bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Delta-lactoferrin, an intracellular lactoferrin isoform that acts as a transcription factor1This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Lactoferrin and has undergone the Journal's usual peer review process.
Authors: Mariller Christophe , Hardivillé Stephan , Hoedt Esthelle , Huvent Isabelle , Pina-Canseco Socorro , Pierce Annick
Published: May 2012

Delta-lactoferrin (ΔLf) is a transcription factor of which the expression is downregulated in cancer. It is a healthy tissue marker and a high expression level of its transcripts was correlated with a good prognosis in breast cancer. ΔLf results from alternative promoter usage of the hLf gene leading to the production of 2 isoforms with alternative N-termini: lactoferrin, which is secreted, and ΔLf, its nucleocytoplasmic counterpart. ΔLf possesses antiproliferative properties and induces cell cycle arrest. It is an efficient transcription factor interacting in vivo via a ΔLf response element found in the Skp1, Bax, DcpS, and SelH promoters. Since ΔLf possesses different target genes, modifications in its activity or concentration may have crucial effects on cell homeostasis. Posttranslational modifications modulate ΔLf transcription factor activity. Our earlier investigations showed that O-GlcNAcylation negatively regulates ΔLf transcriptional activity, whilst inhibiting its ubiquitination and increasing its half-life. On the other hand, phosphorylation potentiates ΔLf transcriptional activity. Recently, we showed that ΔLf is also modified by SUMOylation. Therefore, cooperation and (or) competition among SUMOylation, ubiquitination, phosphorylation, and O-GlcNAcylation may contribute to the establishment of a fine regulation of ΔLf transcriptional activity depending on the type of target gene and cellular homeostasis.
A structural perspective on lactoferrin function1This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Lactoferrin and has undergone the Journal's usual peer review process.
Authors: Baker Heather M. , Baker Edward N.
Published: May 2012

The 3-D structure of human lactoferrin was first solved in atomic detail in 1987. Since that time, a variety of proven and postulated activities have been added to the original annotation of lactoferrin as an iron-binding protein. Structural studies have also expanded to include iron-bound and iron-free (apo) forms, mutants, and the lactoferrins of different species. In this review, we take the current information on both structure and function and show that the 3-D structure provides a useful framework for understanding some activities and also points to productive research directions that could help elucidate other reported functions. Some functions relate to iron binding where the role of lactoferrin is to scavenge and retain iron across a wide pH range. We specifically focus on functions that depend on the surface structure of the molecule, identifying features that may determine the many other protective properties of this multifunctional protein.
Protective effects of lactoferrin chimera and bovine lactoferrin in a mouse model of enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli O157:H7 infection1This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Lactoferrin and has undergone the Journal's usual peer review process.
Authors: Flores-Villaseñor Héctor , Canizalez-Román Adrian , Velazquez-Roman Jorge , Nazmi Kamran , Bolscher Jan G.M. , Leon-Sicairos Nidia
Published: May 2012

Mice orally infected with enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) O157:H7 were used to evaluate the activity of bovine lactoferrin (bLF) and the synthetic peptide LFchimera. Groups of BALB/c mice inoculated intragastrically with EHEC O157:H7 showed chronic intestinal infection with the pathogen that persisted over 6 days and resulted in a high mortality rate (90%). LFchimera and kanamycin significantly decreased (40%) this mortality rate (P = 0.028). On the other hand, although mice administered with bLF showed an important reduction in mortality (50%), this was not statistically significant (P = 0.070). In infected and untreated mice, severe tubular necrosis, glomerular lesions, and moderate intratubular hyaline casts were found in the kidney. However, in the bLF and LFchimera groups we found a reduction in the damage and a substantial decrease in the bacterial concentration excreted in feces 48 h after infection. Furthermore, sepsis caused by EHEC was reduced by the treatments, evidenced by the fact that bacteria were not detected in the kidney or liver 72 h after infection. The results suggest the bLF and LFchimera could have potential as therapeutics in EHEC infections.
SPOC: GPGPU PROGRAMMING THROUGH STREAM PROCESSING WITH OCAML
Authors: BOURGOIN MATHIAS , CHAILLOUX EMMANUEL , LAMOTTE JEAN-LUC
Published: May 2012

General purpose computing on graphics processing units (GPGPU) consists of using GPUs to handle computations commonly handled by CPUs. GPGPU programming implies developing specific programs to run on GPUs managed by a host program running on the CPU. To achieve high performance implies to explicitly organize memory transfers between devices. Besides, different incompatible frameworks exist making productivity and portability difficult to achieve. In this paper, we describe SPOC, an OCaml library, defining specific data sets in order to automatically manage transfers between GPU and CPU. SPOC also offers a runtime library looking for multiple frameworks and making them usable transparently. We also describe the link between SPOC and the OCaml garbage collector to optimize transfers dynamically. SPOC benchmarks show that SPOC can offer great performance while simplifying GPGPU programming
THE PRICE OF MULTI-ORGANIZATION CONSTRAINT IN UNRELATED PARALLEL MACHINE SCHEDULING
Authors: OOSHITA FUKUHITO , IZUMI TOMOKO , IZUMI TAISUKE
Published: May 2012

We consider the parallel computing environment where m organizations provide machines and several jobs to be executed. While cooperation of organizations is required to minimize the global makespan, each organization also expects the faster completion of its own jobs primarily and thus it is not necessarily cooperative. To handle the situations, we formulate the α-cooperative multi-organization scheduling problem (α-MOSP), where α ≥ 1 is a parameter representing the degree of cooperativeness. α-MOSP minimizes the makespan under the multi-organization constraint that each organization does not allow the completion time of its own jobs to be delayed α times of that in the case where those jobs are executed by itself.

