez-Reyes Abelardo A.
Published: April 2012

Myxomas are locally invasive, benign mesenchymal neoplasms with odontogenic, osteogenic, or soft tissue origin. Facial myxomas probably account for less than 0.5% of all paranasal sinus and nasal tumors. We report a case of a left painless periocular mass in a 11-month-old girl. The lesion was resected with a clinical diagnosis of lacrimal sac tumor. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry proved the tumor to be a myxoma. There has been no recurrence after 4 years of followup. Midfacial myxomas should be differentiated from other benign and malignant tumors such as dermoid, hamartoma, neurofibroma, nasolacrimal duct cyst, and sarcomas in particular embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma. Because of the infiltrative nature of these tumors, a wide surgery is required to achieve clear resection margins and avoid recurrence.
Multidisciplinary Integrated Framework for the Optimal Design of a Jet Aircraft Wing
Authors: Mainini Laura , Maggiore Paolo
Published: April 2012

The preliminary design of a jet aircraft wing, through the use of an integrated multidisciplinary design environment, is presented in this paper. A framework for parametric studies of wing structures has been developed on the basis of a multilevel distributed analysis architecture with a “hybrid strategy” process that is able to perform deterministic optimizations and tradeoff studies simultaneously. The particular feature of the proposed multilevel optimization architecture is that it can use different set of variables, defined expressly for each level, in a multi-level scheme using “low fidelity” and “high fidelity” models, as well as surrogate models. The prototype of the design environment has been developed using both commercial codes and in-house tools and it can be implemented in a geographically distributed and heterogeneous IT context.
Detailed Theoretical Model for Adjustable Gain-Clamped Semiconductor Optical Amplifier
Authors: Liu Lin , Michie Craig , Kelly Anthony E. , Andonovic Ivan
Published: April 2012

The adjustable gain-clamped semiconductor optical amplifier (AGC-SOA) uses two SOAs in a ring-cavity topology: one to amplify the signal and the other to control the gain. The device was designed to maximize the output saturated power while adjusting gain to regulate power differences between packets without loss of linearity. This type of subsystem can be used for power equalisation and linear amplification in packet-based dynamic systems such as passive optical networks (PONs). A detailed theoretical model is presented in this paper to simulate the operation of the AGC-SOA, which gives a better understanding of the underlying gain clamping mechanics. Simulations and comparisons with steady-state and dynamic gain modulation experimental performance are given which validate the model.
Cluster Density of Dependent Thinning Distributed Clustering Class of Algorithms in Ad Hoc Deployed Wireless Networks
Authors: Gamwarige Sankalpa , Kulasekere Chulantha
Published: April 2012

Distributed clustering is widely used in ad hoc deployed wireless networks. Distributed clustering algorithms like DMAC, HEED, MEDIC, ANTCLUST-based, and EDCR produce well-distributed Cluster Heads (CHs) using dependent thinning techniques where a node’s decision to be a CH depends on the decision of its neighbors. An analytical technique to determine the cluster density of this class of algorithms is proposed. This information is required to set the algorithm parameters before a wireless network is deployed. Simulation results are presented in order to verify the analytical findings.
Exact Solution for an Anti-Plane Interface Crack between Two Dissimilar Magneto-Electro-Elastic Half-Spaces
Authors: Rogowski Bogdan
Published: April 2012

This paper investigated the fracture behaviour of a piezo-electro-magneto-elastic medium subjected to electro-magneto-mechanical loads. The bimaterial medium contains a crack which lies at interface and is parallel to their poling direction. Fourier transform technique is used to reduce the problem to three pairs of dual integral equations. These equations are solved exactly. The semipermeable crack-face magneto-electric boundary conditions are utilized. Field intensity factors of stress, electric displacement, magnetic induction, cracks displacement, electric and magnetic potentials, and the energy release rate are determined. The electric displacement and magnetic induction of crack interior are discussed. Obtained results indicate that the stress field and electric and magnetic fields near the crack tips exhibit square-root singularity.
Study on the interaction of Prodigiosin with bovine serum albumin by spectroscopic methods
Authors: Liu Shu-Chao , Tang Jing , Zhang Xi-Hai , Gao Yuan-Yuan , Ma Fei , Yang Qi-yin
Published: April 2012

