bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Activating Mutation of
AKT2
and Human Hypoglycemia
Authors: Hussain K. , Challis B. , Rocha N. , Payne F. , Minic M. , Thompson A. , Daly A. , Scott C. , Harris J. , Smillie B. J. L. , Savage D. B. , Ramaswami U. , De Lonlay P. , O’Rahilly S. , Barroso I. , Semple R. K.
Published: October 2011

A key kinase in the insulin signaling pathway is constitutively activated in humans with a severe form of hypoglycemia.
Lipoic acid and moderate swimming improves the estrous cycle and oxidative stress in Wistar rats
Authors: Martins Rand Randall , de Oliveira Macedo Ulisvaldo Brunno , Leite Lúcia Dantas , Rezende Adriana Augusto , Brandão-Neto José , Almeida Maria das Graças
Published: October 2011

The generation of reactive oxygen species resulting from physical activity may trigger adaptive processes at the reproductive level and in the antioxidant defense system itself. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of moderate daily swimming and lipoic acid (LA) supplementation on estrous cycle duration and pro-oxident and antioxidant markers in young Wistar rats. Animals were submitted to daily swimming (for 1 h) for 30 days, between 1300 h and 1400 h. The following study groups were formed: group 1, sedentary; group 2, submitted to swimming; group 3, sedentary supplemented with 100 mg·kg–1·day–1 of LA; and group 4, submitted to swimming and supplementation with 100 mg·kg–1·day–1 of LA. The estrous cycle of the animals was evaluated daily, and the following oxidative stress markers were measured: plasma thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and glutathione (GSH), erythrocyte superoxide dismutase (SOD), GSH peroxidase (GPx) and catalase (CAT) activity. The exercise protocol increased estrous cycle duration in group 2, especially in the diestrous phase. There was also a decrease in lipoperoxidation, with enhanced antioxidant activity of SOD and GPx. Group 4 showed no alteration in estrous cycle duration and maintained the beneficial effects on the antioxidant system observed in group 2. The increase in estrous cycle duration and improved oxidative stress markers may be an adaptive response to moderate exercise. LA impeded any exercise-induced alteration in the cycle but preserved improvements in the antioxidant system.
Skeletal muscle and beyond: the role of exercise as a mediator of systemic mitochondrial biogenesis
Authors: Little Jonathan P. , Safdar Adeel , Benton Carley R. , Wright David C.
Published: October 2011

It has been known for more than 4 decades that exercise causes increases in skeletal muscle mitochondrial enzyme content and activity (i.e., mitochondrial biogenesis). Increasing evidence now suggests that exercise can induce mitochondrial biogenesis in a wide range of tissues not normally associated with the metabolic demands of exercise. Perturbations in mitochondrial content and (or) function have been linked to a wide variety of diseases, in multiple tissues, and exercise may serve as a potent approach by which to prevent and (or) treat these pathologies. In this context, the purpose of this review is to highlight the effects of exercise, and the underlying mechanisms therein, on the induction of mitochondrial biogenesis in skeletal muscle, adipose tissue, liver, brain, and kidney.
Tonicity-independent regulation of the osmosensitive transcription factor TonEBP (NFAT5)
Authors: Halterman Julia A. , Kwon H. Moo , Wamhoff Brian R.
Published: October 2011

Tonicity-responsive enhancer binding protein (TonEBP/nuclear factor of activated T-cells 5 [NFAT5]) is a Rel homology transcription factor classically known for its osmosensitive role in regulating cellular homeostasis during states of hypo- and hypertonic stress. A recently growing body of research indicates that TonEBP is not solely regulated by tonicity, but that it can be stimulated by various tonicity-independent mechanisms in both hypertonic and isotonic tissues. Physiological and pathophysiological stimuli such as cytokines, growth factors, receptor and integrin activation, contractile agonists, ions, and reactive oxygen species have been implicated in the positive regulation of TonEBP expression and activity in diverse cell types. These new data demonstrate that tonicity-independent stimulation of TonEBP is critical for tissue-specific functions like enhanced cell survival, migration, proliferation, vascular remodeling, carcinoma invasion, and angiogenesis. Continuing research will provide a better understanding as to how these and other alternative TonEBP stimuli regulate gene expression in both health and disease.
Suppression of the HPA axis during extrahepatic biliary obstruction induces cholangiocyte proliferation in the rat
Authors: Quinn Matthew , Ueno Yoshiyuki , Pae Hae Yong , Huang Li , Frampton Gabriel , Galindo Cheryl , Francis Heather , Horvat Darijana , McMillin Matthew , DeMorrow Sharon
Published: October 2011

