bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Self-Organized Nanostructures and High Blocking Temperatures in MgO-Based d0 Ferromagnets
Authors: Seike Masayoshi , Dinh Van An , Fukushima Tetsuya , Sato Kazunori , Katayama-Yoshida Hiroshi
Published: April 2012

We propose a new mechanism explaining the magnetic properties of MgO-based d0 ferromagnets determined from multi-scale simulations. Chemical pair interactions between N atoms in Mg(O,N) and Mg vacancies (VMg) in (Mg,VMg)O were calculated using a generalized gradient approximation and the VASP code. Monte Carlo simulations of the crystal growth were performed, using the Ising model, to predict the favored configurations of dopant distribution. It was found that self-organized nanowires can be formed both in Mg(O,N) and (Mg,VMg)O under layer-by-layer crystal growth, which suggests high blocking temperatures can be obtained in these d0 ferromagnets by spinodal nanodecomposition.
Quantitative Analysis of Surface Morphology of Boron-Doped Zinc Oxide for Microcrystalline Silicon Solar Cells
Authors: Krajangsang Taweewat , Hiza Shuichi , Hayashi Teruaki , Yunaz Ihsanul Afdi , Hongsingthong Aswin , Miyajima Shinsuke , Konagai Makoto
Published: April 2012

The optimization of textured boron-doped conductive zinc oxide (ZnO:B) films deposited by metal organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) for hydrogenated microcrystalline silicon (µc-Si:H) solar cells was performed. We found that the argon (Ar) plasma treatment of a textured ZnO:B substrate is effective in improving the open-circuit voltage and fill factor of µc-Si:H solar cells. We proposed (tan θ)/λ2as an evaluation factor and found that there is a clear correlation between the (tan θ)/λ2of textured ZnO:B films and the open-circuit voltage of µc-Si:H solar cells. Moreover, the effect of the surface morphology of a textured ZnO:B substrate on the growth of intrinsic hydrogenated amorphous silicon (i-a-Si:H) top layers was examined to obtain the optimum conditions for preparing a-Si:H/µc-Si:H tandem solar cells. We confirmed that our proposed evaluation factor (tan θ)/λ2could be used to obtain the surface morphology of i-a-Si:H top layers that are appropriate for µc-Si:H bottom-cell deposition.
Three-Dimensional Reciprocal-Lattice Analysis Using Azimuth-Scan Reflection High-Energy Electron Diffraction: Determination of Complex Crystal Orientations of Al Grains on Si(111) Surface
Authors: Hattori Ken , Oi Hideo , Tanaka Kota , Kumagai Tomohiro , Daimon Hiroshi
Published: April 2012

We have applied a three-dimensional (3D) reciprocal-lattice analysis method using a typical reflection high-energy electron diffraction (RHEED) system – all RHEED patterns in scanning sample-surface azimuth are converted into 3D reciprocal-lattice space. This analysis method can determine complex crystal orientations of nanoclusters, islands, and grains with multiple domains, which are difficult to obtain from a small number of non-converted two-dimensional RHEED patterns. For an Al-deposited Si(111) surface followed by annealing, we successfully determined new crystal orientations of Al grains: Al(001), Al(012) and Al(011) ∥ Si(111) with Al[100] ∥ Si<01̄1>. The typical acquisition time of 3D RHEED patterns is 10–20 min, which is shorter than that by a standard X-ray diffraction system with φ and ω scans for 3D reciprocal-lattice mapping. This is one of the advantages of this analysis method, in addition to the convenient observation of in situ vacuum-fabricated nanocrystals on substrate surfaces with high sensitivity.
Effects of Plasma Processes on the Characteristics of Optical Device Structures Based on GaAs
Authors: Watanabe Akio , Ishikawa Fumitaro , Kondow Masahiko
Published: April 2012

We investigate the effects of inductively coupled O2plasma ashing, capacitively coupled C3F8plasma etching, and capacitively coupled C3F8/O2plasma etching on the optical and electrical characteristics of GaAs-related optical device structures. The O2plasma ashing produces non radiative recombination centers close to the sample surface. The sample with a cap AlGaAs layer prevents the degradation of photoluminescence (PL) intensity, probably inhibiting the penetration of damaging ions into the buried quantum well. The C3F8plasma etching also degrades the PL intensity; however, under moderate conditions, the effect of non radiative surface recombination can be suppressed by the formation of a surface oxide layer. On the other hand, the formation of oxide increases the specific contact resistance (ρc) of the electrode. The etching with C3F8/O2mixed plasma also deteriorates the optical characteristics presumably owing to the synthesized impact of the constituent gases, while it has limited effect on ρc.
Desynchronization with an artificial force field for wireless networks
Authors: Choochaisri Supasate , Apicharttrisorn Kittipat , Korprasertthaworn Kittiporn , Taechalertpaisarn Pongpakdi , Intanagonwiwat Chalermek
Published: April 2012

Desynchronization is useful for scheduling nodes to perform tasks at different time. This property is desirable for resource sharing, TDMA scheduling, and collision avoiding. Inspired by robotic circular formation, we propose DWARF (Desynchronization With an ARtificial Force field), a novel technique for desynchronization in wireless networks. Each neighboring node has artificial forces to repel other nodes to perform tasks at different time phases. Nodes with closer time phases have stronger forces to repel each other in the time domain. Each node adjusts its time phase proportionally to its received forces. Once the received forces are balanced, nodes are desynchronized. We evaluate our implementation of DWARF on TOSSIM, a simulator for wireless sensor networks. The simulation results indicate that DWARF incurs significantly lower desynchronization error and scales much better than existing approaches.
A new location layer for the TCP/IP protocol stack
Authors: Zúquete André , Frade Carlos
Published: April 2012

