bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effects of Morphology on the Oxidation of Ceria by Water and Carbon Dioxide
Authors: Venstrom Luke J. , Petkovich Nicholas , Rudisill Stephen , Stein Andreas , Davidson Jane H.
Published: November 2011

The oxidation of three-dimensionally ordered macroporous (3DOM) CeO2 (ceria) by H2O and CO2 at 1100 K is presented in comparison to the oxidation of nonordered mesoporous and sintered, low porosity ceria. 3DOM ceria, which features interconnected and ordered pores, increases the maximum H2 and CO production rates over the low porosity ceria by 125% and 260%, respectively, and increases the maximum H2 and CO production rates over the nonordered mesoporous cerium oxide by 75% and 175%, respectively. The increase in the kinetics of H2O and CO2 splitting with 3DOM ceria is attributed to its enhanced specific surface area and to its interconnected pore system that facilitates the transport of reacting species to and from oxidation sites.
Experimental evaluation method of point spread functions used for proximity effects correction in electron beam lithography
Authors: Nilsson Bengt A.
Published: November 2011

The accuracy of the proximity effect correction in electron beam lithography is very dependent on how well the point-spread function used in the correction matches the actual electron scattering effects. A fast and simple technique to evaluate and compare the medium and long-range accuracy of electron scattering point-spread functions is presented. The method is based on the evaluation of the thickness uniformity of partially developed resist inside the proximity corrected pattern by judging the interference color uniformity. It can be applied to almost any pattern design. As an example, three corrected exposures using point-spread functions for semi-insulating GaAs generated by commercial Monte Carlo simulation programs were experimentally evaluated.
Fermi Detection of a Luminous γ-Ray Pulsar in a Globular Cluster
Authors:   The Fermi LAT Collaboration, Freire P. C. C. , Abdo A. A. , Ajello M. , Allafort A. , Ballet J. , Barbiellini G. , Bastieri D. , Bechtol K. , Bellazzini R. , Blandford R. D. , Bloom E. D. , Bonamente E. , Borgland A. W. , Brigida M. , Bruel P. , Buehler R. , Buson S. , Caliandro G. A. , Cameron R. A. , Camilo F. , Caraveo P. A. , Cecchi C. , Çelik Ö. , Charles E. , Chekhtman A. , Cheung C. C. , Chiang J. , Ciprini S. , Claus R. , Cognard I. , Cohen-Tanugi J. , Cominsky L. R. , de Palma F. , Dermer C. D. , do Couto e Silva E. , Dormody M. , Drell P. S. , Dubois R. , Dumora D. , Espinoza C. M. , Favuzzi C. , Fegan S. J. , Ferrara E. C. , Focke W. B. , Fortin P. , Fukazawa Y. , Fusco P. , Gargano F. , Gasparrini D. , Gehrels N. , Germani S. , Giglietto N. , Giordano F. , Giroletti M. , Glanzman T. , Godfrey G. , Grenier I. A. , Grondin M.-H. , Grove J. E. , Guillemot L. , Guiriec S. , Hadasch D. , Harding A. K. , Jóhannesson G. , Johnson A. S. , Johnson T. J. , Johnston S. , Katagiri H. , Kataoka J. , Keith M. , Kerr M. , Knödlseder J. , Kramer M. , Kuss M. , Lande J. , Latronico L. , Lee S.-H. , Lemoine-Goumard M. , Longo F. , Loparco F. , Lovellette M. N. , Lubrano P. , Lyne A. G. , Manchester R. N. , Marelli M. , Mazziotta M. N. , McEnery J. E. , Michelson P. F. , Mizuno T. , Moiseev A. A. , Monte C. , Monzani M. E. , Morselli A. , Moskalenko I. V. , Murgia S. , Nakamori T. , Nolan P. L. , Norris J. P. , Nuss E. , Ohsugi T. , Okumura A. , Omodei N. , Orlando E. , Ozaki M. , Paneque D. , Parent D. , Pesce-Rollins M. , Pierbattista M. , Piron F. , Porter T. A. , Rainò S. , Ransom S. M. , Ray P. S. , Reimer A. , Reimer O. , Reposeur T. , Ritz S. , Romani R. W. , Roth M. , Sadrozinski H. F.-W. , Parkinson P. M. Saz , Sgrò C. , Shannon R. , Siskind E. J. , Smith D. A. , Smith P. D. , Spinelli P. , Stappers B. W. , Suson D. J. , Takahashi H. , Tanaka T. , Tauris T. M. , Thayer J. B. , Theureau G. , Thompson D. J. , Thorsett S. E. , Tibaldo L. , Torres D. F. , Tosti G. , Troja E. , Vandenbroucke J. , Van Etten A. , Vasileiou V. , Venter C. , Vianello G. , Vilchez N. , Vitale V. , Waite A. P. , Wang P. , Wood K. S. , Yang Z. , Ziegler M. , Zimmer S.
Published: November 2011

Contrary to expectations, the
γ
-rays from a distant cluster of stars are dominated by emission from a single neutron star.
Inhibition of Pyruvate Kinase M2 by Reactive Oxygen Species Contributes to Cellular Antioxidant Responses
Authors: Anastasiou Dimitrios , Poulogiannis George , Asara John M. , Boxer Matthew B. , Jiang Jian-kang , Shen Min , Bellinger Gary , Sasaki Atsuo T. , Locasale Jason W. , Auld Douglas S. , Thomas Craig J. , Vander Heiden Matthew G. , Cantley Lewis C.
Published: November 2011

