bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stimulus selectivity and response latency in putative inhibitory and excitatory neurons of the primate inferior temporal cortex
Authors: Mruczek Ryan E. B. , Sheinberg David L.
Published: August 2012

The cerebral cortex is composed of many distinct classes of neurons. Numerous studies have demonstrated corresponding differences in neuronal properties across cell types, but these comparisons have largely been limited to conditions outside of awake, behaving animals. Thus the functional role of the various cell types is not well understood. Here, we investigate differences in the functional properties of two widespread and broad classes of cells in inferior temporal cortex of macaque monkeys: inhibitory interneurons and excitatory projection cells. Cells were classified as putative inhibitory or putative excitatory neurons on the basis of their extracellular waveform characteristics (e.g., spike duration). Consistent with previous intracellular recordings in cortical slices, putative inhibitory neurons had higher spontaneous firing rates and higher stimulus-evoked firing rates than putative excitatory neurons. Additionally, putative excitatory neurons were more susceptible to spike waveform adaptation following very short interspike intervals. Finally, we compared two functional properties of each neuron's stimulus-evoked response: stimulus selectivity and response latency. First, putative excitatory neurons showed stronger stimulus selectivity compared with putative inhibitory neurons. Second, putative inhibitory neurons had shorter response latencies compared with putative excitatory neurons. Selectivity differences were maintained and latency differences were enhanced during a visual search task emulating more natural viewing conditions. Our results suggest that short-latency inhibitory responses are likely to sculpt visual processing in excitatory neurons, yielding a sparser visual representation.
Control of ankle extensor muscle activity in walking cats
Authors: Hatz Kathrin , Mombaur Katja , Donelan J. Maxwell
Published: August 2012

Our objective was to gain insight into the relative importance of feedforward control and different proprioceptive feedback pathways to ongoing ankle extensor activity during walking in the conscious cat. We asked whether the modulation of stance phase muscle activity is due primarily to proprioceptive feedback and whether the same proprioceptive gains and feedforward commands can automatically generate the muscle activity required for changes in walking slope. To test these hypotheses, we analyzed previously collected muscle activity and mechanics data from cats with an isolated medial gastrocnemius muscle walking along a sloped pegway. Models of proprioceptor dynamics predicted afferent activity from the measured muscle mechanics. We modeled muscle activity as the weighted sum of the activity predicted from the different proprioceptive pathways and a simple model of central drive. We determined the unknown model parameters using optimization procedures that minimized the error between the predicted and measured muscle activity. We found that the modulation of muscle activity within the stance phase and across walking slopes is indeed well described by neural control that employs constant central drive and constant proprioceptive feedback gains. Furthermore, it is force feedback from Ib afferents that is primarily responsible for modulating muscle activity; group II afferent feedback makes a small contribution to tonic activity, and Ia afferent feedback makes no contribution. Force feedback combined with tonic central drive appears to provide a simple control mechanism for automatically compensating for changes in terrain without requiring different commands from the brain or even modification of central nervous system gains.
Chaotic Neural Network for Biometric Pattern Recognition
Authors: Ahmadian Kushan , Gavrilova Marina
Published: August 2012

Biometric pattern recognition emerged as one of the predominant research directions in modern security systems. It plays a crucial role in authentication of both real-world and virtual reality entities to allow system to make an informed decision on granting access privileges or providing specialized services. The major issues tackled by the researchers are arising from the ever-growing demands on precision and performance of security systems and at the same time increasing complexity of data and/or behavioral patterns to be recognized. In this paper, we propose to deal with both issues by introducing the new approach to biometric pattern recognition, based on chaotic neural network (CNN). The proposed method allows learning the complex data patterns easily while concentrating on the most important for correct authentication features and employs a unique method to train different classifiers based on each feature set. The aggregation result depicts the final decision over the recognized identity. In order to train accurate set of classifiers, the subspace clustering method has been used to overcome the problem of high dimensionality of the feature space. The experimental results show the superior performance of the proposed method.
Microscopic Rate Constants of Crystal Growth from Molecular Dynamic Simulations Combined with Metadynamics
Authors: Kozma Dániel , Tóth Gergely
Published: August 2012

Atomistic simulation of crystal growth can be decomposed into two steps: the determination of the microscopic rate constants and a mesoscopic kinetic Monte Carlo simulation. We proposed a method to determine kinetic rate constants of crystal growth. We performed classical molecular dynamics on the equilibrium liquid/crystal interface of argon. Metadynamics was used to explore the free energy surface of crystal growth. A crystalline atom was selected at the interface, and it was displaced to the liquid phase by adding repulsive Gaussian potentials. The activation free energy of this process was calculated as the maximal potential energy density of the Gaussian potentials. We calculated the rate constants at different interfacial structures using the transition state theory. In order to mimic real crystallization, we applied a temperature difference in the calculations of the two opposite rate constants, and they were applied in kinetic Monte Carlo simulation. The novelty of our technique is that it can be used for slow crystallization processes, while the simple following of trajectories can be applied only for fast reactions. Our method is a possibility for determination of elementary rate constants of crystal growth that seems to be necessary for the long-time goal of computer-aided crystal design.
Evaluation of Effects of Chinese Prescription Kangen-karyu on Diabetes-Induced Alterations such as Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis in the Liver of Type 2 Diabeticdb/dbMice
Authors: Park Chan Hum , Noh Jeong Sook , Okamoto Takuya , Park Jong Cheol , Yokozawa Takako
Published: August 2012