The IPv4 address space is quickly getting exhausted, putting a tremendous pressure on the adoption of even more NAT levels or IPv6. On the other hand, many authors propose the adoption of new Internet addressing capabilities, namely content-based addressing, to complement the existing IP host-based addressing. In this paper we propose the introduction of a location layer, between transport and network layers, to address both problems. We keep the existing IPv4 (or IPv6) host-based core routing functionalities, while we enable hosts to become routers between separate address spaces by exploring the new location header. For a proof of concept, we modified the TCP/IP stack of a Linux host to handle our new protocol layer and we designed and conceived a novel NAT box to enable current hosts to interact with the modified stack.
A practical solution to the client-LDNS mismatch problem
Authors: Huang Cheng , Batanov Ivan , Li Jin
Published: April 2012

Internet services are often deployed in multiple (tens to hundreds) of geographically distributed data centers. They rely on Global Traffic Management (GTM) solutions to direct clients to the optimal data center based on a number of criteria like network performance, geographic location, availability, etc.

The GTM solutions, however, have a fundamental design limitation in their ability to accurately map clients to data centers - they use the IP address of the local DNS resolver (LDNS) used by a client as a proxy for the true client identity, which in some cases causes suboptimal performance. This issue is known as the client-LDNS mismatch problem. We argue that recent proposals to address the problem suffer from serious limitations. We then propose a simple new solution, named ``FQDN extension'', which can solve the client-LDNS mismatch problem completely. We build a prototype system and demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed solution. Using JavaScript, the solution can be deployed immediately for some online services, such as Web search, without modifying either client or local resolver.
Rehoming edge links for better traffic engineering
Authors: Keller Eric , Schapira Michael , Rexford Jennifer
Published: April 2012

Traditional traffic engineering adapts the routing of traffic within the network to maximize performance. We propose a new approach that also adaptively changes where traffic enters and leaves the network---changing the "traffic matrix", and not just the intradomain routing configuration. Our approach does not affect traffic patterns and BGP routes seen in neighboring networks, unlike conventional inter-domain traffic engineering where changes in BGP policies shift traffic and routes from one edge link to another. Instead, we capitalize on recent innovations in edge-link migration that enable seamless rehoming of an edge link to a different internal router in an ISP backbone network---completely transparent to the router in the neighboring domain. We present an optimization framework for traffic engineering with migration and develop algorithms that determine which edge links should migrate, where they should go, and how often they should move. Our experiments with Internet2 traffic and topology data show that edge-link migration allows the network to carry 18.8% more traffic (at the same level of performance) over optimizing routing alone.
Privacy analytics
Authors: Haddadi Hamed , Mortier Richard , Hand Steven
Published: April 2012

People everywhere are generating ever-increasing amounts of data, often without being fully aware of who is recording what about them. For example, initiatives such as mandated smart metering, expected to be widely deployed in the UK in the next few years and already attempted in countries such as the Netherlands, will generate vast quantities of detailed, personal data about huge segments of the population. Neither the impact nor the potential of this society-wide data gathering are well understood. Once data is gathered, it will be processed -- and society is only now beginning to grapple with the consequences for privacy, both legal and ethical, of these actions, e.g., Brown et al. There is the potential for great harm through, e.g., invasion of privacy; but also the potential for great benefits by using this data to make more efficient use of resources, as well as releasing its vast economic potential. In this editorial we briefly discuss work in this area, the challenges still faced, and some potential avenues for addressing them.
The DNS is not a right. oh yes it is. oh no it isn't. oh yes it is...
Authors: Crowcroft Jon
Published: April 2012

The Internet is not a Universal service, but then neither is democracy. So should the Internet be viewed as a right? It's certainly sometimes wrong. In this brief article, we depend on the Internet to reach our readers, and we hope that they don't object our doing that.
A practical approach to speech processor for auditory prosthesis using DSP and FPGA
Authors: Rao V. Bhujanga , Ramaiah P. Seetha , Kumar K. Raja
Published: April 2012

Auditory prosthesis (AP) is a widely used electronic device for patients suffering with severe hearing loss by electrically stimulating the auditory nerve using an electrode array surgically placed inside the inner ear. The AP also known as cochlear implant (CI) mainly contains external Body worn Speech Processor (BWSP) and internal Implantable Receiver Stimulator (IRS). BWSP receives an external sound or speech and generates encoded speech data bits for transmission to IRS via Radio Frequency transcutaneous link for excitation of electrode array placed in the inner ear. Development of BWSP and IRS involves normally the use of either standard microprocessor or microcontroller or digital signal processor (DSP) or FPGA or ASIC devices. Sometimes the performance of the AP system using the standard processors cannot meet the requirement of the intended application. As the selected DSP processor (ADSP2185) from Analog Devices Inc. solely cannot perform the purpose of the speech processor for auditory prostheses, the Xilinx FPGA is added to fulfill the requirement. Combination of a standard processor such as DSP and FPGA may lead to the solution in both prototyping and target operational system. The ADSP2185 processor is used to realize the Continuous Interleaved Sampling (CIS) algorithm for speech signal processing and FPGA is used to realize the speech data encoding algorithm. This paper introduces practical implementations of digital speech processor for use in AP based on DSP ADSP-2185 and Xilinx's FPGA Spartan 3 with the description of practical data. The combination of ADSP2185 and FPGA is used to develop Speech Processor for an auditory prosthesis. FPGA implementation of speech data encoder is initially simulated using ModelSim and interfaced with ADSP2185. The entire embedded application is tested with real time speech signals by using laboratory model IRS and satisfactory results are observed.
Integrative Laser Medicine and High-Tech Acupuncture at the Medical University of Graz, Austria, Europe
Authors: Litscher Gerhard
Published: April 2012

