bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
QUASINORMAL MODES AND STABILITY ANALYSIS FOR Z = 4 TOPOLOGICAL BLACK HOLE IN 4 + 1-DIMENSIONAL HORAVA–LIFSHITZ GRAVITY
Authors: BECAR RAMÓN , GONZÁLEZ P. A. , VÁSQUEZ YERKO
Published: February 2013

We study the stability of z = 4 topological black hole in 4 + 1-dimensional Horava–Lifshitz gravity against scalar perturbations by analyzing the quasinormal modes (QNMs). It is possible to distinguish two cases for which the black hole is stable. The first one occurs when p + Q > 0 and QNMs are characterized by a real and imaginary part, meaning that the field has oscillatory modes but with Im (ω) < 0; therefore, it is stable. While in the second case p + Q < 0, QNMs are purely imaginary ( Im (ω) < 0) and then absolutely damped.
EXACT SOLUTIONS OF THE EINSTEIN–MAXWELL EQUATIONS IN CHARGED PERFECT FLUID SPHERES FOR THE GENERALIZED TOLMAN–OPPENHEIMER–VOLKOFF EQUATIONS
Authors: ZOU LI , LI FANG-YU , WEN HAO
Published: February 2013

Exact solutions of the Einstein–Maxwell equations for spherically symmetric charged perfect fluid have been broadly studied so far. However, the cases with a nonzero cosmological constant are seldom focused. In the present paper, the Tolman–Oppenheimer–Volkoff (TOV) equations have been generalized from the neutral case of hydrostatic equilibrium to the charged case of hydroelectrostatic equilibrium, and base on it, for the first time we find a series of new exact solutions of Einstein–Maxwell's equations with a nonzero cosmological constant for static charged perfect fluid spheres. Moreover, two special TOV equations and two classical constant density interior solutions are also given.
Bis/tris[octakis(hexylthio)phthalocyaninato] europium(III) complexes: structure, spectroscopic, and electrochemical properties
Authors: Huang Chunhua , Zhang Yi , Sun Junshan , Bian Yongzhong , Arnold Dennis P.
Published: February 2013

Bis/tris(phthalocyaninato) europium double- and triple-decker complexes Eu [ Pc (β- SC 6 H 13)8]2 (1) and Eu 2[ Pc (β- SC 6 H 13)8]3 (2) [ Pc (β- SC 6 H 13)8 = 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, 24-octakis(hexylthio)phthalocyaninate] have been synthesized and characterized by a series of spectroscopic methods including mass, NMR, electronic absorption and IR spectroscopy in addition to elemental analysis. Their molecular structures have been determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis and electrochemical properties studied by cyclic voltammetry.
Third order nonlinear optical properties of phthalocyanines in the presence nanomaterials and in polymer thin films
Authors: Britton Jonathan , Durmuş Mahmut , Khene Samson , Chauke Vongani , Nyokong Tebello
Published: February 2013

Third order nonlinear optical properties were determined for phthalocyanine complexes 1–10 containing In , Ga and Zn central metals and tetra- or octa-substituted with benzyloxyphenoxy, phenoxy, tert-butylphenoxy and amino groups at peripheral or non-peripheral positions. The phthalocyanines were embedded in poly (methyl methacrylate) polymer in the presence of CdTe quantum dots. All complexes 1–10 were studied in the presence of CdTe quantum dots and embedded in poly (methyl methacrylate) to form thin films. Complex 3 tetrasubstituted with tert-butylphenoxy groups at non-peripheral positions was also studied in the presence of CdS , CdSe quantum dots, fullerenes, single walled carbon nanotubes. Third order nonlinear optical parameters generally increase for Pcs in the presence of CdTe quantum dots.
Photodynamic therapy with glycoconjugated chlorin photosensitizer
Authors: Sakuma Shiho , Otake Eiko , Torii Kan , Nakamura Motoki , Maeda Akira , Tujii Ryoto , Akashi Haruo , Ohi Hiromi , Yano Shigenobu , Morita Akimichi
Published: February 2013

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) effectively induces tumor cell apoptosis, but the tumor selectivity and photosensitivity of common photosensitizers, such as aspartyl chlorin (NPe6), are not sufficient. Cancer cells phagocytose glucose 3 to 20 times more efficiently than normal cells; therefore, we examined whether glycoconjugation improves photosensitizer tumor-localizability. HaCaT cells were incubated with H2TFPC (unconjugated chlorin), H2TFPC-SGlc (glycoconjugated chlorin), or NPe6, followed by irradiation with 633 nm LED light (16 J.cm-2). PDT with 1 μM H2TFPC-SGlc for 24 h induced significantly more apoptosis (annexinV+ cells: 74.5%) than PDT with either H2TFPC (2.9%) or NPe6 (0.3%). Based on the IC50, PDT with H2TFPC-SGlc induced tumor cell death more efficiently than NPe6 or H2TFPC in all cell lines examined. The addition of sodium azide, a singlet oxygen quencher, during irradiation significantly suppressed PDT-induced apoptosis in COLO679 cells (-0.4 ± 0.3% → 119 ± 44%), whereas coincubation with deuterium oxide, a singlet oxygen enhancer, enhanced PDT (72 ± 19 → 27 ± 5%). Confocal microscopy revealed that H2TFPC-SGlc accumulated in lysosomes and Golgi bodies, but not in mitochondria or endoplasmic reticulum. In melanoma-bearing mice, intratumoral injection of H2TFPC-SGlc (10-8 mol or 10-9 mol), followed 4 h later by irradiation with 633 nm LED light (150 J.cm-2) controlled tumor growth for 13 consecutive days (10-8 mol). Thus, PDT with H2TFPC-SGlc effectively induces apoptosis in tumor cells via singlet oxygen induction.
SEGMENTATION AND CORRELATION OF OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY AND X-RAY IMAGES FOR BREAST CANCER DIAGNOSTICS
Authors: SUN JONATHAN G. , ADIE STEVEN G. , CHANEY ERIC J. , BOPPART STEPHEN A.
Published: February 2013

