bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Delayed Orexin Signaling Consolidates Wakefulness and Sleep: Physiology and Modeling
Authors: Diniz Behn C. G. , Kopell N. , Brown E. N. , Mochizuki T. , Scammell T. E.
Published: April 2008

Orexin-producing neurons are clearly essential for the regulation of wakefulness and sleep because loss of these cells produces narcolepsy. However, little is understood about how these neurons dynamically interact with other wake- and sleep-regulatory nuclei to control behavioral states. Using survival analysis of wake bouts in wild-type and orexin knockout mice, we found that orexins are necessary for the maintenance of long bouts of wakefulness, but orexin deficiency has little impact on wake bouts <1 min. Since orexin neurons often begin firing several seconds before the onset of waking, this suggests a surprisingly delayed onset (>1 min) of functional effects. This delay has important implications for understanding the control of wakefulness and sleep because increasing evidence suggests that different mechanisms are involved in the production of brief and sustained wake bouts. We incorporated these findings into a mathematical model of the mouse sleep/wake network. Orexins excite monoaminergic neurons and we hypothesize that orexins increase the monoaminergic inhibition of sleep-promoting neurons in the ventrolateral preoptic nucleus. We modeled orexin effects as a time-dependent increase in the strength of inhibition from wake- to sleep-promoting populations and the resulting simulated behavior accurately reflects the fragmented sleep/wake behavior of narcolepsy and leads to several predictions. By integrating neurophysiology of the sleep/wake network with emergent properties of behavioral data, this model provides a novel framework for investigating network dynamics and mechanisms associated with normal and pathologic sleep/wake behavior.
The Biology and Behavior of Mining Bees,Antitophora Abrupta andEntechnia Taurea
Authors: Rau Phil
Published: April 2008

Errata for vol. 36dx.doi.org/10.1155/1929/25287
A Key to the Mosquitoes of Massachusetts
Authors: Tulloch George S.
Published: April 2008

Erratumdx.doi.org/10.1155/1939/21365
Additions to the Nearctic Meloidae (Coleop.)
Authors: Werner F. G.
Published: April 2008

Among specimens sent for determination by several institutions
and collectors are three striking additions to our fauna which are
described below.
Tow New Species of Ceratopogonidae (Diptera)
Authors: Lewis Franklin B.
Published: April 2008

During an investigation of the bionomics and immature stages of the Ceratopogonidae, two new species were encountered. The purpose of this paper is to describe these insects.
The Neotropical Species of the Ant Genus Strumigenys Fr. Smith: Group of Gundlachi (Roger)
Authors: Brown William L.
Published: April 2008

This paper is a continuation of my series on the New World fauna
of the dacetine ant genus Strumigenys Fr. Smith. Earlier parts, containing
keys to the abbreviations for measurements and proportions,
may be found in Jour. New York Ent. Soc. 61: 53‐59, 1o1‐11o
(1953). In addition to these, other parts have been published or are
being prepared. At the end of the series, an illustrated key to the
New‐ World members of the genus will be forthcoming.
Additions to the Bioecology of the New England Tingidae andPiesmidae (Heteroptera)
Authors: Bailey Noraman S.
Published: April 2008

Intermittent summer collecting during the past ten years has added
to my collection a considerable number of noteworthy records. These
include additional stations or species previously reported from only a
few localities within a particular state and for some of the less wellknown
species in New England, new records for the occurrence of
six species previously unreported from one or more of the New England
states, and a few new host plant records.

This is the first of a series of papers now in progress which will
supplement my studies of the Tingidae of New England 1951 ). For
ease of reerence, therefore, it follows the pattern of that study in the
sequence of genera and of species. (Bailey,1951, page 5). All
collections were made by the author unless otherwise specied.
Studies on Carboniferous Insects From Commentry, France: Part V. The Genus Diaphanoptera and the Order Diaphanopterodea
Authors: Carpenter F. M.
Published: April 2008

This is the fifth in a series of studies based on the Carboniferous
insects from the Commentry Basin, France. It consists of an analysis
of the genus Diaphanoptera Brongniart and a discussion of the Order
Diaphanopterodea, which was erected by Handlirsch in 1919 to receive
the genus. In more recent years, there have been described other Carboniferous
and Permian genera which, although previously placed in
the Order Megasecoptera, now appear to belong to the Diaphanopterodea.
This group of insects, apparently having a combination of
palaeopterous and neopterous characteristics, presents one of the most
intriguing and puzzling problems in the geological history of the
insects. Our unsatisfactory knowledge of the Commentry fossils has
added to the difficulties.
A New Flightless Dolichoctis (Coleoptera: Carabidae) From Sumbawa
Authors: Darlington P. J.
Published: April 2008

The genus Dolichoctis, of the tribe Lebiini, includes a large number
of small Carabidae of the Oriental‐Australian area. They are
characterized by size (length often c 5 mm or less), by details
of the mouthparts (which need not be given here — see Darlirgton
1968, 124), and almost always by presence of 2 minute punctures
without setae on the posterior half of the third interval of each
etytron. Most are arboreal, occurring often in under‐story foliage
of rain forest, although a few species probably occur in leaf litter
on the ground. All previously known Dolichoctis are fully winged,
so far as I know. The finding of a species in which wing atrophy has
occurred is therefore of special interest. Atrophy of wings is in
fact. rare among all the Lebiini of the Indo‐Australian islands: of
16o members of he tribe found on New Guinea. only one has
reduced wings (Nototarus papua Darlington 1968, 186). Of course
wing atrophy is very common among some other Carabidae in some
other parts of the world (Darlington 1936; 1943).