First, we reveal the relation between the makespan and the degree of cooperativeness. We show that the multi-organization constraint may degrade the optimal makespan by m times for α = 1, while the degradation ratio is bounded by α/(α - 1) for α > 1. This implies that weak cooperation improves the makespan dramatically. Second, we study the complexity of α-MOSP. We show its strongly NP-hardness and inapproximability for the approximation factor less than max {(α + 1)/α, 3/2}. We also show the hardness of transformation from an optimal schedule under no multi-organization constraint to an optimal schedule for α-MOSP. This result is a witness for inexistence of a general polynomial-time transformation algorithm that preserves the approximation ratio.
ELECTRORHEOLOGY OF DISPERSIONS OF BaxSr(1-x)TiO3 IN SILICONE OIL UNDER AC OR DC ELECTRIC FIELD
Authors: LUZ GLAUBER M. S. , BOMBARD ANTONIO J. F. , BRITO SILVIO L. M. , GOUVÊA DOUGLAS , VIEIRA SHEILA L.
Published: May 2012

Electrorheology (ER) of ferroelectric materials such as nanometric BaTiO 3 is still not fully understood. In this paper, nanoparticles of Ba x Sr (1-x) TiO 3 (where x = 0.8, 0.9 or 1.0) were synthesized using the method of Pechini, calcinated at 950°C, and after, lixiviated under pH 1 or pH 5. A controlled stress rheometer (MCR-301) was used to make the ER characterization of dispersions made of Ba x Ti 1-x O 3 in silicone oil (30% w/w), where (a) shear stress as a function of DC electric field (under constant shear rate) or (b) shear stress as a function of shear rate (under constant AC or DC electric field) were measured. We observed that electrophoresis occurred under electric field DC, creating a concentration gradient which induced phase separation in ER fluid. On the other hand, under AC fields above 1 kV/mm, the ER effect is stronger than for DC field, and almost without electrophoresis. Furthermore, there is an AC frequency, dependent on the disperse phase, where the ER effect has a maximum.
CORRELATED REDUCED TRANSFER MATRIX APPROACH FOR ISING MODEL
Authors: KAYA TUNCER
Published: May 2012

In this paper we present a simple approximate transfer matrix method for 2D and 3D hyper cubic nearest neighbor Ising models with various coordination number z to calculate the corresponding critical coupling strengths Kc. The critical coupling strengths of the Ising ferromagnets are obtained quite accurately by simple improvements over the self-consistent correlated field (SCCF) approximation. The important physical effect included in this work is some of the fluctuation effects of the systems by the help of a reduced transfer matrix method. When used in combination with the accuracy of the average magnetization obtained from the SCCF approximation, this reduced transfer matrix method leads to estimate of Kc more accurate than those obtained from the Bethe–Peierls–Weiss approximation and also SCCF approximation. Therefore, we believe that the approach we refer to as the correlated reduced transfer matrix method is potentially very useful scheme for obtaining approximate values of the critical coupling strengths of the Ising models with a mathematically easy meaner.
POWER CIRCUITS, EXPONENTIAL ALGEBRA, AND TIME COMPLEXITY
Authors: MIASNIKOV ALEXEI G. , USHAKOV ALEXANDER , WON DONG WOOK
Published: May 2012

Motivated by algorithmic problems from combinatorial group theory we study computational properties of integers equipped with binary operations +, -, z = x ⋅ 2y, z = x ⋅ 2-y(the former two are partial) and predicates < and =. Notice that in this case very large numbers, which are obtained as n towers of exponentiation in the base 2 can be realized as n applications of the operation x ⋅ 2y, so working with such numbers given in the usual binary expansions requires super exponential space. We define a new compressed representation for integers by power circuits (a particular type of straight-line programs) which is unique and easily computable, and show that the operations above can be performed in polynomial time if the numbers are presented by power circuits. We mention several applications of this technique to algorithmic problems, in particular, we prove that the quantifier-free theories of various exponential algebras are decidable in polynomial time.
SPACE–TIME FLUID–STRUCTURE INTERACTION METHODS
Authors: TAKIZAWA KENJI , TEZDUYAR TAYFUN E.
Published: May 2012

Since its introduction in 1991 for computation of flow problems with moving boundaries and interfaces, the Deforming-Spatial-Domain/Stabilized Space–Time (DSD/SST) formulation has been applied to a diverse set of challenging problems. The classes of problems computed include free-surface and two-fluid flows, fluid–object, fluid–particle and fluid–structure interaction (FSI), and flows with mechanical components in fast, linear or rotational relative motion. The DSD/SST formulation, as a core technology, is being used for some of the most challenging FSI problems, including parachute modeling and arterial FSI. Versions of the DSD/SST formulation introduced in recent years serve as lower-cost alternatives. More recent variational multiscale (VMS) version, which is called DSD/SST-VMST (and also ST-VMS), has brought better computational accuracy and serves as a reliable turbulence model. Special space–time FSI techniques introduced for specific classes of problems, such as parachute modeling and arterial FSI, have increased the scope and accuracy of the FSI modeling in those classes of computations. This paper provides an overview of the core space–time FSI technique, its recent versions, and the special space–time FSI techniques. The paper includes test computations with the DSD/SST-VMST technique.
ALE-VMS AND ST-VMS METHODS FOR COMPUTER MODELING OF WIND-TURBINE ROTOR AERODYNAMICS AND FLUID–STRUCTURE INTERACTION
Authors: BAZILEVS YURI , HSU MING-CHEN , TAKIZAWA KENJI , TEZDUYAR TAYFUN E.
Published: May 2012