The present study was conducted to examine whether Kangen-karyu has an ameliorative effect on diabetes-induced alterations such as oxidative stress and apoptosis in the liver of type 2 diabeticdb/dbmice. Kangen-karyu (100 or 200 mg/kg body weight/day, p.o.) was administered every day for 18 weeks todb/dbmice and its effect was compared with vehicle-treateddb/dbandm/mmice. The administration of Kangen-karyu decreased the elevated serum glucose and leptin concentrations indb/dbmice, and reduced the increased oxidative biomarkers including the generation of reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxidation in the liver. Thedb/dbmice exhibited the upregulation of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase subunits, NF-E2-related factor 2, heme oxygenase-1, nuclear factor-kappa B, cyclooxygenase-2, and inducible nitric oxide synthase levels in the liver; however, Kangen-karyu treatment significantly reduced those expressions. Moreover, the augmented expressions of apoptosis-related proteins, Bax, cytochromec, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), phosphor-JNK, AP-1, and caspase-3, were downregulated by Kangen-karyu administration. Hematoxylin-eosin staining showed that the increased hepatocellular damage in the liver ofdb/dbmice improved by Kangen-karyu administration. Our findings support the therapeutic evidence for Kangen-karyu ameliorating the development of diabetic hepatic complicationsviaregulating oxidative stress and apoptosis.
Development of Bullous Disease during Treatment of Pulmonary Marginal Zone B-Cell Lymphoma
Authors: Ansari S. , Dubaybo H. , Levi E. , Dubaybo B. A.
Published: August 2012

We describe an unusual case of severe pulmonary bullous disease developing during treatment of marginal zone B-Cell lymphoma (MALT) involving the pulmonary parenchyma. The patient originally presented with pneumonia-like symptoms along with hemoptysis and was diagnosed with MALT lymphoma after a video-assisted thoracic surgical (VATS) lung biopsy. Computed tomography (CT) of the chest at diagnosis revealed multiple opacities, but no bullous disease. During the ensuing 4 years, and while on chemotherapy for the MALT lymphoma, sequential CT and pulmonary function tests revealed the development of progressive bullous disease resulting in the replacement of large portions of the lung parenchyma with bilateral bullae. This complication is rare, has been reported only once before in a patient with concomitant amyloidosis, and may be related to activation of proteolytic enzymes by lymphoma cells or chemotherapeutic agents.
Parkinson's Disease: Leucine-Rich Repeat Kinase 2 and Autophagy, Intimate Enemies
Authors: Bravo-San Pedro José M. , Gómez-Sánchez Rubén , Pizarro-Estrella Elisa , Niso-Santano Mireia , González-Polo Rosa A. , Fuentes Rodríguez José M.
Published: August 2012

Parkinson's disease is the second common neurodegenerative disorder, after Alzheimer's disease. It is a clinical syndrome characterized by loss of dopamine-generating cells in the substancia nigra, a region of the midbrain. The etiology of Parkinson's disease has long been through to involve both genetic and environmental factors. Mutations in the leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 gene cause late-onset Parkinson's disease with a clinical appearance indistinguishable from Parkinson's disease idiopathic. Autophagy is an intracellular catabolic mechanism whereby a cell recycles or degrades damage proteins and cytoplasmic organelles. This degradative process has been associated with cellular dysfunction in neurodegenerative processes including Parkinson's disease. We discuss the role of leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 in autophagy, and how the deregulations of this degradative mechanism in cells can be implicated in the Parkinson's disease etiology.
Lightlike Hypersurfaces of a Semi-Riemannian Product Manifold and Quarter-Symmetric Nonmetric Connections
Authors: Kılıç Erol , Bahadır Oğuzhan
Published: August 2012

We study lightlike hypersurfaces of a semi-Riemannian product manifold. We introduce a class of lightlike hypersurfaces called screen semi-invariant lightlike hypersurfaces and radical anti-invariant lightlike hypersurfaces. We consider lightlike hypersurfaces with respect to a quarter-symmetric nonmetric connection which is determined by the product structure. We give some equivalent conditions for integrability of distributions with respect to the Levi-Civita connection of semi-Riemannian manifolds and the quarter-symmetric nonmetric connection, and we obtain some results.
Fuzzy Lattice Reasoning for Pattern Classification Using a New Positive Valuation Function
Authors: Jamshidi Khezeli Yazdan , Nezamabadi-pour Hossein
Published: August 2012

This paper describes an enhancement of fuzzy lattice reasoning (FLR) classifier for pattern classification based on a positive valuation function. Fuzzy lattice reasoning (FLR) was described lately as a lattice data domain extension of fuzzy ARTMAP neural classifier based on a lattice inclusion measure function. In this work, we improve the performance of FLR classifier by defining a new nonlinear positive valuation function. As a consequence, the modified algorithm achieves better classification results. The effectiveness of the modified FLR is demonstrated by examples on several well-known pattern recognition benchmarks.
Religious Beliefs, Possession States, and Spirits: Three Case Studies from Sri Lanka
Authors: Hanwella Raveen , de Silva Varuni , Yoosuf Alam , Karunaratne Sanjeewani , de Silva Pushpa
Published: August 2012