Erratumdx.doi.org/10.1155/1970/10180
Variation in Cell Number in a Population of Bembix Americana(Hymenoptera: Sphecidae)
Authors: Alcock John
Published: April 2008

This paper reports the results of observations made during the
summers of 1971 and 1972 on a small group of Bembix americana
Fabricius nesting in a vacant lot in Seattle, Washington. This population
was judged to be intermediate to comata Parker and spinolae
Lepeletier at the subspecific level (H. E. Evans, pers. comm.).

Probably no North American digger wasp has been more thoroughly
studied than B. americana (Evans 1957, 1966; Evans and
Matthews 1968). However there has only been one report of this.
species making nests with more than a single call (Parker 1925).
Evans (1966) notes the uniqueness of this account and the difficulty
of accurately digging out nests in dense colonies. Nevertheless in
the course of my work I discovered that some of the wasps in Seattle
were making multi‐celled nests. The evidence for this is presented
here as well as data on the nest building behavior of marked females
over a period of time.
A New Argentine Species of Coccygomimus(Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae)
Authors: Porter Charles C.
Published: April 2008

In contrast to other subdivisions of its genus, which include many
well known and abundant species, the strictly Neotropical Albomarginatus
Group of Coccygomimus comprises insects for the most part
elusive, which are found only occasionally even in those areas subject
to regular collecting both by hand and by Malaise traps. For this
reason, although the author recently published a monograph of the
South American Coccygomimus (Porter, 197o), it was expected
that new species of the Albomarginatus Group would appear as fieldwork
became possible in previously unexplored regions. Indeed,
shortly thereafter both sexes of an undescribed species were recovered
from a Malaise trap situated in virgin subtropical wet forest near
Aguas Blancas in northern Salta Province, practically on the Bolivian
border. The present contribution describes this new species, demonstrating
that it is related most ctosely to C. ramirezi from the
yungas near La Paz, Bolivia.
Morphology of the Sternal Glands of Polistes Fuscatus and P. Canadensis (Hymenoptera: Vespidae)
Authors: Post David C. , Jeanne Robert L.
Published: April 2008

Although 13 exocrine glands have been located in wasps of the
genus Polistes, and 12 in Mischocyttarus (Landolt and Akre, 1979),
their morphology and functions have been little studied. Recently,
however, the sternal gland on the sixth gastral (terminal) segment of
females of these wasps has attracted attention because its secretion is
repugnant to some species of ants. Female wasps rub the secretion
onto the nest petiole, thus forming a chemical barrier against
predatory ants (Jeanne, 1970; Hermann and Dirks, 1974; Turillazzi
and Ugolini, 1978, 1979; Post, 1980).

Close to the anterior margin ofthe sternite is a hyaline area covered
with a tuft of long hairs (‘sternal brush’) (van der Vecht, 1968). In
Polistes a cluster of gland cells underlies the cuticle on each side of the
sternal brush (Landolt and Akre, 1979; Turillazzi, 1979). Ducts lead
from the gland cells to the cuticular surface within the sternal brush.
A smaller number of gland cells also occurs in a band along the
anterior margin of the fifth gastral sternite (Hermann and Dirks,
1974; Turillazzi, 1979).

We undertook the present study to determine the presence of these
glands in Polistes fuscatus (F.), a temperate zone species, and in P.
canadensis (L.), a tropical species, and to compare the size and
morphology of the glands in these species with those in congeners
previously investigated by Hermann and Dirks (1974) and Turillazzi
(1979)
Homopteran Attendance by Wasps and Ants:The Stochastic Nature of Interactions
Authors: Letourneau Deborah K. , Choe Jae C.
Published: April 2008

Associations of Hymenoptera with Homoptera have intrigued
ecologists and evolutionary biologists as model systems of mutualism.
The extensive body of literature, however, tends to be skewed
to the interactions between ants and homopteran trophobionts in
the Aphidae or Coccoidea (e.g., Kloft et al. 1965, Nixon 1951, Way
1963, Wilson 1971). In the following account we document a web of
multispecies interactions within and between trophic levels, involving
a species of wasp, several species of ants, and two
species of Homoptera. This account is unique in the literature on
Hymenoptera‐Homoptera associations because it (1) addresses
observable interference between hymenopteran attendants, (2)
reports behavioral preference by homopterans for certain hymenopreran
attendants, and (3) describes an interaction between a polistine
wasp and an aetalionid planthopper. In addition, this study has
general implications about the quality of diffuse and multiple associations
between Homoptera and their honeydew foragers.
An Unusual New Genus of ChrysididaeFrom Oman (Hymenoptera)
Authors: Kimsey Lynn Siri
Published: April 2008

The chrysidid tribe Elampini comprises a diverse group of genera.
There are a number of small (1‐3 species) highly derived genera in
this group. Nearly all of these occur in 2 regions, southwestern
North America and the area comprising the Middle East, southern
USSR and North Africa. The small North American genera are
Hedychreides Bohart, Microchridium Bohart, Minymischa Kimsey,
Pseudolopyga Bodenstein and Xerochrum Bobart. Those in the latter
region include: Haba Semenov, Prochridium Linsenmaier and
the new genus, Adelopyga, described below. One genus, Muesebeckidium
Krombein, occurs in both North and South America.