At the moment, modernization of acupuncture has a high priority. On the traditional side, acupuncture has only recently been awarded the status of Intangible Cultural Heritage by the UNESCO. On the innovative side, high-tech acupuncture is a registered trademark in Austria. Acupuncture has been used for medical treatment for thousands of years. A large number of empirical data are available but the technical quantification of effects was not possible up to now. Using electroacupuncture, needle, or laser stimulation and modern biomedical techniques, it was possible for the first time to quantify changes in biological activities caused by acupuncture. This paper which serves as introduction for the special issue “High-Tech Acupuncture and Integrative Laser Medicine” of the present journal, focuses on the latest innovative aspects that underline the further enhancement and development of acupuncture. Special emphasis is given to new methodological and technical investigations, for example, results obtained from all kinds of acupuncture innovations (e.g., teleacupuncture) and integrative laser medicine.
Effects of Thyme Extract Oils (fromThymus vulgaris,Thymus zygis,andThymus hyemalis) on Cytokine Production and Gene Expression of oxLDL-Stimulated THP-1-Macrophages
Authors: Ocaña A. , Reglero G.
Published: April 2012

Properties of thyme extracts from three different species (Thymus vulgaris,Thymus zygis,andThymus hyemalis) were examined. Two oil fractions from each species were obtained by CO2supercritical fluid extraction. Main compounds presented in the supercritical extracts of the three thyme varieties were 1,8 cineole, thymol, camphor, borneol, and carvacrol. As a cellular model of inflammation/atherogenesis, we use human macrophages derived from THP-1 monocytes and activated by oxidized LDLs. These cells were incubated with the thyme fraction oils, and the productions and gene expressions of the inflammatory mediators TNF-α, IL-1B, IL-6, and IL-10 were determined. Thyme extracts significantly reduced production and gene expression of the proinflammatory mediators TNF-α, IL-1B, and IL-6 and highly increased these parameters on the anti-inflammatory IL-10 cytokine. Changes on production and gene expressions were dose dependent and according to the thyme content of each species. Taken together, these results may suggest that thyme extracts could have anti-inflammatory effects.
Comparing Horizontal and Vertical Surfaces for a Collaborative Design Task
Authors: Potvin Brianna , Swindells Colin , Tory Melanie , Storey Margaret-Anne
Published: April 2012

We investigate the use of different surface orientations for collaborative design tasks. Specifically, we compare horizontal and vertical surface orientations used by dyads performing a collaborative design task while standing. We investigate how the display orientation influences group participation including face-to-face contact, total discussion, and equality of physical and verbal participation among participants. Our results suggest that vertical displays better support face-to-face contact whereas side-by-side arrangements encourage more discussion. However, display orientation has little impact on equality of verbal and physical participation, and users do not consistently prefer one orientation over the other. Based on our findings, we suggest that further investigation into the differences between horizontal and vertical orientations is warranted.
Convergence of a Proximal Point Algorithm for Solving Minimization Problems
Authors: Hamdi Abdelouahed , Noor M. A. , Mukheimer A. A.
Published: April 2012

We introduce and consider a proximal point algorithm for solving minimization problems using the technique of Güler. This proximal point algorithm is obtained by substituting the usual quadratic proximal term by a class of convex nonquadratic distance‐like functions. It can be seen as an extragradient iterative scheme. We prove the convergence rate of this new proximal point method under mild assumptions. Furthermore, it is shown that this estimate rate is better than the available ones.
Biomedical Teleacupuncture between China and Austria Using Heart Rate Variability—Part 2: Patients with Depression
Authors: Litscher Gerhard , Cheng Guangyu , Wang Lu , Cheng Weiping , Su Hang , Niu Qianqian , Zou Tianyu , Wang Yongyue , Feng Xiao , Gaischek Ingrid , Sheng Zemin , Kuang Haixue
Published: April 2012

It has been shown in previous studies that the autonomic nervous system can be affected by acupuncture. Within this study, teleacupuncture between China and Austria is used for quantifying the effects of heart rate (HR) and heart rate variability (HRV) in 33 Chinese patients (27 females, 6 males; mean age ± SD49.5±13.1years; range 22–72 years) suffering from depression. Electrocardiographic signals before, during, and after acupuncture at the acupoint Baihui (GV20) were recorded in Harbin and analyzed in Graz using teleacupuncture. HRV data were analyzed in the time and frequency domain. Mean HR decreased significantly (P<0.05) during and after acupuncture, whereas total HRV increased significantly after the third acupuncture stimulation period (P<0.05) and also 5–10 minutes after (P<0.05) acupuncture. The study shows that HRV could be a useful parameter for quantifying clinical effects of acupuncture on the autonomic nervous system.
Global Adaptive Control of Stochastic Nonlinear Systems with Linearly Bounded Unmeasurable States by Output Feedback
Authors: Wang Qiangde , Wei Chunling
Published: April 2012