The interaction between bovine serum albumin (BSA) and Prodigiosin (PG) was investigated by UV-vis absorption, fluorescence, synchronous fluorescence, FT-IR and circular dichroism (CD) techniques. The data of UV-vis absorption and fluorescence spectra displayed that there existed interaction between PG and aromatic amino acid residues of BSA. The synchronous fluorescence and CD spectrum experiment both showed that the secondary structure of BSA changed with addition of PG. All these results revealed that the conformation and microenvironment of BSA were changed.
The Neurorehabilitation Training Toolkit (NTT): A Novel Worldwide Accessible Motor Training Approach for At-Home Rehabilitation after Stroke
Authors: Bermúdez i Badia Sergi , Cameirão M. S.
Published: April 2012

After stroke, enduring rehabilitation is required for maximum recovery, and ideally throughout life to prevent functional deterioration. Hence we developed a new concept for at-home low-cost motor rehabilitation, the NTT, an Internet-based interactive system for upper-limb rehabilitation. In this paper we present the NTT design concepts, its implementation and a proof of concept study with 10 healthy participants. The NTT brings together concepts of optimal learning, engagement, and storytelling to deliver a personalized training to its users. In this study we evaluate the feasibility of NTT as a tool capable of automatically assessing and adapting to its user. This is achieved by means of a psychometric study where we show that the NTT is able to assess movement kinematics—movement smoothness, range of motion, arm displacement and arm coordination—in healthy users. Subsequently, a modeling approach is presented to understand how the measured movement kinematics relate to training parameters, and how these can be modified to adapt the training to meet the needs of patients. Finally, an adaptive algorithm for the personalization of training considering motivational and performance aspects is proposed. In the next phase we will deploy and evaluate the NTT with stroke patients at their homes.
Stabilization of the Ball on the Beam System by Means of the Inverse Lyapunov Approach
Authors: Aguilar-Ibañez Carlos , Suarez-Castanon Miguel S. , Rubio José de Jesús
Published: April 2012

A novel inverse Lyapunov approach in conjunction with the energy shaping technique is applied to derive a stabilizing controller for the ball on the beam system. The proposed strategy consists of shaping a candidate Lyapunov function as if it were an inverse stability problem. To this purpose, we fix a suitable dissipation function of the unknown energy function, with the property that the selected dissipation divides the corresponding time derivative of the candidate Lyapunov function. Afterwards, the stabilizing controller is directly obtained from the already shaped Lyapunov function. The stability analysis of the closed‐loop system is carried out by using the invariance theorem of LaSalle. Simulation results to test the effectiveness of the obtained controller are presented.
A Wireless Sensor Network for Precise Volatile Organic Compound Monitoring
Authors: Manes Gianfranco , Collodi Giovanni , Fusco Rosanna , Gelpi Leonardo , Manes Antonio
Published: April 2012

A variety of methods have been developed to monitor VOC concentration in hazardous sites. The methods range from calculation to measurement, point measuring to remote sensing. Some are suited for leak detection, others for estimation of the annual emission or both. None of the following available methods comes close to the ideal method. A distributed instrument providing precise monitoring of Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) concentration in a petrochemical plant is described; it consists of a Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) platform whose nodes are equipped with meteorological/climatic sensors and VOC detectors. Internet connectivity is provided in real time at a one-minute sampling rate, thus providing environmental authorities and plant management with an unprecedented tool for immediate warning in case of critical events. The paper describes the WSN platform, detailing various units (gateways, nodes, detectors) and shows the features of scalability and reconfigurability, with minimal intrusiveness or obtrusiveness. Environmental and process data are forwarded to a remote server and made available to the authenticated users through a rich user interface that provides data rendering in various formats and worldwide access to data. A survey of the VOC detector technologies involved is also provided.
Fluorescence spectroscopic study on interaction of retinol with β-lactoglobulin in the presence of cetylpyridinium chloride
Authors: Sahihi Mehdi , Ghayeb Yousef , Bordbar Abdol-Khalegh
Published: April 2012