Pre-operative X-ray mammography and intraoperative X-ray specimen radiography are routinely used to identify breast cancer pathology. Recent advances in optical coherence tomography (OCT) have enabled its use for the intraoperative assessment of surgical margins during breast cancer surgery. While each modality offers distinct contrast of normal and pathological features, there is an essential need to correlate image-based features between the two modalities to take advantage of the diagnostic capabilities of each technique. We compare OCT to X-ray images of resected human breast tissue and correlate different tissue features between modalities for future use in real-time intraoperative OCT imaging. X-ray imaging (specimen radiography) is currently used during surgical breast cancer procedures to verify tumor margins, but cannot image tissue in situ. OCT has the potential to solve this problem by providing intraoperative imaging of the resected specimen as well as the in situ tumor cavity. OCT and micro-CT (X-ray) images are automatically segmented using different computational approaches, and quantitatively compared to determine the ability of these algorithms to automatically differentiate regions of adipose tissue from tumor. Furthermore, two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) results are compared. These correlations, combined with real-time intraoperative OCT, have the potential to identify possible regions of tumor within breast tissue which correlate to tumor regions identified previously on X-ray imaging (mammography or specimen radiography).
Decreased expression of the satiety signal receptor CCKAR is responsible for increased growth and body weight during the domestication of chickens
Authors: Dunn Ian C. , Meddle Simone L. , Wilson Peter W. , Wardle Chloe A. , Law Andy S. , Bishop Valerie R. , Hindar Camilla , Robertson Graeme W. , Burt Dave W. , Ellison Stephanie J. H. , Morrice David M. , Hocking Paul M.
Published: February 2013

Animal domestication has resulted in changes in growth and size. It has been suggested that this may have involved selection for differences in appetite. Divergent growth between chickens selected for egg laying or meat production is one such example. The neurons expressing AGRP and POMC in the basal hypothalamus are important components of appetite regulation, as are the satiety feedback pathways that carry information from the intestine, including CCK and its receptor CCKAR (CCK1receptor). Using 16 generations of a cross between a fast and a relatively slow growing strain of chicken has identified a region on chromosome 4 downstream of the CCKAR gene, which is responsible for up to a 19% difference in body weight at 12 wk of age. Animals possessing the high-growth haplotype at the locus have lower expression of mRNA and immunoreactive CCKAR in the brain, intestine, and exocrine organs, which is correlated with increased levels of orexigenic AGRP in the hypothalamus. Animals with the high-growth haplotype are resistant to the anorectic effect of exogenously administered CCK, suggesting that their satiety set point has been altered. Comparison with traditional breeds shows that the high-growth haplotype has been present in the founders of modern meat-type strains and may have been selected early in domestication. This is the first dissection of the physiological consequences of a genetic locus for a quantitative trait that alters appetite and gives us an insight into the domestication of animals. This will allow elucidation of how differences in appetite occur in birds and also mammals.
FGF23 is a novel regulator of intracellular calcium and cardiac contractility in addition to cardiac hypertrophy
Authors: Touchberry Chad D. , Green Troy M. , Tchikrizov Vladimir , Mannix Jaimee E. , Mao Tiffany F. , Carney Brandon W. , Girgis Magdy , Vincent Robert J. , Wetmore Lori A. , Dawn Buddhadeb , Bonewald Lynda F. , Stubbs Jason R. , Wacker Michael J.
Published: February 2013

Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) is a hormone released primarily by osteocytes that regulates phosphate and vitamin D metabolism. Recent observational studies in humans suggest that circulating FGF23 is independently associated with cardiac hypertrophy and increased mortality, but it is unknown whether FGF23 can directly alter cardiac function. We found that FGF23 significantly increased cardiomyocyte cell size in vitro, the expression of gene markers of cardiac hypertrophy, and total protein content of cardiac muscle. In addition, FGFR1 and FGFR3 mRNA were the most abundantly expressed FGF receptors in cardiomyocytes, and the coreceptor α-klotho was expressed at very low levels. We tested an animal model of chronic kidney disease ( Col4a3−/−mice) that has elevated serum FGF23. We found elevations in common hypertrophy gene markers in Col4a3−/−hearts compared with wild type but did not observe changes in wall thickness or cell size by week 10. However, the Col4a3−/−hearts did show reduced fractional shortening (−17%) and ejection fraction (−11%). Acute exposure of primary cardiomyocytes to FGF23 resulted in elevated intracellular Ca2+([Ca2+]i; F/Fo+ 86%) which was blocked by verapamil pretreatment. FGF23 also increased ventricular muscle strip contractility (67%), which was inhibited by FGF receptor antagonism. We hypothesize that although FGF23 can acutely increase [Ca2+]i, chronically this may lead to decreases in contractile function or stimulate cardiac hypertrophy, as observed with other stress hormones. In conclusion, FGF23 is a novel bone/heart endocrine factor and may be an important mediator of cardiac Ca2+regulation and contractile function during chronic kidney disease.
Differential miRNA expression profiles between the first and third trimester human placentas
Authors: Gu Yang , Sun Jingxia , Groome Lynn J. , Wang Yuping
Published: February 2013