Cholestatic patients often present with clinical features suggestive of adrenal insufficiency. In the bile duct-ligated (BDL) model of cholestasis, the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is suppressed. The consequences of this suppression on cholangiocyte proliferation are unknown. We evaluated 1) HPA axis activity in various rat models of cholestasis and 2) effects of HPA axis modulation on cholangiocyte proliferation. Expression of regulatory molecules of the HPA axis was determined after BDL, partial BDL, and α-naphthylisothiocyanate (ANIT) intoxication. The HPA axis was suppressed by inhibition of hypothalamic corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) expression by central administration of CRH-specific Vivo-morpholinos or by adrenalectomy. After BDL, the HPA axis was reactivated by 1) central administration of CRH, 2) systemic ACTH treatment, or 3) treatment with cortisol or corticosterone for 7 days postsurgery. There was decreased expression of 1) hypothalamic CRH, 2) pituitary ACTH, and 3) key glucocorticoid synthesis enzymes in the adrenal glands. Serum corticosterone and cortisol remained low after BDL (but not partial BDL) compared with sham surgery and after 2 wk of ANIT feeding. Experimental suppression of the HPA axis increased cholangiocyte proliferation, shown by increased cytokeratin-19- and proliferating cell nuclear antigen-positive cholangiocytes. Conversely, restoration of HPA axis activity inhibited BDL-induced cholangiocyte proliferation. Suppression of the HPA axis is an early event following BDL and induces cholangiocyte proliferation. Knowledge of the role of the HPA axis during cholestasis may lead to development of innovative treatment paradigms for chronic liver disease.
Linac Stereotactic Radiosurgery for the Treatment of Small Arteriovenous Malformations: Lower Doses Can Be Equally Effective
Authors: Flores G.L. , Sallabanda K. , dos Santos M.A. , Gutiérrez J. , Salcedo J.C.B.P. , Beltrán C. , Fernández C.P. , Atienza M.G. , Samblás J.
Published: October 2011

Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the efficacy and toxicity of treating small arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) (≤3 cm in diameter) with a median marginal applied dose of 14 Gy. Methods: Two hundred and thirteen patients diagnosed with AVMs were treated between January 1991 and December 2005. Seventy-three percent of the patients had hemorrhaged prior to treatment, 13% had had previous surgery and 19.2% had had previous embolization. The median follow-up duration was 48.1 months. Results: The Kaplan-Meier analysis estimated that the 36-month obliteration rate was 65.5% for patients undergoing their first stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) and 68.3% for those undergoing repeated SRS. The Kaplan-Meier analysis estimated the 60-month AVMs obliteration rate for the entire cohort to be 82.4%. The median time to AVM obliteration was 40 ± 2.8 months. We found a statistically significant relationship between the time of obliteration and the following factors: site of the AVMs (sites other than brainstem), a higher prescribed dose and a positive history of previous hemorrhage. Thirteen patients (7.6%) experienced toxicities. Conclusions: SRS was an effective and safe treatment for AVMs ≤3 cm in diameter, with acceptable toxicity.
The Adventitia: A Progenitor Cell Niche for the Vessel Wall
Authors: Majesky Mark W. , Dong Xiu Rong , Hoglund Virginia , Daum Gunter , Mahoney, Jr. William M.
Published: October 2011

Recent observations suggest that the adventitial layer of blood vessels exhibits properties resembling a stem/progenitor cell niche. Progenitor cells have been isolated from the adventitia of both murine and human blood vessels with the potential to form endothelial cells, mural cells, osteogenic cells, and adipocytes. These progenitors appear to cluster at or near the border zone between the outer media and inner adventitia. In the mouse, this border zone region corresponds to a localized site of sonic hedgehog signaling in the artery wall. This brief review will discuss the emerging evidence that the tunica adventitia may provide a niche-like signaling environment for resident progenitor cells and will address the role of the adventitia in growth, remodeling, and repair of the artery wall.
A Novel Ovine ex vivo Arteriovenous Shunt Model to Test Vascular Implantability
Authors: Peng Haofan , Schlaich Evan M. , Row Sindhu , Andreadis Stelios T. , Swartz Daniel D.
Published: October 2011

The major objective of successful development of tissue-engineered vascular grafts is long-term in vivo patency. Optimization of matrix, cell source, surface modifications, and physical preconditioning are all elements of attaining a compatible, durable, and functional vascular construct. In vitro model systems are inadequate to test elements of thrombogenicity and vascular dynamic functional properties while in vivo implantation is complicated, labor-intensive, and cost-ineffective. We proposed an ex vivo ovine arteriovenous shunt model in which we can test the patency and physical properties of vascular grafts under physiologic conditions. The pressure, flow rate, and vascular diameter were monitored in real-time in order to evaluate the pulse wave velocity, augmentation index, and dynamic elastic modulus, all indicators of graft stiffness. Carotid arteries, jugular veins, and small intestinal submucosa-based grafts were tested. SIS grafts demonstrated physical properties between those of carotid arteries and jugular veins. Anticoagulation properties of grafts were assessed via scanning electron microscopy imaging, en face immunostaining, and histology. Luminal seeding with endothelial cells greatly decreased the attachment of thrombotic components. This model is also suture free, allowing for multiple samples to be stably processed within one animal. This tunable (pressure, flow, shear) ex vivo shunt model can be used to optimize the implantability and long-term patency of tissue-engineered vascular constructs.
Premorbid Personality Traits and Their Course in Mild Cognitive Impairment: Results from a Prospective Population-Based Study in Germany
Authors: Kuzma E. , Sattler C. , Toro P. , Schönknecht P. , Schröder J.
Published: October 2011