We describe three patients from different religious backgrounds in Sri Lanka whose possession states were strongly influenced by their religious beliefs. Patient A was a Buddhist who claimed to have special powers given by a local deity named Paththini. Patient B was a Catholic who experienced spirits around her whom she believed were sent by Satan. Patient C was a Muslim and believed she was possessed by spirits. The religious beliefs also influenced the help-seeking behaviour and the rituals or treatments to which they responded.
Color Image Quality Assessment Based on CIEDE2000
Authors: Yang Yang , Ming Jun , Yu Nenghai
Published: August 2012

Combining the color difference formula of CIEDE2000 and the printing industry standard for visual verification, we present an objective color image quality assessment method correlated with subjective vision perception. An objective score conformed to subjective perception (OSCSP)Qwas proposed to directly reflect the subjective visual perception. In addition, we present a general method to calibrate correction factors of color difference formula under real experimental conditions. Our experiment results show that the present DE2000-based metric can be consistent with human visual system in general application environment.
Use of the Bonfils Intubation Fiberscope in Patients with Limited Mouth Opening
Authors: Shollik Nabil A. , Ibrahim Sami M. , Ismael Ahmed , Agnoletti Vanni , Piraccini Emanuele , Corso Ruggero Massimo
Published: August 2012

Airway management of patients with very limited mouth opening remains a challenge for the anaesthetist. We describe the use of the Bonfils Intubation Fiberscope for awake intubation in two patients with a very limited mouth opening. In the first case, a 60-year-old 80 kg female, scheduled for a right modified radical mastectomy for infiltrating ductal carcinoma (15 mm mouth opening, a short thick neck, limited neck extension, and a Mallampati class 4 airway), the Bonfils was advanced via the retromolar technique. In the second patient, a 34-year-old male, scheduled for a surgical tracheotomy for right tonsillar cancer, due to a neoplastic infiltration of the right temporomandibular joint (7 mm mouth opening and limited neck movement), the Bonfils was advanced using the midline approach. The Bonfils is a reusable, rigid, straight fiberoptic device with a curved tip, is 5 mm in diameter, and has several advantages: it is quick and easy to use, more cost effective than a flexible fiberscope, and is safe in expert hands, thanks to its smaller diameter. Our conclusion is that awake BIF intubation is a reliable, atraumatic, and well-tolerated procedure to secure a safe airway in patients with a limited mouth opening.
Theoretical Study on Solubility from Pt Electrocatalyst and Reactivity in Electrolyte Environment of Pt Complex in PEFC
Authors: Ishimoto Takayoshi , Koyama Michihisa
Published: August 2012

We theoretically analyzed the formation energy and solvation free energy of Pt(II) and Pt(IV) complexes with three types of ligands(H2O,OH−,and CF3SO3 −)in electrolyte environment under the low- and high-humidity conditions to study the Pt electrocatalyst degradation and dissolution mechanisms for polymer electrolyte fuel cell. To represent the low- and high-humidity conditions in perfluorosulfonic acid (PFSA) polymer electrolyte membrane, we controlled the dielectric constant based on the experimental result. We observed general tendencies that the formation energy becomes larger while the solvation free energy becomes smaller under the low-humidity condition. The degradation of Pt complex from Pt surface is indicated to be accelerated by the adsorption of the end group of PFSA polymer side chain, on the Pt surface by comparing the desorption energies of [Pt(H2O)2(OH)3(CF3SO3)] and [Pt(H2O)2(OH)4]. The [Pt(H2O)4]2+is not formed by the proton addition reaction between Pt complexes under the low-humidity condition of PFSA environment. From the analysis of possible reaction pathways of Pt complexes, we found the influence of humidity on the reactivity of Pt complex.
Random Attractors of Stochastic Three‐Component Reversible Gray‐Scott System on Unbounded Domains
Authors: Gu Anhui
Published: August 2012

The existence of a pullback random attractor is established for a
stochastic three‐component reversible Gray‐Scott system on unbounded domains.
The Gray‐Scott system is recast as a random dynamical system and
asymptotic compactness which is illustrated by using uniform, a priori estimates
for far‐field values of solutions and a cutoff technique.
Case Report of a Prostatic Abscess with a Review of the Literature
Authors: Flannery Michael T. , Humphrey Deborah
Published: August 2012

A middle age male with type 2 diabetes mellitus presented with urinary symptoms. Blood and urine cultures were consistent with Methicillin ResistantStaphylcoccal Aureus(MRSA). A computed tomography demonstrated mutiple prostatic microabscessess. No other hematogenous source was identified. Transurethral prostatic drainage and intravenous Vancomycin followed by oral doxcycline led to clinical success for this likely Community acquired case of MRSA (CA-MRSA). We discuss our case report and discuss the current literature on the trends, causation, diagnosis and treatment of MRSA induced prostatic abscess.
ProspectiveIn VitroModels of Channelopathies and Cardiomyopathies
Authors: Kawaguchi Nanako , Hayama Emiko , Furutani Yoshiyuki , Nakanishi Toshio
Published: August 2012

Anin vitroheart disease model is a promising model used for identifying the genes responsible for the disease, evaluating the effects of drugs, and regenerative medicine. We were interested in disease models using a patient-induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cell-derived cardiomyocytes because of their similarity to a patient’s tissues. However, as these studies have just begun, we would like to review the literature in this and other related fields and discuss the path for future models of molecular biology that can help to diagnose and cure diseases, and its involvement in regenerative medicine. The heterogeneity of iPS cells and/or differentiated cardiomyocytes has been recognized as a problem. Anin vitroheart disease model should be evaluated using molecular biological analyses, such as mRNA and micro-RNA expression profiles and proteomic analysis.
On Weakly (C, ψ, ϕ)‐Contractive Mappings in Ordered Partial Metric Spaces
Authors: Karapınar Erdal , Shatanawi Wasfi
Published: August 2012