To determine placental microRNA (miRNA) expression at different gestational age, total RNA from six first and six third trimester placentas was isolated. miRNA expression was analyzed by Affymetrix miRNA microarray, and miRNA clusters were identified by web-based programs MirClust and miRGen Cluster. qRT-PCR was carried out to validate miRNA expression, and in situ hybridization (ISH) was performed to determine compartmental localization of miRNAs within villous tissue. A total of 208 miRNA transcripts, which represent 191 mature miRNAs, were found differently expressed between first and third trimester placentas. miRNAs within the miR-17-92 cluster, C14MC, miR-371 cluster, and C19MC were significantly upregulated in the first trimester placentas. In contrast, miRNAs of the let-7 family, miR-34 family, miR-29a cluster, miR-195 cluster, and miR-181c cluster were significantly upregulated in the third trimester placentas. Increased miR-371–5p, miR-17-3p, and miR-708–5p expression and decreased miR-125b-5p and miR-139–5p expression in the first trimester placentas were confirmed by qRT-PCR. Different expression pattern for miR-371-5p and miR-125b-5p within villous tissue was demonstrated by ISH. Distinct miRNA cluster expression profiles between the first and third trimester placentas were identified. miRNAs that regulate innate/adaptive immune responses are strongly expressed in both first and third trimester placentas. miRNAs that exert oncogenic, angiogenic, and antiapoptotic properties are dominantly expressed in the first trimester placentas, whereas miRNAs that promote cell differentiation and function as tumor suppressors are strongly expressed in the third trimester placentas. These results indicate that miRNAs play critical roles in placental development.
Simulation of Water Vapor Ingress into PV-Modules under Different Climatic Conditions
Authors: Hülsmann Philip , Heck Markus , Köhl Michael
Published: February 2013

This work deals with the simulation of water vapor ingress into wafer-based PV-modules for long-term exposure under different climatic conditions. Measured material parameters together with climatic data sets from four test sites (tropic, moderate, alpine, and arid) were used to calculate the water concentration inside of the encapsulant between solar cell and glass for a lifetime of 20 years. Two back-sheet materials (PET-based and PA-based) combined with EVA as encapsulant were used in respect to their influence on water ingress. The results show faster water ingress for warmer regions, but the highest concentrations were found for the moderate test site. The water ingress was additionally influenced by the used encapsulant and back-sheet combination. In particular the temperature dependency of the mass transfer, which differs from material to material, was the focus of this investigation.
An Internet of Things Approach for Managing Smart Services Provided by Wearable Devices
Authors: Castillejo Pedro , Martínez José-Fernán , López Lourdes , Rubio Gregorio
Published: February 2013

The Internet of Things (IoT) is growing at a fast pace with new devices getting connected all the time. A new emerging group of these devices is the wearable devices, and the wireless sensor networks are a good way to integrate them in the IoT concept and bring new experiences to the daily life activities. In this paper, we present an everyday life application involving a WSN as the base of a novel context-awareness sports scenario, where physiological parameters are measured and sent to the WSN by wearable devices. Applications with several hardware components introduce the problem of heterogeneity in the network. In order to integrate different hardware platforms and to introduce a service-oriented semantic middleware solution into a single application, we propose the use of an enterprise service bus (ESB) as a bridge for guaranteeing interoperability and integration of the different environments, thus introducing a semantic added value needed in the world of IoT-based systems. This approach places all the data acquired (e.g., via internet data access) at application developers disposal, opening the system to new user applications. The user can then access the data through a wide variety of devices (smartphones, tablets, and computers) and operating systems (Android, iOS, Windows, Linux, etc.).
Primary Obstructive Megaureter with Giant Ureteral Stone: A Case Report
Authors: Demirtaş Abdullah , Şahin Nurettin , Akınsal Emre Can , Ekmekçioğlu Oguz , Tatlışen Atila
Published: February 2013

A 19-year-old male patient was admitted with flank pain, which had lasted intermittently for four years. In X-ray, there was a radiopacity with a dimension of 6 × 4 cm on the left pelvic bone. Intravenous pyelography revealed a huge left megaureter with a stone in the lower end and grade V hydronephrosis. A left ureterolithotomy, left nipple ureteroneocystostomy, and psoas hitch operation was performed. A voiding cystourethrogram taken three months after the operation showed no reflux, and in IVP there was reduced dilatation of the collecting system when compared to the ureter before the operation.
Clustering with One-Time Setup for Reduced Energy Consumption and Prolonged Lifetime in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Shin Heewook , Moh Sangman , Chung Ilyong
Published: February 2013