Background: Personality traits contribute to cognitive functioning. We present a study comparing personality traits in normal ageing and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Methods: We conducted a representative longitudinal study including 222 subjects from a cohort born between 1930 and 1932 (n = 500) examined at three examination waves (t1: 1993/1994; t2: 1997/1998; t3: 2005/2007). Personality traits were assessed with the NEO-Five-Factor Inventory questionnaire. Results: Healthy controls and patients with MCI showed a significant (p < 0.05) decrease concerning their levels of neuroticism and extraversion over time. MCI subjects scored significantly higher on neuroticism at baseline and lower on openness at all examinations compared to healthy controls. Subjects with higher baseline neuroticism showed a 2.24 times higher risk of developing MCI at the third follow-up (odds ratio = 2.24, 95% confidence interval = 1.12–4.45 – scores adjusted for education and sex). Conclusions: MCI subjects differ in their premorbid personality traits compared to healthy controls. According to our study, higher neuroticism should be considered a risk factor for the development of MCI.
Genetic Association between Ghrelin Polymorphisms and Alzheimer’s Disease in a Japanese Population
Authors: Shibata Nobuto , Ohnuma Tohru , Kuerban Bolati , Komatsu Miwa , Arai Heii
Published: October 2011

Background/Aims: Ghrelin has been reported to enter the hippocampus and to bind to the neurons of the hippocampal formation. This peptide also affects neuronal glucose uptake and decreases tau hyperphosphorylation. There is increasing evidence suggesting an association between ghrelin and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathology. The aim of this study was to investigate whether single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the ghrelin gene are associated with AD. Methods: The SNPs were genotyped using TaqMan technology and were analyzed using a case-control study design. Our case-control dataset consisted of 182 AD patients and 143 age-matched controls. Results: Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium and linkage disequilibrium analyses suggest that the region in and around the gene is highly polymorphic. One SNP, rs4684677 (Leu90Gln), showed a marginal association with age of AD onset. We did not detect any association between the other SNPs of the ghrelin gene and AD. Conclusion: There have been few genetic studies on the relationship between circulating ghrelin and functional SNPs. Further multifactorial studies are needed to clarify the relationship between ghrelin and AD.
A two-step time simulation of ground vibrations induced by the railway traffic
Authors: Kouroussis G , Verlinden O , Conti C
Published: October 2011

Recent decades have been fertile in terms of development of vehicle dynamics simulations. But the usual applications dedicated to the train design rarely take into account ground vibrations. In order to assess the influence of vehicle dynamics on track deflection and therefore on ground wave propagation, the vehicle/track system must be studied globally. The track/soil coupling is first investigated, through various track/soil models. From there, a decoupled approach is proposed, which proves valid as far as the soil is sufficiently rigid with respect to the ballast. It works in two stages: the simulation of the vehicle/track subsystem provides in a first step the ground forces, considering the irregularities of the rail as the excitation mechanism. The resulting forces are then applied, in a second step, to the soil subsystem model. Two applications are presented, consisting of the passing of a tram over a local discontinuity and the passing of a high-speed train over a rough track. The results obtained show a good agreement with experimental measurements as well as the importance of the whole vehicle/track/soil dynamics on the level of ground vibration.
A load-separation technique to evaluate crack growth and fracture resistance behaviour of thin-walled axially cracked tubular specimens
Authors: Samal M K , Sanyal G
Published: October 2011

Integrity assessment of thin-walled tubular components such as nuclear reactor fuel pins during postulated and beyond-design-basis accident scenarios is an important issue for limiting the release of radioactivity into the surrounding fluid. The fracture resistance behaviour of these tubes cannot be evaluated using standard ASTM techniques. It is because of the inability of these axially cracked specimens to meet the stringent plane strain requirement due to their geometry and the high ductility of the zirconium alloy used for their fabrication. Moreover, the measurement of crack growth during the testing by conventional methods is a cumbersome process and sometimes it is not possible to use them due to the small size of these specimens. Alternative methods such as load-normalization and load-separation techniques are suitable for these types of situations. In this article, the crack growth data during loading of the axially cracked tubular specimens have been evaluated using a load-separation method. Several specimens have been tested in order to evaluate their fracture resistance behaviour. These specimens have different values of initial crack lengths. A modified procedure for the estimation of the material constant ‘m’ has been developed in this study so that data from multiple specimens can be used. This will lead to a more reliable estimation of crack growth during the loading process. The J–R curves, obtained using the current method, have also been compared with those obtained using load-normalization technique. It was observed that this modified method of load separation is a convenient and reliable technique for the evaluation of fracture resistance behaviour of non-standard specimens.
Validity and Reliability of the Social Support Scale for Exercise Behavior in Diabetic Women
Authors: Noroozi Azita , Ghofranipour Fazlollah , Heydarnia Ali Reza , Nabipour Iraj , Shokravi Farkhondeh Amin
Published: October 2011