We introduce the notion of weakly (C, ψ, ϕ)‐contractive mappings in ordered partial metric spaces and prove some common fixed point theorems for such contractive mappings in the context of partially ordered partial metric spaces under certain conditions. We give some common fixed point results of integral type as an application of our main theorem. Also, we give an example and an application of integral equation to support the useability of our results.
Relationships between Social Resources and Healthful Behaviors across the Age Spectrum
Authors: Lewis Kristina H. , Gillman Matthew W. , Greaney Mary L. , Puleo Elaine , Bennett Gary G. , Emmons Karen M.
Published: August 2012

Background. We examined cross-sectional relationships of social resources with health behaviors in adults ages 18–93 years.Methods. Baseline data from a 2009 risk behavior intervention trial were used to measure social resources, physical activity, and fruit and vegetable intake in 2,440 adults. To evaluate associations overall and within 4 age groups (18–34, 35–49, 50–64, and 65–93 y), we used multivariable regression.Results. Mean (SD) age was 49.4 (15) years, physical activity was 346 (304) minutes/week, and fruit and vegetable intake was 3.4 (2.4) servings/day. Mean social resource score was 1.2 (0–4 scale) in 18–34 year olds, 1.1 in all other age groups (P=0.04). In multivariable models, for each one-point increment in social resource score, the odds ratio for getting 150–959 minutes of physical activity/wk (compared to <150 min/wk) was 3.7 (95% CI 3.0–4.6). Each one-point increment in score was also associated with 29% (95% CI: 23–35%) more servings of fruit and vegetables. We did not observe effect modification by age group.Conclusions. Although younger adults reported slightly higher resources than older adults, the magnitude of association between social resources and healthful behaviors did not differ between them.
Minimally Invasive Spinal Arthrodesis in Osteoporotic Population Using a Cannulated and Fenestrated Augmented Screw: Technical Description and Clinical Experience
Authors: Lubansu Alphonse , Rynkowski Michal , Abeloos Laurence , Appelboom Geoffrey , Dewitte Olivier
Published: August 2012

We describe a percutaneous or minimally invasive approach to apply an augmentation of pedicle fenestrated screws by injection of the PMMA bone cement through the implant and determine the safety and efficiency of this technique in a clinical series of 15 elderly osteoporotic patients. Clinical outcome and the function were assessed using respectively the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Peri- and post-operative complications were monitored during a minimum of 2 years of follow-up. Radiographic follow-up was based on plain fluoroscopic control at 3, 6 and 12 months and every year. In this approach, four steps were considered with care: optimal positioning of the screws, correct alignment of the screw heads, waiting time before the injection of cement, fluoroscopic control of the cement injection. Using these precautions, only 2 minor complications occurred. VAS scores and ODI questionnaires showed a statistically significant improvement up to 13.3 months postoperatively. No radiological complications were observed. Based on this experience, PMMA augmentation technique through the novel fenestrated screws provided an effective and long lasting fixation in osteoporotic patients. Applying this procedure through percutaneous or minimally invasive approach under fluoroscopic control seems to be safe.
Combined Unilateral Hemilaminectomy and Thoracoscopic Resection of the Dumbbell-Shaped Thoracic Neurinoma: A Case Report
Authors: Tanaka Toshihide , Kato Naoki , Aoki Ken , Nakamura Aya , Watanabe Mitsuyoshi , Tochigi Satoru , Marushima Hideki , Akiba Tadashi , Hasegawa Yuzuru , Abe Toshiaki
Published: August 2012

A 41-year-old woman complained of chest pain when coughing. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging disclosed a homogenously enhanced tumor occupying the spinal canal at the Th7 level and extending into the right paravertebral space through the intervertebral foramen between Th7 and Th8. The tumor was successfully removed via a posterolateral approach using unilateral hemilaminectomy followed by thoracoscopic surgery. Since the tumor had a dumbbell shape, a combined approach was considered essential. The histological diagnosis was a thoracic neurinoma. Combined hemilaminectomy and thoracoscopic surgery may be a good alternative for the management of thoracic dumbbell-shaped tumors.
En Face OCT Imaging for the Diagnosis of Outer Retinal Tubulations in Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Authors: Wolff Benjamin , Matet Alexandre , Vasseur Vivien , Sahel José-Alain , Mauget-Faÿsse Martine
Published: August 2012

Purpose. “En face” is an emerging imaging technique derived from spectral domain optical coherence tomography (OCT). It produces frontal sections of retinal layers, also called “C-scan OCT.” Outer retinal tubulations (ORTs) in age-related macular degeneration (AMD) are a recent finding evidenced by spectral-domain OCT. The aim of this study is to characterize the morphology of ORT according to the form of AMD, using “en-face” spectral domain OCT.Methods. “En face” OCT imaging was prospectively performed in 26 consecutive eyes with AMD that also had ORT.Results. There were 15 neovascular, 8 atrophic, and 3 eyes with a mixed (fibrotic and atrophic) form of AMD. Among the neovascular group, the most frequent tubulation pattern on “en-face” OCT was a branching network emanating from a fibrovascular scar; we term this pattern as “pseudodendritic.” It did not require treatment when observed as an isolated finding. In all cases of atrophic AMD, the tubular network was located at the edge of the geographic atrophy area, and formed a “perilesional” pattern. Six atrophic cases showed tubular invaginations inside this area.Conclusion. “En face” OCT is a valuable technique in the diagnosis and followup of macular disease. It revealed the main characteristic patterns of ORT associated with neovascular and atrophic AMD.
On Nonlinear Simulation Methods and Tools for Evaluating thePerformance of Ships and Offshore Structures in Waves
Authors: Liu Shukui , Papanikolaou Apostolos
Published: August 2012