In wireless sensor networks, clustering is effectively used for many applications, including environment monitoring, because it promises efficient energy consumption for inexpensive battery-operated sensors. The most famous clustering protocol, LEACH (Low Energy Adaptive Clustering Hierarchy), enables the balanced consumption of energy to prolong a network lifetime. In LEACH, however, extra energy and time are consumed to reform clusters at the setup phase of every round. This side effect is worse as the number of clusters increases. This paper presents a novel energy-efficient clustering scheme called COTS (Clustering with One-Time Setup) which removes the cluster-reforming process required at every round after the first round. The proposed COTS allows that the role of the cluster head is rotated among members in a cluster without cluster reforming. By removing the cluster-reforming process, the number of transmissions per round is decreased accordingly. As a result, energy consumption is significantly reduced, resulting in prolonged network lifetime. The simulation study shows that the network performance and lifetime are much improved as the number of clusters is increased.
The Display System of a Patient's History Using the RFID and Linux
Authors: Ye Soo Young , Jo Heung-kuk
Published: February 2013

It is important for doctors to see a patient's medical history when the patient visits the hospital. Currently, doctors research and compare information on their patient's condition through the patient or medical history chart. This method can cause confusion when the patient has several namesakes which can lead to medical errors and malpractice. To prevent such accidents, doctors should have access to the accurate history of their patients through an independent recognition system at any time or any place. Examples of such independent recognition systems are the RFID system, a compacted embedded system, and RFID reader and a TFT-LCD monitor with a unified single system. In this study, to record a patient's medical history, an RFID monitoring system with a carrier frequency of 125 kHz a PXA255 ARM chip, and a 64 Mbyte SDRAM was configured and operated as an embedded Linux system. These two systems were interlocked to read the patient's arm tags. The interlocked system can obtain patients' medical history from a database and display it on a monitor. The advantage of this system is that it does not need a computer and can be implemented with only a hand-held device. Its performance analysis chart shows the result from the experimental device and the results shown with photographs.
Dissolution Enhancement of Rosuvastatin Calcium by Liquisolid Compact Technique
Authors: Kapure V. J. , Pande V. V. , Deshmukh P. K.
Published: February 2013

In present investigation liquisolid compact technique is investigated as a tool for enhanced dissolution of poorly water-soluble drug Rosuvastatin calcium (RVT). The model drug RVT, a HMG-Co A reductase inhibitor was formulated in form of directly compressed tablets and liquisolid compacts; and studied for in-vitro release characteristics at different dissolution conditions. In this technique, liquid medications of water insoluble drugs in non-volatile liquid vehicles can be converted into acceptably flowing and compressible powders. Formulated systems were assessed for precompression parameters like flow properties of liquisolid system, Fourior transform infra red spectra (FTIR) analysis, X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and post compression parameters like content uniformity, weight variation, hardness and friability, disintegration test, wetting time, in vitro dissolution studies, effect of dissolution volume on drug release rate, and estimation of fraction of molecularly dispersed drug in liquid medication. As liquisolid compacts demonstrated significantly higher drug release rates, we lead to conclusion that it could be a promising strategy in improving the dissolution of poor water soluble drugs and formulating immediate release solid dosage forms.
Mathematical Analysis of a Malaria Model with Partial Immunity to Reinfection
Authors: Cai Li-Ming , Lashari Abid Ali , Jung Il Hyo , Okosun Kazeem Oare , Seo Young Il
Published: February 2013

A deterministic model with variable human population for the transmission dynamics of malaria disease, which allows transmission by the recovered humans, is first developed and rigorously analyzed. The model reveals the presence of the phenomenon of backward bifurcation, where a stable disease-free equilibrium coexists with one or more stable endemic equilibria when the associated reproduction number is less than unity. This phenomenon may arise due to the reinfection of host individuals who recovered from the disease. The model in an asymptotical constant population is also investigated. This results in a model with mass action incidence. A complete global analysis of the model with mass action incidence is given, which reveals that the global dynamics of malaria disease with reinfection is completely determined by the associated reproduction number. Moreover, it is shown that the phenomenon of backward bifurcation can be removed by replacing the standard incidence function with a mass action incidence. Graphical representations are provided to study the effect of reinfection rate and to qualitatively support the analytical results on the transmission dynamics of malaria.
EIT-Based Fabric Pressure Sensing
Authors: Yao A. , Yang C. L. , Seo J. K. , Soleimani M.
Published: February 2013

This paper presents EIT-based fabric sensors that aim to provide a pressure mapping using the current carrying and voltage sensing electrodes attached to the boundary of the fabric patch. Pressure-induced shape change over the sensor area makes a change in the conductivity distribution which can be conveyed to the change of boundary current-voltage data. This boundary data is obtained through electrode measurements in EIT system. The corresponding inverse problem is to reconstruct the pressure and deformation map from the relationship between the applied current and the measured voltage on the fabric boundary. Taking advantage of EIT in providing dynamical images of conductivity changes due to pressure induced shape change, the pressure map can be estimated. In this paper, the EIT-based fabric sensor was presented for circular and rectangular sensor geometry. A stretch sensitive fabric was used in circular sensor with 16 electrodes and a pressure sensitive fabric was used in a rectangular sensor with 32 electrodes. A preliminary human test was carried out with the rectangular sensor for foot pressure mapping showing promising results.
Body Fat Mass Assessment: A Comparison between an Ultrasound-Based Device and a Discovery A Model of DXA
Authors: Pineau Jean-Claude , Lalys Loïc , Pellegrini Massimo , Battistini Nino Carlo
Published: February 2013