We provide an overview of the Arbitrary Lagrangian–Eulerian Variational Multiscale (ALE-VMS) and Space–Time Variational Multiscale (ST-VMS) methods we have developed for computer modeling of wind-turbine rotor aerodynamics and fluid–structure interaction (FSI). The related techniques described include weak enforcement of the essential boundary conditions, Kirchhoff–Love shell modeling of the rotor-blade structure, NURBS-based isogeometric analysis, and full FSI coupling. We present results from application of these methods to computer modeling of NREL 5MW and NREL Phase VI wind-turbine rotors at full scale, including comparison with experimental data.
NONLOCAL VARIATIONAL MODELS FOR INPAINTING AND INTERPOLATION
Authors: ARIAS PABLO , CASELLES VICENT , FACCIOLO GABRIELE , LAZCANO VANEL , SADEK RIDA
Published: May 2012

In this paper we study some nonlocal variational models for different image inpainting tasks. Nonlocal methods for denoising and inpainting have gained considerable attention due to their good performance on textured images, a known weakness of classical local methods which are performant in recovering the geometric structure of the image. We first review a general variational framework for the problem of nonlocal inpainting that exploits the self-similarity of natural images to copy information in a consistent way from the known parts of the image. We single out two particular methods depending on the information we copy: either the gray level (or color) information or its gradient. We review the main properties of the corresponding energies and their minima. Then we discuss three other applications: we consider the problem of stereo inpainting, some simple cases of video inpainting, and the problem of interpolation of incomplete depth maps knowing a reference image. Incomplete depth maps can be obtained as a result of stereo algorithms, or given for instance by Time-of-Flight cameras (in that case the interpolated result can be used to generate the images of the stereo pair). We discuss the basic algorithms to minimize the energies and we display some numerical experiments illustrating the main properties of the proposed models.
MODELING CROWD DYNAMICS FROM A COMPLEX SYSTEM VIEWPOINT
Authors: BELLOMO NICOLA , PICCOLI BENEDETTO , TOSIN ANDREA
Published: May 2012

This paper aims at indicating research perspectives on the mathematical modeling of crowd dynamics, pointing on the one hand to insights into the complexity features of pedestrian flows and on the other hand to a critical overview of the most popular modeling approaches currently adopted in the specialized literature. Particularly, the focus is on scaling problems, namely representation and modeling at microscopic, macroscopic, and mesoscopic scales, which, entangled with the complexity issues of living systems, generate multiscale dynamical effects, such as e.g. self-organization. Mathematical structures suitable to approach such multiscale aspects are proposed, along with a forward look at research developments.
MICROSCOPIC APPROACH TO THE RICCI DARK ENERGY
Authors: BRODA BOGUSŁAW
Published: May 2012

A derivation of the Ricci dark energy from quantum field theory of fluctuating "matter" fields in a classical gravitational background is presented. The coupling to the dark energy, the parameter α, is estimated in the framework of our formalism, and qualitatively it appears to be within observational expectations.
DISTRIBUTION DYNAMICS FOR SIS MODEL ON RANDOM NETWORKS
Authors: SHANG YILUN
Published: May 2012

We study the evolution of degree distributions of susceptible-infected-susceptible (SIS) model on random networks, where susceptible nodes are capable of being infected, and infected nodes can spread the disease further. The network of contacts is modeled as a configuration model featuring heterogeneous degree distribution. We derive systematically the (excess) degree distributions among susceptible and infected individuals by using the probability generating function formalism.
NEIGHBORHOOD SYSTEM BASED ROUGH SET: MODELS AND ATTRIBUTE REDUCTIONS
Authors: YANG XIBEI , CHEN ZEHUA , DOU HUILI , ZHANG MING , YANG JINGYU
Published: May 2012

The neighborhood system based rough set is a generalization of Pawlak's rough set model since the former uses the neighborhood system instead of the partition for constructing target approximation. In this paper, the neighborhood system based rough set approach is employed to deal with the incomplete information system. By the coverings induced by the maximal consistent blocks and the support sets of the descriptors, respectively, two neighborhood systems based rough sets are explored. By comparing with the original maximal consistent block and descriptor based rough sets, the neighborhood system based rough sets hold the same lower approximations and the smaller upper approximations. Furthermore, the concept of attribute reduction is introduced into the neighborhood systems and the corresponding rough sets. The judgement theorems and discernibility functions to compute reducts are also presented. Some numerical examples are employed to substantiate the conceptual arguments.
GEOMETRY OF COHERENT STATES OF CCR ALGEBRAS
Authors: YAMAGAMI SHIGERU
Published: May 2012

Geometric positions of square roots of coherent states of CCR algebras are investigated along with an explicit formula for transition amplitudes among them, which is a natural extension of our previous results on quasi-free states and will provide a new insight into the quasi-equivalence problem on coherent states.
HIGH TECHNOLOGY AND BARRIERS TO INNOVATION: FROM GLOBALIZATION TO RELOCALIZATION
Authors: ZELENY MILAN
Published: May 2012