The following abbreviations are used: F = flagellomere, MOD = midocellus diameter, PD = puncture diameter, Rs = forewing
radial sector, and S = gastral sternum.
A Key to the Species of SpintharinaWith Descriptions of New Species andIndication of Species Groups(Hymenoptera, Chrysididae)
Authors: Bohart Richard M.
Published: April 2008

Spintharina Semenov (type species: vagans Radoszkowski occurs
in the southern Palearctic and Ethiopian Regions. This group is
characterized by the absence of teeth on tergum III, a long triangular
forewing marginal cell, and an apically blunt or emarginate
lateral propodeal projection. Fragmentary evidence points to Masaridae
as hosts. have been able to study types or authentically
determined specimens of 23 of the 26 species. Status of the other 3 is
in doubt. Complete synonymy and distribution will be given in a
generic revision of Chrysididae now in preparation by L. S. Kimsey
and R. M. Bohart. I would like to thank Dr. Kimsey for turning
over to me her basic research on the genus, and for reviewing this
paper.

Technical terms used in the key and descriptions are: F‐I etc.,
flagellomeres; T‐I etc., terga; S‐I etc., sterna; MOD, midocellus
diameter.

Type material has been studied at or borrowed from most of the
important European and South African Museums. Acknowledgements
will be made in the aforementioned revision.
New Praestochrysis and Notes on DescribedSpecies From the Oriental Region(Hymenoptera, Chrysididae)
Authors: Bohart R. M.
Published: April 2008

The genus Praestochrysis Linsenmaier is distinguished by having
5 distinct teeth on tergum III and a rather stout antenna. In any case
the latter has flagellomere I less than 3 times as long as broad.
Bohart (1986, Insecta Mundi 1:148‐154) gave a key to species of the
Ethiopian Region. One additional species, lamborni, is here described
from that region. It keys out to couplet 6 in the 1986 paper
but differs in having no transverse frontal carina.

Abbreviations used in the following descriptions are: F‐I, etc.,
flagellomeres; TFC, transverse frontal carina; MOD, median ocellus
diameter; T‐I, etc., terga; S‐II, sternum.
The Biology of the Spider Wasp, Pepsis Thisbe (Hymenoptera:Pompilidae) From Trans Pecos, Texas. II. Temporal Patterns ofActivity and Hunting Behavior With Special Reference to theEffects of Experience
Authors: Punzo Fred
Published: April 2008

The temporal pattern of activity and hunting behavior of the spider
wasp, Pepsis thisbe, from Trans Pecos, Texas are described.
Females exhibited a bimodal pattern with peak periods of hunting
activities occurring between 0800–0959 and 1600–1759 hr. The
lowest levels of activity (1100–1359 hr) occurred when ambient
temperatures exceeded 38℃. Activity declined abruptly after 1800
hr indicating a strong preference for diurnal activity in this species.
The behavioral components of the hunting sequence consist of an
initial approach and antennation of the host, grooming, antennation
and paralyzation followed in some cases by lapping, ovipositiom
burial of the host, and closure of the nest. The time required to
complete the hunting sequence was recorded for both field and laboratory
encounters between a wasp and spider. The amount of time
required by a female wasp to complete the initial approach and
antennation‐paralyzation sequences decreased significantly as a
function of increasing encounter experience. The spider is stung
most frequently (>80%) through the intersegmental membrane
between the sternum and coxa of the first leg. Whether or not a
wasp exhibits lapping behavior is determined by the amount of
time spent in flight searching for a host burrow.
Bot Fly Types in the Museum of Comparative Zoology (Diptera:Oestridae)
Authors: Woodley Norman E.
Published: April 2008

The primary types of 5 bot fly taxa in the entomology collection
of the Museum of Comparative Zoology are listed and discussed.
Syntypes of Gasterophilus pecorum var. zebrae Rodhain and
Bequaert and Kirkia minuta Rodhain and Bequaert, previously
believed to be lost, are present in the collection. Specimens of two
taxa labeled as types have no type status,
The Biology of the Spider Wasp Pepsis Thisbe (Hymenoptera: Pompilidae) From Trans Pecos, Texas. I. Adult Morphometrics, Larval Development and the Ontogeny of Larval Feeding Patterns
Authors: Punzo Fred
Published: April 2008

Aspects of the natural history and behavioral ecology of the spider
wasp, Pepsis thisbe were studied in Trans Pecos, Texas with
special emphasis on larval development and host interactions.
Additional parameters studied include the physical dimensions of
the egg, larval and adult size, fecundity, egg survivorship and duration
of embryonic and postembryonic development as a function of
temperature and relative humidity (RH), larval growth and behavior,
the relationship between adult wasp and host sizes, and ontogenetic
changes in larval feeding patterns. Eggs and larvae did not
survive when exposed to xeric conditions (10% RH). Forty‐one
days were required to progress from egg to emerged adult at 3℃
and 70% RH.
Neither Worker, Nor Queen: An Ant Caste Specialized in the Production of Unfertilized Eggs
Authors: Heinze J. , Cover S. P. , Hölldobler B.
Published: April 2008

In addition to a queen and workers, colonies of the ant Crematogaster smithi Creighton from Chiricahua Mountains, Arizona, may contain one or several conspicuous “large workers” whose size, external morphology, and number of ovarioles are intermediate between that of queens on one side and that of workers on the other. According to laboratory observations, “large workers” are specialized for the production of unfertilized eggs, which are mainly eaten by the larvae and the queen but may develop into males in queenless colonies. We describe the morphology and the behavior of “large workers” and discuss their evolutionary significance.
Buckling of Single‐Crystal Silicon Nanolines under Indentation
Authors: Kang Min K. , Li Bin , Ho Paul S. , Huang Rui
Published: April 2008