The problem of the output feedback stochastic stabilization is investigated for a class of stochastic nonlinear systems with linearly bounded unmeasurable states. Under the condition that the inverse dynamics is stochastic input‐to‐state stable and the nonlinear functions satisfy the linear growth conditions with unknown growth rate, an adaptive output feedback controller is proposed to make the closed‐loop system globally stable in probability and the states of the closed‐loop system converge to zero almost surely. A simulation example is provided to show the effectiveness of the theoretical results.
Posttransplant Lymphoproliferative Disorders
Authors: Ibrahim Hazem A. H. , Naresh Kikkeri N.
Published: April 2012

Posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorders (PTLDs) are a group of diseases that range from benign polyclonal to malignant monoclonal lymphoid proliferations. They arise secondary to treatment with immunosuppressive drugs given to prevent transplant rejection. Three main pathologic subsets/stages of evolution are recognised: early, polymorphic, and monomorphic lesions. The pathogenesis of PTLDs seems to be multifactorial. Among possible infective aetiologies, the role of EBV has been studied in depth, and the virus is thought to play a central role in driving the proliferation of EBV-infected B cells that leads to subsequent development of the lymphoproliferative disorder. It is apparent, however, that EBV is not solely responsible for the “neoplastic” state. Accumulated genetic alterations of oncogenes and tumour suppressor genes (deletions, mutations, rearrangements, and amplifications) and epigenetic changes (aberrant hypermethylation) that involve tumour suppressor genes are integral to the pathogenesis. Antigenic stimulation also plays an evident role in the pathogenesis of PTLDs. Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (PDCs) that are critical to fight viral infections have been thought to play a pathogenetically relevant role in PTLDs. Furthermore, regulatory T cells (Treg cells), which are modulators of immune reactions once incited, seem to have an important role in PTLDs where antigenic stimulation is key for the pathogenesis.
A Generalized Meir‐Keeler‐Type Contraction on Partial Metric Spaces
Authors: Aydi Hassen , Karapınar Erdal , Rezapour Shahram
Published: April 2012

We introduce a generalization of the Meir‐Keeler‐type contractions, referred to as generalized Meir‐Keeler‐type contractions, over partial metric spaces. Moreover, we
show that every orbitally continuous generalized Meir‐Keeler‐type contraction has a fixed point on a 0‐complete partial metric space.
Motivation for Participating in a Weight Loss Program and Financial Incentives: An Analysis from a Randomized Trial
Authors: Crane Melissa M. , Tate Deborah F. , Finkelstein Eric A. , Linnan Laura A.
Published: April 2012

This analysis investigated if changes in autonomous or controlled motivation for participation in a weight loss program differed between individuals offered a financial incentive for weight loss compared to individuals not offered an incentive. Additionally, the same relationships were tested among those who lost weight and either received or did not receive an incentive. This analysis used data from a year-long randomized worksite weight loss program that randomly assigned employees in each worksite to either a low-intensity weight loss program or the same program plus small financial incentives for weight loss ($5.00 per percentage of initial weight lost). There were no differences in changes between groups on motivation during the study, however, increases in autonomous motivation were consistently associated with greater weight losses. This suggests that the small incentives used in this program did not lead to increases in controlled motivation nor did they undermine autonomous motivation. Future studies are needed to evaluate the magnitude and timing of incentives to more fully understand the relationship between incentives and motivation.
Laser-Induced Evoked Potentials in the Brain after Nonperceptible Optical Stimulation at the Neiguan Acupoint: A Preliminary Report
Authors: Litscher Gerhard , Bauernfeind Guenther , Mueller-Putz Gernot , Neuper Christa
Published: April 2012

We report on small but reproducible human cerebral evoked potentials after bilateral nonperceptible laser needle (658 nm, 40 mW, 500 μm, 1 Hz) irradiation of the Neiguan acupoint (PC6). The results which are unique in scientific literature were obtained in a 26-year-old female healthy volunteer within a joint study between the Medical University of Graz, the Karl-Franzens University of Graz, and the Graz University of Technology. The findings of the 32-channel evoked potential analysis indicate that exposure to laser needle stimulation with a frequency of 1 Hz can modulate the ascending reticular activating system. Further studies are absolutely necessary to confirm or refute the preliminary findings.
Comparison Theorems for the Multidimensional BDSDEs and Applications
Authors: Zhu Bo , Han Baoyan
Published: April 2012

A class of backward doubly stochastic differential equations (BDSDEs) are studied. We
obtain a comparison theorem of these multidimensional BDSDEs. As its applications, we
derive the existence of solutions for this multidimensional BDSDEs with continuous coefficients. We can also prove that this solution is the minimal solution of the BDSDE.
Novel Directional Nanoantennas for Single-Emitter Sources and Wireless Nano-Links
Authors: Klemm Maciej
Published: April 2012