The glycolytic metabolism of cancers differs from normal tissues, allowing tumor cells to survive under oxidative stress.
Persistent Stimulation with Interleukin-17 Desensitizes Cells Through SCF
β-TrCP
-Mediated Degradation of Act1
Authors: Shi Peiqing , Zhu Shu , Lin Yingying , Liu Yongfeng , Liu Yan , Chen Zhijian , Shi Yufang , Qian Youcun
Published: November 2011

Persistent inflammation may be prevented by degradation of an adaptor protein required for inflammatory cytokine receptor signaling.
Science Signaling
Podcast: 1 November 2011
Authors: Li Xiaoxia , VanHook Annalisa M.
Published: November 2011

An engineered peptide blocks inflammation by inhibiting signaling through a proinflammatory receptor.
Cyclic Dinucleotides Get Stung
Authors: Foley John F.
Published: November 2011

The adaptor protein STING, which mediates the interferon response to microbial DNA, also acts as a direct sensor of cyclic dinucleotides.
Ubiquitination Activity Not Required
Authors: VanHook Annalisa M.
Published: November 2011

The ubiquitin E3 ligase activity of BRCA1 is not required for tumor suppression.
Geotechnical resistance factors for ultimate limit state design of deep foundations in frictional soils
Authors: Fenton Gordon A. , Naghibi Mehrangiz
Published: November 2011

This paper investigates the probabilistic nature of ultimate limit state failures of deep foundations in purely frictional soils (e.g., sands). In so doing, the theory required to predict both the probability of ultimate limit state failure and the resistance factors needed to avoid this limit state are proposed. The proposed resistance factors are functions of site understanding and failure consequence, and the theory leading to these resistance factors is validated via Monte Carlo simulation of a two-dimensional spatially variable random field. In both the theory and the simulation, a pile is assumed to be placed vertically at a certain position in the soil mass, and the soil is sampled at various distances from the pile to come up with characteristic soil properties (namely friction angle) for use in the pile design. Agreement between theory and simulation is found to be very good. The theoretical model is then employed to determine upper bound geotechnical resistance factors, which can be used to complement current ultimate limit state design code calibration efforts. An example of such a calibration is presented.
Macrogeographic variation in the song of the Mourning Warbler (Oporornis philadelphia)
Authors: Pitocchelli J.
Published: November 2011

Studies of macrogeographic variation in birdsong involve populations incapable of interbreeding because of physical barriers or separation by large distances. Different patterns have emerged from these studies such as (i) little or no variation exists among individuals or populations from the breeding range, (ii) individual variation is greater than among population variation resulting in no geographic structure, (iii) clinal variation, and (iv) macrogeographic variation where all individuals from several populations on the breeding range share a common song type forming a regional dialect or regiolect. I studied macrogeographic variation in song of the Mourning Warbler ( Oporornis philadelphia (A. Wilson, 1810)). The observed pattern was similar to the fourth category of geographic variation with regiolects. A Western regiolect extended from northern Alberta to western Ontario. An Eastern regiolect stretched eastward from western Ontario and Wisconsin to the Gaspé Peninsula and New England, then southward through the Appalachians to West Virginia. Nova Scotia and Newfoundland each had unique regiolects. Finally, I compared these results to other species with regiolects and assessed the ability of some deterministic hypotheses to explain song divergence (e.g., role of morphology, physical barriers, island isolation).
Sperm utilization in subadult and adult simultaneous hermaphrodite snails mating in the wild
Authors: Kupfernagel Sandra , Baur Bruno
Published: November 2011

In species with multiple mating and long-term sperm storage, males are expected to show a preference for mating with virgin and young females to reduce the risk of sperm competition. In various simultaneous hermaphrodite land snail species, sperm production precedes egg production by 2–4 weeks, resulting in a short period of protandric hermaphroditism before shell growth is completed. In a natural population, we collected copulating pairs of the simultaneous hermaphrodite land snail Arianta arbustorum (L., 1758) consisting either of two adults, of two subadults, or of one adult and one subadult snail, and determined the paternity of their hatchlings that emerged from subsequently deposited eggs. Adult snails used sperm received from subadult mating partners for egg fertilization in the same frequency as sperm from adults, indicating that subadult and adult snails do not differ in male function. Furthermore, an unfinished shell is not a reliable indicator for virginity, because 35% of the subadult individuals had already sperm stored from previous mating(s). Compared with adults, young individuals exhibited a lower risk of sperm competition, indicated by a higher last mate sperm precedence. However, subadult snails produced fewer eggs than adult snails, counteracting the evolutionary advantage of preferring a young partner with low sperm competition risk.
Winter snowfall determines the occupancy of northern prairie wetlands by tadpoles of the Wood Frog (Lithobates sylvaticus)
Authors: Donald David B. , Aitken William T. , Paquette Carrie , Wulff Shaun S.
Published: November 2011

In the northern plains of North America, the wetland breeding habitat of amphibians and their populations could be reduced by a change in climate that included decreased precipitation. To test this hypothesis, relative abundance of late-stage tadpoles of the Wood Frog ( Lithobates sylvaticus (LeConte, 1825)) was monitored from 1997 to 2010 during a wet–dry–wet cycle in 29 wetlands distributed throughout central Saskatchewan, Canada. The wetlands were dry for up to 7 consecutive years, and for a mean of 3.8 consecutive years. Consequently, tadpole occupancy of the wetlands was reduced to less than 40% for 5 consecutive years and none of the wetlands had tadpoles during the severe drought of 2001 and 2002. However, the drought had no observable long-term effect on either tadpole occupancy of wetlands or tadpole abundance. In 2007, 93% of the wetlands supported tadpoles, and in 2008 the highest mean relative abundance of tadpoles was recorded. Tadpole occupancy of wetlands was related to winter and spring precipitation (R2 = 0.84) with 67% of long-term variation in occupancy related to snowfall from November to February and 17% related to rainfall from March to June. Less than 45 mm of winter precipitation for 6 consecutive years would probably cause regional extinction of populations of the Wood Frog.
Variation in female reproductive quality and reproductive success of male Midland Painted Turtles (Chrysemys picta marginata)
Authors: McGuire J.M. , Congdon J.D. , Scribner K.T. , Capps J.D.
Published: November 2011