Objective: The present study aimed at examining the reliability and validity of the Persian version of Sallis’s Social Support Scale for Exercise Behavior. It also aimed at measuring the predictive power of this scale among diabetic women. Method: confirmatory factor analysis was used to identify potential differences between English and Persian versions and construct validity of the scale. Cronbach’s α coefficients were determined to estimate internal consistency of the scale. Results: A total of 348 women who referred to a diabetes institute in Iran filled in the questionnaire. Confirmatory factor analysis supported the friend factor of the scale completely. However, it modified the family factor and reduced the English items. That is, it changed the items into 13 and generated 3 subfactors with a different structure. Cronbach’s α coefficients for the family and friend support were .89 and .86, respectively. Therefore, this scale consisting of 18 items can be used to assess the social support (friend and family) in exercise behavior. In diabetic patients, emotional support subfactor was found to be the most predictive subfactor for physical activity in family social support scale. Conclusion: This 18-item scale was valid and reliable and can be used for diabetic women to evaluate their exercise social support. The results showed that consideration of emotional support is the most important point in promotion of exercise among diabetic women in Iran.
Reflections on social engineering and settler-American literature
Authors: Herlihy Jeffrey
Published: October 2011

This article focuses on the nationalist constructions that have influenced American identity and attempts to discern the resonances that these modes might produce in literary creation. To engage this topic, the inquiry first examines the multilateral influences on the formation of collective identity through attention to governmental and political social engineering; and, second, the article explores the progression of the historiographic imaging and imagining of cultural proprietorship of the America continent as it has been projected through cultural media. The aim is to characterize the structures that place a contrived primordialism in the image of specific population demographics and to explore the attendant literary and cultural expressions of this phenomenon.
Theoretical and experimental studies of air-hybrid engine operation with fully variable valve actuation
Authors: Zhao H , Psanis C , Ma T , Turner J , Pearson R
Published: October 2011

As an alternative to the electric hybrid powertrain, air-hybrid engine concepts have the potential to achieve regenerative braking and air-assisted engine operations for low-carbon vehicle applications. Over the last few years, systematic studies have been carried out by the authors on a number of air-hybrid engine concepts. This paper presents the modelling and experimental results of air-hybrid engine operation enabled by fully variable valve actuation (FVVA). The principle and key operating features of such an air-hybrid engine will be presented first. This is followed by a detailed theoretical analysis of the two-stroke compression and expansion operations enabled by the FVVA system. Finally, experimental results will be presented with regard to the actual performance of a single-cylinder engine operating in the compression mode and expansion mode through the Lotus active valve train system.
Endovascular Management of Symptomatic Cerebral Malperfusion Due to Carotid Dissection After Type A Aortic Dissection Repair
Authors: Casana R. , Tolva V. , Majnardi A. Robecchi , Bianchi P. G. , Addobati L. , Bertoni G. B. , Cireni L. V. , Silani V.
Published: October 2011

Purpose: Type A acute aortic dissection is a surgical emergency, and supra-aortic trunk involvement may be complicated by stroke in 6% to 20% of cases. A 66-year-old Caucasian female patient underwent a composite repair of the ascending aorta for type A aortic dissection. Postoperative period was complicated by episodes of “drop attack.” Doppler ultrasound of supra-aortic trunks revealed an intimal flap occluding right internal carotid artery. Technique: Multiple stenting was performed from carotid bifurcation to internal carotid artery in order to exclude the dissection intimal flap. After endovascular procedure physiatrist considered that motor functional improvement was better than expected, and we support that endovascular resolution of carotid malperfusion led to a better outcome. Conclusion: According to other experience, endovascular procedure resulted as a safe and effective way. Moreover, ultrasound monitoring of supra-aortic trunks in postoperative period is recommended.
Inhibitory effect of a tyrosine-fructose Maillard reaction product, 2,4-bis(p-hydroxyphenyl)-2-butenal on amyloid-β generation and inflammatory reactions via inhibition of NF-κB and STAT3 activation in cultured astrocytes and microglial BV-2 cells
Authors: Lee Young-Jung , Choi Dong-Young , Choi Im Seup , Han Jin-Yi , Jeong Heon-Sang , Han Sang Bae , Oh Ki-Wan , Hong Jin Tae
Published: October 2011

Background

Amyloidogenesis is linked to neuroinflammation. The tyrosine-fructose Maillard reaction product, 2,4-bis(p-hydroxyphenyl)-2-butenal, possesses anti-inflammatory properties in cultured macrophages, and in an arthritis animal model. Because astrocytes and microglia are responsible for amyloidogenesis and inflammatory reactions in the brain, we investigated the anti-inflammatory and anti-amyloidogenic effects of 2,4-bis(p-hydroxyphenyl)-2-butenal in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated astrocytes and microglial BV-2 cells.

Methods

Cultured astrocytes and microglial BV-2 cells were treated with LPS (1 μg/ml) for 24 h, in the presence (1, 2, 5 μM) or absence of 2,4-bis(p-hydroxyphenyl)-2-butenal, and harvested. We performed molecular biological analyses to determine the levels of inflammatory and amyloid-related proteins and molecules, cytokines, Aβ, and secretases activity. Nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) DNA binding activity was determined using gel mobility shift assays.