This paper describes the development of alternative time domain numerical simulation methods
for predicting large amplitude motions of ships and floating structures in response to incoming waves in the frame of potential theory. The developed alternative set of time domain methods simulate the hydrodynamic forces acting on ships advancing in waves with constant speed. For motions’ simulation, the diffraction forces and radiation forces are calculated up to the mean wetted surface, while the Froude‐Krylov forces and hydrostatic restoring forces are calculated up to the undisturbed incident wave surface in case of large incident wave amplitude. This enables the study of the above waterline hull form effect. Characteristic case studies on simulating the hydrodynamic forces and motions of standard type of ships have been conducted for validation purpose. Good agreement with other numerical codes and experimental data has been observed. Furthermore, the added resistance of ships in waves can be calculated by the presented methods. This capability supports the increased demand of this type of tools for the proper selection of engine/propulsion systems accounting for ship’s performance in realistic sea conditions, or when optimizing ship’s sailing route for minimum fuel consumption and toxic gas emissions.
Algorithms for Solving System of Extended General Variational Inclusions and Fixed Points Problems
Authors: Petrot Narin , Balooee Javad
Published: August 2012

We introduce a new system of extended general nonlinear variational inclusions with different nonlinear operators and establish the equivalence between the aforesaid system and the fixed point problem. By using this equivalent formulation, we prove the existence and uniqueness theorem for solution of the system of extended general nonlinear variational inclusions. We suggest and analyze a new resolvent iterative algorithm to approximate the unique solution of the system of extended general nonlinear variational inclusions which is a fixed point of a nearly uniformly Lipschitzian mapping. Subsequently, the convergence analysis of the proposed iterative algorithm under some suitable conditions is considered. Furthermore, some related works to our main problem are pointed out and discussed.
Thermo-Diffusion and Diffusion-Thermo Effects on MHD Free Convective Heat and Mass Transfer from a Sphere Embedded in a Non-Darcian Porous Medium
Authors: Vasu B. , Prasad V. R. , Bég O. Anwar
Published: August 2012

The problem of combined heat and mass transfer by natural convection over a sphere in a homogenous non-Darcian porous medium subjected to uniform magnetic field is numerically studied, taking Soret/Dufour effects into account. The coupled, steady, and laminar partial differential conservation equations of mass, momentum, energy, and species diffusion are normalized with appropriate transformations. The resulting well-posed two-point boundary value problem is solved using the well-tested, extensively validated Keller-Box implicit finite difference method, with physically realistic boundary conditions. A parametric study of the influence of Soret number (Sr), Dufour number (Du), Forchheimer parameter (Λ), Darcy parameter (Da), buoyancy ratio parameter (), Prandtl number (Pr), Schmidt number (Sc), magnetohydrodynamic body force parameter (), wall transpiration () is the blowing/suction parameter, and streamwise variable (ξ) on velocity, temperature, and concentration function evolution in the boundary layer regime is presented. Shear stress, Nusselt number, and Sherwood number distributions are also computed. Applications of the study arise in hydromagnetic flow control of conducting transport in packed beds, magnetic materials processing, geophysical energy systems, and magnetohydrodynamic chromatography technology.
Cigarette Smoking and Lung Cancer: Pediatric Roots
Authors: Hymowitz Norman
Published: August 2012

A vast array of data suggests that early age of smoking onset enhances the risk for development of lung cancer in adulthood. Initiation of smoking at a young age may influence the development of lung cancer because of its effect on duration of smoking. Early onset of smoking also may serve as an independent risk factor. It may increase the likelihood that smoking occurs during a critical period of development that enhances susceptibility to the adverse effects of cancer causing agents in cigarette smoke, thereby facilitating the initiation of the carcinogenic process. While evidence for the latter hypothesis derives from a variety of sources, definitive proof has proven elusive. Whether or not early age of smoking serves as an independent risk factor for lung carcinogenesis, the consensus of the public health community is that prevention of smoking onset at a young age and early cessation are keys to stemming the current lung cancer pandemic. Population approaches to tobacco prevention and control, such as measures contained in the World Health Organization Framework Convention Tobacco Control Treaty, offer the best opportunity, on the scale needed, to create a smoke-free world and bring an end to the pandemic of tobacco-related disease.
Serum Lipids and the Risk of Gastrointestinal Malignancies in the Swedish AMORIS Study
Authors: Wulaningsih Wahyu , Garmo Hans , Holmberg Lars , Hammar Niklas , Jungner Ingmar , Walldius Göran , Van Hemelrijck Mieke
Published: August 2012