Atomic force microscope‐(AFM‐) based indentation tests were performed to examine mechanical properties of parallel single‐crystal silicon nanolines (SiNLs) of sub‐100‐nm line width, fabricated by a process combining electron‐beam lithography and anisotropic wet etching. The SiNLs have straight and nearly atomically flat sidewalls, and the cross section is almost perfectly rectangular with uniform width and height along the longitudinal direction. The measured load‐displacement curves from the indentation tests show an instability with large displacement bursts at a critical load ranging from
480 μN to 700 μN. This phenomenon is attributed to a transition of the buckling mode of the SiNLs under indentation. Using a set of finite element models with postbuckling analyses, we analyze the indentation‐induced buckling modes and investigate the effects of tip location, contact friction, and substrate deformation on the critical load of mode transition. The results demonstrate a unique approach for the study of nanomaterials and patterned nanostructures via a combination of experiments and modeling.
Evolving Neural Networks for Static Single‐Position Automated Trading
Authors: Azzini Antonia , Tettamanzi Andrea G. B.
Published: April 2008

This paper presents an approach to single‐position, intraday automated trading based on a neurogenetic algorithm. An artificial neural network is evolved to provide trading signals to a simple automated trading agent. The neural network uses open, high, low, and close quotes of the selected financial instrument from the previous day, as well as a selection of the most popular technical indicators, to decide whether to take a single long or short position at market open. The position is then closed as soon as a given profit target is met or at market close. Experimental results indicate that, despite its simplicity, both in terms of input data and in terms of trading strategy, such an approach to automated trading may yield significant returns.
A Model of the Transient Behavior of Tractive Rolling Contacts
Authors: Al-Bender Farid , De Moerlooze Kris
Published: April 2008

When an elastic body of revolution rolls tractively over another,
the period from commencement of rolling until gross rolling ensues
is termed the prerolling regime. The resultant tractions in this regime are
characterized by rate‐independent hysteresis behavior with nonlocal memory in
function of the traversed displacement. This paper is dedicated to the theoretical
characterization of traction during prerolling. Firstly, a theory is developed to calculate
the traction field during prerolling in function of the instantaneous rolling displacement,
the imposed longitudinal, lateral and spin creepages, and the elastic contact parameters.
Secondly, the theory is implemented in a numerical scheme to calculate the resulting traction
forces and moments on the tractive rolling of a ball. Thirdly, the basic hysteresis characteristics
are systematically established by means of influence‐parameters simulations using dimensionless
forms of the problem parameters. The results obtained are consistent with the limiting cases available
in literature and they confirm experimental prerolling hysteresis observations. Furthermore, in a second
paper, this theory is validated experimentally for the case of V‐grooved track.
Parameterized Regulator Synthesis for Bimodal Linear Systems Based on Bilinear Matrix Inequalities
Authors: Wu Zhizheng , Ben Amara Foued
Published: April 2008

A regulator design method is presented for switched bimodal linear systems, where it is desired to reject known disturbance signals and/or track known reference inputs. The switching in the bimodal system is defined by a switching surface. The regulator design approach consists of three steps. The first step is based on constructing a switched observer‐based state feedback central controller for the switched linear system. The second step involves augmenting the switched central controller with additional dynamics to construct a parameterized set of switched controllers. In the third step, two sufficient regulation conditions are derived for the resulting switched closed loop system. The regulation conditions present guidelines for the selection of the additional dynamics used to parameterize the switched controllers to yield the desired regulator. A regulator synthesis approach is proposed based on solving properly formulated bilinear matrix inequalities. Finally, a numerical example is presented to illustrate the performance of the proposed regulator.
Conductivity‐Type Sensor Based on CNT‐WO3 Composite for NO 2 Detection
Authors: Hashishin Takeshi , Tamaki Jun
Published: April 2008

The CNTs with 20–50 nm in diameter were directly grown on Au microgap electrode by means of thermal CVD at 700∘C for 60 minutes under EtOH‐Ar‐H2 atmosphere (6 kPa). The CNTs with entangled shape formed the network structure with contacting each other. In the CNTs‐WO3 composite, WO3 grains with disk shape (50–200 nm) were independently trapped. The CNTs‐WO3 composite sensor showed the fairly good sensor response (Ra/Rg = 3.8 at 200∘C). The sensor response was greatly improved with CNTs‐WO3 composite, comparing with that of CNT sensor (Ra/Rg = 1.05). This phenomenon can be explained by formation of p‐n junction, between CNT(p) and WO3(n), and thus improvement of NO2 adsorption. The sensor response was decreased with increasing the WO3 amount in CNTs‐WO3 composite, suggesting the electronic conduction due to WO3 connection.
Some Estimates of Certain Subnormal and Hyponormal Derivations
Authors: Lauric Vasile
Published: April 2008