In our previous study thermodynamic denaturation of bovine β-lactoglobulin variant A (BLG-A), has been investigated in the presence of cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) as a cationic surfactant. Here, the retinol binding property of BLG was determined at 298 K and pH 8.0 by spectrofluorimeter titration method, in the presence of CPC to elucidate the still unknown structure–function relationship in this protein. Comparison of the results allowed determining the binding of retinol by BLG in the presence of CPC. The two-way chemometrics method was used, to estimate the equilibrium concentration of components by analysis of fluorescence emission spectrum, in order to obtain its equilibrium concentration. The results indicate that the retinol binding properties of BLG do not show significant changes in the presence of this surfactant.
Parallel Rayleigh Quotient Optimization with FSAI‐Based Preconditioning
Authors: Bergamaschi Luca , Martínez Angeles , Pini Giorgio
Published: April 2012

The present paper describes a parallel preconditioned algorithm for the solution of partial eigenvalue problems for large sparse symmetric matrices, on parallel computers. Namely, we consider the Deflation‐Accelerated Conjugate Gradient (DACG) algorithm accelerated by factorized‐sparse‐approximate‐inverse‐ (FSAI‐) type preconditioners. We present an enhanced parallel implementation of the FSAI preconditioner and make use of the recently developed Block FSAI‐IC preconditioner, which combines the FSAI and the Block Jacobi‐IC preconditioners. Results onto matrices of large size arising from finite element discretization of geomechanical models reveal that DACG accelerated by these type of preconditioners is competitive with respect to the available public parallel hypre package, especially in the computation of a few of the leftmost eigenpairs. The parallel DACG code accelerated by FSAI is written in MPI‐Fortran 90 language and exhibits good scalability up to one thousand processors.
Evolutionary History of LTR Retrotransposon Chromodomains in Plants
Authors: Novikov Anton , Smyshlyaev Georgiy , Novikova Olga
Published: April 2012

Chromodomain-containing LTR retrotransposons are one of the most successful groups of mobile elements in plant genomes. Previously, we demonstrated that two types of chromodomains (CHDs) are carried by plant LTR retrotransposons. Chromodomains from group I (CHD_I) were detected only in Tcn1-like LTR retrotransposons from nonseed plants such as mosses (including the model moss species Physcomitrella) and lycophytes (the Selaginella species). LTR retrotransposon chromodomains from group II (CHD_II) have been described from a wide range of higher plants. In the present study, we performed computer-based mining of plant LTR retrotransposon CHDs from diverse plants with an emphasis on spike-moss Selaginella. Our extended comparative and phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that two types of CHDs are present only in the Selaginella genome, which puts this species in a unique position among plants. It appears that a transition from CHD_I to CHD_II and further diversification occurred in the evolutionary history of plant LTR retrotransposons at approximately 400 MYA and most probably was associated with the evolution of chromatin organization.
Optimizing Reservoir-Stream-Aquifer Interactions for Conjunctive Use and Hydropower Production
Authors: Fayad Hala , Peralta Richard C. , Forghani Ali
Published: April 2012

Conjunctive management of water resources involves coordinating use of surface water and groundwater resources. Very few simulation/optimization (S-O) models for stream-aquifer system management have included detailed interactions between groundwater, streams, and reservoir storage. This paper presents an S-O model doing that via artificial neural network simulators and genetic algorithm optimizer for multiobjective conjunctive water use problems. The model simultaneously addresses all significant flows including reservoir-stream-diversion-aquifer interactions in a more detailed manner than previous models. The model simultaneously maximizes total water provided and hydropower production. A penalty function implicitly poses constraints on state variables. The model effectively finds feasible optimal solutions and the Pareto optimum. Illustrated is application for planning water resource and minihydropower system development.
Positive Solutions for a Class of Third‐Order Three‐Point Boundary Value Problem
Authors: Lin Xiaojie , Fu Zhengmin
Published: April 2012