Background. Metabolic syndrome has been linked to an increased cancer risk, but the role of dyslipidaemia in gastrointestinal malignancies is unclear. We aimed to assess the risk of oesophageal, stomach, colon, and rectal cancers using serum levels of lipid components.Methods. From the Swedish Apolipoprotein Mortality Risk (AMORIS) study, we selected 540,309 participants (> 20 years old) with baseline measurements of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), and glucose of whom 84,774 had baseline LDL cholesterol (LDL), HDL cholesterol (HDL), apolipoprotein B (apoB), and apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I). Multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression was used to assess glucose and lipid components in relation to oesophageal, stomach, colon, and rectal cancer risk.Results. An increased risk of oesophageal cancer was observed in persons with high TG (e.g. HR: 2.29 (95% CI: 1.42–3.68) for the 4th quartile compared to the 1st) and low LDL, LDL/HDL ratio, TC/HDL ratio, log (TG/HDL), and apoB/apoA-I ratio. High glucose and TG were linked with an increased colon cancer risk, while high TC levels were associated with an increased rectal cancer risk.Conclusion. The persistent link between TC and rectal cancer risk as well as between TG and oesophageal and colon cancer risk in normoglycaemic individuals may imply their substantiality in gastrointestinal carcinogenesis.
Optimal Location and Sizing of UPQC in Distribution Networks Using Differential Evolution Algorithm
Authors: Taher Seyed Abbas , Afsari Seyed Ahmadreza
Published: August 2012

Differential evolution (DE) algorithm is used to determine optimal location of unified power quality conditioner (UPQC) considering its size in the radial distribution systems. The problem is formulated to find the optimum location of UPQC based on an objective function (OF) defined for improving of voltage and current profiles, reducing power loss and minimizing the investment costs considering the OF′s weighting factors. Hence, a steady‐state model of UPQC is derived to set in forward/backward sweep load flow. Studies are performed on two IEEE 33‐bus and 69‐bus standard distribution networks. Accuracy was evaluated by reapplying the procedures using both genetic (GA) and immune algorithms (IA). Comparative results indicate that DE is capable of offering a nearer global optimal in minimizing the OF and reaching all the desired conditions than GA and IA.
MHD Free Convection and Mass Transfer Flow from a Vertical Plate in the Presence of Hall and Ion-Slip Current
Authors: Dash Koushik , Alam Mahmud , Wahiduzzaman Mohammad
Published: August 2012

MHD free convection and mass transfer flow over a continuously moving vertical porous plate under the action of strong magnetic field is investigated. In this analysis the hall and ion-slip current in the momentum equation are considered for high speed fluid flows and the level of concentration of foreign mass have been taken very high. The governing equations of the problem contain a system of partial differential equations. The coupled partial differential equations are solved numerically by explicit finite difference method. The results of this investigation are discussed for the different values of the well-known parameters with different time steps. Finally, the obtained finite difference solutions are compared with analytical solution by the graphical representation.
A Fuzzy Model to Interpret Data of Drive Performances from Patients with Sleep Deprivation
Authors: Sena Pasquale , Attianese Paolo , Carbone Francesca , Pellegrino Arcangelo , Pinto Aldo , Villecco Francesco
Published: August 2012

The search for safe vehicles is increasing with both diffusion of high traffic density over the world and availability of new technologies providing sophisticated tools previously impossible to realize. Design and development of the necessary devices may be based on simulation tests that reduce cost allowing trials in many directions. A proper choice of the arrangement of the drive simulators, as much as of the parameters to be monitored, is of basic importance as they can address the design of devices somehow responsible for the drivers safety or, even their lives. This system setup, consisting of a free car simulator equipped with a monitoring system, collects in a nonintrusive way data of the car lateral position within the road lane and of its first derivative. Based on these measured parameters, the system is able to detect symptoms of drowsiness and sleepiness. The analysis is realized by a fuzzy inferential process that provides an immediate warning signal as soon as drowsiness is detected with a high level of certainty. Enhancement of reliability and minimisation of the false alarm rate are obtained by operating continuous comparison between learned driver typical modalities of operation on the control command of the vehicle the pattern recorded.
Toxicity of a Novel Herbomineral Preparation Las01 on Human Cancer Cell Lines and Its Safety Profile in Humans and Animals
Authors: Sheikh Saba , Srivastava Ashok , Tripathi Rajesh , Tripathi Shalini , Trivedi V. P. , Saxena R. C.
Published: August 2012

Polyhedral formulations based on Rasayana therapy described in Charaka Samhita showed remarkable improvement in quality of life of various cancer patients who have been found to be refractory or poor responders to modern chemotherapy and radiation treatment. One of the most recent novel herbomineral preparation, Las01 prepared absolutely as per the instruction given in the ancient Ayurvedic literature has been found to be effective as a potent anticancer drug in the human cell lines, the MCF-7 and Hela cancer cell lines. This novel preparation of Las01 is also found to be devoid of toxicity both in animals as well as in human subjects, which is the main drawback of chemotherapeutic agents used in modern system of medicine. Our results warrant multicentric clinical trials on a large scale which seems to be a future promising drug to cure incurables cancer patients.
Predicting Dyspnea Inducers by Molecular Topology
Authors: Gálvez-Llompart María , Gálvez Jorge , García-Domenech Ramón , Kier Lemont B.
Published: August 2012