Objective. To examine measurement of body composition by ultrasound compared with a reference technique:dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). We evaluated the accuracy of a portable ultrasound-based device in estimating total body fat mass with those assessed by DXA in adult. Methods. Body fat mass has been estimated using a portable ultrasound-based device in comparison with a contemporary reference DXA apparatus: the Hologic Discovery A. Anthropometric data has been assessed in order to maximize the output of the software associated with the ultrasound-based device. A cross-validation between ultrasound technique (US) and DXA was developed in this study. Total body fat mass estimated by ultrasound was compared with this DXA model in a sample of 83 women and 41 men. Results. Ultrasound technique (US) of body fat (BF) was better correlated with DXA in both women (r2=0.97, P<0.01) and men (r2=0.92, P<0.01) with standard errors of estimates (SEE) being 2.1 kg and 2.2 kg, respectively. Conclusion. The use of a portable device based on a US produced a very accurate BF estimate in relation to DXA reference technique. As DXA absorptiometry techniques are not interchangeable, the use of our ultrasound-based device needs to be recalibrated on a more contemporary DXA.
Clinacanthus nutansExtracts Are Antioxidant with Antiproliferative Effect on Cultured Human Cancer Cell Lines
Authors: Yong Yoke Keong , Tan Jun Jie , Teh Soek Sin , Mah Siau Hui , Ee Gwendoline Cheng Lian , Chiong Hoe Siong , Ahmad Zuraini
Published: February 2013

Clinacanthus nutansLindau leaves (CN) have been used in traditional medicine but the therapeutic potential has not been explored for cancer prevention and treatment. Current study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant and antiproliferative effects of CN, extracted in chloroform, methanol, and water, on cancer cell lines. Antioxidant properties of CN were evaluated using DPPH, galvinoxyl, nitric oxide, and hydrogen peroxide based radical scavenging assays, whereas the tumoricidal effect was tested on HepG2, IMR32, NCL-H23, SNU-1, Hela, LS-174T, K562, Raji, and IMR32 cancer cells using MTT assay. Our data showed that CN in chloroform extract was a good antioxidant against DPPH and galvinoxyl radicals, but less effective in negating nitric oxide and hydrogen peroxide radicals. Chloroform extract exerted the highest antiproliferative effect on K-562 (91.28±0.03%) and Raji cell lines (88.97±1.07%) at 100 μg/ml and the other five cancer cell lines in a concentration-dependent manner, but not on IMR-32 cells. Fourteen known compounds were identified in chloroform extract, which was analysed by gas chromatography—mass spectra analysis. In conclusion, CN extracts possess antioxidant and antiproliferative properties against cultured cancer cell lines, suggesting an alternate adjunctive regimen for cancer prevention or treatment.
α-RgIB: A Novel Antagonist Peptide of Neuronal Acetylcholine Receptor Isolated fromConus regiusVenom
Authors: Braga Maria Cristina Vianna , Nery Arthur Andrade , Ulrich Henning , Konno Katsuhiro , Sciani Juliana Mozer , Pimenta Daniel Carvalho
Published: February 2013

Conusvenoms are rich sources of biologically active peptides that act specifically on ionic channels and metabotropic receptors present at the neuromuscular junction, efficiently paralyzing the prey. Each species ofConusmay have 50 to 200 uncharacterized bioactive peptides with pharmacological interest.Conus regiusis a vermivorous species that inhabits Northeastern Brazilian tropical waters. In this work, we characterized one peptide with activity on neuronal acetylcholine receptor (nAChR). Crude venom was purified by reverse-phase HPLC and selected fractions were screened and sequenced by mass spectrometry, MALDI-ToF, and ESI-Q-ToF, respectively. A new peptide was identified, bearing two disulfide bridges. The novel 2,701 Da peptide belongs to the cysteine framework I, corresponding to the cysteine pattern CC-C-C. The biological activity of the purified peptide was tested by intracranial injection in mice, and it was observed that high concentrations induced hyperactivity in the animals, whereas lower doses caused breathing difficulty. The activity of this peptide was assayed in patch-clamp experiments, on nAChR-rich cells, in whole-cell configuration. The peptide blocked slow rise-time neuronal receptors, probablyα3β4 and/orα3β4α5 subtype. According to the nomenclature, the new peptide was designated asα-RgIB.
A Case of Mixed Infections in a Patient Presenting with Acute Febrile Illness in the Tropics
Authors: Yong L. S. , Koh K. C.
Published: February 2013

Concurrent infections with more than one etiological agent can result in an illness with overlapping symptoms, resulting in a situation where the diagnosis and management of such a patient could be challenging. We report a case ofvivaxmalaria in a patient who was also serologically positive for leptospirosis and dengue.
Nonlinear Finite Element Analysis of Sloshing
Authors: Kolukula Siva Srinivas , Chellapandi P.
Published: February 2013