Optical nanoantennas are emerging as one of the key components in the future nanophotonic and plasmonic circuits. The first optical nanoantennas were in a form of simple spherical nanoparticles. Recently more complex Yagi-Uda nanoantenna structures were demonstrated. These nanoantennas enhance radiation of single emitters and provide well-defined directional radiation. In this contribution, we present the novel design of the directional nanoantenna, which is excited from the propagating mode of the plasmonic waveguide. The nanoantenna design is based on thetravelling waveprinciple, well known at RF/microwave frequencies. By properly designing the propagating parts of the nanoantenna, a very efficient coupling to free space wave impedance can be achieved. Furthermore, the control over the radiation direction and beam width is relatively easy with this nanoantenna. Compared to the previously published Yagi-Uda designs, the new nanoantenna presented in this work has directivity three times higher.
Limit Circle/Limit Point Criteria for Second‐Order Superlinear Differential Equations with a Damping Term
Authors: Xing Lihong , Song Wei , Zhang Zhengqiang , Xu Qiyi
Published: April 2012

The purpose of the present paper is to establish some new criteria for the classifications of superlinear differential equations as being of the nonlinear limit circle type or of the nonlinear limit point type. The criteria presented here generalize some known results in literature.
Rare Gastric Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Tumor in an Adult Woman: A Case Report with Review of the Literature
Authors: Ribeiro Maxwel Capsy Boga , Lopes Luiz Roberto , de Souza Neto João Coelho , Meirelles Luciana Rodrigues , de Carvalho Rita Barbosa , Andreollo Nelson Adami
Published: April 2012

Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT) of the stomach is extremely rare and its prognosis is unpredictable. We present a 37-year-old woman with a gastric IMT. She presented epigastric pain since 2 months, anemia and weight loss associated. Physical examination showed cutaneous pallor and mild abdominal tenderness in the epigastrium. Abdominal ultrasonography showed a tumor near the pancreas and the CT scan revealed that the lesion was arising from the stomach. Upper endoscopy showed a submucosal lesion of approximately 7.5 cm located in the posterior wall of the gastric body such as a gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST). The patient underwent a subtotal gastrectomy and Billroth I reconstruction. The histopathological and immunohistochemical analysis revealed an IMT that originated from the gastric wall.
Iterative Schemes for Fixed Point Computation ofNonexpansive Mappings
Authors: Chen Rudong
Published: April 2012

Fixed point (especially, the minimum norm fixed point) computation is an interesting
topic due to its practical applications in natural science. The purpose of the
paper is devoted to finding the common fixed points of an infinite family of nonexpansive
mappings. We introduce an iterative algorithm and prove that suggested scheme
converges strongly to the common fixed points of an infinite family of nonexpansive
mappings under some mild conditions. As a special case, we can find the minimum
norm common fixed point of an infinite family of nonexpansive mappings.
Neuroprotection and Neurodegeneration in Alzheimer’s Disease: Role of Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors, Implications for Dementia Rates, and Prevention with Aerobic Exercise in African Americans
Authors: Obisesan Thomas O. , Gillum Richard F. , Johnson Stephanie , Umar Nisser , Williams Deborah , Bond Vernon , Kwagyan John
Published: April 2012

Prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) will reach epidemic proportions in the United States and worldwide in the coming decades, and with substantially higher rates in African Americans (AAs) than in Whites. Older age, family history, low levels of education, and ɛ4 allele of the apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene are recognized risk factors for the neurodegeneration in AD and related disorders. In AAs, the contributions of APOE gene to AD risk continue to engender a considerable debate. In addition to the established role of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in vascular dementia, it is now believed that CVD risk and its endophenotype may directly comediate AD phenotype. Given the pleiotropic effects of APOE on CVD and AD risks, the higher rates of CVD risks in AAs than in Whites, it is likely that CVD risks contribute to the disproportionately higher rates of AD in AAs. Though the advantageous effects of aerobic exercise on cognition is increasingly recognized, this evidence is hardly definitive, and data on AAs is lacking. In this paper, we will discuss the roles of CVD risk factors in the development of AD and related dementias, the susceptibility of these risk factors to physiologic adaptation, and fitness-related improvements in cognitive function. Its relevance to AD prevention in AAs is emphasized.
Left Hemibody Swelling in an HIV-Positive Patient with Congenital Heart Disease
Authors: Boattini Matteo , Almeida André , Moura Rita Barata , Rico Miguel Toscano
Published: April 2012

We report the case of a 50-year-old HIV-positive woman with a congenital cyanotic heart disease who developed left axillary, subclavian, and brachiocephalic vein thrombosis and left lower aortopulmonary collateral arterial thrombosis, presenting as left hemibody swelling. We also briefly overview the literature regarding upper extremity deep vein thrombosis (UEDVT). Given the absence of other risk factors, it was our firm believe that our patient's UEDVT was due to a hypercoagulable state associated with congestive heart failure (CHF) and HIV infection.
Oral Cavity and Pharynx Cancer Incidence Trends by Subsite in the United States: Changing Gender Patterns
Authors: Brown Linda Morris , Check David P. , Devesa Susan S.
Published: April 2012