QSAR based on molecular topology (MT) is an excellent methodology used in predicting physicochemical and biological properties of compounds. This approach is applied here for the development of a mathematical model capable to recognize drugs showing dyspnea as a side effect. Using linear discriminant analysis, it was found a four‐variable regression equations enabling a predictive rate of about 81% and 73% in the training and test sets of compounds, respectively. These results demonstrate that QSAR‐MT is an efficient tool to predict the appearance of dyspnea associated with drug consumption.
The CXCL12–CXCR4 Chemokine Pathway: A Novel Axis Regulates Lymphangiogenesis
Authors: Zhuo Wei , Jia Lin , Song Nan , Lu Xin-an , Ding Yanping , Wang Xiaofeng , Song Xiaomin , Fu Yan , Luo Yongzhang
Published: August 2012

Purpose: Lymphangiogenesis, the growth of lymphatic vessels, contributes to lymphatic metastasis. However, the precise mechanism underlying lymphangiogenesis remains poorly understood. This study aimed to examine chemokine/chemokine receptors that directly contribute to chemoattraction of activated lymphatic endothelial cells (LEC) and tumor lymphangiogenesis.

Experimental Design: We used quantitative RT-PCR to analyze specifically expressed chemokine receptors in activated LECs upon stimulation of vascular endothelial growth factor-C (VEGF-C). Subsequently, we established in vitro and in vivo models to show lymphangiogenic functions of the chemokine axis. Effects of targeting the chemokine axis on tumor lymphangiogenesis and lymphatic metastasis were determined in an orthotopic breast cancer model.

Results: VEGF-C specifically upregulates CXCR4 expression on lymphangiogenic endothelial cells. Moreover, hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) mediates the CXCR4 expression induced by VEGF-C. Subsequent analyses identify the ligand CXCL12 as a chemoattractant for LECs. CXCL12 induces migration, tubule formation of LECs in vitro, and lymphangiogenesis in vivo. CXCL12 also stimulates the phosphorylation of intracellular signaling Akt and Erk, and their specific antagonists impede CXCL12-induced chemotaxis. In addition, its level is correlated with lymphatic vessel density in multiple cancer tissues microarray. Furthermore, the CXCL12–CXCR4 axis is independent of the VEGFR-3 pathway in promoting lymphangiogenesis. Intriguingly, combined treatment with anti-CXCL12 and anti-VEGF-C antibodies results in additive inhibiting effects on tumor lymphangiogenesis and lymphatic metastasis.

Conclusions: These results show the role of the CXCL12–CXCR4 axis as a novel chemoattractant for LECs in promoting lymphangiogenesis, and support the potential application of combined targeting of both chemokines and lymphangiogenic factors in inhibiting lymphatic metastasis. Clin Cancer Res; 18(19); 5387–98. ©2012 AACR.
Heat Shock Pretreatment Reduces Intestinal Injury in a Neonatal Rat Model of Early Necrotizing Enterocolitis
Authors: Kim Ee-Kyung , Lee Kyeung-Yeup , Lee Hyun Ju , Lee Jin A. , Choi Chang Won , Kim Han-Suk , Kim Beyong Il , Choi Jung-Hwan
Published: August 2012

Background: Increased pro-inflammatory cytokines are suggested in the pathogenesis of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). The transcription factor, nuclear factor-ĸB (NF-ĸB), is a central regulator of inflammatory and immune responses, and recent rodent NEC models have shown that NF-ĸB may have a critical role in the disease processes that underlie NEC. Heat shock proteins have important functions in response to stress-related events in a variety of systems, including digestive organs. Objectives: We investigated whether heat shock pretreatment protects intestinal epithelial damage in the early NEC rat model. Methods: We generated human NEC-like lesions in neonatal rat ileum by administering oral endotoxin (10 mg/kg), intermittent 8% hypoxia, and hypertonic formula. Heat shock was administered by raising the chamber temperature to 42°C for 20 min, 3 h prior to endotoxin ingestion. Results: Heat shock pretreatment increased the expression of HSP70 in the ileal tissue and attenuated histological severity of early experimental NEC. NF-ĸB was activated in the ileal tissue of the NEC group and this activation was attenuated by heat shock pretreatment, which was determined by electrophoretic mobility shift assay and Western blot analysis of p50 in subcellular fractionated samples. Conclusions: Heat shock pretreatment reduced the incidence and severity of early experimental NEC in rats. A possible mechanism underlying this protective effect includes inhibition of NF-ĸB activation through increased HSP70 expression.
Pancreatic Carcinoma Cell Lines Reflect Frequency and Variability of Cancer Stem Cell Markers in Clinical Tissue
Authors: Bünger S. , Barow M. , Thorns C. , Freitag-Wolf S. , Danner S. , Tiede S. , Pries R. , Görg S. , Bruch H.-P. , Roblick U.J. , Kruse C. , Habermann J.K.
Published: August 2012

Background: Pancreatic cancer is one of the most deadly malignancies with insufficient therapeutic options and poor outcome. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are thought to be responsible for progression and therapy resistance. We investigated the potential of pancreatic cell lines for CSC research by analyzing to what extent they contain CSC populations and how representative these are compared to clinical tissue. Methods: Six pancreatic cancer cell lines were analyzed by flow cytometry for CD326, CD133, CD44, CD24, CXCR4 and ABCG2. Subsequently, 70 primary pancreatic tissues were evaluated for CD326, CD133 and CD44 by immunohistochemistry. Results: All the cell lines but one showed a stable expression pattern throughout biological replicates. Marker expression in clinical tissue of CD44 distinguished normal patients from pancreatic carcinoma patients with a sensitivity of 50% at 80% specificity and metastasized from nonmetastasized carcinomas with 69% sensitivity at 100% specificity. Conclusions: Our results indicate a link between elevated CD44 expression, malignancy and metastasis of pancreatic tissue. Furthermore, individual pancreatic cell lines show a substantial amount of cells with CSC properties which is comparable with interpatient variability detected in primary tissue. These pancreatic cancer cell lines could thus serve for urgently needed pharmacological CSC in vitro research.
Idiopathic Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss: Classic Cardiovascular and New Genetic Risk Factors
Authors: Ballesteros F. , Tassies D. , Reverter J.C. , Alobid I. , Bernal-Sprekelsen M.
Published: August 2012