We live in an era when a remarkable number of new information and other technologies are successfully bypassing the main obstacle to technological advance: technology support network (TSN). Technology support net, when fully established and fixed, erects significant barriers to innovation. Innovation is not free and autonomous process of applied creativity, but is technically, economically and politically subservient to the "holders and owners" of the support net. We present operational definitions of technology and high technology which explain past and current barriers to innovation shifts from one technological paradigm to another. The TSN-bypass technologies are causing the process of globalization to slow down and revert itself into a process of relocalization, bringing forth the economy of autonomous, self-reliant and self-sustainable individuals, communities, localities and regions.
Synthesis and photodynamic activities of novel water soluble purpurin-18-N-methyl-D-glucamine photosensitizer and its gold nanoparticles conjugate
Authors: Lkhagvadulam Byambajav , Kim Jung Hwa , Yoon Il , Shim Young Key
Published: May 2012

A new type of water soluble ionic photosensitizer (PS), purpurin-18-N-methyl-D-glucamine (Pu-18-NMGA) has been synthesized and it was conjugated into gold nanoparticles (GNPs) stabilized by the PS without adding any particular reducing agents and surfactants. In vitro anticancer efficacy of the PS and its PS–GNPs conjugate against A549 lung cancer cell lines was evaluated. The PS–GNPs conjugate based on water-soluble Pu-18-NMGA afforded good PDT efficacy which was three times greater than that of the water-soluble PS.
MULTISCALE CONTINUOUS AND DISCONTINUOUS MODELING OF HETEROGENEOUS MATERIALS: A REVIEW ON RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
Authors: NGUYEN VINH PHU , STROEVEN MARTIJN , SLUYS LAMBERTUS JOHANNES
Published: May 2012

This paper reviews the recent developments in the field of multiscale modelling of heterogeneous materials with emphasis on homogenization methods and strain localization problems. Among other topics, the following are discussed (i) numerical homogenization or unit cell methods, (ii) continuous computational homogenization for bulk modelling, (iii) discontinuous computational homogenization for adhesive/cohesive crack modelling and (iv) continuous-discontinuous computational homogenization for cohesive failures. Different boundary conditions imposed on representative volume elements are described. Computational aspects concerning robustness and computational cost of multiscale simulations are presented.
Study Design of the Microcirculatory Shock Occurrence in Acutely Ill Patients (microSOAP): an International Multicenter Observational Study of Sublingual Microcirculatory Alterations in Intensive Care Patients
Authors: Vellinga Namkje A. R. , Boerma E. Christiaan , Koopmans Matty , Donati Abele , Dubin Arnaldo , Shapiro Nathan I. , Pearse Rupert M. , Bakker Jan , Ince Can
Published: May 2012

Objective. Sublingual microcirculatory alterations are associated with an adverse prognosis in several critical illness subgroups. Up to now, single-center studies have reported on sublingual microcirculatory alterations in ICU patient subgroups, but an extensive evaluation of the prevalence of these alterations is lacking. We present the study design of an international multicenter observational study to investigate the prevalence of microcirculatory alterations in critically ill: the Microcirculatory Shock Occurrence in Acutely ill Patients (microSOAP).Methods. 36 ICU’s worldwide have participated in this study aiming for inclusion of over 500 evaluable patients. To enable communication and data collection, a website, an Open Clinica 3.0 database, and image uploading software have been designed. A one-session assessment of the sublingual microcirculation using Sidestream Dark Field imaging and data collection on patient characteristics has been performed in every ICU patient >18 years, regardless of underlying disease. Statistical analysis will provide insight in the prevalence and severity of sublingual alterations, its relation to systemic hemodynamic variables, disease, therapy, and outcome.Conclusion. This study will be the largest microcirculation study ever performed. It is expected that this study will also establish a basis for future studies related to the microcirculation in critically ill.
Measuring Connectivity in Linear Multivariate Processes: Definitions, Interpretation, and Practical Analysis
Authors: Faes Luca , Erla Silvia , Nollo Giandomenico
Published: May 2012

This tutorial paper introduces a common framework for the evaluation of widely used frequency-domain measures of coupling (coherence, partial coherence) and causality (directed coherence, partial directed coherence) from the parametric representation of linear multivariate (MV) processes. After providing a comprehensive time-domain definition of the various forms of connectivity observed in MV processes, we particularize them to MV autoregressive (MVAR) processes and derive the corresponding frequency-domain measures. Then, we discuss the theoretical interpretation of these MVAR-based connectivity measures, showing that each of them reflects a specific time-domain connectivity definition and how this results in the description of peculiar aspects of the information transfer in MV processes. Furthermore, issues related to the practical utilization of these measures on real-time series are pointed out, including MVAR model estimation and significance assessment. Finally, limitations and pitfalls arising from model mis-specification are discussed, indicating possible solutions and providing practical recommendations for a safe computation of the connectivity measures. An example of estimation of the presented measures from multiple EEG signals recorded during a combined visuomotor task is also reported, showing how evaluation of coupling and causality in the frequency domain may help describing specific neurophysiological mechanisms.
Consensus Formation Control for a Class of Networked Multiple Mobile Robot Systems
Authors: Sheng Long , Pan Ya-Jun , Gong Xiang
Published: May 2012