Although mate number is perceived to be the primary factor affecting male reproductive success in polygynous systems, differences in female reproductive qualities may also influence variation in male reproductive success. We combined 32 years of data on variation in reproductive qualities (clutch size and clutch frequency) of female Midland Painted Turtles ( Chrysemys picta marginata Agassiz, 1857) with genetic data on patterns of repeated paternity (i.e., stored sperm use) and multiple paternity to examine the potential influence on male reproductive success. Over 24 years (1983–2006), the number of reproductive females each year averaged 84 (minimum–maximum = 62–106) and, on average, 23% (minimum–maximum = 6%–40%) produced two clutches (intraseasonally). Among females with reproductive histories spanning 5–24 years (N = 167), 26% of individuals produced only one clutch annually, whereas 74% produced two clutches within a season. Among just intraseasonally iteroparous females, second-clutch production varied from 7% to 50%. Repeated paternity was observed in 97.5% of 40 paired clutches and 44% of 9 among-year comparisons of clutches from consecutive years. The frequent use of stored sperm to fertilize sequential clutches within and potentially among years can substantially increase a male’s reproductive success, particularly if males can base mating decisions on phenotypic characteristics correlated with female quality.
Gap-crossing by Wood Thrushes (Hylocichla mustelina)in a fragmented landscape
Authors: MacIntosh T. , Stutchbury B.J.M. , Evans M.L.
Published: November 2011

We used radio-telemetry to study the movement patterns of Wood Thrushes ( Hylocichla mustelina (J.F. Gmelin, 1789)) occupying small forest fragments (<5 ha) to examine gap-crossing between fragments and edge use within fragments. We found that 82% (8/11) of males and 33% (2/6) of females made at least one foray off of its resident forest fragment and we documented a total of 26 off-fragment forays (n = 79 h tracking). Males spent, on average, 23.5% of their time off their fragment, while females were gone 12.8% of the time tracked. Most forays were >150 m in distance and foray rate to adjacent fragments declined with increasing gap width. Males on fragments spent more time off their territory (23.5%) and traveled farther (392 m) than males occupying territories within a continuous forest (4.8% and 99 m, respectively). In fragments, 10 out of 17 individuals spent >80% of their time within 20 m of the fragment edge and edge use was significantly more than expected based on the amount of edge available in each fragment. This study adds to the growing evidence for migratory songbirds that during the breeding season, forest fragmentation may increase rather than impede daily movements.
Spatial ecology and core-area protection of Blanding’s Turtle (Emydoidea blandingii)
Authors: Congdon J.D. , Kinney O.M. , Nagle R.D.
Published: November 2011

We documented sizes of terrestrial protection zones around wetlands that are necessary to protect all of the core area of Blanding’s Turtles ( Emydoidea blandingii (Holbrook, 1838)) on the Edwin S. George Reserve (ESGR) in southeastern Michigan. Data collected over three decades indicated that 39% of the 83 females and 50% of the 60 males maintained the same residence wetland for more than 20 years, and 33% of the 182 nonresident females used nesting areas on the ESGR for more than 20 years. Approximately 20% of resident males and females were captured in 21 temporary wetlands on the ESGR. Nesting areas were located from 100 to 2000 m from residence wetlands, and some of 45 females (18%) used up to six different nesting areas, some separated by >1000 m. Terrestrial protection zones 300 and 450 m around all wetlands (residence and temporary) protect 90% and 100% of nests, respectively. Terrestrial protection zones of 300, 1000, and 2000 m around residence wetlands only are required to protect 14%, 87%, and 100% of adults, respectively. A protection zone that encompasses the activities of most or all Blanding’s Turtles has a high probability of including the core areas of most other semiaquatic organisms.
ENHANCEMENT OF FLOW ANISOTROPIES DUE TO MAGNETIC FIELD IN RELATIVISTIC HEAVY-ION COLLISIONS
Authors: MOHAPATRA RANJITA K. , SAUMIA P. S. , SRIVASTAVA AJIT M.
Published: November 2011

It is known that the presence of background magnetic field in cosmic plasma distorts the acoustic peaks in CMBR. This primarily results from different types of waves in the plasma with velocities depending on the angle between the magnetic field and the wave vector. We consider the consequences of these effects in relativistic heavy-ion collisions where very strong magnetic fields arise during early stages of the plasma evolution. We show that flow coefficients can be significantly affected by these effects when the magnetic field remains strong during early stages due to strong induced fields in the conducting plasma. In particular, the presence of magnetic field can lead to enhancement in the elliptic flow coefficient v2.
A MODEL OF A SIMPLE, BARYON-DOMINATED UNIVERSE THAT EXPANDS AT AN EVER-INCREASING RATE WITHOUT RELYING ON VACUUM ENERGY (Λ)
Authors: PROPER GREG P.
Published: November 2011