The disturbance on the free surface of the liquid when the liquid-filled tanks are excited is called sloshing. This paper examines the nonlinear sloshing response of the liquid free surface in partially filled two-dimensional rectangular tanks using finite element method. The liquid is assumed to be inviscid, irrotational, and incompressible; fully nonlinear potential wave theory is considered and mixed Eulerian-Lagrangian scheme is adopted. The velocities are obtained from potential using least square method for accurate evaluation. The fourth-order Runge-Kutta method is employed to advance the solution in time. A regridding technique based on cubic spline is employed to avoid numerical instabilities. Regular harmonic excitations and random excitations are used as the external disturbance to the container. The results obtained are compared with published results to validate the numerical method developed.
Function and Characteristics of PINK1 in Mitochondria
Authors: Matsuda Satoru , Kitagishi Yasuko , Kobayashi Mayumi
Published: February 2013

Mutations in phosphatase and tensin homologue-induced kinase 1 (PINK1) cause recessively inherited Parkinson’s disease, a neurodegenerative disorder linked to mitochondrial dysfunction. Studies support the notion of neuroprotective roles for the PINK1, as it protects cells from damage-mediated mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and cell apoptosis. PARL is a mitochondrial resident rhomboid serine protease, and it has been reported to mediate the cleavage of the PINK1. Interestingly, impaired mitophagy, an important autophagic quality control mechanism that clears the cells of damaged mitochondria, may also be an underlying mechanism of disease pathogenesis in patients for Parkinson’s disease with the PARL mutations. Functional studies have revealed that PINK1 recruits Parkin to mitochondria to initiate the mitophagy. PINK1 is posttranslationally processed, whose level is definitely regulated in healthy steady state of mitochondria. As a consequence, PINK1 plays a pivotal role in mitochondrial healthy homeostasis.
A Novel Element Detection Method in Audio Sensor Networks
Authors: Li Qi , Zhang Miao , Xu Guoai
Published: February 2013

Audio element detection in wireless sensor networks (WSNs) has great significance in our lives (e.g., in detecting traffic jam and accident, gun shots and explosion, and hurricane). It is particularly useful when video cameras cannot be used effectively (e.g., in darkness, with a wide range to cover); audio sensors are also much cheaper. However, most previous works on audio element detection require a large number of training examples to obtain satisfactory results. This becomes even more infeasible for audio sensors in WSNs where small energy consumption is required. In this paper, we propose a novel approach to solve this difficult problem. We first break down audio clips into a collection of simple “audio elements,” and train these audio elements offline using statistical learning. Then, we train a weighted association graph using the trained audio element models online. This greatly reduces the amount of online training without sacrificing accuracy. We deploy our approach in an audio sensor network for traffic monitoring and venue monitoring to evaluate its performance. The experiments demonstrate that our proposed method achieves better results compared to the state-of-the-art methods while using smaller online training sets.
Characterization of Macrophage Phenotypes in Three Murine Models of House-Dust-Mite-Induced Asthma
Authors: Draijer Christina , Robbe Patricia , Boorsma Carian E. , Hylkema Machteld N. , Melgert Barbro N.
Published: February 2013

In asthma, an important role for innate immunity is increasingly being recognized. Key innate immune cells in the lungs are macrophages. Depending on the signals they receive, macrophages can at least have an M1, M2, or M2-like phenotype. It is unknown how these macrophage phenotypes behave with regard to (the severity of) asthma. We have quantified the phenotypes in three models of house dust mite (HDM-)induced asthma (14, 21, and 24 days). M1, M2, and M2-like phenotypes were identified by interferon regulatory factor 5 (IRF5), YM1, and IL-10, respectively. We found higher percentages of eosinophils in HDM-exposed mice compared to control but no differences between HDM models. T cell numbers were higher after HDM exposure and were the highest in the 24-day HDM protocol. Higher numbers of M2 macrophages after HDM correlated with higher eosinophil numbers. In mice with less severe asthma, M1 macrophage numbers were higher and correlated negatively with M2 macrophages numbers. Lower numbers of M2-like macrophages were found after HDM exposure and these correlated negatively with M2 macrophages. The balance between macrophage phenotypes changes as the severity of allergic airway inflammation increases. Influencing this imbalanced relationship could be a novel approach to treat asthma.
An Energy Distribution and Optimization Algorithm in Wireless Sensor Networks for Maritime Search and Rescue
Authors: Wu Huafeng , Zhang Qiannan , Nie Su , Sun Wei , Guan Xinping
Published: February 2013

Currently, maritime search and rescue (MSR) is mainly depending on the search party, while the searching objects are waiting passively. Therefore, a new method of MSR which is based on the wireless sensor network (WSN) techniques is proposed in this paper. WSN could be self-organized into network and transmit nodes information, such as position information, for search party to accomplish the search and rescue work. However, the application encounters the problems of dynamic adaptability and life cycle limitation at sea. An energy dynamic distribution and optimization algorithm (EDDO), which is based on genetic algorithm (GA), is presented to handle with these problems. The algorithm satisfies the connectivity and energy saving of the network, and the GA with elitism-based immigrants approach is put forward to optimize the poor individuals when the positions of some nodes have changed. Simulation results show that the algorithm can quickly adapt to a dynamic network and reduce energy consumption at the same time.
An Iterative Procedure for Optimizing the Performance of the Fuzzy-Neural Job Cycle Time Estimation Approach in a Wafer Fabrication Factory
Authors: Chen Toly , Wang Yi-Chi
Published: February 2013