We prove that if A and B∗ are subnormal operators and X is a bounded linear operator such that AX − XB is a Hilbert‐Schmidt operator, then f(A)X − Xf(B) is also a Hilbert‐Schmidt operator and
∥f(A)X−Xf(B)∥2 ≤ L∥AX−XB∥2
for f belongs to a certain class of functions. Furthermore, we investigate the similar
problem in the case that S, T are hyponormal operators and X ∈ ℒ(ℋ) is such that SX − XT belongs to a norm ideal (J, ∥⋅∥J), and we prove that f(S)X − Xf(T) ∈ J and
∥f(S)X−Xf(T)∥J ≤ C∥SX−XT∥J
for f being in a certain class of functions.
Game Portability Using a Service‐Oriented Approach
Authors: BinSubaih Ahmed , Maddock Steve
Published: April 2008

Game assets are portable between games. The games themselves are, however, dependent on the game engine they were developed on. Middleware has attempted to address this by, for instance, separating out the AI from the core game engine. Our work takes this further by separating the
game from the game engine, and making it portable between game engines. The game elements that we make portable are the game logic, the object model, and the game state, which represent the game′s brain, and which we collectively refer to as the game factor, or G‐factor. We achieve this using an architecture based around a service‐oriented approach. We present an overview of this architecture and its use in developing games. The evaluation demonstrates that the architecture does not affect performance unduly, adds little development overhead, is scaleable, and supports modifiability.
An Antenna‐Theory Method for Modeling High‐Frequency RF Coils: A Segmented Birdcage Example
Authors: Chen Xin , Taracila Victor , Eagan Timothy , Fujita Hiroyuki , Shou Xingxian , Baig Tanvir , Brown Robert
Published: April 2008

We suggest that center‐fed dipole antenna analytics can be employed in the optimized design of high‐frequency MRI RF coil applications. The method is illustrated in the design of a single‐segmented birdcage model and a short multisegmented birdcage model. As a byproduct, it is shown that for a long single‐segmented birdcage model, the RF field within it is essentially a TEM mode and has excellent planar uniformity. For a short shielded multisegmented birdcage model, the RF field is optimized with a target‐field approach with an average SAR functional. The planar homogeneity of the optimized RF field is significantly improved compared with that of a single‐segmented birdcage model with the same geometry. The accuracy of the antenna formulae is also verified with numerical simulations performed via commercial software. The model discussed herein provides evidence for the effectiveness of antenna methods in future RF coil analysis.
Therapeutic Potential of PPARγActivation in Stroke
Authors: Vemuganti Raghu
Published: April 2008

Stroke (focal cerebral ischemia) is a leading cause of death and disability among adult population. Many pathological events including inflammation and oxidative stress during the acute period contributes to the secondary neuronal death leading the neurological dysfunction after stroke. Transcriptional regulation of genes that promote these pathophysiological mechanisms can be an effective strategy to minimize the poststroke neuronal death. Peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptors (PPARs) are ligand‐activated transcription factors known to be upstream to many inflammatory and antioxidant genes. The goal of this review is to discuss the therapeutic potential and putative mechanisms of neuroprotection following PPAR activation after stroke.
Wound Healing in a Patient with Psoriasis Vulgaris and Femur Megaprosthesis Implantation
Authors: Nottrott Markus , Hardes Jendrik , Winkelmann Winfried , Gosheger Georg
Published: April 2008

Extraskeletal mesenchymal chondrosarcoma is extremely rare and, in combination with psoriasis, it has never been described before. We report a case of wide resection of an extraskeletal chondrosarcoma of the thigh and reconstruction with a femoral megaprosthesis in a patient with psoriasis vulgaris. Special emphasis has been laid to postoperative wound healing in psoriatic skin which did not show any problems.
An Analytical Model for Optimum Byte‐Level and Packet‐Level FEC Assignment Using Buffer Dynamics
Authors: Moid Azfar , Fapojuwo Abraham O.
Published: April 2008

This letter presents an analytical model that jointly exploits the buffer dynamics of both the sending and receiving nodes to find the optimum number of byte‐level and packet‐level forward error correction (FEC) units for real‐time multimedia transmission over wireless networks. The proposed analytical model first provides an optimum number of FEC units required at the byte‐level, and then chooses the number of FEC units at the packet‐level based on current channel and network conditions. The accuracy of the proposed model is dependent on two parameters: the variable deadline‐time at the byte‐level and fixed round‐trip time (RTT) delay at the packet‐level. Numerical results demonstrate the effectiveness of the model in reducing the unrecoverable error probability, which is achieved when the byte‐level FEC scheme is supplemented by the packet‐level FEC scheme.
Wave Pipelining Using Self Reset Logic
Authors: Litvin Miguel E. , Mourad Samiha
Published: April 2008

This study presents a novel design approach combining wave
pipelining and self reset logic, which provides an elegant
solution at high‐speed data throughput with significant savings in
power and area as compared with other dynamic CMOS logic
implementations. To overcome some limitations in SRL art, we
employ a new SRL family, namely, dual‐rail self reset logic with
input disable (DRSRL‐ID). These gates depict fairly constant
timing parameters, specially the width of the output pulse, for
varying fan‐out and logic depth, helping accommodate process,
supply voltage, and temperature variations (PVT). These
properties simplify the implementation of wave pipelined circuits.
General timing analysis is provided and compared with previous
implementations. Results of circuit implementation are presented
together with conclusions and future work.
Deficiency in Poly(ADP-ribose) Polymerase-1 (PARP-1) Accelerates Aging and Spontaneous Carcinogenesis in Mice
Authors: Piskunova Tatiana S. , Yurova Maria N. , Ovsyannikov Anton I. , Semenchenko Anna V. , Zabezhinski Mark A. , Popovich Irina G. , Wang Zhao-Qi , Anisimov Vladimir N.
Published: April 2008