The prevailing view in modern cosmology is that the universe is comprised of immense quantities of exotic materials (i.e. Dark Matter and Dark Energy) that have yet to be positively identified. However, there is also a small group of scientists who believe that the answer to this dilemma is to be found in the modification of gravity (i.e. General Relativity). This short paper states that if we make the bold assumption that all objects/observers are comprised of sets of spacetime coordinates that change (albeit slowly) as the universe ages, then three puzzles that currently confront cosmologists, astronomers and astrophysicists can easily be answered using relatively simple calculations. The condition necessary to explore this possibility can be obtained if one postulates that relativistic gravitational potential lessens (in absolute magnitude) everywhere as the universe ages (n). That is, the spacetime metric gμν(x)→gμν(x, n). If gravity behaves in this manner, then it can be shown that it is the causitive agent of indeterminism in nature.
GRANULAR SPECIES SEGREGATION IN TILTED COMPARTMENTALIZED CONTAINER
Authors: XIA J. H. , WANG P. J. , LIU C. S.
Published: November 2011

The two-dimensional, soft-sphere molecular dynamics simulations have been performed to study the granular segregation behaviors in a binary granular mixture in tilted compartmentalized container under vertical vibration. It is found that there exist mixed state, left segregated state and right segregated state, which depend on the grain properties such as size ratio and density ratio as well as shaking properties. The particles with large density favor moving to right and the particles with large diameter prefer moving to left, so binary granular mixtures with large density ratio prefer forming right segregation state and the binary mixtures with large diameter favor forming left segregation state. The tilted compartmentalized container can be regarded as a container with a sawtooth base, which leads to stratified flows and thus forming horizontal segregation state under vertical vibration. The tilted bed plays a key role in forming segregation states, whereas the central wall enhances the segregation behaviors.
PROJECTIVE SYNCHRONIZATION OF A CLASS OF CHAOTIC SYSTEMS BASED ON OBSERVER
Authors: WANG XING-YUAN , LI XIN-GUANG
Published: November 2011

Based on techniques from the state observer design and the pole placement technique, we present a systematic design procedure to synchronize a class of chaotic systems by a scaling factor (projective synchronization). Compared with the method proposed by Wen and Xu, this method eliminates the nonlinear item from the output of the drive system. Furthermore, the scaling factor can be adjusted arbitrarily in due course of control without degrading the controllability. Finally, feasibility of the technique is illustrated for the unified chaotic system.
DELAUNAY REFINEMENT ALGORITHMS FOR ESTIMATING LOCAL FEATURE SIZE IN 2D AND 3D
Authors: RAND ALEXANDER , WALKINGTON NOEL
Published: November 2011

We present Delaunay refinement algorithms for estimating local feature size on the input vertices of a 2D piecewise linear complex and on the input vertices and segments of a 3D piecewise linear complex. These algorithms are designed to eliminate the need for a local feature size oracle during quality mesh generation of domains containing acute input angles. In keeping with Ruppert's algorithm, encroachment in these algorithms can be determined through only local information in the current Delaunay triangulation. The algorithms are practical to implement and several examples are given.
POSSIBILITIES AND IMPOSSIBILITIES IN SQUARE-TILING
Authors: BERKOFF A. M. , HENLE J. M. , MCDONOUGH A. E. , WESOLOWSKI A. P.
Published: November 2011

A set of natural numbers tiles the plane if a square-tiling of the plane exists using exactly one square of sidelength n for every n in the set. From Ref. 8 we know that ℕ itself tiles the plane. From that and Ref. 9 we know that the set of even numbers tiles the plane while the set of odd numbers doesn't. In this paper we explore the nature of this property. We show, for example, that neither tiling nor non-tiling is preserved by superset. We show that a set with one or three odd numbers may tile the plane—but a set with two odd numbers can't.

We find examples of both tiling and non-tiling sets that can be partitioned into tiling sets, non-tiling sets or a combination. We show that any set growing faster than the Fibonacci numbers cannot tile the plane.
DIRECT NUMERICAL SIMULATION OF PARTICLE SEDIMENTATION IN TWO-PHASE FLOW UNDER THERMAL CONVECTION
Authors: CHANG J. Z. , LIU H. T. , SU T. X. , LIU M. B.
Published: November 2011

This paper presents a direct numerical simulation of particle sedimentation in two-phase flow with thermal convection. The sedimentation processes of elliptical particles are investigated in three different scenarios with isotherm, hot, and cold Newtonian fluids. We demonstrate that different particle shapes and orientations can result in quite different flow behaviors. Some interesting results have been obtained, which are very helpful for better understanding of the particle sedimentation processes.
PHOTOSWITCHABLE NANOFLUOROPHORES FOR INNOVATIVE BIOIMAGING
Authors: ZHU MING-QIANG , ZHANG GUO-FENG , LI CHONG , LI YA-JING , ALDRED MATTHEW P. , LI ALEXANDER D. Q.
Published: November 2011

Photosensitive fluorescent probes have become powerful tools in chemical biology and molecular biophysics, which are used to investigate cellular processes with high temporal and spatial resolution. Accordingly, photosensitive fluorescent probes, including photoactivatable, photoconvertible, and photoswitchable fluorophores, have been extensively developed during the past decade. The photoswitchable fluorophores have received much attention because they highlight cellular events clearly. This minireview summarizes recent advances of using reversibly photoswitchable fluorophores and their applications in innovative bioimaging. Photoswitchable fluorophores include photoswitchable fluorescent proteins, photoswitchable fluorescent organic molecules (dyes), and photoswitchable fluorescent nanoparticles. Several strategies have been developed to synthesize photoswitchable fluorophores, including engineering combination proteins, chemical synthesis, polymerization, and self-assembly. Here we concentrate on polymer nanoparticles with optically switchable emission properties: either fluorescence on/off or dual-alternating-color fluorescence photoswitching. The essential mechanisms of fluorescence photoswitching enable different types of photoswitchable fluorophores to change emission intensity or wavelength (color) and thus validating the basis of the fluorescence on/off or dual-color photoswitching design. Generally the possible applications of any fluorophores are to label biological targets, followed by specific imaging. The newly developed photoswitchable fluorophores enable super-resolution fluorescence imaging because of their photosensitive emission. Finally, we summarize the important area regarding future research and development on photoswitchable fluorescent nanoparticles.
Berkeley Foundation for Opportunities in Information Technology
Authors: Crutchfield Orpheus S. L. , Harrison Christopher D. , Haas Guy , Garcia Daniel D. , Humphreys Sheila M. , Lewis Colleen M. , Khooshabeh Peter
Published: November 2011