Estimating the cycle time of each job in a wafer fabrication factory is a critical task to every wafer manufacturer. In recent years, a number of hybrid approaches based on job classification (either preclassification or postclassification) for cycle time estimation have been proposed. However, the problem with these methods is that the input variables are not independent. In order to solve this problem, principal component analysis (PCA) is considered useful. In this study, a classifying fuzzy-neural approach, based on the combination of PCA, fuzzy c-means (FCM), and back propagation network (BPN), is proposed to estimate the cycle time of a job in a wafer fabrication factory. Since job classification is an important part of the proposed methodology, a new index is proposed to assess the validity of the classification of jobs. The empirical relationship between theSvalue and the estimation performance is also found. Finally, an iterative process is employed to deal with the outliers and to optimize the overall estimation performance. A real case is used to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed methodology. Based on the experimental results, the estimation accuracy of the proposed methodology was significantly better than those of the existing approaches.
Prevalence of Human Papillomavirus in 45 Greek Patients with Oral Cancer
Authors: Kouvousi Maria , Xesfyngi Dimitra , Tsimplaki Elpida , Argyri Elena , Ioannidou Georgia , Ploxorou Maria , Lazaris Andreas C. , Patsouris Efstratios , Panotopoulou Efstathia
Published: February 2013

The relation between HPV and head and neck cancer has recently and extensively been investigated. The purpose of this study was to indentify HPV genotypes, as well as E6/E7 mRNA expression of high-risk HPVs (16, 18, 31, 33 and 45) in oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCCs) from 45 Greek patients. The overall prevalence of HPV DNA positive OSCCs was 11.1% (5/45), while high-risk HPV DNA was found in 6.7% (3/45) of OSCCs. E6/E7 mRNA expression was detected in 8.9% (4/45) of the oral cavity samples. Our data indicated that HPV 16 was the commonest genotype identified in HPV-positive OSCCs by both DNA and RNA tests. This study confirms the prevalence of HPV infections among patients with OSCCs. Future analysis and followup of more OSCCs will enable us to correlate HPV detection and clinical outcome.
Macrophage Heterogeneity in Respiratory Diseases
Authors: Boorsma Carian E. , Draijer Christina , Melgert Barbro N.
Published: February 2013

Macrophages are among the most abundant cells in the respiratory tract, and they can have strikingly different phenotypes within this environment. Our knowledge of the different phenotypes and their functions in the lung is sketchy at best, but they appear to be linked to the protection of gas exchange against microbial threats and excessive tissue responses. Phenotypical changes of macrophages within the lung are found in many respiratory diseases including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and pulmonary fibrosis. This paper will give an overview of what macrophage phenotypes have been described, what their known functions are, what is known about their presence in the different obstructive and restrictive respiratory diseases (asthma, COPD, pulmonary fibrosis), and how they are thought to contribute to the etiology and resolution of these diseases.
Depressed-Type Colonic Lesions and “De Novo” Cancer in Familial Adenomatous Polyposis: A Colonoscopist’s Viewpoint
Authors: Kudo Shin-ei , Sugihara Yuusaku , Kida Hiroyuki , Ishida Fumio , Miyachi Hideyuki , Mori Yuichi , Misawa Masashi , Hisayuki Tomokazu , Kodama Kenta , Wakamura Kunihiko , Hayashi Takemasa , Wada Yoshiki , Hamatani Shigeharu
Published: February 2013

Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is the most common inherited polyposis syndrome. Almost all patients with FAP will develop colorectal cancer if their FAP is not identified and treated at an early stage. Although there are many reports about polypoid lesions and colorectal cancers in FAP patients, little information is available concerning depressed lesions in FAP patients. Several reports suggested that depressed-type lesions are characteristic of FAP and important in the light of their rapid growth and high malignancy. Here, we describe the occurrence of depressed-type lesions in FAP patients treated at our institution. Between April 2001 and March 2010, eight of 18 FAP patients had colorectal cancers. Depressed-type colorectal cancer was found in three patients. It should be kept in mind that depressed-type lesions occur even in FAP.
A Heuristic Scheduler for Port-Constrained Floating-Point Pipelines
Authors: Jin Zheming , Bakos Jason D.
Published: February 2013

We describe a heuristic scheduling approach for optimizing floating-point pipelines subject to input port constraints. The objective of our technique is to maximize functional unit reuse while minimizing the following performance metrics in the generated circuit: (1) maximum multiplexer fanin, (2) datapath fanout, (3) number of multiplexers, and (4) number of registers. For a set of systems biology markup language (SBML) benchmark expressions, we compare the resource usages given by our method to those given by a branch-and-bound enumeration of all valid schedules. Compared with the enumeration results, our heuristic requires on average 33.4% less multiplexer bits and 32.9% less register bits than the worse case, while only requiring 14% more multiplexer bits and 4.5% more register bits than the optimal case. We also compare our results against those given by the state-of-art high-level synthesis tool Xilinx AutoESL. For the most complex of our benchmark expressions, our synthesis technique requires 20% less FPGA slices than AutoESL.
From Macrohemodynamic to the Microcirculation
Authors: Donati Abele , Domizi Roberta , Damiani Elisa , Adrario Erica , Pelaia Paolo , Ince Can
Published: February 2013