Genetic and biochemical studies have shown that PARP-1 and poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation play an important role in DNA repair, genomic stability, cell death, inflammation, telomere maintenance, and suppressing tumorigenesis, suggesting that the homeostasis of poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation and PARP-1 may also play an important role in aging. Here we show that PARP- mice exhibit a reduction of life span and a significant increase of population aging rate. Analysis of noninvasive parameters, including body weight gain, body temperature, estrous function, behavior, and a number of biochemical indices suggests the acceleration of biological aging in PARP- mice. The incidence of spontaneous tumors in both PARP- and PARP- groups is similar; however, malignant tumors including uterine tumors, lung adenocarcinomas and hepatocellular carcinomas, develop at a significantly higher frequency in PARP- mice than PARP- mice (72% and 49%, resp.; .05). In addition, spontaneous tumors appear earlier in PARP- mice compared to the wild type group. Histopathological studies revealed a wide spectrum of tumors in uterus, ovaries, liver, lungs, mammary gland, soft tissues, and lymphoid organs in both groups of the mice. These results demonstrate that inactivation of DNA repair gene PARP-1 in mice leads to acceleration of aging, shortened life span, and increased spontaneous carcinogenesis.
An Exact Method for a Discrete Multiobjective Linear Fractional Optimization
Authors: Chergui Mohamed El-Amine , Moulaï Mustapha
Published: April 2008

Integer linear fractional programming problem with multiple objective (MOILFP) is an important field of research and has not received as much attention as did multiple objective linear fractional programming. In this work, we develop a branch and cut algorithm based on continuous fractional optimization, for generating the whole integer efficient solutions of the MOILFP problem. The basic idea of the computation phase of the algorithm is to optimize one of the fractional objective functions, then generate an integer feasible solution. Using the reduced gradients of the objective functions, an efficient cut is built and a part of the feasible domain not containing efficient solutions is truncated by adding this cut. A sample problem is solved using this algorithm, and the main practical advantages of the algorithm are indicated.
Fulminant Type 1 Diabetes as a Model of Nature to Explore the Role of C‐Peptide
Authors: Murase-Mishiba Yuko , Imagawa A. , Hanafusa Toshiaki
Published: April 2008

Patients with fulminant type 1 diabetes almost completely lack
C‐peptide even soon after the onset of the disease, and the deficiency
continues for the rest of their life. Thus, fulminant type 1 diabetes
could serve as a good model of nature to explore the physiological role
of C‐peptide. For example, patients with fulminant type 1 diabetes have
diabetic chronic complications more frequently than those with classical
autoimmune type 1 diabetes 5 years after the onset of diabetes, and the
higher prevalence could be partly attributable to the complete lack of
C‐peptide in fulminant type 1 diabetes.
Fault-Tolerant Control of the Road Wheel Subsystem in a Steer-By-Wire System
Authors: Zheng Bing , Anwar Sohel
Published: April 2008

This paper describes a fault-tolerant steer-by-wire road wheel control system. With dual motor and dual microcontroller architecture, this system has the capability to tolerate single-point failures without degrading the control system performance. The arbitration bus, mechanical arrangement of motors, and the developed control algorithm allow the system to reconfigure itself automatically in the event of a single-point fault, and assure a smooth reconfiguration process. Both simulation and experimental results illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed fault-tolerant control system.
Performance of an Orifice Compensated Two‐Lobe Hole‐Entry Hybrid Journal Bearing
Authors: Basavaraja J. Sharana , Sharma Satish C. , Jain S. C.
Published: April 2008

The work presented in this paper aims to study the performance of a two‐lobe hole‐entry hybrid journal bearing system compensated by orifice restrictors. The Reynolds equation governing the flow of lubricant in the clearance space between the journal and bearing together with the equation of flow through an orifice restrictor has been solved using FEM and Galerkin′s method. The bearing performance characteristics results have been simulated for an orifice compensated nonrecessed two‐lobe hole‐entry hybrid journal bearing symmetric configuration for the various values of offset factor
(δ), restrictor design parameter
, and the value of external load
.
Further, a comparative study of the performance of a two‐lobe hole‐entry hybrid journal bearing system with a circular hole‐entry symmetric hybrid journal bearing system has also been carried out so that a designer has a better flexibility in choosing a suitable bearing configuration. The simulated numerical results indicate that for the two‐lobe symmetric hole‐entry hybrid journal bearing system with an offset factor
(δ) greater than one provides 30 to 50 percent larger values of direct stiffness and direct damping coefficients as compared to a circular symmetric hole‐entry hybrid journal bearing system.
Open‐Source Software in Computational Research: A Case Study
Authors: Syamlal Madhava , O′Brien Thomas J. , Benyahia Sofiane , Gel Aytekin , Pannala Sreekanth
Published: April 2008

A case study of open‐source (OS) development of the computational research software MFIX, used for multiphase computational fluid dynamics simulations, is presented here. The verification and validation steps required for constructing modern computational software and the advantages of OS development in those steps are discussed. The infrastructure used for enabling the OS development of MFIX is described. The impact of OS development on computational research and education in gas‐solids flow, as well as the dissemination of information to other areas such as geophysical and volcanology research, is demonstrated. This study shows that the advantages of OS development were realized in the case of MFIX: verification by many users, which enhances software quality; the use of software as a means for accumulating and exchanging information; the facilitation of peer review of the results of computational research.
XX/XY Chimerism in Cattle: Clinical and Cytogenetic Studies
Authors: Peretti V. , Ciotola F. , Albarella S. , Paciello O. , Dario C. , Barbieri V. , Iannuzzi L.
Published: April 2008