Results

We found that 2,4-bis(p-hydroxyphenyl)-2-butenal (1, 2, 5 μM) suppresses the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) as well as the production of nitric oxide (NO), reactive oxygen species (ROS), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in LPS (1 μg/ml)-stimulated astrocytes and microglial BV-2 cells. Further, 2,4-bis(p-hydroxyphenyl)-2-butenal inhibited the transcriptional and DNA binding activity of NF-κB--a transcription factor that regulates genes involved in neuroinflammation and amyloidogenesis via inhibition of IκB degradation as well as nuclear translocation of p50 and p65. Consistent with the inhibitory effect on inflammatory reactions, 2,4-bis(p-hydroxyphenyl)-2-butenal inhibited LPS-elevated Aβ42 levels through attenuation of β- and γ-secretase activities. Moreover, studies using signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) siRNA and a pharmacological inhibitor showed that 2,4-bis(p-hydroxyphenyl)-2-butenal inhibits LPS-induced activation of STAT3.

Conclusions

These results indicate that 2,4-bis(p-hydroxyphenyl)-2-butenal inhibits neuroinflammatory reactions and amyloidogenesis through inhibition of NF-κB and STAT3 activation, and suggest that 2,4-bis(p-hydroxyphenyl)-2-butenal may be useful for the treatment of neuroinflammatory diseases like Alzheimer's disease.
The development of a rapid SYBR Green I-based quantitative PCR for detection of Duck circovirus
Authors: Wan Chunhe , Huang Yu , Cheng Longfei , Fu Guanghua , Shi Shao-hua , Chen Hongmei , Peng Chunxiang , Lin Fang , Lin Jiansheng
Published: October 2011

This report describes a one-step real-time polymerase chain reaction assay based on SYBR Green I for detection of a broad range of duck circovirus (DuCV). Align with all DuCV complete genome sequences and other Genus Circovirus download from the GenBank (such as goose circovirus, pigeon circovirus), the primers targets to the replicate gene of DuCV were designed. The detection assay was linear in the range of 1.31 × 102-1.31 × 107 copies/μL. The reaction efficiency of the assay using the slope (the slope was -3.349) and the Y-intercept was 37.01 from the linear equation was estimated to be 0.99 and the correlation coefficient (R2) was 0.993. A series of experiments were carried out to assess the reproducibility, sensitivity, and specificity of the assay, following by the low intra-assay and inter-assay CVs for CT values obtained with the standard plasmids. The intra-assay CVs were equal or less than 1.89% and the inter-assay CVs were equal or less than 1.26%. There was no cross-reaction occurred with nucleic acids extracted from RA (Riemerella anatipestifer), E. coli (Escherichia coli), Duck Cholera (Pasteurella multocida), Avian influenza virus, avian paramyxovirus, Muscovy duck parvovirus, Duck reovirus, Duck hepatitis A virus as control templates. The nucleic acids extracted from samples of healthy ducks were used as negative controls. The assay was specific and reproducible. The established real time PCR was used to detect 45 DuCV-negative samples, which were tested using conventional PCR under the developed optimal conditions, each 15 for embryonated eggs, non-embryonated budgerigar eggs, newly hatched duck, the mixture of the lung, liver, spleen which were analysis for the presence of DuCV DNA, to conform that whether the DuCV can be transmitted vertically. Meanwhile, no positive result was shown by the real-time PCR method. The SYBR Green I-based quantitative PCR can therefore be practically used as an alternative diagnostic tool and a screening method for ducks infected with duck circovirus.
A zebrafish transgenic model of Ewing’s sarcoma reveals conserved mediators of EWS-FLI1 tumorigenesis
Authors: Leacock Stefanie W. , Basse Audrey N. , Chandler Garvin L. , Kirk Anne M. , Rakheja Dinesh , Amatruda James F.
Published: October 2011

Ewing’s sarcoma, a malignant bone tumor of children and young adults, is a member of the small-round-blue-cell tumor family. Ewing’s sarcoma family tumors (ESFTs), which include peripheral primitive neuroectodermal tumors (PNETs), are characterized by chromosomal translocations that generate fusions between the EWS gene and ETS-family transcription factors, most commonly FLI1. The EWS-FLI1 fusion oncoprotein represents an attractive therapeutic target for treatment of Ewing’s sarcoma. The cell of origin of ESFT and the molecular mechanisms by which EWS-FLI1 mediates tumorigenesis remain unknown, and few animal models of Ewing’s sarcoma exist. Here, we report the use of zebrafish as a vertebrate model of EWS-FLI1 function and tumorigenesis. Mosaic expression of the human EWS-FLI1 fusion protein in zebrafish caused the development of tumors with histology strongly resembling that of human Ewing’s sarcoma. The incidence of tumors increased in a p53 mutant background, suggesting that the p53 pathway suppresses EWS-FLI1-driven tumorigenesis. Gene expression profiling of the zebrafish tumors defined a set of genes that might be regulated by EWS-FLI1, including the zebrafish ortholog of a crucial EWS-FLI1 target gene in humans. Stable zebrafish transgenic lines expressing EWS-FLI1 under the control of the heat-shock promoter exhibit altered embryonic development and defective convergence and extension, suggesting that EWS-FLI1 interacts with conserved developmental pathways. These results indicate that functional targets of EWS-FLI1 that mediate tumorigenesis are conserved from zebrafish to human and provide a novel context in which to study the function of this fusion oncogene.
Biglycan expression correlates with aggressiveness and poor prognosis of gastric cancer
Authors: Wang Bin , Li Guang-Xin , Zhang Shu-Guang , Wang Quan , Wen Yu-Gang , Tang Hua-Mei , Zhou Chong-Zhi , Xing Ai-Yan , Fan Jun-Wei , Yan Dong-Wang , Qiu Guo-Qiang , Yu Zhen-Hai , Peng Zhi-Hai
Published: October 2011