ICU patients need a prompt normalization of macrohemodynamic parameters. Unfortunately, this optimization sometimes does not protect patients from organ failure development. Prevention or treatment of organ failure needs another target to be pursued: the microcirculatory restoration. Microcirculation is the ensemble of vessels of maximum 100 m in diameter. Nowadays the Sidestream Dark Field (SDF) imaging technique allows its bedside investigation and a recent round-table conference established the criteria for its evaluation. First, microcirculatory derangements have been studied in sepsis: they are mainly characterized by a reduction of vessel density, an alteration of flow, and a heterogeneous distribution of perfusion. Endothelial malfunction and glycocalyx rupture were proved to be the main reasons for the observed microthrombi, capillary leakage, leukocyte rolling, and rouleaux phenomenon, even if further studies are necessary for a better explanation. Therapeutic approaches targeting microcirculation are under investigation. Microcirculatory alterations have been recently demonstrated in other diseases such as hypovolemia and cardiac failure but this issue still needs to be explored. The aim of this paper is to gather the already known information, focus the reader’s attention on the importance of microvascular physiopathology in critical illness, and prompt him to actively participate to achieve a more comprehensive understanding of the issue.
HER2 Drives Luminal Breast Cancer Stem Cells in the Absence of HER2 Amplification: Implications for Efficacy of Adjuvant Trastuzumab
Authors: Ithimakin Suthinee , Day Kathleen C. , Malik Fayaz , Zen Qin , Dawsey Scott J. , Bersano-Begey Tom F. , Quraishi Ahmed A. , Ignatoski Kathleen Woods , Daignault Stephanie , Davis April , Hall Christopher L. , Palanisamy Nallasivam , Heath Amber N. , Tawakkol Nader , Luther Tahra K. , Clouthier Shawn G. , Chadwick Whitney A. , Day Mark L. , Kleer Celina G. , Thomas Dafydd G. , Hayes Daniel F. , Korkaya Hasan , Wicha Max S.
Published: February 2013

Although current breast cancer treatment guidelines limit the use of HER2-blocking agents to tumors with HER2 gene amplification, recent retrospective analyses suggest that a wider group of patients may benefit from this therapy. Using breast cancer cell lines, mouse xenograft models and matched human primary and metastatic tissues, we show that HER2 is selectively expressed in and regulates self-renewal of the cancer stem cell (CSC) population in estrogen receptor-positive (ER+), HER2− luminal breast cancers. Although trastuzumab had no effects on the growth of established luminal breast cancer mouse xenografts, administration after tumor inoculation blocked subsequent tumor growth. HER2 expression is increased in luminal tumors grown in mouse bone xenografts, as well as in bone metastases from patients with breast cancer as compared with matched primary tumors. Furthermore, this increase in HER2 protein expression was not due to gene amplification but rather was mediated by receptor activator of NF-κB (RANK)-ligand in the bone microenvironment. These studies suggest that the clinical efficacy of adjuvant trastuzumab may relate to the ability of this agent to target the CSC population in a process that does not require HER2 gene amplification. Furthermore, these studies support a CSC model in which maximal clinical benefit is achieved when CSC targeting agents are administered in the adjuvant setting. Cancer Res; 73(5); 1635–46. ©2012 AACR.
Notch Pathway Activity Identifies Cells with Cancer Stem Cell–like Properties and Correlates with Worse Survival in Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Hassan Khaled A. , Wang Luo , Korkaya Hasan , Chen Guoan , Maillard Ivan , Beer David G. , Kalemkerian Gregory P. , Wicha Max S.
Published: February 2013

Purpose: The cancer stem cell theory postulates that tumors contain a subset of cells with stem cell properties of self-renewal, differentiation, and tumor initiation. The purpose of this study is to determine the role of Notch activity in identifying lung cancer stem cells.

Experimental Design: We investigated the role of Notch activity in lung adenocarcinoma using a Notch GFP reporter construct and a γ-secretase inhibitor (GSI), which inhibits Notch pathway activity.

Results: Transduction of lung cancer cells with Notch GFP reporter construct identified a subset of cells with high Notch activity (GFP-bright). GFP-bright cells had the ability to form more tumor spheres in serum-free media and were able to generate both GFP-bright and GFP-dim (lower Notch activity) cell populations. GFP-bright cells were resistant to chemotherapy and were tumorigenic in serial xenotransplantation assays. Tumor xenografts of mice treated with GSI had decreased expression of downstream effectors of Notch pathway and failed to regenerate tumors upon reimplantation in NOD/SCID mice. Using multivariate analysis, we detected a statistically significant correlation between poor clinical outcome and Notch activity (reflected in increased Notch ligand expression or decreased expression of the negative modulators), in a group of 443 patients with lung adenocarcinoma. This correlation was further confirmed in an independent group of 89 patients with adenocarcinoma in which Hes-1 overexpression correlated with poor overall survival.

Conclusions: Notch activity can identify lung cancer stem cell–like population and its inhibition may be an appropriate target for treating lung adenocarcinoma. Clin Cancer Res; 19(8); 1972–80. ©2013 AACR.