Objective. To evaluate oral cavity and pharynx cancer (OCPC) patterns by gender.Methods. We used Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results program data for 71,446 cases diagnosed during 1975–2008 to classify OCPC by anatomic subsite as potentially HPV-related or not, with oral tongue cancer considered a separate category.Results. Total OCPC rates among men were 2–4 times those among women. Among whites, total OCPC rates rose in the younger age groups due to substantial increases in successive birth cohorts for HPV-related cancers, more rapid among men than women, and oral tongue cancers, more rapid among women than men. Among blacks, total OCPC rates declined among cohorts born since 1930 reflecting the strong downward trends for HPV-unrelated sites. Among Hispanics and Asians, HPV-unrelated cancer rates generally declined, and oral tongue cancer rates appeared to be converging among young men and women.Conclusions. Decreases in total OCPC incidence reflect reductions in smoking and alcohol drinking. Rising HPV-related cancers among white men may reflect changing sexual practices. Reasons for the increasing young oral tongue cancer rates are unknown, but the narrowing of the gender differences provides a clue.
The PBDE-209 Exposure during Pregnancy and Lactation Impairs Immune Function in Rats
Authors: Liu Xianbao , Zhan Hong , Zeng Xu , Zhang Chunfang , Chen Dunjin
Published: April 2012

In the present study, we assessed the treatment effects of PBDE-209 administration on the immune function in rats during pregnancy and lactation. We harvested the blood and organs for flow cytometry, viability assay, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and histological evaluation. The results of this study were the PBDE-209 exposure during pregnancy and lactation impairs immune function in rats. The results may contribute to understanding the mechanism of PBDE-209 in immune function.
Examining Form and Function of Dendritic Spines
Authors: Lee Kevin F. H. , Soares Cary , Béïque Jean-Claude
Published: April 2012

The majority of fast excitatory synaptic transmission in the central nervous system takes place at protrusions along dendrites called spines. Dendritic spines are highly heterogeneous, both morphologically and functionally. Not surprisingly, there has been much speculation and debate on the relationship between spine structure and function. The advent of multi-photon laser-scanning microscopy has greatly improved our ability to investigate the dynamic interplay between spine form and function. Regulated structural changes occur at spines undergoing plasticity, offering a mechanism to account for the well-described correlation between spine size and synapse strength. In turn, spine structure can influence the degree of biochemical and perhaps electrical compartmentalization at individual synapses. Here, we review the relationship between dendritic spine morphology, features of spine compartmentalization and synaptic plasticity. We highlight emerging molecular mechanisms that link structural and functional changes in spines during plasticity, and also consider circumstances that underscore some divergence from a tight structure-function coupling. Because of the intricate influence of spine structure on biochemical and electrical signalling, activity-dependent changes in spine morphology alone may thus contribute to the metaplastic potential of synapses. This possibility asserts a role for structural dynamics in neuronal information storage and aligns well with current computational models.
Interval Estimations of the Two-Parameter Exponential Distribution
Authors: Jiang Lai , Wong Augustine C. M.
Published: April 2012

In applied work, the two-parameter exponential distribution gives useful representations of many physical situations. Confidence interval for the scale parameter and predictive interval for a future independent observation have been studied by many, including Petropoulos (2011) and Lawless (1977), respectively. However, interval estimates for the threshold parameter have not been widely examined in statistical literature. The aim of this paper is to, first, obtain the exact significance function of the scale parameter by renormalizing thep∗-formula. Then the approximate Studentization method is applied to obtain the significance function of the threshold parameter. Finally, a predictive density function of the two-parameter exponential distribution is derived. A real-life data set is used to show the implementation of the method. Simulation studies are then carried out to illustrate the accuracy of the proposed methods.
Serum Oxidant and Antioxidant Status in Adolescents Undergoing Professional Endurance Sports Training
Authors: Tong Tom K. , Lin Hua , Lippi Giuseppe , Nie Jinlei , Tian Ye
Published: April 2012

This study evaluated the impact of professional training on serum oxidant and antioxidant status in adolescent endurance athletes and compared it with that of untrained individuals. Firstly, serum thiobarbituric-acid-reactive substances (TBARSs), xanthine oxidase (XO), catalase (CAT), reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) were measured in 67 male runners, cyclists, and untrained adolescents. Seven-day dietary intakes were also assessed. Secondly, for age- and Tanner-stage-matched comparison, 36 out of the 67 subjects (12 for each group) were then selected and investigated. In cyclists, XO, GSH, and CAT were higher as compared with runners and controls. The CAT in runners, but not GSH and XO, was also higher than in controls. TBARS, T-AOC, and SOD did not differ among the study populations. Regarding the inter-individual relationships among serum redox statuses and dietary nutrient intakes, significant correlations were noted in CAT versus carbohydrates, protein, magnesium, and manganese; GSH versus carbohydrates, protein, fat, selenium, zinc, iron, and magnesium; XO versus cholesterol; CAT versus GSH. These findings suggest that the resting blood redox balance in the professional adolescent athletes was well maintained partly by the increase of individual antioxidant in adaptation to chronic exercise.
Antiaging Effect of Pine Pollen in Human Diploid Fibroblasts and in a Mouse Model Induced by D-Galactose
Authors: Mao Gen-Xiang , Zheng Ling-Di , Cao Yong-Bao , Chen Zhuo-Mei , Lv Yuan-Dong , Wang Ya-Zhen , Hu Xi-Lian , Wang Guo-Fu , Yan Jing
Published: April 2012