Biglycan, a member of the small leucine-rich proteoglycan family, has been implicated in the development and progression of human cancers. However, the clinical significance of biglycan expression in gastric cancer has not been determined. In the present study, biglycan mRNA and protein concentrations were analyzed using quantitative realtime reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and Western blot in 69 gastric cancer and adjacent non-tumorous tissues, respectively. Biglycan expression was further assessed using immunohistochemistry in tissue microarrays that contained 264 cases of gastric cancer, and others containing normal or metastasized lymph node tumor tissues. Biglycan was upregulated at the transcriptional and translational levels and there was a correlation between the expression of biglycan mRNA and protein ( P = 0.000, κ = 0.769). Over-expression of biglycan was strongly associated with lymph node metastasis, tumor (T) classification, metastasis (M) classification, vascular invasion and Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) stage. Patients with biglycan-positive tumors had a significantly higher disease recurrence rate and poorer survival than patients with biglycan-negative tumors after the radical surgery. Multivariate analysis revealed that biglycan expression is an independent prognostic indicator for survival of patients with gastric cancer. The data from the current study demonstrate that elevated expression of biglycan may play an important role in the development and progression of gastric cancer, and could be further evaluated as a biomarker for predication of a poor clinical outcome.
Use of telephone and SMS reminders to improve attendance at hospital appointments: a systematic review
Authors: Hasvold Per E , Wootton Richard
Published: October 2011

Patients failing to attend hospital appointments contribute to inefficient use of resources. We conducted a systematic review of studies providing a reminder to patients by phone, short message service (SMS) or automated phone calls. A PubMed search was conducted to identify articles published after 1999, describing studies of non-attendance at hospital appointments. In addition, we searched the references in the included papers. In total, 29 studies were included in the review. Four had two intervention arms which were treated as independent studies, giving a total of 33 estimates. The papers were analysed by two observers independently. A study quality score was developed and used to weight the data. Weighted means of the absolute and the relative changes in non-attendance were calculated. All studies except one reported a benefit from sending reminders to patients prior to their appointment. The synthesis suggests that the weighted mean relative change in non-attendance was 34% of the baseline non-attendance rate. Automated reminders were less effective than manual phone calls (29% vs 39% of baseline value). There appeared to be no difference in non-attendance rate, whether the reminder was sent the day before the appointment or the week before. Cost and savings were not measured formally in any of the papers, but almost half of them included cost estimates. The average cost of using either SMS, automated phone calls or phone calls was €0.41 per reminder. Although formal evidence of cost-effectiveness is lacking, the implication of the review is that all hospitals should consider using automated reminders to reduce non-attendance at appointments.
Biogas production from silage maize hybrids
Authors: Hegyi Z. , Zsubori-Tóth Z. , Pintér J. , Marton C.
Published: October 2011

Experiments have been underway in Martonvásár for many years to develop leafy silage hybrids, which have a greater aboveground mass than conventional silage hybrids. The best hybrids for biogas production would be those that produce a large quantity of biomass and are rich in starch. The chief characteristic of leafy hybrids is that they have more leaves than normal hybrids. Due to this enhanced leaf area above the ear, the vegetative period of leafy genotypes is shorter, while the grain-filling period is longer, which has a positive effect on both yield and grain quality. The results of the present experiment show that during the anaerobic fermentation of the silage, leafy hybrids produced more biogas (640 l per 1000 g dry matter) than conventional hybrids (606 l per 1000 g dry matter). There were no significant differences between the methane contents of the leafy and non-leafy hybrids tested in the experiment. A strong positive correlation was found between biogas yield and the starch content of the silage, and a moderate positive correlation between biogas yield and the sugar content. The correlation between biogas yield and the lignin and protein contents was negative, in accordance with other literary data.
Development of a New Foam EOR Model From Laboratory and Field Data of the Naturally Fractured Cantarell Field
Authors: Skoreyko Fraser , Pino Antonio Villavicencio , Prada Hector Rodríguez , Nguyen Quoc P.
Published: October 2011

As much of the oil in the Akal field of the Cantarell complex is contained in the low permeability oil wet matrix, foam injection has been proposed as a method to control fluid mobility in the fracture, with the added benefit of transporting surfactant into the matrix so that additional oil can be liberated through a reduction of interfacial tension between oil and water. Presented in this paper is the work flow undertaken during an extensive study of all available laboratory experiments and pilot single well foam injection tests. Laboratory experiments ranged from simple water plus surfactant imbibition tests and surfactant flooding tests, to more complex foam flooding in split core experiments and co-injection of surfactant and gas for generation of foam in-situ. There were three field pilot single well foam injection tests that were included in this analysis that were of the huff-and-puff design.

This extensive analysis was done with the aid of numerical simulation that resulted in the development of a novel foam regeneration model that handles both mobility control and interfacial tension reduction effects. It is shown that with identical foam parameters, this model matches all laboratory core flood studies as well as the field pilot tests, showing that this foam model is capable of predicting foam performance in both laboratory and field settings. The foam components can be chosen to be defined as either gaseous or aqueous components and this choice is shown to affect the impact of capillary pressure on foam flow into the matrix.