We investigate the problem of existence of positive solutions for the nonlinear third‐order three‐point boundary value problem
u‴(t) + λa(t)f(u(t)) = 0, 0 < t < 1, u(0) = u′(0) = 0, u″(1) = ∝u″(η), where λ is a positive parameter, ∝∈(0, 1), η ∈ (0, 1), f : (0, ∞)→(0, ∞), a : (0, 1) → (0, ∞) are continuous. Using a specially constructed cone, the fixed point index theorems and Leray‐Schauder degree, this work shows the existence and multiplicities of positive solutions
for the nonlinear third‐order boundary value problem. Some examples
are given to demonstrate the main results.
Stratification of the Low-Latitude and Near-EquatorialF2Layer, Topside Ionization Ledge, andF3Layer: What We Know about This? A Review
Authors: Klimenko M. V. , Zhao B. , Karpachev A. T. , Klimenko V. V.
Published: April 2012

A large number of researches have been devoted to the formation of additional layers in theFregion of the equatorial ionosphere, first of which has been published in 1940s. Originally the occurrence of such layer was named “stratification of equatorialF2layer.” The additional layer was later named as theF3layer. The theoretical researches have shown that theF3layer is formed by zonal component of electric field with assistance of meridional component of thermospheric wind and field-aligned plasma diffusion. The physical mechanism of theF3layer formation is clearly formulated for the morning-noon period, although theF3layer is also observed at other hours. This paper presents a brief review into the history of the additional layer researches, describes the current progress of these researches, and identifies the most important problems in this field of the ionospheric physics.
Efficient and Selective Transport of Silver(I) Cation Across a Bulk Dichloromethane Membrane Using 1,13‐Bis(8‐quinolyl)‐1,4,7,10,13‐pentaoxatridecane as a Carrier
Authors: Rounaghi G. H. , Ghaemi A.
Published: May 2012

1,13‐Bis(8‐quinolyl)‐1,4,7,10,13‐pentaoxatridecane (Kryptofix 5) was used as a highly efficient carrier for the transport of silver(I) cation through a dichloromethane (DCM) bulk liquid membrane. In order to achieve the highest transport efficiency of Ag+ cation across the bulk liquid membrane system, the influence of different parameters was studied. These include: the nature of various organic solvents as liquid membrane phase, concentration of the carrier in the membrane phase, concentration of picric acid as counter anion in the source phase, type of various stripping agents in the receiving phase, concentration of thiosulfate anion (S2O32-) as a suitable stripping agent, pH of the source and receiving phases, volume of the receiving phase and equilibrium time of transport which were optimized. In the optimum procedure conditions, the transport of a 3×10-4 M solution of silver(I) cation was observed (88.03 ± 0.82%) after 4 hours. The selectivity of Ag+ transport from aqueous solutions containing equimolar concentration of other metal cations such as Pb2+, Co2+, Zn2+, Cd2+, Cu2+ and Fe2+ was also investigated.
Structural and Spectroscopic Properties of Two New Isostructural
Complexes of Lapacholate with Cobalt and Copper
Authors: Farfán R. A. , Espíndola J. A. , Gomez M. I. , de Jiménez M. C. L. , Martínez M. A. , Piro O. E. , Castellano E. E.
Published: April 2012