A consensus-based formation control for a class of networked multiple mobile robots is investigated with a virtual leader approach. A novel distributed control algorithm is designed based on the Lyapunov method and linear matrix inequality (LMI) technique for time delay systems. A multiple Lyapunov Krasovskii functional candidate is proposed for investigating the sufficient conditions to linear control gain design for the system with constant time delays. Simulation results as well as experimental studies on Pioneer 3 series mobile robots are shown to verify the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Transfer of Bone-Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Influences Vascular Remodeling and Calcification after Balloon Injury in Hyperlipidemic Rats
Authors: Liao Jianquan , Chen Xiaochun , Li Yongdong , Ge Zhiping , Duan Hongyu , Zou Yunzeng , Ge Junbo
Published: May 2012

Bone-marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) were found to markedly increase atherosclerotic lesion size. The aim of this paper was to investigate whether BM-MSCs contribute to vascular remodeling and calcification after balloon injury in hyperlipidemic rats. Labeled BM-MSCs were found in the lesion of hyperlipidemic rats after balloon injury. Comparing injury group, transferred BM-MSCs significantly triggered vascular negative remodeling, characterized by the changes of remodeling index (0.628±0.0293versus0.544±0.0217), neointimal area (0.078±0.015 mm2versus0.098±0.019 mm2), PCNA index (23.91±6.59% versus43.11±5.31%), and percentage of stenosis (18.20±1.09% versus30.58±1.21%). Apparent vascular calcification was detected in medial layers at 6 weeks after balloon angioplasty, which may be associated with upregulation of bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2). Our data indicated that unselected BM-MSCs transfer may induce vascular remodeling and calcification after balloon injury in hyperlipidemic rats.
Molecular Mechanisms of Liver Injury and Hepatocarcinogenesis: Focusing on the Role of Stress-Activated MAPK
Authors: Nakagawa Hayato , Maeda Shin
Published: May 2012

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third most common cause of cancer mortality. Short-term prognosis of patients with HCC has improved recently due to advances in early diagnosis and treatment, but long-term prognosis is still unsatisfactory. Therefore, obtaining a further understanding of the molecular carcinogenic mechanisms and the unique pathogenic biology of HCC is important. The most characteristic process in hepatocarcinogenesis is underlying chronic liver injury, which leads to repeated cycles of hepatocyte death, inflammation, and compensatory proliferation and subsequently provides a mitogenic and mutagenic environment leading to the development of HCC. Recent in vivo studies have shown that the stress-activated mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascade converging on c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38 plays a central role in these processes, and it has attracted considerable attention as a therapeutic target. However, JNK and p38 have complex functions and a wide range of cellular effects. In addition, crosstalk with each other and the nuclear factor-kappaB pathway further complicate these functions. A full understanding is essential to bring these observations into clinical settings. In this paper, we discuss the latest findings regarding the mechanisms of liver injury and hepatocarcinogenesis focusing on the role of the stress-activated MAPK pathway.
Pathological Perspective of Drug-Eluting Stent Thrombosis
Authors: Inoue Katsumi
Published: May 2012

Although very late stent thrombosis (VLST) after drug-eluting stent (DES) implantation remains a major concern, the precise mechanisms have not been clarified. An association between late acquired incomplete stent apposition (ISA) and VLST of DES has been suggested by several intravascular ultrasound studies demonstrating very high prevalence of ISA in the setting of VLST. To clarify the pathological mechanisms of VLST, we investigated vascular responses of coronary arteries of VLST cases after DES implantation.
Textile UWB Antenna Bending and Wet Performances
Authors: Osman Mai A. R. , Rahim M. K. A. , Samsuri N. A. , Elbasheer M. K. , Ali M. E.
Published: May 2012

The vision and ideas of wearable computing systems describe future electronic systems as an integral part of our everyday clothing that provides the wearer with such intelligent personal assistants. Recently, there has been growing interest in the antenna community to merge between wearable systems technology, ultrawideband (UWB) technology and textile technology. This work aimed to make closer steps towards real wearability by investigating the possibilities of designing wearable UWB antenna where textile materials are used for the substrate as well as the conducting parts of the designed antenna. Two types of conducting materials have been used for conducting parts, while a nonconducting fabric has been used as antenna substrate material. A set of comparative results of the proposed design were presented and discussed. Moreover, effects on the return loss by means of measurements for each fabricated antenna prototype under bent and fully wet conditions were discussed in more details.
On the Diversification of the Translation Apparatus across Eukaryotes
Authors: Hernández Greco , Proud Christopher G. , Preiss Thomas , Parsyan Armen
Published: May 2012

Diversity is one of the most remarkable features of living organisms. Current assessments of eukaryote biodiversity reaches 1.5 million species, but the true figure could be several times that number. Diversity is ingrained in all stages and echelons of life, namely, the occupancy of ecological niches, behavioral patterns, body plans and organismal complexity, as well as metabolic needs and genetics. In this review, we will discuss that diversity also exists in a key biochemical process, translation, across eukaryotes. Translation is a fundamental process for all forms of life, and the basic components and mechanisms of translation in eukaryotes have been largely established upon the study of traditional, so-called model organisms. By using modern genome-wide, high-throughput technologies, recent studies of many nonmodel eukaryotes have unveiled a surprising diversity in the configuration of the translation apparatus across eukaryotes, showing that this apparatus is far from being evolutionarily static. For some of the components of this machinery, functional differences between different species have also been found. The recent research reviewed in this article highlights the molecular and functional diversification the translational machinery has undergone during eukaryotic evolution. A better understanding of all aspects of organismal diversity is key to a more profound knowledge of life.
Herpes Simplex Virus-2 Glycoprotein Interaction with HVEM Influences Virus-Specific Recall Cellular Responses at the Mucosa
Authors: Kopp Sarah J. , Storti Christopher S. , Muller William J.
Published: May 2012