Also discussed in this paper are details of how the foam behaves when injected into a gas saturated zone where the foam combines with in-situ gas, resulting in higher foam qualities than was injected. It is demonstrated that foam mobility control as a function of foam quality is an important aspect for matching field performance. The significance of correct foam density calculations is also discussed using field scale models.

The work done to match the many laboratory and field scale foam tests resulted in a significant improvement of the understanding of foam degradation, regeneration, permeability blockage, and flow in porous media and the phenomena responsible for generating incremental oil.
Symmetrical linear antennas driven by two-wire lines
Authors: Surutka Jovan , Velickovic Dragutin
Published: October 2011

A new theoretical approach to the problem of the symmetrical linear antenna driven by a two-wire line is presented. Then symmetrical linear antenna and the feeder line are treated as a unique boundary-value problem leading to a system of two simultaneous integral equations containing antenna and line currents as unknown sub-integral functions. The integral equations are approximately solved by the so-called point-matching method. Due to the mutual coupling between the antenna and the line, a new conveniently defined apparent driving-point admittance is to be introduced. The method is applied on several types of linear antennas: Centre driven symmetrical dipole antenna, Centre-driven V-antenna, Cage antenna, H-antenna and System of two parallel non-staggered dipoles antennas, positioned in the air over semi-conducting ground. Then theoretical results for admittances were compared with the experiments and remarkably good overall agreement has been found. On the contrary, a comparison with the corresponding theoretical results obtained with the idealized delta-function generator revealed remarkable discrepancies.
Interface identification in magnetic fluid dynamics
Authors: Ziolkowski Marek , Brauer Hartmut , Kuilekov Milko
Published: October 2011

In magnetic fluid dynamics appears the problem of reconstruction of free boundary between conducting fluids, e.g. in aluminum electrolysis cells. We have investigated how the interface between two fluids of different conductivity of a highly simplified model of an aluminum electrolysis cell could be reconstructed by means of external magnetic field measurements using simple genetic algorithm.
Arithmetic expressions optimisation using dual polarity property
Authors: Jankovic Dragan , Stankovic Radomir , Moraga Claudio
Published: October 2011

A method for optimisation of fixed polarity arithmetic expressions (FPAEs) based on dual polarity is proposed. The method exploits a simple relationship between two FPAEs for dual polarities. It starts from the zero polarity FPAE of the given function and calculates all FPAEs using the dual polarity route. Using one-bit check carries out conversion from one FPAE to another. Each term in an FPAE is processed by the proposed processing rule. Terms, which differ in a single position, can be substituted by a high order term (cube). Experimental results show efficiency of proposed method.
Principles and software realization of a multimedia course on theoretical electrical engineering based on enterprise technology
Authors: Penev Krasimir , Brandisky Kostadin
Published: October 2011

The Department of Theoretical Electrical Engineering (TEE) of Technical University of Sofia has been developing interactive enterprise-technologies based course on Theoretical Electrical Engineering. One side of the project is the development of multimedia teaching modules for the core undergraduate electrical engineering courses (Circuit Theory and Electromagnetic Fields) and the other side is the development of Software Architecture of the web site on which modules are deployed. Initial efforts have been directed at the development of multimedia modules for the subject Electrical Circuits and on developing the web site structure. The objective is to develop teaching materials that will enhance lectures and laboratory exercises and will allow computerized examinations on the subject. This article outlines the framework used to develop the web site structure, the Circuit Theory teaching modules, and the strategy of their use as teaching tool.
Influence of phase noise and interchannel interference on the performance of optical heterodyne FSK receiver
Authors: Stefanovic Mihajlo , Milic D.
Published: October 2011

The moments approach is generally considered a systematic way to perform the analysis of coherent optical systems. Exact moments of the filtered signal corrupted by phase noise enable the construction of the Gaussian quadrature rule, which may be used to calculate the system error probability. In this paper, we extend the method to a wider class of systems to include the cases where the interchannel interference may be significant. We derive the essential equations in the matrix form and compare the moments approach with numerical simulation and Fokker-Planck approach. To illustrate the results, we apply the moment's method to two-channel optical heterodyne FSK system with dual-filter receiver structure, and evaluate the required channel spacing to have less than 1 dB penalty due to crosstalk.
Second-order sigma-delta modulator in standard cmos technology
Authors: Milovanovic Dragisa , Savic Milan , Nikolic Miljan
Published: October 2011

As a part of wider project sigma-delta modulator was designed. It represents an A/D part of a power meter IC. Requirements imposed were: SNDR and dynamic range > 50 dB for maximum input swing of 250 mV differential at 50 Hz. Over sampling ratio is 128 with clock frequency of 524288 Hz which gives bandwidth of 2048 Hz. Circuit is designed in 3.3 V supply standard CMOS 0.35 ?m technology.
Waveguide e-plane all-metal inserted diplexer
Authors: Rakic Milica , Jokanovic Branka , Budimir Dj.
Published: October 2011