The present paper was designed to investigate the effect of pine pollen against aging in human diploid fibroblast 2BS cells and in an accelerated aging model, which was established by subcutaneous injections with D-galactose daily for 8 weeks in C57BL/6J mice. Pine pollen (1 mg/mL and 2 mg/mL) is proved to delay the replicative senescence of 2BS cells as evidenced by enhanced cell proliferation, decreased SA-β-Gal activity, and reversed expression of senescence-associated molecular markers, such as p53,p21Waf1,p16INK4a, PTEN, andp27Kip1in late PD cells. Besides, pine pollen reversed D-galactose-induced aging effects in neural activity and inflammatory cytokine levels, as indicated by improved memory latency time and reduced error rate in step-down test and decreased concentrations of IL-6 and TNF-α in model mice. Similar to the role of AGEs (advanced glycation endproducts) formation inhibitor aminoguanidine (AG), pine pollen inhibited D-galactose-induced increment of AGEs levels thus reversed the aging phenotypes in model mice. Furthermore, the declined antioxidant activity was obviously reversed upon pine pollen treatment, which may account for its inhibitory effect on nonenzymatic glycation (NEG)in vivo. Our finding presents pine pollen as an attractive agent with potential to retard aging and attenuate age-related diseases in humans.
Three-Dimensional Matrix-Induced Autologous Chondrocytes Implantation for Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus: Midterm Results
Authors: Magnan B. , Samaila E. , Bondi M. , Vecchini E. , Micheloni G. M. , Bartolozzi P.
Published: April 2012

Introduction. We evaluate the midterm results of thirty patients who underwent autologous chondrocytes implantation for talus osteochondral lesions treatment.Materials and Methods. From 2002 to 2009, 30 ankles with a mean lesion size of 2,36 cm2were treated. We evaluated patients using American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Surgery and Coughlin score, Van Dijk scale, recovering time, and Musculoskeletal Outcomes Data Evaluation and Management System.Results. The mean AOFAS score varied from 36.9 to 83.9 at follow-up. Average of Van Dijk scale was 141.1. Coughlin score was excellent/good in 24 patients. MOCART score varied from 6.3 to 3.8.Discussion. This matrix is easy to handle conformable to the lesion and apply by arthroscopy. No correlation between MRI imaging and clinical results is found.Conclusions. Our results, compared with those reported in literature with other surgical procedures, show no superiority evidence for our technique compared to the others regarding the size of the lesions.
Influence of Age and Neurotoxic HAART Use on Frequency of HIV Sensory Neuropathy
Authors: Oshinaike Olajumoke , Akinbami Akinsegun , Ojo Oluwadamilola , Ogbera Anthonia , Okubadejo Njideka , Ojini Frank , Danesi Mustapha
Published: April 2012

Background. Sensory neuropathy (SN) is one of the most common AIDS-associated neurologic disorders especially in the era of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of SN among highly-active-antiretroviral-therapy- (HAART-) experienced and HAART-naïve HIV-positive individuals and to investigate the relationship to demographic, clinical, and laboratory factors.Methods. 323 patients with HIV infection (142 on HAART and 181 HAART naïve) were enrolled in a cross-sectional neuropathy screening program. Data was collected using structured questionnaires which contained the brief peripheral neuropathy screening tool of AIDS Clinical Trial Group protocol. Neuropathy was defined by the presence of at least 1 clinical sign in a distal, symmetrical pattern. Patients were classified as symptomatic if they described aching, stabbing, or burning pain, paresthesia, or numbness in a similar distribution. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory details were documented as risk factors.Result. The prevalence of sensory neuropathy was 39.0% (126/323), (of which 29/126 (23%)) were symptomatic. Amongst those on HAART, 60/142 (42.3%) had SN compared to 66/181 (36.5%) HAART-naïve individuals (P=0.29). On multivariate analyses, the independent associations with SN were increasing age (P=0.03) and current exposure to stavudine (P=0.00). Gender (P=0.99) height (P=0.07) use of HAART (P=0.50), duration of HAART treatment (P=0.10), and lower CD4 count (P=0.12) were not associated with an increased SN risk.Conclusion. HIV SN remains common despite improved immunologic function associated with HAART and decreased neurotoxic HAART use. In this cross-sectional analysis, age and stavudine-based therapies were the independent risk factors.
Korean Red Ginseng Suppresses Metastasis of Human Hepatoma SK-Hep1 Cells by Inhibiting Matrix Metalloproteinase-2/-9 and Urokinase Plasminogen Activator
Authors: Ho Yu-Ling , Li Kun-Cheng , Chao Wei , Chang Yuan-Shiun , Huang Guan-Jhong
Published: April 2012

Korean red ginseng and ginsenosides have been claimed to possess wide spectrum of medicinal effects, of which anticancer effect is one. The present study was undertaken to investigate the antimetastatic effect of Korean red ginseng on human hepatoma as well as possible mechanisms. The inhibitory effect of the water extract of Korean red ginseng (WKRG) on the invasion and motility of SK-Hep1 cells was evaluated by the Boyden chamber assayin vitro. Without causing cytotoxicity, WKRG exerted a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on the invasion and motility, but not adhesion, of highly metastatic SK-Hep1 cells. Zymography analyses revealed significant downregulating effects on MMP-2, MMP-9, and uPA activities in SK-Hep1 cells. Western blot analyses also showed that WKRG treatment caused dose-dependent decreases in MMP-2 and MMP-9 protein expressions. Moreover, WKRG increased the levels of TIMP-1, TIMP-2, and PAI-1. The present study not only demonstrated that invasion and motility of cancer cells were inhibited by WKRG, but also indicated that such effects were likely associated with the decrease in MMP-2/-9 and uPA expressions of SK-Hep1 cells.
Circular Slits Map of Bounded Multiply Connected Regions
Authors: Sangawi Ali W. K. , Murid Ali H. M. , Nasser M. M. S.
Published: April 2012