Infection of susceptible cells by herpes simplex virus (HSV) requires the interaction of the HSV gD glycoprotein with one of two principal entry receptors, herpes virus entry mediator (HVEM) or nectins. HVEM naturally functions in immune signaling, and the gD-HVEM interaction alters innate signaling early after mucosal infection. We investigated whether the gD-HVEM interaction during priming changes lymphocyte recall responses in the murine intravaginal model. Mice were primed with attenuated HSV-2 expressing wild-type gD or mutant gD unable to engage HVEM and challenged 32 days later with virulent HSV-2 expressing wild-type gD. HSV-specific CD8+T cells were decreased at the genital mucosa during the recall response after priming with virus unable to engage HVEM but did not differ in draining lymph nodes. CD4+T cells, which are critical for entry of HSV-specific CD8+T cells into mucosa in acute infection, did not differ between the two groups in either tissue. An inverse association between Foxp3+CD4+regulatory T cells and CD8+infiltration into the mucosa was not statistically significant. CXCR3 surface expression was not significantly different among different lymphocyte subsets. We conclude that engagement of HVEM during the acute phase of HSV infection influences the antiviral CD8+recall response by an unexplained mechanism.
Vinyl Ester Oligomer Crosslinked Porous Polymers Prepared via Surfactant‐Free High Internal Phase Emulsions
Authors: Zhu Yun , Hua Ye , Zhang Shengmiao , Chen Jianding , Hu Chun Pu
Published: May 2012

Using vinyl ester resin (VER) containing styrene (or methyl methacrylate) and vinyl ester oligomer (VEO) as external phase, Pickering high internal phase emulsions (Pickering HIPEs) having internal phase volume fraction of up to 95 vol% were prepared with copolymer particles as sole stabilizer. Polymerizing the external phase of these Pickering HIPEs led to porous polymers (poly‐Pickering‐HIPEs). Compared to the polystyrene‐ (PS‐) based poly‐Pickering‐HIPEs which were prepared with mixture of styrene and divinylbenzene (DVB) as crosslinker, the poly‐Pickering‐HIPEs herein showed much higher elastic modulus and toughness. The elastic modulus of these poly‐Pickering‐HIPEs increased with increasing the VEO concentration in the external phase, while it decreased with increasing internal phase volume fraction. Increasing VEO concentration in the external phase also resulted in a decrease in the average void diameter as well as a narrow void diameter distribution of the resulting poly‐Pickering‐HIPEs. In addition, there were many small pores in the voids surface caused by the volume contraction of VER during the polymerization, which suggests a new method to fabricate porous polymers having a well‐defined hierarchical pore structure.
Influence of Different Restorative Techniques on the Strength of Endodontically Treated Weakened Roots
Authors: Alsamadani Khalid H. , Abdaziz El-Sayed Mohammed , Gad El-Sayed
Published: May 2012

Objective. Comparing effect of different restoration techniques on fracture resistance of compromised roots.Methods. Crowns of 100 single-rooted teeth were sectioned and 10 roots were kept as negative control group (Group 1). Remaining roots were instrumented and divided into one and positive control group of 10 samples (Group 2) and 4 experimental groups of 20 samples each. Group 3: roots were obturated with gutta-percha; Group 4: roots were restored with gutta-percha, composite, and glass fiber post; Group 5: roots were obturated with Resilon; Group 6: Roots were restored with Resilon, composite, and glass fiber post. Roots were weakened before obturation in groups 2, 3, and 5 and after obturation in groups 4 and 6. Fracture strengths were measured using Dartec testing machine and fracture load was recorded in kilo-Newton. Statistical analysis was done using ANOVA and Tukeys test.Results. The fractures resistance of restored roots was significantly higher in groups 4, 5, and 6 than in Groups 2 and 3. There were no significant differences between groups 1, 4, 5, and 6.Conclusions. Restoration of weakened roots with Resilon or bonding an intermediate composite resin to coronal radicular dentin and to glass fiber post increased their fracture resistance.
Disruption of theECM33Gene inCandida albicansPrevents Biofilm Formation, Engineered Human Oral Mucosa Tissue Damage and Gingival Cell Necrosis/Apoptosis
Authors: Rouabhia Mahmoud , Semlali Abdelhabib , Chandra Jyotsna , Mukherjee Pranab , Chmielewski Witold , Ghannoum Mahmoud A.
Published: May 2012

In this study we demonstrated that ΔCaecm33double mutant showed reduced biofilm formation and causes less damage to gingival mucosa tissues. This was confirmed by the reduced level of necrotic cells and Bax/Bcl2 gene expression as apoptotic markers. In contrast, parental andCaecm33mutant strains decreased basement membrane protein production (laminin 5 and type IV collagen). We thus propose thatECM33gene/protein represents a novel target for the prevention and treatment of infections caused byCandida.
A Grid‐Based Method to Represent the Covariance Structure for Earthquake Ground Motion
Authors: Li Yingmin , Wu Zheqian , Chen Huiguo
Published: May 2012