This paper presents the procedure for designing a wave guide E-plane diplexer for Ku band with inserted metal septa. The diplexer is designed with filters of the fifth order and with T-junction in E-plane for the purpose of easier integration with microwave transceiver. The aim of this work is to master the design of a diplexer that should obtain 60 dB insulation between receiver and transmitter of a radio link and that will not need to be adjusted in serial production.
Advances in VLSI testing at MultiGb per second rates
Authors: Topisirovic Dragan
Published: October 2011

Today's high performance manufacturing of digital systems requires VLSI testing at speeds of multigigabits per second (multiGbps). Testing at Gbps needs high transfer rates among channels and functional units, and requires readdressing of data format and communication within a serial mode. This implies that a physical phenomena-jitter, is becoming very essential to tester operation. This establishes functional and design shift, which in turn dictates a corresponding shift in test and DFT (Design for Testability) methods. We, here, review various approaches and discuss the tradeoffs in testing actual devices. For industry, volume-production stage and testing of multigigahertz have economic challenges. A particular solution based on the conventional ATE (Automated Test Equipment) resources, that will be discussed, allows for accurate testing of ICs with many channels and this systems can test ICs at 2.5 Gbps over 144 cannels, with extensions planned that will have test rates exceeding 5 Gbps. Yield improvement requires understanding failures and identifying potential sources of yield loss. This text focuses on diagnosing of random logic circuits and classifying faults. An interesting scan-based diagnosis flow, which leverages the ATPG (Automatic Test Pattern Generator) patterns originally generated for fault coverage, will be described. This flow shows an adequate link between the design automation tools and the testers, and a correlation between the ATPG patterns and the tester failure reports.
Radiated EMI from power converters
Authors: Arnautovski-Toseva Vesna , Rousset Yanis , Drissi El , Grcev Leonid
Published: October 2011

With the continuous increase of switching frequency together with the ongoing trend to higher complexity and functionality, power converters as a part of electronic systems have raised more and more electromagnetic energy pollution to the local system environment. In the same time, stringent demands are imposed on the designers of new circuits that electromagnetic interference (EMI) has to be suppressed at its source before it is allowed to propagate into other circuits and systems. In this paper, the authors present a full-wave numerical method for calculation and simulation of electromagnetic field radiated by power converter circuitry. The main objective is to analyze the layout geometry in order to obtain competitive PCB layout that will enable suitably attenuated level of the radiated electric field to safe level. By this it would be possible to ensure reliable operation of the sensitive electronic components in the proximity.
Modeling of microwave applicators with an excitation through the wave guide using TLM method
Authors: Randjelovic Tijana , Jokovic Jugoslav , Milovanovic Bratislav
Published: October 2011

In this paper, a real microwave applicator with a wave guide used to launch the energy from the source into the cavity is analyzed using 3D TLM method. In order to investigate the influence of the positions and number of feed wave guides to the number of the resonant modes inside the cavity, obtained results are compared with analytical results and results obtained by using TLM software with an impulse excitation as well. TLM method is applied to the both empty and loaded rectangular metallic cavity, and a very good agreement between simulated and experimental results is achieved.
The new analytical expression for measurement uncertainty in a measuring of RMS value of AC signals as result of non ideal synchronization
Authors: Petrovic Predrag
Published: October 2011

Synchronous sampling allows alternating current (AC) quantities, such as the root mean square (RMS) values of voltage and power, to be determined with very low uncertainties (on the order of a few parts of 10-6 [1]). In this a new mathematical expression for estimating measurement uncertainties in non ideal synchronization with fundamental frequency AC signals is presented. The obtained results were compared with those obtained with a high-precision instrument for measuring basic AC values. Computer simulation demonstrating the effectiveness of these new expression, are also presented.
Filter function synthesis by Gegenbauer generating function
Authors: Pavlovic Vlastimir
Published: October 2011

Low-pass all-pole transfer functions with non-monotonic amplitude characteristic in the pass-band and at least (n -1) flatness conditions for ? = 0 are considered in this paper. A new class of filters in explicit form with one free parameter is obtained by applying generating functions of Gegenbauer polynomials. This class of filters has good selectivity and good shape of amplitude characteristics in the pass-band. The amplitude characteristics of these transfer functions have gain in the upper part of pass-band with respect to the gain for ? = 0. This way we have greater margin of attenuation in the upper part of the pass-band. This means a greater tolerance of elements or for elements with given tolerances, greater ambient temperature changes. The appropriate choice of the free parameter enables us to generate filter functions obtained with Chebyshev polynomials of the first and second kind and Legendre polynomials.
Nikola Tesla and robotics
Authors: Vukobratovic Miomir
Published: October 2011

The paper analyzes some of Tesla's works and his most remarkable views concerning the problem of formulating theoretical bases of automatic control. As a tribute to Tesla's work on remote control of automated systems, as well to his (at the time) far-seeing visions, special attention is paid to solving complex problem of control and feedback application. A more detailed discussion of the way and origin of formulating theoretical bases of automatic control are given. Besides, in more detail are presented the related pioneering works of Professor Nicholas Bernstein, great Russian physiologist who formulated the basic rules of the self-regulating movements of the man. Bernstein has achievements of highest scientific significance that has been in a direct function of identifying and proving the priority of his pioneering contributions in the domain of feedback, i.e. control and principles of cybernetics.