The Berkeley Foundation for Opportunities in Information Technology is a decade-old endeavor to expose pre-college young women and underrepresented racial and ethnic minorities to the fields of computer science and engineering, and prepare them for rigorous, university-level study. We have served more than 150 students, and graduated more than 65 seniors who have gone on to attend some of the top institutions in the country. Some of the lessons we have learned include the importance of sustained funding to support a continuing year-round program, world-class leaders and resources, and family and alumni involvement. In this article, we share the inner workings of our program, from its foundation during the dot-com heyday through today, in hopes that our best practices can be useful to others working toward the goal of broadening participation.
Acute pantothenic acid and cysteine supplementation does not affect muscle coenzyme A content, fuel selection, or exercise performance in healthy humans
Authors: Wall Benjamin T. , Stephens Francis B. , Marimuthu Kanagaraj , Constantin-Teodosiu Dumitru , Macdonald Ian A. , Greenhaff Paul L.
Published: November 2011

Reduced skeletal muscle free coenzyme A (CoASH) availability may decrease the contribution of fat oxidation to ATP production during high-intensity, submaximal exercise or, alternatively, limit pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDC) flux and thereby carbohydrate oxidation. Here we attempted to increase the muscle CoASH pool in humans, via pantothenic acid and cysteine feeding, in order to elucidate the role of CoASH availability on muscle fuel metabolism during exercise. On three occasions, eight healthy male volunteers (age 22.9 ± 1.4 yr, body mass index 24.2 ± 1.5 kg/m2) cycled at 75% maximal oxygen uptake (V̇o2max) to exhaustion, followed by a 15-min work output performance test. Muscle biopsies were obtained at rest, and after 60 min and 91.3 ± 3.1 min of exercise (time to exhaustion on baseline visit) on each occasion. Two weeks following the first visit (baseline), 1 wk of oral supplementation with either 3 g/day of a placebo control (glucose polymer; CON) or 1.5 g/day each of d-pantothenic acid and l-cysteine (CP) was carried out prior to the second and third visits in a randomized, counterbalanced, double-blind manner, leaving a 3-wk gap in total between each visit. Resting muscle CoASH content was not altered by supplementation in any visit. Following 60 min of exercise, muscle CoASH content was reduced by 13% from rest in all three visits ( P < 0.05), and similar changes in the respiratory exchange ratio, glycogenolysis (∼235 mmol/kg dry muscle), PCr degradation (∼57 mmol/kg dry muscle), and lactate (∼25 mmol/kg dry muscle) and acetylcarnitine (∼12 mmol.kg/dry muscle) accumulation was observed during exercise when comparing visits. Furthermore, no difference in work output was observed when comparing CON and CP. Acute feeding with pantothenic acid and cysteine does not alter muscle CoASH content and consequently does not impact on muscle fuel metabolism or performance during exercise in humans.
Characteristic Lightlike Submanifolds of an Indefinite 𝒮‐Manifold
Authors: Lee Jae Won
Published: November 2011

We study characteristic r‐lightlike submanifolds M tangent to the characteristic vector fields in an indefinite metric 𝒮‐manifold, and we also discuss the existence of characteristic lightlike submanifolds of an indefinite 𝒮‐space form under suitable hypotheses: (1) M is totally umbilical or (2) its screen distribution S(TM) is totally umbilical in M.
Effect of Addition of Boric Acid and Borax on Fire-Retardant and Mechanical Properties of Urea Formaldehyde Saw Dust Composites
Authors: Nagieb Zenat A. , Nassar Mona A. , El-Meligy Magda G.
Published: November 2011

Properties of the flame retardant urea formaldehyde (UF) board made from saw dust fibers were investigated. Flame retardant chemicals that were evaluated include boric acid (BA) and borax (BX) which were incorporated with saw dust fibers to manufacture experimental panels. Three concentration levels, (0.5, 1, and 5%) of fire retardants and 10% urea formaldehyde resin based on oven dry fiber weight were used to manufacture experimental panels. Physical and mechanical properties including water absorption, modulus of rupture (MOR), and modulus of elasticity (MOE) were determined. The results showed that water absorption and bending strength decreased as the flame retardant increased. The highest concentration of (BA + BX) enhanced the fire retardant more than the lower ones. Scanning electron microscope and FTIR of composite panels were studied.
Effect of Boron Foliar Application on Reproductive Growth of Sunflower (Helianthus annuusL.)
Authors: Al-Amery M. M. , Hamza J. H. , Fuller M. P.
Published: November 2011