Background: The main causative process in idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (iSSNHL) has yet to be explained or demonstrated. The clinical picture supports vascular involvement, but obvious limitations of inner ear study make this difficult to corroborate. Objectives: To determine the role of thrombophilic genetic variants that may affect platelet function and to assess the cardiovascular risk profile in a cohort of patients with iSSNHL. Patients and Methods: 118 Caucasian patients with iSSNHL were recruited from the same geographical area and enrolled prospectively in this study. Clinical data were obtained for each patient. Polymorphisms of the platelet glycoprotein subunit IIIa gene, ITGB3 (PLA1/A2, rs5918), and of the platelet glycoprotein subunit Ia gene, ITGA2 (C807T, rs1126643) were analyzed. A control group of 161 age- and gender-matched healthy individuals from the same geographical area was recruited for genetic comparisons. In order to determine the cardiovascular risk profile of each patient and of our cohort, a cross-sectional assessment was performed by means of a calibrated Framingham coronary heart disease risk scale. Risk factor proportions were compared to those recommended in European guidelines for coronary prevention, which are also based on the Framingham function. Results: A significantly high prevalence of the 807T allele of platelet glycoprotein subunit Ia was found in patients compared to controls. There was a significant correlation between the 807TT homozygous genotype and a low probability of recovery. The PLA1/A2 polymorphism of platelet glycoprotein subunit IIIa was not associated with recovery, with a similar genotype prevalence being found in patients and controls. In terms of cardiovascular risk profile, patients did not present an excess of baseline coronary risk factors compared to the general population in the same geographical area. Conclusions: Patients with iSSNHL had a higher prevalence of the 807T thrombophilic polymorphism of platelet glycoprotein Ia/IIa. Patients homozygous for this polymorphism are less likely to recover from iSSNHL. Classical cardiovascular risk factors were not related to iSSNHL.
Metabolic Regulation, Mitochondria and the Life-Prolonging Effect of Rapamycin: A Mini-Review
Authors: Pan Yong , Nishida Yuya , Wang Margaret , Verdin Eric
Published: August 2012

The fungicide rapamycin increases lifespan in eukaryotes by interfering with the activity of a serine/threonine kinase called TOR (target of rapamycin). TOR complex 1 (TORC1) is an essential integrator of cellular nutrient cues, growth signals and cellular metabolism. Here, we review major components of TORC1, its downstream effectors and lifespan studies in various organisms involving these signaling components. In particular, we focus on the role of rapamycin in mitochondrial biogenesis, in metabolic regulation and in the control of reactive oxygen species production.
Clinical and Functional Correlates of Early Microvascular Dysfunction After Heart Transplantation
Authors: Haddad François , Khazanie Prateeti , Deuse Tobias , Weisshaar Dana , Zhou Jessica , Nam Chang Wook , Vu Thu A. , Gomari Fatemeh A. , Skhiri Mehdi , Simos Ana , Schnittger Ingela , Vrotvec Bojan , Hunt Sharon A. , Fearon William F.
Published: August 2012

Background—

Microvascular dysfunction is emerging as a strong predictor of outcome in heart transplant recipients. At this time, the determinants and consequences of early microvascular dysfunction are not well established. The objective of the study was to determine the risk factors and functional correlates associated with early microvascular dysfunction in heart transplant recipients.

Methods and Results—

Sixty-three heart transplant recipients who had coronary physiology assessment, right heart catheterization, and echocardiography performed at the time of their first annual evaluation were included in the study. Microvascular dysfunction was assessed using the recently described index of microcirculatory resistance. The presence of microvascular dysfunction, predefined by an index of microcirculatory resistance >20, was observed in 46% of patients at 1 year. A history of acute rejection and undersized donor hearts were associated with microvascular dysfunction at 1 year, with odds ratio of 4.0 (1.3–12.8) and 3.6 (1.2–11.1), respectively. Patients with microvascular dysfunction had lower cardiac index (3.1±0.7 versus 3.5±0.7 L/min per m
2
;
P
=0.02) and mild graft dysfunction measured by echocardiography-derived left and right myocardial performance indices ([0.54±0.09 versus 0.43±0.09;
P
<0.01] and [0.47±0.14 versus 0.32±0.05;
P
<0.01], respectively). Microvascular dysfunction was also associated with a higher likelihood of death, graft failure, or allograft vasculopathy at 5 years after transplant (hazard ratio, 2.52 [95% CI, 1.04–5.91]).

Conclusions—

A history of acute rejection during the first year and smaller donor hearts were identified as risk factors for early microvascular dysfunction. Microvascular dysfunction assessed using index of microcirculatory resistances at 1 year was also associated with worse graft function and possibly worse clinical outcomes.