The freemartin condition represents the most frequent form of intersexuality found in cattle, and occasionally in other species. Freemartinism arises when vascular connections occur between placentae of developing heterosexual twin foetuses, XX/XY chimerism develops, and ultimately there is masculinisation of the female tubular reproductive tract to varying degrees. The aim of this work was to report the clinical and cytogenetic studies performed in 28 cattle co-twins, 24 of which were cytogenetically chimeric (2n = 60, XX/XY), raised in the region of Campania (southern Italy). Clinical findings of the 16 freemartin females examined varied greatly, from a more female phenotype (normal body conformation with the presence of a blind-ending vagina and primordial ovarian and uterus structures) to a nearly male phenotype (body conformations with male traits and presence of primordial prepuce, penis and testicles). The 8 freemartin males, in spite of the presence of XX cells, had a normal body conformation and external genitalia and some of them were fertile. In addition to cytogenetic diagnosis we also verified chromosome fragility by testing for chromosome aberration (CA: aneuploidy, gaps, chromatid breaks, chromosome breaks and fragments) and sister chromatid exchange (SCE). Freemartins showed a higher percentage of aneuploid cells and significant statistical differences in mean values of gaps, chromatid breaks and chromosome breaks when compared with control animals. To our knowledge, this is the first time that chromosome instability has been evaluated by analyses of CA and SCE in freemartin cattle.
Behavioral Conditioning of Antihistamine Effects in Patients with Allergic Rhinitis
Authors: Goebel Marion U. , Meykadeh Nuschin , Kou Wei , Schedlowski Manfred , Hengge Ulrich R.
Published: April 2008

Background: Allergic symptoms can be induced by behavioral conditioning. However, the conditionability of antiallergic effects has not yet been studied. Thus, we investigated whether the effects of a histamine 1 (H1) receptor antagonist are inducible in patients suffering from house-dust mite allergy using a behavioral conditioning procedure. Methods: During the association phase, 30 patients with allergic house-dust mite rhinitis received a novel-tasting drink once daily, followed by a standard dose of the H1 receptor antagonist, desloratadine, on 5 consecutive days. After 9 days of drug washout, the evocation trial commenced: 10 patients received water together with an identically looking placebo pill (water group), 11 patients were re-exposed to the novel-tasting drink and received a placebo pill [conditioned stimulus (CS); CS group] and 9 patients received water and desloratadine (drug group). Results: During the association phase, desloratadine treatment decreased the subjective total symptom scores, attenuated the effects of the skin prick test for histamine and reduced basophil activation ex vivo in all groups. During the evocation trial, the water group, in which subjects were not re-exposed to the gustatory stimulus, showed a reduction in subjective total symptom scores and skin prick test results, but no inhibition of basophil activation. In contrast, re-exposure to the novel-tasting drink decreased basophil activation, the skin prick test result and the subjective symptom score in the CS group to a degree that was similar to the effects of desloratadine in the drug group. Conclusions: These data show that behaviorally conditioned effects are not only able to relieve subjective rhinitis symptoms and allergic skin reactions, but also to induce changes in effector immune functions.
Tracking Adult Neovascularization during Ischemia and Inflammation Using Vegfr2-LacZ Reporter Mice
Authors: Heidenreich Regina , Murayama Toshinori , Silver Marcy , Essl Christine , Asahara Takayuki , Röcken Martin , Breier Georg
Published: April 2008

The vascular endothelial growth factor/vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGF/VEGFR-2) signal transduction system plays a key role during embryonic vascular development and adult neovascularization. In contrast to many endothelial genes, VEGFR-2 is expressed at low levels in most adult vessels but is strongly upregulated during neovascularization, leading to a pro-angiogenic response. Here, we analyzed the activity of regulatory sequences of the murine Vegfr2 gene during neovessel formation in vivo under ischemic and inflammatory conditions. Hindlimb ischemia was induced in transgenic mice, expressing the LacZ reporter gene under the control of Vegfr2 promoter/enhancer elements. Most vessels in the ischemic muscle tissue showed strong endothelium-specific reporter gene expression, whereas nearly no LacZ-expressing capillaries were observed in untreated control tissue. Cutaneous punch wounds were created to induce angiogenesis under inflammatory conditions, leading to robust LacZ expression in the majority of the blood vessels in the wound tissue. Since the cornea is physiologically avascular, the functionality of these promoter/enhancer elements exclusively in newly formed vessels was confirmed using the cornea micropocket assay. Taken together, our results show that these Vegfr2 regulatory elements are active during adult neovessel formation in general. Therefore, these sequences may prove to be valuable targets for novel endothelium-specific anti-angiogenic as well as pro-angiogenic treatment strategies. They may especially allow directing therapeutic gene expression to sites of adult neovascularization. Moreover, the Vegfr2/LacZ reporter mice represent a powerful model to generally analyze the transcriptional control mechanisms involved in the induction of Vegfr2 expression during adult neovascularization.
Depressive Symptoms and Proinflammatory Cytokine Levels in Chronic Renal Failure Patients
Authors: Dervisoglu Erkan , Kir Hale Maral , Kalender Betul , Eraldemir Ceyla , Caglayan Cigdem
Published: April 2008