A study was carried out to determine the response of open pollinated sunflower (Helianthus annuusL. cv. Shumos) to boron fertilizer. Spring and autumn grown plots were sprayed with boron (0, 50, 100, 150, 200, and 250 mg L−1) in a randomized complete block design. The results showed that boron and green Leaf area/LAI measured at the end of seed filling were linearly related in the spring crop. In the autumn crop, the relationship between boron and dry matter yield was linear, and applications above 100 mg L−1significantly increased dry matter compared to the control. For the autumn crop, 100, 200, and 250 mg L−1significantly increased seed number compared to the control, but only the 150 mg L−1treatment increased seed weight significantly. Boron tended to decrease the empty seed percentage, and for the spring crop, this was incremental and linear with applications above 150 mg L−1leading to significant reductions in empty seed percentage. Seed yield increased linearly in the autumn crop in response to boron, and 200 and 250 mg L−1applications gave significant increases in yield compared to the control.
Basal Activation of Type I Interferons (Alpha2 and Beta) and2′5′OAS Genes: Insights into Differential Expression Profiles of Interferon System Components in Systemic Sclerosis
Authors: Oliveira Danilo Bretas de , Almeida Gabriel Magno de Freitas , Guedes Antônio Carlos Martins , Santos Flávia Patrícia Sena Teixeira , Bonjardim Claudio Antônio , Ferreira Paulo César Peregrino , Kroon Erna Geessien
Published: November 2011

Objective. Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a complex autoimmune disease in which interferons (IFNs) may play an essential role. We hypothesized that type I and III IFNs may be found in increased levels in patients and be responsible for SSc autoimmune status.Methods. Type I and III IFN and ISG basal expression profiles were measured by qPCR using RNA from PBMCs of patients and controls .Results. Type I IFNs are increased in SSc patients, while no induction of type III IFNs was detected. This induction cannot be related to IRF7, since no upregulation of this gene was seen on patients. Of the ISGs tested, 2′5′OAS levels were increased in patients, while 6–16 and MxA levels were not.Conclusions. While there is no indication of type III IFN induction, increased levels of type I IFNs may lead to abnormal regulation of ISGs that can be responsible for immune system alterations described for SSc.
Global Existence and Asymptotic Behavior of Self‐Similar Solutions for the Navier‐Stokes‐Nernst‐Planck‐Poisson System in ℝ3
Authors: Zhao Jihong , Deng Chao , Cui Shangbin
Published: November 2011

We study the Navier‐Stokes‐Nernst‐Planck‐Poisson system modeling the flow of electrohydrodynamics. For small initial data, the global existence, uniqueness, and asymptotic stability as time goes to infinity of self‐similar solutions to the Cauchy problem of this system posed in the whole three dimensional space are proved in the function spaces of pseudomeasure type.
Dynamic Changes in Sarcoplasmic Reticulum Structure in Ventricular Myocytes
Authors: Vega Amanda L. , Yuan Can , Votaw V. Scott , Santana Luis F.
Published: November 2011

The fidelity of excitation‐contraction (EC) coupling in ventricular myocytes is remarkable, with each action potential evoking a transient. The prevalent model is that the consistency in EC coupling in ventricular myocytes is due to the formation of fixed, tight junctions between the
sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) and the sarcolemma where Ca2+ release is activated. Here, we tested the hypothesis that the SR is a structurally inert organelle in ventricular myocytes. Our data suggest that rather than being static, the SR undergoes frequent dynamic structural changes. SR boutons expressing functional ryanodine receptors moved throughout the cell, approaching or moving away from the sarcolemma of ventricular myocytes. These changes in SR structure occurred in the absence of changes in during EC coupling. Microtubules and the molecular motors dynein and kinesin 1(Kif5b) were important regulators of SR motility. These findings support a model in which the SR is a motile organelle capable of molecular motor protein‐driven structural changes.
Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disease with Positive Autoimmune Indices: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Evangelopoulos M. E. , Koutsis G. , Andreadou E. , Potagas C. , Dimirakopoulos A. , Sfagos C.
Published: November 2011

A 45-year-old female suffering from severe thoracic pain was admitted to the emergency department of our hospital. Thorough clinical examination revealed paresis of the left lower limb and sensory deficit at the level of the Th4 vertebra. MRI of the thoracic spine demonstrated a lesion at the level of Th1–Th7. Despite initial improvement following i.v. corticosteroid administration, the patient's clinical status deteriorated, with recurrence of myelitis and extension of the lesion to Th12. She developed paraparesis, hyperreflexia and spasticity of both legs, symmetrical sensory deficit below Th4, and sphincter dysfunction. Differential diagnosis included infectious, metabolic, neoplastic/paraneoplastic, and ischemic causes as well as multiple sclerosis. NMO IgG was found positive and led to the diagnosis of longitudinal extensive transverse myelitis (LETM) in the NMO spectrum disorders. Administration of immunosuppressive therapy resulted in gradual improvement of the patient's clinical status and stabilization for five years. In the setting of LETM, patients with antiaquaporin 4 IgGs can present features of coexisting systemic involvement. A thorough differential diagnosis is required to guide appropriate therapy.
Lyapunov‐Type Inequalities for Some Quasilinear Dynamic System Involving the (p1, p2, …, pm)‐Laplacian on Time Scales
Authors: He Xiaofei , Zhang Qi-Ming
Published: November 2011

We establish several new Lyapunov‐type inequalities
for some quasilinear dynamic system involving the (p1, p2, …, pm)‐Laplacian
on an arbitrary time scale 𝕋, which generalize and improve some related existing results including the continuous and discrete cases.
The Role of Uridine Adenosine Tetraphosphate in the Vascular System
Authors: Matsumoto Takayuki , Tostes Rita C. , Webb R. Clinton
Published: November 2011