The molecular structures of two isostructural complexes of lapacholate (Lap) anion and dimethylformamide (DMF), M(Lap)2(DMF)2 with M: Co Cu, were determined by X-ray diffraction methods. The substances crystallize in the triclinic space group P1¯ with one molecule per unit cell and cell constants a=7.7591(3), b=10.3560(3), c=11.2224(4) Å, α=95.110(2), β=94.310(2), and γ=107.704(2)° for the Co complex and a=7.9308(2), b=10.0033(4), c=10.7508(4), α=97.387(2), β=93.621(2), and γ=103.980(2)° for the Cu complex. The structures were solved from 2933 (Co) and 2888 (Cu) reflections with I>2σ (I) and refined by full matrix least squares to agreement R1-factors of 0.041 (Co) and 0.033 (Cu). The metal M(II) ion is sited on a crystallographic inversion center in a MO6 distorted octahedral environment. This ion is coordinated equatorially to two lapacholate anions through their adjacent carbonyl and phenol oxygen atoms [M–O bond distances of 2.134(1) and 2.008(1) Å (Co) and 2.301(1) and 1.914(1) Å (Cu)] and axially to two DMF molecules through oxygen atoms [M–O bond lengths of 2.143(1) Å (Co) and 2.069(1) Å (Cu)]. The solid state IR transmittance and solution electronic absorption spectra of both Co and Cu compounds are also reported and compared to each other and to the corresponding spectra of other members of the lapacholate metal family of complexes.
Analysis of protein from nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell line CNE2 irradiated by X-ray using Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Ou Lin , Chen Yang , Huang Yangwen , Su Ying , Lin Duo , Zou Changyan , Lei Jinping
Published: April 2012

Our work aims to explore Raman spectroscopy (RS) to study the effects of total protein of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) cell line CNE2 treated by different doses of X-ray irradiation. The total protein is extracted from the cell line after irradiation with no incubation (0 h) and with incubation for 72 h, respectively. Both paired-samplesttest and support vector machine (SVM) are employed for statistical analysis of Raman spectrum. The results show that several Raman bands assigned to total protein can be detected; and the X-ray irradiation have various effects on different components in total protein, especially for the dose higher than 6 Gy, and also associated with the incubation time after irradiation. The differences of content between 0 h groups and 72 h groups appear at bands of C–S stretching, C–H stretching, O=C–O−stretching and L-phenylalanine. It indicated no significant diversification on structures of protein, while the content may be varied during irradiation. Our spectroscopic results reveal that RS analysis of total protein of cell line irradiated by X-ray, in conjunction with mathematical statistical model, can be a potential method to explore the Raman characterization target of cell radiosensitivity, and then for making known the mechanism of radiosensitivity of tumor further.
Abstract A105: Genetic variations in sonic pathway genes as predictors of bladder cancer risk
Authors: Clague Jessica , Lin Jie , Chang Joshua , Hildebrandt Michelle , Izzo Julie , Yang Hushan , Kamat Ashish , Wu Xifeng
Published: May 2012

A105

BACKGROUND

The hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway plays a crucial role in normal embryonic development. However, abnormal activation of the pathway later in life has been demonstrated in a variety of human diseases, including bladder cancer.

METHODS

We genotyped 171 potentially functional single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and tagging SNPs among seven Sonic Hedgehog pathway-related genes in a case-control study including 803 Caucasian bladder cancer patients and 803 matched controls.

RESULTS

The homozygous variant genotype of a SNP located in the Intron of Gli2 (rs4848123) was associated with a significantly increased bladder cancer risk [odds ratios (OR), 4.21; 95% confidence interval (95% CI), 1.15-15.44]. Likewise, the homozygous variant genotype of a 3’ UTR SNP (rs3823720) and a SNP in the Intron (rs10951671) of GLI3 was associated with a significantly increased bladder cancer risk (OR, 1.58, 95% CI, 1.10-2.26; and OR, 1.87, 95% CI, 1.14-3.06; respectively). To assess the cumulative effects, we performed a combined unfavorable genotype analysis that included all SNPs showing at least a borderline statistical significance. We found that, compared with the low-risk reference group with less than two unfavorable genotypes, the medium-risk group with two unfavorable genotypes exhibited a 1.29-fold (0.92-1.81) increased risk and the high-risk group with more than two unfavorable genotypes exhibited a 1.92-fold (1.36-2.71) increased risk (P(trend) < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

To our knowledge, this is the first epidemiologic study showing that sonic pathway-related genetic variants may affect bladder cancer risk individually and jointly.