Background/Aims: Cytokine secretion is known to play an important role in the pathophysiology of depression, and levels of proinflammatory cytokines are increased in chronic renal failure (CRF) patients. The objective of this study was to examine the correlation between levels of proinflammatory cytokines in CRF patients and degree of depression. Methods: 31 patients on hemodialysis, 31 patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis, and 31 conservatively managed chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients were enrolled in this study. Depressive symptoms were measured with the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and ‘elevated symptoms of depression’ were defined as a BDI score ≧17. IL-6 and TNFα cytokine levels were measured by ELISA. Results: ‘Elevated symptoms of depression’ occurred in 37 of 93 patients (40%). IL-6 and TNFα levels were not significantly different among CRF patients with and without elevated depressive symptoms (p = 0.937 and p = 0.414, respectively). When analyzed by treatment subgroup, proinflammatory cytokine levels were not significantly different in patients with and without elevated symptoms of depression. Conclusion: In patients with CRF, elevated symptoms of depression were not associated with increased cytokine levels.
Glutathione Peroxidase 1 C593T Polymorphism Is Associated with Lobar Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Authors: Pera Joanna , Slowik Agnieszka , Dziedzic Tomasz , Pulyk Roman , Wloch Dorota , Szczudlik Andrzej
Published: April 2008

Background: Oxidative stress plays an important role in vascular pathology and contributes to the pathophysiology of primary intracerebral hemorrhage (PICH). Glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPX1) is a key enzyme of the antioxidant system. Here, we investigated whether a functional C593T polymorphism of GPX1 gene is associated with PICH in a Polish population. Methods: Genotyping was performed in 192 PICH patients and 197 unrelated controls matched for age and sex. All were of Caucasian origin. The C593T GPX1 polymorphism was investigated using the polymerase chain reaction/restriction fragment length polymorphism method. Results: Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed a significant association between genotypes containing the T allele and the entire PICH group (OR = 1.53; 95% CI = 1.02–2.29) and lobar PICH (OR = 2.36; 95% CI = 1.31–4.26) but not nonlobar PICH (OR = 1.19; 95% CI = 0.75–1.89). Conclusions: We found a positive association between the studied GPX1 polymorphism and lobar PICH in a Polish population.
Pulmonary Carcinoid Tumours: Indolent but Not Benign
Authors: De Dosso Sara , Bajetta Emilio , Procopio Giuseppe , Cortinovis Diego , Buzzoni Roberto , Catena Laura , Platania Marco , Verzoni Elena
Published: April 2008

Background: The aim of this retrospective study was to analyse the malignant behaviour of low-grade pulmonary neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) treated at our institution. Patients and Methods: We reviewed 48 consecutive patients with pulmonary NETs referred to our Medical Oncology Unit between 1998 and 2006, including 33 subjects with typical carcinoids (TCs) and 15 with atypical carcinoids (ACs). Results: At diagnosis, there were 37 metastatic and 11 non-metastatic patients. Medical treatments used were somatostatin analogues, combined chemotherapy, within study protocols, 5-fluorouracil/dacarbazine/epiadriamycin (FDE), and oxaliplatin plus capecitabine (XELOX). Median disease-free survival was 72 months for the TC patients and 38 months for the AC patients. Actuarial 5-year survival was 93% for those with TCs and 73% for those with ACs. The mean overall survival was 68 months for the non-metastatic patients (78 months for TC patients and 58 months for AC patients) and 36 months for patients with advanced disease (42 and 32 months, respectively). Conclusion: Cell type is the strongest determinant of prognosis, and the degree of malignancy increases from TCs to ACs. Moreover, the prognosis of metastatic pulmonary carcinoids is not as good as expected. Our analysis suggests that patients with advanced disease should receive first-line therapy with a somatostatin analogue, with chemotherapy regimens (FDE, XELOX) used in progressing cases.
Capecitabine and Vinorelbine as First-Line Treatment in Elderly Patients (≥65 Years) with Metastatic Breast Cancer
Authors: Hess D. , Köberle D. , Thürlimann B. , Pagani O. , Schönenberger A. , Mattmann S. , Rochlitz C. , Rauch D. , Schuller J.C. , Ballabeni P. , Ribi K.
Published: April 2008

Background: We evaluated previously established regimens of capecitabine plus vinorelbine in older patients with advanced breast cancer stratified for presence versus absence of bone metastases. Patients and Methods: Patients ≧65 years who had received no prior chemotherapy for advanced breast cancer received up to six 21-day cycles of vinorelbine 20 mg/m2 i.v. on days 1 + 8 with oral capecitabine on days 1–14 (1,000 vs. 1,250 mg/m2 daily in patients with vs. without bone involvement). Results: Median age was 72 years in patients with bone metastases (n = 47) and 75 years in patients without bone metastases (n = 23). Response rates were 43% (95% confidence interval, CI, 28.3–58.8) and 57% (95% CI = 34.5–76.8), respectively. Median time to progression was 4.3 (95% CI = 3.5–6.0 months) and 7.0 months (CI = 4.1–8.3), respectively. Neutropenia was the most common toxicity, with grade 3/4 occurring in 43 and 39%, respectively. Pulmonary embolism was seen in 5 and grade 3 thrombosis in 3 patients. Other toxicities were mild to moderate. Conclusions: These regimens of capecitabine and vinorelbine are active and well tolerated in patients with advanced breast cancer ≧65 years. Response rates were comparable to published results. The lower capecitabine doses appeared appropriate given the advanced age, bone involvement and prior radiotherapy.