Spatial variation of earthquake ground motion is an important phenomenon that cannot be ignored in the design and safety of strategic structures. However, almost all the procedures for the evaluation of variation assumed that the random field is homogeneous in space. It is obvious that reality does not fully conform to the assumption. How to investigate the inhomogeneous feature of ground motion in space is a challenge for researcher. A body‐fitted grid‐coordinates‐based method is proposed to estimate and describe the local spatial variations for the earthquake ground motion; it need not to make the assumption that the random field of earthquake is homogeneous in space. An analysis of spatial variability of seismic motion in smart‐1 array monitored in Lotung, Taiwan demonstrates this methodology.
Synthesis and Electroluminescent Properties of Bis(3H‐1,2,3‐triazolo‐[4,5‐b]pyridine‐3‐ol)zinc Zn(TAP)2
Authors: Hoanh Trinh Dac , Im Young Hoon , Kim Dong-Eun , Kwon Young-Soo , Lee Burm-Jong
Published: May 2012

A new light‐emissive material, bis(3H‐1,2,3‐triazolo‐[4,5‐b]pyridine‐3‐ol)zinc (Zn(TAP)2), has been synthesized and characterized by FT‐NMR, FT‐IR, UV‐Vis, and elemental analysis. The photoluminescence (PL) of Zn(TAP)2 was measured from the DMF solution at 460 nm. The HOMO (6.5 eV) and LUMO (2.8 eV) energy levels of Zn(TAP)2 were estimated from the measurement of cyclic voltammetry. The devices with structures of ITO/NPB/Zn(TAP)2/LiF/Al and ITO/NPB/Zn(TAP)2/Alq3/LiF/Al were constructed to investigate their electroluminescent (EL) performance. Zn (TAP)2 is supposed to be a good emitting material in the EL device.
Mechanical Properties of High-Performance Lightweight Aggregate Concrete with Inorganic Polymers Cement Based on Multiple Minerals under Uniaxial Loading
Authors: Ma Xiao , Rao Qiuhua
Published: May 2012

High-performance lightweight aggregate concrete with inorganic polymers cement based on multiple minerals is a very promising new material. The research of mechanical properties of the new material is of great theoretical and practical significance. In this research, the failure behavior, cubic and prism compressive strength, elastic modulus, peak strain of the new material, and the nature of the stress-strain curve are studied. An analytical model is quoted to represent the ascending and descending parts of the stress-strain curve.
Efficacy of a “Rescue” Ciprofloxacin-Based Regimen for Eradication ofHelicobacter pyloriInfection after Treatment Failures
Authors: Dore Maria Pina , Tadeu Vincenza , Are Bianca , Mura Ida , Fanciulli Giuseppe , Massarelli Giovannino , Piana Andrea
Published: May 2012

The aim of our study was to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of a ciprofloxacin-based regimen forH. pylorieradication failures as an alternative to bismuth based quadruple therapy.Methods.Design:prospective single-center study. Patients in whom a first eradication trial with omeprazole/esomeprazole, clarithromycin plus amoxicillin or tinidazole/metronidazole had failed were included.H. pylori status:established by histology, rapide urease test and polymerase chain reaction.Intervention:esomeprazole 20 mg, ciprofloxacin 500 mg, and metronidazole 500 mg, administered together before breakfast and dinner for 10 days. Susceptibility testing was performed by the Epsilometer test. Ciprofloxacin resistance was defined as a MIC of ≥1 μg/mL. Eradication was established by a negative 13C-UBT and 4–6 weeks post-therapy. Efficacy and side effects were determined.Results. 34 patients were enrolled, 32 completed the study. Compliance was excellent (100%). Side effects were mild. Ciprofloxacin-based therapy cured 65% (22/34) of patients by intention to treat and 69% (22/32) per protocol analysis. The prevalence of ciprofloxacin resistance was 8%.Conclusions. The effectiveness of ciprofloxacin-based therapy was greatly reduced despite the high prevalence of ciprofloxacin sensitiveH. pyloristrains. Bismuth based quadruple therapy still remain the best choice as a “rescue” regimen in our region.
Association of TCTP with Centrosome and Microtubules
Authors: Jaglarz Mariusz K. , Bazile Franck , Laskowska Katarzyna , Polanski Zbigniew , Chesnel Franck , Borsuk Ewa , Kloc Malgorzata , Kubiak Jacek Z.
Published: May 2012

Translationally Controlled Tumour Protein (TCTP) associates with microtubules (MT), however, the details of this association are unknown. Here we analyze the relationship of TCTP with MTs and centrosomes inXenopus laevisand mammalian cells using immunofluorescence, tagged TCTP expression and immunoelectron microscopy. We show that TCTP associates both with MTs and centrosomes at spindle poles when detected by species-specific antibodies and by Myc-XlTCTP expression inXenopusand mammalian cells. However, when the antibodies against XlTCTP were used in mammalian cells, TCTP was detected exclusively in the centrosomes. These results suggest that a distinct pool of TCTP may be specific for, and associate with, the centrosomes. Double labelling for TCTP and γ-tubulin with immuno-gold electron microscopy inXenopus laevisoogonia shows localization of TCTP at the periphery of the γ-tubulin-containing pericentriolar material (PCM) enveloping the centriole. TCTP localizes in the close vicinity of, but not directly on the MTs inXenopusovary suggesting that this association requires unidentified linker proteins. Thus, we show for the first time: (1) the association of TCTP with centrosomes, (2) peripheral localization of TCTP in relation to the centriole and the γ-tubulin-containing PCM within the centrosome, and (3) the indirect association of TCTP with MTs.
Biofuel Manufacturing from Woody Biomass: Effects of Sieve Size Used in Biomass Size Reduction
Authors: Zhang Meng , Song Xiaoxu , Deines T. W. , Pei Z. J. , Wang Donghai
Published: May 2012