The endothelium plays a pivotal role in vascular homeostasis, and endothelial dysfunction is a major feature of cardiovascular diseases, such as arterial hypertension, atherosclerosis, and diabetes. Recently, uridine adenosine tetraphosphate (Up4A) has been identified as a novel and potent endothelium-derived contracting factor (EDCF). Up4A structurally contains both purine and pyrimidine moieties, which activate purinergic receptors. There is an accumulating body of evidence to show that Up4A modulates vascular function by actions on endothelial and smooth muscle cells. In this paper, we discuss the effects of Up4A on vascular function and a potential role for Up4A in cardiovascular diseases.
Ulcerative Granular Cell Tumor: A Clinicopathological and Immunohistochemical Study
Authors: El-Khalawany Mohamed , Mosbeh Al-Sadat , Abd-Al Salam Fatma , Abou-Bakr Amany
Published: November 2011

Granular cell tumor (GCT) is uncommonly presented with cutaneous ulcer. We examined the clinicopathological and immunohistochemical features of this ulcerative form in fourteen cases that may raise the awareness of this variant. The study included 11 males and 3 females with a mean age 31.5 ± 7.42 years. All cases were presented with large solitary ulcer with indurated base, elevated border, skin colored margin, and necrotic floor. Twelve lesions were located on the extremities and two lesions on the genital region. Histologically, the lesions showed dermal infiltrate composed of large polygonal cells with granular cytoplasm and characteristic infiltration of the dermal muscles in all cases. Immunostaining showed positive reaction for S100 (14/14), NSE (14/14), CD68 (5/14), and Vimentin (7/14) while HMB45, CK, EMA, and Desmin were negative. We hope that this paper increases the awareness of ulcerative GCT and consider it in the differential diagnosis of ulcerative lesions.
PCIU: Hardware Implementations of an Efficient Packet Classification Algorithm with an Incremental Update Capability
Authors: Ahmed O. , Areibi S. , Chattha K. , Kelly B.
Published: November 2011

Packet classification plays a crucial role for a number of network services such as policy-based routing, firewalls, and traffic billing, to name a few. However, classification can be a bottleneck in the above-mentioned applications if not implemented properly and efficiently. In this paper, we propose PCIU, a novel classification algorithm, which improves upon previously published work. PCIU provides lower preprocessing time, lower memory consumption, ease of incremental rule update, and reasonable classification time compared to state-of-the-art algorithms. The proposed algorithm was evaluated and compared to RFC and HiCut using several benchmarks. Results obtained indicate that PCIU outperforms these algorithms in terms of speed, memory usage, incremental update capability, and preprocessing time. The algorithm, furthermore, was improved and made more accessible for a variety of applications through implementation in hardware. Two such implementations are detailed and discussed in this paper. The results indicate that a hardware/software codesign approach results in a slower, but easier to optimize and improve within time constraints, PCIU solution. A hardware accelerator based on an ESL approach using Handel-C, on the other hand, resulted in a 31x speed-up over a pure software implementation running on a state of the art Xeon processor.
Electrospun Nanoporous Poly(butylenes succinate-co-bytylene terephthalate) Nonwoven Mats
Authors: Wang Liang , Liu Yang-Shuai , Mo Lu-Feng , Liu Fu-Juan , Xu Lan
Published: November 2011

A traditional Chinese drug “Yunnan Baiyao” is used as an additive in poly(butylenes succinate-co-bytylene terephthalate) (PBST) solution, which is a kind of biodegradable aliphatic-aromatic copolyesters, to produce microspheres with nanoporosity by electrospinning; the tunable size of nanoporosity can be controlled by changing the voltage applied in the electrospinning process.
Argan Oil Exerts an Antiatherogenic Effect by Improving Lipids and Susceptibility of LDL to Oxidation in Type 2 Diabetes Patients
Authors: Ould Mohamedou M. M. , Zouirech K. , El Messal M. , El Kebbaj M. S. , Chraibi A. , Adlouni A.
Published: November 2011

In this study, we investigate the effect of argan oil consumption on serum lipids, apolipoproteins (AI and B), CRP, and LDL susceptibility to oxidation in type 2 diabetic patients which are known to have a high level of cardiovascular risk due to lipid abnormalities and lipid peroxidation. For that, 86 type 2 diabetic patients with dyslipidemia were randomized to one group consuming 25 mL/day of argan oil during 3 weeks and control group consuming 20 g/day of butter in breakfast. After argan oil intervention, serum triglycerides decreased by 11.84%,(P=0.001), total chol by 9.13%,(P=0.01), and LDL-chol by 11.81%,(P=0.02). However, HDL-chol and Apo AI increased (10.51%,P=0.01and 9.40%,  P=0.045,resp.). Susceptibility of LDL to lipid peroxidation was significantly reduced by increasing of 20.95%,(P=0.038)in lag phase after argan oil consumption. In conclusion, we show for the first time that consumption of argan oil may have an antiatherogenic effect by improving lipids, and the susceptibility of LDL to oxidation in type 2 diabetes patients with dyslipidemia, and can therefore be recommended in the nutritional management of type 2 diabetes.
A New Procedure for Damage Assessment of Prestressed Concrete Beams Using Artificial Neural Network
Authors: Sumangala K. , Antony Jeyasehar C.
Published: November 2011