Citation Information: Cancer Prev Res 2008;1(7 Suppl):A105.
Abstract A108: Predictors of hormone receptor status in ovarian cancer: results from the Nurses’ Health Study
Authors: Kotsopoulos Joanne , Hecht Jonathan , Hankinson Susan , Tworoger Shelley
Published: May 2012

A108

Predictors of hormone receptor status in ovarian cancer: results from the Nurses’ Health Study

Background

Hormone receptor expression in tumors may offer etiologic information for ovarian cancer, particularly in light of known associations with hormonal and reproductive risk factors.

Methods

TMAs were constructed using triplicate core samples extracted from 157 paraffin-embedded blocks of confirmed epithelial ovarian tumors collected from participants in the Nurses’ Health Study and stained for estrogen receptor-alpha (ERα) and progesterone receptor (PR). We examined receptor expression by stage, grade and histologic subtype. Multivariate unconditional logistic regression was used to evaluate whether various hormonal, reproductive and anthropometric risk factors differed by ERα and PR expression among cases, and whether these exposures are differentially associated with the risk of developing receptor-positive or receptor-negative ovarian cancer compared to controls.

Results

PR expressing tumors were less likely to be invasive (P = 0.05) and more likely to be of a lower grade (P < 0.001) compared with PR- tumors. ERα status was not associated with any pathological features of the tumor (P ≥ 0.76). In the case-control analysis, increasing age, being postmenopausal, and PMH use were associated with an increased risk of developing ERα+, but not ERα-, (P for heterogeneity = 0.001, 0.06, and 0.06, respectively) and PR-, but not PR+, tumors (P for heterogeneity = 0.08, 0.003, and 0.40, respectively), while height was only associated with the risk of developing PR- disease (P for heterogeneity = 0.08). There were no clear differential associations of OC use, parity, adolescent or adult BMI, or physical activity with expression of either receptor. Results were similar in the case-case analysis.

Conclusion

Despite limited statistical power, our findings suggest that various risk factors are only associated with certain tumor subtypes based on hormone receptor expression, thus providing mechanistic evidence regarding these relationships in the etiology of ovarian cancer. Given our small sample size, confirmatory studies are required to further delineate these relationships.

Citation Information: Cancer Prev Res 2008;1(7 Suppl):A108.
Abstract A116: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug use and risk of gastric and esophageal adenocarcinoma in a large cohort study
Authors: Abnet Christian , Freedman Neal , Leitzmann Michael , Hollenbeck Albert , Schatzkin Arthur
Published: May 2012

A116

Background

Previous studies suggest that the use of aspirin or non-aspirin nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may reduce the risk of gastric and esophageal adenocarcinomas, but few studies have been prospective, have used data collected directly from subjects, and have controlled for the many potential confounders. Methods: We examined the association between aspirin or non-aspirin NSAID use and incident gastric noncardia (N=182), gastric cardia (N=178), and esophageal adenocarcinomas (N=228) in the NIH-AARP Diet and Health prospective cohort study with subjects followed for up to 7 years. We estimated the hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) in Cox models for any use of aspirin or non-aspirin NSAIDs in the previous twelve months or for the typical frequency of use (at least monthly, weekly, or daily) with adjustment for age, sex, smoking, alcohol, BMI, education, physical activity, and fruit and vegetable intake.

Results

For gastric noncardia cancer, we found that any aspirin use had an HR (95%CI) of 0.64 (0.47-0.86) and for daily use 0.57 (0.39-0.85). The age-standardized incidence rates (95% CI) per 100,000 person years dropped from 11.0 (8.4-13.6) in non-aspirin users to 7.0 (5.7-8.3) in users. For any non-aspirin NSAID use we found an HR (95%CI) of 0.68 (0.51-0.92) and for daily use 0.82 (0.50-1.34). We found no significant association between NSAID use and gastric cardia cancer or esophageal adenocarcinoma. For the latter, any or daily aspirin use had HR (95% CI) of 1.00 (0.73-1.37) and 1.11 (0.78-1.57), respectively.

Conclusions

We found a strong association between NSAID use, especially aspirin, and reduced risk of noncardia gastric adenocarcinoma, but not adenocarcinoma of the gastric cardia or esophagus.

Citation Information: Cancer Prev Res 2008;1(7 Suppl):A116.