We present a boundary integral equation method for
the numerical conformal mapping of bounded multiply connected region
onto a circular slit region. The method is based on some uniquely
solvable boundary integral equations with adjoint classical, adjoint
generalized, and modified Neumann kernels. These boundary integral
equations are constructed from a boundary relationship satisfied by
a function analytic on a multiply connected region. Some numerical
examples are presented to illustrate the efficiency of the presented
method.
Identification of an Epigenetic Profile Classifier That Is Associated with Survival in Head and Neck Cancer
Authors: Poage Graham M. , Butler Rondi A. , Houseman E. Andrés , McClean Michael D. , Nelson Heather H. , Christensen Brock C. , Marsit Carmen J. , Kelsey Karl T.
Published: April 2012

Panels of prognostic biomarkers selected using candidate approaches often do not validate in independent populations, so additional strategies are needed to identify reliable classifiers. In this study, we used an array-based approach to measure DNA methylation and applied a novel method for grouping CpG dinucleotides according to well-characterized genomic sequence features. A hypermethylation profile among 13 CpG loci, characterized by polycomb group target genes, mammalian interspersed repeats, and transcription factor–binding sites (PcG/MIR/TFBS), was associated with reduced survival (HR, 3.98; P = 0.001) in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. This association was driven by CpGs associated with the TAP1 and ALDH3A1 genes, findings that were validated in an independent patient group (HR, 2.86; P = 0.04). Together, the data not only elucidate new potential targets for therapeutic intervention in head and neck cancer but also may aid in the identification of poor prognosis patients who may require more aggressive treatment regimens. Cancer Res; 72(11); 2728–37. ©2012 AACR.
The CDK4/6 Inhibitor PD0332991 Reverses Epithelial Dysplasia Associated with Abnormal Activation of the Cyclin-CDK-Rb Pathway
Authors: Cabrera M. Carla , Díaz-Cruz Edgar S. , Kallakury Bhaskar V.S. , Pishvaian Michael J. , Grubbs Clinton J. , Muccio Donald D. , Furth Priscilla A.
Published: April 2012

Loss of normal growth control is a hallmark of cancer progression. Therefore, understanding the early mechanisms of normal growth regulation and the changes that occur during preneoplasia may provide insights of both diagnostic and therapeutic importance. Models of dysplasia that help elucidate the mechanisms responsible for disease progression are useful in highlighting potential targets for prevention. An important strategy in cancer prevention treatment programs is to reduce hyperplasia and dysplasia. This study identified abnormal upregulation of cell cycle–related proteins cyclin D1, cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK)4, CDK6, and phosphorylated retinoblastoma protein (pRb) as mechanisms responsible for maintenance of hyperplasia and dysplasia following downregulation of the initiating viral oncoprotein Simian virus 40 (SV40) T antigen. Significantly, p53 was not required for successful reversal of hyperplasia and dysplasia. Ligand-induced activation of retinoid X receptor and PPARγ agonists attenuated cyclin D1 and CDK6 but not CDK4 or phosphorylated pRb upregulation with limited reversal of hyperplasia and dysplasia. PD0332991, an orally available CDK4/6 inhibitor, was able to prevent upregulation of cyclin D1 and CDK6 as well as CDK4 and phosphorylated pRb and this correlated with a more profound reversal of hyperplasia and dysplasia. In summary, the study distinguished CDK4 and phosphorylated pRb as targets for chemoprevention regimens targeting reversal of hyperplasia and dysplasia. Cancer Prev Res; 5(6); 810–21. ©2012 AACR.
Progesterone Receptor Isoform Expression in Response to in utero Growth Restriction in the Fetal Guinea Pig Brain
Authors: Palliser H.K. , Yates D.M. , Hirst J.J.
Published: April 2012

Intra-uterine growth restriction (IUGR) is a significant in utero complication that can have profound effects on brain development including reduced myelination and deficits that can continue into adulthood. Progesterone increases oligodendrocyte proliferation and myelin expression, an action that may depend on the expression of progesterone receptor (PR) isoforms A (PRA) and B (PRB). The objective of this study was to determine the effect of IUGR on PR isoform expression in the brain of male and female fetuses and whether effects were associated with a reduction in myelination. We used a guinea pig model that involves selective reduction in maternal perfusion to the placenta at midgestation (35 days, term 70 days). This resulted in a significant reduction in body weight with marked sparing of brain weight. PRA, PRB and myelin basic protein (MBP) expression were measured in the brains of male and female growth-restricted and control fetuses at late gestation. MBP, as a measure of myelination, was found to decrease in association with IUGR in the CA1 hippocampal region with no change observed in the cortical white matter. There was a marked increase in PRA, PRB and total PR expression in the IUGR fetal brain. Control female fetuses demonstrated significantly higher PRA:PRB ratios than males; however, this sex difference was abolished with IUGR. These data suggest the central nervous system effects of clinical use of progesterone augmentation therapy in late pregnancy should be carefully evaluated. The overall upregulation of PR isoforms in association with IUGR suggests increased progesterone action and a possible neuroprotective mechanism.