A damage assessment procedure has been developed using artificial neural network (ANN) for prestressed concrete beams. The methodology had been formulated using the results obtained from an experimental study conducted in the laboratory. Prestressed concrete (PSC) rectangular beams were cast, and pitting corrosion was introduced in the prestressing wires and was allowed to be snapped using accelerated corrosion process. Both static and dynamic tests were conducted to study the behaviour of perfect and damaged beams. The measured output from both static and dynamic tests was taken as input to train the neural network. Back propagation network was chosen for this purpose, which was written using the programming package MATLAB. The trained network was tested using separate test data obtained from the tests. A damage assessment procedure was developed using the trained network, it was validated using the data available in literature, and the outcome is presented in this paper.
Emerging Role of PPAR-β/δin Inflammatory Process Associated to Experimental Periodontitis
Authors: Di Paola Rosanna , Briguglio Francesco , Paterniti Irene , Mazzon Emanuela , Oteri Giacomo , Militi David , Cordasco Giancarlo , Cuzzocrea Salvatore
Published: November 2011

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the contribution of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR-β/δ) in animal model of periodontitis. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were lightly anaesthetized with pentobarbitone (35 mg/kg). Sterile, 2-0 black braided silk thread was placed around the cervix of the lower left first molar and knotted medially. Animals received GW0742 (0.3 mg/kg, 10% DMSO, i.p. after the ligature placement and daily for eight days). At day 8, the gingivomucosal tissue encircling the mandibular first molar was removed. One the eighth day after placement of the ligature, we evaluated (1) NF-κB expression, (2) cytokines expression, (3) iNOS expression, (5) the nitration of tyrosine, (6) apoptosis, and (8) the degree of gingivomucosal tissues injury. Administration of GW0742 significantly decreased all of the parameters of inflammation as described above. Taken together, these results demonstrate that GW0742 exerts an anti-inflammatory role during experimental periodontitis and is able to ameliorate the tissue damage.
Spline‐Interpolation‐Based FFT Approach to Fast Simulation of Multivariate Stochastic Processes
Authors: Li Jinhua , Li Chunxiang , Chen Shuisheng
Published: November 2011

The spline‐interpolation‐based fast Fourier transform (FFT) algorithm, designated as the SFFT algorithm, is proposed in the present paper to further enhance the computational speed of simulating the multivariate stochastic processes. The proposed SFFT algorithm first introduces the spline interpolation technique to reduce the number of the Cholesky decomposition of a spectral density matrix and subsequently uses the FFT algorithm to further enhance the computational speed. In order to highlight the superiority of the SFFT algorithm, the simulations of the multivariate stationary longitudinal wind velocity fluctuations have been carried out, respectively, with resorting to the SFFT‐based and FFT‐based spectral representation SR methods, taking into consideration that the elements of cross‐power spectral density matrix are the complex values. The numerical simulation results show that though introducing the spline interpolation approximation in decomposing the cross‐power spectral density matrix, the SFFT algorithm can achieve the results without a loss of precision with reference to the FFT algorithm. In comparison with the FFT algorithm, the SFFT algorithm provides much higher computational efficiency. Likewise, the superiority of the SFFT algorithm is becoming more remarkable with the dividing number of frequency, the number of samples, and the time length of samples going up.
Effect and Safety of Mycophenolate Mofetil in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
Authors: Tzouvelekis Argyris , Bouros Evangelos , Oikonomou Anastasia , Ntolios Paschalis , Zacharis George , Kolios George , Bouros Demosthenes
Published: November 2011

Background. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive fibrotic interstitial lung disease with ineffective treatment. Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) is an immunomodulatory agent which inhibits lymphocyte proliferation.Objective. We sought to determine the safety and efficacy profile of MMF in IPF patients.Methods. We retrospectively identified ten patients, who met the ATS/ERS 2000 criteria for IPF and received MMF 2 gr/day for 12 months. All of them had routine laboratory, pulmonary function and radiological (high resolution computed tomography-HRCT) data available and were enrolled in the study. Forced vital capacity (FVC), total lung capacity (TLC), diffusion capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (DLCO), 6-minute walking distance (6MWD), HRCT scans and routine laboratory data at treatment onset were compared with respective values 12 months after treatment onset.Results. There were no significant alterations in FVC, TLC, DLCOand 6MWD pre- and 6 and 12 months post-treatment. HRCT evaluation showed deterioration of the total extent of disease (P=0.002) and extent of ground-glass opacity (P=0.02). No cases of clinically significant infection, leucopenia, or elevated liver enzymes were recorded.Conclusions. MMF is a safe therapeutic modality which failed to show a beneficial effect both in functional and radiological parameters in a small cohort of IPF patients.
Effect of Red Clover Isoflavones over Skin, Appendages, and Mucosal Status in Postmenopausal Women
Authors: Lipovac Markus , Chedraui Peter , Gruenhut Christine , Gocan Anca , Kurz Christine , Neuber Benedikt , Imhof Martin
Published: November 2011

Objective. Evaluate in postmenopausal women the effect of red clover extract (RCE) isoflavones over subjective status of skin, appendages, and several mucosal sites.Method. Postmenopausal women (n=109) were randomly assigned to receive either two daily capsules of the active compound (80 mg RCE, Group A) or placebo of equal appearance (Group B) for a 90-day period. After a washout period of 7 days, medication was crossed over and taken for 90 days more. Subjective improvement of skin, appendages, and several mucosal site status was assessed for each studied group at 90 and 187 days using a visual analogue scale (VAS). In addition, libido, tiredness, and urinary, sleep, and mood complaints were also evaluated.Results. Women after RCE intervention (both groups) reported better subjective improvement of scalp hair and skin status, libido, mood, sleep, and tiredness. Improvement of urinary complaints, nail, body hair, and mucosa (oral, nasal, and ocular) status did not differ between treatment phases (intra- and intergroup). Overall satisfaction with treatment was reported higher after RCE intervention (both groups) as compared to placebo.Conclusion. RCE supplementation exerted a subject improvement of scalp hair and skin status as well as libido, mood, sleep, and tiredness in postmenopausal women.