Size reduction is the first step for manufacturing biofuels from woody biomass. It is usually performed using milling machines and the particle size is controlled by the size of the sieve installed on a milling machine. There are reported studies about the effects of sieve size on energy consumption in milling of woody biomass. These studies show that energy consumption increased dramatically as sieve size became smaller. However, in these studies, the sugar yield (proportional to biofuel yield) in hydrolysis of the milled woody biomass was not measured. The lack of comprehensive studies about the effects of sieve size on energy consumption in biomass milling and sugar yield in hydrolysis process makes it difficult to decide which sieve size should be selected in order to minimize the energy consumption in size reduction and maximize the sugar yield in hydrolysis. The purpose of this paper is to fill this gap in the literature. In this paper, knife milling of poplar wood was conducted using sieves of three sizes (1, 2, and 4 mm). Results show that, as sieve size increased, energy consumption in knife milling decreased and sugar yield in hydrolysis increased in the tested range of particle sizes.
Anthropometric Method for Determining “Masked Obesity” in the Young Japanese Female Population
Authors: Fukuoka Yoshiyuki , Ueoka Hatsumi , Koya Nahoko , Fujisawa Yoshihiko , Ishii Masaru
Published: May 2012

A specific kind of obesity that occurs in young women who appear thin but who have relatively greater percentage of body fat than is normal for their weight is called “masked obesity.” The definition of masked obesity is nutritionally and anthropometrically clear: body mass index (BMI) <25 kg/m2 and percentage of body fat (%BF) ≥30%. However, this definition allowed obesity to be underestimated. Thus, we determined that when mathematically analyzing the relationship between BMI and %BF, the equation %BF=aBMIb could be applied, where a (i.e., %BF/BMIb), converted by logarithmic function, is defined as an index for masked obesity (MOI). The MOI equation (a) was thus %BF/BMI2.12. We measured the height, weight, and %BF of 8,068 young women from all over Japan. The percentage of subjects with masked obesity above the defined criteria (BMI <25 kg/m2 and %BF ≥30%) was 7.4%. The mean MOI was 0.0444 in the masked obesity group and we determined additional cases of masked obesity if the MOI was greater than 0.0444. The percentage of additional masked obesity cases within the standard scale was 10.4%, and thus, the percentage of masked obesity was 17.8% in the young Japanese women tested.
Effect of Management Practices on Soil Microstructure and Surface Microrelief
Authors: Garcia Moreno R. , Burykin T. , Diaz Alvarez M. C. , Crawford J. W.
Published: May 2012

Soil surface roughness (SSR) and porosity were evaluated from soils located in two farms belonging to the Plant Breeding Institute of the University of Sidney. The sites differ in their soil management practices; the first site (PBI) was strip-tilled during early fall (May 2010), and the second site (JBP) was under power harrowed tillage at the end of July 2010. Both sites were sampled in mid-August. At each location, SSR was measured for three 1 m2subplots using shadow analysis. To evaluate porosity and aggregation, soil samples were scanned using X-ray computed tomography with 5 μm resolution. The results show a strong negative correlation between SSR and porosity, 20.13% SSR and 41.38% porosity at PBI versus 42.00% SSR and 18.35% porosity at JBP. However, soil images show that when soil surface roughness is higher due to conservation and soil management practices, the processes of macroaggregation and structural porosity are enhanced. Further research must be conducted on SSR and porosity in different types of soils, as they provide complementary information on the evaluation of soil erosion susceptibility.
Thermographical Measuring of the Skin Temperature Using Laser Needle Acupuncture in Preterm Neonates
Authors: Raith Wolfgang , Litscher Gerhard , Sapetschnig Iris , Bauchinger Sebastian , Ziehenberger Evelyne , Müller Wilhelm , Urlesberger Berndt
Published: May 2012

In children, laser acupuncture is used more often than needle acupuncture in Western countries, due to their aversion to needles. When applying laser acupuncture to premature babies and neonates, firstly the degree of the thermal increase to the skin has to be evaluated so as to guarantee safe application. The patients were premature neonates before their discharge from hospital. The measurements were carried out by means of a polygraphy while they were asleep shortly. The large intestine 4 acupoint (LI4,Hegu) was stimulated by a microlaser needle (10 mW, 685 nm) twice (5 and 10 min). Local thermographic pictures were taken with a thermal camera (Flir i5, Flir Systems Inc., Portland, USA), and the warmest point was determined and subsequently compared. The study included 10 premature neonates (7 male, 3 female). The measurements were carried out on the 33rd day of life (weight 2030 g, gestational age36+3weeks of pregnancy). In comparison to the initial temperature (32.9C°), after 5 minutes of stimulation (33.9°C) (P=0.025) and also after 10 minutes of stimulation (34.0°C) (P=0.01), there was found to be a significant increase in the skin temperature. The singular maximum value of 37.9°C bears a potential danger; however, compared to the local temperatures reached in transcutaneous blood gas measurements it appears not to entail any risks.